United News of Bangladesh

For centuries, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) was practiced with ritual and patience: dried roots and peels were weighed from wooden drawers, brought home and slowly boiled into a bitter brew whenever the body required healing. Today, it can be ordered iced and sipped on the commute. On Chengdu’s bustling Chunxi Road, a long established commercial district in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, an unexpected cup of coffee is reshaping perceptions. “It tastes like regular coffee at first,” said Shazia, a Pakistani student in China. “But there’s a light, lemony note at the end.” The drink, a dried tangerine peel and hawthorn Americano, comes from Tong Ren Tang, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmacy with more than 350 years of history. For many visitors, the combination can seem puzzling. Why are coffee, bread and trendy tea drinks in China increasingly blended with medicinal ingredients? The shift reflects not a return to traditional treatments but changing attitudes toward health and everyday consumption. Read More: 5 simple lifestyle changes that may help slow biological ageing: Experts Founded in 1669, Tong Ren Tang has expanded beyond clinical medicine into lifestyle retail. Through its youth-focused sub-brand, Zhima Health, it now offers coffee, tea, baked goods and bottled “wellness waters,” incorporating familiar herbs into modern café settings. The menu features items such as goji berry lattes and monk fruit Americanos. These products fall under China’s concept of “medicinal and edible homology,” where certain herbs are considered food ingredients that provide mild nourishment rather than treatment. Modern store designs and familiar flavors reduce resistance to traditional medicine. For many young consumers, the appeal lies less in proven effects than in reassurance. Health becomes a low-effort daily ritual, woven into coffee breaks and meals, as TCM finds a new role in fast-paced urban life.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 10 (Xinhua/UNB) — Two giant pandas from China, named “Chenxing” and “Xiaoyue,” made their first public appearance in Malaysia on Saturday. A milestone moment: Indonesia’s first giant Panda cub revealed The panda pair, which is on loan to Malaysia, was formally introduced to visitors during a special ceremony at the Giant Panda Conservation Center at Zoo Negara, the country’s national zoo. The debut followed a period of quarantine and adjustment to their new environment. Meet Jia Jia and De De, Hong Kong's first locally born giant pandas Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim attended the event as the guest of honor, alongside senior government officials and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing. Giant Panda "Yi Yi" celebrates second birthday in Malaysia

A wave of wintry weather swept across New England on Wednesday, bringing a mix of snow, ice, sleet and freezing rain that led to hazardous driving conditions and widespread school closures, while forecasters warned of additional storms later in the week. Rain, snow and slush coated roads across the region, prompting dozens of school districts to either close or delay opening. Although snowfall totals were expected to be modest, officials said icy roads made it too dangerous to operate school buses safely. Some areas saw around a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation—enough to create slick and dangerous conditions, though slightly below levels typically associated with widespread power outages. Even so, several thousand customers lost electricity, mainly in Maine, with hundreds more affected in Massachusetts. School officials cited safety concerns as the main reason for closures. Administrators at Maine Regional School Unit 21 in Kennebunk said icy conditions along both morning and afternoon bus routes posed risks to students and staff. All six New England states were placed under winter weather advisories by the National Weather Service, which also issued hazardous outlooks for northern regions that may face more severe winter storms in the coming days. Forecasters warned that heavy rain followed by falling temperatures could further worsen road conditions later in the week. Transportation officials in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts reported numerous crashes and vehicles sliding off roads, though no serious injuries had been reported by late Wednesday morning. Several regional airports, including Boston’s Logan International Airport, were forced to deice aircraft due to the snow and ice. In parts of southern Maine, winter weather advisories were issued even though snowfall was expected to reach only about two inches. Meteorologists said the combination of freezing rain, sleet and snow justified the warnings. Another weather system is forecast to bring rain late Friday into Saturday, followed by a chance of snow extending into Sunday. Patriotic crystal ball to light up Times Square on New Year’s Eve as US 250th anniversary begins Officials said such mixed winter precipitation significantly worsens travel conditions, even when snow totals remain relatively low.

