Author: admin

Super solar storm: ESA warns of current threat from extreme solar activity.

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Cyberattacks, blackouts, pandemics—we’re all familiar with these threats. But an invisible danger lurks above our heads: an extreme solar storm. What sounds like science fiction has long been reality according to the European Space Agency (ESA) – and is highly dangerous. The reason for the fears: the sun is currently more active than expected. Its eruptions hurl plasma into space with enormous force. If such a coronal mass ejection hits the Earth, it can paralyze everything in three destructive waves: GPS, power grids, satellites – all within hours. The situation…

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A Rainy Journey Along the Ligurian Coast

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We started our day early, leaving the hotel at eight in the morning with sleepy smiles and coffee still warming our hands. The sky was already gray, a sign of the rain that would follow us for most of the day. Our route took us along the 22 kilometers of the Versilian coast, one of the most beautiful stretches in Tuscany. As the bus rolled out of Viareggio, our tour guide began to tell us about the town’s history. Once a small fishing village, Viareggio grew into a famous seaside…

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Snow and storms on the way: Cold front brings first signs of winter

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A stormy cold front will bring snow to higher elevations, rain to the south, and strong winds starting on Thursday—especially in the mountains. Slush is also expected on several mountain passes. A cold front will move across Austria from the west on Thursday afternoon, bringing winter weather to the mountains. Stormy winds and heavy rain are also expected. “In addition, it will snow on some mountain passes for the first time this fall,” said meteorologist Simon Hölzl in Wednesday’s Geosphere forecast. Stormy cold front brings winter weather to the mountains…

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Austria: Early retirement for nursing staff possible from 2026

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From January 1, 2026, nursing staff will be able to retire at the age of 60 without any reduction in their pension, as the requirements for the heavy labor pension will be relaxed. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the regulation affects around 1,000 people per year, and the financing is still being worked out. The federal government has now finalized the expansion of heavy labor to include nursing professions, which was announced in the spring. The corresponding regulation was approved by the Council of Ministers via circular resolution,…

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Day Tour from Lido di Camaiore to Cinque Terre

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Our day began early in Lido di Camaiore with a quick breakfast before setting out on our much-anticipated day tour to Cinque Terre. The morning air was fresh, and the excitement among our group was contagious. After breakfast, we boarded the bus, and our friendly tour guide led us toward La Spezia, sharing bits of history and fun facts about the region along the way. From La Spezia, we caught the train to Vernazza, one of the most picturesque villages of Cinque Terre. The short ride offered stunning views of…

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Survey: How much Austrians spend per capita on Halloween

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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

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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

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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?

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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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