Why there’s a sudden interest in Henry Mancini ?

 

Italian/American composer Henry Mancini would have been a hundred years old last April 16. He was born in Ohio to a family of Italian immigrants on April 16, 1924. He died on June 14, 1994 from pancreatic cancer. Mancini grew up to become a conductor, arranger, flutist, pianist, concert performer and one of the greatest composers in the history of film music. Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Music from Peter Gunn, theme from ‘The Pink Panther,’ Once is Not Enough, Charade and so many others. No wonder a lot of people want to celebrate him. I do, too. STAR / File

SOUNDS FAMILIAR - Baby A. Gil - The Philippine Star 

July 6, 2024 | 12:00am

I initially found it strange that items about the Italian/American composer Henry Mancini were suddenly popping up online these past weeks when I thought there was no reason for them to do so. I love Mr. Mancini’s music very much but he had already passed away so what could be newsworthy about him?

It turned out that I was so wrong. The reason why media had developed a sudden interest in Mr. Mancini was because he would have been a hundred years old last April 16. He was born in Ohio to a family of Italian immigrants on April 16, 1924. He died on June 14, 1994 from pancreatic cancer. So that was why there was this concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a new tribute album and Michael Bublé is singing Moon River.

Mancini grew up to become a conductor, arranger, flutist, pianist, concert performer and one of the greatest composers in the history of film music. Moon River, Days of Wine and Roses, Music from Peter Gunn, theme from “The Pink Panther,” Once is Not Enough, Charade and so many others. No wonder a lot of people want to celebrate him. I do, too.

Mancini created pretty melodies. His works were nothing earthshaking but they were classy and made being lazy and listless, not only acceptable but utterly chic. What sort of image do you get when you hear Charade? Dinner on a boat sailing the River Seine. What about Speak Softly Love? I say fields and fields of sunflowers. What tune would you like playing in your head while walking the sidewalks of Manhattan? Once is Not Enough. And when you get to your destination at Tiffany’s? Of course, Moon River plays in your soundtrack.

There are more as I rediscovered while going over his bio for this piece. No wonder there was this pretty little tune The Sweetheart Tree at the end of “The Great Race.” It was by Mancini. Is there anything cuter than the Baby Elephant Walk from “Hatari.” He did the music for the most binged series of the ‘70s era “The Thornbirds.”  He worked on the music of “Me Natalie” with Rod McKuen, plus Moment to Moment, Dear Heart and who can dismiss one of my all-time favorites, the music of “Two for the Road” and its meaningful theme song.

Mancini also excelled as an arranger. His work on A Time for Us, the Nino Rota tune from “Romeo and Juliet” and Love Story by Francis Lai made the hit charts. He is credited with the clever use of Ravel’s Bolero in “10.” Remember Bo Derek and her corn rows rising out of the sea? And many more. Suffice to say, back in those days, the ‘70s and ‘80s eras, Mancini was the go-to guy if you wanted a movie score that was sentimental, sexy, trendy and which would become a hit.

Mancini recorded 90 albums during his lifetime. He was nominated 72 times at the Grammy Awards. He won 20 of them including Album of the Year for “The Music from Peter Gunn” in 1958, Best Instrumental Arrangement for A Time for Us, the love theme from “Romeo and Juliet” in 1969, then Record of the Year and Song of the Year for Moon River from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in 1961. He was nominated 18 times at the Academy Awards and won four times including Best Original Song for Moon River in 1961 and another Best Original Song again a year later for “Days of Wine and Roses.”

An interesting tribute album titled Henry Mancini, the 100th Sessions is set to drop soon. It is made up of new recordings of Mancini’s songs including Peter Gunn by Quincy Jones, John Williams, Herbie Hancock and Arturo Sandoval, the Moon River by Bublé and the theme from “The Pink Panther” by Lizzo and flutist James Galway, plus others.

Preparedness and collective action are keys to disaster resilience

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Jul 7, 2024 00:03 AM

  

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The impact of climate change has become more evident. Heat waves a few months ago affected routine, canceling classes in school, prohibiting outdoor activities, and adjusting the way people went along with their daily schedules. When the rains came, the waters flooded streets and destroyed crops, causing billions of pesos in damage, threatening food security, and claiming many lives. 