From comedy specials to scripted television, Muslim American creator Mo Amer draws heavily from his own life when telling stories, a choice that has resonated strongly with audiences and critics alike. Amer, a Palestinian American comedian, writer and actor, has earned widespread praise for his Netflix series “Mo.” Its second season follows the fictional Mo Najjar and his family as they navigate the challenges of seeking asylum in the United States after fleeing as Palestinian refugees. The show is part of a broader movement of television created by Arab American and Muslim American voices that explores identity with depth and realism, moving beyond long-standing stereotypes. Amer said grounding stories in real cultural experiences allows audiences of all backgrounds to connect. In the new season, Najjar is shown operating a falafel taco stand in Mexico after being caught in a failed attempt to recover stolen olive trees tied to his family’s hopes of starting an olive oil business. Both seasons of “Mo” were major successes on Netflix, with the first earning a Peabody Award. Amer’s third Netflix stand-up special, “Mo Amer: Wild World,” debuted in October. While the series timeline ends before the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack in Israel, it addresses Israeli-Palestinian relations, the war in Gaza and the realities faced by asylum seekers in U.S. detention centers. Other programs also reflect this growing representation. “Muslim Matchmaker” features matchmakers helping Muslim Americans find spouses, while the animated series “#1 Happy Family USA,” created by Ramy Youssef and Pam Brady, centers on an Egyptian American Muslim family living in New Jersey after the 9/11 attacks. Scholars note that portrayals of Arabs and Muslims have long been shaped by political and historical contexts. After 9/11, many U.S. shows depicted Muslims as villains, often conflating Arab identity with Islam. Earlier portrayals leaned on “orientalist” imagery, presenting Middle Eastern people through a colonial lens. Bandarban’s ‘Ala Mi Tlang’ Eco Resort: A hope of Bawm community Experts and industry figures say recent shows mark progress, but argue more diverse stories and decision-makers are still needed. Research also suggests positive representation can reduce public support for anti-Muslim policies. Amer said the main barriers remain with those who approve projects, not creators themselves. While recent successes are encouraging, he views them as only a beginning. Source: AP 

After descending at midnight on New Year’s Eve in New York, the famous Times Square crystal ball will rise once again—this time glowing in red, white, and blue—to welcome 2026 and launch months of festivities marking the United States’ 250th anniversary. This year’s New Year’s Eve celebration will include patriotic elements such as a second confetti release, offering a preview of the nationwide commemorations planned to honor the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Hundreds of events, both large and small, are expected across the country. America250 Chair Rosie Rios, who leads the bipartisan commission established by Congress in 2016 to organize the semiquincentennial, said the celebrations will exceed expectations. She described the anniversary as a once-in-a-generation moment meant to inspire the nation and beyond. Rios and her team partnered with the Times Square Alliance and One Times Square—the building from which the ball is dropped—to introduce this year’s ceremonial updates. They are also planning an additional ball drop on July 3, the night before Independence Day, staged in classic Times Square fashion. According to Rios, it will be the first ball drop in Times Square not held on New Year’s Eve in more than a century. The tradition of the Times Square ball drop dates back to 1907. The original ball, designed by immigrant metalworker Jacob Starr, weighed 700 pounds and featured 100 light bulbs. Over the years, the ball has evolved significantly. The latest version, unveiled last year, measures roughly 12 feet in diameter and weighs nearly 12,000 pounds. The only interruptions to the ball drop occurred in 1942 and 1943, when New York City imposed nighttime blackouts during World War II. During those years, crowds marked the new year with silence followed by church bells. Midnight this New Year’s Eve will also signal the official start of America Gives, a national volunteer initiative launched by America250, with organizers aiming to make 2026 the biggest year for volunteer participation in U.S. history. On New Year’s Day, America250 will take part in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, with a float titled “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years.” The float will feature three oversized bald eagles symbolizing the nation’s past, present, and future. Rios said the celebrations are designed to connect communities across the country—from the East Coast to the West Coast and beyond—and to encourage grassroots involvement nationwide. President Donald Trump has also announced a separate initiative, called “Freedom 250,” to organize additional activities tied to the anniversary. Rios said the wide array of planned events—from fireworks and community meals to student competitions and oral history projects—aims to bring Americans together despite political divisions. By offering many ways to participate, she said, organizers hope to engage people across the entire nation.  

