Do you typically leave so many windows open that your computer screen looks like abstract art? Not after following this quick tip!
Messy desktop? Just left-click and hold the mouse button (Windows 7 only) on the title bar of the window you are working with and shake it side to side a few times. All other windows will minimize. No more clutter! Repeat the process (yes, like the shampoo label) to unminimize the windows.
Now you’re free to stare at one extremely boring window instead of 20 moderately boring ones!


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Everything you need to find out about shared loans To help you maintain all of our high providers standards, we take some time throughout the our face-to-face conference in order
Before you begin writing an essay, it is important to understand what the topic is and what you want to convey about the subject. You should research your topic extensively, either online or in the library. You should then talk about your findings with teachers and peers. https://essaysonline.org/ Once you have a topic in mind, make an outline to help you arrange your information and create logical connections.

domain: library


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More than half of women with chronic pain, for instance, say they don’t want sex to stop, a new survey finds.
And nearly two-thirds of women say they are not sure they would want to have sex again if they had to, the latest findings from the survey of more than 20,000 people.
The survey, conducted by the Women’s Health Initiative at the University of Michigan, found that women with a history of chronic pain are significantly more likely to feel pressured to stop having sex than women without such an issue.
It also found that about two-fifths of women in the study reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact or sexual behavior that they felt violated.
For many women with medical conditions, like fibromyalgia, a chronic pain disorder, the results are particularly troubling, the study’s lead author, Dr. Joanne Dolan, said in a statement.
The pain can cause symptoms like low mood and anxiety.
Women are more likely than men to have a history or physical diagnosis of fibromyalgia, and women with fibromyal pain are more than twice as likely to have had sexual activity as women without the condition.
“Women who are having fibromyas are at increased risk of having sex and for women who have fibromyias, having sex can be dangerous, especially when combined with fibromyalgia,” she said.
The study found that nearly three-quarters of women who reported a history were also at risk of sexual dysfunction, with about one-third of them reporting that they experienced sexual or emotional abuse.
Some women said that their abuse began after their diagnosis and continued even after they were discharged from the hospital.
The new survey also found more women in pain report they were pressured to have more sex or that their partners would stop.
Nearly half of the women in that group said they were forced to engage in sex they felt unsafe about or that they were not allowed to do, according to the survey.
More than three-fourths said that sexual harassment and physical abuse was a constant part of their lives, including verbal and physical insults.
The results were similar when women with serious medical conditions like COPD were compared with those without.
The Women’s Healthcare Initiative found that among women with COPD, those who reported sexual or other physical abuse were almost twice as often pressured to be sexually active as women who did not have chronic pain.
The problem is not limited to just women with health conditions.
More and more women with an eating disorder, a condition characterized by a lack of control over food, are being pressured to get regular and consistent food intake, Dr Dolan said.
And research shows that those who are struggling with chronic eating disorders are at greater risk of depression, anxiety, and substance use.
More and more people with mental health conditions are also being pressured into sex.
More research is needed on this question, but it is clear that women and men who have mental health issues are at risk for more problems, such as depression and substance abuse, the survey found.
More from Business Insider:

domain: psychology


MTV's Teen Mom Prom King and Queen couple, Tyler Baltierra and his wife Catelynn have a whole lot of changes going on right now. The pair, who have been together since their days of junior high school, is in the midst of home renovations, building and expanding a clothing business, working out serious kinks in their marriage as well as their personal mental health and oh yeah, they are having another baby.
Just last week viewers of the show saw Tyler and Cate decide to live apart for some time to better sort out their personal and relationship issues as they both frequented several counselors' offices. They also recently discovered that a new baby would be joining the family, which doesn't seem like really great timing.
According to Tyler, the baby was not at all planned this time around, but the couple is going to go through with their commitments to taking some space and figuring out what they need and want out of life regardless. This separation-pregnancy is a tedious move considering Catelynn struggled with many mental health issues after having their second child, Novalee. She wasn't even sure there for a while that having another baby would ever be a good move considering her severe PPD and anxiety.
Nonetheless, the baby girl is on her way, and the pair went together to a recent 4-D ultrasound to get a better glimpse of their baby-to-be. When asked about a name for little girl number three, Tyler revealed that she would be named Tezlee. The choice of name is unique, but it seems to fall in line with previous naming patterns for the couple. Their first daughter, who Tyler and Catelynn gave up for adoption almost a decade ago, was named Carly. Their second kiddo is called Novalee, and now Tezlee is set to complete the hat trick of daughters with the "y sounding name endings."
While we don't know what the future holds for this young couple who has already fought through so much to be together, we do wish them the best as they take on parenthood for the third time this decade.


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(Tea Party 247) – In his final address to the nation, President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned about an unseen “institution” in our country.
“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists, and will persist,” he said on Jan. 17, 1961.
Eisenhower, the commander-in-chief who led the allies into D-Day, and was a former five-star general himself, was exactly right, as we know all too well by now.
As he predicted, this misplaced power did indeed rise, taking on the form of what we now know today as the “Deep State,” which have since dominated the political, media, and intelligence communities to rule our nation as a shadow government of greed and corruption.
Over the last few years, we have been exposed to just how powerful this Deep State really is, and how far they’re willing to go to overturn the will of the American people when they finally brought in an outsider to drain the swamp of this nefarious, un-elected Deep State.
“There is a growing consensus among many observers in Washington that the national security agencies have become completely politicized over the past seventeen years and are now pursuing selfish agendas that actually endanger what remains of American democracy,” wrote Philip M. Giraldi last year. “Up until recently it has been habitual to refer to such activity as the Deep State, which is perhaps equivalent to the Establishment in that it includes financial services, the media, major foundations, and constituencies, as well as lobbying groups, but we are now witnessing an evolutionary process in which the national security regime is exercising power independently.”
The plot to unseat President Trump was thought up in the Obama White House (and Hillary Clinton’s campaign headquarters), and we learn more every day about how much evidence there is to support this.
The apparatus used to carry out their crooked plot to rig the election in the favor of Washington’s elite was the weaponized Deep State intelligence community.
JD Heyes explained last year:
When the FBI used a document that was allegedly created as “political opposition” (the infamous ‘Trump dossier’) as a piece of legitimate “intelligence” (though none of its contents and allegations were ever substantiated) to get a counterintelligence surveillance warrant from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) — for the sole purpose of spying on a rival political campaign — then you can see that Giraldi’s absolutely correct in his assessment.
We have reached a point in our history where the institution established to protect the country is no longer accountable to the American people or even their representatives in Congress.
This is a fully bipartisan affair, he warned.
Right now Democrats are in the hot seat because they have blocked every reasonable Republican effort to get to the bottom of what, by now, is a very obvious scandal — one that not only dwarf’s the Left’s favorite trigger scandal, Watergate, but every other political scandal combined. (Related: Deep State WAR with Trump proves the people have lost control of their government.)
When they aren’t blocking efforts to find all the answers as to how deep this anti-Trump scandal really goes, they are embracing former Obama-era officials like Director of National Intelligence James Clapper — he who lied to Congress when he said the NSA wasn’t spying on Americans (and got away with it) — and CIA Director John Brennan, who kept a “kill list” of everyone he ordered targeted for drone strikes.
Republicans aren’t blameless in this. Their “hero” is former NSA and CIA chief Michael Hayden, who, during the Bush administration, violated the Constitution in any number of ways during his decade of “service” at the nation’s top intelligence agencies.
We have learned since then the role McCain played in pushing the phony Steele dossier through the intelligence community as well.
The intelligence community is meant to work for the American people to keep our nation safe from foreign threats, but it has instead morphed into a tool of the Deep State to be used to override our civil liberties for the sake of preserving the Deep State’s iron grip on our federal government.
And that tool was used to take down Trump because he was the one person who stepped up and vowed to put an end to the Deep State.
What Trump is doing in Washington goes far beyond simply triggering Democrats. His goal is not to keep the country a little more red for the next 2-6 years, like every other Republican president has done.
His goal is to fundamentally upend the abuses of power that have been running the show in Washington for far too long.
Everything is in place to rat out the traitors and smash the establishment.
Sit back and enjoy the show.