We are familiar with the scenarios that climate change has brought on. After emerging from a long dry spell of El Niño, we are preparing for the La Nina weather phenomenon. The reality of climate change should by now create a deeper awareness on the importance of resilience, or our ability to recover quickly from disaster.

That is the focus of the Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) campaign on the role of climate resilience in safeguarding the Philippines from the escalating impacts of climate change. Its observance of National Disaster Resilience Month is focused on the theme “Bantayog ng Katatagan at ang Pagbubuklod sa Layuning Kahandaan” (Pillar of resilience and uniting for preparedness). Programs emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to enhance the country’s ability to withstand and recover from climate-related disasters.

Preparedness is the key to resilience and this requires that individuals stay informed of what’s happening around them, especially on community programs that have been designed for dealing with climate change. Being connected to one’s community can start with volunteer work. Use this day to find out where you fit in your barangay’s disaster preparedness programs.

“Solidarity and collective action are fundamental to climate resilience. Building strong connections with neighbors and community organizations, participating in local volunteer efforts focused on climate-related disaster response and recovery, and spreading awareness about climate resilience through schools, workplaces, and social networks are also important,” the CCC said. 

The agency’s programs also include calls to support climate-resilient infrastructure improvement and the adoption of sustainable practices, including recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable transportation. Any effort to lessen one’s footprint on this planet – such as reducing waste – can contribute to sustainable practices.  Start with avoiding the use of single-use plastic bags and containers, a situation which confront each of us daily.
The crucial role that local government units (LGUs) will play in the implementation of national climate change mitigation and adaptation plans has been highlighted by the CCC during the recent Eastern Visayas Summit on Climate-Resilient Development. Among the programs discussed were the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change, National Climate Change Action Plan, and the National Climate Risks Management Framework.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is preparing for a significant initiative next year with its new community-led climate adaptation project under the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS).

Now on its initial planning stage, the program is designed to tackle the dual challenges of poverty and climate change in vulnerable areas, particularly those prone to severe climatic hazards and home to indigenous populations.

Already, the DSWD has reported that the KALAHI-CIDSS has achieved “significant milestones, enhancing community resilience by constructing 1,250 community centers, multi-purpose buildings, and evacuation centers, providing safe havens during disasters.” It has also provided 928 units of disaster and pandemic response equipment, and built 3,566 quarantine facilities, re-purposed to manage public health emergencies during disasters.

The government programs to build disaster resilient communities need the support of individuals and families who make up the barangays.  Start with a disaster preparedness plan in your household.

Mandy Moore pitches Sabrina Carpenter as Rapunzel in potential 'Tangled' live-action

 

Kristofer Purnell - Philstar.com

July 6, 2024 | 10:06am

Moore has made her pick on who she wants to star in a live-action "Tangled" movie should Disney give it a go: singer-actress Sabrina Carpenter.

Mandy sat down with media outlet Elite Daily to discuss her partnership with a recent project of TJ Maxx's where she was asked about a potential "Tangled" live-action remake and said she'd cast Sabrina as Rapunzel. Mandy was the voice behind the character in the 2010 animated movie.

"I could see her with 50 feet of hair or something," Mandy said. "She looks like a Disney princess in real life."

As for what role she'd take in a potential live-action remake, the actress envisions her as Rapunzel's mother where she could have a duet with Sabrina.

"Let's have a real mother-daughter duet, and have someone write an original song so we can talk about our differences and how hard it is to be a young person in this world," Mandy explained.

Both Mandy and Sabrina started out as Disney child stars, with Sabrina gaining fame in "Girl Meets World" and "Sofia the First," while Mandy's film debut was "The Princess Diaries," opposite Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews.

After more Disney projects, Sabrina began releasing more music and became a global sensation with her back-to-back hits "Espresso" and "Please, Please, Please."

Mandy went on to star in "A Walk to Remember," "Chasing Liberty," "All I Want," and a critically-acclaimed role in the show "This Is Us."

There are reports of a third "Princess Diaries" film in development, and Mandy wants a redemption arc for her character Lana.

"I would show up in a cameo, and work at a pet rescue now — just something fun," Mandy said.

"You have all the time in the world to continue to redefine who you are, how you want to treat people, and what you want your legacy to be. "None of us should be pigeonholed by who we were in high school and what we did, and I hope the same would go for Lana," she ended.

Disney has yet to announce a live-action remake of "Tangled." When Sabrina dressed up as Rapunzel last Halloween, it fueled fans' calls to consider her for the role for its potential live-action remake. 

