Hundreds of thousands of Wien Energie customers get their money back

The VKI has contested price increases for electricity and gas by Wien Energie. Hundreds of thousands of customers will now get an average of 275 euros back. Several hundred thousand electricity and gas customers of Wien Energie will receive money back following a successful agreement with the Association for Consumer Information (VKI), the responsible Ministry of Social Affairs and Consumer Protection of Johannes Rauch (Greens) announced on Monday. The amount depends on individual consumption. On average, it is 275 euros. “Once again, we have succeeded in enforcing the rights of…

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Comet still be visible in the night sky until early April

The comet “12P/Pons-Brooks” is currently traveling through the inner solar system and is rapidly approaching Earth. It will soon reach its maximum brightness and thus offer a fascinating observation opportunity. It can already be spotted in the night sky with a suitable lens. But what is behind this celestial phenomenon, and when is the best time to observe it? Comets and their characteristic featuresHistory and discovery: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks was first discovered on July 12, 1812, by the French astronomer Jean-Louis Pons. Over seventy years later, William Robert Brooks accidentally came…

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Up to 900 euros subsidy: Bicycle purchases are rewarded

The switch to bicycles is rewarded. Up to 900 subsidies are available for e-bikes, transport, and folding bikes with and without electric drive. Private individuals, companies, clubs, and municipalities can apply for funding again starting April 2 at www.umweltfoerderung.at. This also applies to bikes purchased in March. The subsidy for bicycles with and without electric drive and e-bikes is entering the next round. Last year, almost 10,000 bicycles were subsidized. In the previous year, the Ministry of Climate Protection promoted the purchase of (electric) bicycles in cooperation with Austrian sports…

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Total solar eclipse is coming – how you can see it

A total solar eclipse awaits us on April 8. The moon’s disc will move completely over and cover the sun. Rarely is such a natural spectacle so easy to observe. But there is a catch: unfortunately, it can only be seen on the other side of the globe. Seen from Austria, the moon will pass by the sun – as it usually does at the new moon. However, the total solar eclipse will be visible in detail in North America, Mexico, and Canada – watch the video for more information:…

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Austria: Church services during Holy Week and Easter at a glance

Around 16,000 church services take place throughout Austria during Holy Week and Easter. Special websites and apps provide an overview of all the festivities. The period between Palm Sunday and Easter Tuesday forms the highlight of the church year, along with Holy Week and Easter. A correspondingly dense religious life also characterises this time of year in the approximately 3,000 parishes throughout Austria. Holy Week and Easter services: Websites provide an overviewTo fulfil the need for quick information about the nearest and closest church services, the Catholic Church offers an…

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What do we celebrate on Palm Sunday? Customs, history and meaning

What is celebrated on Palm Sunday – and what does it have to do with Holy Week? We explain the customs, history, and significance of Palm Sunday in the church, religion, and art. Palm Sunday (March 24, 2024) marks the beginning of Holy Week, also known as “Silent Week,” during which Christians remember the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross and prepare for Easter. Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the beginning of his Passion. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus rode into the city on…

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Help, phone phobia! How to get rid of the fear

You need something at work or want to make a new contact. If you’re effective, you pick up the phone. Ideally, at least. But when phone phobia strikes, it’s a different story. All excusesInstead of calling, you start looking for excuses not to. “The ways are extremely creative,” says communication trainer Jürgen Eisserer. In the end, many people shirk and choose the written message. Why is that? “Because they are afraid of rejection,” explains Eisserer. What’s more, many don’t know exactly what they want to say or are worried that…

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Tips to get your car ready for spring

It’s not just your home that needs a spring clean; your car needs attention, too! Here are some tips: Washing your car at the start of springUnderbody cleaning is recommended to protect the vehicle from damage caused by salt and dirt. It offers long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion. Underbody cleaning can be carried out at car washes and specialist workshops. Manual cleaning with a steam jet is a gentle method for electronic components. Door seals should also be cleaned and treated with care products after the cold season. Get…

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Easter days & their meaning – Why there are Easter holidays

What does Easter mean?At Easter, the church celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is the main festival of the Christian faith. According to the apostle Paul, the Christian faith would be invalid without Easter: “But if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is empty too” (1 Cor 15:14). The word “Easter” probably comes from the terms “eos” (Greek), “aurora” (Latin) or “austro” (Old Germanic), which all mean “dawn”. The resurrection took place in the early morning of Easter Day.…

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