Ensueños de Amor’ (Dreams of Love)

BY AMBETH R. OCAMPO

DECEMBER 6, 2024

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Preventing school congestion

An object previously described as “priceless” fetched P31,240,600 at auction last weekend. Small and fragile because it is made of plaster, it is one of the last few pieces of sculpture by Jose Rizal that was previously in the possession of his descendants.

Everyone, even history, has a price.

Juan Luna captured his ill-fated wife asleep in a painting known as “Ensueños de Amor” (Dreams of Love). Likewise, Rizal depicted his common-law wife asleep, naked under the sheets, in plaster. Both works are sensuous and suggestively erotic. These works remind us that heroes are not made of marble and bronze, but of flesh and blood. They were human, yet textbook history will never teach us that our heroes were occasionally horny, that they laughed, cried, and even farted.

How can I start to learn German?

 

Jason Bechtel

learning languages, working for social justice, traveling

Site Reliability Engineer (Technical Duty Officer) at ServiceNow2017–present

Studied at University of Toledo

Lives in San Diego, CA

Before anything else, I want to mention that choosing language-learning materials obviously depends on which languages you would consider your "base" languages, the languages you can learn a new language through. Of course it makes sense to learn through a native language. Since you're asking in English in an English-language forum, I'll assume that English is a native language for you. If it isn't, then you may have to adjust any advice you get to take this into account.

If English is available as a base language for you, then you're in luck. German has a lot in common with English. This will make the task much easier than it would be for someone learning German through, say, Mandarin or Arabic.

[Disclaimer: There are probably lots of people far more qualified than I am to answer this question. I am currently at about a B1/B2 level in German (CEFR). I learned through four years in high school, about a year in college, and then a year living in Germany. And now I am teaching beginner-level German in China. So, I didn't learn in a very straightforward way or use a lot of different materials.]

The first thing you should decide is what your goals are. Do you just need it for traveling, or do you need to be able to do business? Does "doing business" mean just being able to exchange pleasantries in German before switching into English, or do you need to be able to actually perform a job fully in the language (be "functional")? Do you need to be able to listen to the news, pop music, and watch TV? Do you need to be able to read the newspaper? (Note that I'm intentionally using the word "need" here rather than "want", because I think it's very important at the outset to establish what you want to achieve and then frame that as a need/requirement. "Wants" are often nebulous, shifty, and hard to pin down, so they can erode over time. And telling yourself that you need to reach certain goals will help to prepare your mind for the dedicated effort required to achieve them.)

Setting goals is actually a multi-stage process... In fact, I'm just going to direct you to Olle Linge's excellent article on goal-setting. Don't be distracted that it's on a site about learning Chinese. Every time you see the word "Chinese" just mentally substitute the word "German". The advice holds for anyone setting out to learn any substantial language. Here's the link: http://www.hackingchinese.com/goals-and-motivation-part-1-introduction/

Now that you've set your long-term, short-term, and come up with micro-goals you can use to populate your study schedule, it's time to choose learning materials. I would recommend having at least two or three materials going at any one time. It's important when you get bored with any one source to be able to switch to another one. You should also try to have materials that serve the various parts of the language that you have chosen to focus on at the moment (reading, writing, speaking, listening, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar). Try to keep reinforcing every of your target skills at least every other day.

And now I'll throw out some concrete recommendations (bearing in mind the disclaimer I made above)...

I recently signed up at http://germanpod101.com to check out their podcast. (There was a deal when I signed up, so I got a premium account for one month for USD$1.) I've listened to about 20 podcasts (mostly at the Absolute Beginner level) and looked at some of the PDFs that come with them. I also downloaded the entire archive of podcasts using iTunes, which they encourage. It seems like a nice, straightforward gentle introduction to the language. It focuses on speaking from the beginning. And I like that it touches on cultural notes and observations in the lessons.

