It’s not really a big news day here in the Netherlands. Thank goodness I’m not writing a news bulletin right now. We’re reduced to things like this little news story on bad habits - which, entertaining though it may be, does not get our journalistic heart beating faster. Or does it? Maybe I should speak for myself.
Then again, I noticed that Dutch politicians are again succumbing to the very bad habit of procrastination. The employers’ organizations are begging the cabinet to come up with new measures to deal with the recession, but so far we’ve seen some fairy gutless behavior from Balkenende, Bos and company. Lots of talk, but no hard agreements to spend more on this, less on that. What’s the matter guys, afraid your government won’t hold together? You may be right.
Last 5 posts by
- Touching a sore spot - March 9th, 2009
on Mar 17th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Yep, sounds like a slow news day.
And I can’t say much about whether the politicians are procrastinating because they’re afraid their government will fall apart or whether they’ve had the first run of nice sunny weather of the season.
But I think the story you linked to about bad Dutch habits is pretty hilarious.
Mostly because it’s SO true!
When I first moved to the Netherlands I worked at a different company (which shall remain nameless). One afternoon I had to go with my boss to check out a location for an event. We went in his car and he spent the entire hour-long journey picking his nose with such intensity that his elbow hit the window numerous times! I was sitting *right there*! I couldn’t believe it!
Now. Perhaps it’s rude to retell such a disgusting story.
But what can I say?
I think the Dutch definitely have, er, *different* standards when it comes to certain behavior!
So. To follow up on that little article I’m going to try to post a poll - Are The Dutch Rude??
Go ahead and put in your two cents!
on Mar 17th, 2009 at 2:19 pm
Hmm. Can’t seem to figure out how the polls work… will try to get help and try again!!