Sunday Edition | June 7, 2025
- Olga Nesterova
- Jun 8
- 16 min read
Because life is more than politics — and kindness still matters.
This edition explores happiness. How to keep your body, mind and soul happy and how to brighten up your mood quickly when life brings you lemons?
But first, let’s explore the latest quick news in culture.
🎭 CULTURE SNAPSHOT
🎵 Rick Astley Just Hit a Spotify Milestone
Rick Astley's iconic 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up” has now surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify—a testament not to Rickrolling memes but to genuine, enduring appreciation for his music.
👒 Regency-Glam at the Pride and Prejudice 20th Anniversary Party
Focus Features hosted a Regency-era celebration in Pasadena to mark 20 years of Joe Wright’s Pride and Prejudice (2005). Guests arrived dressed in period gowns and suits, and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performed the beloved soundtrack—evoking tears and nostalgia throughout the evening.
🏆 Broadway's Record-Breaking Season and Tony Awards
The 2024-2025 Broadway season posted a record $1.89 billion in ticket sales—surpassing the pre-COVID high of $1.82 billion. The Tony Awards, airing Sunday (tonight), will feature a special reunion of the original Hamilton cast in honor of the musical’s 10th anniversary.
📺 End of an Era: Inside the NBA Moves to ESPN/ABC
After nearly four decades on TNT, Inside the NBA aired its final show on Saturday. Starting next season, the iconic sports talk show will air on ESPN and ABC.
🎬 Box Office News: Lilo & Stitch Hits New Heights
Disney's live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has surged past Sinners to become the second-highest-grossing film at the U.S. box office this year, narrowly trailing A Minecraft Movie.
🎭 Tom Felton Returns to Broadway
Best known as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter, Tom Felton is stepping back into theater, set to reprise his role for a limited run on Broadway this summer.
🇳🇿 Jacinda Ardern on Leadership in New Memoir
In her new memoir, New Zealand’s former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern argues for empathy in politics, noting:
“People want kindness and compassion in their leaders.”
Her reflections call for more compassionate governance worldwide.
🎥 From John Wick: Ballerina & Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme–The Latest in Film
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas, delivers sleek assassin action—though some critics note it feels formulaic.
Wes Anderson’s latest, The Phoenician Scheme, was praised for its artistry—but production faced logistical hurdles as the director strove to protect priceless artworks on a chaotic set.
🎤 Documentary Spotlight: “And So It Goes” on Billy Joel
The new documentary And So It Goes explores Billy Joel’s early life and meteoric rise—a gritty, intimate portrait of the legend before stardom.
🐱 Surprise Kittens on Turkish TV
In a feel-good moment, a Turkish news broadcast captured baby kittens born in the studio. Viewers and social media erupted—with the kittens quickly listed for adoption.
Meanwhile, in Canada:
🎷 Montreal Jazz Festival kicked off June 3 in Quartier des Spectacles, hosting jazz and world music acts across indoor venues and free outdoor stages.
The Luminato Festival launched in Toronto on June 4, showcasing art and performances under the theme “DAY:NIGHT,” exploring urban life across a 24-hour cycle.
On June 6, Ottawa celebrated the Summer Indigenous Art Market at the National Arts Centre, spotlighting Indigenous artists and artisans.
Also on June 6–7, the Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) returned to the Mattamy Athletic Centre, spotlighting alternative and indie comics.
🌈 The History of Pride Month: A Legacy of Resistance and Celebration
Every June, rainbow flags fly high across cities around the world as people come together to celebrate Pride Month—a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality. But behind the parades and glitter lies a powerful history of protest and progress.
✊ It Began with a Riot: The Stonewall Uprising
The roots of Pride Month trace back to the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. Raids like this were common at the time, as LGBTQ+ people were frequently criminalized and harassed. But that night, patrons and local residents fought back.
What followed were six days of protests and clashes with police—known as the Stonewall Uprising. This spontaneous resistance became a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ history, galvanizing activists across the United States.
🏳️🌈 From Protest to Parade
On the first anniversary of the uprising, LGBTQ+ communities in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago organized marches to commemorate the event and demand equal rights. These were the first Pride marches, and they sparked a tradition that would grow globally.
