fabiochiu/medium-articles huggingface dataset:
They dropped a Bridge on him: The 2020 Auggen Bridge Collapse.
By: Max S
Tags: Accident, Disaster, Trains, Germany, Railways

The train involved

One of the main services using the railway is so-called “Combined Traffic”, which are different ways to load containers, trailers or whole trucks onto trains rather than unloading them at the freight yard and moving the cargo over into train cars. One form of this is the “Rolling Road” (“Rollende Landstraße” in German, often abbreviated to “RoLa”), which uses special eight-axle extremely low flatbed cars to carry entire semi trucks along with a sleeper car (usually at the front of the train) for the driver’s to sit/sleep in. This is meant to unclog the roads, especially those over the alps, and also reduce emissions (lots of Diesel trucks vs electronic locomotives).

A BLS-provided rolling road photographed in August 2020.

In 2001 the rolling road service on the connection from Freiburg in Germany via Basel in Switzerland to Novara in Italy (which takes 10 hours for 414km 257mi) was taken over by Ralpin, a Swiss company founded by the SBB Cargo (Switzerland’s national freight railway), Hupac and BLS Cargo (two private rail service providers). On the day of the accident the train was pulled by BLS Cargo’s RE 485 004–6, a four-axle multi-system electric locomotive made by Bombardier under their “Traxx”-line of locomotives. Weighting 85 metric tons these locomotives, made specifically for international freight trains, reach 140kph/87mph and were introduced as early as 1999.

RE 485 004–6, the locomotive involved, photographed in 2014.

Running in it’s usual place behind the locomotive was the sleeper car for the truck drivers, followed by the flatbed cars for the trucks. Due to low demand only 10 trucks used the service that day, meaning only 11 people were on the train including the driver. Far from full capacity, usually the trains carry 20 or more trucks depending on the route. Rolling road trains have recently been considered outdated, bringing drivers and trucks along means a lot of unnecessary weight and length. Critics say that the other forms of combined transport, just carrying the containers or maybe full semi-trailers are more effective. Especially since a lot of shipping providers can find another truck to pick up the trailer at the destination of the train.

The accident

On the 2nd of April 2020 at 7:19pm RE 485 004–6 is pulling it’s half-empty Rola-train out of Freiburg station, scheduled to carry it’s passengers and trucks to Italy while the driver’s get to sleep. At the same time construction workers are at work outside the town of Auggen, preparing an overpass for demolition so it can be rebuilt with enough span to allow 4 rather than two tracks under it. The railway is open, the construction company will only have it blocked once the part stretching above the tracks is taken down the coming weekend.
Web Hosting Services Market Size Worth $171.4 Billion By 2027
By: Gaurav Shah
Tags: Spain, Italy, Germany, Ecommerce, Web Hosting

The global web hosting services market size is expected to reach USD 171.4 billion by 2027, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.5% over the forecast period, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. The rapidly growing adoption of smartphones, coupled with the increasing internet penetration rate is anticipated to boost the market growth. The growing number of websites has also contributed to the growth of the market.

The rising number of small and medium enterprises is one of the significant growth contributors. These enterprises use web hosting services to increase their presence over the internet. The shift in the customer buying behavior from brick and mortar stores to online channels has made organizations develop and expand their online presence. Companies all over the globe are massively investing in increasing their business presence over the online channels. Additionally, the growth in internet users, coupled with growing inclination toward online purchasing, has also resulted in increased traffic on big business websites and mobile applications, especially those engaged in e-commerce activities. Therefore, these large-scale enterprises opt for private servers to host their website. Private servers enable these companies to effectively manage their heavy traffic on websites with improved security accesses.

Moreover, individuals also host their content over the internet to make it available for everyone who wants to access it. This content can be in the form of a personal website, blogs, and vlogs, among others. People access these websites or blogs to gain information or insights related to a wide variety of topics, including science, technology, medicine, environment, among several others. Although individuals are observed to be contributing less than 10% in the overall market, web hosting service providers tend to offer various plans to increase their customer base.

The market is expected to witness significant growth as a result of COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has resulted in increased use of websites for placing orders and hence made most of the companies to change the way business is conducted. Most of the companies have switched to doing their business online. Therefore, in the coming years, companies will focus on developing their online presence to cater to such unprecedented times. This increasing focus on conducting online business activities is expected to positively influence the market growth over the forecast period.

Click the link below:

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/web-hosting-services-market

Further key findings from the study suggest:
Hire Dedicated Mobile App Developers in Germany
By: Khushbu Muchhadiya
Tags: Mobile App Developers, App Developers Germany, Germany, Hire App Developer, Hire Developers

Are you trying to find the top mobile app developers and app development companies in Germany? Not a problem. There is a range of affordable app and game developers in Germany, operating on both a freelance and full-time basis.

