THAT TELLS ME ALL...

 By Klaus Döring

... I need to know! Know-it-all-better, who prefer an oppressing or suppressing crab mentality should be really out of place. They poison us and our dignity and our feelings of our own worth. Unfortunately, we can find these people at any corner.

I stayed in many places worldwide - places with people belonging to different kinds of religion. I really don't care which belief people are in. Most importantly, they believe in God and they live a Christian life. I am always very happy when I find churches or prayer places - always open and filled up with praying people.

I am always very happy, when I meet hopeful and promising Christians: priests, pastors, lay people, friends, family members, who know how to share and inspire, and also know how to be patient while starting with a -maybe - "new beginning".

I am also very happy, because I still observe infinite and endless good things every day coming into my life. Slowly but surely, I started to pay attention to such things. I observe several people, who don't! I really try to do preliminary exercises for instance, for amazing things or just for a simple gratitude. With these attitudes I'll be winning each battle a thousand times against those people who live believing that God's creation goes to the dogs and kicks the bucket.

I am really happy if I meet people who understand the real meaning of responsibility. Responsibility to a child, to the family, to a company and its employees, to a public service, an association or a registered society, or anything that supports, sponsors and promotes my surroundings without being egoistic, indifferent or listless. "I don't give a damn!" 

I am always happy to notice people around me, who mean and act "YES" if they say "YES"!

I am always happy to notice something that is taken for granted: parents have time for their children and patience with the youth (really a difficult task sometimes!); someone who takes time to visit a sick neighbor or friend; someone who asks the address of a possible lonely fellow...

Every time period is in God's hands. Let's fulfill these periods and let's also allow our loved-ones at our side to live the same way. Know-it-all-betters, who prefer an oppressing or suppressing crab mentality should be really out of place. Unfortunately we can find such people at any corner. And, we must know how to deal with them.  

Is your child ready for social media?

 

By Jane Kingsu-Cheng

Published Jan 10, 2026 02:08 pm

When Australia announced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, it reignited a familiar question for many Filipino parents. When is a child actually ready for social media?

Screens are already part of daily life, but for developmental pediatrician Dr. Jack Alexander Herrin, readiness is not about a number. It is about responsibility.

“Readiness should be more important than an arbitrary age,” he says. “A child is ready when rules are clear, and they have shown they can understand and follow them.”

The age cut-off

Sixteen falls within middle adolescence, a stage when many teens are expected to have better judgment and impulse control. Dr. Herrin explains that for younger children, developmental milestones are often set at an age when around 75 percent have achieved a certain skill. For older children, experts instead look for a point when most can reasonably be expected to make responsible choices.

Still, he cautions that age alone is not a guarantee. Even older adolescents may struggle to consistently manage online spaces.

Why social media is different

Parents often ask why social media is treated differently from television or online games. For Dr. Herrin, the concern lies in how content is delivered.

“You cannot always control what you read or watch,” he says. “It only takes one wrong click for the algorithm to keep feeding you similar content.”

Unlike traditional media, social media platforms are algorithm-driven and do not verify who is using the device. “Once the algorithm sets in, a younger child may not be aware of the effects of what they are watching,” he explains, noting that older adolescents are more likely to separate fact from fiction.

He also warns that repeated exposure can shape beliefs. “The more the algorithm refines your choices, the more you are given a biased feed,” he says. Over time, this can normalize certain behaviors or viewpoints, especially for children who are still forming values

Side effects

Beyond content, screen use also affects physical and emotional health. “Any screen use, whether for studying or for fun, will strain your eyes if there is too much of it,” Dr. Herrin explains. Screen light can suppress melatonin, disrupt sleep, and affect focus and mood the following day.

“Your physical, mental, and emotional health are all interconnected,” he adds.

Signs of readiness

Rather than focusing solely on age, Dr. Herrin encourages parents to observe behavior at home. “If your child cannot follow rules consistently, they are not ready,” he says.

Supervision remains key. “If there are no filters and no way to monitor, do not give them the freedom yet,” he adds. Privileges should be earned gradually, with trust increasing only when responsibility is shown.

A privilege, not a right

Dr. Herrin stresses the importance of reframing access to screens. “Owning a phone or creating a social media account is a privilege, not a right. It comes with responsibility,” he says. “Parents set boundaries for driving, dating, curfews—so why not for screens?”