Over time, Pride events expanded from political protests to include celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and culture. Yet at their core, they remain rooted in the spirit of resistance and visibility born at Stonewall.
📜 Official Recognition
In the United States, President Bill Clinton officially recognized June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. President Barack Obama expanded the recognition to include the full LGBTQ+ spectrum starting in 2009, and each year since, U.S. presidents have issued Pride Month proclamations—with varying levels of inclusivity and support.
🌍 Pride Around the World
Today, Pride is marked in over 150 countries, though not all celebrations occur in June. In places where LGBTQ+ rights remain restricted, Pride can be a defiant act of courage. In more liberal societies, it remains a vital reminder that equality is still a work in progress.
💬 More Than a Month
While June offers a focused moment for reflection and celebration, Pride is more than a parade or a party—it is a year-round movement. It honors those who fought for the freedoms many enjoy today, and it shines a light on those who are still fighting for theirs.
Did You Know?
The rainbow flag, now a universal symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, was first designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Each color originally represented a value: hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit.
Now, let’s get to the heart of it — what can we do, eat, wear, and enjoy to feel happier?
🧠 HEALTH & LONGEVITY
🥗 Eat the Rainbow: Why Colorful Plates Are Healthier Plates
You’ve probably heard the phrase “eat the rainbow” — and no, it’s not a reference to candy. Nutrition experts have long recommended this vibrant approach to eating because a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables can provide a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants.
But what does it actually mean? And how can you start doing it?
🌈 What Does “Eating the Rainbow” Mean?
“Eating the rainbow” simply means including a wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. Each color group represents different nutrients that support various aspects of your health:
🔴 Red foods (like tomatoes, strawberries, red peppers): Rich in lycopene and vitamin C, great for heart health and skin.
🟠 Orange & yellow foods (like carrots, oranges, squash): Packed with beta-carotene and vitamin A, supporting immune function and vision.
🟢 Green foods (like spinach, broccoli, kiwis): High in fiber, iron, and folate, promoting digestion and healthy cell function.
🔵🟣 Blue & purple foods (like blueberries, eggplant, grapes): Contain anthocyanins and resveratrol, powerful antioxidants for brain and heart health.
⚪️ White & brown foods (like garlic, mushrooms, cauliflower): Often overlooked, but they contain compounds like allicin that may reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
✅ Why It Matters
Each plant pigment acts like a mini medicine cabinet, helping to reduce inflammation, support organ function, and protect against chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. The more variety you include, the more well-rounded your nutrient intake becomes.
🥕 How to Make It Happen: Simple Tips
Start with one color per meal
Try adding one fruit or vegetable from a new color group at each meal.
Buy a mix of pre-cut veggies and fruits or prepare it yourself in advance
Making it easy means you’re more likely to reach for them.
Add color to familiar dishes
Toss spinach into eggs, add bell peppers to pasta, or mix berries into yogurt.
Go frozen or canned (without added sugar or salt)
These are budget-friendly and still packed with nutrients.
Use herbs and spices
Cilantro, turmeric, basil do count too!
Make a rainbow goal for the week
Create a chart or use a checklist to track how many colors you eat.
🧠 Bonus Tip: Make It Fun for Kids (and Adults!)
Turn it into a game — can you eat 5 different colors today? Or try a “rainbow bowl” night with build-your-own salads, wraps, or smoothie bowls.
Bottom line: A colorful plate isn’t just pretty — it’s powerful. By eating the rainbow, you’re giving your body the diverse fuel it needs to thrive.
👗 DRESS FOR HAPPINESS
Fashion Forecast: The Trendiest Colors for Summer 2025
Summer is here — and so is a bold, playful palette ready to take over your wardrobe. Designers and stylists are embracing a season of expressive colors that reflect optimism, nature, and nostalgia. Whether you’re dressing for brunch, travel, or beach days, here are the hues to watch:
☀️ Top Colors of Summer 2025
1. Sunbeam Yellow
Bright, joyful, and just the right amount of bold. This golden yellow is showing up in everything from maxi dresses to sandals. It pairs beautifully with whites and light denim.
2. Ocean Teal
This rich blue-green feels both calming and adventurous — like a coastal escape. It works great in swimwear, linen shirts, or nail polish.
