Today, Cecily Knobler shares a teenager's charming observations about American life in 1998, preserved in a diary that has resurfaced decades later. We're also exploring the freedom that comes with learning what not to worry about, and some surprisingly specific instructions for befriending a crow.
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Japanese man shares sister’s 1998 diary when she was a 16-year-old foreign exchange student in Iowa | ||
“Aug. 25 Everyone on the road waves from their trucks. I do not know them. They do not know me. I wave back too late every time.” | ||
By Cecily Knobler | ||
When Yuki was 16 years old, she was a Japanese exchange student for about a year in Iowa. For her brother, who goes by Samurai Shiba, looking through her old diary from that brief time period has been such a joy, and has inspired him to share a few pages. Self-described on his X page as “a Japanese guy who loves America,” he enjoys sharing “stories, questions, history and laughs.” (He also adds that his stories are “inspired by real moments,” and notes that “details change.”) | ||
Looking back at one’s life through the earnest lens of a diary/journal can often be a delightfully eye-opening experience. Sometimes, we’re shocked at the things we once felt or might have said. And there are other times when we see, “Oh, yeah…I’m still this way.” For Yuki, it appears there were things she learned that she still carries to this day. | ||
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#OpenTheDoor toward a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone!
The Empty Spaces to Home initiative is turning vacant, underused properties across Europe into affordable, energy-efficient homes.
For the past 50 years, @habitatforhumanity has been working to increase access to safe, affordable, and sustainable housing. Learn more about how their programs open the door to brighter futures.
Honestly, every slide gets better.
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Being ‘unbothered’ may be the life hack of all life hacks. Here are 7 keys to getting there. | ||
Learning not to take things personally is life-changing. | ||
By Annie Reneau | ||
When we think about life hacks, we usually think of tips and tricks to do things more efficiently, be more productive, or save time and money. But what if the greatest life hack isn’t about what you do, but how you feel? | ||
On TikTok, a woman named Jean shared a list of things that seem to bother other people but don’t bother her, and people are pointing to her “unbothered queen” energy as the ultimate life hack. Watch: | ||
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An Upworthiest Quiz
In which month does the Japanese school year typically begin?
Yesterday’s Results
In yesterday's issue, we shared the return of old-fashioned baby names.
And we asked: Which girl's name was America's most popular in the 1920s? 35.4% of you knew it was Mary. Some names never really go out of style.
Dorothy (24.3%)
Helen (15.2%)
Mary (35.4%) 🏆
Margaret (25.2%)
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Crows are incredibly smart. Here’s how to make friends with one in four easy steps. | ||
“They are loyal friends and have brought much joy into my life.” | ||
By Tod Perry | ||
When it comes to keeping birds as pets, people usually think about parrots or canaries. Nobody ever considers having a crow. But research has shown that crows are incredibly clever and curious, and a 2020 study found they are capable of a basic form of consciousness. They recognize the faces of people they like or don’t like, have the ability to use tools, and some can even mimic human speech. Looking to experience the magic of crows yourself? A YouTube user named Alexandra from Germany made a video on how you can befriend the crows in your neighborhood in four easy steps. All it takes is “some food and some patience.” | ||
Years ago, Alexandra made friends with a crow named Krari. Krari and friends visit Alexandra regularly and are considered part of the family. They also bring their “little ones” to Alexandra’s house to chill. “They come here to get food, to play, or just hang out with me and relax,” Alexandra says in an introductory video on her YouTube page. | ||
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