Central European Summer Time has begun

Daylight saving time (CEST) began on Sunday night. In Austria, too, the clocks were set to 3.00 a.m. at 2.00 a.m. on the dot, and the night was 60 minutes shorter. The changeover to standard time (CET) will take place on the last weekend in October. It is still unclear what will happen with the abolition of the time changeover in the EU, which has already been decided. The ball is still in the EU Council of Ministers’ court, and the transport ministers are responsible In March 2019, the European…

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Pope celebrates Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica

On Maundy Thursday, Pope Francis celebrated the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica with priests from the Diocese of Rome and the Vatican Curia. This Mass marks the beginning of the great liturgical celebrations around Easter. During the Mass, holy oils were consecrated, which are used for baptisms, confirmations, anointings of the sick, and ordinations. The Pope, who had recently canceled several appointments due to bronchitis, was pushed to the altar in a wheelchair. In his sermon, he called on the priests to look with love at those who are…

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Comet Pons-Brooks is also visible in Austria

Only every 71 years is there a chance to observe the comet Pons-Brooks in the night sky. With a waning moon and a little luck with the weather, the Easter weekend in Austria is a good time for this. It is difficult with the naked eye, but not impossible. Comet expert Michael Jäger recommends the first 90 minutes after sunset as the observation period. The comet will reach its closest point to the sun on April 21, 2024. Trip to the observatoryIf you don’t want to rely on the naked…

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These foods should not be reheated in the microwave

For many, the motto is: pre-cook, reheat, and save time. In our busy everyday lives, the microwave is often our best friend. But be careful here! Because, as practical as it is to use up leftovers from the previous day, it can also be dangerous. Some foods develop harmful substances in the microwave and can lead to stomach problems. SpinachSpinach should not be reheated again, as spinach contains a lot of nitrate, which turns into harmful nitrite at room temperature. When eaten, carcinogenic nitrosamines can form and lead to nausea,…

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Black pin on the heating thermostat: only a few people know about this hidden function

The black pin on the thermostat indicates which heating level is set—that much is clear. But that’s not its only function. If you want, you can also use it to lock your heating to a certain level. This can save you money if you have children in the household who like to fiddle with the controls. The black pin on the heater detects the controllerThe market for smart radiator thermostats is booming, especially since the last energy price crisis. No wonder; after all, clever use and setup of smart home…

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Fear of letting go: How we learn to be open to new things

Why do we often find it difficult to let go of things even though they might not benefit us? Whether it’s a job, an object, a relationship, or a place to live, we often hold on to things even though they are not good for us or are long gone. The fact that we find it difficult to let go of old things and embrace new ones is partly due to the “fear of the consequences.” Why do we often struggle to abandon old behaviors, things, relationships, or places?Every loss…

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From Friday, speeding cars can be impounded

Speeding drivers, beware; starting Friday, your car could be gone: With the 34th amendment to the Road Traffic Act (StVO), from March 1, 2024, vehicles can be confiscated and subsequently auctioned off if they exceed 80 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h outside urban areas.If there is already a relevant previous conviction, for example, due to participation in illegal car races, confiscation and forfeiture are already possible if the speed limit is exceeded by more than 60 km/h in urban areas and 70 km/h outside urban areas, the ÖAMTC…

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The black dots on your windshield: A true ‘engineering marvel’ – Do you know their purpose?

Have you ever wondered what the little black dots on your windshield are for? Besides an aesthetic touch, these dots fulfill several crucial ‘technical functions’. Let’s unravel the mystery surrounding these little black dots… Made from fired ceramic paint that adheres permanently to the glass, these black dots fulfill three main objectives: Structure, safety, and aesthetics. The essential role of the ‘Frit Band’The most important function of these black dots, known as ‘Frit Band’, is to secure the windshield to your vehicle. They provide a grippier surface for the sealant…

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Good question: Can you eat the core of apples?

Some people eat an apple so that only the woody stem remains. Whether you want to eat the core or not is a matter of taste. On the other hand, there is also the myth that apple cores can be poisonous. However, this is only partly true, according to the Federal Center for Nutrition. Fact: Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is converted into hydrocyanic acid in the body. But this substance is only released when the seeds are bitten into and eaten in very large quantities. Because the seeds taste…

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