The Dutch government is investigating the possibility of building an island off the North Sea coast for highly needed new farmland in our overcrowded country. Dutch contractors also built the Palm Islands in Dubai. Political party CDA suggested this week to build an island in the shape of a tulip. I’m not sure how practical this would be, but it would sure look cool on Google Maps:

In the past couple of days, 43 baby seals have been brought to the seal shelter Zeehondencreche in Pieterburen, a town in the north of the Netherlands. The babies lost their mothers and were washed ashore during rough seas. More »

For the first time in 39 years there will be no New Year’s dive in Scheveningen on New Year’s Day, here in the Netherlands. A combination of hard wind from the south west and high tide will cause strong currents and high waves that are too dangerous according to the fire department, police, lifeguards, health services and the local government. The event started in 1965 and draws between 7,000 and 10,000 cold-seeking participants every year. More »