The early summer days have given the grasses’ readiness to bloom a further boost: These days, the first grasses will begin to bloom in the lowlands. “This heralds the start of the main season,” says Maximilian Bastl, head of the Medical University of Vienna’s pollen service. For by far the largest group of allergy sufferers—those who react to grass pollen—one of the most stressful phases of the year begins: from June until August, they may be afflicted by symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, and respiratory problems. And according to…
Read MoreCategory: General Interest
Papal election: Conclave begins on May 7
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni announced this on Monday. The date was set during a general congregation of cardinals at the Vatican, the first since Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday. Bruni reported that over 180 cardinals, including around 100 papal electors, took part in the fifth general congregation. The names of the three cardinals who will support the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, at the conclave were drawn by lot: German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, and Frenchman Dominique Mamberti. On Monday, Bruni reported that the cardinals discussed the challenges…
Read MoreStep-by-Step Guide: How Overseas Filipinos Can Enroll and Become Eligible for Online Voting in the May 12, 2025 Philippine Elections
Eligibility Requirements Filipino citizen, at least 18 years old by May 12, 2025 Registered overseas voter with an active record (check if you are on the Certified List of Overseas Voters, CLOV) Not disqualified by law (e.g., not convicted of certain crimes, not declared insane/incompetent by a court) 1. Check Your Registration Status Visit the official COMELEC links to check if your name is included in the Certified List of Overseas Voters (CLOV) or the National Registry of Overseas Voters (NROV): CLOV/NROV Check If your name is not listed, you…
Read MoreHappy Easter from AustrianPress.com
To all our valued readers and supporters, As Easter arrives, we want to thank each of you for being part of the AustrianPress.com community. Your trust, engagement, and continued support drive us to do what we do daily. Easter is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope — values that feel especially meaningful in today’s world. Whether you’re celebrating with family, enjoying a quiet weekend, or simply resting, we hope this season brings you peace and clarity. We remain committed to bringing you honest, independent reporting and stories that matter.…
Read MoreThe most hospitable travel destinations in the world
Every year, the travel platform Booking.com analyzes where there are particularly many accommodations with so-called Traveller Review Awards. This in-house award is given for exceptional hospitality and Booking uses it to create a ranking of the most hospitable places in the world. To arrive at its ranking, the travel platform evaluates which providers on the platform consistently receive excellent customer reviews from holidaymakers and are praised for their outstanding service. The categories analyzed include accommodation, car rental companies and cab drivers. From coffee farms to pristine beaches or medieval hideaways…
Read MoreRice water: the superfood packed with nutrients
Most people throw away rice water straight after cooking – but that’s a big mistake. This simple, leftover liquid is packed with nutrients and has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its soothing and healing properties. When boiled, water absorbs valuable nutrients, including folic acid, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins. These minerals make rice water useful for both internal health and external care – from relieving digestive problems to skin care. However, rice can contain arsenic, which is mainly found in the outer layers of…
Read MoreKeeping potatoes fresh for longer: how to store them properly
However, many people make a crucial mistake during storage that causes the tubers to rot or sprout more quickly. An inconspicuous vegetable, the onion, plays a surprising role in this. Many people store potatoes and onions together, as they are often used in the same dishes. But that’s exactly what’s problematic. Storage expert Anthony from Poga Box warns against storing these two vegetables next to each other. Both release moisture and produce ethylene, a gas that accelerates the ripening process. The result? Potatoes spoil more quickly, become mushy, or start…
Read MoreWhat really happens when you swallow chewing gum?
It probably happened to you as a child that you accidentally swallowed your chewing gum and were then convinced that it would be stuck in your stomach forever. But what really happens to the chewing gum? It’s happened to all of us: We’re calmly eating a piece of chewing gum, and suddenly, because we get scared or simply by accident, we swallow it. And you probably all remember the horror stories about chewing gum sticking in your stomach forever. Rest assured, it’s nothing more than that. Like everything we eat…
Read MorePope Francis leaves hospital after five weeks
Pope Francis left the hospital after pneumonia and returned to the Vatican after five weeks. Doctors continue to recommend rest and therapy. After more than five weeks of hospital treatment, Pope Francis is allowed to return to the Vatican. According to the doctors treating him, the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church will be discharged from the Gemelli Clinic on Sunday. Francis’ condition has steadily improved recently. He can, therefore, live in his residence in the Vatican again, said the doctor Sergio Alfieri. He will continue to receive medical care…
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