- Charbel X
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- Champions of a Worthy Cause
Happy Monday from Sydney,
This Good News Edition would usually be send on a Sunday, but I took a full day off for a change.
I love today’s edition - Elvis didn’t leave the planet, he’s on your in regional NSW, Solar is making huge impacts and Perth airport has gone retro on us.
With love,
Charbel
Good Things Happening Around the World
Kids Rock the Stage at Parkes Elvis Festival: The King lives on as young fans bring Elvis magic back to life
Perth’s Jet-Age Glam: Cocktails and Sunday Cheers
Chicago Goes Green: 100% Renewable for City Buildings
Teen Genius Takes on Great Salt Lake’s Survival: Sophia proves that saving lakes can be science and art
LA Vet Becomes a Hero for Fire-Affected Pets: Amid wildfires, Annie Harvilicz opens her doors and heart to shelter 40+ furry friends
More Good News
Words of Inspiration
Kids Rock the Stage at Parkes Elvis Festival:
The King lives on as young fans bring Elvis magic back to life
Young Elvis enthusiasts are bringing the King’s charm back to life, with dozens of kids competing in junior events at the 32nd annual Parkes Elvis Festival in New South Wales.
Global Attraction: This iconic festival draws thousands of fans worldwide, with up to 25,000 visitors expected this year, doubling the town’s population and adding $11 million to the local economy.
Teen Tribute Artists Shine: Sixteen-year-old Tennessee Tajc juggles school with performing as a tribute artist, touring New South Wales while keeping audiences grinning and grooving.
Busking Bonanza: From tiny tots to seasoned pros, Elvis impersonators line Parkes’ streets, vying for the coveted busking champion title.
Generational Love for Elvis: Nine-year-old Jay Elvis discovered his passion after a family cruise, while 13-year-old Harrison Rowbotham follows in his dad’s footsteps, blending family tradition with musical fun.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About:
What began as a small gathering of Elvis fans in 1993 has blossomed into one of the world’s largest Elvis celebrations, now a staple for locals and international visitors alike.
Beyond the music, the festival pumps millions into the region, proving that rock 'n' roll is as good for the wallet as it is for the soul.
Now whether you're a die-hard fan or just love a good singalong, the Parkes Elvis Festival is a testament to music’s power to unite generations and keep spirits high.
Perth’s Jet-Age Glam:
Cocktails and Sunday Cheers
When Perth’s new airport terminal debuted, it boasted an observation deck, a swan pond, and the Orbit Inne cocktail lounge—an instant hit with locals and travellers alike.
Officially reserved for passengers and their greeters, the Orbit Inne soon became a favourite haunt for locals seeking a Sunday tipple.
Perched above the airport, it offered patrons a panoramic view of planes, swans, and the buzzing tarmac below.
Tales from the Inne
Romantic Escapades: Barbara reminisced about a suitor who tried to impress her at the Orbit Inne before a ball, only to have mood lighting sabotaged by an eager waitress.
Family Shenanigans: Listener Pat recalled her mum’s less-than-graceful encounter with a swan, leaving the kids in stitches.
Christmas Fancy: In 1971, the Orbit Inne served a lavish seven-course Christmas feast for $12, much to the dismay of kids eager to stay home with their toys.
The Orbit Inne’s Final Boarding Call
By the early 1980s, redevelopment plans signalled the end for the Orbit Inne, as it gave way to modern food halls and bars.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
The Orbit Inne was more than a bar; it was a slice of Perth’s social fabric, blending elegance with quirky drama.
Whether it was swan shenanigans or pre-ball cocktails, the Orbit Inne etched unforgettable moments in the hearts of its patrons.
Its rise and fall mirror Perth’s journey from a sleepy town to a bustling city—a testament to progress, with a dash of charm.
Chicago Goes Green:
100% Renewable for City Buildings
Starting January 1, 2025, all 400+ municipal buildings, including airports and water treatment plants, are powered by renewable energy.
The Double Black Diamond Solar Field in central Illinois, spanning 3,800 acres, is now the largest solar farm east of the Mississippi.
Chicago buys half its output, covering 70% of its municipal energy needs.
