Category: General Interest

VIENNA, Nov. 2, 2026 — Stargazers can look forward to a month packed with celestial highlights in November, from a striking planetary alignment and meteor showers to a dazzling supermoon at the end of the month. For those who enjoy observing the night sky, November offers several opportunities to spot planets, meteors and the Moon without the need for sophisticated equipment. A Month for Casual Skywatchers November is particularly appealing for people who prefer not to stay up late or wake before dawn. Saturn remains visible throughout the month shortly…

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As the days grow shorter and frosty mornings become the norm, our kitchens naturally shift toward hearty meals and comforting seasonal ingredients. November may mark the arrival of colder weather, but it also brings a rich variety of locally grown produce. Shopping seasonally not only means fresher flavors on your plate, it also supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of your food choices. Here’s a look at the fruits and vegetables that are at their best in November, and the foods you may want to leave off your…

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 27, 2026 — Online shoppers across the European Union will face higher costs from November 1, 2026, as a new EU handling charge on goods imported from non-EU countries comes into force. The measure, known as the “Union Handling Fee,” will primarily affect consumers ordering directly from popular Asian e-commerce platforms such as Temu, Shein and AliExpress. Under the new rules, a fee of €2 will be charged for each product category contained in a shipment, in addition to a €3 customs charge for low-value consignments worth less…

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Many shoppers rarely stop to wonder why oranges, mandarins, lemons and limes are so often sold in colorful mesh bags. While the packaging may seem purely practical, experts say there is a clever marketing trick behind it that can influence how consumers perceive the fruit. Supermarkets take advantage of a visual illusion known as the Bezold effect, color assimilation, or the “confetti illusion.” Scientists have found that the human brain never processes colors in isolation, but always in relation to their surroundings. When bright red or orange-colored netting covers oranges,…

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Daylight saving time can disrupt sleep patterns, but a few simple strategies can help your body adjust more quickly and make the transition easier. You go to bed at your usual time, yet the next morning feels different. The alarm rings, you struggle to open your eyes, and getting out of bed suddenly seems like a major challenge. For many people, the seasonal clock change affects much more than their daily schedule. It can also throw off the body’s internal clock, leading to restless nights and sluggish mornings. Whether the…

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Research suggests that keeping outdoor shoes on inside the home may bring far more than just dirt across the threshold. Scientists have found that shoe soles can carry bacteria, chemicals, allergens, and other contaminants from streets, parks, workplaces, and stores directly into living spaces. For many people, whether guests should remove their shoes indoors is a matter of personal preference or cultural tradition. However, growing evidence indicates there are compelling hygiene reasons to leave outdoor footwear at the door. Every day, shoes come into contact with a wide range of…

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GENEVA – The United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have issued a stark warning over the potential development of an exceptionally strong El Niño event, urging governments and international financial institutions to take immediate preventive action to limit its humanitarian and economic impact. Speaking in Geneva on Wednesday, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo called for a coordinated global response, warning that ocean temperatures in the tropical Pacific have reached unprecedented levels. “Today, we are issuing a joint appeal to the international community to act urgently and in a coordinated,…

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 21 – Consumers ordering goods directly from online retailers outside the European Union could face a new cost factor ahead of this year’s Singles Day and Black Friday sales events. A new processing fee of €2 per customs item is expected to take effect from November 1, adding to the existing €3 customs charge introduced on July 1. The measure applies only to goods shipped directly from non-EU retailers to customers within the EU. Orders fulfilled from warehouses located inside the EU, or purchases from EU-based merchants, will…

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 18 — New European Union cash payment rules aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing will take effect in 2027, introducing restrictions on large cash transactions involving businesses while leaving private sales largely unaffected. Under the new regulations, commercial retailers and service providers will generally be prohibited from accepting cash payments of €10,000 or more from July 10, 2027. However, the limit will not automatically apply to transactions conducted exclusively between private individuals. This means that a person selling a used car to another private individual, for…

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