I've also recently been looking at the German learning resources available at Deutsche Welle's website: German Courses | DW.DE

And the Goethe Institute has some free online courses available for various levels. There are currently 26 items at the A1 level: Deutsch für dich

If you're a highly dedicated and studious person, then you can try using the Assimil series, optionally with Prof. Arguelles' "shadowing" method...

As Prof. Arguelles points out, it depends what kind of learner you are. In general, try to get your hands on as many quality materials and expose yourself to as much input as possible. As soon as you get bored with something, switch. Stay interested and motivated. Cultivate your own curiosity around the language. In two words: have fun!

And welcome to the German-speaking world! Herzlich willkommen!

The challenge of our century

 

If I think about it, peace is first in my mind. But there is still another challenge. Worldwide population is expected to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050 – but agricultural lands won’t be able to follow the same pace. The problem is clear: something has to change. The question is what.

Sustainable food for everyone! Food – besides water!

The world’s population continues to grow – but the Earth’s surface doesn’t. And already one in nine people around the world suffers from hunger. Although fertility levels worldwide are declining, life expectancy is increasing – and therefore, the global population keeps growing. The United Nations estimates that the world’s population is increasing by more than 80 million people every year.

Forecasts offer a nonstop rise: The global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. So allow me to ask: How can we feed all these billions without destroying the Earth?

Although it’s a dire picture, let’s face it: the situation is not as disastrous as it might seem. Food is not lacking – it is just poorly managed. I got the idea for this post after having watched an interview with Ralf Südhoff, head of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Berlin. He said: “Today, we would be able to feed many more people than we do”. “But we waste too much of the food we produce, and we lack efficient production – particularly in Africa”.

Forgotten are many rural areas. I agree with Südhoff who says that population growth is not the key cause of hunger, but rather a lack of efficiency in managing our resources. Indeed, farmers in rural areas of some African and Asian countries still lack the necessary means to maximize crop yields, misusing vast areas of land.

Imagine, the productivity of existing arable lands could be doubled, experts believe. And experts agree that productivity could be increased through very simple means. Allow me to quote again Ralf Südhoff: “Efficiency could be doubled or tripled in African countries by providing basic means such as training, credits and land rights”.

According to Valentin Thurn, director of the German documentary “10 Billion- Whats on your plate?”, farmers in rural areas are the most affected by hunger – and the ones most commonly left behind. He believes, and he is “deadly” correct, smallholders should get integrated into the modernization processes – until now, only limited to big industrialized farms.

While it won’t necessarily be easy to feed 10 billion people sustainably, it is possible, experts believe.

“We are producing at such a pace that the natural cycle cannot recover fast enough,” Klingholz said. “And this is mainly rich countries’ fault.” Global agriculture currently produces some 4,000 calories per capita per day – the double of what each person needs. Sad to say but it’s also true: we are already producing enough for 9 to 12 billion people – but we discard a third of the harvest worldwide!

Farmers are adapting to climate change. Yes, there is climate change! The World Food Program estimates that under climate change scenarios, the risk of malnutrition for children will increase 20 percent by 2050 – meaning 24 million more children could soon suffer from it. Industrialized countries are therefore even more responsible for mitigating the effects of climate change. Südhoff believes this and so do I and many others on this globe.

Hev Abi, BINI among top local artists on Spotify Philippines

Jan Milo Severo - Philstar.com

December 5, 2024 | 11:53am

MANILA, Philippines — Original Pilipino Music (OPM) artists Hev Abi and BINI topped this year's Spotify Wrapped Philippines’ Top Local Artist. 

Rounding out the list of top local artists are balladeers Arthur Nery, TJ Monterde, and folk-pop band Ben&Ben, showcasing the breadth of talent and genres captivating Filipino fans.

"’Di naman siya nakakagulat para sa akin — lahat naman siguro ng artist gusto maging leading in some way, somehow. Pero gusto ko rin isipin na hindi siya nakakagulat para maging steady ka lang, grateful lang lagi," Hev said in a statement. 

