Good News Weekly

From weed-picking to wedding. Happy News for the week.

Author

Charbel Zeaiter
January 27, 2025

Happy Monday from Sydney,

If a 96 year old can swim 5x daily, what excuses do I have?

Meanwhile, Ireland is using 3D printing to build public housing in 12 days and a portable butterfly sanctuary is bringing joy and nostalgia to Warrigal Shell Cove aged care residents.

Wishing you a magnificent week.

With love,
Charbel

Good Things Happening Around the World

  • Love Blossoms Among the Weeds: Ian and John wed on Lord Howe after a morning of weeding

  • 96 and Making Waves: Joy Davis swims five days a week at 96

  • Butterflies Bring Back Youthful Joy: James’ butterflies brighten aged care homes

  • Oscar First: A Trailblazing Nominee: Karla Sofía Gascón earns historic Oscar nod

  • Amazon’s Fresh Start: COP30 goes greener with a fossil-free leader

  • More Good News

  • Words of Inspiration

Love Blossoms Among the Weeds:

Ian and John wed on Lord Howe after a morning of weeding

Ian Sinclair and John Pemble tied the knot on Lord Howe Island, starting their big day by pulling weeds together.

The couple has been visiting the island for years, joining conservation efforts to protect its unique biodiversity.

Locals and visitors alike contribute to preserving the island, with initiatives like weed removal and a successful rodent eradication program.

From Lord Howe to Alice Springs, ecotourism projects like "Buffel Busters" are thriving, drawing volunteers eager to make a difference.

Ian popped the question on Mount Gower, adding a romantic touch to their conservation journey.

Why It’s Worth Smiling About

A wedding that doubles as a nod to nature’s beauty. That’s relationship goals.

Conservation efforts are bringing endangered species back from the brink.

Eco-tourism offers adventure with a purpose, proving you can explore and protect simultaneously.

From mountain peaks to desert trails, these projects show how small actions lead to big changes.

96 and Making Waves:

Joy Davis swims five days a week at 96

At 96, Joy Davis starts her weekdays with an exuberant leap into Portland’s pool, declaring, "Ready? Go!" before plunging into the cool water.

  • Her weekends? Reserved for her bustling family, including 15 children, 42 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren, with more on the way.

  • Joy’s swimming journey began at eight, learning in the Brighton Baths’ choppy seas, and hasn’t slowed since.

  • As Portland’s mayor in 1977, she inaugurated the local aquatic centre she still frequents, crediting swimming for her health and independence.

  • From a tough childhood in a children’s home to losing her mother early, Joy has faced adversity head-on.

  • Even after two knee replacements, she swam again within days, proving her resilience.

In the water, Joy feels liberated—free from gravity and interruptions, with space to think and plan her day.

Her advice for newcomers: “Hop in, start small, and keep at it. Adventure awaits those who dive in!”

Fellow swimmer Peter Couttie, 94, exemplifies the social and competitive joys of swimming, training thrice weekly and cherishing the camaraderie.

Why It’s Worth Smiling About

Joy’s zest for life shows that age is no barrier to embracing vitality. Swimming isn’t just exercise—it’s a mental and emotional uplift.

Her story reminds us to start healthy habits early, but also that it’s never too late to begin. A little splash of adventure can ripple into lifelong joy and resilience.

So, ready to take the plunge?

Butterflies Bring Back Youthful Joy:

James’ butterflies brighten aged care homes

At Warrigal Shell Cove aged care, James Tebbutt’s portable butterfly enclosure offers a magical escape.

This 3x3 metre mesh tent, filled with butterflies, caterpillars, and flowers, brings joy and nostalgia to residents, many recalling childhood memories of raising caterpillars.

The shaded enclosure, complete with seating, allows residents to reconnect with nature and savour moments of serenity.

Community facilitator Scott Rayner highlights its emotional impact, evoking cherished memories of gardens and family picnics.

James’s love for butterflies began in grade four when he first witnessed their transformation.

Now 15, he’s turned his passion into a business, breeding butterflies, selling chrysalis kits, and providing live releases for events. Despite challenges, his perseverance fuels his success.

Why It’s Worth Smiling About

This butterfly haven offers more than beauty—it’s a heartwarming reminder of life’s simple joys.

For residents, it’s a chance to step outside, relive fond memories, and embrace moments of happiness.

A butterfly’s delicate flutter is one of many small wonders that can brighten any day.

Oscar First: A Trailblazing Nominee:

Karla Sofía Gascón earns historic Oscar nod

Karla Sofía Gascón has shattered barriers, becoming the first openly transgender actor nominated for an Academy Award.

She earned recognition for her role in Emilia Pérez, where she portrays a powerful drug lord navigating gender-affirming surgery.

The film, praised by critics, also made waves when Gascón became the first transgender woman to win the Cannes Best Actress award and received a Golden Globe nomination.

Previously known for her work in telenovelas and Netflix's Rebelde, Gascón’s role in Emilia Pérez marks her transition to film.

Her journey is a testament to perseverance, with challenges from her age and identity, but she continues to prove her mettle.

Why It’s Worth Smiling About

Gascón’s Oscar nomination is more than a personal achievement—it's a win for diversity in Hollywood. Her success sends a message that talent, not identity, should define an actor's worth.

Her rise is a reminder that the entertainment industry is evolving, and new doors are opening for those who dare to dream.

Amazon’s Fresh Start:

COP30 goes greener with a fossil-free leader

Brazil has named seasoned diplomat André Aranha Corrêa do Lago to lead COP30, set for November in Belém, Amazon.

Known for his deep expertise in climate talks, Corrêa do Lago has served as Brazil’s chief negotiator and climate secretary since 2023, with previous stints in the role from 2011 to 2013.

His diplomatic career also includes ambassadorial roles in India and Japan.

With COP30 marking a decade since the Paris Agreement, Corrêa do Lago faces a pivotal challenge: ensuring progress on global emissions and climate finance.

Brazil's ambitious NDC aims for a 59-67% emissions cut by 2035, but experts caution about the country's fossil fuel expansion.

His leadership will be crucial in navigating these issues, alongside fostering action on transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Why It’s Worth Smiling About

Corrêa do Lago’s appointment is a hopeful sign for climate diplomacy, with a leader who has the respect of both the local and international communities.

His expertise could steer COP30 toward tangible results, particularly in addressing climate finance and adaptation.

As a non-fossil fuel leader, his presidency signals a shift towards more forward-thinking climate solutions.

More Good News

Words of Inspiration

  • "The free soul is rare, but you know it when you see it—basically because you feel good, very good, when you are near or with them." — Charles Bukowski

  • "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." — Rosa Parks

  • "The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." — Alice Walker

  • "A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new." — Albert Einstein

  • "Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter." — Francis Chan

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!

🧞Your wish is my command

Charbel

Keeping you updated with daily insights on rapid changes in business, tech, design, product, as well as news about science, environment, and wellness. Join the community today!

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