United News of Bangladesh

As 2025 nears its end, many apps and platforms are rolling out annual recaps, giving users a snapshot of their online activity over the past year. From music streaming and video watching to language learning, these summaries highlight top songs, artists, videos, and habits. Spotify released its Wrapped on Dec. 3, showcasing users’ most-streamed songs, artists, and podcasts. A new feature, Wrapped Party, lets friends compare listening habits on Spotify’s mobile app. YouTube Recap debuted Dec. 2 in North America, with a global rollout this week, summarizing users’ watch history, including music consumption, via the homepage or “You” tab. Apple Music Replay, available since Dec. 2, details top songs, genres, and artists, accessible in the app or at replay.music.apple.com. Amazon Music Delivered also launched Dec. 2, providing a yearly summary to listeners with sufficient listening history. Twitch offers an annual recap for users with at least ten hours of activity, accessible at twitch.tv/annual-recap. Language app Duolingo released its Year in Review, showing lessons completed, streaks maintained, and minutes practiced. Users can access it in-app via prompts or the small logo on the home navigation page. These recaps provide a fun way for users to reflect on their digital habits in 2025. Source: AP 

When Emily Day planned her October wedding in Calgary, she skipped a traditional florist and instead planted her own flowers — a creative experiment that opened her eyes to the environmental toll of the global flower trade. Her dried, homegrown arrangements cost far less than store-bought bouquets and lasted long after the ceremony. Day and her fiancé built garden beds from wooden shipping crates and planted varieties such as yarrow, feverfew, strawflowers and statice. They harvested and dried the blooms in midsummer before the first frosts. On her wedding day, her autumn-themed bouquets included blue echinops from a nearby farm and tansy picked from roadsides. The entire project cost about 1,300 Canadian dollars ($925), significantly cheaper than hiring a florist. It also pushed her to consider the heavy carbon footprint of imported flowers — from plastic packaging to long-haul flights. Younger generations planning weddings and special events are increasingly choosing eco-friendly alternatives: growing their own flowers, foraging wild blooms, opting for potted plants or working with florists who prioritize sustainability. Many businesses now focus on local sourcing and repurposing flowers after events. The environmental cost of imported bloomsImported flowers often travel from South America to North America through long, energy-intensive supply chains, said Kai Chan, a sustainability scientist at the University of British Columbia. Cut flowers require refrigeration and are frequently flown in — both major sources of greenhouse gases. Large-scale monoculture fields used for growing roses and other flowers also degrade soil and reduce biodiversity. Chan said flowers grown by local farmers are typically a better choice, as they require less travel and are usually produced in ways more compatible with local ecosystems. A shift toward local, seasonal choicesOmaha-based florist Holly Lukasiewicz of District 2 Florals prioritizes sustainable methods, from avoiding non-biodegradable green foam to sourcing local blooms. She offers composting services and preserves flowers for clients. She hopes customers increasingly embrace seasonal flowers instead of expecting any variety year-round. King Charles III’s charity sells Christmas stockings sewn from Sandringham drapery Imported flowers became dominant in the industry thanks to trade policies and cheaper production costs, said Neil Anderson, a horticulture professor at the University of Minnesota. While many consumers choose the least expensive option, others are willing to pay more for local, eco-conscious flowers. Debra Prinzing, founder of the Slow Flowers Society, said local flowers can make weddings more personal: couples know exactly where the blooms come from, and seeing them again in bloom can bring back memories year after year. The Knot’s editorial director, Esther Lee, said sustainability has become a priority for many couples who want their weddings to reflect the character of the region and include meaningful, local touches. What about artificial flowers?Artificial flowers are sometimes marketed as eco-friendly alternatives, but many are made from plastic and shipped long distances. Silvia Bellezza of Columbia Business School said buyers should look closely at manufacturer data rather than assuming artificial options are greener. For Day, the benefits of her homegrown flowers continued after the wedding. Guests took arrangements home, and a friend later reused several pieces at her own ceremony. She said dried flowers can be reused repeatedly — and when they finally wear out, they can go straight into the compost bin. Source: AP 

