MSI Press Blog

  Today, February 28, 2025,* marks Rare Disease Day, an international observance dedicated to raising awareness about rare diseases and their impact on patients' lives. Among these conditions is CHARGE Syndrome, a complex genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 births worldwide. The acronym CHARGE stands for Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia choanae, Restricted growth and development, Genital abnormalities, and Ear abnormalities - reflecting the multiple systems affected by this condition. What makes this Rare Disease Day particularly noteworthy is the ongoing contribution of Shenan Leaver, believed to be the oldest living person with CHARGE Syndrome in the world. Despite facing numerous medical challenges throughout his life, Leaver has defied expectations by not only surviving but thriving as an author. His resilience exemplifies the potential for individuals with rare conditions to lead fulfilling lives when provided with proper support and opportunities. Leaver...

  1948-2021 It is with great sadness that MSI Press notes the death of Carl Leaver, CEO of the Press and typesetter and graphic designer par excellence . Many authors have expressed not only condolences but also a sense of legacy from covers he designed that they love.  Here is his obituary: On August 16, 2021, Carl Don Leaver of San Juan Bautista passed into eternal rest. A forester with the US Forest Service in Idaho and Montana, he turned to nature photography while working in the Bitterroot National Forest. His photographs graced national magazine covers and on a weekly basis the local paper of Hamilton, MT, the Ravalli Republican. He later worked on photography projects for the US Army (AFEES) and taught photography at the New York Institute of Technology in Amman, Jordan. His final career change led him to computer graphics and publishing as co-owner of MSI Press LLC; his many typeset books and book covers have helped MSI Press authors win a large number of awards over t...

    1948-2021 It is with great sadness that MSI Press notes the death of Carl Leaver, CEO of the Press and typesetter and graphic designer  par excellence . Many authors have expressed not only condolences but also a sense of legacy from covers he designed that they love.  Here is his obituary: On August 16, 2021, Carl Don Leaver of San Juan Bautista passed into eternal rest. A forester with the US Forest Service in Idaho and Montana, he turned to nature photography while working in the Bitterroot National Forest. His photographs graced national magazine covers and on a weekly basis the local paper of Hamilton, MT, the Ravalli Republican. He later worked on photography projects for the US Army (AFEES) and taught photography at the New York Institute of Technology in Amman, Jordan. His final career change led him to computer graphics and publishing as co-owner of MSI Press LLC; his many typeset books and book covers have helped MSI Press authors win a large number of ...

  April Fool’s Day has been around for centuries, though no one can quite agree on where it began. Some trace it to the 16th‑century switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, when people who still celebrated New Year’s in late March were teased as “April fools.” Others point to spring festivals across cultures—times of playful chaos, role‑reversal, and harmless trickery. However it started, the spirit has stayed the same: one day each year when the world gives you permission to be delightfully ridiculous. In our house, though, April Fool’s Day doesn’t just happen . It is anticipated. It is engineered. It is practically a season. And the reason is simple: my son Shenan. Shenan is a prankster by nature and by name. He even owns a shirt that reads, “If I Shenan once, I’ll shenanigan.” This is not an idle threat. This is a personal mission statement. So it’s no surprise that April Fool’s Day is his favorite holiday. While most people start thinking about jokes on March 31...

  Today's fortune cookie is associated with Mommy Poisoned Our House Guest (Leaver).  Read more about the Shenan Leaver and his book HERE . Currently on sale for $5 at MSI Press webstore .cookie, Mommy Poisoned Our House Guest, Shenan Leaver Sign up for the MSI Press LLC newsletter Follow MSI Press on  Twitter ,  Face Book , and  Instagram .   Interested in publishing with MSI Press LLC? Check out information on  how to submit a proposal . Interested in receiving a free copy of this or any MSI Press LLC book  in exchange for  reviewing  a current or forthcoming MSI Press LLC book? Contact editor@msipress.com. Want an  author-signed copy  of this book? Purchase the book at 25% discount (use coupon code FF25) and concurrently send a written request to orders@msipress.com.  Want to communicate with one of our authors? You can! Find their contact information on our  Authors' Pages .    

  April Fool’s Day has been around for centuries, though no one can quite agree on where it began. Some trace it to the 16th‑century switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, when people who still celebrated New Year’s in late March were teased as “April fools.” Others point to spring festivals across cultures—times of playful chaos, role‑reversal, and harmless trickery. However it started, the spirit has stayed the same: one day each year when the world gives you permission to be delightfully ridiculous. In our house, though, April Fool’s Day doesn’t just  happen . It is anticipated. It is engineered. It is practically a season. And the reason is simple: my son Shenan. Shenan is a prankster by nature and by name. He even owns a shirt that reads,  “If I Shenan once, I’ll shenanigan.”  This is not an idle threat. This is a personal mission statement. So it’s no surprise that April Fool’s Day is his favorite holiday. While most people start thinking about jokes...