Central Europe in grips of worst flooding in decades | DW News

178,027 views Sep 15, 2024 #Europe #Floods #Weather

Flood alerts are in place in many parts of Central Europe, in the wake of torrential rainfall that has caused many of the region's rivers to swell dramatically. Among the worst affected areas are Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland. With rain continuing to fall and floodwaters moving downstream, forecasters warn the worst may be yet to come. 00:00 Flooding in Europe 02:32 Journalist Stephan Bachenheimer reports from Passau on Germany's border with Austria

THE WAY OF LIFE

By Klaus Döring

Living a simple life is about paring back, so that you have space to breathe. It's about doing with less, because you realize that having more and doing more doesn't lead to happiness. It's about finding joys in the simple things, and being content with solitude, quiet, contemplation and savoring the moment.

Culture can be defined as all the ways of life including arts, beliefs and institutions of a population that are passed down from generation to generation. Culture has been called "the way of life for an entire society." As such, it includes codes of manners, dress, language, religion, rituals, art.

Living in the Philippines for almost 27 years now, I learned a lot about Philippine culture.

Driving in big cities, not only in the Philippines, is not a joke for beginners. It's an ordeal, especially driving during heavy traffic hours. One must know where to go and which way to take. Otherwise, one'll end up bumping somewhere somehow... .

But, driving a car in a small village, where roads are simple, is for neophytes an enjoyable one. No traffic, or less traffic, no traffic lights, no complicated ways... .

In the same way, railroads can make train drivers ill at ease when they are also in big cities. I remember Munich in my home country Germany, where railways appear like spider's cobwebs. They go in several directions. No wonder, accidents happen many times.

In life we, too, have roads which lead us in several directions. To go to heaven, man's eternal destiny, one can either choose the shortest road, or one can make detours. Not so many perhaps fall by the way and end up in eternal damnation.

These three things- creating, learning & contributing - are three big sources of meaning in life. They can work independently – meaning, you can make your life feel meaningful by building it around one of these.

There are some of us, Christians, who take the shout-cut road to heaven. This is the road of suffering, of the actual practice of Christian virtues, of serving God and our neighbour. Others take the circuitos road of easy life, thinking that at the end they still have time to amend themselves and lead a good life. This is risky, since no one can guarantee that an opportunity will be given at the eleventh hour. 

Unfortunately, there are still others, who prefer to take that opposite rod, which leads to eternal damnation. So they live, so they die! In John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress", we read, "Then I saw that there was a way to hell, even from the gates of heaven!"

Homo, quo vadis?

Tropical depression Gener’s landfall possible in Isabela or Aurora within 24 hours — PAGASA

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Sep 16, 2024 08:56 AM

  

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Tropical Depression Gener’s projected track and intensity (PAGASA)

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned on Monday, Sept. 16 of stormy weather over several parts of Luzon due to the possible landfall of Tropical Depression “Gener” in Isabela or Aurora within the next 24 hours.

As of 8 a.m., the center of the tropical depression was located 315 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.

In anticipation of Gener’s strong winds, Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 has been raised over the eastern and central portions of mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, eastern portion of Nueva Vizcaya, eastern and southern portions of Apayao, Kalinga, eastern and central portions of Mountain Province, Ifugao, Aurora, eastern portion of Nueva Ecija, and northern portion of mainland Quezon, including Polillo Islands.

PAGASA also warned of heavy to intense rainfall (100 to 200 millimeters) in Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora.

Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rainfall (50 to 100 millimeters) may affect Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley.

Gener has intensified from a Low Pressure Area (LPA) at 5 a.m. on Monday.

It has maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph and is expected to move westward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said Gener is expected to move generally westward to west-southwestward until Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 18, before turning west-northwestward to northwestward for the rest of the forecast period.

It may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday.

PAGASA said Gener is likely to experience limited intensification over the next two days but is expected to reach tropical storm category by Wednesday after emerging over the West Philippine Sea.

However, due to its proximity to the Luzon landmass, changes in intensity and track are likely while crossing Luzon.

Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant to empower lesbian community: 'Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin'

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Sep 15, 2024 04:07 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

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The first national pageant for lesbians, dubbed Tomboy Philippines 2024, was launched with the presentation of 30 official candidates in Quezon City on Sept. 14.

Spearheaded by Chit Reyes and supported by Cowee Santos, CEO of Tree House Real Estate and Ventures, the pageant is a bold initiative to celebrate and empower the lesbian community in the Philippines.

"The pageant's mission is clear: to elevate the diverse talents, intelligence, and beauty of lesbians through a platform that fosters inclusivity, equality, and growth. By emphasizing authenticity and talents beyond mere physical appearance, Tomboy Philippines is committed to challenging stereotypes and promoting societal acceptance," Reyes said.

Reyes recalled the journey of the lesbian pageant.

"Nag-start ako noong 2011, Mr. Femme, with Wilbert Tolentino. Siya ang nag-conduct ng gay contest sa bar niya. Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Bakit hindi tayo mag-conduct ng lesbian pageant? Try natin," the confessed lesbian mom said. And the rest is history.

The purpose of Tomboy Philippines is not only to showcase talent but to affirm the rights and presence of lesbians in the public eye.

