Here are 5 things you should know.
1. The Chamber of Commerce is not a public entity. It is a private, non-governmental organization.
Image credit: en.wikipedia.orgKeep this in mind because a message from the CoC serves their own agenda and are not an unbiased source of information.
2. Dandelions and other weeds are an important part of the pollination cycle. Consider weeding in the late spring/early summer when they finish blooming.
Think of weeds like a starch. They contain key nutrients for insects to survive. A honeybee can’t live off of dandelions and buttercups alone, but they will certainly provide enough pollen to sustain a healthy ecosystem. Remove the weeds, and the pollination ecosystem has a chance of failing. Grass and trees produce pollen, but pollinators require as much diversity in their diet as we do, otherwise, they become sickly. When their population grows too low or too unhealthy, pollinators are put at risk of extinction due to invasive species or disease. A good example of this is the rusty bumblebee, which has recently been classified as endangered. Beekeeping isn’t a perfect solution either, and if anything can place the ecosystem under greater stress when done by an amateur. If you have to weed your lawn or garden, please consider planting flowers around your property. This link contains a list of plants and flowers that produce large amounts of pollen: https://www.sunset.com/garden/flowers-plants/plants-pollination
3. When you’re on hold, and you don’t hear “hold music”, you’re most likely on mute where you can’t hear the other person, but the other person can hear everything you’re saying.
4. Wondering why most major websites are updating their privacy policies? It is because of the European Union introducing a new law called the GDPR in order to protect peoples privacy online.
Owners of any companies that process data of EU citizens need to comply or face a fine of up to 4% of annual global turnover or €20 Million (whichever is greater). Learn more here: https://www.eugdpr.org/
5. The salute “Heil!” wasn’t exclusively used in Nazi Germany and continues to be a very heavily used, friendly salute in some parts of Austria.
Image credit: en.wikipedia.orgIt’s perfectly normal to use “Heil!” or “Heile!”, especially in rural regions of Austria. Don’t take offense, if you see people openly wave and yell the phrase in public if you ever happen to visit western parts of Austria.
