Dear Reader,

Checking into a mental clinic wasn't exactly on my radar in 2022. Writing about it wasn't either. But here we are.

I spent a lifetime trying to create a 'front' to give everyone the illusion that all is well. It wasn't, and it isn't. Now I look back and I think, 'what the f*ck was that all about?'

I began the book trying to find meaning by going on various, life-changing journeys, I ended up in a mental clinic; obviously things didn't work out the way I expected. This is the story of what happened after the mental car crash . . . From then on, the journey had to turn inward. It turns out I wasn't looking for meaning, I was looking for home.

I'm not a fiction writer. I can't fake it. I could say I rode into the sunset, but life isn't like that unless you're a cowboy. Truth is I'm not as well as I thought I was.

These days, trying to stay sane in a completely chaotic world makes life incredibly difficult. For those readers who are deep in the darkness of mental illness, I hope my book makes you feel less alone.

Take care, love,
Ruby x

An honest and refreshing new exploration of mental health from mindfulness expert Ruby Wax. Bestselling author and comedian, Ruby Wax, takes a candid, dark, and witty dive through her life and personal experiences with mental health, providing solace and advice for anyone out there who realises they aren't as well as they thought they were. Checking into a psychiatric institution wasn't exactly on Ruby Wax's agenda for 2022 - writing about it wasn't either, but here we are. These days, trying to stay sane in a completely chaotic world makes life incredibly difficult, especially if you're struggling with your mental health. While searching for inner peace and equanimity amidst global chaos, Ruby realises that, ultimately, the most challenging gauntlet we all must face is ourselves. I'm Not as Well as I Thought I Was is Ruby's most honest, rawest book to date - an insight into the depths of her psyche, and a stark exploration of what trauma can do to someone. Reflecting on years of personal and professional experience, she opens up to readers about her struggles with mental health and different treatments over the years, hoping to provide reassurance and guidance to anyone confronting their own anticipated, or unanticipated, struggles with mental health.

'A true tour de force. We're all a little messed up in our own ways, but we should all strive to be as fabulously fearless as Ruby' Fearne Cotton Dear Reader, Checking into a mental clinic wasn't exactly on my radar in 2022. Writing about it wasn't either. But here we are. I spent a lifetime trying to create a 'front' to give everyone the illusion that all is well. It wasn't, and it isn't. Now I look back and I think, 'what the f*ck was that all about?' I began the book trying to find meaning by going on various, life-changing journeys, I ended up in a mental clinic; obviously things didn't work out the way I expected. This is the story of what happened after the mental car crash . . . From then on, the journey had to turn inward. It turns out I wasn't looking for meaning, I was looking for home. I'm not a fiction writer. I can't fake it. I could say I rode into the sunset, but life isn't like that unless you're a cowboy. Truth is I'm not as well as I thought I was. These days, trying to stay sane in a completely chaotic world makes life incredibly difficult. For those readers who are deep in the darkness of mental illness, I hope my book makes you feel less alone. Take care, love, Ruby x --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Nobody can make the serious funny and the funny serious quite like Ruby.' - Alastair Campbell 'If you buy only one book this year, make it this one.' - Joanna Lumley

In Mexico, during the presidency of Felipe Calderón (2006-2012) and as a direct result of his 'war' on drugs, at least 60,000 people were killed, tens of thousands were 'disappeared' and countless more were subjected to kidnapping and sexual violence. This book analyses how artists and filmmakers, alongside affected citizens, attempted to navigate, articulate and contend with this unparalleled escalation in brutality.

This book presents the effects of federal regulations and the ethical issues on various social research methodologies, with particular attention to their differential impact on qualitative and quantitative studies.

I wish for you, my little one... What do we wish for our children? What kind of messages do we want to pass down to them? Well, what better place to look to than nature? Wife/husband duo David Wax and Brett Blumental combine talents as they walk us through the values we can draw from the diverse, natural world around us. Giraffes, penguins, and dolphins are just a sample of the creatures you can find populating this story. A classic and heartfelt board book about the unshakable love between a parent and their baby.

