Category: General Interest

A new analysis by Greenpeace is putting a spotlight on the disproportionate climate impact of luxury air travel. According to the report, First- and Business-Class flights generate several times more greenhouse gas emissions per passenger than seats in Economy — and the organization is urging policymakers to act. Luxury Seats, Outsized Emissions The study finds that First Class passengers are responsible for five times, and Business Class passengers for four times, the emissions of someone flying Economy on the same route. Although premium passengers make up only about 14 percent…

Read More

A morning coffee is not only good for you—it could also help you stay physically and mentally fit in old age. New research suggests that regular coffee consumption can significantly reduce the risk of frailty. Seven years of observation As reported in the European Journal of Nutrition, scientists followed 1,161 adults over the age of 55 for seven years. The results were clear: people who drank two to four cups of coffee a day showed fewer signs of age-related frailty than those who did not consume coffee. The researchers observed…

Read More

They’re back! They’re smiling at us from every reception desk, every conference table, and every coffee break: those little Christmas cookies. They taste delicious, seem harmless—and sooner or later lead to love handles if you overdo it. So: How many Christmas cookies can you eat per day without gaining weight during the holiday season? The short answer: it depends largely on the rest of your diet. If you eat a balanced diet and exercise, you don’t need to feel guilty – but there are clear guidelines to follow. Cookies are…

Read More

The Second Sunday of Advent in Catholic tradition emphasizes hope, preparation, and repentance, guided by the voice of John the Baptist calling us to “prepare the way of the Lord.” The Second Sunday of Advent is a pivotal moment in the Church’s liturgical season. While the first Sunday focuses on vigilance and waiting, the second shifts our attention to John the Baptist, the prophet in the wilderness who cries out for repentance and readiness. His stark message—“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths”—reminds us that Advent is…

Read More

On the night of December 14, the most prolific meteor shower of the year—the Geminids—will reach its peak. Away from the distracting light of larger settlements, experts expect up to 150 shooting stars per hour between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. According to the Vienna Working Group for Astronomy (WAA), the spectacle will reach its peak around December 14. But even on the nights that follow, you can still see meteoroids burning up in the sky, provided the sky is clear. The period of visibility generally lasts from December 4…

Read More

On Friday night, the last supermoon of the year will shine over Austria. The December full moon will once again come unusually close to Earth, offering a rare spectacle in the sky that will not return until December 2026. Astronomy fans should look up tomorrow night. At 12:14 a.m. on December 5, the full moon will reach its closest position to Earth and once again appear as a supermoon, the third in a row after October and November. It will be worth taking a look at the moonrise tonight, provided…

Read More

Many households already use LEDs and energy-saving modes, but there is still potential for savings. Depending on the living situation, a two-person household consumes between 1,900 and 3,500 kilowatt hours per year. With electricity costs averaging 39.6 cents per kilowatt hour, this results in monthly costs of around 63 to 116 euros; with low rates for new customers tending to be at the lower end. According to AG Energiebilanzen, information and communication technology accounts for around 17 percent of consumption, with lighting accounting for around eight percent. Electricity costs: What…

Read More

Despite the flood of wellness advice online, many popular beliefs about nutrition are simply wrong. Experts say it’s time to separate fact from fiction and stop letting outdated myths dictate our diets. The Myth of “Carbs Make You Fat” Carbohydrates have been demonized for decades, but the truth is more nuanced. Complex carbs like whole grains, beans, and vegetables are essential sources of fiber, vitamins, and energy. Weight gain comes from excess calories overall, not carbs alone. “Coconut Oil Is a Superfood” Coconut oil has been marketed as a miracle…

Read More

Vienna, November 29 – As the first candle flickers on Austria’s Advent wreaths, the country enters a season that blends quiet reflection with vibrant folklore and bustling markets. The wreath, a circle of evergreen branches adorned with four candles, has become the centerpiece of Advent in Austrian homes and churches. The Wreath of Anticipation The Advent wreath tradition began in 1839 when German theologian Johann Heinrich Wichern created a wooden ring with candles to help children count down to Christmas. Austria quickly embraced the custom, weaving wreaths from fir branches…

Read More