Michael Downs Knihy

Fiction. In 1844, Horace Wells, a Connecticut dentist, encountered nitrous oxide, or laughing gas--then an entertainment for performers in carnival-like theatrical acts--and began administering the gas as the first true anesthetic. His discovery would change the world, reshaping medicine and humanity's relationship with pain. But that discovery would also thrust Wells into scandals that threatened his reputation, his family, and his sanity--hardships and triumphs that resonate in today's struggles with what hurts us and what we take to stop the hurt. In this novel, Michael Downs mines the gaps in the historical record and imagines the motivations and mysteries behind Wells's morbid fascination with pain, as well as the price he and his wife, Elizabeth, paid--first through his obsession, then his addiction. The book is a love story, but also a story of what love can't redeem; of narcotic dreams and waking insanity; of humbug and miracle; of pain's destruction and what pains can never be eased. Following Wells throughout New England and across the ocean to Paris, the novel immerses the reader in the nineteenth century, conveying through rich physical description and telling dialogue the tragic life of a dentist who gave everything to rid the world of suffering.

The book explores the disconnect between the Air Force's distributed ISR architecture, specifically the roles of Predator and Global Hawk RPAs alongside DCGS intelligence centers. It highlights the lack of integration among crew members, who do not collaborate effectively or share mission insights. The absence of a cohesive framework, including operational doctrine, training, and coordination mechanisms, hampers mission effectiveness. The author advocates for an AF-level Program Action Directive to enhance collaboration and optimize the employment of distributed ISR assets.

The narrative explores the Rams' return to Los Angeles in 2016 after two decades in St. Louis, highlighting the significance of this move as a restoration of a beloved city landmark rather than just a relocation. The book delves into the emotional and cultural impact of the team's reestablishment in its original home, emphasizing the connection between the franchise and the city.

From the time he was old enough to remember, Jim Hock was told stories of his dad's glory days playing football in LA. A member of the 1950s LA Rams, John Hock, Jim's dad, was a member of Hollywood's Team, a football team that redefined what a sports team looked like, sounded like, and acted like, all while revolutionizing the sport of football. But Jim didn't know John the football star, he just knew the sweet, funny guy he called Dad. In a warm and aching memoir of childhood, good dad's, and what it is to realize that your parents had a life and successes before you came along.

The devastating circus fire unfolds during a lively matinee, trapping thousands inside a Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey tent. As flames rapidly engulf the canvas, chaos erupts, leading to the tragic loss of 168 lives and leaving many injured. This harrowing event highlights the vulnerabilities of large gatherings and the impact of disaster on a community.

At the zoo, animals in action aren't always what they seem!When you're at the zoo, do you see scary crocodiles? Chimpanzees being silly? Look again! A young narrator makes the rounds of a zoo, pointing out that animals have special reasons for doing what they do. The crocodile is protecting her babies, and the chimpanzees are learning by trying new things. Animals protect, play, bathe, and communicate in different ways. Even the zookeeper isn't just a zookeeper. . .she's the narrator's mom!A picture book that challenges kids to think beyond their first impressions--in a warm and eye-opening read perfect for storytime.