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Score (98)
Joy in the Little Things: How to Embrace 'Sohwakhaeng' for Everyday Happiness
In a world where speed and efficiency often overshadow the simple joys of life, a growing number of South Koreans are embracing "sohwakhaeng," a philosophy that celebrates small but certain happiness. This movement offers an antidote to the country's high-pressure "pali pali" culture, which prioritizes rapid progress and productivity. Sohwakhaeng, derived from the Korean words for "small," "certain," and "happiness," encourages individuals to find joy in everyday moments. The concept gained popularity from Japanese author Haruki Murakami's 1986 essay, where he describes delighting in life's simple pleasures like freshly baked bread or neatly folded laundry. In South Korea, this philosophy has become a lifeline for many young people overwhelmed by societal pressures. The country faces rising suicide rates among various age groups due to economic hardship and emotional distress. As a result, movements like sohwakhaeng have gained traction on social media platforms with hashtags such as "#소확행" showcasing ordinary yet joyful moments. IKEA Korea has embraced this trend by offering "home party boxes" designed to promote joy without the stress of perfection. These boxes include items for cooking and decorating at home, encouraging people to enjoy time together without pressure. For Kim Tae-hee, an office worker in Korea, sohwakhaeng is about finding inspiration in the mundane. She suggests starting small: savoring a childhood scent or appreciating nature outside your window. Sohwakhaeng invites us all to pause and appreciate life's little wonders. In doing so, it challenges us to redefine happiness not as something grandiose but as something found in everyday experiences.
Score (91)
This Contractor Just Saved a Couple Scammed in a Landscaping Nightmare
A Pittsburgh-area contractor stepped up to help a local senior couple after they were scammed out of $6,750 for landscaping work. The Ruffings of West Mifflin had paid Shiloh Landscaping for a new retaining wall, but instead received only excuses and unfinished work. "He said his truck broke down and then he had a fire in his trailer," Pam Ruffing told KDKA. The couple turned to the local CBS affiliate's segment, KDKA Investigates, hoping their story might spark change. While the original contractors remain at large, the broadcast caught the attention of Ray Benvenuti, a local contractor who decided to lend a hand. "We actually just did a job for a lady who got scammed out of money," Benvenuti said. Inspired by their plight, he and his team from Benvenuti Landscaping and Reconstruction partnered with a local hardware store to complete the project using donated labor and materials. Despite having to start from scratch and match previous work, Benvenuti assured that "we’ll get it done; we’re professionals." They not only finished the retaining wall but also added an extra corner wall by the steps—all in time for Easter lunch. The Better Business Bureau offered advice on avoiding scams: obtain multiple bids, request proof of insurance, pay no more than one-third upfront—a right protected by Pennsylvania law—and ensure contractors are registered with the Bureau of Consumer Protection if they do over $5,000 worth of work annually.
Score (91)
These Bike Heroes Have Saved 150,000 Bikes from Landfills—Here's Why
A Chicago nonprofit has been quietly transforming lives for 25 years, one bicycle at a time. Working Bikes, nestled in the Little Village neighborhood at 2434 S. Western Ave., has refurbished over 150,000 bikes since its inception in 1999. These bicycles are saved from landfills and curbsides or donated by community members. The organization sells about 12% of these restored bikes in its storefront, while another 15% are given to local residents through partnerships with community programs. "I think there’s always a need in Chicago," said Trevor Clarke, director of Working Bikes. "There are disinvested communities here who really lack access to transportation." The majority of the bikes—thousands each year—are shipped overseas to partners in countries like Mexico, Venezuela, Uganda, and Cuba. In rural Uganda, for example, the Bwindi Bicycle Program trains women to repair and maintain bikes with support from Working Bikes. "The focus is really on employment for the ladies," Clarke explained. Working Bikes operates largely on volunteer power but employs a few dedicated staff to ensure that each bike is ready for its new owner. Overseas partners receive not only bicycles but also spare parts and training materials to empower local communities. With more than 100,000 bikes sent abroad so far, Working Bikes continues to make an impact both locally and globally by providing affordable transportation options where they are needed most.
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Score (98)
How Yemeni Coffee Culture is Brewing Success Across the U.S.
Yemeni coffee is making waves across the United States, thanks to entrepreneurs like Ibrahim Alhasbani. After immigrating to the U.S., Alhasbani founded Qahwah House in 2017, and his chain of Yemeni coffee shops has since expanded to 23 locations from Texas to New York. "I want to share the culture. I want to share the coffee. I want to share the history," he said over pistachio lattes at a Dearborn, Michigan location. The rise of Yemeni cafes in America is notable for their unique designs, late hours, and offerings like cardamom-infused drinks and desserts such as hazelnut kunafa cheesecake. Fionn Pooler, who covers specialty coffee in his newsletter The Pourover, praised these pastries as exceptional compared to typical coffee shop fare. Yemeni beans are celebrated among connoisseurs for their rich flavors and storied past. "Only the best coffee is getting out," Pooler noted about recent imports. However, challenges persist due to Yemen's ongoing civil war and global climate change affecting coffee prices. Mokhtar Alkhanshali of Port of Mokha highlighted difficulties in exporting Yemeni coffee amid political tensions and economic instability. "Most farmers in Yemen are smallholder farmers," he explained, emphasizing their reliance on this trade. Despite these hurdles, Alhasbani remains focused on fostering understanding through his cafes. He hopes Americans will see Yemenis not just through the lens of conflict but as contributors who introduced coffee to the world. "We are behind every smile in the morning," he said proudly. As Yemeni cafes continue to grow stateside, they offer more than just a cup of joe—they provide a cultural bridge during challenging times.
