For the love of: appreciating art slowly

In today’s fast-paced world, where endless scrolling dominates our attention, the genuine experience of viewing art has often been overlooked. Olivia Meehan, an art historian, delves into the concept of ‘slow looking’—a mindful approach that encourages viewers to take their time with paintings, allowing for a richer and more profound encounter with the artwork. Across… Continue reading For the love of: appreciating art slowly

5 ways to design your way out of eco-anxiety

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety, there are several straightforward steps you can take to regain a sense of stability, connection, and meaningful purpose. Though the climate crisis may seem daunting, shifting your approach to how you engage with the issue can help transform anxiety into empowered action. One way to start is by… Continue reading 5 ways to design your way out of eco-anxiety

‘London still makes things, and the people who make them matter’

London-based photographer Orlando Gili has launched a compelling new series that honors the skilled artisans working along the Old Kent Road in south London. Capturing individuals who create beautiful handmade objects, Gili’s work shines a light on the manual craftsmanship that continues to define this historic industrial area. One of the central figures in the… Continue reading ‘London still makes things, and the people who make them matter’

What went right this week: the good news that matters

Here is a summary of the three featured news items: — ### Sticking with Scotland: Orkney’s Rare Mammals Recover as Stoats Are Eradicated A conservation project on Scotland’s Orkney Islands aims to rid the archipelago of invasive stoats, which have upset the native ecosystem by preying on voles. Since the initiative started in 2019, the… Continue reading What went right this week: the good news that matters

The generosity experiment

The article highlights the inspiring story of Tom Cledwyn, who donated a kidney to a stranger in 2012, an act that profoundly shaped his life and commitment to generosity. Following his donation, Tom created The Free Help Guy blog to offer anonymous assistance to those in need and later co-founded Drop Dead Generous—a social experiment… Continue reading The generosity experiment

End the endless scroll: seven ways to take back control of your digital life

Here is a summary of the key points and the seven ways to reclaim your attention from the text you provided: — ### Context: – Meta argued that harm from social media results from a complex mix of factors including individual behavior, parenting, and wider social factors—not just platform design. – Judges disagreed, ruling that… Continue reading End the endless scroll: seven ways to take back control of your digital life

Life lessons: Rick Astley on what life so far has taught him

The English singer-songwriter, now 60 years old, reflects on various aspects of his life, from appreciating good fortune to embracing stoicism, and even imagines what his life might have been like if he had taken a different path. He begins by sharing his morning routine, which involves rising early, going for a lengthy walk, and… Continue reading Life lessons: Rick Astley on what life so far has taught him

‘People want a different vision of society’: London’s march for unity draws thousands

On Saturday, London witnessed a substantial gathering of demonstrators who took to the streets in a show of opposition to hatred, division, and racism. This peaceful protest brought tens of thousands of people into central London, establishing itself as one of the UK’s largest marches against far-right extremism. Organised by the Together Alliance, a coalition… Continue reading ‘People want a different vision of society’: London’s march for unity draws thousands

New olive groves plant hope across the West Bank

In the rural areas of Palestine, olive trees have long been central not only to the economy but also to cultural identity. Recently, a wave of replanting efforts is providing local farmers with renewed optimism amid ongoing challenges. This movement is supported by tens of thousands of new olive saplings being planted across the West… Continue reading New olive groves plant hope across the West Bank

Time for a change? Five ways to navigate a mid-career transition

Changing careers can feel overwhelming, yet it holds great potential for personal and professional growth. To help ease this process, here are five practical steps to guide you through the transition more smoothly. The first step is recognising when it’s time to move on. Every phase in a career follows a natural progression — starting… Continue reading Time for a change? Five ways to navigate a mid-career transition