Finance

Barber lockdown

For a long time people longed for the opening of the hairdressing salons. A survey by the WKO shows how important this “step towards normality” is.

The last opening steps made made it possible to go shopping again in Austria and to visit service providers close to the body. Many had longed for the hairdressers' openings for a long time. No wonder, then, that in the first few days after the easing, people stormed the hairdressing salons. A survey by the Austrian Chamber of Commerce shows how important this step was for the population. “The survey gives us a very clear picture: The Austrians have longed for the opening of the hairdressing salons, are happy about it and see them as an 'important step towards more normality'”, according to the statement by the federal hairdressing guild master Wolfgang Eder.

People aged 16 and over were surveyed between February 22nd and 24th – Corona-compliant, of course online. The survey showed that a quarter of Austrians visited a hairdressing salon in the first two weeks after it opened. In particular, the group of over 50s stood out here. 23 percent of those surveyed said they had made an appointment for the next few days. Here, too, it is especially those over 50 who urgently want to go to the hairdresser. Overall, 44 percent had their hair shortened during the period. Notable detail: men (54 percent) were apparently in a more hurry to cut their hair than women (35 percent). According to Eder, this is surprising, “but it shows the growing body and beauty awareness of men”.

Especially in times of the pandemic and especially the lockdowns, the tendency was to “let yourself go” and to linger in a cozy look. Therefore, the visit to the hairdresser also gave many a good feeling of being “made beautiful” again. “We see ourselves as a service provider in the sense of wellbeing and more than two thirds of those questioned confirmed in the survey that it was a good feeling to be 'made beautiful again'”, said Eder.

The majority of the population surveyed (75 percent) perceive the opening of hairdressers as an important step towards more normalcy. In addition, the entry tests ensure a feeling of security. The majority of respondents also support the need to submit a negative corona test. However, 43 percent say it is too much effort for them to do a corona test especially because of a visit to the hairdresser.

Therefore, a very clear two-thirds majority (68 percent) were in favor of free rapid tests directly at the hairdresser's. The federal guild master said that this was “a clear argument in favor of rapid tests directly at the hairdresser's on-site”. “Of course, reliability has to be guaranteed – that could be 'nose drill tests' under supervision or self-tests with an app solution as confirmation.” He also stated:

In addition, this would “help those salons that have large sales losses because the walk-in customers are missing”.

AUA is also part of the frequent flyer program “Miles and More”. It is still unclear which customers are affected.

Hackers have stolen a large amount of customer data in an attack on the aviation IT service provider Sita. According to a Lufthansa spokesman, around 1.35 million customers are affected by the “Miles and More” frequent flyer program alone. However, only information about the service card number, the status level and, in part, the name were stolen. Security-relevant passwords, e-mail addresses or other personal customer data, however, are not affected.

The passengers did not need to be active, the AUA mother Lufthansa announced on Friday. Austrian Airlines (AUA) is also part of the frequent flyer and rewards program. “Since this case occurred with an external service provider, it is unclear whether or to what extent Austrian Airlines passengers are among the Miles & More members concerned,” the AUA said on request. “Since we cannot rule it out either, we proactively informed all” Miles & More “members.”

investigation

According to Lufthansa, the hackers got the data of the “Miles and More” customers via an Asian partner airline of the Star Alliance alliance. Sita publicly confirmed the incident on Thursday. The company said that it reacted quickly to the sophisticated attack and took targeted measures to contain it. The process will be further investigated. Passengers should contact their airlines for more information.

According to its own information, Sita is the world's leading specialist in IT and communication in aviation. The company works for almost the entire industry.

The US trade deficit grew larger

US exports rose for many trading partners at the beginning of the year, regardless of the second corona wave. They increased by 1.0 percent compared to the previous month to just under 192 billion dollars (160 billion euros), as the US Department of Commerce announced on Friday. This slowed the pace, however: In December there was still an increase of 3.4 percent. The imports grew in January by 1.2 to more than 260 billion dollars.

This increased the deficit in the US trade balance. It totaled $ 68.2 billion at the start of the year. The chances of an upturn in export business in the further course of the year are not bad. Experts anticipate significantly better world trade after the corona year 2020. However, the prerequisite for this is that the pandemic is brought under control.

According to a study by the Ifo Institute, the United States held a share of around 8.5 percent of trade in goods last year. They were clearly behind China (14.5 percent), but still ahead of Germany (8 percent).

