# family stories (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 7 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover family stories. Page: Feed: --- ## [When Inclusion Gets Hard, We Cannot Walk Away From It](https://encirclefamilies.org/when-inclusion-gets-hard-we-cannot-walk-away-from-it/) _2026-08-25 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Recent federal actions are raising important questions about the future of disability rights and community inclusion. Encircle Families Executive Director Christopher Tiffany looks at what these changes could mean for families and why imperfect systems should be improved, not abandoned. ## [ध्रुव तारे की प्रेरक कथा | Dhruv Story of Determination & Faith](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/08/dhruv-story-of-determination-faith.html) _2026-08-23 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ ध्रुव तारे की प्रेरक कथा बहुत पुरानी बात है। प्राचीन काल में महाराज स्वायंभुव मनु के पुत्र राजा उत्तानपाद का राज्य दूर-दूर तक प्रसिद्ध था। उनके दो विवाह हुए थे। पहली रानी सुनीति थीं, जो गुणवान, धर्मपरायण और विनम्र थीं। दूसरी रानी सुरुचि थीं, जिन्हें राजा का विशेष स्नेह प्राप्त था। राजा उत्तानपाद को सुनीति से ध्रुव नामक पुत्र और सुरुचि से उत्तम नामक पुत्र उत्पन्न हुए। राजा का अधिक प्रेम सुरुचि और… ## [Becky O Donohue A Remarkable Journey From Basketball Courts to Television and Beyond](https://newsprnt.com/becky-o-donohue/) _2026-08-19 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Basic Information Category Details Full name Rebecca Marie “Becky” O’Donohue Date of birth July 13, 1980 Birthplace Dobbs… ## [The Quiet and Fascinating Family Story of Sally Ledger Bell](https://newsprnt.com/sally-ledger-bell/) _2026-08-19 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Sally Ledger Bell Basic Information Detail Information Full name Sally Louise Bell Maiden name Sally Louise Ramshaw Former… ## [Bertye Kathleen Bates A Southern Homemaker and the Family Behind Kathy Bates](https://newsprnt.com/bertye-kathleen-bates/) _2026-08-19 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Bertye Kathleen Bates Basic Information Detail Information Full name Bertye Kathleen Bates Birth name Bertye Kathleen Talbert Born… ## [(untitled)](https://encirclefamilies.org/16444-2/) _2026-08-18 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Leaving pediatric care can expose a new set of challenges for young adults with autism and I/DD. A new Arizona-based white paper examines the healthcare "care cliff," why families are often left filling the gaps and what could make adult healthcare work better. ## [Kash Dami The Melodic Underground Rapper Shaping the Pluggnb Sound](https://newsprnt.com/kash-dami/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Basic Information Category Details Full Name David Wallace III Professional Name KA$HDAMI Also Known As Kash Dami, Dami,… ## [The Fascinating Family Story of Hailey Marshall and Her Life Beyond Eminem](https://newsprnt.com/hailey-marshall/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Basic Information Detail Information Full name Hailie Jade Scott Mathers Public name Hailie Jade Name used in this… ## [The Quiet Artistic Life of Kelly A. Wolfe and Her Family Circle](https://newsprnt.com/kelly-a-wolfe/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Kelly A. Wolfe and the Choice of a Quieter Life I like Kelly A. Wolfe because her tale… ## [David Adedeji Adeleke Jr. and the Tender Family Story Behind a Short Life and Lasting Legacy](https://newsprnt.com/david-adedeji-adeleke-jr/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ The Early Life of David Adedeji Adeleke Jr. When I look at the brief life of David Adedeji… ## [Try Before You Buy, Risk-Free (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1Ytf7IDt6mdt) _2026-08-18 · **Sponsored**_ Free trial hosting plus refunds processed in 12-24 hours, guaranteed. ## [The Private Family Story of Charlotte Harmon Eggar and Her Connection to Demi Moore](https://newsprnt.com/charlotte-harmon-eggar/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Who Is Charlotte Harmon Eggar Charlotte Harmon Eggar is a private American woman most known for her relationship… ## [The Quiet Service and Family Story of Zachariah Emanuel](https://newsprnt.com/zachariah-emanuel/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ Zachariah Emanuel, often called Zach or Zack, occupies an unusual place in a very public American family. His… ## [Aaron D Spears and the Creative Family