HourlyDeveloper.io a leading mobile app development company in Germany offering extensive experience and comprehensive mobile app development services to fulfill your business goals. Our mobile app developers help businesses to make their brand awareness and encourage the trust and loyalty of the user.

Hire Dedicated Mobile App Developers in Germany at the affordable hourly rate of $12 to $25.

Ready to build a solid team of developers? Call us on +161–97–986983, email us at sales@hourlydeveloper.io
Tis the season to be jolly…
By: Bea Amelia
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid 19, Corona, Covid Diaries, Germany

Until December 19. I started feeling like I was getting a cold that day. I usually do in the winter months, so i first didn’t think much of it. December 18 my stepbrother tested positive for the corona virus. December 19 my stepsister followed. Both of them are living with my parents and I am currently there as well due to the whole corona situation and the online semester. Being alone for such a long time period just isn’t something for me. Being a direct contact and developing cold like symptoms (in my case), my parents and I decided to get tested as well.

So we got ourselves an appointment — Monday morning 7.20AM — and waited. Monday morning came, I was in a car with my grandpa, wearing a mask the whole time as to not infect him in case I’m positive, we arrived at the drive thru test center 10 minutes before our appointed time. Got checked in and waited in our car. Our time slot came and went and we waited. We waited a total of 1 hour due to some technical difficulties until we were tested. Since my brother also had bacteria I had a later appointment at my doctors office where I got tested again — just to be sure. Turns out that test was way faster. I got my results earlier today and I tested positive.

Now I feel the need to defend myself although I have done nothing wrong in my opinion. I always wore a mask at work, I hardly went out shopping (only groceries to help my mum and grandpa), only ever took walks with family and saw no friends. All of my coaching and tutoring was online, as well as game nights and university classes. The only ever time I did not wear a mask was at home, which happens to be the place I got infected. My sister tested positive first and we are fairly certain it was her who brought it into the house and then infected my brother and me. I try having some distance to others, I really do, however we share a dinner table, get ready for bed at the same times and watch christmas movies together. I don’t know what I could have done differently.
5 things I wish I knew before becoming a nurse in Germany
Tags: Study, Hospital, Germany, Nursing, Nurse

In 2018 I decided to become a nurse.

Compared to the US I guess the whole process of becoming a nurse is pretty easy, but it still is one of the toughest educations in Germany (in my opinion) and still one of the most underrated professions out there.

There are so many things I wish I knew before I stated this journey and today I’m gonna tell you 5 of them.

1. You chose it yourself

Don’t you dare to ever complain about your work in the hospital in front of someone who’s not working in care. No one is able to understand your pain. Because you chose it yourself.

2. Overtime

Yes it’s always required to do some overtime. But in Germany nurses are constantly understaffed. You’ll work 12 days in a row. One day off. 12 days in a row. And if someone’s sick you’ll have to jump in for them. No ? A no is always not a good answer and makes you look bad. Do overtime ! Jump in ! Work, work .. work !

3. Studying

You don’t just learn the basics of the human body, how to take care of sick people and wiping butts.

It feels like studying medicine. Sometime I really do feel like I’m a doctor. You need to know so much more than just cleaning human feces.

But this part I love about my job. You don’t just do what the doctor tells you (well most of the time your are), but you are also allowed to tell him/her what you think about the patient and what he maybe needs. You are going to know the human anatomy form A to Z. Every muscle. Every organ. Every blood vessel.

4. You are underrated in society

You do make good money. But not enough compared to how much work you do. How much pain you see everyday and how you sometimes even risk your own health. As I mentioned to you, you do a lot of overtime, studying and essential work.

The profession of being a nurse is still so underrated in our society. If you go out in public and ask people what they think a nurse dose, they still have the imagination that all we do is wipe butts, hold a hand, bring some food and look nice.

But as I also told you… if you complain about it, or even try to change something…. You still chose it in the end.

5. It’s the best thing ever !

Lastly I want to mention something that’s not sad or makes me look mad. It’s a beautiful job. I love it with every single piece of my heart. I do complain a lot about being tired, being underrated or having to work so much overtime. But I still love it everyday when I’m at work.
What Happened to The Man Who Refused to Salute Hitler?
By: Jayden Yugie
Tags: Germany, Politics, History, War, Nazis

What Happened to The Man Who Refused to Salute Hitler?

Picture Source: Wikipedia

This is perhaps one of the most impressive photos in history. In it, you can see a group of Nazi enthusiasts raising their arms and performing the Roman salute. However, if we look at the circle of the photograph, in the upper right part, we can see a man with his arms crossed, maintaining a challenging pose, which contrasts with the rest.

Who was this person who, by not performing the seig heil before Hitler, was risking his life? For what reason, knowing the risks that the gesture entailed,

did he refuse to do it? The snapshot was taken on June 1936 in an act carried out by the Nazi Party for the baptism of a new German Navy ship at the Blohm+Voss shipyards in Hamburg.