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Dr. Lynn Webster, Medical Director of Lifetree Clinical Research in Salt Lake City, shares more on the study and how you may be able to participate.
Constipation isn’t a topic many people are comfortable discussing, but up to 90% of patients who receive prescription pain medication can actually develop constipation from their medications. This is called opioid induced constipation. Opiod is the medical term for prescription pain medications also known as narcotics. A few examples of opioid medications are lortab, percocet and oxycontin. If you have ever been treated for pain for at least 15 days and taken one of these medications, you may have suffered from opioid induced constipation. Unfortunately there are an estimated 70 million people living with chronic pain in America today, and there are few alternatives to treating chronic pain. Pain experts agree that opioids remain the best treatment available for many chronic pain conditions.
Current treatment for opioid induced constipation includes laxatives, stool softeners and if necessary, reflex evacuation via enema. Unfortunately up to 46% of patients do not achieve the desired outcome from these treatments. That’s why Lifetree Clinical Research is currently testing investigational treatments that are being developed for opioid induced constipation and other manifestations of opioid-induced bowel dysfunction in patients receiving opioid therapy for pain. This investigational treatment may help opioid -induced bowel dysfunction, a condition that may also include other symptoms like bloating, abdominal cramping and gastroesophageal reflux. Constipation is the hallmark of this syndrome. The goal of this investigational treatment is to improve constipation while preserving the effects of opioid therapy.
We are looking for persons between the ages of 18 and 70, currently being treated with opioids for pain and who are also currently suffering with constipation. We also require that our study participants stay multiple days in our research facility, but they will receive financial compensation for their participation. If interested, you can call for a confidential screening at (801) 269-8200. You can also visit lifetreeresearch dot com to find out more at about this study and others we are currently enrolling, including wisdom teeth removal for ages 16-45 and a chronic pain research study. We offer compensation to study participants and health insurance is not required to participate in a study.
For more information, or to see if you could be a participant, contact:
Lifetree Clinical Research

domain: medical


yes, and name it Bacon, just because.Wait till you build a skillet car!!
Thanks Dan! That makes good sense. I’ve heard the reference for 1:1 track cars as well.Flat chassis on-road track cars. Supposedly the best thing ever for the road race courses, super tunable with tons of tire.
Just one I found online but I wish it was mine. Gorgeous body work. Chassis is 3D printed.Dude, is that yours? Looks fantastic! I may be doing a Martini liveried Porsche body soon for an on road Typhon. Very cool car, man!
Those 1/10 GT bodies are so scale looking and awesome. I’m envious!
Chassis is basically a flat pan.


