In recent days, Kim Kardashian garnered attention for an unexpected act of kindness: walking Madonna’s dog. Our new celebrity Treasury Secretary didn’t just assume this strange role, she recently opened up about her weirdest form of payment. Kardashian shared that she received a special bracelet as compensation for her time with the pop icon’s pet, showcasing her playful approach to celebrity interactions.
For Carlo Ratti, we have even better news. In 2025, he will be the curator of the prestigious Venice Biennale, cementing his radical vision at the forefront of artistic and architectural practice. Ratti touched on the need for architects to more quickly address emerging challenges presented by climate change. He and others called on climate professionals to meet this new, literally burning world with courage. He argued that architecture must play a critical role in addressing our world’s crises.
In Hollywood, Bruce Springsteen found himself on set as actor Jeremy Allen White portrayed him in the film “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere.” Springsteen was understandably flattered that the story of his life was being brought to the big screen. He felt tremendous guilt for being there, while they filmed. His rumination helps us better understand the intricacies of the celebrity lifestyle and the art of self story.
On a lighter note, actress Jennifer Lawrence made headlines with an unusual gesture: she rummaged through her trash to find food for fellow actor Robert Pattinson. This unpredictable platonic partnership highlight, This is Spinal Tap style, proves just how volatile celebrity friendships can be and how comically they sometimes intersect.
In New York, the formerly toxic Gowanus Canal has experienced a spectacular rebound. Once considered a superfund site, this waterway has undergone improvement initiatives that have made it a more beautiful and safer place. A local canoe club was instrumental in bringing about this change, showing how communities can become engaged stewards of local and regional environmental restoration.
Perhaps even more than urban development, cultural practices provide a window into what brings us individual flourishing. Ichigo Ichie, a 16th-century Japanese practice, reminds people to be fully present, fostering peace and awareness. This philosophy as well appeals to many who want to improve their everyday lives by living more deliberately.
Döstädning, or Swedish death cleaning, gives us another view of personal fulfillment. This quiet practice has supported many people in their elder years to experience less fear and more meaning, as they release their things. By adopting this practice, countless find a sense of clarity and focus they never expected.
In a more feathery direction, hen racing has emerged as a curious draw in the UK’s Peak District. Here, feisty fowl peck and claw their way to victory inside the majestic landscape of Britain’s first National Park, dazzling crowds with their flamboyant feats. This unusual, colorful event showcases how rural culture and traditions can connect directly with great contemporary entertainment.