We have a new addition to the never-ending list of Things that are Apparently Good For You, According to Science! This is a fun one: A new Gallup poll has concluded that saying hello to your neighbors can boost your well-being. The poll found adults who regularly say hello to multiple people in their neighborhood have a higher well-being than those who speak to few or no neighbors. The sweet spot, according to researchers, is six. As in, regularly greeting six neighbors. There's no need to carry a little checklist every time you go outside because the whole well-being thing relates to bigger neighborly dynamics. Researchers said feelings of safety and community contribute to people's overall mental health. And, of course, if you're lucky enough to live in such a community, you're much more likely to be doling out the greetings. So, smile and wave! You'll be doing yourself — and others — a healthy favor.
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Our favorites this week
Get going with some of our most popular good news stories of the week
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Chasing World Cup glory
The 2023 Women's World Cup is down to the wire, and England and Spain will be battling it out Sunday for the championship. This year's tournament has ignited national pride, launched stars and created plenty of inspiring moments for the soccer players (and fans) of tomorrow. England has never made a Women's World Cup final, and their fairytale rise got a royal seal of approval from Prince William, who called their semifinal win over Australia a "phenomenal performance." The success of Australia's team, fondly known as the Matildas, ignited footie fanaticism across the country despite falling short of the final. "On so many levels, the event and the experience has already been a success," said Ben Crowe, a professional mentor and mindset coach. "The Matildas have taught the country, or reminded the country, that the future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams, to steal a beautiful quote from Eleanor Roosevelt."
Follow the Women's World Cup action here.
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In the shade of history
A long time ago, I wrote an article titled "The 10 Saddest Trees in America." It was a labor of love, full of melodrama and tree murder most foul. It's since been scrubbed from the internet, but I was extremely pleased to discover a spiritual foil to that tree tome in the UK's annual "Tree of the Year" contest. A brilliant idea! The contest is organized by Woodland Trust, a non-profit headquartered in Lincolnshire, England, and this year, 13 of the UK’s very best trees will compete for the title. These old trees are pillars of their communities (literally), having survived bombings, blight, arson and the creeping effects of industrialization. One shaded picnics held by Queen Elizabeth, and another solemnly presides over a World War I monument. Some are more than 500 years old. No matter who wins, they are all Very Good Trees.
Read the whole story here.
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Can't Knock the Hustle
Library cards are always something of a status symbol, but they're even better when they're graced with one of the most recognizable faces in hip-hop. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the Brooklyn Public Library and Roc Nation have released 13 limited-edition library cards with artwork from Jay-Z albums. The library cards are tied to a Brooklyn Central Library exhibit that explores Jay-Z’s career through rare photos, original recordings, videos and other artifacts. Here's the coolest part, though: The initiative, which ends later this month, has already resulted in 14,000 new library accounts.
Read the whole story here.
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Take a look at these woven portraits by Nigerian artist Chibuike Ifedilichukwu. You'll notice countless changes in texture and a complexity beyond the warp and weft. That's because Ifedilichukwu creates his art using recycled aluminum cans, cut into strips and expertly woven to produce images of Nigerian public figures. In Nigeria, recycling is largely an informal process controlled by small companies, and Ifedilichukwu uses his eco-conscious art to make a statement about waste management in the country. The artist even trolls dumpsters near his neighborhood in Awka, which he knows invites some strange looks. “When I go scavenging, people see me as a mad person,” he said. “But I’m making a living out of it … and I’m creating awareness to make our environment safe.”
Read the full story here.
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Tescha Hawley is a breast cancer survivor and a member of the Gros Ventre tribe in Montana. Her cancer battle inspired her to help other cancer patients and their families living on the Fort Belknap Reservation where she grew up. Native Americans in the United States have the lowest life expectancy and the highest rate of death in many categories of preventable illness. Hawley's organization, the Day Eagle Hope Project, addresses some of the biggest hurdles in her community, like food insecurity and the difficulty of traveling to and from doctor's appointments. Hawley also runs programs to address crisis and chemical addiction and offers equine therapy to at-risk youth as a suicide prevention effort. In the winter, with temperatures dipping into the negative 50s with wind chill, Hawley brings firewood to Native elders. Hawley estimates she’s helped about 3,000 people not only on her reservation but from neighboring tribes as well.
Read the whole story here.
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Love takes off the masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.
- American writer James Baldwin, in his 1963 book "The Fire Next Time."
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Rec of the week
Brought to you by CNN Underscored
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Claire Holt shares her parenting essentials
CNN Underscored caught up with actor Clair Holt to learn about the eight parenting and lifestyle products she can't live without. Shop her picks here.
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Shameless animal video
There's always time for cute animal videos. That time is now.
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Good Stuff reader Julianne suggested featuring more videos of animals out in the wild, specifically some of the live cams managed by Explore.org, a live nature network and documentary film channel. You can check out all of their amazing views from around the world here, and always have a little window to the wild on your desktop. For this weekend, I chose the walrus beach on Round Island, Alaska, because walrus grunts are weirdly soothing. (Click here to view)
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