The Can-Am Outlander is known for its powerful performance and exhilarating speed capabilities. But just how fast can these nimble ATVs go when you hit the throttle and open it up? In this in-depth guide, we’ll look at the top speed specs for different Outlander models and discuss the key factors that affect maximum velocity.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Can-Am Outlander ATVs
First, let’s take a quick look at what makes the Outlander line of ATVs so popular among recreational riders and utility users alike:
The Can-Am Outlander is a sporty 4-wheel drive ATV available in two-seat and solo seat configurations. Key features include:
- Powerful Rotax V-twin engines from 400cc to 1000cc
- Smooth, variable transmission for optimal acceleration
- Double A-arm front suspension with up to 10 inches of travel
- Torsional Trailing arm rear suspension for stability
- Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential for traction
- Tri-mode dynamic power steering for effortless turning
- Generous towing and cargo capacity
- Available winches, racks, tire, and suspension upgrades
With its responsive handling and brawny power delivery, the Outlander is ready for both trail riding and utility use. Next let’s see how the different models measure up when it comes to top speed.
Outlander MAX Top Speed
The Can-Am Outlander MAX is the 2-up model built for recreational trail riding with a passenger. Here are the top speeds for key MAX variants:
- Outlander MAX 650/800R: Up to 50 mph
- Outlander MAX XT: Up to 62 mph
- Outlander MAX XT-P: Up to 63 mph
The larger displacement engines and upgraded performance packages on the XT trims allow the MAX to surpass 60 mph at its maximum velocity. While not as fast as the solo seat models, the MAX has more than enough power for enjoying trails with a partner.
Outlander Top Speed
The solo seat Outlander quads are designed for quick acceleration and versatility. Here are the top speeds by model:
- Outlander 400: Up to 46 mph
- Outlander 570: Up to 60 mph
- Outlander 850: Up to 65 mph
- Outlander 1000R: Up to 68 mph
The powerful V-twin engines on the 850 and 1000cc models push the Outlander well over 60 mph when you open the throttle. The light weight and sporty handling let it carry speed on trails.
What Factors Affect the Outlander’s Top Speed?
The maximum speed capabilities of any ATV depend on several key factors:
- Engine size – Not surprisingly, larger displacement engines produce more horsepower and torque, which translates to higher top speeds. The 1000R makes 82 hp vs. the 650’s 50 hp.
- Transmission and gearing – The CVT and final drive gear ratios affect acceleration and top end velocity. Lower ratios favor acceleration while higher ratios allow higher max speeds.
- Terrain – Soft sand or mud will quickly sap momentum compared to smooth, hard packed dirt or gravel where an ATV can better maintain velocity.
- Riding weight – Carrying more gear, cargo, or an extra passenger will weigh down an ATV and reduce potential top speed. Light solo riding will be fastest.
- Maintenance – A finely tuned engine operating at peak efficiency produces better top end performance. Stay on top of maintenance.
- Tire pressure – Running tires at the optimal inflation level reduces rolling resistance allowing higher speeds.
- Riding style – Opening up the throttle fully vs. moderate partial throttle application makes a difference in velocity. An aggressive riding style yields the highest speeds.
So while the capable Can-Am Outlander ATVs are ready for speed, real world maximums will depend on the factors above. Next let’s look at whether top speed is even an important metric for ATV buyers.
Is Top Speed Really That Important for ATVs?
While fun for short bursts, all-out top speed is generally not the most important performance consideration for ATV riders. Here’s why:
- Technical prowess – capabilities like suspension travel, ground clearance, 4WD traction, and slow speed handling are more vital for navigating rough trails.
- Towing/cargo capacity – Being able to haul equipment, gear, or a trailer with a powerful, controlled tow is essential for utility use.
- Off-road handling – ATVs need precise steering and stability at slower technical speeds where outright speed causes issues.
- Safety – High speed riding greatly increases the risks of impact injuries and rollovers if an obstacle or turn appears. Focusing on speed over safety is dangerous.
For these reasons, responsible ATV riders prioritize control, technical abilities and practical performance over all-out speed and acceleration. Operating at unsafe velocities quickly increases the risks of crashes and roll-overs on off-road terrain. Careful throttle control and reasonable speeds should always be the priority.
Outlander Top Speed Specifications Chart
|400cc, 30 HP
|570cc, 48 HP
|650cc, 50 HP
|854cc, 78 HP
|976cc, 82 HP
|Outlander MAX 400
|400cc, 30 HP
|Outlander MAX 650
|650cc, 50 HP
|Outlander MAX XT-P
|650cc, 50 HP
Outlander Acceleration and Power
In addition to top speed, the Can-Am Outlander also delivers excellent acceleration and power for quick trail response. Here are some specs:
- 0-30 MPH: Right around 2 seconds for most models
- 0-60 MPH: Models with 500cc+ engines can reach 60 MPH in under 5 seconds
- Horsepower: Ranges from 30 HP on the 400 to up to 82 HP on the Outlander 1000R
The combination of ample low-end torque from the V-twin design and a responsive CVT transmission allows the Outlander to leap forward when you hit the gas, kicking up debris as it surges ahead.
The Outlander can tow up to 1500 pounds on some models, which requires strong acceleration when getting a loaded trailer moving from a standstill. Slow speed power matters most for towing.
tips for safely increasing the top speed of your Can-Am Outlander ATV
- Gearing changes – Installing a higher ratio rear sprocket or changing final drive gearing can produce more top end speed. Just be careful not to sacrifice too much low end power.
- Exhaust mods – A full performance exhaust system like those from Yoshimura, Muzzy, or HMF can add 1-3 mph peak speed in some cases. But check noise regulations.
- Air intake mods – Adding an aftermarket air intake kit can improve airflow allowing more speed. Make sure to get a pre-oiled foam filter.
- ECU tuning – Getting a professional fuel controller tune optimized for top speed gains can help maximize velocity. Adds cost but effective.
- Reduce weight – Shedding unnecessary weight by removing racks, etc. and traveling lighter reduces drag. But safety first.
- Tire pressure – Make sure your tires are inflated to the max PSI rating on the sidewall for lowest rolling resistance.