3. Popsicle Pink
Not quite neon, not quite pastel — this punchy pink is playful without being overpowering. Expect to see it in accessories, tanks, and even statement pants.
4. Soft Olive
Muted and earthy, this green balances the brightness of summer. It’s a staple for cargo skirts, relaxed suiting, and everything linen.
5. Creamsicle Orange
Think sunset tones — warm, flattering, and nostalgic. It’s the unexpected hero in blouses, slip dresses, and summer knitwear.
6. Sky Lavender
Lavender isn’t going anywhere. This cooler, bluer take on purple is fresh for 2025 and showing up in sunglasses, flowy tops, and formalwear.
🧳 How to Wear Them
Color-block: Mix two trendy shades like teal and yellow for a head-turning combo.
Anchor with neutrals: If bold isn’t your thing, pair trendy tones with beige, white, or black.
Pop with accessories: Try a teal bag, a pink slide, or a yellow bucket hat to ease in.
Final Tip:
Confidence is the best color — wear what makes you feel good, and summer style will follow.
💡 HOW TO
💫 Brighten Your Mood — Fast!
Simple Ways to Shift Your Energy in Minutes
Everyone feels a little low sometimes — but you don’t always need a full routine overhaul to feel better. Here are quick, research-backed ways to lift your mood, using what you already have around you: your clothes, music, food, and environment.
👗 Dress the Part
What you wear can change how you feel.
Try:
Color therapy: Wear bright, energizing colors like yellow, coral, or sky blue.
Comfort-first: Soft textures or favorite pieces can instantly soothe your nervous system.
Something that makes you smile — a funny T-shirt, bold earrings, or your favorite cozy hoodie.
🟡 Try it: Change into an outfit you'd wear to brunch with friends — even if you're just staying in.
🎶 Tune In to Joy
Music is a direct line to emotion.
Create a feel-good playlist with:
Upbeat throwbacks or songs tied to happy memories
Lo-fi beats or jazz for calm focus
Danceable tracks to move your body
🎧 Pro tip: Singing out loud or dancing for just 3–5 minutes releases endorphins and lowers stress hormones.
🍓 Mood-Boosting Munchies
Certain foods can naturally support your serotonin and energy levels:
Bananas, berries, and dark chocolate are proven mood boosters
Omega-3s (in walnuts or salmon) help regulate mood
Hydration matters: A tall glass of water with lemon can refresh more than you think
🍫 Pro tip: Make a quick snack plate that feels like self-care.
🧘♀️ Move or Shift Gears
A simple change of scenery or movement can rewire your mindset:
Step outside for 5 minutes of sunlight
Take a short walk or stretch break
Try a 60-second deep-breathing reset
Open a window, light a candle, or re-arrange your space slightly
🌿 Even better: Pair movement with music or color for a powerful combo.
✨ The Takeaway
You don’t need hours or a perfect day to brighten your mood. With just a few sensory shifts — in sound, texture, taste, and movement — you can feel noticeably better.
💡 Reminder: The goal isn’t to fake happiness — it’s to gently invite joy back in.
🍋 When Life Gives You Lemons… Literally
Here’s what to do with them
Lemons are more than a zesty afterthought — they’re one of the most versatile, uplifting ingredients in your kitchen. Whether you’ve got a whole basketful or just a couple to spare, here are a few delicious ways to put them to joyful use:
🍋 1. Shake Up a Smooth Lemon Mocktail
The new series continues: The Mocktail of the Season Showdown.
Each Sunday, we’ll feature one delicious contender — and let you vote for the ultimate winner at summer’s end.
This lemon mocktail is simple, ultra-refreshing, and has a light creamy twist thanks to a splash of coconut milk.
It’s the ultimate thirst-quencher, combining zesty lemon, a touch of sweetness from honey and simple syrup, and a hint of creaminess. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to make — ideal for a last-minute treat!
Recipe
1. Make the Lemon-Mint Simple Syrup:
In a medium saucepan, combine:
½ cup water
½ cup sugar
1 tablespoon fresh mint
1 tablespoon lemon zest
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves (about 2–3 minutes). Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened. Let cool slightly, then strain into a jar, pressing the mint and lemon zest to extract as much syrup as possible.
