MSI Press Blog

  Minsk Minsk in the early 1990s felt like a place suspended between two eras. The Soviet Union had technically dissolved, but the city still looked and functioned like the USSR. Wide, monumental avenues built after the city’s near-total destruction in WWII had little traffic. It would take some time before cars became a “thing.”   Concrete apartment blocks with identical stairwells and the faint smell of boiled cabbage dominated the city landscape. Trolleybuses and trams rattled but ran on time. Kiosks continued to sell cigarettes, newspapers, and necessities, but collapsing supply chains often meant that shelves were empty. People lined up in long queues outside shops, even when no one was sure what was being sold. A sense of order without resources, structure without certainty pervaded. People were polite but cautious; the habits of Soviet public life didn’t vanish overnight. Television was full of debates, new political parties, and the shock of Western advertising. ...

  Today's Publisher's Pride is  Mental Health Mayday,  by Gregg Bagdade, which reached #141 on Amazon's bestseller list for psychology education and training and #251 for safety and first aid. Reviewer:  "saved my life" Book description: From their swearing-in all to the way until retirement, even the most hardened firefighters can be affected by mental health concerns. A fascinating look behind the scenes of the career of a firefighter, this book explores the why and explains the how to better prepare these individuals for a healthy and productive career and life, based on the author's personal experience as a counselor, who also has 27 years as a firefighter and paramedic. Firefighters can learn how to acknowledge their mental health issues, such as PTSD, addiction, or anger issues while developing strategies to address these concerns with techniques and solutions throughout their career. This powerful book is part memoir and part call to action. Through the...

  Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from  365 Teacher Secrets for Parents  by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly. #46 Other Problems   Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict. ~William Ellery Channing   There are various reasons why some children struggle in school, but not all of the reasons are related to academics.             Situations and problems at home can greatly affect your child’s academic success. A sensitive child may not be able to focus or concentrate because of a change in family structure such as separation or divorce, a death of a loved one, or even feelings of guilt due to harsh words exchanged.             Your family’s life is personal, as it should be. However, if there is a serious situation occurring at home that you feel is or could be affecting y...