Atomistic computer simulations are often at the heart of modern attempts to predict and understand the physical properties of real materials, including the vast domain of metals and alloys. Historically, highly simplified empirical potentials have been used to provide the interatomic forces needed to perform such simulations, but true predictive power in these materials emanates from fundamental quantum mechanics. In metals and alloys especially, a viable path forward to the vastly larger length and time scales offered by empirical potentials, while retaining the predictive power of quantum mechanics, is to course-grain the underlying electronic structure of the material and systematically derive quantum-based interatomic potentials from first-principles. This book spans the entire process from foundation in fundamental theory, to the development of accurate quantum-based potentials for real materials, to the wide-spread application of the potentials to the atomistic simulation of structural, thermodynamic, defect and mechanical properties of metals and alloys.

As the shortest candidate in the 2004 U.S. Presidential contest, Butternut O'Day enjoyed a distinct view of the political process. During her all-too-brief campaign, Butternut corresponded with dozens of business professionals, retailers, service providers, journalists, public personalities and civic leaders.

While the resulting letters expose Butternut's naivete about Presidential politics (as well as sportfishing, air travel, Botox, boxing, and many other subjects), they also capture a singular moment in the history of the United States by answering numerous provocative questions. Can a wee person (3'9") run for President? Can a wee person (3'9") be taken seriously? Can a wee person (3'9") find a Presidential suite at Motel 6?

"Wee, The People: Long Letters from a Short Presidential Candidate" is Butternut's endeavor to keep alive the belief that one person--no matter how tall or short, thin or plump, young or old, skilled or untrained--can make a difference in the world.