Kids (and kids at heart) all look forward to staying up late and watching fireworks over the summer. But dogs? Not so much. Those loud booms, pops and crackles are enough to make them beeline it for a spot under the bed. Since animals don’t understand that the noise and bursts of light are for July 4th celebrations, fireworks can feel unexpected and downright terrifying for pets. Signs of distress may include shaking, pacing, panting, hiding, crawling into your lap (even when they’re 80 pounds!), or engaging in destructive behavior. Pro tip: Hide your favorite shoes! Here are some simple tips to ease your dog’s anxiety during fireworks:
Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.
Stay Inside
The sounds from fireworks may feel like a threat, and your anxious pup doesn’t know where to flee if his natural “fight or flight” response is triggered. That’s why it’s important to keep dogs inside during fireworks, so you don’t risk him running away from home in an attempt to get away from the noise. Make sure his collar, with correct contact information, is on just in case you have an escape artist on your hands! Avoid bringing your dog to a firework show, especially if you don’t know how he’ll react when seeing fireworks among a crowd.
Stay Close By
Your dog will feel better being close to you—a reassuring, familiar presence. If you won’t be home during a fireworks session, arrange for your pooch to stay with a trusted pet sitter or family member so he’s not alone during a stressful time.
Set Up a Safe, Cozy Space
Cuddle up on the couch with blankets and toys, guide him to his crate if that’s where he likes to curl up, or consider hanging out in a smaller room of the house (with the door closed) where the noise won’t feel so threatening. Keep windows and doors shut during fireworks. Closing the blinds also helps dim the startling lights.
Drown Out the Noise
Play calming music, an audiobook or other soothing ambient noise to help minimize the sensory overload from fireworks. There are tons of playlists online made just for dogs! Aside from fireworks, pup-approved music really comes in handy as a technique to handle other bouts of fear, including separation anxiety.
Dress for Success
Some dogs (and cats!) respond really well to wearing a Thundershirt. This snug wrap works much like an infant swaddle by applying gentle pressure to calm anxiety from fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, vet visits and more.
Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.
Talk to Your Vet about Treatment
Some dogs benefit from medication during high-stress times. There are over-the-counter pheromone sprays, chews or prescription medications for severe cases. Ask your veterinarian about options for your dog if you’re concerned.
Keep Calm and Carry On!
Act normal around your pet during fireworks. Play together and provide treats for good behavior. Your dog will pick up on your mood cues and feel secure.
Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.
We have a lot of holidays coming around the bend. First up, Valentine’s Day! But Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, not to mention birthdays—they’ll all be here before you know it. So many gift-giving holidays, so few ideas that go beyond the everyday ordinary. Wait, hold up! We found a Chicago-based start-up that will create a personalized, radio-quality song designed with your loved one in mind. Read on to hear how Songfinch will connect you with a songwriter who will record a special song featuring all the inside jokes, nicknames, stories and wishes you want captured within the notes, making for a memorable gift literally like no other.
Songfinch's Personal Story
Founded by a team of Chicago music and technology veterans Josh Kaplan, Rob Lindquist and John Williamson, Songfinch's goal is to capture moments and stories in song. “We, as people, create story-worthy moments every day, and more and more, these experiences are being valued above things that can be purchased,” shares Williamson, “There’s no medium that speaks more directly to the soul than music. By leveraging the power of music, we’re creating an entirely unique approach to the gifting space, and we’re really excited to help people connect with others in new ways.”
Choose Your Own (Song) Adventure
You'll complete what Songfinch calls a "story guide" providing details on the person, live event or experience you want to hear recreated in music mode. Your story guide can include anything you'd like, from the oddball characteristics that make your loved one oh-so-unique to the pee-in-your-pants memories that capture the special moments you've shared. You'll also set the particular mood or vibe the song should capture, be it peppy, romantic, jazzy. Then choose the type of vocalist preferred: maybe you're looking for a birthday rap with a blues-y overtone or a crooner-style wedding anniversary ballad.
We tested out this amazing new service and here’s how it works!
Personal Story from Our Writer, Amy Bizzarri
I chose to create a song to gift my music-loving daughter, Chiara, on her 7th birthday. I shared some insider details on her bright personality as well as all the things that make her happy: playing with her dog outside, traveling, playing the piano.
