Art & Good News 12-23-2023
Weekly roundup for December 23rd, 2023 with art and uplifting stories
Starting with some art…
Many kids dream of going to space, and many a popular science fiction has space as a setting for this reason. With all its mysteries space holds a lot of power in our lives and imaginations. This week I ask that you use that imagination to travel wherever it may take you. That may be space, but it could really be anywhere you want to go. Take a bit of time for you before the holidays really hit and get into full swing. May whatever holiday you celebrate this time of year be full of joy and happiness.
Now to the Good News…
A year after lifting COVID rules, China is turning quarantine centers into apartments
China is taking their COVID quarantine centers and using them to improve the housing situation in most cities. The centers are being converted into affordable housing in cities that find the divide of rich and poor getting larger and larger where housing options are concerned. While the old quarantine centers are far from a perfect solution; they can be very noisy and far from most things. However, the Chinese government is trying to develop these units with bright colors and canteens in order to attract new graduates who can spur the cities economies. It is a great way to bridge the wealth gap because everyone needs affordable options available to them.
Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling
The Pope has officially approved blessings on same-sex couples in a surprising move out of the Vatican this week. While, the Pope had hinted at something along these lines in October, the doctrine that was released on Monday came as a surprise to many, and reversed a similar edict out of the church from 2021. This unfortunately does not condone same-sex marriage, or allow catholic priests to perform an official marriage for a same-sex couple, however it does signify that the church wants to be a place that is welcoming to all. There are fears that this may turn away more conservative catholics and possibly cause a schism in the church, but personally, I think this is wonderful news and a step in the right direction for a church that I have long felt is far behind the times.
He felt ‘creatively dead.’ Then he harnessed the power of boredom
Two articles from the same publication this week. This is not like me but I found this interview with Hrishikesh Hirway from Song Exploder by Rachel Martin really interesting to read. I have had a very similar year to what he describes in the article and as we draw close to Christmas and New Years, I want everyone to remember the power of boredom on our creativity. You don’t need the endless stream of social media, you don’t need the likes and follows, and you don’t need the barrage of attention grabbing apps. So as my 2nd to last post of the 2023 year comes to a close, remember that boredom breeds creativity, and inspires great work that I am sure you all will take with you into 2024 and beyond.
Thank you so much for joining me on my journey through the good news this week. We need to remember that there is light at the end of every tunnel and that together we can make the world a better place.
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