United States: President Biden has signed an executive order banning the import of Russian oil and gas. The move is a major escalation of the US economic war on Russia, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the global energy market.

#UnitedStates #Russia

Ukraine: Russia continues its missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing widespread damage and civilian casualties. The city of Odesa was hit by a missile strike on Wednesday, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens more.

#Ukraine #Russia

Good Intentions Collection #5 Mother Country by Etaf Rum

A young Palestinian American woman comes to terms with the lessons imparted by her mother in an evocative story about sacrifice, resilience, and reinvention by the New York Times bestselling author of A Woman Is No Man.
A daughter and mother: two women miles, years, and dreams apart. One defies traditions and expectations. The other conforms to them, even in a new land. Their emotional distance grows while the daughter, now a wife and mother herself, comes to better understand the woman she’s become and why, as she ruminates on inherited trauma, the need to forgive, and the lengths she’ll go to free herself from the past.
Etaf Rum’s Mother Country is part of Good Intentions, a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood from award-winning, bestselling authors. Read or listen to each in a single sitting. #EtafRum

#PDFDownload City of Djinns: A Year in Delhi by William Dalrymple

Sparkling with irrepressible wit, City of Djinns peels back the layers of Delhi's centuries-old history, revealing an extraordinary array of characters along the way—from eunuchs to descendants of great Moguls. With refreshingly open-minded curiosity, William Dalrymple explores the seven "dead" cities of Delhi as well as the eighth city—today's Delhi. Underlying his quest is the legend of the djinns, fire-formed spirits that are said to assure the city's Phoenix-like regeneration no matter how many times it is destroyed. Entertaining, fascinating, and informative, City of Djinns is an irresistible blend of research and adventure. #WilliamDalrymple

#PDFDownload Nimona by N.D. Stevenson

The graphic novel debut from rising star Noelle Stevenson, based on her beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."
Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.
But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit. #NDStevenson

#PDFDownload The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture by Gabor Maté , Daniel Maté

By the acclaimed author of In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, a groundbreaking investigation into the causes of illness, a bracing critique of how our society breeds disease, and a pathway to health and healing.
In this revolutionary book, renowned physician Gabor Maté eloquently dissects how in Western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. Nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. In Canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. In Europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. And everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise. So what is really “normal” when it comes to health? #GaborMaté #DanielMaté

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #8 Sorrow and Starlight by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

All stars must fall.
Bloody, lost, broken. We live to fight another day. But with so much stolen from us, can the fates ever twist in our favour again?
My sister and I have been torn apart by shadows and despair, and now we each stand alone.
Our sorrow is spun like a web, trapping us tight, and I fear our enemies will soon come to feast upon our souls.
But if I have my way, the merciless sky will have dealt us its final fortune. It’s time for us to take back the power that’s been ripped from our grasp and turn the tide of this war.
All stars must fall, and all Phoenixes must rise.
Long live the Savage Queens.
*This will now be book 8 of 9 in the series*
#CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #7 Heartless Sky by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

The winds of fate are shifting, and it finally seems like they’ve been twisted in our favour.
On the run and cast out from society, we’ve been forced to hide from the mad man who stole our throne. But as more secrets come to light and my sister and I work harder than ever before to reach our potential and claim our birth right, the end is finally drawing closer.
There is no turning from this path now. The curse chases on our heels as time rushes by and the blood drenched destiny of the man I love looms ever closer just like the monster who stole our throne.
We must prepare for the final battle, but three things are clear now.
The cards have already been dealt.
Blood will spill for a new future to rise.
And the stars themselves can’t help us.
#CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #6 Fated Throne by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

Fate has torn us apart and sometimes I believe the stars have given up on us altogether.
Without my sister, the world seems darker than ever before and the shadows loom thicker, rising up to answer the call of the Shadow Princess and changing the face of Solaria for good.
Now Lionel Acrux has the strength to make a move for the throne, I’m not sure how much time we have left to stop him.
Our only hope is to find the Imperial Star before he does. We made the sacrifice the stars called for and we’re paying the price for that decision so it can’t be for nothing. But with the stars turning against us at every move, and the last light in the world seeming to fade, I’m afraid we’re almost out of time. Hope is a dangerous thing. It’s the key to us fighting on. But it could be what destroys us in the end.
One thing is for certain, I won’t stop until I have been reunited with my other half and together we will fight to take our crowns.
A war is coming.
The throne is calling for a new monarch. And someone must answer its call. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #5 Cursed Fates by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