- Slip-on tire chains – At low speeds on pavement,Chains can gain 1-2 mph. Don’t use at high speeds.
- Ride Solo – Carrying a passenger and gear adds weight and slows you down. Ride lightly for max speed.
Keep in mind that chasing every last mph comes with trade-offs and risks. Focus on smart incremental gains safely within the bike’s capabilities. And never ride beyond your skill level.
Outlander Prices and Model Years
Here is a breakdown of MSRP pricing by model year for key versions of the Can-Am Outlander:
|MSRP Price Range
|Outlander MAX 400
Some key takeaways:
- Base MSRP prices range from around $6,000 to $15,000+
- Higher HP models like the 850, 1000, and 1000R command the highest prices
- Recent year models can top over $15k fully loaded
- There are great values to be had on lightly used mid-range models
Where the larger MAX and X mr/XT models excel with upgrades, the base 400 and 570 Outlanders offer budget-friendly pricing. Let’s look closer at the pros and cons of the Outlander line.
Can-Am Outlander Pros and Cons
Pros of the Outlander ATVs:
- Strong acceleration and high top speed capabilities
- Smooth and responsive CVT transmission
- Excellent handling and trail maneuverability
- Comfortable ergonomics and seating
- Double A-arm front suspension soaks up bumps
- Good value pricing on mid-range models
- Towing capacity up to 1500 lbs
- True 4 wheel drive traction and control
- No power steering on base models
- Tall seat height may limit shorter riders
- Can feel bulky on tight switchback trails
- Initial quality issues on some models
- No engine braking feature
- Low ground clearance on stock models
The Outlander hits the sweet spot of power, handling, features, and price in the ATV world. For an easy to ride and capable 4×4, it’s hard to beat. Next let’s hear thoughts from real world Outlander owners.
What Owners are Saying About the Can-Am Outlander
The Can-Am Outlander earns solid reviews from most owners for its blend of recreational performance and utility capabilities. Here are some examples of their feedback:
“This ATV is an absolute blast to ride on the trails. The power and handling are top notch. I love the Visco-Lok system that delivers awesome traction even in slippery conditions.”
“I pull a small trailer and haul firewood with my Outlander 650 all the time. It has no problem putting the power down and towing heavy loads up the hills on my property.”
“The Max model has been great for hitting the woods with my girlfriend. Big enough to fit two full size adults comfortably for the entire day.”
“The adjustable suspension lets me fine tune the ride quality. Overall the Outlander soaks up bumps way better than my friend’s Honda.”
“Super easy to ride even as a beginner. It has a predictable power delivery and the steering assists make it feel agile on the trail.
However, a few common complaints include:
“The lack of engine braking worries me when going downhill. Have to ride the brakes more than I’d like.”
“It’s a little tall and heavy feeling in very tight woods riding compared to a true sport ATV.”
“The quality control seems hit or miss. I’ve already had to replace a leaking fuel line.”
“The stock tires don’t provide the traction I want in muddy conditions. Upgraded to more aggressive tires.”
Overall most owners praise the Outlander for its supreme capabilities at a fair price point. Next let’s look at some of the issues and solutions.
Common Can-Am Outlander Problems and How to Fix Them
Like most ATVs, Outlanders can experience a few issues with occasional use. Here are some of the most common problems and how to diagnose and fix them:
1. Leaking Fuel Lines
Some models may develop cracks in the plastic fuel line allowing gasoline to leak out. Replace old plastic lines with more durable rubber fuel line. Inspect lines regularly for cracking.
2. Faulty Fuel Pump
If the engine won’t start or lacks power, the fuel pump may need replaced. Verify fuel pressure at the rail. No pressure indicates a bad pump. Replace with an OEM pump for reliable performance.
3. Burning Oil
Excessive oil consumption points to worn piston rings or valve guide seals. Rebuild the top end with a quality gasket kit to reduce oil burning issues.
4. Blocked Air Filter
A dirty, clogged air filter will restrict airflow to the engine leading to lack of power. Clean the air filter regularly or upgrade to higher flow filter like K&N.
5. Loose Battery Terminals
The battery connections can vibrate loose over rough terrain. This prevents proper starting and power. Tighten terminals and clean with a wire brush.
6. Faulty Cooling Fan
An inoperable cooling fan causes the engine to overheat quickly. Replace the mechanical fan or upgrade to electric for reliability.
With preventative maintenance and prompt issue diagnosis, the Outlander ATVs will provide miles of worry-free fun and utility use for years to come.
Top Alternatives to Consider
The Can-Am Outlander has plenty of competition when it comes to sporty 4×4 ATVs. Here are some of the top alternatives to consider:
- Polaris Sportsman: Similar power and capabilities. More compact feel.
- Yamaha Grizzly: Ultra-reliable reputation. Smooth ride quality.
- Honda Rancher: Proven and beginner-friendly. Large owners community.
- Suzuki KingQuad: Great value pricing. Solid overall performer.
- Arctic Cat Alterra: Impressive suspension travel. Unique style.
- Kawasaki Brute Force: Muscular sport quad. Race-inspired handling.
Each option has its pros and cons, but it’s hard to beat the Outlander’s combination of versatility, features, power, and price. The Can-Am leaves little to be desired for an owner looking to enjoy trails or take care of tasks around home or the hunting camp.
When you tally up its strong engine performance, nimble handling, and useful utility capabilities, it’s clear why the Can-Am Outlander is considered one of the best all-around ATV options on the market today.
With 400cc models topping 45mph and the powerful 1000cc engine pushing 68mph, these nimble quads have impressive top speed potential while remaining stable and secure when riding responsibly.
Yet while exciting in short bursts, all out velocity takes a back seat to real world capabilities for the Outlander owner. Maneuverability at low speeds, towing/cargo capacity, and suspension performance matter most for conquering off-road terrain and tackling to-do lists.
Careful, throttle control, reasonable speeds, and focus on developing riding skills are paramount for enjoying the Outlander safely. This combination of brawny power and practical performance continues Can-Am’s reputation for building some of the most versatile and capable ATVs on the planet.


