Let's face it: Valentine's Day isn't always conversation hearts and red roses. For a lot of people, Love Day blows (and not in a good way). So to the singletons and the recently jilted, I give you “Donate Your Heartbreak.”
The charity website WebThriftStore.com will happily sell unwanted presents from generous exes, putting back the sweet in a relationship gone sour.
Think of it as eBay for lovers.
If you are a family affected by autism, this is going to be the best Valentine's Day gift ever. Cineplex and Autism Speaks Canada have joined forces to offer "sensory friendly" (SF) screenings at some of their locations across Canada.
According to a press release, certain theatres will be showing new releases in 2D with "increased auditorium lighting, lower volume, and smaller crowds" to audiences who typically wouldn't be able to catch the latest movies owing to sensitivities to noise, lights, etc.
“Our goal is to make movie-going accessible to as many Canadians as possible,” said Cineplex VP, Pat Marshall. “This partnership with Autism Speaks Canada provides an opportunity to see the latest family movies in a comfortable environment, at a reduced price.”
Talking to Kids about Autism and Difference
Wait, it gets better: the screenings will take place during off-peak hours, often before theatres open to the general public, and families will be allowed to bring in their own snacks to allow for dietary restrictions (many people with ASD follow a gluten-casein-free diet). Participating theatres will also provide a "calm zone" where families can go if they need a break from the movie.
Better, still: Every member attending will be charged child fare. The first SF screening, The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. Cineplex will release forthcoming dates and booking information two weeks prior to screening.
Here is a list of participating theatres:
Since some kids with autism "look normal," I wonder how Cineplex will vet bookings, and I pray the system won't be open to abuse by others. I also would hope the SF screenings will be open to those with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) who may not have autism.
It's the stuff of nightmares, and it could be living inside your child's prized stuffie collection. An Oregon mom who made a horrifying discovery about her daughter's Cozy Hugs microwavable stuffed animal now wants to alert others.
When Kamren Weiler saw a little tear along the seam of her three year-old daughter Kinley's favourite cuddle toy, she couldn't believe what she saw: bugs - hundreds of them. She opened up the doll to find an infestation of still-squirming critters inside.
The aromatherapy stuffies, filled with wheat and lavender, are designed to be warmed in the microwave to soothe children. Indeed, Kinley loved the doll and even took it to bed with her. A fact that now gives her mom the heebie jeebies.
How to Organize Stuffed Animals
Aside from the initial gross-out, Weiler became concerned that the bugs could have spread. "...I tore my daughter's whole room apart," she said. "Where could those bugs have gone. In her shirt, in her clothes?"
The answer is: potentially yes, and yes. After all, kids aren't the only ones who love Cozy Hugs. Grain weevils are attracted to the wheat stuffing.
Turns out, Cozy Hugs has long been fielding complaints over bug infestation that in some cases had spread to beds and closets.
Apparently not all microwavable, grain-filled items on the market are created equally. Another manufacturer, Cozy Plush, claims it takes care to treat and screen its products before shipping.
Weevils are actually little beetles, and are pretty harmless unless you count damage to food items. Pest control is recommended.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to torch a few innocent plush animals...
Image Source: YouTube
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