This book breaks new ground in the history of anthropology, opening up an explicit examination of anthropology in the Cold War era. With historical distance, Cold War anthropology has begun to emerge as a distinct field within the discipline. This book brings a number of different approaches to bear on the questions raised by anthropology's Cold War history. The contributors show how anthropologists became both tools and victims of the Cold War state during the rise of the United States in the post-War period. Examining the intersection between science and power, this book is a compelling read for anthropologists, historians, sociologists, and anyone interested in the way in which colonial and neo-colonial knowledge is produced and constructed.

As the federal government elaborates its networks of control over social research, some investigators feel that federal regulations mean only increased costs and constricted research opportunities; others see the possibility of better research through the informed interaction between investigator and subjects that can be brought about by these same regulations. This book-in which responsible social research is defended as essential for intelligent social policy--pre-sents the effects of federal regulations on various research methodologies, with particular attention to their differential impact on qualitative and quantitative studies. It also presents material on the formation and nature of the federal regulatory system, the effects of research on the different kinds of populations studies, and the conflicts among professional associations with regard to regulation.

This reference summarizes the latest research on the structure, function, and design of synthetic and natural peptide antibiotics, describing practical applications of these compounds in food preservation and packaging, and in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases by direct anti-bacterial action and as part of the adaptive immune response.
Peptide Antibiotics discusses these unique compounds and their many and exciting applications, including:
the distribution and classification of diverse antimicrobial peptides throughout nature
the role in host defense of mucosal surface peptide antibiotics such as defensins and cathepsins
the biosynthesis of lanthionine-containing antibiotics including nisin, epidermin, and mersacidin
the genetic basis determining the production of bacterial peptide antibiotics
the potential commercial use of magainin, nisin, and lacticin peptides as anti-infective agents
the use of nisin as a commercial food preservative
With contributions from 19 world-renowned experts in the field, Peptide Antibiotics is an indispensable source of information for pharmaceutical scientists, medicinal and organic chemists and biochemists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, molecular biologists, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

The enormous genetic flexibility of bacteria jeopardizes the usefulness of currently available antibiotics, and requires new approaches to antibiotic discovery and development. Antimicrobial resistance can be acquired in a short time frame, both by genetic mutation and by direct transfer of resistance genes across genus and species boundaries. Understanding mechanisms of resistance is crucial to the future of antimicrobial therapy. Extensively revised, with contributions from international leaders in their fields, Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials, Second Edition blends scientific and practical approaches to the social, economic, and medical issues related to this growing problem. The book begins with a history of antimicrobial agents and bacterial resistance, and outlines the forces that contributed to the abuse of antibiotics and precipitated the current crisis. It goes on to describe what is known about the ecology of antibiotic resistant bacteria and reveals the inadequacies in our understanding. Emphasizing public health aspects, the editors stress that significant progress will be made only by addressing the problem only as a public, worldwide, problem. Chapters on resistance mechanisms describe the latest findings on what makes different groups of bacteria susceptible or resistant to antibiotics. They reveal the staggering diversity of bacteria and the need for a foundational understanding that will stimulate development of antibiotics capable of avoiding resistance mechanisms. Examining the success and limitations of complementary approaches, such as combining ss-lactam antibiotics with ss-lactamase inhibitors, the book brings together information on resistance mechanisms in different groups of bacteria to help future efforts to more effectively develop and deploy antimicrobial therapies.

Award-winning mezzotint engraver Carol Wax traces the art form's beginnings in 1642, through its growth as a vital British industry for reproducing paintings, to its demise after the invention of photography and resurgence as a means of original expression. This newly revised edition explains various means for creating dark backgrounds on copper plates and rendering images reductively, or in the mezzotint manner. Copious illustrations accompany step-by-step technical instruction and include prints by practitioners at the forefront of the current mezzotint revival. Includes helpful information on: tools; inks; papers; printing techniques; using mezzotint with other mediums; related engraving and drypoint techniques. Additional updates emphasize nontoxic materials and make this book useful to artists with diverse experiences and interests.