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Headline from MMAFighting.com
Sunday 10.20.2019 9:00am ET | View Full Article
Mackenzie Dern (pictured) lost a decision to Amanda Ribas at UFC Tampa in Florida. | Esther Lin, MMA Fighting
Mackenzie Dern is no longer undefeated as an MMA fighter, and she expects good things to come with that.
Back to Brazil after dropping a decision to Brazilian strawweight prospect Amanda Ribas last Saturday at UFC Tampa, the jiu-jitsu specialist opened up about losing for the firs...


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Today I am sharing my favorite reads of 2019! I read 130 books in 2019, so narrowing down my list to only 10 books was not going to happen #SorryNotSorry
Here are my favorite 24 books of 2019….
» The Winter of the Witch (Winternight #3) by Katherine Arden
Now Moscow has been struck by disaster. Its people are searching for answers—and for someone to blame. Vasya finds herself alone, beset on all sides. The Grand Prince is in a rage, choosing allies that will lead him on a path to war and ruin. A wicked demon returns, stronger than ever and determined to spread chaos. Caught at the center of the conflict is Vasya, who finds the fate of two worlds resting on her shoulders. Her destiny uncertain, Vasya will uncover surprising truths about herself and her history as she desperately tries to save Russia, Morozko, and the magical world she treasures. But she may not be able to save them all.
The Winter of the Witch was the perfect conclusion to the Winternight Trilogy. The Winternight Trilogy really has it all: political intrigue, Russian folklore, magic, action, adventure, a bad ass leading lady… I cannot recommend this series enough.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Winter of the Witch
» The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart–he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season’s first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone–but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees. This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.
There was so much that I adored about this book: the beautiful writing, the characters, the plot inspired by Russian folklore, the magic realism elements, the frontier setting of 1920s Alaska…
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Snow Child
» Moloka’i by Alan Brennert
This richly imagined novel, set in Hawai’i more than a century ago, is an extraordinary epic of a little-known time and place—and a deeply moving testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.
Rachel Kalama, a spirited seven-year-old Hawaiian girl, dreams of visiting far-off lands like her father, a merchant seaman. Then one day a rose-colored mark appears on her skin, and those dreams are stolen from her. Taken from her home and family, Rachel is sent to Kalaupapa, the quarantined leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka’i. Here her life is supposed to end—but instead she discovers it is only just beginning.
This book was absolutely heartbreaking on so many different levels. I cried on two different occasions while reading it, and I seldom cry while reading books.
Moloka’i included themes like family (traditional and nontraditional), friendship, freedom, hope, love, religion/faith (Christianity vs. Paganism), illness, loss, and grief. This book blew me away. I read it along with one of my book clubs, and every member enjoyed it.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Moloka’i
» Circe by Madeline Miller
In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.
Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.
But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love.
I adore how Madeline Miller weaves her Greek Mythology retellings. The more of Madeline’s retellings I read, the more I want to read Homer’s The Illiad & The Odyssey. Even though I have not read Homer’s books, from what I’ve researched, Miller stays true to the original story while creating an entirely new spin on the story. Honestly, I hope she will continue this trend because I will read every one she comes out with.
Circe includes themes like complicated family dynamics, mortality vs. immortality, sexism/gender inequality, destiny, motherhood, sex positivity, and love. I was engaged from beginning to end.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Circe
» The Poppy War (The Poppy War #1) by R.F. Kuang
When Rin aced the Keju, the Empire-wide test to find the most talented youth to learn at the Academies, it was a shock to everyone: to the test officials, who couldn’t believe a war orphan from Rooster Province could pass without cheating; to Rin’s guardians, who believed they’d finally be able to marry her off and further their criminal enterprise; and to Rin herself, who realized she was finally free of the servitude and despair that had made up her daily existence. That she got into Sinegard, the most elite military school in Nikan, was even more surprising.
But surprises aren’t always good.
Because being a dark-skinned peasant girl from the south is not an easy thing at Sinegard. Targeted from the outset by rival classmates for her color, poverty, and gender, Rin discovers she possesses a lethal, unearthly power—an aptitude for the nearly-mythical art of shamanism. Exploring the depths of her gift with the help of a seemingly insane teacher and psychoactive substances, Rin learns that gods long thought dead are very much alive—and that mastering control over those powers could mean more than just surviving school.
For while the Nikara Empire is at peace, the Federation of Mugen still lurks across a narrow sea. The militarily advanced Federation occupied Nikan for decades after the First Poppy War, and only barely lost the continent in the Second. And while most of the people are complacent to go about their lives, a few are aware that a Third Poppy War is just a spark away . . .
Rin’s shamanic powers may be the only way to save her people. But as she finds out more about the god that has chosen her, the vengeful Phoenix, she fears that winning the war may cost her humanity . . . and that it may already be too late.
If I had to sum up The Poppy War in a few words, they would be epic, brutal, and morally gray. I flew through this book despite it being 544 pages! I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book next month.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Poppy War
» Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
The first ten lies they tell you in high school.
“Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say.”
From the first moment of her freshman year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless, outcast, because she busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. Only her art class offers any solace, and it is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and is still a threat to her. Her healing process has just begun when she has another violent encounter with him. But this time Melinda fights back, refuses to be silent, and thereby achieves a measure of vindication.
In Laurie Halse Anderson’s powerful novel, an utterly believable heroine with a bitterly ironic voice delivers a blow to the hypocritical world of high school. She speaks for many a disenfranchised teenager while demonstrating the importance of speaking up for oneself.
Speak was a 1999 National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature.
Books that explore sexual assault victimization are so important, especially in the YA target age range, because they can inform, increases empathy, and challenge problematic rape culture. Speak needs to be required reading for all high school aged kids.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Speak
» Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the reason behind their split at the absolute height of their popularity . . . until now.
Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it’s the rock and roll she loves most. By the time she’s twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.
Also getting noticed is The Six, a band led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she’s pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.
Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes that the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.
The making of that legend is chronicled in this riveting and unforgettable novel, written as an oral history of one of the biggest bands of the seventies. Taylor Jenkins Reid is a talented writer who takes her work to a new level with Daisy Jones & The Six, brilliantly capturing a place and time in an utterly distinctive voice.
I know this book has very mixed reviews due to its format, but I LOVED this book. Since Daisy Jones and the Six is told in interview format from many different characters, many people were turned off. Since I knew this was the format going into the book, this read like a classic rock band documentary playing out in my mind. This book was meant for TV or film adaptation.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Daisy Jones and the Six
» The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
As surprising as it is moving, The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is an unforgettable tale of transformation and second chances, an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.
We are not quite novels.
We are not quite short stories.
In the end, we are collected works.
