How to master self discipline

1. Wake 10 minutes earlier to avoid rushing.
2. Change your alarm to something pleasant.
3. Avoid your phone first thing in morning.
4. State 1 thing you're grateful for today.
5. Include movement and exercise.
6. Don't skip breakfast.
7. Choose a podcast or relaxing music on your commute.

THANK YOU FOR READING ☺️

How can the German language produce such word monster?

 

Niklas Kager Kofler

 

How can the German language produce such word monsters as: Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz (beef labelling monitoring task transfer law)?

This is because of what we would call “Beamtendeutsch”, “Behördendeutsch” or “Bürokratendeutsch”, freely translated as “the German of the bureaucracy”.

The word itself is artificial and not commonly used like the majority of these long compound words as they are the product of governmental agencies and various administration. And they love their compound words together with a certain writing style that renders their texts difficult to comprehend to many people who didn't enjoy any form of higher education.

Understanding common German is one thing, understanding the German that is used by the administration and in matters of administrative law is a completely different story.

In a certain sense, it is similar to the phenomenon that is denoted in English as legalese.

Krise in Nahost: Zange schließt sich um Saudi-Arabien – Anstieg der Benzinpreise droht

 

Stand:12.09.2026, 10:58 Uhr

Von: Christian Stör  

Im Westen bedroht die Huthi-Miliz eine Exportroute, im Osten blockiert der Iran die Straße von Hormus. Eine Pipeline wird nach Attacken dichtgemacht.

Riad/Mokka/Teheran – Der Konflikt im Nahen Osten setzt Saudi-Arabien massiv unter Druck. Nach der iranischen Blockade der Straße von Hormus und der zunehmenden Bedrohung der Meerenge Bab al-Mandab durch die Huthi-Miliz im Jemen muss der weltgrößte Ölexporteur nach Drohnenangriffen auch noch eine wichtige Pipeline abschalten. Eine daraus folgende zusätzliche Reduzierung saudischer Exporte könnte den Ölpreis und damit die Benzinpreise auch in Deutschland noch weiter ansteigen lassen.  

Saudi-Arabien schaltet eine wichtige Pipeline nach Angriffe ab. (Symbolbild) © Ali Haider/EPA/dpa

Die Ost-West-Pipeline, die unter Umgehung der faktisch blockierten Straße von Hormus große Mengen Öl vom Persischen Golf zum Roten Meer bringen kann, wurde nach Angriffen auf die Leitung in den Regionen Riad und Medina vorsorglich stillgelegt. Das saudische Außenministerium teilte in der Nacht auf Samstag (12. September) auf der Plattform X mit, bei dem Drohnenangriff, der aus dem Irak gestartet worden sei, seien Schäden verursacht und mehrere Menschen verletzt worden.  

Angriffe auf die Pipeline treffen Saudi-Arabien an einer sehr empfindlichen Stelle

US-Medien wie CNN und das Wall Street Journal berichteten, bei den Angriffen seien wohl Pumpstationen der Pipeline getroffen worden. Sie beriefen sich dabei auf Satellitenbilder, die zeigen sollen, dass es dort zu Bränden gekommen ist. Wie groß der Schaden ist, und bis wann er behoben werden kann, blieb zunächst unklar. Die Pipeline-Infrastruktur war bereits im April angegriffen worden, woraufhin die Kapazität der Röhren kurzzeitig gedrosselt werden musste.

Die Angriffe auf die Pipeline treffen Saudi-Arabien an einer sehr empfindlichen Stelle: Über die mehr als 1200 Kilometer langen Röhren können pro Tag bis zu sieben Millionen Barrel Öl (ein Barrel entspricht 159 Litern) aus der Region am Persischen Golf zur Verschiffung nach Westen ans Rote Meer gepumpt werden. Saudi-Arabien war vor dem Iran-Krieg hinter den USA der zweitgrößte Ölproduzent und der weltweit wichtigste Exporteur des Rohstoffs, der für die gesamte Weltwirtschaft von zentraler Bedeutung ist.  

Salt is Essential to Life

By Klaus Döring

"You are like salt for the whole human race" (Matthew 5, 13).

My late grandmother (born 1899!) taught me many things regarding daily life. I really admired her and didn't care to travel hundreds of miles to her house located in the former East Germany - just to spend a few hours there. The wall and border which separated Germany into two, aggravated such journeys many times. Still in my mind are innumerable thoughts on how to convent bible sayings into reality.

It flavors food and is used as a binder and stabilizer. It is also a food preservative, as bacteria can't thrive in the presence of a high amount of salt. The human body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses, contract and relax muscles, and maintain the proper balance of water and minerals.

Salt of the earth: People during various activities and occupations. "Black" and "white" meet each other, shake hands, smile... . An old woman selling vegetables in the market. She looks tired but her features still show hope and peace... . Young people, walking through a shopping mall - laughing, joking, being happy... . Fishermen at the shore doing their work in sorting nets... . 

