Category: General Interest

Black Friday and the following Cyber Monday mark the start of Christmas shopping for many, as Rainer Trefelnik, chairman of the Federal Trade Association, puts it. Austrians will spend around 520 million euros on shopping on these days, according to a survey by the Chamber of Commerce. Last year, the figure was 430 million euros. Trefelnik hopes that at least part of this sum will be spent in domestic retail. In any case, the majority of business (more than 80 percent) will be done online, and the primary motive for…

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On Sunday, November 30, 2025, the season of Advent begins. It is more than a countdown to Christmas—it is a sacred season of preparation, hope, and renewal that calls Christians to reflect deeply on Christ’s coming and His promise to return. Advent is four weeks leading up to Christmas, beginning on the fourth Sunday before December 25. The word Advent means “arrival” or “coming,” and the season invites believers to prepare their hearts for two realities: the celebration of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and the anticipation of His second coming…

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Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has released updated guidelines on the entry of temporary visitors, reaffirming the country’s visa-free access policy for short-term business and tourism travel. Nationals from 157 countries may enter the Philippines without a visa for a stay of up to 30 days, as long as they hold a return or onward ticket and a passport valid for at least six months beyond their planned stay. This policy is part of the government’s effort to keep travel smooth, secure, and welcoming for…

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FSW Debt Counselling is calling for greater financial awareness in light of Black Friday and Cyber Monday discount campaigns. Every year, online shops in particular tempt shoppers with special discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Clever marketing puts pressure on customers and often leads to impulsive purchases. FSW Debt Counselling is therefore urging caution. Advertising psychology tricks, such as claiming that there is only one product left or that a discount is limited in time, create enormous pressure among customers. “At this point, at the latest, customers should think…

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Most flights feel routine. You board, stash your bag, plug in your headphones, and trust the crew to handle the rest. But behind the calm voice of the captain and the tidy cabin, there is a world passengers rarely see. Airline employees know it well, and they tend to keep a few details quiet. Your headphones are not fresh out of the boxThe plastic wrapping misleads almost everyone. Those headsets were used by passengers on earlier flights. They are cleaned, checked, and sealed again. You might be flying with coffins…

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Moments of happiness as a couple can have a measurable positive effect on health: when older couples experience positive feelings together, their levels of the stress hormone cortisol decrease. This was reported by a team of researchers led by psychologist Tomiko Yoneda from the University of California, Davis, in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. “We know from numerous studies that positive emotions such as happiness, joy, love, and excitement are good for our health – they are even associated with a longer life,” explains Yoneda, according to a…

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More physical activity is definitely better than a sedentary lifestyle. But the old “unofficial” goal of 10,000 steps per day does not have to be achieved. An international team of scientists has found that the most critical positive health effects occur even with 7,000 steps a day: lower mortality, fewer cardiovascular diseases, and much more. “Although 10,000 steps per day may still be a feasible goal for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically significant improvements in health outcomes and may be a more…

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Europe, also known as the “old continent,” is for many the epitome of diversity. In a relatively small area, you’ll find an impressive mix of cultures, languages, landscapes, and culinary highlights. And the best part? You can travel from one country to the next in just a few hours, often quite easily by train, bus, or even bike. But before you set off, the big question arises: how much does it all cost? How much should you budget for a trip through Europe? Admittedly, Europe is not the cheapest continent,…

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Two kiwis a day – that’s the advice of an intestinal expert. The fruit not only stimulates digestion, but can also prevent disease. Several times a day or just twice a week? The regularity of your bowel movements can say something about your health. Fiber is particularly important for stimulating digestion. One disadvantage is that it can cause flatulence. Intestinal problems such as flatulence and constipation affect up to a third of the population. One fruit can be beneficial in this regard. Consuming fiber is often a vague recommendation and…

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