My Life on this planet.

In Belgium, a serious discussion was happening about whether nuclear power stations should remain open for many more years, and now politicians and the public are convinced that two reactors should remain open to have sufficient cheap electricity, certainly after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia when energy prices became very expensive and nearly unpayable for even middle-class people but also for companies. Employers organisations are happy, others are not as the others highlight possible risks and certain costs to continue nuclear energy. Also the CEO of Engie Electabel warned it will not be easy to keep two nuclear plants open beyond their current expiring date, partly because they need reparations to continue to work safely. Still, the Belgian government reached a pre-deal with Engie to keep the nuclear reactors running for another 10 years, although Engie first need to check whether this is possible. Sign to indicate radioactivity The Belgian government, supported by the Ener...

The Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower, two beautiful buildings in Laken, Belgium, that you wouldn't expect here but are perfect in the country of surrealism. In 2013 the buildings were closed because of stability problems. The administration responsible for the maintenance of the buildings promised they would start restoration that should end in 2021, but at the start of 2023 little happened to these iconic, and now protected buildings . In another part of Brussels you can visit the recently restored Hallepoort / Porte de Hal (Halle Gate). Now, a discussion about the future of these buildings started as the  owner Royal Museums of Art and History (RMAH) wants to sell them .  Chinese Pavilion and Japanese Tower These two buildings, located in Laken in the north of Brussels, were museums that housed Asian art, Chinese art in the Chinese Pavilion and Japanese art in the Japanese Tower and they are collectively known as Museums of the Far East. After the closure of the buildings...

Haiti, an example why developing countries became failed states. Why is Haiti such a disaster as a country? Who saw the movie about General Toussaint Louverture who led Haiti to independence knows a lot of the answer; the Guardian article summarises it and goes further . In short, inspired by the French Revolution, black slaves of Haiti revolted against their French owners who refused that slaves in colonies can fight for the same ideals of "liberty, equality and fraternity" as the French themselves against the aristocratic and religious elite in France. In the end, Mr Louverture hoped to negotiate peace with Napoleon but, who refused to meet him so Mr Louverture died imprisoned far from his country. Ironically, Napoleon also died imprisoned far from his country.  Cover of the 2-part movie Toussaint Louverture But, after Haiti's independence, the French managed to force Haitians to pay enormous amounts of money plus interest as condition for France to recognise Haiti...