Need a unique gift for the royal enthusiast in your life? Consider a Christmas stocking crafted from curtains that once hung at King Charles III’s Sandringham estate, hand-sewn by members of a sewing group at Dumfries House in Scotland. The King’s Foundation, which aims to preserve traditional crafts, oversees the work done at the estate. Members of the Dumfries House Sewing Bee recently completed the stockings, delicately stitching the repurposed royal fabric as they chatted over warm drinks while rain tapped on the windows of the 18th-century home, located south of Glasgow. “It’s been absolutely wonderful,” said 72-year-old Christine Wilson, a retired finance officer. “The sewing bee has such a lovely atmosphere—we’re great friends—and we support many charities too.” Wilson and her fellow volunteers produced 25 stockings, each individually numbered. The final piece, No. 25, will be presented to King Charles as a Christmas gift. The auction, which runs until midnight on Dec. 12, will raise funds for the King’s Foundation, which trains more than 15,000 young people each year in practical fields such as hospitality and animal care. “We hope the winners will treat these stockings as future family heirlooms, passed down for generations,” said Sarah McClymont, lead tutor for the foundation’s Future Textiles program. This marks the foundation’s third such auction. The first, in 2023, featured kimono jackets made from former Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle drapes. In 2024, students at the Highgrove Gardens furniture school created footstools upholstered with more repurposed royal curtains. And there’s no fear of running out of fabric—Buckingham Palace alone boasts 760 windows, meaning an almost endless supply of gently used royal textiles.

A near-pristine copy of the first-ever Superman comic, discovered in an attic by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s San Francisco home, fetched a record-breaking $9.12 million at a Texas auction this month, setting a new high for comic book sales. The brothers uncovered the comic, along with a handful of other rare pre-World War II issues, beneath layers of newspapers and dust. Their mother had once mentioned the collection’s value, but the siblings had never seen it until preparing the house for sale, according to Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions. Allen inspected the comic earlier this year and confirmed its exceptional condition. Released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., Superman No. 1 is among the rarest comics in existence, with fewer than 500 copies believed to survive. The comic’s historical significance—as the first appearance of the Man of Steel—combined with its excellent preservation, contributed to its staggering value. Experts noted its crisp corners, firm spine, and vibrant colors, preserved in part by Northern California’s cool climate. The copy earned a 9.0 out of 10 from grading company CGC. Previously, the record for the world’s most expensive comic was set last year when Action Comics No. 1, which first introduced Superman, sold for $6 million. Another Superman No. 1 sold for $5.3 million in 2022. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said. “This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.” The identities of both the brothers and the winning bidder remain confidential, underscoring the extraordinary nature of this once-in-a-lifetime discovery.  

A wave of donations from K-pop artists has been announced to assist victims of the Hong Kong residential tower fire, which killed at least 128 people, one of the city’s worst fire disasters. Girl group aespa said on their official Weibo page that they will give 500,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $64,000) to the Hong Kong Red Cross, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. Stray Kids pledged 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $129,000) through World Vision Hong Kong to help provide temporary housing and other aid for affected families and children, saying they were heartbroken by the news. Entertainment giants SM Entertainment and JYP Entertainment announced a combined donation of 3 million Hong Kong dollars (about $385,000) to support emergency relief and recovery efforts. Other K-pop groups—including Riize, EXO-CBX, and KickFlip—each donated 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (about $12,900) via World Vision Hong Kong. Meanwhile, organizers of the MAMA Awards, taking place Friday and Saturday in Hong Kong, faced online backlash in South Korea for not canceling the event after the disaster. CJ E&M, the company behind the awards, canceled the red carpet events but will still hold the main ceremony. In a statement, CJ E&M extended condolences to the victims and said the ceremony will include a mourning segment and a “Support Hong Kong” message. Organizers also promised to donate 20 million Hong Kong dollars (about $2.6 million) to a government-established relief fund. “We believe in the healing and unifying power of music,” the company said.

In response to widespread public criticism over high airfares on the Sylhet-Dhaka route, authorities have announced a revised fare structure, officials said on Friday. According to a statement from the Sylhet Deputy Commissioner’s media cell, the revision aims to improve passenger services while reflecting current market conditions, based on information provided by Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Under the new fare structure: Minimum fare: 2,024 BDT; with taxes, the total comes to 3,199 BDT. Maximum fare: 7,024 BDT; with taxes, the total comes to 8,199 BDT. The announcement follows growing public anger over soaring ticket prices on the Sylhet-Dhaka route. Protesters in Sylhet have claimed that unscrupulous syndicates are taking advantage of poor road conditions on the Sylhet-Dhaka highway to artificially inflate airfares.

