Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA: The Path to Get There & Beyond

Cheslie Kryst in an cream-colored evening gown

What drives someone to pursue a career in pageantry? How does early adversity shape the path to success in competitive environments? In By the Time You Read This by Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins, we discover the remarkable journey of Cheslie Kryst, Miss USA 2019. From facing childhood bullying to achieving one of pageantry’s highest honors, her story reveals the complex relationship between personal validation and public achievement. Keep reading to explore how determination, family support, and resilience shaped a path that led from middle school struggles to the Miss Universe stage.

The Google Antitrust Ruling: A Pivotal Moment in Regulation

A magnifying glass magnifying "Google" on the Google search homepage illustrates the Google antitrust ruling

What happens when a tech giant violates antitrust laws? How might the Google antitrust ruling reshape the future of online search and digital competition? The landmark ruling against Google’s search business monopoly marks a pivotal moment in tech industry regulation. The decision challenges Google’s exclusive agreements and default search deals, potentially opening doors for competitors while reshaping how millions access information online. Keep reading to discover how this historic ruling could transform the tech landscape, impact digital advertising, and set new precedents for regulating big tech companies.

How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards: Book Overview

An open book on a desk in an open workspace

How can you write words that actually convince people to buy? What psychological triggers turn casual readers into eager customers? How to Write Copy That Sells by Ray Edwards is chock full of effective techniques for creating persuasive marketing messages that connect with readers and drive sales. Edwards’s framework combines psychology, storytelling, and strategic formatting to help businesses craft copy that converts. Continue reading for an overview of this practical book.

Embracing Gray Hair: Your Silver Locks Are a Badge of Honor

A smiling woman with wavy gray hair illustrates embracing gray hair

What if you stopped coloring your hair? Why do so many women feel hesitant about letting their natural gray show? In Excuse Me While I Disappear, author Laurie Notaro shares her personal journey of embracing gray hair. Her transformation from hair coloring to natural silver reveals insights about authenticity, aging, and self-acceptance. Keep reading to discover how embracing your gray can become a powerful statement of self-confidence and personal freedom.

Lumber Prices in 2024: What Happened and Why (Analysis)

A stack of lumber at a home construction site illustrates lumber prices in 2024

What’s behind the dramatic 75% drop in lumber prices since their 2021 peak? How will these price changes affect homeowners and builders in the coming months? The lumber market has experienced unprecedented shifts, from pandemic-driven highs to record lows in 2024. These fluctuations have forced sawmills to adapt, created opportunities for buyers, and reshaped the construction industry landscape. Keep reading to understand what happened with lumber prices in 2024 and what these changes mean for your next building project and the market as a whole.

Why a Meritocracy Society Probably Doesn’t Exist

A smiling woman holding a trophy in a meritocracy society

What’s a meritocracy society? Is the world a fair and just place? Jeffrey Pfeffer believes that many people don’t seek out power (or actively avoid it) because they think that the world is a meritocracy, which means it’s a fair place. Therefore, they believe that if they work hard, follow the rules, and perhaps do a good deed from time to time, then they’ll be rewarded with safety and prosperity.  Find out why the world isn’t as fair as some people might think it is.

The Mortgage Refinancing Boom of 2024: Causes & Impact

An upscale house with a boxy design and nice landscaping illustrates the US mortgage refinancing boom that started in 2024

What does the current refinancing boom mean for homeowners? Why are mortgage applications hitting their highest levels since 2022? The refinancing surge of late 2024 marks a significant shift in the mortgage landscape, driven by falling interest rates and the Federal Reserve’s recent policy changes. Homeowners across the country are seizing opportunities to lower monthly payments, reduce loan terms, or tap into home equity for various financial needs. Keep reading to explore the factors driving this refinancing boom and how it’s affecting the mortgage market.

How to Measure Progress: Why You Should Do It Backward

A cartoon image of a young woman writing in a notebook at a desk to measure her progress

Do you want to make incredible progress? How can you measure your achievements? In 10x Is Easier Than 2x, Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy reveal how to measure progress in a way that can transform your path to success. Their insights show a way that builds momentum and unlocks unprecedented personal growth. Keep reading to discover why looking backward, not forward, might be the game-changing perspective you need.

How to Age Gracefully: Wit & Wisdom From Laurie Notaro

Three smiling middle-aged women illustrate how to age gracefully

What does it mean to embrace the changes that come with getting older? How can you maintain your sense of humor while facing the challenges of aging? In Excuse Me While I Disappear, Laurie Notaro shares her journey through middle age with wit and wisdom. Her personal stories and observations offer both comfort and laughs to anyone experiencing the physical and emotional shifts that come with time. Keep reading to discover how to age gracefully while maintaining your spirit and sense of humor.

Who Is Lindy West? The Author’s Journey of Acceptance

Author Lindy West in a bookstore

Who is Lindy West? How did she challenge society’s beauty standards? Lindy West is the author of Shrill, a memoir that tackles society’s obsession with weight and appearance. Her journey from self-doubt to empowerment serves as a blueprint for anyone struggling with body image and self-acceptance. Learn more about West and her journey to living authentically in a judgmental world.