Book recommendations: Black representation Jenna (.:Bibliophile:.) Traditionally published novels are not all that diverse. According to Lee and Low Books, 76% of authors that are published are white. The other 24% are split between the different ethnic groups. In recent years, there has been a call for more books to be published by People of Color (POC) and other diverse populations such as disabled and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Over the years, I have read a lot and I have tried to work to...
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What is Sanfilippo syndrome? Brittany (.Brittany.) Also referred to as childhood dementia, Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare, genetic, metabolic disorder that currently has no cure. Sanfilippo syndrome only happens if a child gets a defective gene from both parents. When both parents have the defective gene, they have a 1 in 4 chance of having a child born with Sanfilippo syndrome. As a result, 1 in every 70,000 children born in America is born with Sanfilippo (Source). Sanfilippo syndrome...
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10 ways to make you loathe laundry less! By Cassie (cynefin) Laundry - you either grin and bear it, or you bear it with the absence of a grin. Some find the fresh, clean laundry smell and the folding of clothes to be calming, but others do not! Here are a few things that might make your laundry, whether at home or in a laundromat, more tolerable. Air dry your clothes when possible. Air drying your clothes makes them smell fresh, especially because excess heat in the dryer can take away...
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Signs you might be autistic (and not know it) By Holly (Celyn) Many people go through their life without knowing they might be autistic. This might be because family members, teachers and friends might not know much about autism or might only know about the autistic stereotype (usually a boy, who has few friends, isn’t particularly verbal and is ‘obsessed’ with particular topics for example, trains) and therefore might not see you as being autistic. This is especially true if you are...
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Travelling Abroad By Haley (Halcyon) While travelling abroad can be an amazing experience, it can also be quite stressful. Travelling abroad requires a lot of organisation and planning. Things like insurance, passports, currency, flights, and other factors need to be taken into consideration before travelling. Everything must fall into place to ensure a safe and timely trip. Here are some things to consider while planning your journey. Passports and Visas Before you think about...
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How to tell when your pet is unwell By Charlie (Horsefeathers.) Whether your pet has fur, feathers, or scales, you probably only want the best for them. That’s why it’s important to know not only how to take care of them but how to gauge whether they’re in good health. Most health and behavioural problems can be dealt with more easily and effectively if they’re noticed sooner, so being aware of what’s normal for your pet and what’s abnormal can be vital in ensuring they live a long and...

Remember to care for yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic! By Anonymous The pandemic that we’ve come to know as COVID-19 is a contagious disease within the coronaviridae family which originated in Wuhan, China during the final months of 2019. The pandemic, which is approaching its second year, has taken a significant toll on the global human population — even in Antarctica! Thousands of individuals have lost their lives as a direct result of the pandemic; while the lives of others got...

Double standards: What they are and how to cope with them By Cassie (cynefin) Double standards sometimes have a few variations in their definition. They are frequently observed among romantic and familial relationships and friendships and coworkers. These standards occur when someone expects another to act a certain way but does not hold the themselves to the same standards. They can also be seen when someone treats two friends differently, or even in abusive relationships. Double...

Coping with the Covid-19 pandemic By Hollie (Everglow.) Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began at the end of 2019, the world as we know it has changed drastically. Globally, we have endured lockdowns, isolation, and a continuous stream of unsettling statistics and news stories, all of which have made adjusting and coping with the situation a challenge. It is very natural to be struggling with this seemingly endless pandemic, so here are five top-tips for coping with the on-going pandemic. ...
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Colouring for mindfulness By Lydia (WhisperingSilence) Over the past few years, colouring has become a more popular pastime or a hobby for many adults around the world. Colouring is usually an activity associated with young children, and there are benefits such as children finding it calming and relaxing and teaches youngsters about colouring and improving hand-eye coordination while also allowing a freedom of expression and building on their imagination. These benefits are also the same...
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'Assassin's Apprentice' by Robin Hobb: A review By Sue (Matter) Ever wondered what dragons, standing stones, politics and jester’s prophecies have in common? If I got you interested, you’re about to find out about one of the best fantasy novels ever written. The topic of this review is a 1995 Robin Hobb’s novel ‘Assassin’s Apprentice’, which is the first book in The Farseer Trilogy. It follows the story of a prince’s bastard son, Fitz Chivalry, and is written through his eyes...
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Are you a 'toxic' friend? By Holly (Celyn) Are you a ‘toxic’ friend? You may have come across online articles and social media posts talking about traits of ‘toxic’ people, why such people are bad for us and what to do about them. Such articles and posts describe many negative characteristics of a person and may end by suggesting using boundaries or cutting contact with said person. However, what if you relate and feel that you might be a toxic friend? Are you really a toxic friend? If...