All workers and family members were doing the official greeting, either for political convictions or for fear of the vigilantes that were in the surroundings, except August, who had more than enough reasons to not give the Nazi dictator that satisfaction.

The Love Story

August Landmesser was a worker at the company Blohm+Voss who in 1931, had joined the Nazi party just to get a license with which to work in the shipping company. However, in 1933 something happened in his life that changed everything. That year he met a woman named Irma Eckler and he had fell in love with her, even though she was Jewish. August didn’t care and, defying the race laws of Nuremberg, they became a couple, having a daughter in 1935, named Ingrid. As a result, he was expelled from the Nazi Party. Hence the anger and the gesture of defiance that appears in the photo of the following year.

Fleeing Germany

In 1937, seeing the anti-Semitic and radical turn of his country under Hitler’s leadership, he decided to flee to Denmark with his family but they were detained at the border. He was prosecuted and charged for the crimes of “dishonoring the race ”and“ racial infamy ”and, in 1938, he was informed that he was going to be acquitted if he broke off his relationship with Irma. August did not accept and was sentenced to spend three years in a concentration camp while his wife, who was pregnant, was also arrested and taken to another field where their daughter Irene was born. There, they separated Irma from her daughters and finally ended her life in an extermination field.

When August was released he did not know where his wife or daughters were, and immediately he was enlisted and brought to the front where he probably died since they never found his remains. This story of defiance and death could have ended anonymously, like many others in that time of death and pain, but this time it was not so. In 1996 this story of human dignity by refusing to salute the Nazi came to light thanks to the work of August’s daughter Irene.
Germany passes law legalizing electronic securities on blockchain
By: Alena Vorontsova
Tags: Bitcoin, Börse, Blockchain, Germany, Forexified

Germany has passed a new law that legalizes the use of blockchain technology in the securities sector. The law eases a rule that required the use of paper certificates for all securities transactions.

Germany has passed a new law that legalizes the use of blockchain technology in the securities sector. The law eases a rule that required the use of paper certificates for all securities transactions.

Germany’s cabinet approved the new law as part of its wider blockchain adoption strategy, Reuters reported. The European country has previously required all securities issuers and holders to record them on paper certificates. This will now be replaced by a simple entry in a central securities depository which can be maintained by a bank.

Alternatively, issuers and holders can document their securities on a blockchain-based register.

While announcing the switch to all-electronic securities, the Finance Minister Olaf Scholz stated, “We are driving the digitization of Germany’s financial center with electronic securities. The paper certificate may be dear to some for nostalgic reasons, but the future belongs to its electronic version.”

He added that electronic securities can allow the industries to cut administrative burdens and other associated costs.

His Justice Ministry colleague Christine Lambrecht said the law would offer legal clarity for the securities industry, thus enhancing the potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain.

She stated, “The digitization of the financial market is already well advanced and will be accelerated even further through the use of technologies such as blockchain. Today’s cabinet decision significantly expands the innovative potential of these technologies for the German financial center. At the same time, we create legal certainty in an area that is characterized by constant change through technological innovations.”

The Finance Ministry introduced the bill in August, claiming it would protect the integrity, functionality and transparency of the German stock market. It revealed that the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) will monitor the issuance of the electronic securities and the maintenance of the digital ledgers.

The introduction of the bill led German stock market giant Deutsche Börse to pull out of a blockchain-based securities issuance project it had with the Swiss stock exchange SIX. In its statement, the company stated that the new law would “create new framework conditions for financial markets infrastructure based on Blockchain Technology as well as the associated changes in the KWG legislation (Banking Act).”

source: Forexified

https://forexified.com/
Weizsäcker family tree
Tags: Germany

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Of Scouting & Photography
By: Florian Schoppmeier
Tags: Duisburg, Germany, Running Route, Photowalk, Photography

Of Scouting & Photography

Looking out for visually interesting details along the way: a flag on the grounds of the local yacht club. Duisburg, Germany, December 18, 2020.

It was a dreary day when I headed to Wedau, a district south of Duisburg’s city center that’s home to several popular outdoor amenities.

The Sportpark Duisburg, a large open-area populated by a regatta course, several lakes, facilities for basketball, hockey, and track and field, not to forget the soccer stadium for the once first division currently third division zebras of the MSV.

Map view of the area I explored (Apple Maps screenshot)

Just a few paces south of the sports park is another favorite of the fresh-air dwellers of the Ruhr area: the Sechs-Seen-Platte, a forest area with six lakes, ideal for strolls, water sports, sunbathing, and all sorts of other recreational activities.

I wanted to explore the whole area photographically.