As children grow older, rules should evolve. “Around 11 or 12, it shifts to contract setting,” he explains. These agreements can cover allowed apps, screen schedules, and clear consequences when boundaries are crossed.

In the end, Australia’s policy may influence global discussions, but Dr. Herrin believes the most important decisions still happen at home. “Readiness comes from mutual respect and the child’s capacity to follow what was agreed upon.”

No setting or age limit can replace thoughtful parenting. Knowing when a child is truly ready matters more than the number on their birthday.

Torsten Sträter sagt Tour-Auftritte ab

 Komiker ist erkrankt

:Torsten Sträter sagt Tour-Auftritte ab

Der in Dortmund geborene Torsten Sträter (59) zählt zu den erfolgreichen Kabarettisten Deutschlands, jetzt zwingt ihn die Gesundheit zu einer Pause   

Foto: IMAGO/Andreas Weihs

Ina

Michaelis-Ugwonno

12.01.2026 - 14:52 Uhr

Dortmund (Nordrhein-Westfalen) — Kabarettist und Grimme-Preisträger Torsten Sträter (59) sagt sämtliche Auftritte bis Ende März ab. Der Grund: eine Erkrankung, die eine „längerfristige Regenerationsphase“ erfordere. Das teilt sein Management mit.

Für die kommenden Wochen waren bundesweit zahlreiche Termine geplant – darunter auch ein großes Highlight: Sträter sollte mit seinem aktuellen Programm „Mach mal das große Licht an“ auch in der Kölner Lanxess-Arena (bis zu 20.000 Plätze) auftreten. Doch daraus wird nun nichts. „Mit großem Bedauern teilen wir mit, dass alle bevorstehenden Auftritte von Torsten Sträter im Zeitraum Januar bis März 2026 leider nicht stattfinden können“, heißt es auf seiner Homepage.

Comedian Torsten Sträter begeistert mit humorvollen Geschichten sein Publikum, regt dabei aber nicht nur zum Lachen, sondern auch zum Nachdenken an

Foto: Schneider-Press/Raphael Stötzel

Torsten Sträter: Auftritte fallen ersatzlos aus

Woran der Mann mit der Beanie-Mütze und dem unvergleichlichen Humor, der auch für seinen offenen Umgang mit Depressionen bekannt ist, genau erkrankt ist – dazu gibt es bislang keine weiteren Angaben. Stattdessen bittet das Management darum, „die Privatsphäre des Künstlers zu respektieren und von weiteren Nachfragen abzusehen“.   „Aufgrund der Vielzahl der Termine können wir leider keine Ersatztermine anbieten“, heißt es weiter. Informationen zur Rückerstattung bereits gekaufter Tickets könne man auf der Website des Ticketanbieters oder direkt beim jeweiligen Veranstalter bekommen. „Wir danken für Ihr Verständnis.“

Jetzt steht für Comedy-Urgestein Torsten Sträter Erholung auf dem Programm, denn die Gesundheit geht vor. Seine Fans wünschen ihm mit Sicherheit nur das Beste und schnelle Genesung.

Davao City dad to file ordinance protecting delivery riders

By Ivy Tejano

Published Jan 11, 2026 10:25 pm

DAVAO CITY – A Davao City councilor is set to file an ordinance seeking to protect delivery riders from abuse and unfair treatment.

Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, chairman of the Committee on Finance, Ways and Means, stated that the proposed measure will encompass two categories of delivery workers – food delivery riders and those transporting goods and parcels.

He noted that food delivery riders often encounter problems caused by traffic delays, which sometimes lead to customers refusing to pay for orders or verbally abusing riders for late deliveries.

Dayanghirang also cited scam incidents where customers place orders but become unresponsive or difficult to locate upon delivery, leaving riders to shoulder the cost of the items.

Under the proposed ordinance, such abusive practices and fraudulent transactions will be penalized, with accountability placed on those responsible, he said.

For riders delivering goods, Dayanghirang cited situations where recipients open packages, express dissatisfaction with the items, and then blame or berate the riders despite the issue being beyond their control.

The councilor stated that the measure will also address concerns related to deductions and taxes imposed on delivery riders, to safeguard their rights and welfare.