A. J. Fikry’s life is not at all what he expected it to be. His wife has died; his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history; and now his prized possession, a rare collection of Poe poems, has been stolen. Slowly but surely, he is isolating himself from all the people of Alice Island—from Chief Lambiase, the well-intentioned police officer who’s always felt kindly toward him; from Ismay, his sister-in-law, who is hell-bent on saving A.J. from his dreary self; from Amelia, the lovely and idealistic (if eccentric) Knightley Press sales rep who persists in taking the ferry to Alice Island, refusing to be deterred by A.J.’s bad attitude. Even the books in his store have stopped holding pleasure for him. These days, he can only see them as a sign of a world that is changing too rapidly.
And then a mysterious package appears at the bookstore. It’s a small package, though large in weight—an unexpected arrival that gives A.J. the opportunity to make his life over, the ability to see everything anew. It doesn’t take long for the locals to notice the change overcoming A.J., for the determined sales rep Amelia to see her curmudgeonly client in a new light, for the wisdom of all those books to become again the lifeblood of A.J.’s world. Or for everything to twist again into a version of his life that he didn’t see coming.
What bookworm doesn’t love a story about books, bookstores, and the people that love books? The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry was heartwarming, funny, and emotional. I’d recommend this book to fans of quirky characters & fans of books like A Man Called Ove.
This made for an excellent book club discussion with the moral dilemmas in the story.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Storied Life of AJ Fikrey
» With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
With her daughter to care for and her abuela to help support, high school senior Emoni Santiago has to make the tough decisions, and do what must be done. The one place she can let her responsibilities go is in the kitchen, where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness. Still, she knows she doesn’t have enough time for her school’s new culinary arts class, doesn’t have the money for the class’s trip to Spain — and shouldn’t still be dreaming of someday working in a real kitchen. But even with all the rules she has for her life — and all the rules everyone expects her to play by — once Emoni starts cooking, her only real choice is to let her talent break free.
I adored Elizabeth Acevedo’s debut novel, The Poet X, so I was very excited to read her next book. I listened to her first book via audiobook, and fell in love with the author’s narration. I chose to listen to Fire on High via audiobook as well. I loved this one just as much as her first! Elizabeth Acevedo has a beautiful way with words & I adore her characters & plotlines. I typically stray away from YA contemporary, but I’ll read anything Acevedo writes!
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: With the Fire On High
» The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Recommended by “Dear Abby”, The New York Times and The Washington Post, for three decades, millions of parents and educators have turned to Jim Trelease’s beloved classic to help countless children become avid readers through awakening their imaginations and improving their language skills. Now this new edition of The Read-Aloud Handbook imparts the benefits, rewards, and importance of reading aloud to children of a new generation. Supported by delightful anecdotes as well as the latest research, The Read-Aloud Handbook offers proven techniques and strategies—and the reasoning behind them—for helping children discover the pleasures of reading and setting them on the road to becoming lifelong readers.
The Read-Aloud Family is about the the reasoning and the research/evidence behind why you should be reading aloud with your children. Since childhood literacy is a passion of mine, this book was absolutely fascinating! This book should be read by all parents, educators, and librarians!
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Read-Aloud Handbook
» Red Sister (Book of the Ancestor #1) by Mark Lawrence
I was born for killing – the gods made me to ruin.
At the Convent of Sweet Mercy young girls are raised to be killers. In a few the old bloods show, gifting talents rarely seen since the tribes beached their ships on Abeth. Sweet Mercy hones its novices’ skills to deadly effect: it takes ten years to educate a Red Sister in the ways of blade and fist.
But even the mistresses of sword and shadow don’t truly understand what they have purchased when Nona Grey is brought to their halls as a bloodstained child of eight, falsely accused of murder: guilty of worse.
Stolen from the shadow of the noose, Nona is sought by powerful enemies, and for good reason. Despite the security and isolation of the convent her secret and violent past will find her out. Beneath a dying sun that shines upon a crumbling empire, Nona Grey must come to terms with her demons and learn to become a deadly assassin if she is to survive…
From the very first line, I was completely captivated by Red Sister. The characters are complex. The world is well developed and fascinating. The plot was fast paced, action-packed, and an adventure from start to finish. This book has everything I love in my fantasy books: bad ass leading lady, action, magic abilities, school/training setting, political drama, and an emphasis on friendships.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Red Sister
» A Game of Thrones (A Song of Fire and Ice #1) by George R.R. Martin
Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.
A GAME OF THRONES
Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister and supernatural forces are massing beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the land they were born to. Sweeping from a land of brutal cold to a distant summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, here is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who come together in a time of grim omens.
Here an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal; a tribe of fierce wildlings carry men off into madness; a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne; and a determined woman undertakes the most treacherous of journeys. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, the fate of the Starks, their allies, and their enemies hangs perilously in the balance, as each endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.
Game of Thrones is full of action, adventure, humor, political intrigue, plot twists, and lots of death. I was completely engrossed in this book from start to finish. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in this series!
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: A Game of Thrones
» The Library Book by Susan Orlean
On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?
Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.
In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.
Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.
Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep research, The Library Book is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books—and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.
The Library Book is an ode to libraries, and how they are such an important staple in a community.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Library Book
» The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Unpredictable. Unforgiving. Untamed.
For a family in crisis, the ultimate test of survival.
Ernt Allbright, a former POW, comes home from the Vietnam war a changed and volatile man. When he loses yet another job, he makes an impulsive decision: he will move his family north, to Alaska, where they will live off the grid in America’s last true frontier.
Thirteen-year-old Leni, a girl coming of age in a tumultuous time, caught in the riptide of her parents’ passionate, stormy relationship, dares to hope that a new land will lead to a better future for her family. She is desperate for a place to belong. Her mother, Cora, will do anything and go anywhere for the man she loves, even if it means following him into the unknown.
At first, Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers. In a wild, remote corner of the state, they find a fiercely independent community of strong men and even stronger women. The long, sunlit days and the generosity of the locals make up for the Allbrights’ lack of preparation and dwindling resources.
But as winter approaches and darkness descends on Alaska, Ernt’s fragile mental state deteriorates and the family begins to fracture. Soon the perils outside pale in comparison to threats from within. In their small cabin, covered in snow, blanketed in eighteen hours of night, Leni and her mother learn the terrible truth: they are on their own. In the wild, there is no one to save them but themselves.
In this unforgettable portrait of human frailty and resilience, Kristin Hannah reveals the indomitable character of the modern American pioneer and the spirit of a vanishing Alaska―a place of incomparable beauty and danger. The Great Alone is a daring, beautiful, stay-up-all-night story about love and loss, the fight for survival, and the wildness that lives in both man and nature
This book was a roller coaster of emotion & heavy topics. Themes included in The Great Alone include survival, coming of age, PTSD, domestic violence, family, & resilience.
You can read my mini review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Great Alone