But the day was also a scouting trip. One of my long-run routes could (in theory) be adapted to include a Wedau pit stop. Coming in from the north, hugging the regatta course on my way farther south, one lap on the lake forest trails, back to the regatta course, and home from there.
Angela Merkel’s family tree
Tags: Germany, Angela Merkel, Family Tree

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Family of Thomas de Maizière
Tags: German Politics, Thomas De Maizière, Germany, Lothar De Maizière

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Make Medium yours. Follow the writers, publications, and topics that matter to you, and you’ll see them on your homepage and in your inbox. Explore
Corona new strain .. disturbance in many countries!
By: Judge Weekly
Tags: Britain, Covid 19, Indi, Germany

BERLIN: A new type of coronavirus strain is known to be booming in South African countries, including Britain. With this, the nations of the world are once again falling into disarray. Recently, the German government came under scrutiny for imposing bans on passenger flights from those two countries. As the new type of corona strain continues to boom in those countries, Germany will focus on flights from there. This was revealed by the German health authorities to the media.

‘Germany is closely watching the latest developments in the strain boom in Britain. The Netherlands and Belgium have already banned flights from Britain and South Africa. The German government plans to make a similar decision. Said a German health ministry spokesman. Leading virologist Christian Drosten has revealed that no cases of coronavirus strain have been reported in Germany so far.

A new type of coronavirus strain is booming in the UK. In London, the government has once again announced a lockdown. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said it is spreading 70 percent faster. British Health Secretary Matt Heincock said: “Unfortunately, we have lost control of the new strain, which has led to strict bans on Christmas celebrations in the south of England.” Within hours of the UK government’s decision, Belgium and the Netherlands imposed a ban on flights from those countries.
Finding ‘PhilipGlassStreet’: Köln-Ehrenfeld, August 2018
By: Liam Heitmann-Ryce
Tags: Walking, Germany, Travel, Discovery, Photography

Image courtesy of the author

Finding ‘PhilipGlassStreet’: Köln-Ehrenfeld, August 2018

Extract from travel diary, August 28th, 2018

I am sat on GlassStreet! Ich bin in die GoldmundLiteraturCafé auf 2 Glasstr., the location of this place having been my personal odyssey for the day, having walked along this street by accident a while ago and forgetting where it was. As I took of a shot of my Glassworks tattoo next to the street sign, I was utterly dumbfounded to discover that this road is intersected by Philippstraße!! This is road is literally PhilippGlasstraße — PhilipGlassStreet!

I have not been able to find any indication of whether or not anybody is aware of the work, influence — or existence, even — of Philip Glass, but I know that I am quite thrilled with this very personal and amusing discovery; and the café I am sitting in right now is really lovely. There is a large open space all on one plain, of which is tightly filled with small square tables.

The building itself, being on a street corner, is vaguely triangular in shape. There is a stand-up piano in the corner, a very small one tucked against the wall, on the edge of the single tall step leading up to this little stage with its irregularly-painted purple wall and lone concrete pillar, painted gold.
- Pyramid eServices
By: Pyramid Eservices
Tags: Student Visa, Study In Germany, Germany, Study Visa Consultant

One of the leading overseas education consultants helps students to study in Canada, UK, Canada, USA, New Zealand.
Karl & Theo Albrechts’ family tree
Tags: Albrecht Family, Germany, Aldi

Karl and Theo Albrecht are the owners of Germany’s biggest supermarket chain called Aldi. It is separated in North and South Aldi.

This is one of the secretive, publicly-shy family, with many images unfilled.
The best German TV shows & films to stream this Christmas
By: German Embassy London
Tags: Germany, Streaming, German, Christmas

Here’s are a selection of German language TV shows & films that you can stream right now to help you improve or maintain your German/switch off and relax over Christmas…

Before we get into the list — click here to find out how you can enable more German audio and subtitles for a range of films and TV shows, such as Queen’s Gambit, on Netflix. And look, we all need a laugh, seeing as it’s been quite the *insert adjective of choice* year, so we’ve put the comedies first. Dramas & films are further down the page.

🌴 Hazel Brugger — Tropical

One of the best young comics on the German comedy scene, Brugger offers an irreverant and unqiue take on all things German in this stand-up special released earlier this month.

➡️ Watch on Netflix
German culture: think for yourself!
By: Maarten Schumacher
Tags: Coronavirus, Freedom, Germany, Philosophy, Politics

German culture: think for yourself!

Photo by Kobby Mendez

When I arrived in Berlin two weeks ago, I noticed some graffiti on a wall that said “Corona Maßnahmen kritisch betrachten”, which means something like “Think critically about Corona measures”. This to me fits perfectly in a certain German culture of never trusting authority, being an informed and educated citizen, and thinking for yourself.

I can’t help but think this has something to do with Germany’s Nazi past. From early on the German education system impresses on children that they need to think critically, so as to create citizens who won’t be swayed by some demagogue.

But we have something of a blind spot here. Of course now, from our perspective, the Third Reich was a kind of period of madness, where ordinary were somehow seduced into doing terrible things. But would thinking critically have prevented this? You can easily imagine a German in the 1930’s thinking critically, and coming to the conclusion that it’s suspicious that Jews control the banks and the media, even though the liberal authorities don’t allow you to think like that.