Story Behind His Acting Poetry and Production Career](https://newsprnt.com/aaron-d-spears/) _2026-08-18 · Wyatt Mercer · Newsprint_ The Washington DC Roots of Aaron D Spears When I look at the life and career of Aaron… ## [Arizona Audit Puts Parents as Paid Caregivers Program in the Spotlight](https://encirclefamilies.org/arizona-audit-puts-parents-as-paid-caregivers-program-in-the-spotlight/) _2026-08-17 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ A new state audit raises concerns about AZ's implementation and oversight of the Parents as Paid Caregivers program. Here's what the findings mean for families who depend on parent-provided care. ## [सोना और चाँदी पहनने का प्राचीन रहस्य | Energy balance with jewelry](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/08/energy-balance-with-jewelry.html) _2026-08-16 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ हमारे पुराने समय के ऋषि-मुनियों और वैदिक ज्ञान में शरीर और गहनों के बीच गहरा संबंध माना गया है। उनके अनुसार स्त्री के शरीर में सन्तान पैदा करने की शक्ति को सही बनाए रखने के लिए ऊर्जा और ठंडक का संतुलन जरूरी होता है। इसी संतुलन को बनाए रखने के लिए सोना और चाँदी के आभूषणों का सही जगह पर पहनना बताया गया। सिर में सोना : सिर में सोना पहनने से शरीर में गर्म ऊर्जा (ऊष्मा) पैदा होती है, जिससे दिमाग सक्रिय… ## [What Happens When States End Subminimum Wage for Workers With Disabilities?](https://encirclefamilies.org/what-happens-when-states-end-subminimum-wage-for-workers-with-disabilities/) _2026-08-13 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ For decades, federal law has allowed some employers to pay workers with disabilities less than the minimum wage. As more states move away from this practice, researchers are beginning to get a clearer picture of what happens to workers when subminimum wage employment ends. A recent Disability Scoop article examines new research on states that have eliminated subminimum wage employment and what… ## [पैरों के तलवों में तेल लगाने के फायदे | Foot Massage Benefits for Health](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/08/foot-massage-benefits-for-health.html) _2026-08-09 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ बहुत पुरानी बात है। मेरे दादा जी हमेशा कहा करते थे “बेटा, शरीर कितना भी बड़ा हो जाए, असली जड़ तो पैरों में ही है। पेड़ की जड़ सूख जाए तो कितना भी हरा पेड़ हो, सूख ही जाता है।” यही बात उन्होंने मुझे समझाई थी । पैरों के तलवों में तेल लगाना कभी मत छोड़ना। मैंने यह बात पहले कभी गंभीरता से नहीं ली थी। लेकिन एक बार कलकत्ता में मेरे दादा जी को एक बूढ़े मजदूर ने यह राज बताया था , वही मजदूर जो रेलवे लाइन… ## [When Parents and Children Share a Diagnosis: Finding Strength Through Understanding](https://encirclefamilies.org/when-parents-and-children-share-a-diagnosis-finding-strength-through-understanding/) _2026-08-05 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Receiving a diagnosis such as ADHD or a learning disability can answer many questions for a family. Sometimes, it also leads to an unexpected realization: a parent may recognize many of the same characteristics in themselves. Research has shown that ADHD has a strong genetic component, which means it often runs in families. As awareness has grown, many adults are being diagnosed later in life… ## [Congress Takes New Step in Debate Over Special Education Oversight](https://encirclefamilies.org/congress-takes-new-step-in-debate-over-special-education-oversight/) _2026-08-05 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Over the past several months, many families have followed news about changes to the U.S. Department of Education, including the transfer of some special education responsibilities to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Now, Congress has taken a new step in that ongoing conversation. In late July, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee considered two… ## [दुःख को जाने दो और जीवन में हल्कापन लाएं | Let Go & Live Happy ( Dada J.P. Vaswani )](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/08/let-go-live-happy-dada-jp-vaswani.html) _2026-08-01 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ हंसी- एक अचूक औषधि- एक व्यक्ति ने अपना सर्वस्व एक अस्पताल को दान कर दिया। उसने अपने पास केवल एक एल्बम रख लिया। बाज़ार में तो उसकी कीमत कुछ भी नहीं थी, क्योंकि उसमें किन्हीं महान हस्तियों के चित्र नहीं थे। उस एल्बम में दुनिया भर के समाचार पत्रों और पत्रिकाओं से एकत्रित हंसते हुए पात्रों की हास्यात्मक तस्वीरों का संग्रह था। वह इस एल्बम को पीड़ा से कराहते हुए लोगों को जब दिखाता तो वे अपना दर्द: