As December arrives each year, a familiar festive atmosphere quietly spreads across cities and homes. From family gatherings and sparkling lights to gift exchanges and Christmas dinners, the holiday has become a shared celebration for hundreds of millions around the world. Yet across different countries and cultural contexts, Christmas takes on unique styles, rituals, and meanings. This article highlights five representative Christmas traditions —from Europe to North America

A U.S. green card (officially known as the Permanent Resident Card) grants a foreign national lawful permanent residence in the United States — the right to live, study, and work there indefinitely. Although the term “green card” is commonly used, the pathways to obtain one are many and classified into distinct categories, each with its own eligibility criteria and processing rules. This article provides a clear overview of the major green‑card types and the applicant groups

Have you ever randomly thought: “Maybe I should treat myself to a cookie today”? In the United States, December 4 is designated as National Cookie Day, a celebration dedicated to cookies. On this day, it’s not just bakeries running special offers or snack brands launching promos — it’s also an opportunity for families, friends, co‑workers to share a cookie and spread a bit of warmth. As the year‑end holiday season approaches and temperatures drop, a freshly baked cookie can f

Every winter, as festive lights glow and holiday cheer fills the streets, many people choose to travel during Christmas or New Year’s week. But holiday travel often brings rising airfares, crowded airports, unpredictable weather, heavy traffic, and logistical challenges. To help you enjoy a smooth, safe, and pleasant holiday trip, this guide summarizes the most important Christmas travel tips , covering five key areas: pre-trip preparation, transportation and travel day plann

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whose pathological changes often begin long before obvious clinical symptoms appear. Recognising subtle early changes can enable earlier intervention and help delay cognitive decline. The following ten early signals are commonly mistaken for “normal aging” or minor issues—but they may be the brain’s warning signs. Note:  Having one or two of these symptoms does not  mean Alzheimer’s is present. But if multiple ap

In the U.S. college admissions process, interviews are not the sole deciding factor for admission—but they do offer admissions officers and alumni interviewers a rare opportunity to see the “real you” beyond your transcript, essays, and letters of recommendation. Whether it’s conducted by an alumnus or by an admissions representative, the purpose is the same: to understand your personality, assess your fit with the school’s culture, evaluate your genuine interests, and observ

What is USABO? USABO, short for the USA Biology Olympiad , is a premier national competition for high school students organized by the USA Biology Olympiad Foundation. It serves as the sole official pathway  for selecting students to represent the United States at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) . More rigorous than AP Biology, USABO is designed to identify and cultivate top-tier talent in life sciences with international competitiveness. The competition evaluates no

Christmas is the most magical, heart-warming, and festive time of the year—and gift-giving is an essential part of the celebration. In 2025, shoppers are looking not only for practicality and great value, but also emotional impact , unique meaning , and personalized touches . From fragrance sets and beauty calendars to smart home gadgets, themed advent calendars, and anime collectibles, this year’s most popular gifts embrace individuality more than ever. If you’re still unsur

One of the most tedious parts of travel can be the visa paperwork: submitting forms, waiting for approval, paying fees. But if you hold a U.S. passport, you’re in luck—there are many countries that offer visa‑on‑arrival, eVisa, or even visa‑free entry, making it much easier to get going and worry less about formalities. Below you’ll find a quick guide to what visa‑on‑arrival means and why you might opt for it, followed by 5 hand‑picked countries that are especially convenient

Want to experience true freedom? No fixed schedule, no rigid itinerary—just a map, a set of wheels, and an adventurous heart. That’s the magic of a road trip across America—from the East Coast to the West. It’s not just a journey, but a passage through time zones, landscapes, cultures, and cityscapes.If you’re planning a cross‑country drive, this ultimate guide is a must‑save before you hit the road! Why Choose a U.S. Road Trip? 🚗 Ultimate Freedom:  You can pull over at any

Chinese‑language cinema isn’t just about feature films. Some of the most powerful narratives are hidden in the subtle lens of documentaries and short films. For the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, the shorter formats are razor‑sharp, intimate, and deeply resonant. Below are our curated picks across two major categories — each worthy of your viewing, reflection, and conversation. And don’t forget: on Saturday, November 22 , tune in to KTSF Channel 26  — we’ll bring you a special spo

In the increasingly competitive U.S. college admissions landscape, the “weight” of courses is now a key metric for admissions officers. For many high school students aiming for top schools, AP (Advanced Placement) is not just a way to challenge themselves academically — it’s an important way to demonstrate their identity, broaden their horizons, and stand out. 1. What are AP courses? AP stands for Advanced Placement, a program administered by the College Board, offering colle