More new jobs were posted in February than experts expected. The effects of the corona crisis are decreasing.

The flight to the USA almost broke off

The US labor market, which was badly shaken by the corona crisis, picked up unexpectedly significantly in February. The government announced on Friday that 379,000 jobs were created outside of agriculture. Economists surveyed had expected a lot less with a plus of 182,000. At the beginning of the year, too, the job market went much better than initially assumed. In January, 166,000 jobs were created and not 49,000 as initially estimated.

The unemployment rate determined in a separate survey fell in February by a tick to 6.2 percent. In the United States, the corona restrictions have recently been relaxed in numerous states. “Opening restaurants, for example, requires service staff. This consequently has positive effects on the labor market,” explained chief economist Thomas Gitzel from Liechtenstein's VP Bank.

It is already becoming apparent that the positive development will continue in March. But it is also clear that with better economic data, the doubts of the financial markets about a continued expansionary monetary policy increase: “The better-than-expected US labor market has certainly not helped to calm things down.”

10 million jobs lost

The bottom line was that around ten million jobs were lost in the US during the corona crisis. According to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, the return to full employment is no longer expected this year. Economist Bastian Hepperle from the German Bankhaus Lampe points out that the loss of jobs will only be able to be made up in more than two years, even at the current rate of job creation: “But the current high rate will not be sustained.”

Visually anyway, but also in terms of taste, vegan burgers are getting closer and closer to meat

Due to a foreign body made of metal, burgers now have to be recalled.

Burger enjoyment without animal suffering? Vegan alternatives that taste amazingly similar to the original are on the rise. They are also enjoying increasing popularity in Austria.

One of them is “Planty of Burger” from the German company FM Foods 2.0. But certain batches now have to be recalled – foreign objects made of metal have been found!

Specifically, these are batches 250920 and 260920 with best-before dates from November 19, 2021 / November 20, 2021.

The articles can be returned at the place of purchase – even without an invoice. So far they are only available from Interspar.

The streaming offer is going well for the Salzburger Landestheater in the truest sense of the word. Especially internationally, they get more attention than expected. So today, Friday evening, one can speak of a worldwide premiere of Christiane Lutz's new production of Mozart's “Magic Flute”.

Image: APA / Salzburg State Theater

The work has international popularity anyway, as the “Magic Flute” is considered one of the most frequently performed operas – and an entry-level work that is particularly popular with children. A heroic prince, an evil queen as an adversary, magical objects, that is the stuff of fairy tales. In contemporary productions in particular, however, the transfer into the here and now is particularly popular, and the excavations in the philosophical and Masonic sub-texts by Mozart and Emanuel Schikaneder can often not be deep enough.

However, Christiane Lutz does not get involved in this little game. It makes use of the classic magic flute appearance and symbolism: high, ivy-entwined temple walls, hieroglyphic inscriptions and projections of the four elements (stage: Christian Tabakoff). It was not just August Everding who, with his reconstruction of the 200-year-old production of the Hofoper Unter den Linden in the 90s, proved that the tried and tested are often best. And so Lutz, with her long priestly robes, the venomous silver snake and the cosmic constellations, does not want to break new ground – even if Papageno walks along him in sneakers and the three boys ride on converted e-scooters. However, the path is a very solid one, which you should play into your cards, especially with a view to the video stream, which is currently the only way to see the staging. After all, familiar things appear less strange on the screen.

The musical performance is particularly prone to being drowned in the stream, as it depends primarily on the device used by the home audience. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why the Salzburg State Theater offered a few journalists the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal, albeit under strict conditions.

Tamino is not only Pamina's savior, but also a model boy when it comes to passing Sarastro's exams. And just as exemplary and heroic is David Fischer in his role. He may not necessarily sound like he can't get the snake under control on his own, but who wouldn't want to be saved by three such adorable-sounding ladies like Julia Moorman, Olivia Cosio and Verena Gunz. But you don't want to mess with their boss, the Queen of the Night, because Alina Wunderlin phrased the coloratura so razor-sharp. Unfortunately, the conductor Leslie Suganandarajah does not always let her play this card to the full, but the Mozarteum Orchestra Salzburg, who can clearly hear the joy of playing at the work.

The rest of the ensemble also passes the exam in an exemplary manner. Papageno George Humphreys relies on the birdcatcher's comedic potential. Franz Supper eyes and sings very keenly and energetically as Monostatos and not only does a girlish and at the same time strong (acting and vocal) Pamina (Jana Baumeister) twist his head, which is also reflected in her costume, a pink pants suit. Andreas Hörl as Sarastro watches over this with paternal and kind bass, who can hardly be disturbed by anything, except for the lower parts.

