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The Book of Sheen
by Charlie Sheen"We can live the stories or hear about them later from others. I choose the former."Charlie Sheen should not be alive to tell these stories.But in The Book of Sheen, the star who has defied all odds – decades of addiction (to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and more), an HIV diagnosis, three divorces, a dust-up with the Sinaloan cartel, and other challenges that will leave readers stunned – finally presents the truth... or, at least his version. ("The facts are the facts; how I choose to interpret or deconstruct them falls squarely on me," Sheen writes.)From his childhood spent on movie sets for blockbusters like Apocalypse Now; to the golden days of 1980s Hollywood, filled with heartthrobs like Rob Lowe and Sean Penn; to the humid jungles of the Philippines and mock-army training that crossed dangerously into life-threatening for the filming of Platoon; to the early aughts' sitcom dominance, every Sheen anecdote drips with shocking lucidity, humor, and self-deprecation.Sheen deftly leads readers through his childhood as the son of award-winning actor Martin Sheen (a "Cathoholic"), which took the family from New York to Mexico to Italy and beyond; his competitive brotherhood against fellow teen heartthrob and Brat Pack member Emilio Estevez; his debilitating stutter that continued into adulthood and which he attempted to hide from producers and directors; his friendships with Chris and Sean Penn, Rob Lowe, Nic Cage, Matthew Perry, and other troubled stars of the era; his adventures on and off camera for films like Platoon and Wall Street and shows like Spin City and Two and a Half Men; his challenges in fatherhood and the kids that ultimately got him sober; and more. Woven throughout is a constant: addiction, and Sheen's perpetual battle with it.Riddled with regrets, filled with humor, and finally candid, Sheen delivers a truly hilarious no-holds-barred memoir, one fitting for a star of his caliber and controversy.
Deep Foundations for Infrastructure Development in India, Volume 2: Proceedings of DFI-India 2024 13th Annual Conference (Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering #644)
by Boominathan Adimoolam Sunil S. Basarkar Jaykumar Shukla Purnanand SavoikarThis book presents select proceedings of the DFI-India 2024 Conference, showcasing cutting-edge research and advancements in deep foundation technologies and sustainable infrastructure development. It covers a wide array of topics, including innovative foundation solutions, ground improvement techniques, deep excavation practices, and seismic resilience in geotechnical design. Special emphasis is placed on sustainability, efficiency, and durability in foundation engineering, integrating emerging materials, advanced construction methodologies, and digital technologies, such as AI and automation in geotechnical applications. The book serves as a valuable reference for researchers, engineers, and professionals engaged in deep foundations, geotechnical engineering, and related disciplines.
Collaborative Computing: 20th EAI International Conference, CollaborateCom 2024, Wuzhen, China, November 14–17, 2024, Proceedings, Part III (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #626)
by Honghao Gao Xinheng WangThe three-volume set LNICST 624, 625, 626 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 20th EAI International Conference on Collaborative Computing: Networking, Applications and Worksharing, CollaborateCom 2024, held in Wuzhen, China, during November 14–17, 2024. The 62 full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 173 submissions. They are categorized under the topical sections as follows: Edge computing & Task scheduling Deep Learning and application Blockchain applications Security and Privacy Protection Representation learning & Collaborative working Graph neural networks & Recommendation systems Federated Learning and application
2nd International Conference on Durability, Repair and Maintanance of Structures: Selected Contributions of DRMS 2025 (Proceedings in Engineering Mechanics)
by Lucas F. M. da Silva António Torres MarquesThis book provides selected papers presented at the 2nd International Conference on Durability, Repair and Maintenance of Structures, held in Porto, Portugal, March 13-14, 2025. The volume focuses on the durability, repair and maintenance processes of engineering structures. A wide range of topics like durability in civil engineering applications, fatigue and fracture characterization, repair of composite materials and structures, structural joints durability, diagnostics and maintenance methodologies, and durability in aerospace and marine applications are covered. The book presents novel research works and innovations in this field, useful for students, researchers, as well as industry professionals in various fields of engineering structures.