After the devastating events at Zodiac Academy, we have to deal with this darker world we're faced with.
Lionel seeks to hurt us, the Nymphs seek to hurt the entire Fae race, and between all of it, we just have to try and survive each day as it comes.
I'm afraid of everything falling apart, but it looks like it already has. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #4 Shadow Princess by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

After the events of the Lunar Eclipse, Tory and Darcy must learn to deal with the darkness which shadows their lives.
With a secret binding them to Darius and Orion, they must find a way to all work together for the greater good. But some things are easier said than done... #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #3 The Reckoning by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

The answer to your question will be revealed on the Lunar Eclipse. But when finding the truth, don't let the shadows take you.
The week of The Reckoning has begun. And senior students have been tasked with making the freshmen's lives pure hell as they prepare to take their fateful assessment.
With the Lunar Eclipse on the horizon, Tory and Darcy have more to worry about than just passing their exams. A dark plot is unfolding and the shadows are drawing closer... #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #2 Ruthless Fae by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

They tried to break us.
They almost did.
But we're not going anywhere.
The Celestial Heirs think the stars are on their side. But they don't know what's coming.
Fighting them one on one isn't an option so we have to be stealthy. Remaining under the radar won't be easy, but if we pull it off, they'll never suspect our involvement when their lives start falling apart.
Besides, they've already taken us to the brink of hell, what more can they really do? #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy 8.5 Beyond The Veil by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

The stars called us.
The Veil closed at our backs.
And now death holds us in its clutches.
We were torn from life before our time, a Savage King, his queen, a betrayed son, a wronged brother, a scorned wife and so many more. We watch those we left behind as they struggle against the grip of the stars, the answers to so many of their questions within our grasp and yet out of their reach.
But what if we could find a way to answer their pleas? What if we could find a way to help them from this side of the divide? And what price would such a thing come at?
***This is a bridging book which takes place beyond The Veil (in the land of the dead) during the events of book 8 in the Zodiac Academy series. It should be read after book 8 to avoid spoilers for that book and holds the answer to what takes place for the characters who are held within the clutches of death by this point in the story, as well as vital clues to the conclusion of this epic series*** #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy 5.6 Seth on the Moon by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

A free online chapter about the best day of Seth's life.
#CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy 5.5 The Big A.S.S. Party by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

Once upon a moon, the wild wind whispered in my ear that the true queens were returning to Solaria and I made it my mission to open up their path to the throne so that they could slip right in like an oily oyster. Now, on this most special and wonderous of days, the very day of their birth – I will prove myself to be the most loyal and dependable of their followers. Though of course, Venus is in my chart and Lady Petunia has caught sight of the bothersome barracuda once more.Max Rigel is my most sinful of temptations, the shark in the dark who wishes to lure me to his sea cave and I don’t know if I’m Fae enough to resist him for long. But one thing is for sure, I will make certain the Vegas get the big A.S.S. party they deserve for their birthday or I’ll die trying. Succulent squids be damned!This is a 25k novella set in the world of Solaria during Book 5 of the Zodiac Academy series, Cursed Fates, featuring Geraldine and Max as they attend the party of the century and try to resist the lure of the moon as it pushes them together once more. It’s full of slippery salmons and more buttery bagels than you can shake a stick at and is best read after Cursed Fates. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy 1.5 The Awakening as Told by the Boys by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

The Vega twins are alive.
Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.
They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.
So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.
I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.
Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.
This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy #1 The Awakening by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

