Month: January 2025

Smile More, Use Your Cell Phone Less: The Simple Formula for Happiness

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In a world dominated by screens, pursuing happiness can feel elusive. Yet, the solution might be simpler than we think: smile more and use your cell phone less. This straightforward approach enhances mental well-being and fosters meaningful connections and a more fulfilling life. Smiling, even when you don’t feel like it, profoundly impacts your brain. It triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Studies show that smiling can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and instantly boost your mood. A genuine smile also creates a ripple effect, spreading positivity…

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Austrians focus on waste avoidance for the climate

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Many people in Austria focus primarily on avoiding waste when it comes to their personal contribution to climate protection. This was the result of a survey presented on Friday on behalf of the Association of Austrian Waste Management Companies (VOEB). According to the survey, almost 64 percent ensure they only buy as much food as they need for their household. Almost half of those surveyed actively try to avoid waste as much as possible. 1,000 people aged 14 to 75 were surveyed. According to the survey, more than a third…

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Paskong Pinoy in Vienna: bringing Filipinos together and providing a space to celebrate Christmas

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The vibrant spirit of Filipino culture rang out in Vienna as the annual Paskong Pinoy celebration unfolded successfully on 29 December 2025 under the enthusiastic leadership of organizers Reden Atienza, Dra. Glo M. Guiñez, and Sonia Tantay Alcantara. This event reinforced the unity among the Filipino community in Vienna and highlighted the importance of collaboration and support in bringing joy and assistance to those in need back home. A Celebration of Community The Paskong Pinoy celebration is renowned for bringing Filipinos together and providing a space to celebrate Christmas traditions…

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Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) warns policyholders of false emails and text messages

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People insured with the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) receive messages about an alleged refund. This is an attempt at fraud. On Thursday, the Austrian Regional Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) warned about fraudulent emails in its name. In the messages, ÖGK policyholders are informed about an alleged refund and asked to open a link to request the refund online. Attention, attempted fraudHowever, these messages are an attempt at fraud. ÖGK “urgently” calls on its policyholders not to respond to it. “Under no circumstances should the link provided be opened or…

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Freezing rain in Austria: There is now a risk of black ice

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To the north of the main Alpine ridge, clouds will predominate, and unproductive snow showers will continue to fall. Only in the afternoon will the cloud cover clear up a little in some areas. In the rest of Austria, it will be largely dry from early morning and often sunny in the country’s southern parts. In the north and east, sunny weather will only set in later in the day. The wind is often moderate to brisk from the west to northwest. Early temperatures minus 6 to 0 degrees, daily…

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Full of hope and confidence: 25 reasons to look forward to 2025

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1. Health is and will remain the most valuable thing in life. Groundbreaking developments are emerging in medicine. Personalized vaccines could lead to a breakthrough in cancer treatment, while new drugs could significantly delay the onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. 2. The madness of the Second World War claimed an estimated 60 million lives. The victims are commemorated on Liberation Day, 8 May. A special day for Austria is 5 May, when Allied soldiers liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp. 3. “Austria is free!” Austria’s sovereignty was officially restored on…

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Solar eclipse to stellar explosion: 2025 will be a special year

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Astronomers, sky enthusiasts and stargazers are eagerly looking forward to 2025. There will be more to see than there has been for a long time. For the head of the Vienna Astronomy Association (WAA), Alexander Pikhard, 2025 will be an “amazing year.” The highlights of the astronomy year 2025:Partial solar eclipse (29.3.)Total lunar eclipse (14.3.)Total lunar eclipse (7.9.)Shooting star swarms (e.g. on 13.8.)Star explosion in the “T Coronae Borealis” system (date not yet fixed)A solar eclipse can also be seen in AustriaThe partial solar eclipse is on 29 March. From…

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Austria: Taxes, subsidies, pensions, and cars: What consumers should know – 25 important changes in 2025

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The new year draws attention to many changes for consumers. There’s a lot of news about energy bills, for example, but also about taxes, pensions, and fees. Here are 25 important points for 2025. Home loans. The strict lending criteria for real estate loans will expire in mid-2025, so it should become easier to obtain home loans again. Since the summer of 2022, the so-called KIM Regulation has regulated, among other things, the equity share when taking out loans (at least 20 per cent) and the amount of the repayment…

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Fee increase: Parking fee in Vienna

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Shortly before the turn of the year, ÖAMTC reminds in a press release: As of 1 January 2025, the city of Vienna will raise the short-term parking fees again—half an hour will cost 1.30 euros (previously 1.25 euros); a full hour will then cost 2.60 euros (previously 2.50 euros). The fee will remain unchanged for Viennese with a parking permit for their district until further notice. Old parking tickets must be used by 30 JuneParking tickets at the “old” rate (until the end of 2024) may still be used until…

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