Collaborative Computing: 20th EAI International Conference, CollaborateCom 2024, Wuzhen, China, November 14–17, 2024, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #624)
by Honghao Gao Xinheng WangThe three-volume set LNICST 624, 625, 626 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 20th EAI International Conference on Collaborative Computing: Networking, Applications and Worksharing, CollaborateCom 2024, held in Wuzhen, China, during November 14–17, 2024. The 62 full papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 173 submissions. They are categorized under the topical sections as follows: Edge computing & Task scheduling Deep Learning and application Blockchain applications Security and Privacy Protection Representation learning & Collaborative working Graph neural networks & Recommendation systems Federated Learning and application
Analytical Techniques and Methods for Biomass
by Silvio Vaz Jr.This book deals with the application of techniques and methods of chemical analysis for the study of biomass and its conversion processes. It aims to fill the existing gap in the literature on this subject. The application of various techniques and analytical methods is presented straightforwardly, enabling readers to choose the most appropriate methodologies for analyzing the major classes of plant biomass and their products. Modern chemistry plays a crucial economic role in industrial activities based on biomass. There is an increasing emphasis on its application, specifically in the development of biorefineries, and the principles of green chemistry allow effective use of biomass while significantly reducing environmental impact. In this context, analytical chemistry can contribute significantly to the supply chains of biomass, be it plant or animal origin. However, biomass from plant sources presents both the greatest challenges and the highest opportunity for technical, scientific, and economic progress due to its diverse chemical constitution. Chemical analysis can be used to examine the composition of biomass, characterize its physicochemical properties, and monitor their conversion processes. This approach can enhance the quality of products derived from biomass and expand their potential applications. The quality of the biomass used determines the product quality. Therefore, reliable information about the chemical composition of the biomass to establish the best use which will influence harvest and preparation steps is essential. Accordingly, this book includes contributions from select international experts who discuss key aspects of biomass structure, their physical and chemical properties, the parameters of conversion processes, the products and by-products formation and quantification, and quality parameters.
Robotic Vision Guidance Theory and Technology
by Xingsheng Liu Anhu Li Zhaojun DengThis book focuses on the basic theories and key technologies for robotic vision. The book features an in-depth demonstration of system parameter calibration, three-dimensional vision measurement, object pose estimation, tracking control strategies, and multi-sensor fusion methods, accompanied by robotic guidance solutions in various applications. The contributed work can help promote the development and application of robotic guidance for autonomous navigation, grasping and manipulation tasks. Researchers and engineers in the field of robotic perception, visual measurement and visual tracking can benefit from the book. The potential users include undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in intelligent manufacturing and artificial intelligence. The basis of English translation of this book, originally in Chinese, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.
Availability, Reliability and Security: 20th International Conference, ARES 2025, Ghent, Belgium, August 11–14, 2025, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #15992)
by Vincent Naessens Mila Dalla Preda Bjorn De Sutter Sebastian SchrittwieserThis two-volume set LNCS 15992-15993 constitutes the proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Availability, Reliability and Security, ARES 2025, in Ghent, Belgium, during August 11-14, 2025.The 34 full papers presented in this book together with 8 short papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 186 submissions.They cover topics such as: Privacy-Enhancing Technologies and Legal Compliance; Network and Communication Security; IoT and Embedded Systems Security; Machine Learning and Privacy; Usable Security and Awareness; System Security; Supply Chain Security, Malware and Forensics; and Machine Learning and Security.
Smart Objects and Technologies for Social Good: 10th EAI International Conference, GOODTECHS 2024, Can Tho, Vietnam, December 19–20, 2024, Proceedings, Part I (Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering #648)
by Congduc Pham Hiep Xuan Huynh Nghia Duong-TrungThe two-volume set LNICST 648 and 649 constitutes the refereed post-conference proceedings of the 10th EAI International Conference on Smart Objects and Technologies for Social Goods, GOODTECHS 2024, held in Can Tho, Vietnam, during December 19–20, 2024. The 17 full papers and 27 short papers included in these volumes were carefully reviewed and selected from 102 submissions. They focus on a wide range of advancements in smart technologies aimed at promoting social good. Key topics include cutting-edge research in Internet of Things (IoT) security, innovative applications of artificial intelligence in domains such as healthcare, education, and environmental monitoring, and energy-efficient systems. They were organized in topical sections as follows: Part I: Advances in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Blockchain Applications Across Diverse Domains Part II: Innovations in Energy-Based Models, and Advanced Predictive Systems Across Diverse Domains
Analog Microelectronics
by Mattia BorgarinoThis textbook uses an innovative, fresh and rigorous approach to the analysis of analog circuits. The author guides students to leverage the psycho-cognitive concept of basic pattern as an efficient calculation tool, going beyond its traditional use for the qualitative visual inspection. In this journey, the reader is not left alone to face statements such as &“it is easy to prove that&” or &“it has been proven elsewhere that&”. All formulas and theorems are proven step-by-step. In particular, the proofs of the theorems on frequency response and stability have been made as intuitive as possible. The author thus demystifies and makes available to the student these relevant theorems, which are usually scattered over decades of reading and/or in several textbooks and papers. Two chapters focus on exercises of increasing difficulty, most of them discussed fully and solved step-by-step, allowing students to strengthen and test their knowledge. Moreover, the first two chapters introduce the history of microelectronics and physics of fundamental electron devices.