Salt on earth: Many things can be like that. Not only during mass service in the church. Not only by preaching. Also touching the hands of my distressed friend, listening to my lonely neighbour; remembering someone and writing him or her a letter or an email. I join others by helping, working, laughing, playing, singing. I listen to love's melody.

Salt of the  earth: Christian life doesn't always mean possessions or property. Christian life is doing something, it's collecting one's thoughts. It's giving and receiving. It's a hug or a smile or a comforting talk. Christian life means having as Christian acting people in my surroundings.

Salt on earth: Of course, as we all know: too much salt is also dangerous to our health. But if we plan to live without any salt, we might fail to survive also. Do you know that wars have been waged and nations have been extinguished because of salt. Salt is more than a simple stabilizer. 

Before the refrigerator was invented, salt was a miracle of daily life. Salt made foodstuffs well. So, let's think about it: if we are part of earth's salt, who are we? Do we bring rottenness or do we preserve and keep our surroundings well?

We should be salt on earth as in  cleaning, helping and healing, but not salt, that brings caustic, corroding and mordant poison in other's life. 

Salt on earth without being dumb, mute, silent, stale, and incompetent! 

Bayanihan spirit: Ukrainian ace thanks Filipino fans for timely donations

 By Mark Rey Montejo

Nearly a week after her US Open second-round showdown against Alex Eala, Oleksandra Oliynykova experienced the warmth of the "bayanihan" spirit thousands of miles away from her own home.

Oleksandra Oliynykova, of Ukraine, reacts during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Oleksandra Oliynykova, of Ukraine, reacts during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships against Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Nearly a week after her US Open second-round showdown against Alex Eala, Oleksandra Oliynykova experienced the warmth of the "bayanihan" spirit thousands of miles away from her own home.

The 25-year-old Ukrainian expressed her gratitude after her Filipino supporters contributed to her fund-raising activity which is aimed at boosting her country's military campaigns in the ongoing war against Russia.

“I want to thank you once again for all the kindness and meaningful support you’ve shown! I also have a little update to share: our website is now available in Tagalog, especially for my wonderful supporters and friends from the Philippines,” Oliynykova wrote.

The Kyiv, Ukraine native is hoping to raise 240,000 UAH (Ukrainian hryvnia) or around P338,022 to acquire generators, charging stations and other essential power equipment.

Those hardwares will be used by Ukraine’s 433rd Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems.

“Thank you so much to everyone who supports, helps, shares, and stands with us,” said Oliynykova. “Let’s keep helping Ukraine together.”

Last Sept. 4, Oliynykova battled Eala in the second round of the final major which ultimately ended in a 6-1, 6-4 victory by the Filipina tennis ace.

The Notebook: The Musical' brings Allie and Noah's enduring romance to Manila

By John Legaspi

Published Sep 11, 2026 05:34 pm

“When I disappear, where do I go?” That’s one of the questions Allie asks in “The Notebook: The Musical.” It is a poignant question that captures the heart of the musical: What happens when memories begin to fade, and how do we hold on to the people and moments that make us who we are?

Morissette Amon as Middle_Allie and Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah (Photos: Jyllan Bitalac, Sherie Bolo, and Theatre Group Asia)

The latest production by Theatre Group Asia at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City brings one of the most iconic love stories to the Philippine stage, marking the first international staging of “The Notebook: The Musical.” The production takes everyone on an emotional ride as they follow the romance and drama that goes into the love story of Allie and Noah through the different stages of their lives.

Fans were first introduced to their story in 1996 through Nicholas Sparks’ novel. In 2004, “The Notebook” graced the big screen as a movie, gaining a bigger audience all over the world. The two eventually became the source material for the Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter.

Sheena Belarmino as Younger Allie and Benedix Ramos as Younger Noah

On Sept. 2, “The Notebook: The Musical” officially made its international debut in Manila, and, as expected, it brought audiences to tears as they relived the enduring romance of Allie and Noah—a love story shaped not only by passion and choice, but also by memory, time, and the inevitable changes that come with growing old.

For its Manila run, “The Notebook: The Musical” features a stellar roster of Filipino talent, including Carla Guevara Laforteza, Floyd Tena, Markki Stroem, Felicity Kyle Napuli, Omar Uddin, Jillian Ita-as, Shaun Ocrisma, and Kathleen Francisco. Sheena Belarmino, Morissette Amon, and Celeste Legaspi perform as young, middle, and older Allie, respectively.  Benedix Ramos, Laurence Mossman, and Rody Vera represent the different stages of Noah’s life.

Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie and Rody Vera as Older Noah

Applause and flowers are in order for the entire cast, whose performances bring the beloved story to life with sincerity, tenderness, and emotional depth. Sheena and Benedix perfectly captured the innocence and intensity of young love and its all-consuming nature. Morissette, a powerhouse vocalist, proved that she is more than a singer as she portrayed the complexity of adult romance with Laurence, who portrayed Noah’s quiet strength and gentle vulnerability.