Style Weekend: To become successful, young designers must understand that fashion is both art and business

‘To continue living our dreams and achieving success, we must embrace the dual nature of our craft.’

BY MB LIFESTYLE

  

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By Chris Salido

Last week, iAcademy students invited their friends and families to gather for a graduation ceremony unlike any other. The school, in collaboration with Style Conquest, made a bold statement as they took their commencement moment to the runway.

But before the “grad” finale, Jean Dee, head of the Fashion Design Department of iAcademy, was there. She went back and forth, checked the schedules, and oversaw the production. Dee was committed to her role—being a “stage mom” to her beloved students.

Joanna Santos, Elene Mariano, Jannah Collado, Ellyn Denubo, Abby Fernandez, and Megan Davies.

Backstage, Dee continued to assist her students. She gave them the support they needed and ensured everything ran smoothly behind the curtains as the show went on. “The Fashion Design and Technology (FDT) Grad Show is a commemoration of their creative journey, a celebration of their creativity, and the launch of their fashion careers. It is an extremely special and emotional event,” she said.

“It is a tribute to fashion designers participating in Style Conquest Fashion Shows. Chardy Baldoza of R PR and Prod envisioned an event to launch the careers of emerging designers to the public. [This year’s collaboration and] magazine commemorate our students’ hard work and provide them with a platform to launch their professional careers,” Dee added.

Fashion, art, and business 

It was the moment they all had been waiting for—a debut of their students' creations. Every measurement, every draft design, and every stitch they made, piece by piece, made its way to the finale, ending their academic journey with a show that proves the dream can turned into reality, especially when you have the right resources and genuine support from the people who believe in you.  

“iAcademy helps aspiring designers find or forge their creative paths in fashion and the creative industries. We support our students in finding their unique voices and building confidence in their work by honing their fashion competencies through lessons and experiences,” Dee said. “The (FDT) course takes three years and seven months to complete. Students spend three years in general education and specialized courses, finishing their thesis and internship during the last seven months. Many students engage in professional practice as early as their second year, allowing them the option to work in fashion while they study.”

"Mabi’s Arcade" by Abby Fernandez

"Adoracion" by Joanna Santo

In the competitive world of fashion, only the bravest and the boldest make the cut. That’s why the school is helping its students every step of the way to be ready, equipping them with the right skills, hands-on experiences, and resources to pursue their dream of being a fashion designer. It wants its students to hold on to their dreams and capitalize on the business side of art and fashion.

“My hope for every aspiring designer is to learn how to enterprise their creativity—using their unique gifts to solve problems and offer value to the workplace and society,” Dee said. “Fashion is both art and business and to continue living our dreams and achieving success, we must embrace the dual nature of our craft.”

Down the runway

During the event, six FDT students debuted their collections. Jannah Collado's "Astor" collection is inspired by an extreme fear of thunderstorms and lightning. Meanwhile, Megan Davies' collection, "The Inner Child," explores the discomfort of childhood trauma and the nostalgia that it brings. Ellyn Denubo's “Perya-serye” collection, however, brought on the playful and lively side of perya (funfair) to the runway.  

 "Blissful Awakening" by Elena Mariano

"The Inner Child" by Megan Davies

Abby Fernandez looked at her passion for Japanese arcades in making her streetwear collection dubbed "Mabi's Arcade." Elene Mariano's “Blissful Awakening” collection is an ode to her intimacy, an empowering and liberating experience for female sexual expression. Joanna Santos' "Adoracion" collection is an ode to her late grandmother Adoracion and how grief influenced her creative process. 

"Perya-Serye" by Ellyn Denubo

 "Astor" by Jannah Collado

“This year, we expect 11 students to graduate [in the FDT course]. Last week, six [of our] students showcased their collections. Younger students help and witness the excitement, preparing them for their final year. [And] we offer all our love and creativity to the graduating batch, wishing them well as they embark on exciting professional careers in fashion,” Dee ended.

Filipino food, aspiring beauty queens, and celebrity she admires

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Jul 6, 2024 00:46 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Andrea is in town for the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, which will be held at Smart Araneta City on Sunday, July 7.

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Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio (Images courtesy of Russ Cuevas)

Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio enjoys traveling alone to different places. She had no escort or assistant when she arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday night. Andrea is in town for the 60th Binibining Pilipinas beauty pageant, which will be held at Smart Araneta City on Sunday, July 7.

