Pop quiz: What makes you happy? That might sound like a big topic for first thing in the morning, but The New York Times broke down the age-old query into 16 simple questions in a recent quiz, developed with the expertise of professors David Almeida and Susan Charles. The results of the assessment are meant to help you figure out what happiness looks like for you and “which kind of well-being you tend to value most.”
The Golden Globes introduced a new category for a modern form of storytelling
Health
Exercise May Be a Secret Weapon Against Negative Effects of Cancer Treatment: Study
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There’s no doubt exercise is good for your heart, bones, balance, and brain. And a new study found that physical activity can also mitigate some side effects of cancer treatment, such as brain fog and heart and nerve damage. While prior research has shown that exercise can be generally helpful during cancer treatment, this study went a step further and systematically analyzed data from randomized controlled trial results published between 2012 and 2024. The takeaway: Exercise (e.g., tai chi, yoga, high-intensity and interval training) not only reduced adverse effects often associated with cancer and its treatment, but also improved psychological well-being, body composition, and overall quality of life. “In conclusion, this study reinforces the efficacy of incorporating exercise into cancer treatment protocols,” the researchers wrote. Of course, every cancer patient has their own journey and circumstances, so there’s no one-size-fits-all workout plan. “It’s important to take things at your own pace and do activities that are right for you,” Celene Doherty, a specialist cancer information nurse at Cancer Research U.K., who was not involved with the study, told The Guardian. She added that patients interested in learning more should speak to their doctors and care team.
Together With Mode Mobile
The Tech Company That Pays Smartphone Users
Mode Mobile wants smartphone users to get their piece of the pie. The company is flipping the data industry on its head, splitting profits with users by turning smartphones into an income-generating asset. What that looks like: paying over $325 million to more than 45 million users; generating 32,481% three-year revenue growth; and getting named the No. 1 fastest-growing software company by Deloitte in 2023. The EarnPhone could be considered the Uber of smartphones, and Mode is gearing up for a potential IPO on the Nasdaq (ticker: $MODE). As companies desperately seek to extract more data, you can invest in Mode’s pre-IPO offering at just $0.30/share. Become a Mode shareholder and earn your stake in this $1 trillion industry.*
You know his voice when you hear it: David Attenborough, the British naturalist who has narrated dozens upon dozens of nature films and documentaries. In true Attenborough fashion, he’s ringing in his 99th birthday (today!) with what may be the preeminent film of his epic career. “After living for nearly 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,” Attenborough says in the trailer for Ocean. As the title suggests, the new film covers the resiliency and wonder of the ocean, with no shortage of breathtaking images sweeping the screen. But the documentary also dives deep into what’s at stake. From footage of wasteful fishing practices damaging the seabed to mass coral bleachings, Ocean is a look at where and why things have gone astray — and what can be done to turn the tide. “The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined. It can bounce back to life,” Attenborough says, adding, “We must write its next chapter together.” If you needed any more reason to see it, producer Toby Nowlan told the BBC, “It is the greatest message he’s ever told.” Ocean is out in U.K. theaters now and landing on Disney+ in June.
Culture
Asian Jewish Americans Have a Double Reason to Celebrate Their Heritage in May
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May is both Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month. Two entirely separate commemorations for two entirely separate communities, right? Think again. Not only do Asian American Jews exist, but we come from a variety of places and come to Judaism in a range of ways. Some Asian American Jews come from long-standing Jewish communities in Asia. The two most famous of these are the Kaifeng Jews of the Henan Province in China and the Jewish communities of India. Learn more about these communities and the intersection of the two heritages. This article was written by Samira Mehta, an associate professor of women and gender studies and Jewish studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, for The Conversation.
In Other News
A record number of citizen scientists around the world came together for an annual nature challenge (read more)
Congrats, Maricela “Marci” Luna! She’s the first Mexican-American Latina to serve as postmaster of LA (read more)
“Michelangelo, meet James Bond.” Security is going all out at the Sistine Chapel to keep the conclave secret (read more)
A Soviet spacecraft will plummet back to Earth soon, but fear not — you’re not likely to be hit by debris (read more)
New crocs on the block: Biologists discovered two previously unknown species of crocodiles (read more)
Something We Love
Needed May is more than just a month to honor moms — it’s a moment to spotlight maternal health and offer the care that mothers so deeply deserve. Needed offers radically better nutrition for women through its prenatal vitamins and supplements for fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and overall health. This Mother’s Day, Needed is giving customers an extra 25% off subscriptions sitewide with the promo code MOTHER, valid now through May 18.*
*Indicates a Nice News brand partnership or affiliate. The offer is valid for new and existing customers on subscription purchases only (excludes one-time purchases).
Inspiring Story
Home at last
About a week ago, we shared the incredible story of a dachshund named Valerie who was rescued after 529 days missing on an Australian island. Now, the resilient pup is back in the arms of her owners, Georgia Gardner and Josh Fishlock. “She ran straight up to me — I just burst into tears,” Gardner said of the reunion, adding: “She was wagging her tail, making her little happy sounds and wiggling around with joy. I held her and cried and cried.”
Photo of the Day
Chris Jackson/Getty Images
This week, King Charles III and Queen Camilla lifted the curtain to unveil their official coronation portraits at the National Gallery in London, a royal tradition. The monarch’s portrait was painted over about 18 months by artist Peter Kuhfeld, whom Charles selected himself, while his wife’s was done by Paul S. Benney. Get a closer look at the artwork.
Mode Is Pulling an Uber in the $500B Smartphone Industry
Imagine turning down Uber at $10 million, then watching it go public at $80 billion. That’s exactly what happened to Mark Cuban — an 799,900% return, gone. By the time we hear about industry-changing disruptions like this, it’s usually too late, but right now there’s a tech startup making waves behind the scenes. Like Uber turned vehicles into income-generating assets, Mode Mobile is turning smartphones into the easiest passive income source imaginable. And unlike with Uber, you have a chance to invest at just $0.30/share before any potential IPO.*