» The Dragon Republic (The Poppy War #2) by R.F. Kuang
The searing follow-up to 2018’s most celebrated fantasy debut – THE POPPY WAR.
In the aftermath of the Third Poppy War, shaman and warrior Rin is on the run: haunted by the atrocity she committed to end the war, addicted to opium, and hiding from the murderous commands of her vengeful god, the fiery Phoenix. Her only reason for living is to get revenge on the traitorous Empress who sold out Nikan to their enemies.
With no other options, Rin joins forces with the powerful Dragon Warlord, who has a plan to conquer Nikan, unseat the Empress, and create a new Republic. Rin throws herself into his war. After all, making war is all she knows how to do.
But the Empress is a more powerful foe than she appears, and the Dragon Warlord’s motivations are not as democratic as they seem. The more Rin learns, the more she fears her love for Nikan will drive her away from every ally and lead her to rely more and more on the Phoenix’s deadly power. Because there is nothing she won’t sacrifice for her country and her vengeance.
The sequel to R.F. Kuang’s acclaimed debut THE POPPY WAR, THE DRAGON REPUBLIC combines the history of 20th-century China with a gripping world of gods and monsters, to devastating effect.
I’m happy to report that there was no second book syndrome for this epic series! The Dragon Republic was an excellent follow up to The Poppy War.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: The Dragon Republic
» Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga
I am learning how to be
at the same time.
Jude never thought she’d be leaving her beloved older brother and father behind, all the way across the ocean in Syria. But when things in her hometown start becoming volatile, Jude and her mother are sent to live in Cincinnati with relatives.
At first, everything in America seems too fast and too loud. The American movies that Jude has always loved haven’t quite prepared her for starting school in the US—and her new label of “Middle Eastern,” an identity she’s never known before. But this life also brings unexpected surprises—there are new friends, a whole new family, and a school musical that Jude might just try out for. Maybe America, too, is a place where Jude can be seen as she really is.
This is such an important middle grade book because it deals with a refugee experience with mild tones of Islamophobia. Warga handles these topics with care & authenticity
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Other Words for Home
» Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
An Amazon Best Book of the Month! A captivating and powerful exploration of the opioid crisis—the deadliest drug epidemic in American history—through the eyes of a college-bound softball star. Edgar Award-winning author Mindy McGinnis delivers a visceral and necessary novel about addiction, family, friendship, and hope.
When a car crash sidelines Mickey just before softball season, she has to find a way to hold on to her spot as the catcher for a team expected to make a historic tournament run. Behind the plate is the only place she’s ever felt comfortable, and the painkillers she’s been prescribed can help her get there.
The pills do more than take away pain; they make her feel good.
With a new circle of friends—fellow injured athletes, others with just time to kill—Mickey finds peaceful acceptance, and people with whom words come easily, even if it is just the pills loosening her tongue.
But as the pressure to be Mickey Catalan heightens, her need increases, and it becomes less about pain and more about want, something that could send her spiraling out of control.
This book is one the best portrayals of drug addiction that I’ve ever read. It was raw, gritty, and deeply unsettling.
You can read my mini book review here ⇒ Mini Book Review: Heroine
» The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
In the early 1900s, a young woman embarks on a fantastical journey of self-discovery after finding a mysterious book in this captivating and lyrical debut.
In a sprawling mansion filled with peculiar treasures, January Scaller is a curiosity herself. As the ward of the wealthy Mr. Locke, she feels little different from the artifacts that decorate the halls: carefully maintained, largely ignored, and utterly out of place.
Then she finds a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure and danger. Each page turn reveals impossible truths about the world and January discovers a story increasingly entwined with her own.
Lush and richly imagined, a tale of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the enduring power of stories awaits in Alix E. Harrow’s spellbinding debut–step inside and discover its magic.
I adored this heartwarming story of love, grief, and perseverance.
» Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different – math is hard, getting along with friends is hard…Even finding a partner for the class project is a big problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure’s on even more once the school newspaper’s dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. Jensen’s always played the middle school game one level at a time, but suddenly, someone’s cranked up the difficulty setting. Will those daring daydreams of his finally work in his favor, or will he have to find real solutions to his real life problems?
The charming world of Berrybrook Middle School gets a little bigger in this highly anticipated follow up to Svetlana Chmakova’s award winning Awkward with a story about a boy who learns his own way of being Brave!
LOVED this graphic novel from the illustrations to the story. A wonderful depiction of the struggles of middle school.
» Emily of New Moon (Emily #1), Emily Climbs (Emily #2), &
Emily’s Quest (Emily #3) by L.M. Montgomery
Emily Starr never knew what it was to be lonely — until her beloved father died. Now Emily’s an orphan, and her mother’s snobbish relatives are taking her to live with them at New Moon Farm. She’s sure she won’t be happy. Emily deals with stiff, stern Aunt Elizabeth and her malicious classmates by holding her head high and using her quick wit. Things begin to change when she makes friends: with Teddy, who does marvelous drawings; with Perry, who’s sailed all over the world with his father yet has never been to school; and above all, with Ilse, a tomboy with a blazing temper. Amazingly, Emily finds New Moon beautiful and fascinating. With new friends and adventures, Emily might someday think of herself as Emily of New Moon.
If you enjoyed Anne of Green Gables, you’ll enjoy this series too!
» Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover was 17 the first time she set foot in a classroom. Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, she prepared for the end of the world by stockpiling home-canned peaches and sleeping with her “head-for-the-hills bag”. In the summer she stewed herbs for her mother, a midwife and healer, and in the winter she salvaged in her father’s junkyard.
Her father forbade hospitals, so Tara never saw a doctor or nurse. Gashes and concussions, even burns from explosions, were all treated at home with herbalism. The family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent.
Then, lacking any formal education, Tara began to educate herself. She taught herself enough mathematics and grammar to be admitted to Brigham Young University, where she studied history, learning for the first time about important world events like the Holocaust and the civil rights movement. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.
Educated is an account of the struggle for self-invention. It is a tale of fierce family loyalty and of the grief that comes with severing the closest of ties. With the acute insight that distinguishes all great writers, Westover has crafted a universal coming-of-age story that gets to the heart of what an education is and what it offers: the perspective to see one’s life through new eyes and the will to change it.
This memoir was absolutely heartbreaking & horrifying. Educated makes for a perfect book club selection.
» All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney
Allie Abraham has it all going for her—she’s a straight-A student, with good friends and a close-knit family, and she’s dating cute, popular, and sweet Wells Henderson. One problem: Wells’s father is Jack Henderson, America’s most famous conservative shock jock…and Allie hasn’t told Wells that her family is Muslim. It’s not like Allie’s religion is a secret, exactly. It’s just that her parents don’t practice and raised her to keep her Islamic heritage to herself. But as Allie witnesses ever-growing Islamophobia in her small town and across the nation, she begins to embrace her faith—studying it, practicing it, and facing hatred and misunderstanding for it. Who is Allie, if she sheds the façade of the “perfect” all-American girl? What does it mean to be a “Good Muslim?” And can a Muslim girl in America ever truly fit in?
ALL-AMERICAN MUSLIM GIRL is a relevant, relatable story of being caught between two worlds, and the struggles and hard-won joys of finding your place.
This was a beautiful coming-of-age story about a girl that is struggling with her identity and feels the need to hide her true self. I loved the growth of the main character, Allie, from start to finish. I also think this book does a beautiful job of laying out what Islam is, and what it isn’t.
Did you read any of the books on my list? If so, what did you think?
What are some of your favorite books of 2019?
Comment below & let me know 🙂

