Category: General Interest

Eating, walking, cleaning, and even reading—everything is more enjoyable when done together. This is shown by a study involving data from more than 40,000 Americans: no matter what they are doing, people are happier when they have company during everyday activities. Silent book clubs are places where reading enthusiasts meet to read together in silence. Discussing the books is not mandatory, and the participants are sometimes complete strangers to each other. The idea originated in the US, but these unusual reading clubs can now be found all over the world.…

Read More

As Christmas approaches, winter is tightening its grip across Central Europe — and this year, the holiday weather will be particularly dramatic for Austria’s southern neighbors. While much of Carinthia is expected to enjoy a white Christmas, Slovenia, Croatia, and parts of northern Italy are bracing for a mix of snowfall and powerful winds. Ljubljana and Zagreb Set for a White Christmas Tuesday will still bring mild, grey, and mostly calm conditions across the region, with only occasional light rain. But according to meteorologist Nikolas Zimmermann from the weather service…

Read More

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