An official behind-the-scenes companion to New Line Cinema's IT and IT CHAPTER TWO, the globally popular blockbusters Collecting the best artwork produced during the making of both of these sophisticated and visually enthralling films-including concept art, sketches, storyboards, and behind-the-scenes photography-World of IT explores the films' singular aesthetic and meticulous world-building. This compendium includes commentary from director Andy Muschietti; producers Barbara Muschietti, Dan Lin, and Roy Lee; the acclaimed ensemble cast; and other creative players who helped bring a new, disturbing vision of King's perennial bestseller to life.

Three women find an unexpected sisterhood in this perfect beach read from the USA Today bestselling author of Best Beach Ever and My Ex-Best Friend's Wedding. Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover that their life savings have vanished along with their trusted financial manager-leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house. Madeline Singer is a homemaker coping with empty-nest syndrome and an unemployed husband. Avery Lawford is an architect, or was, until she somehow became the sidekick on her ex-husband's TV show. And professional matchmaker Nikki Grant is trying to recover from her biggest mistake... Throwing caution to the wind, the three women take on the challenge of restoring the historic beach house to its former glory. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, their secrets threaten to tear down their trust and destroy their lives a second time...

This book deals with the latest achievements in the field of optical coherent microscopy. While many other books exist on microscopy and imaging, this book provides a unique resource dedicated solely to this subject. Similarly, many books describe applications of holography, interferometry and speckle to metrology but do not focus on their use for microscopy. The coherent light microscopy reference provided here does not focus on the experimental mechanics of such techniques but instead is meant to provide a users manual to illustrate the strengths and capabilities of developing techniques. The areas of application of this technique are in biomedicine, medicine, life sciences, nanotechnology and materials sciences.

The enormous genetic flexibility of bacteria jeopardizes the usefulness of currently available antibiotics, and requires new approaches to antibiotic discovery and development. Antimicrobial resistance can be acquired in a short time frame, both by genetic mutation and by direct transfer of resistance genes across genus and species boundaries. Understanding mechanisms of resistance is crucial to the future of antimicrobial therapy. Extensively revised, with contributions from international leaders in their fields, Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials, Second Edition blends scientific and practical approaches to the social, economic, and medical issues related to this growing problem. The book begins with a history of antimicrobial agents and bacterial resistance, and outlines the forces that contributed to the abuse of antibiotics and precipitated the current crisis. It goes on to describe what is known about the ecology of antibiotic resistant bacteria and reveals the inadequacies in our understanding. Emphasizing public health aspects, the editors stress that significant progress will be made only by addressing the problem only as a public, worldwide, problem. Chapters on resistance mechanisms describe the latest findings on what makes different groups of bacteria susceptible or resistant to antibiotics. They reveal the staggering diversity of bacteria and the need for a foundational understanding that will stimulate development of antibiotics capable of avoiding resistance mechanisms. Examining the success and limitations of complementary approaches, such as combining ss-lactam antibiotics with ss-lactamase inhibitors, the book brings together information on resistance mechanisms in different groups of bacteria to help future efforts to more effectively develop and deploy antimicrobial therapies.

Biophotonics is a burgeoning field that has afforded researchers and medical practitioners alike an invaluable tool for implementing optical microscopy. Recent advances in research have enabled scientists to measure and visualize the structural composition of cells and tissue while generating applications that aid in the detection of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and atherosclerosis. Rather than divulge a perfunctory glance into the field of biophotonics, this textbook aims to fully immerse senior undergraduates, graduates, and research professionals in the fundamental knowledge necessary for acquiring a more advanced awareness of concepts and pushing the field beyond its current boundaries. The authors furnish readers with a pragmatic, quantitative, and systematic view of biophotonics, engaging such topics as light-tissue interaction, the use of optical instrumentation, and formulating new methods for performing analysis. Designed for use in classroom lectures, seminars, or professional laboratories, the inclusion and incorporation of this textbook can greatly benefit readers as it serves as a comprehensive introduction to current optical techniques used in biomedical applications. Caters to the needs of graduate and undergraduate students as well as R&D professionals engaged in biophotonics research. Guides readers in the field of biophotonics, beginning with basic concepts before proceeding to more advanced topics and applications. Serves as a primary text for attaining an in-depth, systematic view of principles and applications related to biophotonics. Presents a quantitative overview of the fundamentals of biophotonic technologies. Equips readers to apply fundamentals to practical aspects of biophotonics.