भूल… ## [Meet Claude, the AI assistant (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/YlVHqBJe5kkA) _2026-08-01 · **Sponsored**_ Conversational AI to answer questions, brainstorm ideas, and help with tasks. ## [Kim (1901) – by Rudyard Kipling](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/07/28/kim-1901-by-rudyard-kipling/) _2026-07-28 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book review by George Simmers: This month at the Reading Group, we have looked at the novel reviews in Sheffield newspapers. I found the review of Kim in the Sheffield Independent in October 1901, and was intrigued by it. (a copy of the review is appended at the end of this post.) Kim is a … Continue reading → ## [National Disability Independence Day: Celebrating Progress, Opportunity and Inclusion](https://encirclefamilies.org/national-disability-independence-day-celebrating-progress-opportunity-and-inclusion/) _2026-07-27 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Every year on July 26, National Disability Independence Day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. This landmark civil rights law helped open doors by prohibiting discrimination based on disability and expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to participate more fully in their schools, workplaces and communities. More than three decades later,… ## [सास की चतुराई और प्यार से बहुओं में सामंजस्य | Smart Saas Tips for Happy Family](https://www.saralvichar.in/2024/05/sarthak-jeevan-meaningful-life-saral.html) _2026-07-26 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ सास ने बहुओं के कान भरे और बाहर बुराई भी की, फिर भी अपना और परिवार का जीवन खुशहाल बना लिया। आखिर कैसे और क्यों हुआ यह उल्टा प्रभाव...? चमकी काकी के दोनों बेटों ने प्रेम विवाह किया। उन्हें मां की तरफ से एक अच्छे-खासे हंगामें और विरोध की आशंका थी, लेकिन उसके विपरित काकी ने एक सौ एक रुपए देकर दोनों बहूओं को प्यार से स्वीकार कर लिया था। बहू-बेटे सब कामकाजी थे। काकी जानती थी, जमाना बदल रहा है और… ## [One Commonwealth, Many Families: the Games & an Exhibition in Glasgow](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/07/one-commonwealth-many-families-games.html) _2026-07-25 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ This afternoon I spent some time visiting an exhibition that's in Glasgow for the two weeks of the Commonwealth Games which are being held here. It's aptly titled "One Commonwealth, Many Families" and traces the history of the Commonwealth from its roots in the British Empire until today. Alongside that history is a timeline showing the development of records preservation technology. I always feel… ## [Federal Disability Enforcement Continues to Shift: What Families Should Know](https://encirclefamilies.org/federal-disability-enforcement-continues-to-shift/) _2026-07-20 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Recent federal actions have prompted questions about how disability laws may be interpreted and enforced. Here’s what families need to know. Over the past several weeks, the U.S. Department of Justice has taken a series of actions that have drawn attention from disability organizations across the country. While these actions do not change the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of… ## [भाई का काला जादू | BHAI KA KALA JADU | Brothers Black Magic](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/07/bhai-ka-kala-jadu-brothers-black-magic.html) _2026-07-18 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ मेरे घर के आगे रोज कोई नींबू जिसके अंदर शायद सिंदूर लगा रहता था, फेंक कर चला जाता था। मैं इन सारी चीजों को नहीं मानता, और मुझे कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता था। सुबह घर में झाड़ू लगाते वक्त जब बाहर के गेट को खोलकर मेरी पत्नी कूड़ा बाहर कूड़ेदान में डालने जाती है, तो मुख्य द्वार पर ठीक सामने रोज उसे वह नींबू दिखता, जिसे कि वह हाथ भी नहीं लगती। बाद में सड़क के साफ सफाई के वक्त वह वहां से हट जाता है, या किसी… ## [ACTION ALERT: Sign the Petition to Keep IDEA Oversight at the U.S. Department of Education](https://encirclefamilies.org/action-alert-sign-the-petition-to-keep-idea-oversight-at-the-u-s-department-of-education/) _2026-07-14 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ A national coalition of disability organizations has launched a petition asking the Administration and members of Congress to keep the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) within the U.S. Department of Education. OSERS administers programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which