This Nazi ideology seems and insane and wrong to us only because we’re not “in” it. We don’t realize that ideology determines the frame in which we think, so thinking critically is not an easy way out.

And worse, during a global pandemic, thinking critically might actually screw us over. If each person does their own research and draws their own conclusions, it becomes hard for authorities to control the virus.

There is something to be said for the freedom that comes with being able to trust authorities and experts, and simply following their advice without having to think critically. That’s not laziness, it’s a trust in the government to look out for the public good, which is sorely lacking nowadays as governments have been taken over by private interest.

I wear a mask, not because I’m afraid of catching the virus (I can’t be bothered to worry), or because I’ve done my research and concluded it’s effective (I have no idea), but simply because I don’t want to be the only asshole in the shop without a mask. And this is not a peer pressure that is a constraint on my freedom, but on the contrary it’s a sign that I’m embedded in an ethical community, because I feel I should be considerate to people I don’t know or care about, and that’s a beautiful thing.
The G7 finance ministers and central bank governors discussed the need to regulate cryptocurrencies during their latest meeting.
By: Xcel Trip
Tags: Facebook, Blockchain Technology, Germany, Xceltrip, Cryptocurrency

The G7 finance ministers and central bank governors discussed the need to regulate cryptocurrencies during their latest meeting. Xcel Trip Follow Dec 17, 2020 · 2 min read

German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz raised concerns about Facebook’s upcoming cryptocurrency.

Besides discussing responses to the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recovery measures, the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors “also discussed ongoing responses to the evolving landscape of crypto assets and other digital assets and national authorities’ work to prevent their use for malign purposes and illicit activities,” the Treasury Department detailed, adding: “There is strong support across the G7 on the need to regulate digital currencies”.

The G7 countries are in varying stages of implementing cryptocurrency regulation, revising existing laws, and providing more clarity to investors and companies in the space. For example, in the U.S., the top banking regulator recently revealed that new cryptocurrency regulatory measures will be introduced in a matter of weeks that will “work for everybody.” Germany began regulating the crypto industry in January and has been constantly clarifying its rules ever since. Japan, which started regulating the crypto industry back in 2017, has also been revising and adding to its rules.

Join the Crypto world today. Xceltrip truly believes — the year 2020 is going to be the exponential growth year where more use-cases will be added including Restaurant Reservations, Transport Services, Entertainment, Tours, and more. Traveling with Xceltrip makes your journey easy, safe, and comfortable. Enjoy your trip with Xceltrip.
Germanys Corona Lockdown version 2.1 — Diary entry Day #1
By: Oliver Linde
Tags: Coronavirus, Corona, Lockdown, Lockdown Diary, Germany

Dear Diary!

Today is the first day of the lockdown and I love the silence it brought to that busy city I’m calling my hometown. Yesterday the street lighting didn’t work and it felt creepy to walk this always lit streets in darkness to get some groceries. Today I continued my Webasto Test Device to get parking heater working again. It took me a few hours to solder all the connections and to put it all in a box. Tomorrow I’ll find out if it’s working or not.

There are many thoughts in my head. Some short flashbacks to past events where I’m ashamed of my behavior until today every now and then. It’s hard to be single at times of a pandemic. I’m not sure how to keep going this dating stuff. I’m not that guy who writes a lot. I’m the kind of guy who says: “We got a match, let’s grab a beer!”. Of course I would pick a bar where I’m not known, a first date at your favorite bar is a bad idea… trust me! Okay, since lockdown 2.0 bars are closed. so we could do some other fun stuff… ohhhhh I forgot. Germany banned fun. Okay… so we could take a walk, but with safety distance.

Wow! Never had a better walk with someone walking 2 metres beside you so you don’t infect one another… I’m sick of this shit. If I’m walking with someone I want to speak to them and not shout at her. I’m constantly looking for some deep shit and that’s not happening when you treat each other like you could kill one another just by being withing 2 metres. That shit doesn’t work. And yes… I had first dates on zoom. But I haven’t felt it.

At least you can meet up with two different households at a time up to five persons. The only thing keeping me from freaking out being caught in a pandemic is to meet close friends without having to break laws. And I enjoy every minute with one of them around.

At least there’s some hope. Germany announced to start vaccinating by December 27th. But it’ll take a while until “normal people” like me will get the vaccine.
Is Germany Losing the Fight Against the Winter Surge?
By: Elad Simchayoff
Tags: Coronavirus, Covid 19, Health, Germany, World

Is Germany Losing the Fight Against the Winter Surge?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Angela Merkel is not known for being emotional. For the past 15 years, the German chancellor has, quite regularly, maintained a reputation as a calm, analytic, and reserved leader. This wasn’t the Merkel who spoke in front of the German parliament on December 9.