Dayanghirang said this ordinance intends to protect delivery riders from scams, abuse, and unjust treatment, while promoting fairness in the delivery system.

FASHION PULIS: What's wrong?

By Mike Lim

Published Jan 10, 2026 11:46 am

At A Glance

• Bubbly Actress (BA) jumps into relationship after relationship as quickly as she changes clothes.

When Bubbly Actress (BA) split with Boyfriend 1 (B1), many of her fans were disappointed.

BA and B1 had been together for a considerable time, and many believed he was “the one.” Observers also noted that BA’s demeanor seemed to improve during their relationship—she appeared more grounded, toning down her bubbliness and changing for the better overall.

Some time after the breakup, BA was seen with Boyfriend 2 (B2). Although the two appeared to be together, no formal confirmation of their relationship was ever made. The public simply assumed they were a couple. BA even left sweet endearments for B2 on social media, reinforcing the belief that the relationship was serious and built to last. Many thought BA had finally found another keeper.

Fast forward a few months, and BA was spotted getting chummy with Boyfriend 3 (B3). Like B1 and B2, B3 was good-looking and came across well on screen. While BA had shared only a limited number of photos with B1, her relationship with B3 was far more visible, with numerous couple photos showing the two having fun together. Still, fans couldn’t help but wonder what happened to B2 and why he had quietly disappeared from the picture.

Allegedly, BA discovered something about B2 that left her disappointed and unhappy. Nevertheless, fans speculated that BA already had a replacement lined up, as within just a few months, B3 had taken B2’s place in her heart.

‘People will notice the change in your attitude towards them, but won’t notice their behavior that made you change.’ — Anonymous

Good sign

Controversial Boy (CB) and Protected Daughter (PD) are rumored to be getting along well. CB has been seen at several activities where PD was also present, fueling speculation about their closeness. The two reportedly share similar interests, suggesting strong compatibility. Both are competitive, value physical fitness, and are well respected in their respective fields.

However, PD’s elders may pose a stumbling block to the rumored relationship. They take their authority seriously and place great importance on their bond with PD. Given CB’s background, onlookers can only hope that PD makes the right decision regarding the young man.

Still, the pair were recently spotted dining at a restaurant in one of Metro Manila’s upscale areas. They were not alone, however—PD’s elders were reportedly present, perhaps to ensure that the two behaved appropriately.

Naturally, they made efforts to stay out of the public eye. As celebrities, they understand the importance of privacy. The lingering question is whether CB already meets the standards set by PD’s elders. Sharing a meal with family—especially with overprotective parents—can be significant. Hopefully, CB has left his past behind and is striving to be the best partner he can be for PD.

‘Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.’ ― Lao Tzu

Follow @FashionPulis on Twitter and @fashionpulis on Instagram.

Till next Sunday...

8 WAYS PEOPLE GAIN POWER WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

 

Mind-Games

 · 

Posted by 

Oliver

 

Jan 6

8 WAYS PEOPLE GAIN POWER WITHOUT SAYING A WORD

Why do some people walk into a room and the air rearranges itself around them, no announcement, no effort, just presence. Power like that isn’t loud.

It leaks through behavior, timing, restraint. Below are eight ways people collect influence without speeches, threats, or raised voices.

---

1. STILLNESS BEFORE RESPONSE 📌

They pause before reacting, not out of confusion but control, that small delay shifts the frame.

others start filling the gap, revealing more than they planned, have you noticed how calm timing bends conversations in their favor, almost unfairly sometimes.

---

2. EYE CONTACT THAT DOESN’T BEG 📌

Their gaze holds without pleading or proving, steady yet relaxed, it signals comfort with outcome either way, people read that as authority.

because who isn’t afraid of losing attention rarely loses it, right, in the room.

---

3. ECONOMY OF WORDS 📌

They speak less than expected, every sentence earns its seat, scarcity sharpens attention, ramblers lower their own value,

listeners lean in when words arrive measured, placed carefully, like currency spent by someone who already has plenty.

---

4. CONTROL OF EMOTIONAL LEAKAGE 📌

Ever seen someone get insulted and not flinch, that restraint rattles observers, emotions become signals not spills,

by choosing what shows they force others to guess, and guessing hands them leverage, doesn’t it, over time.

