Author: admin

Filipino Traditions and Practices on New Year’s Eve

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The New Year’s Eve celebration in the Philippines is a vibrant mix of cultural traditions, family bonding, and festive rituals, reflecting the country’s rich heritage and optimistic spirit. Rooted in a blend of indigenous practices, Chinese influences, and Spanish traditions, Filipinos welcome the new year with joy and high hopes. Below are some common practices and traditions observed during this significant occasion. 1. Preparing a Feast: The Media Noche Filipino households prepare a grand feast called Media Noche, meaning “midnight meal.” This feast symbolizes prosperity and abundance for the coming…

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These are the most popular New Year’s resolutions

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New Year’s resolutions are as universal as New Year’s Eve fireworks: everyone has them and knows them, and they are always the same. And that applies to all of us—maybe we’re not as different as we always think. It’s that time of year again: the old year is almost over, and 1 January is just around the corner. It awakens in many of us the irrepressible desire to turn our lives completely upside down—at least for a few weeks. Here are the most popular New Year’s resolutions: Exercise moreThe desire…

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Carcinogenic: This is how dangerous microplastics in tea bags are

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Spanish researchers have made an alarming discovery. Microplastic particles in tea bags, released in contact with hot water, will likely have serious consequences for the human body. A new study shows that plastic is released into the body and absorbed through the digestive tract, which can lead to cancer and fertility problems, among other things.According to the Daily Mail, the University Autònoma de Barcelona research team found that polypropylene tea bags, in particular, release large amounts of nanoparticles—up to 1.2 billion particles per milliliter of water. Specifically, the microplastic particles…

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The Impact of Fireworks on New Year’s Eve: A Closer Look at the Environment and Animals

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Every New Year’s Eve, the sky lights up with dazzling fireworks displays, symbolizing celebration and hope for the coming year. While these spectacular shows captivate millions worldwide, their impact on the environment and animals is often overlooked. Understanding these effects is crucial as we strive to balance traditions with sustainability and compassion for our planet and its inhabitants. Environmental Impact of Fireworks 1. Air Pollution Fireworks release a cocktail of harmful chemicals and particulate matter into the atmosphere. When fireworks explode, they emit delicate particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals like…

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How the Viennese celebrate New Year’s Eve

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The turn of the year is just around the corner, and the Viennese usually celebrate New Year’s Eve in a very traditional way, with lots of culinary delights from close family or friends. Fireworks, toasts, and the Danube Waltz are a must. According to a recent study conducted by KMU Forschung Austria on behalf of the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, 6 out of 10 Viennese (62 percent) plan to celebrate the turn of the year. This festive mood is also reflected in consumer spending, which averages 60 euros per person.…

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Weather remains sunny and mild at the end of the year

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The last days of the year bring mild weather and sunshine to Austria. Temperatures of up to ten degrees are also forecast for New Year’s Eve. The end of the year will bring Austrians sunshine and milder temperatures as the days go by. According to the Geosphere Austria forecast, it is set to reach up to ten degrees on New Year’s Eve and even up to twelve degrees next Sunday. However, it will primarily remain cold—or rather, icy—in the morning. Year-end brings sunshine and milder temperaturesThe details: On Friday, there…

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Still 6.8 billion schillings not exchanged for euros

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Almost 7 billion schillings are still in circulation. The value has only fallen marginally compared to 2023. While 6.8 billion schillings worth a reasonable 497 million euros had not been exchanged by the end of November last year, this figure was still 495.8 million euros at the same time in 2024—and thus, rounded up, there are still 6.8 billion schillings “hiding.” A total of 18.4 million schillings were exchanged for 1.3 million euros this year, the National Bank announced. According to the National Bank (OeNB), three billion schillings are banknotes,…

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Carolers (Sternsinger) go from house to house again

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From 27 December to 6 January, the “Three Wise Men” will be out and about throughout Austria to bring the Christmas message of peace and blessings for 2025. The children also sing and collect to free people from poverty and exploitation for a better world. “We are already highly motivated,” said the carol singers from the parish of Leopoldau. The Epiphany Campaign, the aid organization of the Catholic Children’s Movement (Katholische Jungschar), supports around 500 aid projects in poor regions of the world with donations.540 million euros in donations already…

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Money, deposit, driving: This will all change from January 1, 2025 in Austria

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Numerous things will change again from 1 January 2025, with some innovations coming in the course of the year. Here are the most important points: Higher energy billsThe new year will bring higher gas and electricity bills. The main reasons for this are higher grid costs and the fact that from January, the levies, which were reduced to a minimum during the energy crisis, will once again apply in full. The expiry of the electricity price cap on 31 December 2024 may also lead to higher costs. Household energy bills…

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