2. Prepare the Glass Rims:
On a small plate, mix:
A bit of sugar
Fresh lemon zest
Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until well combined. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip into the lemon-zest sugar to coat.
3. Shake the Mocktail:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add:
3 oz coconut milk
2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 oz lemon-mint simple syrup
1 oz honey (see note below)
Shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds, then strain into your prepared glasses filled with fresh ice.
4. Finish and Serve:
Top off each glass with a splash of tonic water and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately and enjoy!
💡 Notes:
Honey can stick to the bottom of the shaker if left too long with ice. To avoid this, add it last and shake immediately to ensure it blends in smoothly.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Mocktail
Bright, balanced flavor – Zesty lemon, creamy coconut milk, and just the right amount of sweetness make this a standout.
Year-round appeal – While it looks perfect for spring or summer, lemons are available year-round, so you can enjoy this anytime!
Originally appeared: DoubleTheSpoonfuls in 2023
🥧 2. Bake a Classic Lemon Pie
A bright, tangy dessert with a buttery crust and luscious lemon filling. Perfect for sunny days or a zesty pick-me-up anytime!
✨ Ingredients
For the crust
1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
For the lemon filling
1 can (14 oz / 400g) sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
½ cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Optional topping
Whipped cream or meringue
Lemon slices or zest for garnish
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Make the crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Pour the mixture into the slightly cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the pie
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight wobble in the center. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until fully chilled.
4. Serve
Top with whipped cream or meringue, if using. Garnish with lemon slices or extra zest. Slice, serve chilled, and enjoy the citrus sunshine! 🍋
🐟 3. Grill Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
Fresh, flaky salmon infused with zesty lemon and herbs — simple, fast, and full of flavor.
✨ Ingredients: (Serves 2–4)
2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each), skin-on or skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tsp fresh thyme or dill (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional: lemon zest for extra brightness
🧑🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the grill
Heat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or brush pan with olive oil.
2. Prep the salmon
Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Squeeze lemon juice over the top and layer a few lemon slices on each fillet.
3. Grill the salmon
Place salmon skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If skin-on, start with the skin side down for a crispier finish.
4. Serve
Transfer to a plate, garnish with fresh lemon zest or extra herbs, and serve with a side of veggies, salad, or rice.
🍽️ Tips
For extra flavor, marinate the salmon for 15–30 minutes before grilling.
No grill? You can also bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or pan-sear it.
🍋 BONUS USES
Add lemon zest to your salad dressing
Make lemon ice cubes for water or tea
Clean your cutting board with lemon and salt (yes, really)
When life gives you lemons — get creative, get cozy, and bring brightness to your plate.
🌞 Want us to feature your favorite lemon recipe? Reply and let us know!
🍋 DID YOU KNOW?
Lemons were once so rare and valuable, they were reserved for royalty.
Back in the Middle Ages, lemons were a luxury item in Europe — prized not just for their flavor, but for their medicinal properties. Sailors carried them on long voyages to prevent scurvy, thanks to their high vitamin C content. In fact, lemons were so sought after that they were sometimes used as a status symbol at feasts!
Today, they’re one of the most versatile fruits in your kitchen — from cleaning and cooking to boosting your mood.
😀 HAPPY MOMENTS
Videos guaranteed to make you smile.
🌟 How to Find Your Why
Tips for Long-Term Happiness and Fulfillment
We all crave a sense of purpose — a "why" that gives meaning to our work, relationships, and daily life. But finding that deeper reason doesn’t always come easily.
Here are some simple but powerful ways to start uncovering your purpose and build a more satisfying life:
1. Start with What Moves You
Think about the moments when you feel most alive, excited, or at peace. Is it when you're helping others? Creating something? Solving problems? Your "why" often hides in the activities that light you up.
2. Reflect on Childhood Clues
What did you love doing as a child before anyone told you what you should do? Childhood joys often reflect our truest interests and values.
3. Keep a “Joy Journal”
For one week, jot down what made you feel good each day — not just happy, but meaningful. Look for patterns. They’re pointing you toward your purpose.
4. Ask: “Who Do I Want to Help, and How?”
Purpose is often found in service. Consider what communities, causes, or people you feel naturally drawn to. Your skills can be the bridge to making a difference.