This accessible account of the post-communist transformation of Hungarian companies raises several important questions. How did the transition from planned economy to free market work in practice? What are the main issues now facing Hungarian business? The authors look at the ways in which a cross-section of Hungarian companies and their managers have faced the challenges of the free market system. Containing several contemporary case studies and based upon a major research project this book provides a fascinating insight into the challenges facing modern Hungary.

**The number one bestseller, with over 150,000 copies sold, which kick-started a mindfulness revolution**

'Ruby Wax has written a guide to mindfulness that's as hilarious as it is useful' Arianna Huffington

'We are all frazzled, all of us...'

Five hundred years ago no one died of stress: we invented this concept and now we let it rule us.

In A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, Ruby Wax shows us how to de-frazzle for good by making simple changes that give us time to breathe, reflect and live in the moment. It's an easy-to-understand introduction to mindfulness, weaved together with Ruby's trademark wit and humour.

Let Ruby be your guide to a healthier, happier you. You've nothing to lose but your stress...

Dear Reader, I have written this workbook for you to use as a guide on how to drop anchor when life, and the world around you, gets too daunting. It's filled with exercises and information for when you're suddenly forced to confront the hard truths or as I like to call them the BIG SIX realities - difficult emotions, uncertainty, loneliness, change, dissatisfaction and death. It isn't just about how to get through a pandemic... Or the post-pandemic fall-out. It is a WAKE UP call. One that will increase your awareness of every moment through mindfulness. So SCRIBBLE in it. DOODLE in it. Take it EVERYWHERE. No one is going to see what's inside but you. This is not just another self-help book. Think of it as an evolve-yourself book. I do hope it helps you hold the rudder straight, no matter how turbulent the waves, and that you come out the other end buoyant, with a new appreciation for the privilege of life. Love RUBY x

If following Jesus involves a life of sacrifice and suffering, is it wrong for a Christian to seek purpose and joy in this world? Many Christians sense a tension between their desire to enjoy life in this world-the beauty of God's creation, the rich love of deep relationships with others-and the reality that this world is fallen and broken, in need of redemption. How can we embrace and thrive in the tension between enjoying creation and promoting redemption? By living out our God-given purpose. As "worldly saints," created in the image of God, we are natural creatures with a supernatural purpose-to know and love God. Because we live in a world that is stained by the curse of sin, we must learn to embrace our nature as creatures created in the image of God while recognizing our desperate need for the grace that God offers to us in the gospel. Writing in a devotional style that is theologically rich, biblically accurate, and aimed at ordinary readers, Mike Wittmer helps readers understand who they are, why they are here, and the importance of the story they tell themselves. In Becoming Worldly Saints, he gives an integrated vision that shows how we can be heavenly minded in a way that leads to earthly good, empowering believers to seize the abundant life God has for them.

With more than 500 new apps entering the market every day, what does it take to build a successful digital product? You can greatly reduce your risk of failure with design sprints, a process that enables your team to prototype and test a digital product idea within a week. This practical guide shows you exactly what a design sprint involves and how you can incorporate the process into your organization. Design sprints not only let you test digital product ideas before you pour too many resources into a project, they also help everyone get on board-whether they're team members, decision makers, or potential users. You'll know within days whether a particular product idea is worth pursuing. Design sprints enable you to: Clarify the problem at hand, and identify the needs of potential users Explore solutions through brainstorming and sketching exercises Distill your ideas into one or two solutions that you can test Prototype your solution and bring it to life Test the prototype with people who would use it