Friday 10 February 2023

What is a 'borg'? The potent drink popping up on college campuses.

February 10, 2023 | VIEW IN BROWSER

This is TODAY

The Chinese balloon shot down by the U.S. military last week contained antennas capable of collecting intelligence, a State Department official said. Plus, the "blackout rage gallon" drink popping up on college campuses, and what female cardiologists say women should avoid in order to protect their heart health.

The Latest

The Chinese spy balloon carried 'multiple antennas' for collecting intelligence, State Dept. says.

The Chinese balloon that flew over the U.S. for eight days contained "multiple antennas" capable of collecting signals intelligence, and the maker of the balloon has proven ties to the Chinese military, a senior State Department official told NBC News yesterday. The balloon, which was shot down by the military six days ago, had equipment the size of a small car in it, the official said. Photos taken by high-altitude U-2 planes also found equipment "inconsistent" with China's claim that it was just a weather balloon, the official said. The U.S. is now considering retaliation by exposing China's "larger surveillance activities." Meanwhile, China on Friday accused U.S. lawmakers of "political manipulation and hype" over the downing the balloon. Here's the latest.

What is a 'borg'? What college parents should know about the drink popping up on campuses.

The borg, short for "blackout rage gallon," has become a drink of choice on college campuses across the country. Made with half water, half vodka, a caffeinated flavor enhancer and some powdered electrolytes, the drink is hailed by students on TikTok as a party item that won't end in a hangover. Despite its rowdy name, one substance abuse prevention expert says that borgs can actually help reduce the risk involved in binge drinking compared to college staples like "jungle juice" mixed in a frat house trash can. "There's no chance of someone slipping something into your wide-open cup because you have a sealed jug," a harm reduction TikTok creator said. Read more here.

💗 Female cardiologists share 9 things women should avoid to protect their heart health.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., but it can largely be prevented by making lifestyle changes and managing risk factors. We spoke to female cardiologists about the 9 top mistakes they see women making about heart health and how to avoid them. They urged women to take high blood pressure readings seriously, not to overlook family history, and keep in mind that chest pain is not the only warning sign of heart trouble. See all the suggestions here.

A child's drawing of a pig in a bow tie sparks debate after being called 'inappropriate' by her school.

Michigan mom Sierra Carter says her 11-year-old daughter's school called her drawing of a pink pig in a bowtie "inappropriate." She explained in a TikTok video that she got a call from her daughter's fifth grade art teacher concerned that the pig's bowtie looked like male genitalia. Carter has since pulled her daughter from the school after administrators disputed claims Carter made about her daughter being "ostracized." "She was so embarrassed and felt so singled out," Carter tells Today.com. "No kid should feel like that." See the debate (and the drawing) here.

Live Better TODAY

Achieve your life goals with easy tips.

It's easy to get caught up focusing on the muscles that will look good at the beach when you're working out, but strengthening your back has some of the best practical benefits. Back exercises can keep you from slouching at your desk or hunching over in the car, while also preventing debilitating pain as you get older. We have 22 exercises to strengthen your back, improve your posture and reduce pain, plus tips on how often you should do back workouts. See TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour demonstrate each exercise here.

What's for dinner?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

It's not a Super Bowl party without chicken wings, and chef Adam Richman has three go-to recipes for game day on Sunday. His mochiko chicken wings (above) bring some Polynesian flavor to the party with a crispy outside and a hint of sweetness. Adam's shawarma-spiced wings feature smoky heat from Aleppo pepper, while his Kentucky pepper-peach wings are a mix of onion, garlic and charred habanero. Get all 3 recipes.

Daily Delight

A little pick-me-up before you go.

Getting a haircut has gone from all stress to all smiles for 7-year-old Ellison Eubanks, who has Down syndrome. Ellison's mom had tried everything from bear hugging him to keep him calm to cutting his hair herself at home, only for it to end in frustration. However, one trip to Cincinnati barber Vernon Jackson and suddenly Ellison was giggling his way through it. Vernon created a fun "Stop! Go!" game with Ellison to help ease his fears of the buzzing clippers and falling hair. (See the sweet video.) Vernon dedicates one day a month to giving kids with disabilities free haircuts and says it's all about meeting them in the moment. "I'm so blessed to be in a position to relieve that stress and anxiety for them," he told Today.com. "It's a haircut — it shouldn't have to be traumatic."