Fueling Mind and Body: How Modern Diets Contribute to Burnout and Mental Stress”

cooked food

Introduction In a world driven by convenience, we increasingly reach for ready-made meals, snacks, and soft drinks. These products are often ultra-processed, nutrient-poor, yet packed with sugar, refined carbohydrates, trans fats, and artificial additives. At the same time, we are witnessing a dramatic rise in mental exhaustion, concentration issues, and burnout. Is this mere coincidence? […]

Criminal Payments in the Netherlands and the EU: Cash vs. Cryptocurrency. An analysis of financial flows, policy, and the call for a crypto ban

Introduction: Halsema’s Call for a Crypto Ban In April 2025, Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema sparked political controversy by advocating for a nationwide ban on cryptocurrency payments. Her argument: cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin enable organized crime through anonymity and cross-border transactions. But does this align with the reality of criminal financial flows? This article analyzes data from […]

The Netherlands in the Post-Corona Era: A Decade of Transition (2020–2035)

Executive summary The Netherlands finds itself, five years after the coronavirus pandemic, in a phase of ongoing structural transition. While the last legal Covid restrictions were lifted on March 15, 2022, the economic, social, and political impact continues to leave a lasting mark. This article analyzes over 50 datasets from CBS, RIVM, and international institutes […]

Sovereignty, Citizenship, and Social Reality: A Legal Odyssey

mauritshuis in den haag

An investigation into the boundaries of individual autonomy in the Kingdom of the Netherlands Introduction: The tension between autonomy and authority The desire for sovereignty – living without government authority – clashes with complex legal, fiscal, and social structures in the Netherlands and beyond. This article dissects this tension through four pillars: citizenship, taxation, historical […]

Why Democracy Will Abandon Us in the Next 10 Years

person holding smartphone while sitting

The Decline of Voter Turnout Before 1970, the Netherlands had compulsory voting, meaning citizens were required to cast their votes in elections. This system ensured broad representation and that the population’s voice was heard. However, due to the impracticality of enforcing penalties, this obligation was abolished. As a result, voter turnout has significantly declined. Today, […]

The Interplay of Neuropsychological, Social, and Biological Factors in Cognitive Rigidity: The Role of Demographics, Gender, and Nutrition

Introduction Cognitive rigidity refers to an individual’s difficulty in adapting to new information, shifting perspectives, or adjusting behavior in response to changing environments. This phenomenon has been linked to various psychological disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia. Understanding the origins of cognitive rigidity requires a multidisciplinary approach that considers neuropsychological, […]