Day 4290: Dogs fly, and Sport dolls.

   

"Theft": junk mail collage

 

 

  

Want music?

 

    

Click :  Dancing in the Moonlight.

 

  

 

 

2GN2S

 Bark Air, a new airline for dogs! 

Bark Air, a new airline that puts dogs before their human companions, will take its first flight Thursday. Its sold-out maiden voyage will depart New York for Los Angeles at 4:00 p.m. EST. It will cost you $6,000 for a domestic flight, and $8,000 for an international flight for one dog and one human. 

Bark, a pet company founded in 2011 that sells dog food and other products, announced the new aviation experience for canines in April. It's the second air travel service to market itself as catering to pets before human passengers, recognizing how stressful and uncomfortable commercial air travel can be for animals. United Kingdom-based public charter operator K9 jets also lets passengers' pets travel next to them in the aircraft cabin, versus in crates in commercial aircraft cargo holds.

"We are excited to take the insights we've learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies," Bark co-founder and CEO Matt Meeker said in April. "We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand's mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the Bark family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world." 

The first flight from New York to Los Angeles Thursday is sold out, according to Bark's booking website. The company said it launched the air travel experience to make long-distance travel more comfortable for dogs that don't fit under the seats in front of passengers on commercial aircraft. 

"Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo," the company said in announcing the flights in April.

Barbie to make dolls for 9 female athletes

Mattel wants to note "the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation."    

Venus Williams is a Barbie girl!

Barbie dolls will honor tennis champion Venus Williams and eight other athletes as part of a project announced by Mattel on Wednesday. The tennis icon, 43, has been transformed into a Barbie doll along with eight other athletes as part of a project encouraging girls to stay in sports. 

The others being depicted as dolls are gymnasts Rebeca Andrade and Alexa Moreno, soccer players Mary Fowler and Christine Sinclair, boxer Estelle Mossely, swimmer Federica Pellegrini, paratriathlete Susana Rodriguez and track and field sprinter Ewa Swoboda.  “Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,” said Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles.

First pictures of Christine Sinclair with her "mini me" version from Mattel's Barbie Role Model series

The brand wanted to note "the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation,” Mattel's Krista Berger said.  

Mary Fowler and her one-of-a-kind Barbie doll.

The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality, by shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”

 

 

 

 

  

 

A 1  minute video, Sports dolls,  here

 

 

 

  

 

Just because ...

  

 

(rare)Blue Rock Thrush

  

 

Saturday's Smiles ...