For many, it is a rare sight to see Filipino theater icons Rody and Celeste perform onstage. And watching them as older Noah and Allie is a moving experience. Their subtle playfulness, warmth, and natural chemistry make their portrayal touching, causing many to shed tears inside the theaters. They are proof that, even as time goes by, true talent never loses its brilliance.

‘The Notebook: The Musical’ takes audiences behind the pages and into a world of love, memory, and second chances.

‘The Notebook: The Musical’ takes audiences behind the pages and into a world of love, memory, and second chances.

‘The Notebook: The Musical’ takes audiences behind the pages and into a world of love, memory, and second chances.

‘The Notebook: The Musical’ takes audiences behind the pages and into a world of love, memory, and second chances.

For us, one of the major highlights of the production is its scenic design. It perfectly transports viewers to a coastal town in the Mid-Atlantic with its charming homes, lush surroundings, and evocative waterfront setting. The balcony, in particular, evokes the romance of a Shakespearean play, creating an intimate space where Allie and Noah’s love unfolds before us.

At its core, director Nicholas Polonio sees Allie and Noah as deeply human—flawed, complicated, and vulnerable in ways that make them relatable. As he puts it, “A life without flaws is not much of a life at all.” And perhaps that is what makes their story resonate: Love is not only about how fearlessly we show it, but also how willing we are to receive it. “The Notebook: The Musical” reminds us that while memories may disappear, the love behind them can endure—and sometimes, that is enough to keep us from ever truly disappearing.

“The Notebook: The Musical” runs until Sept. 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, with prices ranging from ₱900 to ₱5,500.

Stocks slide for second day as surge in crude ignites inflation fears

Local equities fell for a second straight session as escalating Middle East tensions stoked fears of persistent inflation, prompting investors to trim risk assets amid weakening peso and elevated global borrowing costs. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped 37.42 points, or 0.61 percent, to close at 6,061.81 on Friday, Sept. 11. Read more

The price of unpreparedness

By Manila Bulletin Newsroom

Published Sep 12, 2026 12:05 am | Updated Sep 11, 2026 04:49 pm

The economic disparity between the National Capital Region (NCR) and the provinces is often measured in infrastructure. Last month, however, it was measured in kilowatts. While Luzon enjoyed a 34.2 percent drop in wholesale electricity prices in August, the Visayas and Mindanao regions faced an extraordinary price shock that exposed just how fragile the regional energy grid really is.

In the Visayas, spot market power prices jumped 64.9 percent last month to ₱18.59 per kilowatt-hour. In Mindanao, the spike was even worse, soaring 88.2 percent to ₱19.56. Data from the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) shows these are the highest rates recorded since the wholesale electricity spot market began operating in those regions.

The immediate trigger was due to combination of thin margins and bad timing. Unexpected shutdowns at major power plants forced grid operators to run expensive backup generators to prevent widespread blackouts. Visayas registered its supply fall 2.6 percent to 2,201 megawatts against a hovering demand of 2,094 megawatts. That leaves almost no breathing room.

On the other hand, Mindanao faced its own 7.3 percent supply drop alongside a five percent demand increase, and sending power across the water to help Visayas only stretched its local grid further.

This is not due to bad luck or bad weather, but the direct result of delayed long-term planning. Building a power plant and connecting it to the transmission grid takes three to five years. The severe shortages hitting the central islands today stem from generation investments and line expansions that should have been locked in half a decade ago.

The Department of Energy (DOE) officials acknowledged as much, admitting that the government is now scrambling to catch up to demand that was easy to predict.

Today, the real-world costs are already hitting home. At a recent economic forum in Cebu, local business owners laid out what these daily disruptions mean on the ground.

Rotational brownouts force factories in industrial hubs like Mandaue City to stop assembly lines, reset sensitive equipment, and swallow higher operating expenses. While larger firms can afford to invest in solar arrays or alter work shifts to survive, smaller enterprises face immediate margin compression that threatens their survival.

Unreliable power also undermines regional efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Local governments can host international trade summits and pitch regional growth stories, but pitch decks do not mean much if the lights flicker out during the meeting. Foreign investors require basic utility security, not promises of relief years down the road.

Energy officials say immediate relief is on the way as six offline plants prepare to restart operations. Looking further ahead, the government points to new baseload and renewable projects secured through the Green Energy Auction Program, scheduled to come online between 2028 and 2031 for Cebu, Bohol, Panay, and Negros.

Yet, with El Niño threatening to dry up hydro reservoirs in the fourth quarter, waiting until 2028 is a tall order for businesses struggling to keep their doors open today.

To keep the Philippines’ southern economies moving, energy regulators, grid operators, and government agencies must stop working in silos. They need to clear regulatory backlogs, fast-track environmental clearances, and fix transmission bottlenecks that leave existing power stranded. Free market mechanisms are designed to price scarcity, but when prices stay this high for this long, they cease to be a signal and start acting as a tax on local enterprise. The country cannot afford a setup where Luzon enjoys cheap power while Visayas and Mindanao pay top peso  just just to keep the lights on.