“Ako naman ginagawa ko lang ‘yung music na gusto kong mapakinggan. 'Yung recognition ng mga tao, ng Spotify, bonus na lang. Thankful ako na maraming nag-eenjoy at nakaka-relate sa music ko, which is ‘yun na rin siguro 'yung reason kung bakit nasasabi na nire-represent ko ‘yung new sound ng Pinoy hip-hop.”

Hev Abi’s “Babaero” is this year's Spotify Wrapped Philippines’ Top Song followed by Maki’s “Dilaw,” Dionela’s “Sining,” Hev’s “Walang Alam,” and BINI’s “Pantropiko.”

“2024 has been an incredible year. We’re thrilled to celebrate the vibrant and diverse music landscape through Wrapped, a reflection of how fans connect and champion their favorite artists on Spotify,” said Gustav Back, Managing Director for Southeast Asia. 

“Pinoy music continues to break into new spaces like never before and we're excited to continue working closely with local creators to bring their crafts to more audiences,” he added. 

Coming in as the Philippines Top Artist of 2024 is Taylor Swift, followed by Hev Abi, Ariana Grande, BINI and Bruno Mars.

Eala overcomes Belarusian foe, barges into Dubai quarters

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Dec 4, 2024 09:59 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Alex Eala unleashed her inner beast to overcome a second-set stumble and scored a 6-3, 7-5 win over Belarus’ Yuliya Hatouka to barge into the singles quarterfinal round of the W100 Dubai Open at the Habtoor Grand Resort Wednesday, Dec. 4. 

Alex Eala unleashed her inner beast to overcome a second-set stumble and scored a 6-3, 7-5 win over Belarus’ Yuliya Hatouka to barge into the singles quarterfinal round of the W100 Dubai Open at the Habtoor Grand Resort Wednesday, Dec. 4.

Alex Eala has a heart of a lion.

Tied at 5-all in the second frame, the 19-year-old Eala proved she has a heart of a lion, firing timely hits and a defensive masterclass to overcome Hatouka’s final salvo in their 1 hour and 40 minute Round of 16 clash.

The hard-earned win brought Eala in the quarters where she will battle much holder Japanese Kyōka Okamura, who stunned Turkish Berfu Cengiz (6-4, 6-3, 6-0) and Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic (6-3, 6-2) in her previous contests. 

On the other hand, the two-time Asiad bronze medalist whipped Russian qualifier Rada Zolotareva, 6-2, 6-3, in her first assignment in the singles division.

Fresh from leading the Nationals for a promotion in the BJK Cup last week, Eala strutted her wares anew as she immediately made her presence felt against Hatouka in the first canto.

Though it looked like the momentum was on her side, the Belarusian netter was able to level the score in the second frame after Eala squandered a 4-2 lead.

But that was Hatouka’s last run as Eala regained her composure to take the two straight sets. 

Meanwhile in the doubles category, the Asiad two-time bronze winner displayed her tenacity and chemistry with Greece’s Valentini Grammatikopoulou as they pulled off a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Russian duo Daria Kudashova and Ekaterina Shalimova.

The Filipino-Greek pair now awaits the winner between the duo of France’s Amandine Hesse and Slovenia’s Nika Radisic against the Netherlands’ Isabelle Haverlag with Russian Elena Pridankina.

Maris Racal, Anthony Jennings dominate Google search trends

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Dec 4, 2024 06:01 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Meanwhile, the search term “Anthony Jennings” peaked in the Philippines at 75 at 12:40 a.m., also indicating strong interest. 

Maris Racal (Instragram)

Following a viral social media post, Filipino actress and singer Maris Racal trended in the Philippines as a top search term on Google on Dec. 4, according to Google Trends.

The trend emerged after fellow actor Anthony Jennings’s ex-girlfriend Jamela Villanueva posted screenshots of private messages between Racal and Jennings on Instagram at around midnight on Dec. 4, which instantly went viral among Filipino netizens.