helps ensure students with disabilities receive the services and… ## [Education Department Shares New Details About Special Education Transition: What Families Should Know](https://encirclefamilies.org/education-department-shares-new-details-about-special-education-transition-what-families-should-know/) _2026-07-13 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ The federal government has released new details about its plan to move special education oversight to the Department of Health and Human Services. Learn what is changing, what isn't, and why many disability organizations continue to have concerns. ## [इसे जीवन कहें क्या? | The True Mathematics of Life](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/07/true-mathematics-of-life.html) _2026-07-12 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ भौतिक सफलता और अकेलापन... पद, पैसा, प्रतिष्ठा, शोहरत पैरों में लोटती है, फिर भी बिल गेट्स की पत्नी इस उम्र में तलाक क्यों लेती है? हम भ्रम में हैं कि शिक्षा से इंसान समृद्ध होता है, तो उच्च शिक्षितों के माँ-बाप वृद्धाश्रमों में क्यों पाए जाते हैं? कोई डिप्रेशन का शिकार है, वह आत्महत्या कर लेता है। जिसे समझते हैं सेलिब्रिटी, वह एकाकीपन में मरता है। जिसने नाम कमाया, उसे आनंद क्यों नहीं मिलता? क्या… ## [Finding Your Way](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/07/finding-your-way.html) _2026-07-11 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ The Statistical Accounts of Scotland There are plenty of online resources to help you locate and become familiar (or more familiar!) with the places where your ancestors were born, lived, worked, and were laid to rest. I've picked just a few examples and you can find plenty more using GENUKI for the UK and Ireland, or Cyndi's List for pretty much everywhere. The Gazetteer of British Places was… ## [Pirate.io on Google Play (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/EopFjNH4OEnO) _2026-07-11 · **Sponsored**_ Open the Pirate.io listing on Google Play to view the app’s details. ## [Finding Your Way](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/07/finding-your-way.html) _2026-07-11 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ The Statistical Accounts of Scotland There are plenty of online resources to help you locate and become familiar (or more familiar!) with the places where your ancestors were born, lived, worked, and were laid to rest. I've picked just a few examples and you can find plenty more using GENUKI for the UK and Ireland, or Cyndi's List for pretty much everywhere. The Gazetteer of British Places was… ## [What Families Should Know About a National Petition Related to Special Education Oversight](https://encirclefamilies.org/what-families-should-know-about-a-national-petition-related-to-special-education-oversight/) _2026-07-07 · Maureen Mills · Encircle Families_ Recent discussions about the future of federal oversight for special education have prompted disability organizations, parent centers, educators, and advocates across the country to share information with families about a national petition related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The petition follows a proposal to transfer the Office of Special Education and… ## [भोजन, ध्यान और जीवन में संयम | Balance in Life & Mind](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/07/balance-in-life-mind.html) _2026-07-05 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ जब हम दो भोजन के बीच आठ घंटे का उपवास रखते हैं, तो वह उपवास हमारे भीतर फिर से भूख की तैयारी करता है। यही भूख भोजन का वास्तविक स्वाद बनाती है। अगर कोई व्यक्ति दिनभर कुछ न कुछ खाता ही रहे, तो उसकी भूख मर जाती है, और उसके साथ ही भोजन का रस भी खत्म हो जाता है। यह एक उलटबांसी-सी बात लग सकती है, पर यही जीवन का गहरा सत्य है, भोजन का आनंद भूख में है। जितनी गहराई से भूख लगती है, उतना ही गहराई से भोजन का… ## [जीवन के अहम पहलू | Important Aspects Of Life](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/06/important-aspects-of-life.html) _2026-06-28 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ जीवन को हँसते-खेलते जीना चाहिए.. ऐसा कहा जाता है....