Great, actually!

Am I doing okay? No.

Well, today was quite an emotional day for me.

Although I can safely say that it's a black day for everyone in the world.

Today, the first victims from the horrid plane crash MH17 were transported to the Netherlands, who is going to take every effort to make sure the victims are reunited with their loved ones as soon as possible.

I cannot even begin to imagine what the families, close friends, and everyone who has any ties with the victims are going through. I mean, if I am this struck by the disaster, how would those feel that really are involved? I can only speculate, and mourn with them, cry with them, and light a candle for them.

Because the Netherlands has almost never had a national day of mourning, it might make it even more (for the lack of a better, suitable word) special. I have never experienced this collective feeling of sadness, anger and despair before, and it hit me hard in the face.

I also experienced an almost never-ending stream of tears. It wasn't a nice feeling. Maybe that is my way of coping with the whole ordeal.

If you have seen the massive funeral procession of hearses along the Dutch highway, and all the people standing on the emergency lanes despite being advised not to is heart warming, and I hope it touches the hearts of the right people.

Sadly, the highways will be closed down several times more. and the tears will flow even more, and the people will continue to stand guard on the emergency lanes. It's the least most can do.

This country stands tall in its solidarity, and it will continue to stand tall.

I heard the phrase 'Today, the whole world is Dutch, Malaysian, Australian, Indonesian, Brit, German, Belgian, Filipino, Canadian, American, and New Zealander'.

I have reflected upon these words, and there is a sense of truth in them, although I'd rather see a united world.

I bow silently in respect to all involved, directly or not. May you rest in peace.

http://www.geenstijl.nl/archives/im.....aanhetdoen.jpg

Check the above image link and answer the question above:

A) Practicing for the FIFA™ World Cup with a special CheerMat©;
B) Earthquake training;
C) Acting like a traffic cone, to feel what it's like being one;
D) Taking shelter under a bullet repelling blanket in case a school shootout takes place. Like in Portland, Oregon for example. That such a blanket is necessary is too bizarre for words. It's not very effective. It's no invisibility cloak like the one in Harry Potter. In fact, the bright orange only draws attention! And it's not that all fragile body parts are protected, but the video is very...uhh...urgent, so well done, boys! There are almost 50 school shootings so there is profit to be made from this shit.
E) Something else, namely...

Today, the Dutch supreme court ordered that a site for pedophiles will be shut down!

Finally some justice!

The only thing those putrid people can do now is go to the European court of Human Rights, and I SO hope the judges there will spit their appeal right back in their arses!

Server those animals right!

If you have any questions for me, or my toon Rik, ask them! They're basically one and the same person, except for the fur and more swimmers/muscular build on the tiger. :)

Cost me a pretty penny, but online-time is here once again!

(And finally a normal twitter client, instead of the Nokia phone client...)

Sadly I have to report that my macbook is broken, and needs to be repaired, setting me back about €900 ($1.125). Buying a new one is not an option.

I'll return once it's fixed.

Sorry if I miss any messages, and thanks for your understanding.

Things that happen just once
If he'd looked he would have seen it
He was standing all night
'Cross the street very still
And they go out so easily
The street lamps, the cars come and go

Craze, or crazy...

But I see you too clearly
I don't trust myself anymore
If it's all true, just say it
I may already know that sound when it's over
The sidewalks will carry me home
And the evening's so easily

Agnus, agnus Dei
Agnus, agnus
Qui tollis peccata mundi

Craze, or crazy

---

Yes, how I feel at the moment.

Original lyrics by Sarah Brightman, only changed 'she' to 'he'.

Let's make 2013 the year of fails, and welcome 2014 as a fresh start for all!

Hereunder you'll find one of the ultimate fails of 2013!

---

This underlying text was taken from a Dutch website and this letter, and translated for you all to read how stupid some people are when living in a bible belt/bible inbred town, read the critique of the church and especially the reactions it got.

In the Dutch town of Zaltbommel on some Sundays it's allowed to open up shop,and because of this the Christian wankers directly grab their pens to URGENTLY ask not to open on Sunday because if you do, you'll face the wrath of God, because he also had an opinion, albeit 2000 years ago. Anyway , the standard chatter of religious madness passes in the letter, which was thrown on Facebook by a shopkeeper. Just threaten with God, yes, that will impress people who work hard to earn extra cash. After the Dutch cabinet the churches act like bloodthirsty wolves against enterprise owners with their little opinions and archaic laws. Ugh... Let's analyze the arguments. And laugh about it. Because Jesus Christ, when it comes to arguing the christians are a crazy lot.