The search term “Maris Racal” scored a 100 in the Philippines just before 1 a.m., which signified that Filipinos were searching for her the most on Google at that time. The search interest in Racal remained high throughout the morning of Dec. 4. 

Meanwhile, the search term “Anthony Jennings” peaked in the Philippines at 75 at 12:40 a.m., also indicating strong interest.

Racal and Jennings also quickly beat out search interest in South Korea, which saw a surprise declaration of martial law by President Yoon Suk Yeol late in the evening of Dec. 3.

See Google Search trends on any search term in real-time by viewing Google Trends.

YEAR AFTER YEAR

By Klaus Döring

The expressions year after year and year by year have similar meanings, but there are differences in the way they are used. Year after year is often used to focus attention on the fact that something is repeated over and over, as in this example sentence: We vacationed there year after year, until our kids grew up.

Gift giving and receiving and Christmas simply but surely go together is another example.  Many times, it incurs our indignation. Only reluctantly, many of us defer the most important decision during the most jolliest season of the year. What is the best Christmas gift for our loved ones??? Is it really an important decision, or does it delete the real meaning of Christmas? I am sure, many of us know the real answer.

The giving spirit of the holiday season seems to fade in the light of necessary obligations and finances, along with the painful dilemma of giving gifts to those who want to buy as opposed to those for whom you should buy!

Let's think about it: To whom are we obligated at Christmas: our boss, our cousins, our parents, our partner or our children and friends as well? What about the children? Should they give presents to people either then family members? How about the innumerable large families especially in the Philippines, because of economics, resort to the name drawing process at Christmas.

For me, firstly, Christmas is spirit. You can always find ways to give gifts without expenses. The most well known and always remembered gift is to give to someone like giving time. In my family we do this mostly during the holiday season.

But if I look more around, mmh, sad to say, that "time as gift" doesn't satisfy most of all.Well, it's okay. There are so many ways to use your mind in terms of giving someone other things than putting Peso, Euro or Dollar notes. I am sure you know that home made gifts can also be a very good idea... .

Sure, there is etiquette of gift giving at Christmas and also other occasions. Homemade gifts are most appropriate especially as Christmas gifts, according to Stuart E. Jacobson, book author of "The Art of Giving". Allow me to quote Jacobson, "Homemade gifts are wonderful. A gift of imagination, a gift of creativity, a gift that shows (also!) time was put into it. A created time is a wonderful present."

When considering a homemade gift, instead of tumbling through crowded shopping malls (as I tried again yesterday - just some days until Christmas!) and getting a headache (I really got!)! While stumbling from one mall to the next, I found out again, that the real and whole essence of giving a gift is to bring pleasure to the person receiving it. Jacobson says in his book, "Homemade gifts are also ideal for children to give as presents. Kids can create things because they have a unique imagination. Children should feel free to give something to anyone they spend a lot of time with. No monetary value should be placed on what a child should give to someone."

Very well said. I am just afraid that it seems more or less impossible nowadays in these modern times... .

Christmas wonder

BY ANNA CRISTINA TUAZON

DECEMBER 5, 2024

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The Christmas season is in full swing. The lighting of Christmas trees has started in various city centers. Parol and lanterns are strung up along avenues. Christmas festivals and marketplaces have been set up, enticing Filipinos to go out and shop. Most welcoming of all is that most Christmas sights are free or at little cost. From a usual lack of public leisure spaces, we are suddenly faced with an abundance of lights and decors, with every city boasting its own attraction.

“Make sure to pass by the munisipyo,” reminded my sister-in-law during a hometown visit in Rizal. Sure enough, we were awed by the brightly lit arches and yuletide ornaments. From nondescript government buildings relevant only for business transactions, these buildings now feel like genuine communal spaces, with families spending quality time together after a hard day’s work, groups of teenagers laughing and hanging out, workers sampling holiday food from street stalls.