It's her first time in the Philippines, and she loves it. She enjoys tropical places and wouldn't mind returning to the country for a vacation. She loves the weather, similar to her country in Venezuela, so she has never had difficulty adjusting to the hot weather here. "It's all work here, but I love it! Maybe I'll return soon."

Andrea's fun personality was inspiring during the interview. The 25-year-old beauty queen is fluent in English, which she learned while attending high school and college in Colombia. 

During the interview, Andrea shared about the Filipino food she loves, the celebrity she looks up, her advice to future beauty queens, and her plans after her reign as Miss International in November.

Manila Bulletin: Hello Andrea! Welcome to the Philippines. Is this your first time visiting the country?

Andrea: Amazing country. What we have in Venezuela because of the weather is similar to Caracas. The city I was born in. It was when I was on the plane, and I looked out the window. And it was such a beautiful place. And I was excited to come here. I'm staying at the Novotel in Araneta City. it's a beautiful place full of infrastructures. And there's a big mall beside us. There's traffic but it's been amazing. 

Manila Bulletin: What Filipino words have you learned so far?

Andrea: Give me a few seconds. Mabuhay and salamat po!

Manila Bulletin: Have you tried any Filipino food?

Andrea: My favorite is chicken adobo. I've been having that for dinner for two days. And today's lunch is my favorite, too. 

Manila Bulletin: You speak good English. 

Andrea: I've been studying English since I was a little kid.

Manila Bulletin: How has your reign as Miss International been?

Andrea: It has been such a blast working with the organization because they are flexible in so many things. It's not as straight as people think it is. I live in Venezuela and also in Colombia. I've been traveling a lot in these two places this year. But getting the opportunity to know so many cultures and countries is something only a few people have. So it's a blast to learn so much from your culture for other countries for other people. It's been massive for me.

Manila Bulletin: How has winning Miss International changed your life?

Andrea: It changed me in a lot of ways. It taught me so many things about being a good competitor. Because when you're in Miss International, you're in Tokyo, it's not a bad competition. It's a good competition when you're with other girls and you learn from them. When I got to Tokyo, I lost all my luggage. And the girls lent me so many things. So it's something that maybe you don't see on other beauty pageants, but you see it there.

Manila Bulletin: As Miss International, what are the causes or advocacy you promote?

Andrea: Right now, I'm working a lot of my masterclass where I teach girls to work on what they have with their body, their confidence, how to work also their communication skills that is so important in every field you are in and I've been doing that in my country and Colombia. So it's growing a lot. And it makes me proud because I love teaching other girls with what I have. Maybe I'm not 40 years old, but I've been learning a lot from this experience, making the modeling career as an audio-visual communicator, how to work on your social media in the right way, how to work with brands. So that's what I teach in this masterclass.

Manila Bulletin: Do you know beauty pageants are very popular in the Philippines?

Andrea: Yeah, it's impressive! It's just how it is in Venezuela, only in a few places when you will win a crown. It's very similar. We have a lot of beauty queens that have worn a crown, and it's just how we got it in Venezuela. When we see Catriona (Gray), it's like, wow, a big icon for us, really. Yes, because there's so much love for beauty pageants in our country, something cultural that we share.

Manila Bulletin: On Sunday, July 7, we will crown the next Philippine representative to Miss International. What qualities is the Miss international Organization looking for in the next winner?

Andrea: a very respectful woman who can speak for herself and has a lot of communication skills. It is good working with other people that she is a good learner because you have to learn a lot from Miss International. She's a person who's willing to work hard—one year traveling to the world that's organized. Only some have the opportunity to travel the world. So, it's an opportunity that she has to be proud of and take advantage of her experience.

Miss International 2023 Andrea Rubio (right) with Binibining Pilipinas queens 

Manila Bulletin: Your advice to young girls who want to become a beauty queen.

Andrea: The beauty pageant is much more than having just a pretty face. It has the opportunity to speak and communicate with so many people. It's a huge window. The window in Filipino is the same in Spanish. When there is a huge window, you must open it for yourself, your career, your profession, and your growth. It's a huge opportunity.

Manila Bulletin: A celebrity you look up to?