I’m a Gemini. Impulsive. Curious. Headstrong. A twin. Heir to a throne I know nothing about. And it turns out, I’m Fae. But of course there’s a catch - all I have to do to claim my birth right is prove that I’m the most powerful supernatural in the whole of Solaria. And sure, technically that’s true as I’m the daughter of the Savage King. But the bit they didn’t put in the brochure was that every single Fae in this Kingdom would claim my throne if they could. The school they’ve sent me to is both dangerous as sh*t and one helluva party. Vampires bite weaker students in the corridors, the Werewolf pack has orgies in the Wailing Wood at every full moon and don’t even get me started on the dark and twisted ways the Sirens use their powers on people’s emotions, or how my sinfully tempting Cardinal Magic teacher hosts detentions that leave people needing therapy. Classes are totally interesting if you manage to live through them. And that Gemini star sign I mentioned? It now determines my elemental magic and affects my destiny, so learning astrology is essential if I’m going to beat down my classmates – which is actively encouraged by the way. My biggest problem is the drool worthy Dragon shifter who has his eyes on my throne. He and his three psycho friends are determined to make my time here hell. All I’ve got to do is survive. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload Zodiac Academy 0.5 Zodiac Academy: Origins of an Academy Bully by Caroline Peckham , Susanne Valenti

Dark magic is forbidden at Zodiac Academy. That’s why I hide it so well.
But now I’m supposed to mentor Darius the son of the most ruthless Dragon Shifter in Solaria. If he’s caught using blood magic, he’ll lose his claim to the throne.
The problem is? Our families are up to something, and we’re determined to find out what.
No matter what dark power we must turn to…
Welcome to Zodiac Academy, where your star sign defines your destiny. As the Fae of the future, you will soon learn the merciless way to claim your power. Life among the Vampires, Shifters and Sirens is no easy ride, but if you can make it through your exams, you might just be able to harness your inner strength and earn your place among the elite. #CarolinePeckham #SusanneValenti

#PDFDownload learning to love myself by alex aubrey

letting you go
was the beginning of me
learning to love myself

#AlexAubrey

#PDFDownload Beauty and the Greek by Kim Lawrence

Elizabeth worstelt op haar werk dagelijks met de aanwezigheid van twee knappe Griekse broers. Andreas, haar baas, is de man van haar dromen. Theo is de man van haar nachtmerries. De een is blind voor haar liefde voor hem; de ander ziet haar niet als een vrouw, maar als een deel van de inventaris. Dan doet Theo haar een wonderlijk als zij tweeën nu eens doen alsof ze geliefden zijn? Zal Andreas haar liefde dan misschien beantwoorden? Wanneer ze instemt, regelt hij meteen ook een make-over voor haar. Het plan Andreas' bewondering is overduidelijk. Maar om een of andere reden vindt ze het opeens veel belangrijker wat Theo van haar vindt... #KimLawrence

#PDFDownload Pregnant by the Greek Tycoon by Kim Lawrence

All the Greek tycoon wants is...his child.
After a whirlwind marriage to Greek billionaire Angolos Constantine, Georgie was pregnant -- and was sure Angolos would be delighted. Instead, he told her to "go away and never come back." So that was exactly what she did. Angolos has never seen his son -- until now!
In fact, Angolos Constantine didn't think he could have children, and now he's not prepared to let this miracle go. Even though Georgie seems to hate him, he'll have what's rightfully his...by whatever means possible! #KimLawrence

#PDFDownload From Manhattan with Love #2 Sunset in Central Park by Sarah Morgan

In the chaos of New York, true love can be hard to find, even when it's been right under your nose all along…

Love has never been a priority for garden designer Frankie Cole. After witnessing the fallout of her parents' divorce, she's seen the devastation an overload of emotion can cause. The only man she feels comfortable with is her friend Matt—but that's strictly platonic. If only she found it easier to ignore the way he makes her heart race…

Matt Walker has loved Frankie for years but, sensing how fragile she is beneath her feisty exterior, has always played it cool. But then he uncovers new depths to the girl he's known forever and doesn't want to wait a moment longer. He knows Frankie has secrets and has buried them deep, but can Matt persuade her to trust him with her heart and kiss him under the Manhattan sunset? #SarahMorgan

Ethical Fashion Revolution: Can Sustainability and Style Coexist?

The fashion industry, long plagued by issues of sweatshop labor, environmental pollution, and ethical controversies, faces a reckoning. Consumers are increasingly aware of the detrimental impact of fast fashion and are demanding transparency and sustainability from brands. This rising tide of ethical consciousness is paving the way for a fashion revolution, where style intertwines with environmental responsibility and social justice.

