Pet App Generates Weather Forecasts For Dogs

A dog lover and entrepreneur has created a weather service tailored specifically to dogs. Pawcast broadcasts tens of thousands of reports to users every month with the weather at the level of a dog’s head and paws. It also includes temperature variations based on breed, body size, and coat length — all of which can help dog owners better plan their walks and excursions. A veterinary team went out and researched ground surface temperatures that dogs experience every day. They then took thousands of surface temperature readings across the country on asphalt, concrete and grass in cities, suburbs and rural areas. Those readings became the foundation for the model of how heat and cold reach a dog at ground level. From late-September through October, Pawcast delivered 28,000 alerts to more than 2,000 pet parents across the country. Each one gives a straight temperature reading, as well as “Dog Feel°.” The app is available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

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How Much Do Amazon Drivers Make?

It’s commonplace today to see Amazon trucks all over the place. Prior to 2014, the company relied entirely on third-party carriers like UPS and FedEx to transport packages from its fulfillment centers to customers’ doors. During the holiday season of 2013, a massive surge in last-minute online shopping, combined with severe winter storms, overloaded UPS and FedEx, leaving millions of packages stranded and missing Christmas Day deadlines. Faced with furious customers and millions of dollars paid out in refunds and gift cards, Amazon leadership realized they could no longer leave their customer experience in the hands of third parties and launched a fleet of their own delivery vans. Perhaps you’re one of those people who are curious about what Amazon delivery drivers make. Most of the blue Amazon vans seen in neighborhoods are driven by employees of Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) — independent businesses contracted by Amazon. They typically make between $18 and $25 an hour. The company provides the delivery van, car insurance, and fuel, and employees receive traditional benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan. Then there are Amazon Flex drivers, who are employed as independent contractors and use their own personal vehicles to deliver packages. They typically make $18 to $25 an hour, but during high-demand windows or peak holidays, they can make $28 to $32 an hour. Drivers also keep 100% of tips on grocery delivery. There’s just one catch: Flex drivers must pay for their own gas, car insurance, tolls, vehicle maintenance, and self-employment taxes. After expenses, their take-home pay is closer to $11 to $15 an hour.

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Smart Ways To Use Up Leftover Halloween Candy

Halloween is over, and most people are already thinking about Christmas. What about that bowl of trick-or-treat candy that’s still overflowing? Here are some good ideas for using up that leftover Halloween candy before your kids finish it all……..or worse…....YOU finish it all. 

 

DONATE YOUR LEFTOVER HALLOWEEN CANDY: You might not be aware of it, but you can actually donate your leftover candy. Nonprofit organizations like Soldiers’ Angels work with businesses and organizations across the country to collect leftover, wrapped and unopened Halloween candy that can be sent to military troops as a sweet care package. Troopathon is a similar organization that collected over 30,000 pounds of candy for care packages for troops serving overseas in 2025.Organizations such as shelters, food pantries, community organizations, churches and first-responders may accept donations. 

 

BAKE WITH LEFTOVER CANDY: Another option is to use the candy for party mixes or baked goods. Chocolate can be chopped or cut up into smaller pieces and used in cookies, cakes, brownies or other baked goods. You could also melt the chocolate and infuse it into warm milk or a dairy alternative for a warm, sweet treat. 

 

FREEZE THE LEFTOVER CANDY: If you have the freezer space, some types of candy can be frozen for future use, especially when properly stored. Chocolate freezes well if wrapped tightly and placed in an air-tight container to prevent freezer burn. Gummies, taffy and other chewy candies don’t hold up well to freezing because their texture often changes, becoming sticky and unpleasant once thawed. 

 

REPURPOSE YOUR LEFTOVER CANDY: If you aren’t looking to consume it, you can also use it in other creative ways. Consider using it for holiday gifts, like stained glass ornaments or upcoming gingerbread houses.

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Smoky Broccoli Cheese Chicken Soup

Broccoli cheese soup usually gets its body from a roux, heavy cream, or both. This smoky broccoli cheese chicken soup is hearty without being heavy. A potato is simmered until tender and blended into the broth to give it body and texture, while butter and smoked cheese add a little creaminess and rich, savory flavor. The potato’s additional carbohydrates are balanced with fiber from the potato, carrot, broccoli, and onion, plus nearly 50 grams of protein per serving, making for a satisfying, filling meal.

Servings: 4

Ingredients: 

• • 2 tablespoons butter
• • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• • 1 large clove garlic, minced
• • 1 large potato, peeled and diced small 
• • 4 cups chicken bone broth
• • 1 bay leaf
• • 2⅔ cups broccoli florets and peeled tender stems, chopped
• • 1 large carrot, grated
• • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, or more to taste
• • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• • 14 ounces cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• • 1 cup grated smoked cheddar 
• • ½ teaspoon sea salt (optional, if needed)

Directions:

• • Heat the butter in a dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. 
• • Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. 
• • Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
• • Add the potato, broth, and bay leaf and bring to a gentle simmer. 
• • Cover partially and cook until the potato is completely tender, about 12 to 15 minutes. 
• • Remove and discard the bay leaf. 
• • Use a blender to purée the potato and broth just until smooth. Do not over-blend or the potato may become gluey.
• • Stir in the broccoli, carrot, pepper, and nutmeg and return to a simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until the broccoli is vivid bright green.
• • Turn the heat to low and stir in the chicken.
• • Heat until the chicken is warmed through and turn off the heat. 
• • Sprinkle the cheese across the top and stir until melted and slightly thickened. Do not let the soup boil after adding cheese or it may separate and become grainy or oily.
• • Depending on the saltiness of your broth, chicken, and cheese, the soup may or may not need additional salt. Taste after adding the cheese and season if needed.
• • Ladle into bowls to serve.

 

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