Andrea: Tyra Banks. She has her own America's Next Top Model. I looked up to her when I was little. And she was the kind of personality and energy I wanted to have. She inspires me a lot because she's funny. She can be anything. She's very versatile. So, she inspired me a lot when I was a little girl. I was on a reality show similar to America's Next Top Model in Colombia. But it was girls and boys. Yeah, I won! And it was for the popular vote in Colombia. Even if I am not a Colombian, people supported me. So it was huge.

Manila Bulletin: What are your plans after your reign as Miss International 2023?

Andrea: This has been a big push on my career. I would love to be on TV. I would love to have my own business. And I am still growing my masterclass. I would love an online course to give girls the tools they need to become stronger in their careers. And yeah, I keep working on my visual skills and social media because it's something I like. So I would love to be part of the new TV.

Teach Philippine history, Marcos tells incoming DepEd chief

BY BETHEENA UNITE

Jul 5, 2024 01:18 PM

  

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President Marcos has asked one important thing from new Education Secretary Sonny Angara—to teach Philippine history in schools.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the distribution of government assistance in the provinces of Eastern Visayas on July 4, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Malacañang)

Marcos bared that among the several matters he discussed with the incoming chief of the Department of Education (DepEd) is to widen the coverage of teaching Philippine history, citing the limited history topics in workbooks.

"The one thing I asked from him was to: Please teach our children Philippine history. Because I have seen my children's workbooks and there's very little said about the history of the Philippines," Marcos said in an interview at the sidelines of distribution of government assistance in Sulu. 

"And that for me, that is so important for a very simple reason...kaya ganito kami, kaya ganyan ang ugali namin dahil sa aming kasaysayan (the reason we are behaving like this is because of our history). And that's the one thing I asked of him, that's in the curriculum," Marcos added.

The President also disclosed that they are looking to simplify the curriculum to "make sure that everybody understands the basics."

"Because marami pang nasa Grade 5 na, nasa Grade 6 mahina magbasa...  at yung mga simple na mathematics na exam ay hindi nila kayang gawain, so yun ang kailangan talaga (there are many students who are already in 5th, 6th grade, yet they still cannot read properly, they still cannot solve simple mathematics exams, so that is what we need). We have to go back to basics," the Chief Executive said.

Marcos also made a directive to Angara to beef up the agency's feeding program as stunting among learners persists. 

He further told Angara to prioritize the retraining of teachers, considering the fast-pace technology development.

Angara was named to be the next DepEd Secretary, replacing Vice President Sara Duterte who has resigned from the post. Angara will officially take over the DepEd leadership on July 19.

6 tips on how to protect your pets from risks of changing weather

 

Dolly Dy-Zulueta - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — We have always been warned against the changing weather because it has somehow, to a certain degree, adversely affected us in the past.

When the weather shifts from hot to cold, exactly like how it is doing right about this time of the year, we are left scrambling for comfort and protection, and our immune system finds it challenging to keep up. When this happens, it is caught off guard and as a result, we can get allergies, colds and flu. 

Did you know that the same weather-related temperature changes pose challenges for our pets, too? Just like us, they suffer from seasonal allergies, respiratory issues and discomfort due to sudden shifts in temperature. It is important to be mindful of their needs and take steps to ensure their well-being during these unpredictable weather patterns.

How about getting your fur baby a pet insurance?

For fur parents who want to be on top of their pet’s comfort and health in these conditions, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Ensure that they have climate-appropriate shelter.

Just like you, your pet needs to have a comfortable place to rest that suits the weather – warm and cozy during cold spells, and cool and shaded during hot days.

Additionally, it is essential to ensure that your pets are well-suited to thrive in tropical climates like the Philippines, as some dog breeds, such as pugs and chow-chows, are more prone to respiratory issues and heat strokes.

Keep them well-fed and hydrated

Giving your pets a nutritious diet that supports their immune system can help them stay healthy and resilient against weather-related illnesses.

It is important to always keep your pets hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

Exercise wisely

Our pets’ health is also closely tied to how much exercise they can do regularly.

However, it is important to adjust exercise routines based on the weather. Avoid intense activities during extreme heat or cold. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws.

Stay on top of their grooming

Maintain regular grooming to keep their coat in good condition, which can help regulate their body temperature. Never shave your pet's coat too short, especially in hot weather, as it can expose their skin to sunburn and other risks.

Be vigilant for signs of health problems

Be vigilant for signs of allergies, such as excessive scratching or sneezing, and consult your vet if these symptoms appear.