As the holiday rush began, Jordan Gullotta chose to spend part of her week in a place that brings her calm. At The Gentle Barn — a Tennessee animal sanctuary known for its therapeutic programs — she can groom a cow, stroke a sheep or simply soak in the peaceful atmosphere. But on this visit, she held something new: a blind turkey. Within moments, the brown-feathered bird named Smudge relaxed in her arms, closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. “Oh my goodness, you’re so snuggly,” Gullotta whispered. While turkeys usually take center stage on Thanksgiving dinner tables, The Gentle Barn founder Ellie Laks says they can also make surprisingly affectionate therapy companions. “People already know that dogs, cats and horses offer emotional support,” Laks said. “At The Gentle Barn, we ask, ‘Why not turkeys?’” The idea came years ago when one particularly vocal turkey shadowed Laks around the farm. When she knelt down and invited the bird closer, it became clear the hen simply wanted to be held. The Tennessee sanctuary is home to about 60 animals rescued from abuse or neglect, many of them older or living with injuries. One turkey receives acupuncture for hip pain, and a goat who lost its back hooves to frostbite now moves with the help of a custom wheelchair. “We rehabilitate them, give them a safe home, and when they’re ready, we partner with them to help people heal from similar experiences,” Laks explained. “They help people connect to the love and magic animals can offer.” Can’t take hormone therapy for menopause? Doctors say effective alternatives exist Though often dismissed as unintelligent or aloof, turkeys are deeply perceptive and loving, she said — something visitors like Gullotta quickly discover. The Middle Tennessee State University student had come before to visit the cows, her favorites, but hadn’t expected turkey cuddling to be on her agenda. “The turkeys love in their own way — it’s different, but really special,” she said. Turkey therapy sessions are offered all year, and The Gentle Barn — which also operates a location in California — hosts a special Thanksgiving event where visitors can feed and pet turkeys as an alternative way to celebrate. Guests can also sponsor rescued turkeys to help support their care. Source: AP

Whenever I feel overwhelmed — or not nearly enough — I bake a pie. Pie is how I mark milestones: meeting someone new, returning from an inspiring trip, solving a tough problem, or simply trying to create a sense of home. That habit eventually led to my cookbook “50 Pies, 50 States,” a culinary project shaped around learning about America through pies inspired by each state’s people and regional ingredients. When it came to pumpkin pie, the choice was obvious: Illinois. Nearly 85% of the canned pumpkin used nationwide comes from the state, and pumpkin pie is officially its state dessert. But I wanted something more creative than a traditional version. Then the idea landed: blend classic pumpkin pie with Chicago’s iconic deep-dish pizza — a tall, fork-and-knife affair baked in a skillet. The result is a towering deep-dish pumpkin pie that feels as ambitious as a Chicago skyscraper. The crust is the trickiest part. I always brush mine with an egg wash — one whole egg, one extra yolk, and two tablespoons of milk or water whisked or blended smooth — for a golden finish. Don’t rush the dough; keeping it chilled is key. And here’s a pro tip: prepare the filling a day ahead so the custard sets more firmly. Deep-Dish Pumpkin PieMakes one 9-inch pieTotal time: 6 hours (1 hour active) IngredientsCrust Enough all-butter pie dough for a double-crustEgg washPumpkin Filling 1 cup granulated sugar1 cup packed brown sugar2 tbsp cornstarchSpices: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves1 tsp kosher salt¼ tsp black pepperTwo 15-oz cans pumpkin purée2½ cups heavy cream6 beaten eggsEquipment 9-in. springform pan (minimum 2½ in. deep)Parchment paperDirectionsMake the filling: Mix all dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine pumpkin, cream, and eggs, then blend in the dry mixture. Chill at least 2 hours or overnight. Blind-bake the crust: Heat oven to 425°F. Roll out dough with a 1-inch overhang and press it into a greased, parchment-lined springform pan. Freeze 1 hour. Prick with a fork, line with foil, and fill with pie weights. Bake 30 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely with weights in place. Fill and bake: Reduce oven to 400°F. Remove weights, brush with egg wash, and fill with chilled pumpkin mixture. Bake 45–50 minutes, rotating every 15 minutes, until mostly set with a slight wobble in the center. Tent edges with foil if browning too quickly. Cool at least 4 hours before unmolding. Serve with whipped cream — ideally while watching The Last Dance about Michael Jordan and the 1997 Chicago Bulls. Source: AP

Malaysia plans to prohibit people under 16 from having social media accounts starting in 2026, aligning itself with Australia and other countries adopting stricter age rules to protect minors online. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Sunday that the Cabinet approved the measure as part of a wider effort to protect children from digital risks such as cyberbullying, online scams, and sexual exploitation. He noted that the government is reviewing age-verification models used in Australia and elsewhere, including possible electronic checks using ID cards or passports. He did not specify the exact date the restriction will begin. He said that with cooperation from the government, regulators, and parents, Malaysia can ensure the internet remains fast, accessible, and affordable—while above all staying safe for children and families. Since January, major social media and messaging platforms with at least 8 million Malaysian users must obtain a licence, a step tied to increased government oversight of digital services. Licensed platforms are required to use age-verification tools, enforce content-safety standards, and follow transparency rules in line with Malaysia’s drive toward a safer online environment. Australia recently became the first country to legally bar children under 16 from social media, with the ban taking effect Dec. 10. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, X, YouTube, Reddit, and the streaming site Kick could face penalties of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) if they fail to prevent underage users from opening accounts. Other nations are monitoring Australia’s policy as concerns grow about the effects of social media on young children. Denmark announced plans earlier this month to block social media access for users younger than 15, though enforcement details have yet to be finalized. Norway is also advancing legislation that would set a minimum age of 15 for accessing social platforms.

