Happy Friday! It’s been a week of heavy news and even some wet weather, but the weekend is here and the sunshine is (hopefully) on its way. There’s no better time to have a look at some of the cheerier stories that we saw this week to help put a smile on your face.
Beyoncé bringing the big bucks for Chuku’s
We’re all familiar with Beyoncé’s undeniable wizadry on stage and in the studio. A captivating performer, an iconic musician, and a loving mother. Is it time to add generous philanthropist to that list?
The pop and R&B icon made headlines this week after donating £8,000 to a Nigerian tapas restaurant, Chuku’s, in Tottenham as part of a $1m pledge (through ehr BeyGOOD foundation) to support businesses globally.
The restaurant was one of 10 winners to receive a grant from Queen Bey herself, and were delighted by the news. Restaurant co-owner Ifeyinwa Frederick said “I still can’t quite believe that Beyoncé has backed our restaurant — it feels a bit surreal.”
Read more about Chuku’s and the donation here
Did somebody say “doo-dah”? Furbies are back!
Any kids growing up in the 2000s will likely be farmiliar with the adorable (if not slightly frightening) Furby. Armed with Furbish phrases and beady eyes, the iconic toys became a hit after being first released in the late ‘90s.
And now — drumroll please — they’re back! That’s right, Hasbro has conrifmed the return of the robotic fluffy toy or the brand’s 25th anniversary.
So buckle up and brush up on your Furbish, since the new collection will be on its way with five voice activated modes and over 600 responses, including lights, sounds, and 10 songs.
Taking productivity to the next level
This is artist Margo McDaid, and she has painted a new artwork every day for the last nine years. And now she’s earned her a show at the Turner Contemporary in Margate.
After 3,285 sketches, canvases and hand-painted ceramics, she’s built a thoudands-strong online following, and has been able to sell some of her work as well.
She said: “I literally live to paint — every single day of my life starts the same way, as paintbrush in hand I create work all day long. It is my joy and my passion and every single inch of my studio is completely covered with works on paper and canvas.”
Bring in the dragons
Would it be a good news round-up without a little bit of animal influence? Absolutely not.
This week Chester Zoo have welcomed to new additions to their family, two baby Komodo dragons. They even managed to capture the magical moment on camera.
It’s the first time the zoo has been able to breed hatchlings from a pair of mating dragons — in this case with mum Mezcal and dad Satali.
They may be small now, but eventually these fiesty fellas will weigh up to 90kg. Oof.