Merkel was pleading with lawmakers and with the public. She was emotional, her voice changed tones, she used her hands — a lot — her eyes were full of sadness. “I’m really am sorry, from the bottom of my heart,” she said, pointing at her chest, “but if the price we pay is 590 deaths a day, then that is unacceptable in my view.” The crowd cheered. I can’t remember ever seeing Merkel this way, many people don’t.

A week passed; Germany recorded 952 deaths in a day and went into a second full lockdown.
2020 was not great, 2021 is the year!
By: Anna Font
Tags: Company, Germany, Development, Startup, Technology

2020 was not great, 2021 is the year!

Europe’s economic and industrial powerhouse, Germany, has been on the startup spotlight from the very beginning. It’s globally recognised to be one of the most innovative and competitive countries in the world, and part of the reason why is because it is home to companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Allianz. It’s corporations like these that now place Germany in the radar for many worldwide companies, entrepreneurs, talent and, of course, startups, especially those centred in AI, app development and automation.

he worldwide pandemic reached Germany, of course, but while Spain, Italy and France were reporting more than 500 deaths daily at the beginning of the second semester, Germany managed to keep a low mortality rate which actually intrigued medical experts around the continent. While other countries delayed massive testing, Germany actually started doing professional contact tracing when the first cases were reported, which bought some time to get the clinics and hospitals ready for a potential health crisis. Nowhere near South Korea’s massive testing, but Germany managed to have a quite smooth second semester compared to other countries. With the winter approaching again, and Christmas holidays around the corner, the number of deaths and infections from Covid-19 reached record levels. Angela Merkel’s government decided to implement a new lockdown that started on December 16th and will run until January 10th, meaning that Christmas is affected by mobility and capacity restrictions across the nation.

There’s no denying that many german companies and startups have been affected by the impact of Covid-19 and its crisis, but the overall good response to the pandemic and Germany’s financial stability start to draw predictions of a faster recovery in comparison to nearby countries.

In fact, according to Finsmes, the German Bundestag approved a state capital investment of €10 billion between 2020 and 2030 to promote startups. Parallel to this, an additional €20 billion is hoped to be created in private venture capital investments. Not a bad plan if you ask me.
Germany introduces the latest restrictions amid rising in cases
By: Thenews Public
Tags: Germany, News

The occasions will be set up until 10 January. Christmas will notice a slight decrease, with one family permitted to have up to four close relatives.

The nation detailed another 952 passings and 27,728 cases on Wednesday.

Other European nations have fixed limitations in front of Christmas, with France presenting an evening time check-in time.

Under Germany’s new measures, just basic organizations, for example, stores and banks will be permitted to stay open. Cafés, bars, and relaxation focuses have been closed since November and a few territories of the nation had forced their own lockdowns.

Boutiques are among the organizations which should close, while savoring liquor public spots, for example, well known pondered wine slows down, is taboo. Organizations are being asked to permit representatives to telecommute.

The 952 new fatalities reported on Wednesday are another top for Germany’s pandemic, yet may cover numbers that were excluded from earlier days.

Lothar Wieler, top of Germany’s Robert Koch Institute, which is supervising the Covid- 19 reactions, said the circumstance was “more genuine than it has ever been”.

“The quantity of cases is higher than at any other time and they continue rising. There is the risk that the circumstance will continue deteriorating and it will get increasingly hard to manage the pandemic and its results,” he said.

Deutsche Welle announced that while cases in the more youthful populace were falling, they were all the while ascending among more established individuals who were bound to experience the ill effects of the infection. Numbers in concentrated consideration are said to have arrived at disturbing levels.

Reporting the new measures throughout the end of the week, Chancellor Angela Merkel said that the “lockdown light” that started in November had not done what’s needed to manage the infection.

The figures are especially stunning, as during the early months of the pandemic Germany was more fruitful than numerous other European nations in its treatment of the emergency.
Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Size Worth $2.8 Billion By 2022
By: Gaurav Shah
Tags: Japan, Canada, Germany, Medical Devices, China

The global bariatric surgery devices market is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2022, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing incidence rate of obesity has led to many government initiatives at regional as well as global level to increase awareness related to obesity and undertake various incidence curbing action plans. For instance, the South Wales government launched the NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2013–2018 for preventing obesity.

In addition, to strategic planning, the governments of developed nations are also funding universities to design strategic interventions to control rising obesity. For the year 2014, New Zealand invested USD 40 million for its Healthy Families NZ anti-obesity initiative. Moreover, industry players are also trying to tackle the rising problem of obesity by launching new products. In February 2017, a startup company, Allurion Technologies, located in Massachusetts, U.S. filed a regulatory filing to report the USD 19 million raised amount out of the target of USD 27 million. The funds were intended to use for the development of non-endoscopic gastric balloon, Ellipse. This device is in the form of a capsule which when swallowed, is inflated in the stomach and deflates after months and is passed out without the need for anesthesia for its removal. This device is anticipated to revolutionize the bariatric surgery devices market due to its ease of use over the forecast period

The demand for non-invasive surgeries is also increasing, as non-invasive surgeries save time, cost, and decrease hospital stay. Governments are also encouraging the use of more incisionless surgeries in order to decrease the cases of infection. For instance, in July 2015, the FDA approved a balloon device, where the balloon is directly swallowed using a sterile solution.