"Ang layunin namin ay maging worldwide at manggaling dito sa Pilipinas. Para maipakita na ang equal rights ay dapat makamtan ng bawa't isa," she said. "Sa matagal na panahon, gay pageants lang ang talamak. Panahon na para makilala ang talent ng mga lesbians."

Reyes shared a powerful message for participants and the community.

"Mga tomboy, matagal na nating ipinaglalaban and equality. Malayo pa pero malapit na. Makakamit din natin ang 'equality rights' na hinahanap natin," she added.

This year's official candidates: Anntoi Deloso, South Cotabato; Louie Ele, Nueva Ecija; Rinoa Nicolas, Binangonan, Rizal; Jhan Nanit, Antipolo, Rizal; Bana Daranciang, Sta. Rosa, Laguna; Rhed Sasaki, Zambales; JC Lapitan, Batangas; Keith Martin, General Santos City; Jhes Remedio, Muntilupa City; Gele Pablo, Navotas City;

Thea Lising, Angono, Rizal; Banwar Taclibon, Bacoor, Cavite; Armi De Leon, Morong, Rizal; Mosh dela Cruz, Camarines Sur; Miel Cinco, Angeles City; Ace Tenero, Taguig City; Mitzi Ancog, Iligan City; BF Delos Reyes, Bulakan, Bulacan; Elei Reyes, Quezon City; Alliah Briones, Oriental Mindoro;

Gel Grayda, Cainta, Rizal; Ac Cemetara, Pasay City; Bodi Francisco, Abra; Emzz Bernardino, Tondo, Manila; Aj Alecida, Valencia City; Kim Siao, Valenzuela City; Arvy Bodlong, Albay; Prince Obleada, Quezon City; Yanyan Purification, San Pedro, Laguna; and Phao Faraon, Malabon City.

The preliminary competition of Tomboy Philippines 2024 pageant will be held at One 690 Entertainment Bar while the grand coronation will be staged at the Music Museum on Oct. 19.

AUDIOJUNKIE: Who run the world

BY Punch Liwanag

Sep 16, 2024 07:12 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs.

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From left: Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan (Images courtesy of Facebook)

If the recent VMAs are any indication, the current vista of pop music is dominated by the ladies. While the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards had its share of top male performers, one only needs to see the caliber of talent and fame on the female side to know that girls are the dominating force in the world of pop today.

Sure, performances by the one and only Eminem and younger acts Benson Boone, Teddy Swims (a favorite), Shawn Mendes, Rauw Alejandro, and OG’s Lenny Kravitz and LL Cool J were notable. Still, it’s the ladies that turned heads. It’s the performances by the likes of Best New Artist Chappell Roan, Halsey (who reinvented with a pop-tinged garage-rock aesthetic), ‘New Woman/Rockstar’ Lisa, Camila Cabello’s “Godspeed” and Artist of the Year Sabrina Carpenter’s Madonna-inspired moment is what brought the house down.  

Add the mighty Katy Perry and her robust greatest hits medley to mark her Michael Jackson Vanguard Award for contributions to pop music via her decade-plus run and still on-going career (she plugged a forthcoming album). Katy Perry was presented the trophy by husband Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and was also recognized by MTV on their 40th year anniversary, the Iconic Performance award for her rendering of “Roar” on the 2013 VMA’s. 

Host Megan Thee Stallion took home best art direction (for “BOA”) as the rapper-singer also crushed the Trending Video award with “Mamushi” with a performance featuring Japan’s Yuki Chiba.  Winners also include Billie Eilish, who won with “What Was I Made For?” for (quite the interesting category of) Video For Good, A.K.A. best song with a message. Tyla bagged the Afrobeat category via her club hit “Water.” Anitta for Latin Video OTY for “Mil Veces,” and over in the world of K-pop, Blackpink’s top girl Lisa won the nod for her “Rockstar” video. Dua Lipa’s  “Houdini” is Best Choreography and Arianna Grande got Best Cinematography for “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)”. K-pop act all-female group Le Sserafim took the Push performance category with their single “Easy,” as SZA won the Best R&B category for her song “Snooze.”

And while she’s in active audience mode (but had the camera cutting to her vicinity the whole evening), Taylor Swift still took home the biggest moon-man trophy of the night for acing the Video Of The Year Awards for “Fortnight” with Post Malone as well as Best Editing, the Song Of The Summer nod, and the Best Collaboration for said video. Taylor Swift, who was in the headlines just this past week for endorsing US presidential candidate Kamala Harris, is recognized by MTV this year as Artist Of the Year.

And then there’s Sabrina Carpenter who is having a great year just had the VMA’s confirming what everybody (at least those who cares about pop music) already knows: that the diminutive pop dynamite has two of today’s biggest hits with “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.” Both songs have been popping up everywhere and gave Sabrina Carpenter her newly minted pop star status. The “Short n’ Sweet” singer released a full-length album late last month that is chock full of tasty songs that run the gamut, from pop, synthpop, to country and back.

Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Taylor Swift and the rest of the ladies who dominated the recent MTV VMA’s is just further proof that today's world of pop is theirs. 

And we’re all just living in it.