Kurzdarmsyndrom - Ernährungstherapie bei Kindern und Erwachsenen
by Johannes Hilberath Martina Kohl-Sobania Andreas Pascher Valerie StolzDas Kurzdarmsyndrom ist die häufigste Ursache des chronischen Darmversagens und stellt ein seltenes und zugleich komplexes Krankheitsbild dar. Hierbei kommt der Ernährung in jeder Phase der Erkrankung eine kritisch-relevante Bedeutung zu. Patientenseitige Faktoren wie die verbliebene Restdarmanatomie und funktionelle Resorptionskapazität erfordern ein individuelles ernährungstherapeutisches Vorgehen. Dieses Fachbuch bietet der Leserschaft einen praxisorientierten, verständlichen und wissenschaftlichen Überblick zur oralen und enteralen Ernährungstherapie beim Kurzdarmsyndrom: vom Neugeborenen bis zum Erwachsenen sowie von der unmittelbaren postoperativen Zeit bis zum Abschluss der Adaptationsphase und über das Erreichen der stets angestrebten enteralen Autonomie hinaus. Zudem werden Grundlagen und pathophysiologische Zusammenhänge im Kontext der Ernährung erläutert, deren Kenntnisse für eine erfolgreiche Ernährungstherapie von Bedeutung sind. Für die erste Auflage dieses Praxisbuches wurden Evidenz und praktische Erfahrungen von Expertinnen und Experten zusammengetragen, um einen Beitrag zu einer gesunden und an das Kurzdarmsyndrom adaptierten Ernährung zu leisten – unter Beachtung der Lebensqualität betroffener Patientinnen und Patienten. Somit richtet sich dieses Werk berufsgruppenübergreifend an Ärztinnen und Ärzte sowie Ernährungsfachkräfte und interessierte Betroffene bzw. Angehörige.
Cybersecurity 2050: Protecting Humanity in a Hyper-Connected World
by Soorena MeratThis book explores the critical intersection of human behavior, cybersecurity, and the transformative potential of quantum technologies. It delves into the vulnerabilities and resilience of human intelligence in the face of cyber threats, examining how cognitive biases, social dynamics, and mental health can be exploited in the digital age.Cybersecurity 2050: Protecting Humanity in a Hyper-Connected World explores the cutting-edge applications of quantum computing in cybersecurity, discussing the efficiency of quantum security algorithms on Earth and over space communications such as those needed to inhabit Mars. The challenges and opportunities of human life on extraterrestrial worlds, such as Mars, will further shape the evolution of human intelligence. The isolated and confined environment of a Martian habitat, coupled with the reliance on advanced technologies for survival, will demand new forms of adaptability, resilience, and social cooperation. The author addresses the imminent revolution in cybersecurity regulations and transforms the attention of the bright minds of businesses and policymakers for the challenges and opportunities of quantum advancements. This book attempts to bridge the gap between social intelligence and cybersecurity, offering a holistic and nuanced understanding of these interconnected domains. Through real-world case studies, the author provides practical insights and strategies for adapting to the evolving technological landscape and building a more secure digital future.This book is intended for futuristic minds, computer engineers, policymakers, or regulatory experts interested in the implications of the revolution of human intelligence on cybersecurity laws and regulations. It will be of interest to cybersecurity professionals and researchers looking for a historic and comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape, including social intelligence, quantum computing, and algorithm design.