Sanae Takaichi made history in October when she became Japan’s first woman to serve as prime minister. Now she faces another potential milestone: whether to challenge the long-standing prohibition that bars women from entering the sacred sumo ring. At the close of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, the winner will receive the Prime Minister’s Cup. Several past male prime ministers, including Junichiro Koizumi, have stepped into the ring to hand over the prize. Takaichi — a conservative who champions traditional, male-centered social values — may choose not to break the taboo. In any case, she will not need to decide this time, as she returns from the G20 summit in South Africa a day after the tournament ends. Her next decision point will come during the New Year’s tournament in Tokyo. Still, the broader debate over whether women should be allowed in the ring is likely to intensify now that a woman leads the country. Critics argue that bans in sumo and in certain religious settings do not reflect the evolving role of women in Japanese society. Women remain barred from some religious sites and eventsThe sumo ring is just one example. For centuries, women in Japan have been excluded from specific sacred mountains, religious training rituals, temples, shrines, and festivals. Similar prohibitions exist in some other cultures, but Japan’s traditional restrictions stem from beliefs about female “impurity” connected to menstruation and childbirth, as well as certain misogynistic interpretations of Buddhism, says Naoko Kobayashi, a professor at Aichi Gakuin University. While many of these bans — including those on Mount Fuji — have been abolished, they persist at some shrines and festivals. Kobayashi notes that many of these taboos date only to the Meiji era in the late 19th century, and have endured partly because women were long prevented from participating in religious and political decision-making. Sumo is ancient, but the exclusion of women is notSumo’s origins lie in rituals tied to the Shinto religion, involving prayers for good harvests and performances at shrines. The wrestling area, or dohyo, is made of special clay and encircled with rice straw, symbolizing a sacred space separated from impurities — and, in professional sumo, off limits to women. Some scholars say the ban reflects Shinto notions of impurity, but the Japan Sumo Association denies that the rule comes from religious doctrine. In 2018, association chief Nobuyoshi Hakkaku insisted the ban had no sexist intent, saying the dohyo is a “serious battleground for men,” and that keeping it male-only preserves tradition. Historical documents, however, show that women once took part in sumo-style wrestling. A 7th-century text describes female court members performing sumo at an emperor’s request, and records from the 16th century mention women wrestlers. Sumo became more prestigious after Emperor Meiji attended matches in 1884, and it became recognized as a national sport with the building of Tokyo’s Ryogoku Arena in 1909. The ban has drawn criticism for decadesIn 1978, labor ministry official Mayumi Moriyama protested when the sumo association barred a girl who won a regional competition from competing in the finals because they were held in a real dohyo. In 1990, as government spokesperson, Moriyama herself asked to enter the ring to present the Prime Minister’s Cup but was denied. A more dramatic incident occurred in 2018 when the mayor of Maizuru collapsed while speaking in a sumo ring. Female medical workers rushed to begin treatment while male officials looked on. Announcers repeatedly ordered the women to leave the ring, and officials purified the area with salt afterward. Shortly after, the association refused to allow Tomoko Nakagawa — then the mayor of Takarazuka — to step onto the dohyo to give a speech, forcing her to speak from the side. She later said she felt humiliated. The sumo association apologized for mishandling the medical emergency and for causing discomfort, and convened a panel of experts to study the ban. Seven years later, no decision has been reached. “Excluding women under the guise of tradition is no longer justifiable,” said Professor Kobayashi. Takaichi’s stance aligns with traditional gender normsTakaichi is not viewed as a feminist figure. She supports conservative family structures, male-only succession to Japan’s imperial throne, and opposes reforming a 19th-century law that would allow married couples to keep separate surnames. She is currently working to win back right-wing voters who have shifted toward newer populist movements. Entering the sumo ring could be seen as defying tradition and risk alienating those supporters. Though she has not publicly commented on the trophy issue, her chief government spokesperson said she has no intention of entering the ring. “Prime Minister Takaichi intends to respect the traditions of sumo culture,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said.