First of all, because God gave us one day to rest in one week. This one day is given by Him to honor Him. To this, the Lord even promises His blessing. You will understand that on this day opening stores does not fit.

Ah, the Biblical bullshit. Including religious threat in the final sentence. Because you will understand that the Lord will take measures against you if you go against the prehistoric will of the Lord. Shall we say that arguments based on an ancient, fabricated together with crap, filled with the fantasies of a bunch of religious schizophrenics and unprovable 'faith' does not apply when we are talking about mature things ? Okay? Thanks.

In addition, we all live in a busy and hurried time. In our present time, due to the enormous time pressure, many people work too much or get a burnout. This is why it's so good to have a collective day off. One day a week the entire community can take a break, and then start again with a new week on Monday.

And this has to be the sunday because the Bible says so? Oh, wait: the Bible says it's Saturday. So if the Christian sheep can deviate from their own biblical dictate, why can't the rest of the 'community'? The individualistic, independent and free thinking people of 2014? Please die, delusion!

What most Christians mean with 'community' here is a mindless flock of bleating sheep who will do everything the pastor says in fear of this wrath of God. Get lost with this kind of community! We can decide for ourselves when, where and how we will take our rest.

Taking about the pastor: Doesn't he get paid to work on Sunday? Or is this just another one of those exceptions the Christians make for themselves when it suits them?

As if working on a sunday will lead to a tsunami of burn-outs. No, of course not! In fact, a lot of people find shopping in their free time relaxing! This assumption has as much to do with reality as the dream that Jesus walked over water, has risen from the dead, and that God even exists.

Also, when you open up shop on a Sunday, there's a risk that uneven competition between shops will rise. There are shop owners who will not open shop for principal reasons. But for the small shop owners it's very difficult, even impossible to work 7 days a week. Because of your decision these people will be driven into a corner. This also applies for the employees who do not wish to work on Sundays. On top of that, the contradictions within a community will be enforced because of this.

Ah, the crux. What they REALLY mean to say is that their OWN trading stock is in jeopardy! And do not place your mitts on the trading stock of a rich, frugal and industrious christian shop owner, who can decide on his own free will (oh, the irony!) not to open shop on a Sunday. They're afraid that their trade will be getting less income because of this. So they call it 'unequal competition', but that's only because they themselves are so stiff and stubborn by clinging to a religious code that makes no sense. That's your OWN fault, so tough titties...

Sunday opening scarcely leads to an increase in sales, it's just distributed differently at most, while costs have increased.

Huh? But, um, you tried to point out in the aforementioned argument that it could pose a risk of increase in unequal competition. Now you say the complete OPPOSITE. Gosh, a christian nut that contradicts itself , what are the odds?. Your arguments, dear Christians, are a collection of fails and blunders. Go home, do your moronic religious thing, but do not bother the rest of the world with this.
---

I just laughed, and had to share this with you lot to point out how silly some people are.

Ofcourse, take this with a pinch of salt, and if you're offended, well, I can't help it.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!

A very merry christmas to you all!

Until the end of the week the form to have a christmas card sent to you by yours truly, here's the form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CV.....w6X0g/viewform

At the end of the week the form will close, and all the data on it destroyed for privacy reasons!

Take care all!

Because there's a first time for everything, I'd like to take this opportunity to say:

Thank you for being so awesome!

I'm going to send the people interested a christmas card.

If you want one, fill out this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CV.....w6X0g/viewform

Take care all!

Pascal.

Well, now that I look back, the past 6 months have been…strange, to say the least.

I can safely say I had hit rock bottom, but I can say with utmost joy that I climbed out of it.

I especially want to thank two people:

 RondoGator Just thank you a million times. Your help was an unexpected surprise, and I'm very grateful. I can only say that: thank you. As we talked about it, it's indeed what people do for each other.

And Wolfy-J. Since you're not on FA anymore, or at least I cannot find you on my watch list (which is strange). Thanks for being there all those years for me. I'm grateful that I've got that sweet commission all those years ago.

To both I can say unanimously: I'm honored I can call you my friend.

Even though you both were very relaxed about the money, I'm glad to say that I've paid it back in full.

And since I have a job once again, and all my personal shit has been taken care of, I can start with trying to help other artists again, even though I am no such thing. Good, friendly people deserve so much more than the leeches I've seen in this place. And let's not forget about the asswipe wannabes that also lurk around here (you know who you are, and if not, well, tough titties).

Better times are ahead, for everyone!

First of all, thanks to Wolfy-J for helping me pay a bill which was due tomorrow the 22nd of may. You're a lifesaver, seriously.

Here comes the rest of the shit, though.

I never thought it had to come to this, but I seriously need help.