Click the link below:

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bariatric-surgery-devices-industry

Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest:
Germany under tougher restrictions Between Covid rise
Tags: Covid 19, Infectious Disease, Germany

Germany has entered a difficult lockdown, closing colleges and non-essential corporations in an strive to quit a sharp upward push in Covid-19 infections.

The measures will be in the region till 10 January. Christmas will see a mild easing, with one family allowed to host up to 4 shut household members.

The united states stated some other 952 deaths and 27,728 instances on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, EU chief Ursula von der Leyen stated the first Covid vaccine would be accredited for use inside a week.

Ms von der Leyen advised the European Parliament the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine — developed in Germany — would be rolled out for the bloc the identical day, greater than a week before than firstly envisaged. Read more…
Sometimes Starting Over Is As Simple As Opening the Windows
By: Caitlin Vestal
Tags: Motherhood, Life Lessons, Germany, Living Abroad, Self

Sometimes Starting Over Is As Simple As Opening the Windows

Photo by Kinga Cichewicz on Unsplash

Germany just announced a second full lockdown. For the second time this year, businesses, stores, schools, and daycares have to shut down for a mandatory four weeks.

When the first lockdown happened, our lives stopped completely. My daily routine was usurped by vague apocalyptic fears, and I became unable to think about anything further away than the next few hours.

I’d started the year getting my son settled into a new preschool, hunting for full-time jobs after too many years of freelancing, and generally planning to kick 2020’s ass. Just as I got going, the lockdown threw me back into full-time motherhood, and the days felt as thick and sticky as the first few weeks of my son’s life.

But eventually we found a routine and started to make things work, mostly. And then preschools opened back up. So I switched gears once more, letting myself believe that perhaps we were going to avoid that second wave after all. We found a new apartment. I got a new job. Things were starting to feel something like normal. And then came a case at my son’s preschool. He was home again, but it was only temporary.

This year has forced all of us to leave old routines behind and start anew in the face of a cataclysmic Not Knowing.

Now here comes another lockdown — one that I hope will only last for a few weeks. This time, my life isn’t stopping; this time it’s not even a surprise. Because any time I start to eke out a new routine these last ten months, something changes, and we’re forced to find a new way to make it work all over again.
I invite you to read an analysis of a cyber incident (still being conducted) in Israel, on the…
Tags: Cyberattack, Hacking, Germany, Cyberresilience, Management

I invite you to read an analysis of a cyber incident (still being conducted) in Israel, on the business page of Bröskamp consulting, a German partner I work with



https://www.linkedin.com/posts/najeeb-ayoub_cyber-resilience-by-einat-meyron-activity-6744203614182498304-fZZF
It’s time for a mug of smoldering wine
By: Destination Eat Drink
Tags: Germany, Christmas, Foodies, Glühwein, Wine

Every year around Christmas, Germans start enjoying Glühwein, a kind of mulled wine that dates back to Roman times.

Glühwein origin story

Spiced wine dates to at least the 2nd century CE, when the Romans heated wine and added herbs.

In German, Glühwein translates to “smoldering wine.” The first Glühwein tankard dates to the early 15th century, but mulled wine undoubtedly was in Germany long before then.

For the last 600 years, those early Glühwein recipes have remained mostly unchanged. Red wine is heated with cinnamon sticks, sugar, citrus, cloves, and star anise. For an extra punch, a shot of rum is sometimes added.

Where to get Glühwein

Glühwein is traditionally served at a Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) held each December throughout Germany. For a couple euros (plus a small deposit for the mug), you get a ceramic mug filled with Glühwein.

Since the Christmas Markets are held outdoors in December, the Glühwein is a great way to keep warm. And, I’m sure the alcohol loosens up the purse strings, making the vendors at the market happy.

Glühwein is also served at shops in Germany. I’ve seen stainless steel canisters set up on card tables on the street. You fill up your cup and the merchant trusts you to leave a couple euros.

Due to Glühwein’s popularity, wine shops in the U.S. are carrying it as well. But, it’s more fun and very easy to make your own Glühwein. And, it’ll make your house smell divine.

Glühwein recipe

This recipe is super easy. You can keep it on the stove for several hours as long as the flame isn’t too hot and the wine doesn’t evaporate.

Instructions

Take 1/4 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of water and bring to boil until the sugar fully dissolves.

Lower the flame to low and add 1 bottle of red wine, the peel of one orange, 10–15 cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 2 star anise. Be sure not to boil the wine.

Bring the mixture barely to a simmer and then lower the flame further.

