Some never say “thank you”

Give and take hold societies together. A look at different cultures shows: It’s so natural that people don’t even need to express their gratitude. In some languages, there isn’t even a word for “thank you.” With “What’s the magic word?” or “Say ‘thank you,’” many parents try to teach their children at an early age that saying “please” or “thank you” is simply part of polite interaction. Studies prove these parenting methods are correct. Some evolutionary theorists, for example, believe that the experience of gratitude is the “glue” of human…

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XXL asteroid now comes close to Earth

After Christmas, an XXL asteroid is coming dangerously close to us. If it hits Earth, it could cause tremendous damage.If it goes after the web page of the “Center for Near Earth Object Studies” of the US space agency NASA, a gigantic asteroid comes dangerously close to the Earth after Christmas. However, no one should be afraid of a catastrophe. The asteroid “2010 XC15” reached the closest point to Earth on its trajectory at around 6:15 p.m. on December 27. Then the rocky chunk is only about 770,000 million kilometres…

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Temperature drop – after Christmas, frost comes back

The holidays passed almost all over the country with a surprisingly warm thaw. Now it is getting a bit cooler again; frosty nights are imminent.On Sunday, under the influence of high pressure – starting from the western Mediterranean Sea – a weather-calming foehn southwesterly current is established over the Alps. On Monday, a weak cold front approaches from the northwest, causing a temporary temperature drop on Tuesday and Wednesday. Today, Monday, there will be partly tenacious ground fog or high fog at Lake Constance, in the southern valleys and basins,…

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How Christmas got its date

At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. But even after 2,000 years, it is still unclear when he was born. In any case, there is no information in the New Testament about the exact date. So why exactly December 25 was chosen as his birthday is still a matter of debate among scientists today. People worldwide celebrate Christmas on December 25, except for those Orthodox who follow the Julian calendar. They don’t celebrate the holiday until Jan. 6 or 7. Christmas has long been celebrated on December 25 –…

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The joy of giving

On Christmas Eve, presents are a must in most households. Unwrapping colorful packages makes children and adults happy. Many people are even more comfortable than giving presents themselves when they make someone else happy – as science has shown. Once again, this year, many Austrians have been searching for the perfect Christmas gifts for their family, friends, and acquaintances. Receiving gifts makes people happy, but according to Viennese psychologist and happiness researcher Heide-Marie Smolka, in many cases, this is only partly due to the gift itself. Especially with close friends…

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Epiphany: 85,000 carolers bring blessings for 2023

85,000 (SternsingerInnen) carol singers will be on the road in 2023 as the Three Wise Men in Austria to bring the blessing.Eighty-five thousand children and young people will be dressed in royal robes after Christmas and until January 8, 2023. The “Three Kings” bring peace and blessings for the New Year throughout Austria. Millions of steps, open hearts and doors and filled donation boxes carry the blessing far and wide to people in need. The Epiphany Campaign, the relief organization of the Catholic Children’s Movement, uses donations to support around…

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Weather: Christmas holidays remain mild

The mild weather will remain in the coming days after Christmas. According to the Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) forecast, changeable weather and temperatures up to 13 degrees are expected in the coming days. Often sunny weather is expected on Christmas Day, especially in the western and southern half, away from fog zones. However, on the northern side of the Alps and in the east, a slight disturbance influence will be effective, leading to partly dense clouds and some rain until noon. With the departure of the disturbance…

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Christmas Eve – Personal thoughts and feelings

Yesterday, as I fell into my bed exhausted with a cold after a chaotic few days and the last of the Christmas stress, my thoughts gave me no peace. ‘It’s Christmas. Again.And, as usual, so incredibly fast.’I thought. ‘And how much has happened this year! What has happened? What has changed…? How many (unbelievably beautiful!) people did I get to meet, who entered my life (again) and who did I have to let go…? Crazy.’ I went my train of thought further. And so, caught in my maze of thoughts,…

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How to get through the holidays without infection

Waves of disease driven by different pathogens still have Austria firmly in their grip. Even the holidays do not change that. Thus, the Covid forecast consortium does not expect significant changes over the Christmas holidays – neither down nor up – in terms of new infections or hospital occupancy. Regarding new conditions, wastewater monitoring and officially reported case numbers also point to stagnation. An average of under 4,900 positive tests per day are reported throughout Austria. Corona protection measures are hardly in place, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take…

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