Few People Know This: What the Colors of Kitchen Sponges Really Mean

Most people toss a pack of kitchen sponges into their cart without thinking twice. Green, yellow, blue, pink—it’s just a rainbow of cleaning tools, right? Not exactly. Those colors often mean more than decoration, and knowing the difference can save you from hygiene mishaps (and maybe a bad case of cross-contamination). Yellow + Green: The Classic WorkhorseThe yellow-and-green sponge is the most common in households. The yellow side is a soft foam for wiping down counters and delicate surfaces, while the green side is a tougher, abrasive scrubber for pots,…

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The heatwave will keep us sweating for this long

However, those hoping for cooler weather will have to be patient. The risk of thunderstorms is also increasing again. At least another week of summer heat After a hot and humid weekend, the new week will start a little more pleasantly in eastern Austria. The daily highs will be just below 30 °C, and the air will no longer feel so oppressive. The brief respite will end quickly: starting on Tuesday, temperatures will rise again day by day. This will also increase the risk of thunderstorms, especially in the mountains.…

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Overseas Filipino Workforce Grows as Diaspora Flourishes Globally

The number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continues its upward trajectory. In a recent survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority, an estimated 2.16 million OFWs were working abroad between April and September 2023, marking a 9.8% increase over the 1.96 million recorded in 2022 (psa.gov.ph, philstar.com). Women comprised the majority of OFWs in 2023, totaling 1.20 million (55.6%), while male OFWs numbered about 958,000 (psa.gov.ph). Regional Distribution Asia remains the dominant region for OFW placements, hosting 80.8% of the workforce. Key countries include: Saudi Arabia: 23% United Arab Emirates (UAE):…

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That’s why padlocks have a hole at the bottom

Almost all padlocks have it, but hardly anyone knows its purpose: the small hole at the bottom is more important than you think. Whether for a basement compartment, a locker at the gym, or as a token of love on a bridge, almost everyone owns a padlock. Nevertheless, most people probably haven’t even noticed the tiny hole on the bottom, right next to the actual keyhole. Have you ever wondered what it’s there for? This small detail is quite helpful. Tiny, inexpensive locks, such as those on a diary, sometimes…

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Effective since August 1: Six new regulations you should be aware of

Throughout the year, there are frequent legal updates and revised guidelines. These often apply only to specific groups of people, but in other cases, they are mandatory for all citizens. What will change in August 2025? The following items will be affected. What will change in August 2025? As early as August 1, many citizens will have to adjust to the new regulations that directly affect them. What exactly will change in 2025? While pensioners, for example, can expect earlier but lower pension payments, new standards now apply to identity…

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Perseids, moon interference, planets – what’s happening in the sky

Meteor showers, a supermoon, and a planetary parade will make for some fascinating celestial events over Austria in August. Summertime is Perseid time. That much is clear. Shooting stars have been raining down on us since mid-July. This year, the summer meteor shower will reach its peak on the night of August 12- 13. But even before that, it’s worth taking a look at the night sky. On Saturday (August 9), the August full moon will appear, shining like a supermoon, but it is not one. The August full moon…

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Eating French fries three times a week significantly increases the risk of diabetes

According to a study, eating three servings of French fries per week increases the risk of diabetes by around 20 percent. Eating a similar amount of potatoes in boiled, baked, or mashed form is not as harmful, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. Specifically, it concerns the risk of type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, which can be caused by predisposition, but above all by obesity and lack of exercise. Potatoes contain a lot of vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. Still, they also contain…

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Next heat wave rolling in: This is how hot it will get in Austria

After weeks of rain, the next heatwave is just around the corner. As meteorologists from Geosphere Austria predicted on Friday, the high-pressure weather will continue. Temperatures of up to 36 degrees are expected. It will be very sunny, with thunderstorms only possible again on Tuesday. Highest temperature on Saturday The sun will shine again on Saturday, and it will be very hot. In the morning, it will often be cloudless, with a few cumulus clouds forming over the mountains in the afternoon. At the same time, high veil clouds will…

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Red, yellow, or green? These apples are the healthiest

Do you prefer sweet red or tart green? When it comes to apples, it’s not just the taste that matters. When it comes to nutrients, color is important. Apples are one of the most popular fruits among Austrians: according to Statistics Austria, each of us consumes an average of 16.5 kilograms of apples per year. The most popular varieties are Gala and Golden Delicious. But did you know that not all apples are the same and that color has an influence on nutrients? Although all apples are green at first,…

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