Your Glühwein is ready to serve. Ladle into mugs and add a shot of rum, if desired.
Are you a German?
By: Emmanuel A. Anderson
Tags: Covid 19, Germany, World, Post Colonialism, Freethinkr

I write about life, self-improvement, writing, and everything to help people live better lives. Author of the upcoming book, "Heal yourself, heal the world."
Erfurt! A Declaration Of Love To One Of The Most Beautiful Cities In Germany!
By: Marcus Franke
Tags: Life, Germany, Travel, Western Europe, Adventure

Katharina and I left our well-paid jobs in our early 30s and traveled the world for 365 days in 2019/2020.

We came as far as New Zealand when the lockdown ended our trip abruptly and forced us to return to Europe.

Mini-Challenge: Who is the guy next to me? (Pretty Famous in Erfurt)

A world journey came to an end, and returning back home was not a compelling prospect for us.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people just exist. — Oscar Wilde

Although we were welcomed at home by the warm and wonderful summer, it took us a few days to accept and realize that we were really back.

A few days later we had the travel fever again.

The old continent of Europe has a lot to offer.

When you walk through some old towns in countries such as Germany, France, or Italy you may wonder if you got into a time machine.

In the case of Erfurt, I traveled directly to the Middle Ages.

A dark time and yet an epoch that always fascinates me.

The Thuringian state capital has many cultural treasures to offer.

Time flies. It’s up to you to be the navigator. — Robert Orben

Among them are the “Krämerbrücke” (German for chandler bridge), an old synagogue, a lot of Churches (22 (!) in the old town alone), Renaissance houses near the fish market, the neo-Gothic town hall and the mighty cathedral, mentioned for the first time in 1117.
Yes, three years ago in Ulm.
By: Sylvia Wohlfarth
Tags: Masks, Germany, Carnival

Yes, three years ago in Ulm. Just a fun thing. A bit like carnival further up the Rhine (where I lived) but with more aesthetic masks and costumes

I experienced a real Fasching (Alemannic Fastnacht) about 25 years ago, somewhere near Munich in the countryside. A night procession which culminated in the burial of the dark spirits of Winter. The masks worn go back to the middle ages and were hauntingly frightening (similar to the masks worn during the New Year ceremonies by my father’s ethnic group, the Igbos in Nigeria).
Prelude to the Stamp Trail: a German Surprise
By: Jaya Srinivasan
Tags: Stamps, Kät Festival, Germany, Postcards, Annaberg Buchholz

Before I begin my series on my stamps, here is a bonus post — look how committed I am, thanks to my good fortune (explained below)! If it’s possible to make a detour even before you begin a trip, this is what it probably looks like.

I was finishing a work call today when G. placed something on my desk. I danced a mental jig when I saw the postcard from K., sent all the way from Germany, featuring a sunflower she has grown. I read and re-read the postcard, then placed it on my desk to refresh my eyes. K. is one of the most thoughtful people I know. She sends me a postcard from every country she visits, and several from her home country. She selects the postcards with great care, writing the most beautiful, personal messages. I have her presents scattered around my room so I can chance upon them at odd moments, these gorgeous reminders of conversations and visits and over 15 years of friendship. This postcard, with a golden, perfect sunflower, has a picture all her own, and that makes it doubly special.

While I re-read the postcard, the stamp naturally caught my eye. It reads “KÄT” with a stylized K, the letters in blue over a colourful backdrop of fireworks, carousels, a giant wheel, and a rollercoaster. It brought back memories of the Oktoberfest (because how often can I throw in such a reference?), with its revelry and unabashed enjoyment of life. If a stamp can conjure gaiety, this one definitely does.

The stamp commemorates 500 years of Annaberger Kät, an annual folk festival held in the Ore Mountains of East Germany. Now I’m quite certain the Kät is as unlike the Oktoberfest as possible, given that it has its roots in religion. Annaberg-Buccholz, once a silver mining settlement, hosts the festival for 14 days every summer, after the Christian holiday of Pentecost. The Kät started as a religious pilgrimage in 1520 after the Annaberg church was dedicated to the Holy Trinity and the cemetery was consecrated with holy earth from Rome the previous year. Following the Protestant Reformation of 1539, the pilgrimage morphed into a celebration of the dead, and over the centuries, into the folk festival it is now. (See Kät website for more.) Who would have imagined that solemn prayers would turn into a riot of rides and food stalls, and then a stamp would find its way across the seas to a woman in India with an idle curiosity, wanting to know more and resolving to return to German lessons on Duolingo?

In all likelihood, the festival didn’t take place this year for obvious reasons. The last update on the festival website is from 2019, and the organisers must have planned to go all out on its 500th anniversary. But hopefully they will come back with renewed vigour next year. I want the earwormy, cloying music of carousel rides to echo through the Ore Mountains again, for who doesn’t enjoy a good festival?

For more on the stamp, see: https://www.philatelicpursuits.com/2020/06/22/new-issues-2020-germany-annaberger-kat/