Streaming access to the Salzburg State Theater currently costs nine euros. Money well invested for everyone who wants to be carried away to distant worlds in these hard times, not just for culture, in order to escape the earthly madness for at least two hours.

(SERVICE – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “The Magic Flute”. Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. Musical director: Leslie Suganandarajah, production: Christiane Lutz, stage: Christian Tabakoff, costumes: Dorothee Joisten. On stage: Sarastro: Andreas Hörl, Tamino: David Fischer, 1st priest: Helmut Bogengruber, 2nd priest: Luke Sinclair, 3rd priest / speaker: Samuel Pantcheff, The Queen of the Night: Alina Wunderlin, Pamina: Jana Baumeister, 1st lady: Julia Moorman, 2nd lady: Olivia Cosio, 3rd lady: Verena Gunz, 1st boy: Lorens Laubenbacher, Filip Köpke, Annalena Huber, Melanie Maderegger, 2nd boy: Alisa Rotthaler, Muriel Glage, Melanie Maderegger, 3rd boy: Maria Strassl, Anna Schachner, Melanie Maderegger , Papageno: George Humphreys, Papagena: Laura Barthel, Monostatos: Franz Supper, 1st man in armor: Luke Sinclair, 2nd man in armor: Helmut Bogengruber, orchestra: Mozarteumorchester Salzburg, choir: Chor des Salzburger Landestheater. Digital premiere: March 5th , 5 p.m., Stre aming under)

At the National People's Congress in Beijing, which began on Friday, China's leadership presented plans for comprehensive electoral reform in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. According to this, the election committee, which determines the top government in Hong Kong, is to be changed in such a way that Beijing has even more influence. At its one-week session, the Chinese parliament is also discussing the new five-year plan, which includes heavy investments in research and development.

Image: APA (AFP)

Hong Kong electoral reform is expected to be officially passed in Congress. This is intended to further curtail the influence of the democratic opposition in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. As part of the plans, the Hong Kong elections are likely to be postponed for another year to September 2022, several Chinese media reported.

A spokesman for the People's Congress had previously announced that an “improvement” of the electoral system was necessary to ensure that “patriots” rule Hong Kong. According to media reports, the number of members loyal to Beijing is to be increased significantly in the election committee that determines the leadership of Hong Kong. At the same time, it is expected that the role of the district councils will be further reduced. They have hardly any power anyway, but they exemplify the mood in the population, as they are democratically elected through local elections. In 2019, candidates from the camp of democracy advocates won almost 90 percent of the seats, which amounted to a loss of face for the Beijing-loyal establishment.

After the controversial security law was passed last July against the opposition forces, the change in the electoral system is another blow to the previously liberal system in the formerly autonomously administered British crown colony, which was returned to China in 1997.

Originally, when Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997, it was promised an autonomy of at least 50 years based on the principle of “one country – two systems”. After mass protests against the government, however, China passed a so-called security law with the stated aim of combating secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference. Critics speak of a profound interference with autonomy.

Against the background of growing tensions with the US, India, Taiwan and the controversial South China Sea, China is increasing its military spending by 6.8 percent this year. This means that spending on the military is growing again significantly faster than the overall budget. In the previous year, the increase was 6.6 percent despite the Corona crisis. “The military's strategic capabilities to protect the sovereignty, security and development interests of our country are being strengthened,” said Premier Li Keqiang.

In the controversies surrounding Hong Kong and Taiwan, Prime Minister Li Keqiang issued clear warnings. In his hour-long speech, he spoke out against “interference from outside forces” in Hong Kong. China's leadership will also take decisive action against “separatist activities” in Taiwan that seek independence. Beijing regards the democratic and free island state as part of the People's Republic and threatens to conquer it.

Despite the global recession caused by the corona pandemic, China wants to achieve strong economic growth of more than six percent this year. In order to become more independent from abroad, Prime Minister Li Keqiang underlined the need to give priority to the development of the domestic economy. In-house innovations are also to be promoted more strongly than before in order to reduce technological dependency on the rest of the world.

An important realignment is the concept of “two cycles”, in which domestic circulation is to be promoted. In this way, China wants to make itself more independent in the face of US sanctions and the global crisis. As part of the five-year plan, the strategy is to “expand domestic demand, intensify structural reforms on the supply side and generate new demand with innovation-driven development and high-quality offers,” said Li Keqiang.