A Match Made in Musical Heaven
Songfinch will handpick the perfect music artist (from their team of 200+ vetted songwriters) to craft and professionally record a song. One week later, you’ll receive a downloadable/shareable web page known as a “Story Homepage” where you’ll find your love brought to life in song.
Amy's Review of the Experience
We were matched with artist Katie Stump, who recorded a beautiful ballad that truly captured my love for my daughter, Chiara. I have to admit that when I first listened, tears welled up in my eyes! I surprised my daughter by playing her song after school on our car radio. Her reaction: At first, her jaw dropped. She simply couldn't believe she was listening to a song made just for her! Soon she was singing along and making attempts to play the song on her piano. Months later, it remains a top requested song in our already musical household.
How Much for All These Feels?
The cost? Just $249 for a song that will be cherished by your family forever! (Note: Songfinch is offering a discount right now, $199/song.)
"One of the most unique aspects of Songfinch is that the product comes from your heart." explains co-founder Rob Lindquist. "It allows you to intimately share your memories and feelings. . . something that tends to be a challenge for people, especially in a one-to-one setting. Being able to have those types of personal details created into a beautiful piece of music, it seems to speak better than any other gift out there.”
Learn more about Songfinch or arrange a musical ode of your own at songfinch.com.
EPCOT isn’t the only Disney theme park getting an update. While Disneyland remains closed due to the pandemic, Imagineers have been hard at work giving Snow White’s Scary Adventures a major overhaul.
The only only ride-through princess attraction at Disneyland has been reimagined and renamed as Snow White’s Enchanted Wish and it finally gives Snow White the happy ending she deserves. Keep scrolling to get a first look at the park’s “new” attraction.
Imagineers used this time to update the Fantasyland attraction which last received an update in the 80’s. The ride uses state-of-the-art audio and visual technology, new music, LED black lighting, laser projections and a new animation system which brings the experience into the 21st century.
While there’s no word yet on when the park will reopen, when it does, Snow White will be ready for guests.
This holiday season may not be like any other but one tradition still remains: sending Christmas cards to friends and family. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry joined The Royal Family who released their Christmas card earlier in the week.
The card is an illustration Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland took of the family at their home in Montecito, California. The card was released through Mayhew, an animal welfare organization. They captioned the photo, “We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community.”
We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. 💜 From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🎄🐶🐱
Find out more! 👉 https://t.co/5o2RHLveRMpic.twitter.com/uBV19F6Odt
Earlier this week The Royal Family released their holiday greetings and as usual they don’t disappoint. Prince William and Duchess Kate posed in a casual country setting with their three children while Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall released a photo from their garden.
Kensington Palace announced on Instagram, “The Duke and Duchess are delighted to share a new image of their family, which features on their Christmas card this year🎄.”
Prince William, Duchess Kate, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis pose upon bales of hay at their country home, Anmer Hall. Louis with his wide open-mouthed smile steals the show as he laughs for photographer Matt Porteous.
Clarence House also posted a sneak peek of this year’s official Christmas card from The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The photo features the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall sitting on a bench in a beautiful garden surrounded by flowers in full bloom at Birkhall, their Scottish estate.
Do you dare watch this show until the end? Grover is begging fans not to. Sesame Workshop will launch its first-ever animated Sesame Street special The Monster at the End of This Story on Thurs. Oct. 29.
A reimagining of Sesame Street’s all-time best-selling picture book The Monster at the End of This Book, the special follows Grover’s reluctant journey to the end of the story, where, based on the title, he believes a monster awaits. Drawn in the unmistakable style of the beloved book first published in 1971, the special adds new sequences, songs and surprises, and introduces other familiar Sesame Street characters, including Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and Rosita, to the tale.
“After nearly 50 years, the lesson in The Monster at the End of This Book remains timeless: It‘s okay to feel afraid, but also important to have courage and keep moving forward in spite of those fears,” said Kay Wilson Stallings, Sesame Workshop’s Executive Vice President of Creative and Production. “We brought this classic story from page to screen in a way that will feel familiar to longtime fans and exciting and engaging for young viewers. By expanding the original narrative and adding new layers, we share a strong lesson in friendship, showing how Grover learns to manage his fear with the support of his friends.”
