Should You Take Off Your Shoes Indoors? Studies Give a Clear Answer

Research suggests that keeping outdoor shoes on inside the home may bring far more than just dirt across the threshold. Scientists have found that shoe soles can carry bacteria, chemicals, allergens, and other contaminants from streets, parks, workplaces, and stores directly into living spaces. For many people, whether guests should remove their shoes indoors is a matter of personal preference or cultural tradition. However, growing evidence indicates there are compelling hygiene reasons to leave outdoor footwear at the door. Every day, shoes come into contact with a wide range of…

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Clocks Go Back: Winter Time Returns on October 25

VIENNA – Central European Summer Time (CEST) comes to an end this weekend as clocks across Austria and much of Europe are set back by one hour, marking the return to standard time, commonly referred to as winter time. The change takes place during the night from Saturday, October 24, to Sunday, October 25, 2026. At 3:00 a.m., clocks will be turned back to 2:00 a.m., giving residents an extra hour of sleep. Standard time will then remain in effect until the next clock change in March. Why was daylight…

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Lolo & Lola: Where Filipino Flavours Meet Austrian Flair in the Heart of Vienna

More than a restaurant, Lolo & Lola brings the warmth of Filipino family traditions to Vienna’s vibrant dining scene, blending familiar tastes from home with modern Austrian culinary creativity. VIENNA, Austria — A taste of the Philippines can be found in the heart of Vienna, where the aroma of Filipino cooking meets the creativity of contemporary Austrian cuisine. At Lolo & Lola, located in the lively Spittelberg neighbourhood of Vienna’s seventh district, food is more than a meal. It is a celebration of heritage, family, hospitality and the beautiful possibilities…

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Autobahn Vignette 2027: Early Buyers Can Avoid Price Increase

VIENNA – Austrian motorists will face changes to the motorway vignette system in 2027, with the annual vignette becoming slightly more expensive and available exclusively in digital form. However, drivers who purchase the 2027 vignette before the end of 2026 will still be able to secure the current price, according to the Ministry of Transport. The annual vignette, currently priced at €106.80, is expected to rise to around €109 from January 1, 2027. The increase of approximately two percent is lower than the underlying inflation rate of 3.6 percent. Early…

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Forgetfulness: Just a Normal Part of Aging or an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s?

Misplaced keys. Forgotten names. A shopping list that vanishes from memory the moment you enter the supermarket. For many people, such lapses become more common with age. But when does ordinary forgetfulness cross the line into something more serious? Researchers are working to answer that question while exploring new ways to protect brain health long before dementia develops. “Where did I put my keys?” It is a question almost everyone has asked themselves at some point. Equally familiar is the frustration of forgetting a name, struggling to recall a word,…

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Rain, Wind and a Sudden Chill: Austria’s Weather Takes an Uncomfortable Turn

Austria is waking up to a decidedly autumnal day on Thursday, with rain, thick cloud cover and noticeably cooler temperatures greeting residents across much of the country. After the mild conditions of recent days, the abrupt change is set to make for a damp and chilly start. Rain is expected in many regions throughout the morning, while grey skies dominate the weather picture. Commuters heading out early are advised to pack both a warm jacket and an umbrella as temperatures remain well below recent levels. Sunshine Returns Later in the…

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Warning Over Potential Mega El Niño as UN Urges Immediate Global Action

GENEVA – The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have issued a stark warning over the potential development of an exceptionally strong El Niño event, urging governments and international financial institutions to take immediate preventive action to limit its humanitarian and economic impact. Speaking in Geneva on Wednesday, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called for a coordinated global response, warning that ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific have reached unprecedented levels. “Today, we are issuing a joint appeal to the international community to act urgently and in a coordinated,…

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Black Friday Shoppers Face New EU Import Fee From November

BRUSSELS, Oct. 21 – Consumers ordering goods directly from online retailers outside the European Union could face a new cost factor ahead of this year’s Singles Day and Black Friday sales events. A new processing fee of €2 per customs item is expected to take effect from November 1, adding to the existing €3 customs charge introduced on July 1. The measure applies only to goods shipped directly from non-EU retailers to customers within the EU. Orders fulfilled from warehouses located inside the EU, or purchases from EU-based merchants, will…

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Winter Tyre Rule in Austria: What Really Applies From November 1

As November approaches, many motorists are preparing for the annual tyre change. A common misconception is that winter tyres become mandatory for all passenger vehicles on November 1. In reality, Austria’s regulations are more nuanced. While there is no blanket requirement to fit winter tyres from that date, drivers who misunderstand the rules could face substantial fines. Winter Tyres Depend on Road Conditions Austria’s seasonal winter equipment requirement applies from November 1 to April 15. However, the obligation to use winter tyres is conditional rather than automatic. Passenger cars must…

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