Each year, children call in with wide-ranging concerns: some hang up quickly after being reminded that Santa won’t arrive unless they’re asleep, while others worry whether he’ll be able to locate their homes. Plenty of adults also follow Santa’s progress, staying loyal to the legendary gift-giver said to travel the globe in a single night. For seven decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)—a joint U.S.-Canadian organization responsible for monitoring airspace threats—has upheld the annual tradition of tracking Santa on Christmas Eve. This year, more than 1,000 volunteers will answer calls to the NORAD Tracks Santa hotline, 1-877-HI-NORAD, from 4 a.m. until midnight Mountain Standard Time. For the first time, callers can also connect through the program’s website, a change designed to make access easier for people outside North America. The website allows users to follow Santa’s route in nine languages, including English and Japanese. Last Christmas Eve, roughly 380,000 calls poured into a festively decorated hangar at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, where NORAD is headquartered. Although Santa poses no danger, NORAD can still track his travels using the same radar systems, satellites and fighter jets it relies on throughout the year, said Col. Kelly Frushour, a NORAD spokesperson. According to her, Rudolph’s glowing nose gives off a heat signature similar to that of a missile, which allows satellites to detect Santa’s sleigh. “Faster than starlight” Frushour recalled a call from last year in which a young girl became distressed after hearing Santa was headed toward the International Space Station, where two astronauts were stranded at the time. “By the end of the call, Santa had already moved on, and she was reassured that he wasn’t stuck in space and would still visit her home later that night,” Frushour said. Michelle Martin, a NORAD employee and Marine veteran, shared another memorable call from a man with special needs named Henry, who phones in every year. He once asked whether the jet escorting Santa could pass along a note saying he was already in bed and ready for Santa’s visit. Martin said she explained that Santa moves “faster than starlight,” making it impossible for the pilot to catch up. “He just waves as Santa zooms by,” she recalled telling him. A tradition born from a mistake The tradition began in 1955, during the Cold War, when NORAD’s predecessor—the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD)—was focused on detecting potential nuclear attacks from the Soviet Union. According to NORAD, a child accidentally dialed the operations center and asked to speak with Santa Claus. Rather than disappointing the child, the commander on duty, Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, instructed his team to track Santa and answer children’s calls. The call may have been triggered by a misprinted or misdialed phone number in a Sears newspaper advertisement that encouraged children in Colorado Springs to call Santa. Over time, the story evolved, suggesting the call reached a top-secret hotline reserved for emergencies. However, in 2015, The Atlantic questioned that version, noting that a public number was more likely and pointing out Shoup’s reputation for embracing publicity. In a 1999 interview with The Associated Press, Shoup recalled going along with the situation once he realized what was happening. “Ho, ho, ho, I am Santa,” he told the first caller. “My crew thought I’d lost my mind,” he said, adding that he soon explained the situation and asked his staff to play along. The exact date of the first call remains uncertain, but by Dec. 23 of that year, the AP reported that CONAD was officially tracking Santa. CONAD later became NORAD and for years operated from the fortified Cheyenne Mountain complex, where tunnels carved into solid granite were designed to protect personnel in the event of a nuclear attack.

A new AP-NORC poll shows that many Americans are comfortable giving cash or gift cards as holiday presents, while a sizable portion plan to be asleep before midnight on New Year’s Eve. About 6 in 10 adults consider cash or gift cards “very” acceptable as gifts, though fewer approve of secondhand or re-gifted items. Younger adults are more accepting of cash: roughly two-thirds of those under 45 say it is very acceptable, compared with 55% of those 45 and older. “Everything’s too expensive nowadays. And I don’t want to buy a gift someone may not like. So cash,” said 26-year-old Gabriel Antonucci, a ski resort cook in Alaska. Some older Americans, like 55-year-old Florida resident Teresa Pedroza, prefer traditional presents but occasionally resort to gift cards for convenience. Secondhand and re-gifted items are less widely embraced, especially among adults over 45. About 4 in 10 in that age group consider secondhand gifts “somewhat” or “very” unacceptable. Many Americans also plan to leave holiday decorations up past New Year’s Day, while only about 2 in 10 put them up before Thanksgiving. About a quarter of adults plan to watch sports on Christmas, with men and older adults more likely to tune in, while only 5% will go to a movie. Holiday traditions extend to pets and quirky customs: roughly 3 in 10 adults will give gifts to pets, while only about 1 in 10 will do Elf on the Shelf. The poll also reflects generational differences in holiday routines. Nearly half of Americans say they will not stay up to ring in 2026, with older adults more likely than younger ones to head to bed early. Source: AP