Why the World Needs Anthropologists
by Carla Guerrón Montero Podjed, Edited by DanWhy does the world need anthropology and anthropologists more than ever? The second edition of Why the World Needs Anthropologists brings together prominent academic, practicing, and applied anthropologists to answer this provocative question.This new edition advocates a proactive and ethically engaged discipline that not only observes societal transformations but also contributes to solving the most pressing global issues. It proposes that anthropology must be at the front and center of the solving table. In an accessible and appealing style, each author explores anthropology’s social value and practical applications. Contributors share their career paths and how they use their anthropological skills and knowledge outside academia. They also provide specific suggestions to anthropologists and the public on how anthropology can offer powerful insights and solutions in complex and unpredictable times. Each chapter includes a list of recommendations – DOs and DON'Ts – from the authors. With such practical resources, this book is a toolkit to harness anthropology's full potential.This one-of-a-kind volume is essential reading for fledgling and established anthropologists, social scientists, and the general public.
IoT, Blockchain, and Smart Healthcare: Integration Techniques and Case Studies (Innovations in Health Informatics and Healthcare)
by Manoj Kumar Mazdak Zamani Rohit Tanwar Neelu Jyothi Ahuja Urmila PilaniaThe book examines the integration of Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and smart healthcare, providing a comprehensive analysis of these advanced technologies and their impact on the healthcare industry. It offers practical examples of how blockchain and IoT devices can be used to address real-world healthcare challenges and overcome the hurdles of implementing them in the healthcare sector.IoT, Blockchain, and Smart Healthcare: Integration Techniques and Case Studies provides a detailed exploration of how these technologies are combined, giving readers a deep understanding of their role in revolutionizing healthcare. It explores the practical applications of blockchain and IoT devices in solving healthcare problems and addresses the challenges of incorporating these technologies into healthcare systems. The book also provides practical guidance on implementing cutting-edge methodologies, enabling readers to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations effectively.By bridging the gap between technology and healthcare, this book makes complex concepts understandable to a wide audience, including healthcare professionals, researchers, technology enthusiasts, and policymakers.
The Basics of Business Start-Up
by Alexandrina PauceanuThe Basics of Business Start-Up outlines the entrepreneurial journey from inception to start-up. Starting from the basic concepts and working through the start-up process step by step, the book is an indispensable guide both for would-be entrepreneurs and students on entrepreneurship/small business courses.Key features of this book include: A step-by-step, sequential approach, detailing the typical entrepreneurial journey. Non-technical introduction to the basic business functions, including budgeting, accounting, marketing, and more A readable and accessible beginner’s guide to entrepreneurship and business start-up Written in a refreshingly personal style, this concise guide is the perfect starting point for anyone seeking to put their entrepreneurial ambitions into action.
Electric Drives
by Ion BoldeaElectric Drives, now in its fourth edition, provides a practical guide in understanding the fundamental principles and recent new knowledge of electric motion (in motoring) and electric energy flow (in generating) digital control via power electronics for energy savings and increased productivity in practically all industries, from intelligent watches and phones to robots, electric transport, industrial processes, and modern distributed electric power systems with ever more renewable energy penetration.Every proposition, number, figure, and reference has been revisited to bring necessary changes, with new references to key recent knowledge trends, to reflect the present state of the art.The book has been restructured, with a few chapters combined and one chapter (on rectifier d.c. brush motor drives) removed, new introductory paragraphs in most chapters (many as inspiring case studies), and brand-new chapters on flux-modulation machine drives (Chapter 8) and predictive control of a.c. drives (Chapter 15), reflecting this updating effort. The large number of new case studies complements the large number of worked numerical examples and the 10 user-friendly MATLABR and SimulinkR programs thatremain available online.Although, inevitably, the math is intensive and intended to be directly usable, the book, mainly intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students and engineers in research and development in industry, is a practical, easy-to-assimilate, and up-to-date synthesis of basic and advanced power electronics (variable speed) electric motor-generator drives needed in all industries in which electric energy flow-wise, mainly digitally intelligent, control is paramount.
