Survey: How much Austrians spend per capita on Halloween

According to a survey by the Austrian Retail Association, Halloween will generate around €90 million for domestic retailers this year. Austrians spend an average of €74 on the holiday, which is particularly popular among young people. Halloween is becoming more important every year. “According to the latest Trade Association Consumer Check, two-thirds of Austrians plan to shop specifically for Halloween,” says Rainer Will, managing director of the Trade Association. Reppublika Research & Analytics surveyed 1,013 people aged 18 and over online on behalf of the association between September 25 and…

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The Hidden Health Costs of Social Media: Why Instagram and TikTok Can Make You Sick and Unhappy

Social media was built to connect us, but mounting evidence shows it may be doing the opposite—hurting our mental and even physical health. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are now under fire for their links to anxiety, depression, and poor body image, especially among young users. Experts say the design of these apps is part of the problem. Their algorithms feed users an endless scroll of content engineered to grab attention and trigger emotional reactions. “You’re not just seeing what your friends post,” said Dr. Melissa Grant, a clinical psychologist.…

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Driver’s license revolution: What’s changing for drivers

Driver’s license revolution: New EU rules bring digital driver’s licenses, stricter driving bans, and changes for drivers and new drivers. The EU is tightening the reins on road traffic: On Tuesday, the European Parliament will vote on new driver’s license rules – and these will bring serious changes for millions of drivers and novice drivers. Member states have three years to incorporate the requirements into national law, plus another year to implement everything. Overview of the most important planned changes: By 2030 at the latest, driver’s licenses are to become…

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When will the clocks change to winter time?

Wintertime: The time change in Austria will take place on the night of October 26, 2024—all information about the time, direction, and background. Since 1980, clocks have been changed twice a year throughout Austria. Originally introduced to save energy by making use of longer daylight hours, the time change continues to confuse to this day. When exactly does the change from daylight saving time to standard time (colloquially known as “winter time”) take place in the fall—and in which direction must the clock be turned? The change always takes place…

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Eating a banana in the morning stabilizes blood sugar levels, while eating one in the evening improves sleep

Bananas are one of the most popular fruits. They provide energy, are easy to transport, and can be eaten almost anywhere—whether as a quick snack, while exercising, or in the evening in front of the TV. But is there actually a perfect time to eat a banana? Some studies provide surprising answers to this question. The best time to eat a banana—what research shows A study by Mitsuko Itoh and Hiroyoshi Inoue shows that timing plays a role. Over a period of two weeks, 54 adults either ate a banana…

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World Church Sunday with Philippine Participation

On October 19, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., the Parish of Leopoldau joyfully celebrated World Church Sunday with a vibrant and heartfelt Mass. The celebration, filled with music, prayer, and cultural unity, reflected the true spirit of the Universal Church. It was actively organized by the parish’s youth group and youth leaders, who not only animated the liturgy but also engaged the community through a small fundraising initiative. At the end of the service, they offered fair trade chocolate pralines and “Happy Blue Chips” for sale. The proceeds from this meaningful…

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A simple trick to prevent ice in the freezer

Ice buildup in the freezer is not only annoying, it also wastes energy. The thicker the layer of ice, the less efficiently the appliance works—and defrosting takes time and effort. There’s a surprisingly simple trick circulating online. Why ice forms in the first place Every time the freezer compartment is opened, warm, moist air enters. When this air comes into contact with the cold interior surfaces, the moisture condenses and freezes. Moist foods also contribute to this. How the aluminum foil trick works The method is simple: aluminum foil is…

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Celebrating 36 Years of Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria: A Legacy of Community and Compassion

The Kapunungan sa mga Bisaya sa Austria (KBA) proudly marks its 36th anniversary, celebrating more than three decades of unity, cultural pride, and service to both the Filipino community in Austria and communities back home in the Philippines. What began as a small gathering in front of a restaurant in Vienna in March 1989 has since evolved into one of the most active Filipino-Visayan organizations in Austria. Inspired by a desire to connect with others from their homeland, a few Visayans envisioned forming an organization that would bring together their…

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Mild autumn weather followed by a storm front with rain showers

The new week begins in Austria with pleasant and mild weather, partly due to the foehn wind, before a significant change sets in towards the middle of the week. From Thursday onwards, a storm front over the North Sea will spread across Central Europe, bringing rain, showers, and increasingly stormy westerly winds, as Geosphere Austria announced in its forecast on Sunday. On Monday, numerous cloud fields will move in from the west. The sun will appear intermittently, especially in the afternoon, with isolated rain showers possible in the west. Winds…

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