As temperatures drop and daylight fades early, my mind turns to the firepit corner of my garden — a simple setup with eight colorful Adirondack chairs arranged around a stacked stone hearth. In the growing season, the space is framed by low-maintenance plants like button bush, hydrangeas, hosta, clumping Liriope, and coleus. Simplicity is key. What matters most is the feeling it evokes: comfort, serenity, and a place to unwind. Gardens serve as sanctuaries, offering a refuge to lower stress and catch our breath, and studies show that the types of plants aren’t crucial — just being in the space is restorative. A few easy steps can give yourself this gift of peace: a chair, some unfussy plants, and attention to small details. Year-round enjoyment is a bonus. Sights, sounds, and scentsConsider next year’s garden now. Tall native grasses sway with calming rhythm, fragrant flowers such as lilacs, jasmine, sweet peas, and old garden roses fill the air, and simple additions like a windchime or tabletop water bubbler can enhance tranquility. Even small spaces can work: tuck a chair under a shade tree, hang a basket, or line a balcony with potted annuals, then take a few minutes to breathe and be present. Wild entertainmentNature can provide entertainment too. A birdfeeder, birdbath, and pollinator-friendly plants offer lively distractions as birds splash and bees and butterflies flit from flower to flower. Create a habitDevelop a ritual that draws you to your sanctuary daily — an afternoon tea, reading mail, or journaling. For me, it’s morning walks in the garden with coffee and pruners, or sitting on the porch in crisp air. Later, I’ll plan next spring with seed catalogs and highlighter, and on mild winter evenings, I’ll gather around the firepit under a blanket. Simplicity is the secret — a small, thoughtful space can provide relaxation throughout the year. Source: AP 

From gingerbread and mulled wine to the scent of pine and fir, familiar aromas help define the holiday season. To recreate those festive moods, many people light candles, burn incense or use fireplaces at home. While these practices can add warmth and comfort, experts caution that moderation is key to protecting indoor air quality. All flames release chemicals and tiny particles that can irritate the airways or contribute to longer-term respiratory problems if exposure is high, health specialists say. Still, there’s no need to abandon seasonal traditions altogether, according to Dr. Meredith McCormack, director of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Johns Hopkins University’s medical school. “Clean air is fragrance free,” McCormack said, noting that enjoying holiday scents occasionally is fine, especially if they evoke nostalgia or comfort, as long as people take steps to limit pollution indoors. Indoor air quality often worsens during winter because people spend more time inside and keep windows closed. The American Lung Association says indoor air can become more polluted than outdoor air when contaminants are trapped without proper ventilation. Fireplaces, gas appliances, candles, cleaning products and air fresheners can all release pollutants, including fine particles and nitrogen dioxide. Experts share advice to reduce financial stress and curb holiday overspending Health risks depend on the source and duration of exposure, as well as individual sensitivity. Children, older adults and people with asthma or heart and lung conditions are especially vulnerable. Symptoms such as coughing, headaches, shortness of breath or sneezing may signal poor air quality, and experts advise ventilating rooms or stopping use of pollutant-producing products if irritation occurs. Simple steps can help reduce exposure, including opening windows when possible, using HEPA air purifiers, choosing products with fewer ingredients and running exhaust fans while cooking with gas stoves. Experts also recommend setting boundaries around indoor smoking. “Even small improvements in air quality can lead to real health benefits,” McCormack said. Source: AP

The pressure to spend heavily on gifts, celebrations and travel during the holiday season can feel overwhelming, especially as many people face a tight job market, rising debt and persistently high prices. Financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin said those feeling stretched are far from alone, urging people to be more intentional about their spending and to remember that showing care for loved ones doesn’t always require money. She noted that expectations fueled by nostalgia and social pressure often make the holidays more stressful than joyful. What do you get when pumpkin pie collides with deep-dish pizza? Experts say creating a clear budget is a crucial first step. Jennifer Seitz of family finance app Greenlight advised accounting for all seasonal costs — including travel, shipping and tips — and setting limits to avoid starting the new year in debt. Regular debt payments should also be included to prevent falling behind. Shopping strategically can also help. Consumer expert Trae Bodge recommends seeking out sales, coupon codes, cash-back offers and browser extensions that automatically find discounts. Bryan-Podvin also encourages people to identify what matters most by listing holiday expenses and prioritizing meaningful activities over obligation-driven spending. Setting boundaries, including declining events or gift exchanges, can reduce emotional and financial strain. Finally, experts suggest creating low-cost traditions focused on shared experiences rather than purchases, which can often leave more lasting memories than expensive gifts. Source: AP