Some things really do deserve a second listen, or a second chance. A misunderstood Beatles lyric helped inspire a Monkees classic, old-fashioned names are suddenly sounding fresh again, and a psychologist has some interesting thoughts about why modern life leaves us feeling so drained.
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The Monkees scored a number 1 hit off a song inspired by a misheard Beatles lyric | ||
Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. | ||
By Tod Perry | ||
It’s no secret that The Monkees were put together to capitalize on The Beatles’ success. Four good-looking and funny guys, two of whom had actual musical chops, were thrown together by executives to sing music derivative of the Fab Four in a show that looked like a colorized version of The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night film. | ||
Before the TV show debuted, the made-for-TV band had a stroke of luck: their first single, “Last Train to Clarksville,” was climbing the charts when the show debuted on September 12, 1966. It would hit number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated November 5, 1966. | ||
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Samsung, Seatrees and scientists at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego are bringing sophisticated reef-monitoring tools to the communities working to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable reef ecosystems.
By Kylee Van Dillen
Restoring a reef is more complicated than it may seem; before planting coral, researchers need to have a clear picture of what’s happening beneath the ocean’s surface.
Until recently, collecting imagery underwater required expensive equipment costing thousands of dollars. That changed when Seatrees and Samsung teamed up to create “Ocean Mode,” a custom camera setting on Samsung Galaxy devices designed specifically for underwater reef monitoring.
This incredible story shows what can happen when groups bring their strengths together: Samsung brings the technology, scientists bring the research, and local restoration teams bring years of knowledge about the ecosystems they call home.
The kids are alright 🥹
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It seems like most people are feeling wiped out these days. There's a reason for that. | ||
Psychologist explains why everyone feels so exhausted these days and it makes a lot of sense | ||
“A gentle reminder about why you are utterly exhausted…” | ||
By Annie Reneau | ||
We’re more than six years past the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s been a weird ride, to say the least. These years have been hard, frustrating, confusing and tragic, and yet we keep on keeping on. Except the keeping on part isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. | ||
We’ve sort of collectively decided to move on, come what may. The years since have been an experiment in normalcy, but one without a testable hypothesis or clear design. And it’s taken a toll. So many people are feeling tired, exhausted, worn thin (“like butter scraped over too much bread,” as Bilbo Baggins put it) these days. | ||
But why? | ||
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An Upworthiest Quiz
Which girl's name was America's most popular in the 1920s?
Yesterday’s Results
In yesterday's issue, we shared the story of Roberta Flack's unexpectedly huge hit.
And we asked: What's the most important ingredient in a great song? 44.4% of you chose an unforgettable melody. Clearly, the secret to a great song means something different to each of us.
Beautiful lyrics (16.4%)
An unforgettable melody (44.4%)
A powerful voice (7.2%)
The memories attached to it (32.0%)
Upworthy reader Rev. Louisa Dyer made a strong, almost lyrical case for her minority vote. “Not beautiful lyrics, but rather meaningful, maybe poignant words that grab you and wrap you up, inspiring you to feel or to take action. The greatest songs are always important, and they might not be beautiful at all, but they're vital.”
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36 ‘old people names’ that are coming back in style | ||
From Dorothy to Walter, these names are having a renaissance. | ||
By Emily Shiffer | ||
Baby name trends change every year. In 2025, the top baby names in the U.S. were Olivia and Liam, according to the Social Security Administration. But another big trend in baby naming is the rising popularity of “old people” names. Names that were once considered “old lady” or “old man” names are making a strong comeback. | ||
People on Reddit discussed the old-fashioned baby names that are becoming popular again. Here are 36 “old people names” that are coming back in style: | ||
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