In celebration of the upcoming special, Sesame Workshop released a new video of The Monster at the End of This Book being read aloud by celebrities Kelsea Ballerini, Sofia Carson, Ciara, Stephen and Ayesha Curry, Josh Groban, Mykal-Michelle Harris, Lil Nas X, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Maggie Rogers, Jordin Sparks, Hailee Steinfeld, Jason Sudeikis, Jonathan Van Ness and Olivia Wilde.
The Monster at the End of This Story is the official special of Sesame Street’s 51st season, set to launch on HBO Max later this fall.
This special caps off the release of Sesame Workshop’s series of “Monster”-themed content, digital activities, and product releases, which to-date have included an interactive The Monster at the End of Your Story video on Sesame Street’s YouTube page, a “Monsterize Me!” avatar creator, the release of new editions of The Monster at the End of This Book and more.
A job with a flexible schedule is the most desirable flexible work arrangement second only to remote work. To highlight the types of companies that hire for flexible schedule jobs, FlexJobs has compiled the top 30 companies hiring for flexible schedule jobs this summer. This list is based on an analysis of over 52,000 companies and looks specifically at their flexible schedule job posting histories in FlexJobs’ database between Jun. 1, 2020 and Jul. 20, 2020.
Especially as many schools consider distance learning this fall due to the coronavirus pandemic, flexible schedule jobs could dramatically help working parents and other caregivers balance their professional and personal responsibilities during this unprecedented time
“Flexible schedule jobs are a great work flexibility option that puts employees more in control of their day so they can create their ideal arrangement, which may even change day by day,” said Sara Sutton, founder and CEO of FlexJobs. “Especially as many schools consider e-learning this fall due to the pandemic, flexible schedule jobs could dramatically help working parents and other caregivers balance their professional and personal responsibilities during this unprecedented time,” Sutton concluded.
Courtesy of FlexJobs
A “flexible schedule job” refers to jobs that allow workers to vary their hours and mostly be in control of the hours they work. Companies hiring for flexible schedule jobs offer a range of opportunities across many industries and career levels. Additionally, many flexible schedule jobs also allow for remote work. There are primarily six different types of flexible schedules:
Completely Flexible Schedule
A completely flexible schedule is just that, a fully flexible schedule. These types of schedules give the worker control over start times and end times. For some, this means putting hours in early in the morning, then a few in the afternoon, some more late at night, and finishing out the rest of the scheduled hours on the weekend.
Alternative Schedule
An alternative schedule is one in which work hours are scheduled outside of the typical 9-5. Second shifts and night shifts would qualify, as would weekend shifts. These types of schedules free up the normal daytime business hours.
Compressed Workweek
The compressed workweek takes your typical 40-hour, Monday through Friday and compresses it into fewer days. Rather than working five days a week, a compressed schedule will lengthen the hours on three or four of those days, allowing for an additional day or two off per week. The most popular compressed schedules are three 12-hour workdays with four days off and four 10-hour workdays with three days off.
Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)
Similar to the completely flexible schedule option, the ROWE option is focused more on results and productivity rather than the actual time put in. This means that as long as you get your work finished, and the end product is something to be proud of, you can work whatever hours it takes to complete it, even if it is less than the full-time status.
Split Shift
A split shift schedule means that you are splitting your hours throughout the day. For example, you may put four hours in during the morning, two more mid-afternoon, and end your evening putting in your last two hours. Another variant is putting in four hours in the morning and then four hours at night. The split shift schedule simply means that your schedule for the day is split to allow for other life happenings in between.
Flex Time
Many companies offer a flex-time option, and it usually pertains to starting and stopping times. Flex time offers workers the option to start their schedule earlier or later, but the hours are worked concurrently, and the schedule remains constant, usually until an official change request is submitted or a review is conducted.
PBS KIDS partnered with Little Free Library for a collection of story time videos this summer. Through the collaboration, each special guest will read a children’s book and designate a location in the U.S. where a Little Free Library will be installed, complete with a supply of diverse books to make reading together more accessible for families across the U.S.
The series kicked off as NBA legend and entrepreneur Dwayne Wade read Gabrielle Union’s children’s book Welcome to the Party.