---

5. BODY POSITIONING 📌

They claim space without drama, shoulders open, movements unhurried, bodies teach before mouths do,

people mirror what they respect, so posture becomes instruction, a quiet lesson saying I belong here, whether approval comes or not.

---

6. SELECTIVE AVAILABILITY📌

Always reachable people feel cheap, the powerful ration access, delayed replies reset hierarchies,

others adapt to their rhythm, not the reverse, when you’re not scrambling you’re evaluated as valuable, you see it play out daily, don’t you.

---

7. COMPOSURE UNDER PRESSURE 📌

Stress exposes rank, those who stay steady while stakes rise become reference points, panic disqualifies faster than mistakes,

calm suggests experience, or at least confidence in recovery, and people follow whoever looks like they’ve been here before.

---

8. ENDING INTERACTIONS FIRST 📌

Why do some people leave conversations early and gain status, they choose the exit, not out of boredom but control, endings define memory, by closing interactions first they set terms, leaving others wanting continuation, which softly converts into respect.

---

CONCLUSION

Power without noise lasts longer because it isn’t contested, it’s assumed. These behaviors stack gradually,

shaping how people respond before logic even kicks in. This isn’t performance, it’s self control expressed in public moments, once noticed it changes how every interaction feels.

If influence really lives in what you don’t say, what habits are you unknowingly revealing every time you open your mouth?

Diese Krankenkassen sind jetzt richtig teuer

 Die große Liste

:Diese Krankenkassen sind jetzt richtig teuer

Beitragssätze steigen so stark wie lange nicht

Foto: Fotostand

Konstantinos

Mitsis

11.01.2026 - 10:52 Uhr    

Zum Jahreswechsel haben 42 von 96 Krankenkassen ihren Zusatzbeitrag erhöht. Damit ist fast jeder zweite Versicherte betroffen – insgesamt mehr als 30 Millionen Menschen. Der durchschnittliche Zusatzbeitrag liegt inzwischen bei rund 2,9 Prozent, Tendenz weiter steigend. Weitere Erhöhungen sind nicht ausgeschlossen.

Den stärksten Anstieg verzeichnete die Betriebskrankenkasse EWE: Der Zusatzbeitrag sprang von 1,98 auf 3,19 Prozent. Das ist ein Plus von 1,21 Prozentpunkten – der höchste Wert im gesamten Vergleich. Ebenfalls kräftig fiel die Erhöhung bei der BKK exklusiv aus, die ihren Zusatzbeitrag von 2,39 auf 3,49 Prozent anhob (+1,10 Prozentpunkte). Auf Platz drei folgt die energie-Betriebskrankenkasse, bei der der Zusatzbeitrag von 2,98 auf 3,98 Prozent stieg – ein Zuwachs von glatt einem Prozentpunkt.

Mit dem Kassen-Kompass können Sie Ihre gesetzliche Krankenversicherung optimieren und unter anderem den günstigsten Anbieter finden. Klicken Sie dazu hier