This shift slashes Chicago’s carbon emissions by 290,000 metric tons annually—equal to removing 62,000 cars from the roads.
The solar project brings $100 million in local tax revenue and funds clean energy job training programs, fostering equity and opportunity.
By 2035, Chicago aims to transition all citywide energy consumption to renewable sources, becoming a national leader in urban decarbonisation.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Fewer emissions mean cleaner air, healthier communities, and a step toward combating climate change.
Training programs and renewable energy projects create sustainable employment, making the economy greener and fairer.
Chicago proves cities can drive significant climate action independently, inspiring others to follow suit.
Harnessing solar energy isn’t just eco-friendly.
It’s a powerful symbol of progress and resilience.
Teen Genius Takes on Great Salt Lake’s Survival:
Sophia proves that saving lakes can be science and art
Excessive water diversion and megadroughts threaten to erase Utah’s Great Salt Lake within five years, as highlighted in a 2024 report.
Water-intensive crops like alfalfa are a major culprit, with one ton requiring nearly as much water as two households use annually.
Teen-Led Innovation
Sophia Zhang, a 14-year-old aspiring scientist, developed biodegradable hydrogels that reduce water evaporation, conserve soil moisture, and aid irrigation.
Zhang’s hydrogels, tested on local soil, showed promise, earning her second place in a global science competition.
Beyond her experiments, Zhang has engaged with experts, spoken at the United Nations, and championed water conservation awareness.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
A teenager’s ingenuity is paving the way for sustainable farming and water conservation.
Zhang’s hydrogels, though not a cure-all, offer a tangible solution for a daunting environmental challenge. Her passion and resilience remind us that even young voices can drive meaningful change.
With innovative ideas and growing awareness, saving the Great Salt Lake is still within reach.
LA Vet Becomes a Hero for Fire-Affected Pets:
Amid wildfires, Annie Harvilicz opens her doors and heart to shelter 40+ furry friends
When the Palisades fire forced evacuations, veterinarian Annie Harvilicz opened her empty Marina del Rey clinic to house pets in need, spurred by a request from her brother for his rabbit and cat.
A Haven for Animals
Harvilicz’s facilities are now sheltering 20 dogs, 20 cats, and a rabbit, with numbers expected to rise as displaced owners struggle to accommodate multiple pets in temporary housing.
Her veterinary hospitals provide not just shelter but also medical care, food, and bedding for rescued animals.
Harvilicz’s social media call for help has drawn more volunteers than pet drop-offs, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis.
Why It’s Worth Smiling About
Harvilicz’s quick thinking and generosity highlight how kindness can make a difference even in the toughest times.
The overwhelming volunteer response shows that in the face of disasters, people rally together to protect the vulnerable.
Many animals are finding safety, care, and love thanks to her selfless efforts.
Even amidst the flames, stories like this remind us that humanity shines brightest when it’s needed most.
More Good News
Saving Grand Teton from private hands: The U.S. government ensures it remains wild and free
Massachusetts beaches welcome record Piping Plover nests: These adorable, once-endangered beach birds are thriving again
Tribute to a Peacemaker Who Seized Every Opportunity to Make the World Better
Clean Energy: The Bright Side of an Urgent Transition
Big Ideas for Tiny Advocates: A Creator Inspires the Next Generation
Lifting People Out of Poverty: Turns out, reducing poverty doesn’t just improve wallets—it’s a game-changer for health and well-being too
Words of Inspiration
"The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance—it is the illusion of knowledge." – Daniel J. Boorstin
"I would rather have questions that can't be answered than answers that can't be questioned." – Richard Feynman
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." – William Bruce Cameron
"A ship in harbour is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." – John A. Shedd
"The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself." – Rita Mae Brown
What I’m working on
 Velvet Onion & Friends We’re in the process of rebranding Velvet Onion & Friends. Why? It’s an important stage in our evolution, and deepens the link between agency, product & education. |  Faster Zebra We’re at the final stages of planning for our pilot program. Working name is “99 Problems But A Pitch Ain’t One;” cute for internal projects, not sure it’s the name. Coming soon! |