With the country experiencing hotter days these days even when it is the rainy season, it is important to know the symptoms of overheating in pets. These include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, drooling, or increased heart and respiratory rate.

Consider investing in pet insurance

With the weather and temperatures constantly changing, it is essential to have financial protection in place for unexpected veterinary expenses.

Regional insurtech Igloo, understanding how important it is to keep your pets healthy and your finances secure, developed Pet Insure in partnership with Malayan Insurance and GCash. Pet Insure is a tailored non-life insurance product designed to safeguard the health of dogs, regardless of their breed. This product empowers dog parents to address their fur babies' needs comprehensively, from emergencies to accidents.

It provides a three-in-one coverage package, including medical reimbursement for veterinary care up to a maximum of P100,000, owner's liability coverage of up to P250,000 and a personal accident cover for dog owners worth P50,000. All of this is available for as low as P650 for a one-month coverage period through the GCash GInsure marketplace.

As responsible pet parents, it is essential to keep on top of any changes in your pets' health and behavior, especially with weather changes. Being a little bit more vigilant and being prepared for any emergency can make a significant difference in keeping your furry friends healthy and happy all year round.

What are typical German habits?

 

Judith Meyer

Berlin-based polyglot, author and web developer

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IT Coordinator at www.diem25.org, author of language courses (print and digital). Former head organizer of the Polyglot Gathering (largest international conference for language geeks).

I love learning & teaching languages, discussing politics and philosophy, and developing computer programs that process languages.

If you want to ask me something about languages, please check out Overview of my Language-Learning Advice or A2A me if there is a question I haven't yet written about, this is preferable to asking in private because more people will benefit from the answer.

Bringing flowers when visiting someone.

As long as the flowers are a colourful bouquet (or even a pretty potted plant) and not just roses, this won't necessarily be interpreted as a romantic gesture. Bring flowers when visiting elderly people in particular; parent-age people may also find a bottle of good wine or a box of expensive chocolates acceptable. Never come empty-handed. If going to a student party, you might bring something very cheap like a salty snack or a bottle of soda, but never come empty-handed.

Flowers are traditionally given to women. If visiting a work colleague at his home, you'd give the flowers to his wife (the lady of the house). I believe this is because traditionally the wife had to do the work of preparing for a guest.

Flowers are also often gifted by superiors as a form of recognition, for example for a woman's work anniversary, for women volunteers at an event, for female talk show guests or for female passer-bys on Mother's Day.

Apologizing for being late

In Germany, punctuality is seen very strictly: people generally expect an apology even if you're just two minutes late. And this happens quite often because not all Germans are good at being punctual.

Asking for the window or door to be shut

German windows are a wonder of technology: they can be opened partially (as in the photo) as well as completely (sideways). However, if you even partially open the window and there is another open window/door somewhere, some Germans will start to complain about the draft of air coming through. Sitting in the draft is believed to cause colds, so people are quick to request the window to be shut.

Lecturing people at the red light

If you're a pedestrian trying to cross the street on a red light, no matter if there are no cars in sight, be prepared to be lectured (and sometimes physically restrained) by any elderly German lady or parent with kids.

Separating trash

Since environmentalism is big in Germany, it's important to separate different kinds of trash so that they may be recycled. In a typical household you'll find trash cans for paper, recyclable packaging, organic waste and "other", while glass (separated into white/green/brown glass) is collected in big containers you can find nearby. Most glass bottles now have Pfand, meaning that you initially pay an extra fee which you will get back when/if you return the bottle to the store.

Respecting Authority

Kurt Tucholsky (German thinker) said it best: "The German nightmare is to stand in front of a counter, the German dream is to sit behind a counter."

Germans have a lot of respect for authorities:
1) those given power (bureaucrats, policemen) and
2) those who have authoritative knowledge of their field (teachers, doctors, lawyers)

Politicians on the other hand are given no respect; any American lawyer joke is a politician joke in Germany.

Talking about the news

It is assumed that everyone has been watching the news (or are too ashamed to admit if they haven't), so the news are a safe topic to discuss with anyone, including strangers on the street. They're kind of like the weather. There is little chance of offending anyone or getting into a heated argument because the consensus is that all German politicians are shitty and we're all just voting for the least bad choice. "Wahl zwischen Pest und Cholera" - a choice between falling prey to either pestilence or cholera is how we say it in German.