As you might have read, I lost my job. Normally that's no big deal, but as it seems the Dutch government has messed up my application for national social walfare, and now I'll not get a payment from them.

I've also applied for a local municipality welfare payment, but that's also been denied, becasue of the fuckup with national social welfare.

So I'm broke. Normally that can be overcome, but I now have no means of paying for the rest of my long overdue bills.

I wish I had luck applying for jobs, but after sending out 4 of them each day, I still have no luck.

So here's the question I've seen a million times on FA, and I'm sad to say I need to ask it as well: please help me with money. I don't have anything of value in return, but I do know that when and if I get a job again, I'll pay it all back, so everyone here is my witness in that...

Having to go through this now, makes me understand how most people here feel when they have no money, and even though I've helped people in the past, I really hope there are people good enough to help me... if you want to help, please send some to pwterpstra1980[at]gmail.com

Thanks so much in advance, and if you would be so kind to spread the word, much obliged.

Sincerely,

Pascal.

Becasue  gaslightdog has some celebrations to do, I thought to help him out by plugging his journal!

Read the entire journal, and you might be chosen for a freebie! :)

http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/4526070/

Have fun!

Since my savings are running out, I'm going to give this a try:

Get your fursona on a sheet of 10 stamps!

Example here: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/9982764/

The cost: $30. $15 need to be paid in advance.

When I receive the order, I'll send you a photo to the e-mailaddress you communicated to me if and when you want a sheet.

Ofcourse there are some rules, what CANNOT be on the stamp are the following things/subjects:

- Images that are illegal, immoral, sexual, hurtful, insulting, insinuating, or impairing for people including yourself;
- Images that are mendacious, deceitful or false;
- Images that have a political or religious message/content;
- Images that are not meant to be on a stamp (The Dutch Post decides on this one).

The images you want on the stamps have to be your own, or you have proof that you are permitted to use them!

Since I'm asking for half of the payment up front this also means that should I not receive your ordered stamps, you get the $15 refunded (Dûh!). After I send the stamps it's out of my hands. Should you not receive them, I'll refund $15, and keep $15.

Still interested? Let me know via a reply on this journal, and I'll note you a.s.a.p. with further information.

Also, I hereby promise that all personal information is treated with care according to both Dutch and American law.

The Dutch Postal company is the third party I'm leaning on and after asking them if I could do this, because most people on FurAffinity live abroad, they stated it's not against their terms and conditions.

Should you have any questions, do reply to this journal, and I'll answer them the best I can!

Thanks for reading, and we'll see where this goes!

Oh, and please spread the word! I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thank you, everyone.

And let's see if you can translate it. ;)

Queen Beatrix has rescinded her position as queen, and Prince Willem IV will ascend the Dutch throne.

I don't know why, but somehow I feel sad. She was a pillar of strength to many, and also to me.

I hope our future king will be the same pillar of strength as Beatrix was/is.

Apart from freedom of choice, which is a complete different discussion, how could USA's official leaders NOT want to adopt this system, or at least a form of it that enables Healthcare for ALL US citizens, regardless of race, gender, age and pre-existing conditions, if any?

Any thoughts?

And again! A normal discussion is ok, as long as there's no bashing of ANY kind, 'kay?

When you think of the Netherlands, without searching the Internet, what do you think of the Dutch in general?

Some people *cough* Rick Santorum *cough* imbecile *cough* think we're all just a bunch of mass murderers...

I really hope the general view of the Dutch is a bit better than this.

Your thoughts?

Nothing says "Dutch" like a good old-fashioned stamppot, a pan full of mashed potatoes and vegetables. There are several varieties that are traditional, such as this andijviestamppot, or a stamppot with kale or with two vegetables, carrots and onion, like hutspot (which will be shown a next time). A zuurkool stamppot (also shown later): mashed potatoes with sauerkraut and smoked sausage, is also very popular.

Most stamppotten consist only of potatoes and vegetables, and do not use any butter or milk. The Dutch potatoes are usually creamy enough to make up for the lack of dairy, and the vegetables release enough juices to make the dish moist but not rich.

Andijviestamppot is a stamppot made with escarole endive, a vegetable easy to grow and readily accessible at many local grocery stores. The lettuce-type greens are washed and cut into strips, and mixed in with the potatoes after they have been mashed. The combination of warm, gooey potatoes with the crispy, slightly tart vegetables is a winner and could be a new favorite at the table. It can be served with a Dutch meatball, smoked sausage (if available in your country) or just plain by itself, with some bacon added, like in the recipe below.

As escarole endive is not available at all times, this dish can also be made with a variety of green tender vegetables. Mustard greens, fresh spinach and arugula all work wonderfully well.