लेकिन कई लोग बचपन में ही खेलना भूल जाते हैं, और जिम्मेदारियों का बोझ उनकी हँसी को धीरे-धीरे दबा देता है। अगर कभी कोई निर्णय गलत भी हो जाए, तो चिंता की बात नहीं, बस अपने आप पर विश्वास रखिए। जीवन को किसी भी मोड़ से फिर से शुरू किया जा सकता है। जब अपने हाथों से कोई अच्छा काम कर लेते हैं, तो वही दिन हमारे चेहरे पर सुकून और मुस्कान छोड़ जाता है। दिल… ## [The Tortoiseshell Cat (1925) by Naomi Royde-Smith](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/06/24/the-tortoiseshell-cat-1925-by-naomi-royde-smith/) _2026-06-24 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book Review by George Simmers: A while ago I reviewed Naomi Royde-Smith’s Skin-Deep a 1927 novel that moves disturbingly from satire to body-horror. I was intrigued, so wanted to learn more about the author. This post will eventually be a review of her very funny and clever 1925 novel,, The Tortoiseshell Cat, but before that … Continue reading → ## [भाग्य और पुरुषार्थ का संतुलन | Destiny and Hard Work in Life](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/06/destiny-and-hard-work-in-life.html) _2026-06-21 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ जब कोई बच्चा जन्म लेता है, तो वह अपनी मुट्ठी बंद रखता है। कहा जाता है कि वह अपना भाग्य मुट्ठी में लेकर आता है। कितनी भी कोशिश करो, वह बच्चा अपनी मुट्ठी नहीं खोलता। पर यह भाग्य तब ही खुलता है जब वह मेहनत (पुरुषार्थ) करता है। हर इंसान अकेला इस दुनिया में आता है, अपने भाग्य को आज़माने। उसे परिवार मिलता है, संपत्ति मिलती है। वह बड़ा होकर ज़मीन-जायदाद खरीदता है, घर बनाता है, लोगों को काम पर रखता है,… ## [पाप के बाप का नाम क्या है | The Real Father of Sin](https://www.saralvichar.in/2026/06/real-father-of-sin.html) _2026-06-14 · Saral Vichar · सरल विचार -जो जिंदगी को सरल बनाएं। जीवन में सफलता, समृद्धि और शांति स्थापित करने के लिए पढ़ें_ एक बार एक पंडितजी काशी में विद्या अध्ययन करने गये। बारह वर्ष तक पढ़ाई की। सब कुछ पढ़ लिया — वेद, शास्त्र, पुराण, श्रुतियाँ, ग्रंथ, आरण्यक, उपनिषद आदि पढ़कर वापस घर आये तो पिताजी से कहा - “मैं सब कुछ पढ़कर आया हूँ, मुझे सब कुछ याद है, आप कुछ भी प्रश्न पूछिए, मैं उत्तर दूँगा।” पिताजी बोले - “बेटा, जब सब तुझे याद है तो मेरे एक छोटे से प्रश्न का उत्तर दे दे।” बेटे ने कहा - “पूछिए पिताजी।” पिताजी ने… ## [Sylvia Dunkley (1944 – 2026)](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/06/11/sylvia-dunkley-1944-2026/) _2026-06-11 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Dr. Sylvia Dunkley was a member of the Sheffield Hallam Popular Fiction Reading Group from the beginning. Her reviews have often appeared on this blog, and show her no-nonsense style of thinking about what she read. She especially enjoyed novels about social issues – especially those set in the north of England; her reviews often … Continue reading → ## [Holy Deadlock (1935) by A.P. Herbert](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/06/09/holy-deadlock-1935-by-a-p-herbert/) _2026-06-09 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book Review by George Simmers: This is the novel that changed the law. Or, as A.P. Herbert explains in his foreword to the 1955 paperback, it paved the way for his entering parliament and introducing the Matrimonial Causes Act of 1937. Before 1937, divorce was almost impossible. Only the rich could afford it, and the … Continue reading → ## [The Good Soldier (1915) by Ford Madox Ford](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/05/16/the-good-soldier-1915-by-ford-madox-ford/) _2026-05-16 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book Review by Jane V:‘Perhaps one of the finest novels of our (20th) century’ – Graham GreeneLiterary impressionism?A proto-modernist masterpiece? ‘I have, I am aware, told this story in a very rambling way so that it may be difficult for anyone to find their path through what may be a sort of maze. I cannot … Continue reading → ## [Prelude for War (1937) by Leslie Charteris](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/05/11/prelude-for-war-1937-by-leslie-charteris/) _2026-05-11 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book review by George Simmers: Later the book would be renamed The Saint Plays with Fire. It’s a good example of popular thirties fiction getting stuck into politics. Simon Templar (alias the Saint, the crimefighter who is never afraid of breaking the law himself) had dealt with conspiracies before, but more recntly his dramatic dealings … Continue reading → ## [Free stuff! Special offer! More free stuff!](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/04/free-stuff-special-offer-more-free-stuff.html) _2026-04-27 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ The annual RootsTech conference took place in March, but it's not just an event, it's a year-round, free resource to show family historians how to build their trees and improve their genealogy skills. Whether you're wondering how artificial intelligence could help your research, or what benefits it can have for mental health, there are