The Comprehensive Valve Dictionary: Terminology, Applications, and Insights for Oil, Gas, and Renewable Energy
by Karan SotoodehThis book is a pioneering reference work designed to address the complex terminology, technical specifications, and diverse applications of valves in industrial systems.The Comprehensive Valve Dictionary is an authoritative and practical reference that demystifies the technical language surrounding industrial valves. The dictionary provides detailed definitions of over a thousand valve-related terms, including valve types, components, materials, standards, testing methods, and failure mechanisms. In addition to traditional applications, this dictionary places significant emphasis on valves used in renewable energy systems, including those for hydrogen production, hydropower, carbon capture and storage (CCS), geothermal energy, and wind power. Moreover, it explores the definitions and real-world applications of cutting-edge technologies such as smart valves, condition monitoring, digital twin technology, and additive manufacturing. It also includes cross-references to relevant international standards (e.g., API, ASME, ISO), troubleshooting guides, and operational insights. By bridging gaps in understanding, this resource will support professionals in making informed decisions, improving system reliability, and ensuring compliance with industry best practices.This work is specifically tailored for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and researchers working in oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and renewable energy industries.
Innovations and Implications in Molecular Diagnostics
by Muhammad Umair Misbahuddin Rafeeq Qamre AlamThis book introduces the field of molecular diagnostics, tracing its evolution from the earliest days of genetic research to cutting-edge advancements. It begins with a historical overview, setting the stage for an understanding of the foundational principles and techniques that underpin current practices in DNA analysis. It also provides the intricate details of various molecular techniques, such as advanced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods and next-generation sequencing, and their impact in the field of genetics and diagnostics. The book also explores the significant role of bioinformatics as the backbone of modern diagnostics and examines the changes brought about by high-throughput technologies and nanotechnology in molecular research and diagnostics. The importance of molecular imaging techniques in visualizing biological processes is discussed, along with the advancements in RNA analysis and their diagnostic implications. The book addresses the emerging fields of metabolomics and proteomics in molecular diagnostics and the transformative impact of artificial intelligence in this field. The book concludes with a thoughtful discussion on the ethical and regulatory considerations in molecular diagnostics. This book is intended for researchers and students of the fields of molecular diagnostics, biotechnology, and genomics.Key Features: Provides historical overview and recent advancements in the field of molecular diagnostics Explores foundational principles and advanced techniques in DNA analysis, including detailed insights into PCR methods Covers the applications and impact of next-generation sequencing in genetics and diagnostics Discusses the revolutionary influence of high-throughput technologies and nanotechnology in molecular research and diagnostics Examines the roles of metabolomics, proteomics, and artificial intelligence in molecular diagnostics
Change Leadership Cases for District and School Leaders
by Coby V. Meyers Tiffany S. Aaron Dallas Hambrick HittThis course book is designed to empower educational leaders to make effective leadership decisions and take successful action in response to dynamic scenarios in their schools and districts. This insightful book presents real cases from successful school leaders—and the district leaders who supported them—that strategically navigated their way through change processes. Topics include culturally responsive leadership, leading for SEL, championing data use, improving instruction, crisis leadership, and more. Designed for aspiring educational leaders in leadership preparation programs, this book is full of guiding questions, tools, and practical activities to help deepen learning and translate student understanding to strategic change in their own school contexts.
CO2 Adsorbents: Advances in Materials, Technologies, and Applications for a Sustainable Future
by Ahad Ghaemi Zohreh Khoshraftar Fereshteh PouresmaeilCO2 Adsorbents comprehensively explores the materials and technologies used for adsorbing carbon dioxide. It covers materials synthesis, characterization, adsorption mechanisms, applications, modeling, and potential environmental and industrial impacts to help readers find the best adsorbent for their needs. Through its coverage of advanced research and technological developments in the field, such as novel adsorbent materials, innovative synthesis methods, and advancements in scalable production techniques, the book aims to contribute to the understanding of CO2 adsorption processes, materials, and their practical applications in addressing the global challenge of climate change and CO2 emissions reduction. Presents an overview of different adsorbent materials used for CO2 capture and the methods of synthesis, modification, and functionalization to enhance their CO2 adsorption performance Describes characterization techniques used to assess the structural, morphological, and surface properties of CO2 adsorbents Explores the fundamental mechanisms behind CO2 adsorption of various materials, the interactions between CO2 molecules and the adsorbent surface, and the kinetics and thermodynamics of CO2 adsorption processes Discusses through real-world case studies the applications of CO2 adsorbents in various industries, such as natural gas purification, carbon capture and storage, biogas upgrading, and air purification and their potential in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing environmental concerns Analyzes the environmental impact and feasibility of using CO2 adsorbents in real-world scenarios and the challenges and benefits of integrating adsorption technologies into existing industrial processes Provides insights into potential improvements, challenges, and directions for further research and development Through its practical relevance, advanced insights, and focus on sustainability and innovation, this text serves as a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and professionals working in the field of carbon capture and utilization, including those in chemical, environmental, and related engineering disciplines.