domain: literature


text:
Study on heat and mass transfer characteristics of humid air-flow in a fin bundle
- Kim Dong-Hwi, Koyama Shigeru, Kuwahara Ken, Kwon Jeong-Tae, Park Byung-Duck
- International Journal Of Refrigeration SCI(E) SCOPUS
- Elsevier in 2010
- Cited Count
This paper deals with the heat and mass transfer characteristics of humid air-flow under frosting conditions. A slit fin bundle was used for the simulation of fins of a heat exchanger. The effects of the cooling block temperature, air humidity and air velocity on the frosting characteristics were experimentally investigated. The frosted mass was affected considerably by the cooling block temperature and air humidity. However, the effect of air velocity on it was not so large. The pressure drop was affected remarkably by all experimental parameters in this study. Local heat flux distribution and frost thickness distribution on each fin were predicted from the measured fin temperatures and the mass and energy conservation equations on the frost surface and inside the frost layer.
1.ASHRAE Refrigeration Handbook (SI). Chapter 8, 1998. .
2.Study of frost properties correlating with frost formation types. J. Heat. Tran.. Vol. 99. 239245(1977) Hayashi Y. et al.
3.Frost growth around a cylinder in a wet air stream(1996) Ismail K.A.R et al. International Journal Of RefrigerationMechanical Engineering cited 14 times
4.Frost formation with varying environmental parameters. J Heat Tran. Vol. 97. 255259(1975) Jones B.W. et al.
5.Koyama, S., Kwon, J.T., Kim, D.H., Kondou, C., 2004. An experimental study on the frosting of laminar humid airflow along a flat aluminum plate. In: JSRAE Conference. A317. .
6.Koyama, S., Kwon, J.T., Kim, D.H., Kondou, C., 2005. An experimental study on frosting of laminar air flow in a small rectangular duct: Part 2. Frost thickness distributions. In: The Sixth KSME–JSME Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference. EE07. .
7.Kwon, J.T., Koyama, S., Kim, D.H., Kondou, C., 2005. An experimental study on frosting of laminar air flow in a small rectangular duct: Part 1. In: Heat and Mass Transfer Characteristics, The Sixth KSME–JSME Thermal and Fluids Engineering Conference. EE06. .
8.An experimental study on frosting of laminar air flow on a cold surface with local cooling. Int. J. Refrigeration. Vol. 29. 754760(2006) Kwon J.T. et al.
9.Heat and mass transfer of parallel plate heat exchanger under frosting condition. SAREK J.. Vol. 6. 155165(1994) Lee K.S. et al.


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Naikoon Provincial Park/Haida Gwaii
See the Canucks in action with a package that include tickets, hotel room, parking & breakfast.
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Book tickets online & save 10%! Experience Whistler's Aboriginal heritage at this world-class attraction.
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Starting at $525 per person for 4 or more people, bring the next person free!
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domain: travel


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A new study from The University of Toledo suggests early exposure to a common class of insecticides called pyrethroids may increase the risk of autism and other developmental disorders, even at levels currently recognized as safe by federal regulators.
The findings, which come from a study of mice, were published today in the peer-reviewed journal PNAS Nexus.
Pyrethroids are some of the most widely used insecticides in the country, appearing in both consumer products and industrial preparations.
“If you have someone who comes and sprays in your house, this is likely what they’re spraying. It’s used in landscaping, it’s what they fog in the streets for mosquitos. It’s everywhere,” said Dr. James Burkett, an assistant professor of neuroscience in the UToledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences and the paper’s corresponding author. “Our study, however, adds to the evidence that these chemicals might not be as safe for children and pregnant women as we once believed.”
Interest in a possible link between autism and pyrethroids has grown after several epidemiological studies documented higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders in areas where the pesticides were used.
The new UToledo-led research sought to build on those population-based studies by analyzing the specific behavioral changes attributable to low-level exposure to pyrethroids.
Working with a team that included scientists from Columbia, Emory, and the University of Southern California, Burkett examined the offspring of female mice who were exposed to small doses of the pyrethroid insecticide deltamethrin before, during and immediately after pregnancy.
The researchers found those mice exhibited increased hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, less vocalization, and were more likely to fail basic learning tests compared to controls.
The young mice also experienced disruptions in their dopamine system.
“These are all similar to symptoms human patients with neurodevelopmental disorders might have,” Burkett said. “We are not saying these mice have autism or that they have ADHD. That’s not the goal here. What we are saying is that something in their brain has been altered by this exposure and it’s resulting in the same kinds of behaviors that we see in children with autism.”
Dr. Gary Miller, vice dean for research strategy and innovation at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and a co-author on the study, said the research builds on prior efforts to identify other potentially harmful pest control chemicals.
“We have reduced our exposures to many classes of dangerous pesticides over the past few decades through restrictions and regulations.” Miller said. “This study adds to a growing body of literature that the widely used pyrethroids are not without adverse effects and should be further evaluated for their safety.”
The prevalence of autism in the United States has risen significantly over the past two decades, rising from one in 150 children in 2000 to one in 44 children in 2018, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some of that increase is being driven by more awareness of autism spectrum disorder and better diagnostic processes. However, scientists still don’t know what causes most cases of autism.
“Research has traditionally focused on genetics, but it’s come to be appreciated there’s also a significant environmental element,” Burkett said. “Unfortunately, those factors are very poorly understood. That’s why this kind of research is so important. You can’t change someone’s genetics, but you can address environment factors.”
Pyrethroids are not the only class of pesticides that have been linked to autism, and scientists generally agree that development of the condition requires more than one single trigger.
“This research represents a piece of the puzzle. It is not definitive proof that the pesticide is unsafe or directly causing autism in humans,” Burkett said. “It may, however, suggest that the safe level of the pesticide needs to be revisited for pregnant women and children.”


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The designer wore a knotted silk dress from her S/S 11 collection
to cheer on Simon Fuller as he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Although Beckham showed the dress (well, a similar version in vivid purple parachute silk) on a definitely not-pregnant model in September, its loose cut and eye-guiding drapery fell softly around her maternity curves.
, who will give birth to her fourth child in July, wore the dress with a nude pair of her favourite Louboutin
platforms and a bone leather handbag from her line.
Fuller managed The Spice Girls and founded American Idol. At the starry unveiling, the maestro addressed a crowd that also included Jennifer Lopez
and Carrie Underwood.
Whenever I see that star, I won't see my name, I'll see all names of the people I've worked with and all those amazing artists and people that have helped me achieve this stuff, Fuller said.
Check out Victoria's style file here...
See all the stars making maternity wear cool...

domain: design


text:
Needlepoint Designs After Illustrations by Beatrix Potter: Charted for Easy Use (Dover needlework series) Paperback – June 1, 1976
Paperback booklet with needlepoint designs - they could also be adapted for cross stitch. It is in very good used condition with no damages other than some cover wear.
From the Publisher:
Diagrams and instructions for 24 designs, with color photographs of finished projects. Designs include: Mrs. Rabbit and her children, Mrs. Rabbit with basket, Mrs. Rabbit and Peter, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail, Peter in the garden, Peter Rabbit, Peter ill in bed, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-tail eating bread, milk and blackberries, Little Benjamin.
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