At the forefront of this revolution are sustainable fashion brands that prioritize ethical production practices, eco-friendly materials, and fair labor conditions. These brands, often championed by smaller, independent designers, are challenging the status quo and demonstrating that beautiful and fashionable clothing can be produced without compromising on ethical values.

The shift towards ethical fashion is driven by a confluence of factors. Eco-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers are leading the charge, demanding transparency and accountability from clothing manufacturers. Documentaries and exposés highlighting the dark underbelly of fast fashion have further fueled public awareness and outrage. This increased scrutiny has forced both established brands and consumers to re-evaluate their relationship with fashion, prioritizing quality over quantity and sustainability over fleeting trends.

The road towards a fully ethical fashion landscape remains long and challenging. Greenwashing tactics persist, and affordable, sustainable alternatives are not yet universally accessible. However, the progress made is undeniable. Sustainable materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester are gaining traction, innovative technologies are helping minimize water and energy consumption in production, and fair trade initiatives are empowering workers in developing countries.

Consumers play a crucial role in accelerating this positive transformation. #Fashion

Japan Quake Aftermath: Resilience and Rebuilding in Face of Tragedy

The recent earthquake in Japan, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Coastal cities bore the brunt of the destruction, with towering waves crashing into homes and sweeping debris inland. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the resilience and spirit of the Japanese people are already on display as they begin the long process of rebuilding and recovery.

The immediate aftermath of the earthquake saw an outpouring of support from within Japan and across the globe. Rescue teams work tirelessly to locate survivors trapped under rubble, while emergency services provide medical aid and basic necessities to those affected. The Japanese government has mobilized resources to expedite rescue efforts and coordinate relief activities.

Despite the immense challenges, Japan's history of experiencing and overcoming natural disasters has imbued its people with a profound sense of resilience. Communities come together, offering shelter, sharing food and water, and providing emotional support to one another. Volunteer groups emerge, dedicating their time and skills to clearing debris and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.

The journey towards recovery will be long and arduous. Infrastructure needs repair, damaged homes must be rebuilt, and livelihoods need to be restored. The economic impact of the quake is significant, with businesses facing losses and disruptions to vital supply chains. However, Japan's commitment to innovation and technological advancement plays a crucial role in enabling faster and more efficient reconstruction efforts.

The earthquake also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness. Robust early warning systems, strong building codes, and regular public education programs are essential to minimize damage and loss of life during future seismic events.

Retiring the Boomers: US House Battle Heats Up as Generation X Prepares to Take Charge (US Politics) - Mass political retirements pave the way for new faces and potentially significant shifts in American political landscape. #US

#PDF_Download Rapport: The Four Ways to Read People by Laurence Alison , Emily Alison

Get what you want from even the most difficult characters

All of us have to deal with difficult people. Whether we’re asking our neighbour to move a fence or our boss for a pay rise, we can struggle to avoid arguments and get what we want.

Laurence and Emily Alison are world leaders in forensic psychology, and they specialise in the most difficult interactions imaginable: criminal interrogations. They advise and train the police, security agencies, the FBI and the CIA on how to deal with extremely dangerous suspects when the stakes are high. #LaurenceAlison #EmilyAlison

One Year of Trump's Praise for Authoritarians: As Donald Trump gears up for another run for president, a new report details his one-year history of praising authoritarians around the world. The report, from The New York Times, found that Trump has made positive comments about leaders such as Vladimir Putin of Russia, Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil. #Trump #US

Hopes for Quick Passage of Ukraine Aid Bill Dim as Border Talks Drag On: Hopes for a quick passage of a new aid package for Ukraine are dimming as talks between congressional Democrats and Republicans over border security drag on. The $45 billion aid package is seen as critical for helping Ukraine continue its fight against Russia. #Russia #Ukraine

Biden Administration Proposes New Steps to Preserve Old-Growth Forests: The Biden administration is proposing a new plan to protect old-growth forests across the United States. The plan would create new safeguards for these ancient trees, which play a critical role in storing carbon and filtering air and water. Critics of the plan argue that it could hurt logging and other industries. #Biden #US