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Biomedical Science: Practical Applications, Case Studies, and Future Trends (Sustainable Manufacturing Technologies)
by Manpreet Singh Chander Prakash Hitesh Vasudev Jashanpreet SinghAs healthcare challenges such as human aging and traffic accidents continue to increase exponentially, the biomedical sector faces a significant obstacle in arranging patient-specific biomedical products. Over the past two decades, additive manufacturing’s printing quality and ease of production have gained global attention, particularly in the development of scaffolds and implants.This book explores additive manufacturing technologies and their categorization, materials, processing factors, output responses, advantages, challenges, and biomedical applications. It provides a critical analysis of past biomedical applications of additive manufacturing technology, explores recent advancements, and examines the design, applications, and characterizations of biomedical components using additive manufacturing techniques. Moreover, it discusses notable applications of additive fabrication in aerospace, education, and medicine, as it showcases the medical applications of rapid prototyping, addressing computational and experimental aspects of 3D-printed biomedical devices. Also, it provides future human implications and developments.Advanced Manufacturing Technologies in Biomedical Science: Practical Applications, Case Studies, and Future Trends offers a unique framework for understanding and evaluating the latest advancements in biomedical additive manufacturing. This book targets individuals interested in conducting research, providing valuable insights, and can serve as an authoritative source of information for manufacturers and academic researchers in the business sector.
Tree Day: A Story of 24 Hours and 24 Arboreal Lives (Earth Day)
by Meg LowmanAn hourly guide that spotlights twenty-four trees as they root, flower, and host diverse forest life. In this short book, treetop explorer Meg Lowman guides us through a global forest. Each chapter of Tree Day introduces a single tree during a single hour, highlighting twenty-four species from around the world. In the dark of Yemen’s night, it is too early to see the red sap from which the dragon’s blood tree gets its name. But if we watch closely, we will see nocturnal geckos carry the trees’ pollen in their snouts. Later, in the Pacific Northwest, we climb the world’s tallest species, the coastal redwood. The morning fog is a reminder that redwoods absorb water through their roots and canopies, helping them survive such heights. The sun is already low in the sky on an autumn afternoon. Given the darkness of this New England forest, the sugar maple’s leaves have stopped producing chlorophyll that converts light into energy—and green gives way to vivid crimson foliage. After many hours of boiling, the maple sap makes delicious maple syrup. As the sun sets in Mexico, we observe the origin of another treat, chocolate. The cocoa tree’s flowers sprout along its trunk and branches, allowing easy access for tiny insects like midges that pollinate the tree and start the process of making delicious food for humans, monkeys, bats, and squirrels. By the end of our tree day, we will understand that trees are the silent caretakers of our planet, providing us with medicines, foods, machinery for making fresh water and oxygen, and more. For each hour, celebrated artist Thibaud Hérem has depicted these trees with gorgeous pen and ink illustrations. Working together to narrate and illustrate these unique moments in time, Lowman and Hérem have created an engaging read that is a perfect way to spend an hour or two—and a true gift for anyone who has ever looked up at a tree in wonder.
You Dreamed of Empires: A Novel
by Álvaro EnrigueA NEW YORK TIMES TOP TEN BOOK OF 2024A NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY TOP TEN BOOK OF THE YEAR"Short, strange, spiky and sublime.&” —Dwight Garner, New York Times&“Funny, ghastly, eye-opening, marvelous.&” —Wall Street JournalFrom the visionary author of Sudden Death, a hallucinatory, revelatory colonial revenge story.One morning in 1519, conquistador Hernán Cortés enters the city of Tenochtitlan – today's Mexico City. Later that day, he will meet the emperor Moctezuma in a collision of two worlds, two empires, two languages, two possible futures.Cortés is accompanied by his captains, his troops, his prized horses, and his two translators: Friar Aguilar, a taciturn friar, and Malinalli, an enslaved, strategic Nahua princess. After nearly bungling their entrance to the city, the Spaniards are greeted at a ceremonial welcome meal by the steely Aztec princess Atotoxtli, sister and wife of Moctezuma. As they await their meeting with the emperor – who is at a political and spiritual crossroads, and relies on hallucinogens to get by – Cortés and his entourage are ensconced in the labyrinthine palace. Soon, one of Cortés&’s captains, Jazmín Caldera, overwhelmed by the grandeur of the place, begins to question the ease with which they were welcomed into the city, and wonders at the chances of getting out alive, much less conquering the empire. And what if... they don't?You Dreamed of Empires brings Tenochtitlan to life at its height, and reimagines its destiny. The incomparably original Álvaro Enrigue sets afire the moment of conquest and turns it into a moment of revolution, a restitutive, fantastical counterattack, in a novel so electric and so unique that it feels like a dream.