Score (94)
Gallagher Brothers Reunite: First Joint Gig in 16 Years at London Club
Liam and Noel Gallagher have reunited for the first time in 16 years, performing together at a working men’s club in north London. The brothers were spotted at the Mildmay Club in Newington Green on Thursday, reportedly filming a promotional video for Oasis's upcoming reunion tour. The much-anticipated Oasis '25 tour kicks off in Cardiff on July 4, marking 16 years since the band split after a notorious backstage altercation at the Rock en Seine festival in Paris. This year also celebrates three decades since their hit album "(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?" was released. In a joint statement announcing the tour, Oasis said: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised.” Noel Gallagher confirmed to TalkSport that rehearsals are set to begin soon and mentioned his brother Liam is "on tip-top form." The UK leg of the tour includes seven shows at Wembley Stadium and five performances in Manchester before heading to international venues across the U.S., Mexico, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and concluding in South America by November. Despite excitement surrounding their return, ticket sales have been marred by controversy. Fans reportedly lost over £2 million to scams since tickets went on sale last August. Additionally, Ticketmaster faced scrutiny from the Competition and Markets Authority for potentially breaching consumer protection laws with dynamic pricing strategies. Oasis addressed these concerns last year: “Interest in this tour is so overwhelming that it’s impossible to schedule enough shows to fulfill public demand.”
Score (95)
A People's Pope: Honoring Francis' Legacy of Kindness and Progress
As sunlight bathed the iconic columns of St. Peter’s Square, a solemn yet uplifting farewell unfolded for Pope Francis in Vatican City. The funeral Mass, held on the basilica's steps, drew over 50 world leaders and 11 monarchs. Mourners filled the square to honor a pontiff celebrated as a champion of migrants and the poor. The service was marked by poignant moments as attendees sang hymns and applauded when Francis' coffin appeared. Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re praised him as a "pope among the people," highlighting his advocacy for refugees and peace amid global conflicts. Francis’ modest coffin was carried across Rome to Santa Maria Maggiore for burial, passing historic landmarks like the Colosseum. This marked him as the first pope in over three centuries to be interred there. More than 250,000 gathered in St. Peter’s Square, with an additional 150,000 lining the procession route through Rome. Millions more watched globally as they bid farewell to the first Latin American pope. Pope Francis died at age 88 after suffering a stroke on Easter Monday. His papacy was noted for progressive reforms. Sister Evelyn reflected on his legacy: “I work in the periphery and when Pope Francis recognized us, we felt heard.” As Catholics worldwide ponder who will succeed him, many hope his successor will continue his mission of inclusivity and compassion. “It’s very sad but it’s a celebration of his life,” said Federico Burlón from Argentina. “I hope the next pope will continue his way of turning the Church back to poor people.”
Score (98)
Hubble's 35th Birthday: Mars, Nebula & More Captured In New Space Portraits
As the Hubble Space Telescope celebrates 35 years in orbit, scientists and space enthusiasts alike are marveling at a new collection of breathtaking images. Launched on April 24, 1990, aboard the space shuttle Discovery, Hubble was designed to observe the universe with unmatched clarity from above Earth's atmosphere. Over its lifetime, it has made nearly 1.7 million observations and contributed to more than 22,000 scientific papers. "Hubble's legacy is the bridge between our past and future knowledge of a universe that is unbelievably glorious, as well as rambunctious," officials with the European Space Agency (ESA), which operates Hubble jointly with NASA, said in a statement. The newly released images commemorate this milestone by showcasing celestial wonders such as seasonal changes on Mars and stars sculpting their environments into cosmic art. One image reveals Mars' frosty atmosphere during its northern hemisphere spring, highlighting features like Olympus Mons and Syrtis Major. Another captivating image captures NGC 2899, a moth-like planetary nebula located about 4,500 light-years away in Vela. This glowing cloud is shaped by winds and radiation from a dying star at its center. A close-up of the Rosette Nebula shows dark clouds being sculpted by intense radiation from nearby stars. The dynamic scene includes jets of superheated plasma creating shock waves that illuminate surrounding gases. Finally, an image of NGC 5335 showcases a barred spiral galaxy with patchy star formation scattered across its disk. Unlike many spiral galaxies, NGC 5335 lacks well-defined arms but features a prominent bar funneling material inward to birth new stars. These stunning snapshots continue to inspire awe and deepen our understanding of the cosmos as Hubble marks another year in space exploration history.
