Holographic Ambitions is the true story of a kid named Andrew that, when left to his own devices, found innumerable ways to destroy himself. The first section presents amusing tales of a substance-fueled youth. Such stories include: Taking near-lethal doses of Ketamine Chugging Beerbongs full of rum Sneaking onto a party bus with a lottery winner The second section reveals what it took to reverse the physical damage and learned behaviors associated with a helter-skelter childhood. Holographic Ambitions shows us how you can transform a life of alcohol and drug-induced chaos to one of stability and purpose. Andrew Ramy shows us that you do not need to be a victim of your upbringing. Change is both possible and attainable.

Rock Mechanics: Achievements and Ambitions contains the papers accepted for the 2nd ISRM International Young Scholars’ Symposium on Rock Mechanics, which was sponsored by the ISRM and held on 14–16 October 2011 in Beijing, China, immediately preceding the 12th ISRM Congress on Rock Mechanics. Highlighting the work of young teachers, researchers and practitioners, the present work provides an important stimulus for the next generation of rock engineers, because in the future there will be more emphasis on the use of the Earth’s resources and their sustainability, and more accountability of engineers’ decisions. In this context, it is entirely appropriate that the Symposium venue for the young scholars was in China — because of the rock mechanics related work that is anticipated in the future. For example, in the Chinese Academy of Sciences report, “Energy Science and Technology in China: A Roadmap to 2050”, it is predicted that China’s total energy demand will reach 31, 45, 61 and 66 x 108 tce (tonnes of coal equivalent) in 2010, 2020, 2035, 2050. The associated per capita energy consumption for the same years is estimated at 2.3, 3.1, 4.1 and 4.6 tce. This increasing demand will be met, inter alia, by the continued operation and development of new coal mines, hydroelectric plants and nuclear power stations with one or more underground nuclear waste repositories, all of which will be improved by more modern methods of rock engineering design developed by young scholars. In particular, enhanced methods of site investigation, rock characterisation, rock failure understanding, computer modelling, and rock excavation and support are needed. The topics in the book include contributions on: - Field investigation and observation - Rock constitutive relations and property testing - Numerical and physical modeling for rock engineering - Information technology, artificial intelligence and other advanced techniques - Underground and surface excavation and reinforcement techniques - Dynamic rock mechanics and blasting - Predication and prevention of geo-environmental hazard - Case studies of typical rock engineering Many of the 200 papers address these topics and demonstrate the skills of the young scholars, indicating that we can be confident in the continuing development of rock mechanics and rock engineering, leading to more efficient, safer and economical structures built on and in rock masses. Rock Mechanics: Achievements and Ambitions will appeal to professionals, engineers and academics in rock mechanics, rock engineering, tunnelling, mining, earthquake engineering, rock dynamics and geotechnical engineering.

A National Book Award Finalist, a New York Times bestseller and one of the most highly-acclaimed books of the year, A Hologram for the King is a sprawling novel about the decline of American industry from one of the most important, socially-aware novelists of our time. In a rising Saudi Arabian city, far from weary, recession-scarred America, a struggling businessman named Alan Clay pursues a last-ditch attempt to stave off foreclosure, pay his daughter's college tuition, and finally do something great. In A Hologram for the King, Dave Eggers takes us around the world to show how one man fights to hold himself and his splintering family together in the face of the global economy's gale-force winds. This taut, richly layered, and elegiac novel is a powerful evocation of our contemporary moment--and a moving story of how we got here.

Holograms have been in the public eye for over a half-century, but their influences have deeper cultural roots. No other visual experience is quite like interacting with holograms; no other cultural product melds the technological sublime with magic and optimism in quite the same way. As holograms have evolved, they have left their audiences alternately fascinated, bemused, inspired or indifferent. From expressions of high science to countercultural art to consumer security, holograms have represented modernity, magic and materialism. Their most pervasive impact has been to galvanise hopeful technological dreams. Engineers, artists, hippies and hobbyists have played with, and dreamed about, holograms. This book explores how holograms found a place in distinct cultural settings. It is aimed at readers attracted to pop culture, visual studies and cultural history, scholars concerned with media history, fine art and material studies and, most of all, cross-disciplinary audiences intrigued about how this ubiquitous but still-mysterious visual medium grew up in our midst and became entangled in our culture. This book explores the technical attractions and cultural uses of the hologram, how they were shaped by what came before them, and how they have matured to shape our notional futures. Today, holograms are in our pockets (as identity documents) and in our minds (as gaming fantasies and 'faux hologram' performers). Why aren't they more often in front of our eyes?

Hologram The Beginning Embark on a thrilling journey through the mind-bending world of 'Hologram – The Beginning'. The tale kicks off with Steve, a brilliant government agent whose unique perspective fuels a groundbreaking plan. As he delves into encryption and frequencies beyond parsecs, he explores the art of assembling an exceptional team. The boundaries of space and time blur, leading to profound scientific and philosophical discussions. Witness Steve's tenacity through failures and successes, as he brings solid matter to life. The plot thickens as Steve navigates the challenges of presenting to a skeptical government. His encounter with Tina Stable sparks a connection amid chaos, while the arrival of Henry Jones brings new hope. 'Hologram' by Jason Borbidge. Celebrate success amidst scientific intricacies. Discover a realm where triumphs flourish despite scientific hurdles, reflecting the book's narrative of overcoming complexities with unwavering determination. Coming to you shortly!

Alison Cole and the Department of Hotness are back and ready for action in the sizzling sequel to Hottie?all about a Beverly Hills princess who can shoot fire from her fingertips! Ever since defeating her evil stepmother, Carmen, Alison?s life has been totally fla-mazing. But when she wins a coveted internship at Jen Magazine, she?ll have to take on fifteen-year-old Editor-in-Chief Pixie Furmanovsky?the biggest Superbrat the world has ever seen! Pixie always gets what she wants, and now she?s after Alison?s boyfriend, T! Can Hottie give little miss BratGirl a Super Sweet Sixteen that she?ll never forget? Or is this Superteen about to get superfired?