Andijviestamppot

You need:

600 grammes potatoes
400 grammes escarole endive or other tender green vegetables of your choice
1 teaspoon of salt
6 bacon strips

Peel the potatoes and cut into regular sized chunks. Bring them to a boiling point in a pan of water that barely covers the potatoes and add the teaspoon of salt. Lower the heat to medium and continue to boil for about twenty minutes. In a skillet, fry the bacon. When ready, cut into small strips or chunks.

When the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, pour off the remainder of the water saving about half a cup. Mash and add some potato water if the mashed potatoes are too dry.

Wash the escarole or other tender green vegetables of your choice, rinse and cut into half inch strips. Mix in with the mashed potatoes, and add the bacon. Taste and adjust the flavour if desired with salt, and add a pinch of pepper or nutmeg if desired.

Have a great dinner, and let me know if you liked the recipe!

I just witnessed a heated rant about 'taking away one's freedom to choose' due to the fact that The current USA-administration wants to do something about owning a gun.

True, guns don't kill people, people kill people. But what do those people use most to do the killing?

I am SO limited in my freedom of choice(not), and freedom of movement(also not), because I don't have a gun(which I'm glad I don't have).

Boo-hoo-hoo! I can't own a gun anymore... Boo-hoo-hoo! Please, GROW UP! Start worrying about more important things than owning a gun...

I recently had the same healthy discussion (thanks again for putitng in your two cents!), and although I understand, it doesn't neccesarily mean I agree with it.

There are still other ways to fight for your 'loss of freedom'.

And if the bill passes, then move the fuck away out of the states! They don't care that you don't like it!

This journal is NOT meant to be a bash!

Sometimes people need a wake up call!

Be careful with your privacy!

Almost got my digital identity stolen if I didn't keep track of my 'online life'!

Take a look at this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytl9.....=en&fmt=22

Watch it in HD, and turn the subtitles on, they're in English! I'd like to know what you think!

For your convenience:

Read the post below with a grain of salt! It's not MEANT to be a bash, but sometimes it could be neccesary.

---

Here. This is the interactive map from Slate and @gundeaths whom sadly mark how many men, women and children died by firearms in the United States of ArmsAmerica since the Newtown-massacre on the 14th of december.

Total tally so far: 269 deaths in 14 days!

2 firemen were added at christmas eve. Shot by a sick F**K with a gun whom set his own house on fire and waited in the bushes to pop these two heroes in an ambush, just because he could do it.

It seems that the answer to guns in the US of Arms America is simply more guns. It doesn't surprise anyone that the country's largest pew-pew-Walmart sold more mags within 3 days than they did in the last 3 years!

It can be funny if it wasn't so weird: getting a gun as a present, and then tweet or instagram it (and photos). Hell yeah!

It's also a fun idea to scoop around this pop-pop-pop-auction site, where these gifts untimately end up.

Guns... It's just a cooltour. A video also exists on the net which goes on about a firearms store which is nearly out of its complete stock. The name? FIREARMAGEDDON.

Are there seriously no Americans who want to stop this shooting? Maybe evan a ban on semi-automatic weaponry for the general populace? Yes: there are parents who are in favor of toy-gun control, because the nerf gun is to blame.

How much further can one's head be in its own ass? You know what? Never mind...

*sigh*

---

If you have read the above post, you should know this is based om an opinion on a dutch website, which I just couldn't resist reblogging.

I myself am just baffled by the deathtoll in just 14 days because some asshat had access to a weapon.

Ofcourse: most people are not like this, mind you!

I hope this journl will open up a healthy debate, maybe even somewhere in the upper regions in the American government. (I know it propably will not, but here's to hoping!)

---

Source: http://www.geenstijl.nl/mt/archieve.....are_deaud.html

Honestly, some commissioners on FA treat artists like shit (you know who you are, commissioners!) by having some rule about how some puff of hair must look like, and where some piercing must go proportionate to his dick with almost scientific calculations and stuff. If you want that, go to some architect and see of they can make a technical blueprint of your character! Otherwise, I'd suggest to go someplace else with your stupid rules and regulations on how YOU want it with your bizarre rules, instead of the other way around! You've seen the work of the artists, don't expect them to do the impossible, byt commissioning something that's out of their comfort zone, or simply impossible to do.

YOU commission them by THEIR rules, and if you don't like it, you can go take a hike! You should be thankful that artists exist, not completely drain them from their creativity, and above all: you will have to understand they have lives too, and are not simply art-making machines for you to shake dry, just to statisfy your nonexistant sexyness in the form of some nonexistant character.

Asshats.