Other upcoming participants include Camila Alves McConaughey, Tim Gunn, Carla Hall, Anthony Ramos, Marley Dias, Boris Kodjoe & Nicole Ari Parker, with additional special guest readers added throughout the summer. The story-times will feature books with diverse authors and characters, as well as bilingual readings.
To encourage engagement and a love of reading while many families are spending much of their time at home, the ongoing PBS KIDS “Read-Along” effort gives kids and parents a place to come together and read-along with fan-favorite books every Mon. and Fri. at 12 p.m. ET.
Launched in March, PBS KIDS Read-Alongs have featured Michelle Obama, Kristen Bell, Jenna Bush Hager and Barbara Pierce Bush.
Additional upcoming PBS KIDS Read-Alongs will include Tad Hills and legendary ballet dancer and best-selling author Misty Copeland.
Each reading is livestreamed simultaneously on PBS KIDS’ Facebook and YouTube channel and remains available for viewing on demand on both platforms immediately following. Companion literacy resources for each “Read-Along” are available on pbskidsforparents.org. The full schedule is available here. Follow PBS KIDS on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
Can you believe Chicken Run debuted in theaters 20 years ago today? It still remains the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time. The sequel to Chicken Run is expected to go into full production in 2021 and the exciting new adventure will be released globally by Netflix (excluding China).
Peter Lord, Aardman Co-Founder and Creative Director says; “Fans around the world have waited patiently for a sequel idea worthy of Chicken Run so we’re delighted to announce, on the 20th anniversary, that we’ve found the perfect story. Netflix feels like the ideal creative partner for this project too: they celebrate the film-maker, which means we can make the film we want to make – the one we really care about – and share it with a global audience.”
Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedy’s farm, Ginger has finally found her dream, a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Ginger’s happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their own hard-won freedom at risk. This time, they’re breaking in!
The Chicken Run sequel will be directed by Sam Fell (Flushed Away, ParaNorman) and produced by Steve Pegram (Arthur Christmas) and Leyla Hobart. Peter Lord, Carla Shelley and Karey Kirkpatrick will be returning as executive producers. The script is written by Karey Kirkpatrick, John O’ Farrell and Rachel Tunnard and Nick Park (creator of Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep) will have a consulting role on the film.
Your kids know Julie Andrews as Mary Poppins or as Queen Clarisse Renaldi in the Princess Diaries. Now your family can get to know her even better with the launch of her new podcastJulie’s Library. The show will also feature guest appearances from Andrew’s daughter, children’s author, Emma Walton Hamilton.
The podcast launches Apr. 29, and will feature weekly episodes of Andrews and Hamilton reading their favorite children’s books. Julie’s Library is perfect for children ages four through ten, but readers of all ages will enjoy the program. Each episode of Julie’s Library invites listeners to immerse themselves in the wonder of books. Every story is magically brought to life through music, sound design and special guest appearances. Listeners will also hear from other kids who share their imaginative ideas and favorite new vocabulary words.
Andrews and Hamilton share a love for books. “When I became a parent, I passed the love of reading on to my children. My daughter and I have co-authored over 30 books for children and young adults, and our shared passion for the power of storytelling, literacy, and the arts remains fervent,” said Andrews. “It is our hope that the stories and ideas we share on Julie’s Library will provide family listening pleasure, inspire meaningful conversations, and be a trusted resource for literary enjoyment and learning.”
Julie’s Library is produced by American Public Media and is available on Apple Podcasts and on other podcast platforms. Sign up for the newsletter to receive additional reading and activity recommendations mentioned in the podcast.
Challenge yourself or your kids to break a world record. Guinness World Records is looking to support families staying home by expanding their digital portfolio and taking record-breaking indoors. With all this extra time on our hands, why not become a world record holder?
Become a record holder at home with #GWRChallenge. This weekly record challenge will be hosted across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Every Monday, a new challenge will be announced. All you have to do is follow a simple set of rules for each record.mAlso on Monday, the #GWRChallenge from the week before will conclude and the record holder will be named at the end of the week.
There are a few things you can do to ensure your attempt gets recognized.
Be sure to follow ALL rules
Tag Guinness World Records and use #GWRChallenge
Call out the number or score you’ve achieved in your caption
All attempts utilize household materials, making this an exciting and accessible record-breaking experience for anyone who wants to try. Challenge #1 involved toilet paper!