5. Let It Evolve
Your “why” can change with time — and that’s okay. What matters is that you stay curious, keep listening to yourself, and check in regularly.
Long-Term Tips for Staying Grounded in Purpose:
🌿 Take breaks to reset and reconnect with what matters.
💬 Talk it out with people who know you well — they often see things you miss.
🧭 Revisit your values during transitions or times of stress.
🎯 Set small goals aligned with your deeper motivations.
Remember: You don’t have to have it all figured out. Start where you are, follow what feels true — and your “why” will reveal itself.
🎶 MOMENT OF ZEN
"The Waltz That Reached the Stars: Vienna Sends Strauss’ Danube Waltz Into Space"
To celebrate the 200th birthday of composer Johann Strauss II, Vienna and the European Space Agency (ESA) launched an extraordinary mission: transmitting Strauss' iconic "The Blue Danube" waltz into outer space. The initiative, called "Waltz Into Space", took place on May 31, 2025, and aims to correct what many see as a historical oversight—when the beloved waltz was left off the 1977 Voyager Golden Record.
What to expect:
Performance: The Vienna Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Petr Popelka, performed the waltz live at the MAK Museum in Vienna.
Space Transmission: The music was beamed into space from ESA's Deep Space Antenna DSA 2 in Cebreros, Spain, traveling at the speed of light to eventually catch up with NASA’s Voyager 1.
Cultural Milestone: This celebration marks not only Strauss’ bicentennial but also the 125th anniversary of the Vienna Symphony, 50 years of ESA, and the 20th anniversary of the Cebreros station.
Public Involvement: Through the SpaceNotes project, music lovers could claim one of the 13,743 notes of the waltz and symbolically send their names into space.
Global Broadcast: The interstellar concert was streamed in Vienna, New York, and Madrid and remains available online (see the video below).
As ESA Director Josef Aschbacher said, “This shows that our technology can transmit not only scientific data but also human art.”
And indeed, with this mission, Vienna has elevated its cultural legacy—quite literally—to the stars.
You can watch the full concert here:
📺 ENTERTAINMENT
10 Movies to Boost Your Mood
Paddington 2 (Prime Video / Max)
A sweet, funny bear with impeccable manners gets into joyful mischief — and maybe changes hearts along the way. Critics and viewers agree: it's pure delight.
Julie & Julia (Netflix / Hulu)
Cooking, courage, and Meryl Streep. A double-dose of inspiration through food and finding purpose.
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Disney+ / Hulu)
An ordinary man breaks free of his daydreams to live an extraordinary life. A visually stunning, adventurous story of self-discovery.
Chef (Netflix)
Jon Favreau’s food-filled journey about passion, family, and second chances — with a soundtrack and flavors that’ll leave you smiling (and hungry).
Little Miss Sunshine (Hulu / Prime Video)
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip to a children’s beauty pageant. Unexpectedly hilarious, heartwarming, and sincere.
About Time (Netflix)
A romantic dramedy about love, time travel, and appreciating life’s ordinary moments. You’ll laugh, cry — and then hug someone.
Singin’ in the Rain (Max)
The ultimate classic feel-good musical. Bursting with color, tap dancing, and timeless charm.
The Intern (Netflix)
Robert De Niro plays a widowed senior who becomes a cheerful intern at a fashion startup. A gentle, charming exploration of intergenerational friendship.
Mamma Mia! (Peacock / Hulu)
ABBA hits, Greek islands, and good vibes only. This musical comedy is sunshine in movie form.
Paddington (yes, again — start with the first!) (Prime Video)
Because joy comes in marmalade-covered bundles — and sometimes you just need more kindness in your life.
📚 Chicken Soup for the Soul: 101 Stories to Open the Heart & Rekindle the Spirit
A beloved anthology full of motivational and heartwarming tales—ideal for anyone seeking comfort and encouragement—now available in paperback.
Readers say it's “a true invitation for positive thinking”
📣 COMING UP ON ONEST
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ONEST On The Road: Toronto, Canada
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Eden Gallery, NYC
Van Gogh Exhibition at the NYBG
Governors Island Jazz Age Lawn Party
Amy Sherald: "American Sublime" at the Whitney Museum
…and more!
Happy Sunday —And remember, life is more than politics.
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