Mark Twain
by Ron ChernowThe #1 New York Times Bestseller!One of Barack Obama's Summer Reading List Picks&“Comprehensive, enthralling . . . Mark Twain flows like the Mississippi River, its prose propelled by Mark Twain&’s own exuberance.&” —The Boston Globe&“Chernow writes with such ease and clarity . . . For all its length and detail, [Mark Twain] is deeply absorbing throughout.&” — The Washington PostPulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow illuminates the full, fascinating, and complex life of the writer long celebrated as the father of American literature, Mark TwainBefore he was Mark Twain, he was Samuel Langhorne Clemens. Born in 1835, the man who would become America&’s first, and most influential, literary celebrity spent his childhood dreaming of piloting steamboats on the Mississippi. But when the Civil War interrupted his career on the river, the young Twain went west to the Nevada Territory and accepted a job at a local newspaper, writing dispatches that attracted attention for their brashness and humor. It wasn&’t long before the former steamboat pilot from Missouri was recognized across the country for his literary brilliance, writing under a pen name that he would immortalize.In this richly nuanced portrait of Mark Twain, acclaimed biographer Ron Chernow brings his considerable powers to bear on a man who shamelessly sought fame and fortune, and crafted his persona with meticulous care. After establishing himself as a journalist, satirist, and lecturer, he eventually settled in Hartford with his wife and three daughters, where he went on to write The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. He threw himself into the hurly-burly of American culture, and emerged as the nation&’s most notable political pundit. At the same time, his madcap business ventures eventually bankrupted him; to economize, Twain and his family spent nine eventful years in exile in Europe. He suffered the death of his wife and two daughters, and the last stage of his life was marked by heartache, political crusades, and eccentric behavior that sometimes obscured darker forces at play.Drawing on Twain&’s bountiful archives, including thousands of letters and hundreds of unpublished manuscripts, Chernow masterfully captures the man whose career reflected the country&’s westward expansion, industrialization, and foreign wars, and who was the most important white author of his generation to grapple so fully with the legacy of slavery. Today, more than one hundred years after his death, Twain&’s writing continues to be read, debated, and quoted. In this brilliant work of scholarship, a moving tribute to the writer&’s talent and humanity, Chernow reveals the magnificent and often maddening life of one of the most original characters in American history.
The Making of a Manager: What to Do When Everyone Looks to You
by Julie ZhuoInstant Wall Street Journal Bestseller!Congratulations, you're a manager! After you pop the champagne, accept the shiny new title, and step into this thrilling next chapter of your career, the truth descends like a fog: you don't really know what you're doing.That's exactly how Julie Zhuo felt when she became a rookie manager at the age of 25. She stared at a long list of logistics--from hiring to firing, from meeting to messaging, from planning to pitching--and faced a thousand questions and uncertainties. How was she supposed to spin teamwork into value? How could she be a good steward of her reports' careers? What was the secret to leading with confidence in new and unexpected situations?Now, having managed dozens of teams spanning tens to hundreds of people, Julie knows the most important lesson of all: great managers are made, not born. If you care enough to be reading this, then you care enough to be a great manager.The Making of a Manager is a modern field guide packed everyday examples and transformative insights, including: * How to tell a great manager from an average manager (illustrations included) * When you should look past an awkward interview and hire someone anyway * How to build trust with your reports through not being a boss * Where to look when you lose faith and lack the answersWhether you're new to the job, a veteran leader, or looking to be promoted, this is the handbook you need to be the kind of manager you wish you had.