Innovation remains at the heart of the modernization offensive. “We will strengthen our science and technology in order to strategically support China's development,” said the premier. Digitization should also be accelerated further. Research and development spending is expected to increase by more than seven percent annually. The share of economic output is expected to climb higher than in the old five-year plan.

MediaMarkt attracts with a new offer.

Spring cleaning at the electronics chain MediaMarkt: The branches have started a new campaign in which there are “mega prices” on numerous items.

A new special offer runs for eight days at MediaMarkt. According to the company, washing machines, televisions, tablets and much more should be available at a “mega price”. Numerous prices are quite impressive: an electric toothbrush for 99 instead of 330 euros, a hair clipper for 22 instead of 50 euros, a humidifier for 25 instead of 60 euros, a hand mixer for 9 instead of 25 euros or a luxury coffee machine for 80 instead of 150 Euros are just some of the offers.

Since the opening of the trade, MediaMarkt has been offering such offers non-stop. Initially, the company gave a curious reason: the stores in the branches had been completely overcrowded due to “the ongoing lockdown and the associated market closings”. But in order to make room for the latest trends of the coming season, everything has to be sold at “bargain prices”.

“We are facing the current challenge that the products in our warehouses are piling up to the ceiling. Even if our online business works very well, we are far from being able to sell all the products that were originally intended for our 53 markets,” said Richard Zweimüller, Sales Manager at MediaMarkt Austria, back then. The many products can also be ordered online on the MediaMarkt website.

A total of 2,500 tons of chocolate are produced annually, or 300 bars per minute. 70 employees work in the plant.

The German chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport will be producing vegan chocolate in addition to the “Amicelli” wafer rolls at its Austrian location in Breitenbrunn (Eisenstadt area). Ritter Sport took over the chocolate factory from Mars Austria last year. The first “Amicelli” sticks rolled off the production line in mid-January, explained plant manager Michael Bock at a press conference on Friday.

The factory was taken over last year, and Ritter Sport moved in on December 1st. The production facility was rebuilt, new machines purchased or brought from Germany. The “Amicelli” production in January was the first milestone, according to Bock.

Newly recruited

The former Mars employees were not taken on per se, they were newly recruited. The new “Amicelli” are already available in stores, recognizable by the imprint “New – sustainable cocoa”. “In three weeks we were above plan, we produced more than we had expected,” said Bock happily.

A rum bar is also being produced in Breitenbrunn and a vegan chocolate line is being set up. “Amicelli” and the rum bar would both sell steadily. The vegan series is modern and is produced exclusively here: “It has double-digit growth rates in the market, that's a future-proof thing.” A total of 2,500 tons of chocolate per year or 300 bars per minute are produced at the site.

Financial aid

Deputy Governor Astrid Eisenkopf (SPÖ) and the red club boss Robert Hergovich were delighted with the takeover of the company in Breitenbrunn. Both pointed to financial support – such as the hardship fund, participations or liabilities – from the country in the corona pandemic. Jobs could be secured, which shows that the economic aid is also arriving, said Eisenkopf.

These measures contributed to Burgenland “getting through the crisis better” than others, said Hergovich. In the districts of Eisenstadt and Neusiedl am See, however, the unemployment rate is currently higher because tourism is suffering from the corona crisis. In addition to the aid already provided for growth and employment, a further package is currently being put together with specific measures for companies and qualification programs.

Attackers had access to the reservation system and 1.35 million “Miles & More” data.

On March 5, the Lufthansa Group informed its customers that a “service provider from one of our Star Alliance partners” – including Austrian Airlines – had been hacked. “During the incident, hackers succeeded in breaking into the reservation system of an Asian airline, which is operated by the IT service provider. Customer data was tapped from Star Alliance partners. affected by this incident, “said a statement by Austrian Airlines.

It concerns data from around 1.35 million “Miles & More” customers. Specifically, service card numbers, status levels and, in some cases, the names of frequent flyers are affected. Passwords, credit card details or other customer data such as email addresses are not affected by the incident, as a spokesman for Austrian Airlines confirmed on a futurezone request.

“Harmless”

“We can confirm that customer data is safe with 'Miles & More'”, it continues. The incident occurred between January 21st and February 11th. Customers do not have to take action for the time being, according to Austrian Airlines it is a “harmless” hack.