resources to draw on as you progress on your family history… ## [Matthew Silverman (1937) by Victor Canning](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/03/24/matthew-sulverman-1937-by-victor-canning/) _2026-03-24 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book review by George Simmers: I was hooked by the first chapter of Matthew Silverman. It shows us the editor of a provincial weekly paper on press night: The rotary press was still printing off the weekly edition of the Messenger, and the vitality in its whirling rollers and rods was too much for the … Continue reading → ## [Fountain Inn (1939) by Victor Canning](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/03/19/fountain-inn-1939-by-victor-canning/) _2026-03-18 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book Review by Margaret B: Fountain Inn is one of the old Inns of Chancery in London and now houses a number of small businesses. Grace, a secretary in one of them loses her job but she is immediately re-employed by the Browns who run one of the other businesses in the Inn, providing all … Continue reading → ## [The Clockwork Man (1923) by E.V. Odle](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/03/05/the-clockwork-man-1923-by-e-v-odle/) _2026-03-05 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book Review by George Simmers: The Clockwork Man is science fiction 1923-style. It begins at a cricket match in the quintessentially English village of Great Wymering Dr Allingham is batting when a strange figure puts him off his stroke by walking in front of the sheet that is acting as a sight screen. I was … Continue reading → ## [From Angusina to Zepherina: a Scottish Female Naming Custom](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/02/from-angusina-to-zepherina-scottish.html) _2026-02-24 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ Glasgow Electoral Roll, Ancestry.co.uk I’ve often said that Scots parents never met a male name they couldn’t tack "-ina" onto the end of, and the names I've encountered in the records over the years have only served to confirm this. I first encountered th is phenomenon – if it can be called that – in my Glasgow childhood. When I was g rowing up in a sandstone tenement building comprised of eight… ## [The Reluctant Widow (1946) by Georgette Heyer](https://reading19001950.wordpress.com/2026/02/20/the-reluctant-widow-1946-by-georgette-heyer/) _2026-02-20 · George Simmers · Reading 1900-1950_ Book review (Warning – contains spoilers!) by Val H: The Reluctant Widow is hugely enjoyable: well constructed, pacey and funny. The publishers, Heinemann, marketed it as ‘a light and gay romance of Regency days’ (Bookseller, 28 February 1946) and ‘the best of entertainment’ (Edinburgh Evening News, 20 July 1946). But it is not generally reckoned … Continue reading → ## [Now and next](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/02/now-and-next.html) _2026-02-11 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ Image by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay Social media is a bit of a Marmite\* thing - people tend to either love it or hate it. But like any aspect of technology, it can be used positively or negatively, and if you're aware of how to make it work for you, it can be a great route to learning about new family history resources and events. In the past week I've come across some familiar and new sources of… ## [Now and next](https://scotsancestors.blogspot.com/2026/02/now-and-next.html) _2026-02-11 · Alison Spring · The Frugal Family Historian_ Image by Gerd Altmann at Pixabay Social media is a bit of a Marmite\* thing - people tend to either love it or hate it. But like any aspect of technology, it can be used positively or negatively, and if you're aware of how to make it work for you, it can be a great route to learning about new family history resources and events. In the past week I've come across some familiar and new sources of… ## [I Asked My Mom What It’s Like to Be 80](https://rootedintheordinary.com/i-asked-my-mom-what-its-like-to-be-80/) _2026-01-28 · Corrine Jackson · Rooted in the Ordinary_ On time, love, regret, and the quiet wisdom that comes with letting go My mom turned eighty this month, and she agreed to sit and talk with me, much like we do every day. I asked her questions, and some of her answers surprised me. Other answers I expected, and a few made her The post I Asked My Mom What It’s Like to Be 80 appeared first on Rooted in the Ordinary .