Score (95)
Teacher's Peanut Butter Chaos: A Hilarious Lesson on the Power of Descriptive Writing
Kay Sloan, a first and second-grade teacher, recently turned a classroom exercise into an unforgettable lesson on the importance of descriptive writing. Tasked with instructing her students on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, Sloan decided to follow their written directions as literally as possible. The results were both educational and entertaining. As she attempted to construct the sandwiches based on the students' instructions, it quickly became apparent that details were missing. One student's paper instructed her to "get bread, put jelly on one side and peanut butter on the other side," leading Sloan to smear jelly over an unopened loaf of bread's plastic wrapping before flipping it over for the peanut butter. Laughter erupted in the classroom as students realized their teacher was following their instructions too literally. In another instance, without further guidance beyond gathering ingredients, Sloan stood holding bread, peanut butter and jelly while asking if she had successfully made a sandwich. Covered in sandwich fillings by the end of the demonstration, Sloan drove home her point: "So we just did a whole lesson on adding detail to our writing. Do we understand why you have to have detail?" She emphasized that no one mentioned using a plate or knife in their instructions. The lesson resonated beyond her classroom. Commenters praised Sloan's creative approach online, with one noting that "they’ll never forget the details that are necessary for descriptive writing." Another likened it to teaching coding skills: "Computers are just electronic Amelia Bedelia." Sloan’s innovative method not only taught her young students about precision but also captured hearts across social media platforms.
Score (92)
Three Brothers Drive Tiny Vintage Bus Across UK for Charity Adventure
Three brothers from Cheshire embarked on a unique journey, driving a tiny 1940s bus from Land's End to John O' Groats. James, Andrew, and Will Emerton took turns navigating the miniature petrol-powered vehicle, originally designed for seaside children's rides. Measuring just about 3 feet tall and 8 feet long, the bus traveled at an average speed of 12 mph over the course of their week-long adventure. The brothers' motivation extended beyond the thrill of the drive; they aimed to raise funds for several charities close to their hearts. Their efforts supported the MPS Society, The Children's Society and Hope House Children's Hospice. "We've had an amazing time so far. The support we've received on route has been beyond our wildest dreams," said Will Emerton. "The typical reaction is a double-take... It's quite funny watching from the support vehicle behind it. " Despite its small size and modest speed capabilities of up to 25 mph, the bus proved reliable throughout their journey. The trio's determination and creativity captured attention along their route, inspiring many who learned about their cause.
Score (97)
This Brave 10-Year-Old Crochets Colorful Flags to Brighten Chemo Days
Ten-year-old Kirsty from Tunbridge Wells is turning her chemotherapy journey into a colorful mission to support cancer research. Diagnosed with a brain tumor in November, which affected her eyesight and memory, Kirsty is undergoing 70 weeks of chemotherapy. To mark each week, she crochets a unique bunting triangle, raising funds for Children with Cancer UK. Kirsty's mother, Kate, shared their approach on BBC Radio Kent: "We try and be as positive as we can and I think this is the most positive thing we can possibly do." A family friend introduced Kirsty to crocheting last year, and she's been honing her skills through YouTube tutorials ever since. So far, Kirsty has completed 44 out of the planned 70 triangles. Her goal is to initially display the bunting at a local café before moving it to her hospital ward. Her Crochet for Cancer campaign has already raised over £9,000 for charity. Determined to spread awareness, she plans to distribute leaflets about her project throughout Kent. Kate expressed gratitude for community support: "It's just so nice to see that the response from the community so far has been fantastic." After surgery removed part of what Kirsty calls "Terry," the tumor, her symptoms have improved significantly. Reflecting on others' struggles, she said: "Because I've had experience of it, I feel more sympathy for even worse stories than my story." Her father, Mat, described their initial diagnosis day as "pretty gruesome," but emphasized their focus on finding normalcy amid medical challenges. He noted that while taking things day by day is tough advice to follow, it's become essential for enjoying life now.
Score (97)
Love Letter Unearthed: Sweetheart's Note Found in Uniform After 80 Years
A forgotten piece of history has surfaced in an unexpected place—a charity shop in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. Andy Hacking, 61, stumbled upon a World War II RAF uniform five years ago and discovered a heartfelt letter tucked inside its pocket. The letter, dated Dec. 17, 1945, was penned by a woman named Jean from Preston to her "darling" stationed in Wiltshire. Jean's words reveal her excitement about her sweetheart's return for Christmas: "I've counted the days," she wrote. The letter was addressed to No. 1 Wing B Squadron at RAF Station Berryfields in Melksham and included the airman's serial number AC/2 with the initial C. Hacking, who has a passion for WWII memorabilia and re-enactment, initially bought the uniform intending to wear it at events. However, he soon realized it wouldn't fit him due to its smaller size typical of that era. It wasn't until he showed the uniform to a friend that he discovered Jean's letter along with an RAF diary. "The letter is personal," Hacking told BBC Radio Lancashire. "I would love to reunite it with Jean's family." He hopes someone can help connect this poignant piece of history with its rightful owners.