Dear Readers,

During the last months of 2008 we have witnessed political changes and many new challenges, particularly in view of the global economic situation and its impact on both sides of the Atlantic as well as in Austria. This month a new Austrian government was inaugurated, and efforts have been dedicated toward addressing the problems facing the financial sector and the country. As an active contributor to U.N. peacekeeping efforts, Austria is honored to have been elected as a non-permanent member to the U.N. Security CoU.N.cil for the next two years. In November of this year Austria commemorated the 90th Anniversary of the birth of the Republic of Austria, and many official events were dedicated to this historic anniversary.
We are happy to present an article on Horst M. Rechelbacher, Austrian-born founder of Aveda and Intelligent Nutrients, whose significant contribution to the ‘wellness’ industry in the U.S. has been driven by his concern for the global environment. Other topics include the Cistercian Monks of Heiligenkreuz Abbey, whose recording of Gregorian Chant received incredible reviews, the 190th Anniversary of the Austrian Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” and the recent presentation of awards honoring the Dean of the Alternate Executive Directors of the IMF Hans Prader.
Year 2008 is also an anniversary for the Press and Information Service founded in 1948. A special issue serving as a retrospective of the past sixty years of its existence will soon be published.
I wish you a peaceful Holiday season and a prosperous New Year!
Wolfgang Renezeder
Editor-in-Chief