It makes sense to me that Filipinos celebrate Christmas for as long as they can, from September to January. The more chaotic and challenging our daily life becomes, the more we need Christmas. Filipinos are known to celebrate even in the hardest of times. During disasters, our sense of humor and fun get us through—just look at children going for a swim in floodwaters, a practice now discouraged by the Department of Health due to the risk of leptospirosis and other diseases. When our politics venture into the absurd, we use our uncanny ability to make a meme out of life (a sign of Filipinos’ creativity, despite what the Programme for International Student Assessment says). If there’s even a bit of fun in something, you bet Filipinos can find it.

Erfreuliche Aussichten für Rentner: Ab 2025 steigt die Netto-Rente

Stand:04.12.2024, 14:48 Uhr

Von: Max Schäfer 

Eine Rentenerhöhung ist für Juli 2025 geplant. Aber schon ab dem neuen Jahr profitieren Rentner von Änderungen: ihre Netto-Rente wächst.

Berlin – Der Rentenversicherungsbericht brachte für Menschen im Ruhestand gute Nachrichten mit sich: Laut der Prognose soll die Rente 2025 um 3,5 Prozent steigen. Das Bundeskabinett entscheidet jedoch erst im Frühjahr darüber. Der Anstieg könnte dann sogar höher ausfallen. Die höheren Bezüge gibt es dann ab Juli. Schon vorher könnten Rentner jedoch von weiteren Änderungen profitieren, die ihnen mehr Netto vom Brutto bringt. 

2025 steigt die Netto-Rente: Rentner profitieren vom Jahressteuergesetz

Trotz Regierungschaos, Ampel-Aus und dem Streit über den Zeitpunkt der Vertrauensfrage und dem Termin der vorgezogenen Bundestagswahl fand das Jahressteuergesetz 2024 eine Mehrheit. Am 22. November hat schließlich auch der Bundesrat zugestimmt. Damit steigt 2025 die Netto-Rente. 

Gute Aussichten: Auch zahlreiche Rentner profitieren vom Jahressteuergesetz und haben 2025 eine höhere Netto-Rente. (Symbolfoto) © Paul Zinken/dpa

Bereits im Dezember profitieren Rentner von der rückwirkenden Erhöhung des Grundfreibetrags um 180 Euro. Statt bisher bei 11.604 Euro liegt der Grundfreibetrag bei 11.784 Euro. Bis zu diesem Jahreseinkommen müssen Rentner keine Steuern zahlen – wie Erwerbstätige übrigens auch.

Weniger Menschen müssen Steuern auf ihre Rente zahlen – wegen steigendem Grundfreibetrag

2025 soll der Grundfreibetrag schließlich auf 12.084 Euro steigen. Damit steigt die Anzahl der Menschen, die keine Steuern auf ihre Rente zahlen müssen. Perspektivisch steigt die Zahl: Für 2026 rechnet die Bundesregierung mit einem weiteren Anstieg auf 12.336 Euro. 

Dabei können Rentner bestimmte Ausgaben nutzen, um keine Steuern mehr zu zahlen, indem sie ihr Einkommen unter den Freibetrag drücken. Auch hier helfen die neuen Steueranpassungen. Wer etwa eine Photovoltaikanlage besitzt, profitiert durch die erweiterte Steuerbefreiung für kleine Anlagen. Dabei steigt die zulässige Bruttoleistung im kommenden Jahr von 15 Kilowatt auf 30 Kilowatt pro Wohn- oder Gewerbeeinheit.

Allgemein ist es bisher so, dass nur ein Teil der Rente versteuert werden muss. Dieser hängt vom Zeitpunkt des Eintritts in den Ruhestand ab. Wer 2024 in Rente geht, muss 83 Prozent versteuern. 17 Prozent bleiben steuerfrei. 2025 sind es immerhin 16,5 Prozent, 2026 16 Prozent.