Foto: BILD/epi

Diese Krankenversicherungen heben den Zusatzbeitrag an

KRANKENKASSE	ZUSATZBEITRAG 2025	ZUSATZBEITRAG 2026	STEIGT UM ...
AOK Baden-Württemberg	2,60 %	2,99 %	+0,39 Prozentpunkte
AOK Bremen / Bremerhaven	2,49 %	3,29 %	+0,80 Prozentpunkte
AOK – Die Gesundheitskasse für Niedersachsen	2,70 %	2,98 %	+0,28 Prozentpunkte
AOK – Die Gesundheitskasse in Hessen	2,49 %	2,98 %	+0,49 Prozentpunkte
AOK NordWest	2,79 %	2,99 %	+0,20 Prozentpunkte
AOK Rheinland/Hamburg	2,99 %	3,29 %	+0,30 Prozentpunkte
AOK Sachsen-Anhalt	2,50 %	2,89 %	+0,39 Prozentpunkte
Audi BKK	2,40 %	2,60 %	+0,20 Prozentpunkte
Bahn-BKK	3,40 %	3,65 %	+0,25 Prozentpunkte
Bergische Krankenkasse	2,95 %	3,79 %	+0,84 Prozentpunkte
Betriebskrankenkasse EWE	1,98 %	3,19 %	+1,21 Prozentpunkte
Betriebskrankenkasse Miele	2,80 %	3,20 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
Betriebskrankenkasse PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC)	2,40 %	2,80 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
BIG direkt gesund	3,39 %	3,69 %	+0,30 Prozentpunkte
BKK exklusiv	2,39 %	3,49 %	+1,10 Prozentpunkte
BKK Faber-Castell & Partner	2,18 %	2,48 %	+0,30 Prozentpunkte
BKK Freudenberg	2,49 %	2,99 %	+0,50 Prozentpunkte
BKK Groz-Beckert	2,50 %	3,40 %	+0,90 Prozentpunkte
bkk melitta hmr	3,50 %	3,90 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
BKK ProVita	2,89 %	3,79 %	+0,90 Prozentpunkte
BKK Public	2,30 %	2,50 %	+0,20 Prozentpunkte
BKK Rieker.RICOSTA.Weisser	3,80 %	4,20 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
BKK Scheufelen	3,40 %	3,99 %	+0,59 Prozentpunkte
BKK Schwarzwald-Baar-Heuberg	2,44 %	2,79 %	+0,35 Prozentpunkte
BKK WERRA-MEISSNER	3,39 %	4,35 %	+0,96 Prozentpunkte
DAK-Gesundheit	2,80 %	3,20 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
energie-Betriebskrankenkasse	2,98 %	3,98 %	+1,00 Prozentpunkte
EY Betriebskrankenkasse	2,29 %	2,75 %	+0,46 Prozentpunkte
Handelskrankenkasse (hkk)	2,19 %	2,59 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte
Heimat Krankenkasse	3,10 %	3,90 %	+0,80 Prozentpunkte
Knappschaft	4,40 %	4,30 %	-0,10 Prozentpunkte
mhplus Betriebskrankenkasse	3,29 %	3,86 %	+0,57 Prozentpunkte
Novitas BKK	2,98 %	3,60 %	+0,62 Prozentpunkte
Pronova BKK	3,20 %	3,70 %	+0,50 Prozentpunkte
R+V Betriebskrankenkasse	2,96 %	3,49 %	+0,53 Prozentpunkte
Salus BKK	2,99 %	3,29 %	+0,30 Prozentpunkte
SKD BKK	2,48 %	2,98 %	+0,50 Prozentpunkte
Techniker Krankenkasse	2,45 %	2,69 %	+0,24 Prozentpunkte
VIACTIV Krankenkasse	3,27 %	4,19 %	+0,92 Prozentpunkte
WMF BKK	2,45 %	2,85 %	+0,40 Prozentpunkte

Quelle: Angaben des Spitzenverbands Bund der Krankenkassen (GKV)

Das müssen Sie jetzt wissen

Wenn Ihr Einkommen beispielsweise bei 3000 Euro brutto im Monat liegt, können schon kleine Unterschiede beim Zusatzbeitrag viel Geld aufs Jahr gerechnet ausmachen.

► Beispiel: Der Zusatzbeitrag bei der AOK Bremen/Bremerhaven steigt von 2,49 Prozent auf 3,29 Prozent. Bei einem Arbeitnehmer mit 3000 Euro Bruttolohn macht das insgesamt 24 Euro mehr im Monat. Da sich Arbeitgeber und Arbeitnehmer den Zusatzbeitrag teilen, bleiben für den Beschäftigten 12 Euro weniger netto pro Monat. Aufs Jahr gerechnet ergibt sich eine Mehrbelastung von 144 Euro.

Steigt der Zusatzbeitrag Ihrer Krankenkasse, haben Sie in der Regel ein Sonderkündigungsrecht. Das bedeutet, Sie können innerhalb eines Monats nach Bekanntgabe der Erhöhung kündigen.

Deshalb lohnt es sich, vergleichbare Versicherungsanbieter zu prüfen, die niedrigere Beiträge verlangen – ohne dass Sie auf Gesundheitsleistungen verzichten müssen.

So wechseln Sie sinnvoll

Achten Sie bei einem Wechsel auf folgende Punkte:

► Service und Zusatzleistungen: Was ist inbegriffen? Manche Kassen bieten Extras wie Bonusprogramme oder Gesundheitskurse an.

► Kündigungsfrist/Sonderrecht: Nutzen Sie das Sonderkündigungsrecht, wenn Ihre Kasse teurer wird.