Monthly Archives: January 2014

I got this from a very good friend who lives in Vienna. Is it the answer to the world’s (chocolate) problem or is there some trick here?

So many wars have been fought in the name of democracy; we are meant to live in a free and democratic society. We can vote for the people who lead the country. But, as I have questioned before, behind the … Continue reading →

Yesterday, Pete Seeger died; he was 94. His music and performances more than 50 years ago inspired me probably more than any other musician. His humility, sincerity and passion to fight injustice were qualities that left their mark on me. … Continue reading →

In 2000, after selling some shares in my company, we headed off to the south of France where I had rented a villa for 5 weeks. I was there at the beginning and the end; in the middle I travelled … Continue reading →

In these tough economic times, it is refreshing to come across people who are apid to help you and do exactly that. Let me pour praise on Coolblue, a local company which supplies office and electronic items over the Internet. … Continue reading →

It’s sad and it hurts but it is inescapable. It is also going to happen more as I grow older, until it’s my turn to die. My very good friend died last Friday (17 January); the cremation will be next … Continue reading →

Today is Monday; last Thursday afternoon I visited the KPN (Dutch telephone company) corporate offices in Rijswijk to exchange my “old” Blackberry Torch for a new smartphone. In my contract, I can get a new phone every two years and, … Continue reading →

It’s a common expression nowadays; I first heard it in the US perhaps 20 years ago and, at that time, I thought it was rather clever. 24 hours a day, seven days a week – so your entire life. But … Continue reading →

A couple of blogs back I shared a precious moment when a deal was finalized. This was for a company where I am a shareholder and where I work as a chemist. It came as it were out of the … Continue reading →

From the moment you are born, you are always learning. You explore the world around you and try to understand everything. Why do those grownups make silly noises and pull funny faces? Are they my parents? If I do this, … Continue reading →