In the summer of 2013, Matt Kirk did what no one before him had yet to accomplish: Without the support of a dedicated crew, he backpacked the entire 2,185-mile Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia in less than 60 days. This is his story.

The propagation of light in dispersive media is a subject of fundamental as well as practical importance. In recent years attention has focused in particular on how refractive index can vary with frequency in such a way that the group velocities of optical pulses can be much greater or much smaller than the speed of light in vacuum, or in which the refractive index can be negative. Treating these topics at an introductory to intermediate level, Fast Light, Slow Light and Left-Handed Light focuses on the basic theory and describes the significant experimental progress made during the past decade. The book pays considerable attention to the fact that superluminal group velocities are not in conflict with special relativity and to the role of quantum effects in preventing superluminal communication and violations of Einstein causality. It also explores some of the basic physics at the opposite extreme of very slow group velocities as well as stopped and regenerated light, including the concepts of electromagnetically induced transparency and dark-state polaritons. Another very active aspect of the subject discussed concerns the possibility of designing metamaterials in which the refractive index can be negative and propagating light is left-handed in the sense that the phase and group velocities are in opposite directions. The last two chapters are an introduction to some of the basic theory and consequences of negative refractive index, with emphasis on the seminal work carried out since 2000. The possibility that "perfect" lenses can be made from negative-index metamaterials-which has been perhaps the most controversial aspect of the field-is introduced and discussed in some detail.

Dinnertime stress is over! Enjoy over 280 all-new 5-ingredient, 5-minute recipes guaranteed to come together easily from start to finish-fast. With options for 2, 4, or 6 servings, households of all sizes can share a home-cooked meal.

These Test Kitchen approved recipes are tailor-made for hectic lifestyles and health-conscious families. More than recipes, this must-have collection offers over 160 full-color photographs, detailed nutritional analyses, ways to streamline prep so dinner is ready even faster, easy make-ahead options, assorted 10-minute side dishes, and suggestions for turning leftovers into tasty lunches-to-go. Helpful shortcut kitchen techniques show you how to shave minutes off your prep time, while simple ingredient pairing tips teach you to effortlessly craft a variety of mouthwatering meals from just a few flavor-boosting items. Serving wholesome, homecooked meals on busy evenings just got easier thanks to Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast Weeknight Meals. Family meals return with these ready-in-minutes recipes for healthy, delicious, satisfying dishes.

Cut the organisational and operational dead weight to climb higher, faster The Light and Fast Organisation presents a blueprint for organisations looking to thrive in today's rapidly evolving business landscape. VUCA - Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity - has become the dominant mode of modern business, and leaders are overwhelmed. Competition and instability has increased while barriers to entry have fallen, chronic employee disengagement is on the rise and the global economic recovery is incredibly fragile; business leaders are uncomfortable, with threats to their business looming on all sides. This book proposes an alternative to the VUCA paradigm, one in which we learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and a model for helping your organisation climb above the fray. Case studies from both business and mountaineering illustrate the benefits and practicalities of becoming light, fast, and agile and underscore the importance of self-awareness and self-reliance in minimising your exposure to risk. Business and mountaineering share many parallels, including frequent operation outside of the comfort zone. This book shows you the strong skills and effective strategies you need to reach the summit. Get comfortable with discomfort Adopt an 'Alpine Style' approach to business Operate outside of the VUCA paradigm Stretch outside your comfort zone to achieve more, faster Leaders must accept the current VUCA state and assess their preparedness, but it's possible to move beyond it by ingraining a 'light and fast' approach at the core of their organisations' values and operations. It's only through reaching beyond the 'safe' zone that we learn what we're made of, and build the foundations for successful leadership and teamwork. The Light and Fast Organisation is your practical coach for climbing the mountain, and your guide to the quickest route to the summit.