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Government Book Talk

Blog from the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO)

  • Popular Military Subscriptions: Undersea Warfare JournalThis link opens in a new windowDec 20, 2024

    Looking for a way to stay informed about military news and history? Federal military journals offer a wealth of information tailored to the interests of those in the military community. From historical journals to contemporary military news, these subscriptions provide valuable insights and resources for active and retired service members. The U.S. Government Online Bookstore will highlight some of our most popular military journals in this blog over the next few months.

    This month’s feature, Undersea Warfare Journal, is a professional magazine of the undersea warfare community from the U.S. Navy that delves into the complexities of undersea warfare. Its purpose is to educate its readers on undersea warfare missions and programs, focusing on U.S. submarines. This journal is a vital platform for naval professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements, strategies, and challenges in this critical domain.

    Undersea Warfare Journal covers a wide range of topics, including:

    • Submarine Operations: Tactics, techniques, and procedures for submarine warfare.
    • Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Methods and technologies for detecting and neutralizing submarines.
    • Undersea Sensors and Weapons: The latest advancements in sonar, torpedoes, and other undersea systems.
    • Oceanography and Acoustics: Studying ocean conditions and sound propagation is crucial for undersea operations.
    • Emerging Technologies: The potential impact of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, on undersea warfare.

    Whether you’re a naval officer, a marine scientist, or simply interested in the complexities of undersea warfare, the Undersea Warfare Journal offers valuable insights and thought-provoking articles. By staying informed about the latest developments in this field, you can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities beneath the waves.

    The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

    HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

    Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

    Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

    Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

    Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

    Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

    About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

  • Unique and Thoughtful Gift IdeasThis link opens in a new windowDec 12, 2024

    The holidays are fast approaching. If you’re searching for that special gift, let the federal government help with popular, practical, and unique gift ideas. This year, consider gifts that spark curiosity, inspire learning, and celebrate our beautiful planet. From space enthusiasts to nature lovers and young learners, we’ve covered you with these out-of-this-world gift ideas.

    Here are popular gift ideas from the U.S. Government Bookstore that will delight everyone on your list.

    The 2025 NASA Science Calendar is a must-have for the space enthusiast in your life. This calendar features stunning images of planets, galaxies, and astronauts and is a daily reminder of the universe’s wonders. It’s a great way to stay organized and get inspired.

    Outdoor lovers can bring the beauty of nature into their homes with beautiful National Park posters. With choices ranging from the iconic Rocky Mountains to Canyon Country National Park and more, these posters are perfect for framing and displaying in any room. They’re a great conversation starter and a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

    For the little ones in your life, the Discover MyPlate activity booklets are a fun and educational way to learn about healthy eating. These booklets help build literacy and teach kids about different food groups and portion sizes. They’re a great way to encourage healthy habits while having fun.

    These gifts will surely be a hit with people of all ages. They’re perfect for anyone who loves learning, exploring, and appreciating the beauty of our planet.

    HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

    Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

    Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

    Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

    Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

    Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

    About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

    Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

  • Astronomical Phenomena: Get ready for a stellar year in 2026!This link opens in a new windowNov 29, 2024

    The Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2026 publication is now available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore. A small, helpful booklet, it contains general interest material preprinted from The Astronomical Almanac, published jointly by the U.S. Naval Observatory and His Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office two years in advance of its date. It includes information such as:

    • dates for Solar equinoxes, solstices, and phases of the Moon
    • eclipse maps
    • dates for various planetary phenomena
    • visibility and magnitudes of the planets
    • dates for some religious and civil holidays
    • chronological eras and cycles
    • the equation of time and declination of the Sun
    • sunrise/set, moonrise/set times
    • the position of Polaris.

    The cosmos has a lot in store for skywatchers for 2026, from dazzling meteor showers to lunar eclipses. Here are a few celestial events to mark on your calendar:

    • The Quadrantids Meteor Shower: This annual shower peaks in early January, offering a chance to witness dozens of meteors streaking across the night sky.
    • Partial Lunar Eclipse: A portion of the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, creating a breathtaking celestial spectacle.
    • The Perseid Meteor Shower: One of the most popular meteor showers of the year, the Perseids peak in August, with bright meteors illuminating the night sky.
    • Total Lunar Eclipse: A rare celestial event where the Moon is completely obscured by Earth’s shadow.

    Be sure to check astronomical calendars and websites for precise dates and times of these events and other celestial occurrences that may surprise and delight you. Happy stargazing!

    HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

    Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

    Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

    Click here to purchase Astronomical Phenomena For The Year 2026

    Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

    Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

    Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

    About the author: Blogger contributor Ed Kessler is a Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publications and Information Sales Office.

    Images and additional content provided by Government Book Talk Editor Trudy Hawkins. Trudy is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

  • Honoring the Pioneers: Aviation History MonthThis link opens in a new windowNov 19, 2024

    November is Aviation History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible advancements in aviation and the pioneers who made it possible. From the Wright brothers’ historic flight to the supersonic jets of today, aviation has revolutionized how we travel, communicate, and explore the world.

    The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are often credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. Their groundbreaking achievement in 1903 marked the beginning of a new era, paving the way for the development of modern aviation.

    First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane, from the National Park Service, offers a comprehensive history of the Wright Brothers. It vividly depicts the brothers’ distinct personalities, while a series of graphic features trace their progress towards developing a practical flying machine. The book also features a foreword by astronaut John Glenn and a colorful foldout illustrating the 1903 Wright Flyer.

    Today, aviation continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. Aviation has become integral to our lives, from commercial airliners to military aircraft and drones to spacecraft. As we reflect on the past, let’s also look forward to the future of flight and its exciting possibilities.

    The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

    HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

    Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

    Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

    Click here to purchase First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane

    Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

    Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

    Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

    About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

  • Honoring American Indian HeritageThis link opens in a new windowNov 13, 2024

    November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The month celebrates the rich and diverse cultures and traditions of Native people and acknowledges their important contributions.

    From their ancestral lands to their artistic expressions, American Indians and Alaska Natives have shaped the fabric of the United States. Their traditions and languages continue to inspire and enrich our society.

    To learn all about the history of the American Indians, the GPO Bookstore offers the Smithsonian’s Handbook of North American Indians series. It is the ultimate resource for Native American history across various regions of North America. The multi-volume hardcover reference set is intended to summarize what is known about the prehistory, history, and cultures of the aboriginal peoples of North America north of the urban civilizations of central Mexico.

    How to Celebrate:

    • Learn about history: Dive into the history and culture of different tribes.
    • Support Indigenous businesses: Purchase from Native-owned businesses and artisans.
    • Attend cultural events: Participate in powwows, cultural festivals, and art exhibits.
    • Educate yourself and others: Share knowledge and promote understanding.

    Let’s come together to appreciate the resilience, creativity, and strength of American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

    The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

    HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

    Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

    Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

    Click here to purchase Handbook of North American Indians

    Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

    Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

    Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

    About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

Wisconsin Document Depository Program

November 2024

Here are some new documents we’d like to highlight that were added to the Wisconsin Digital Archives in November: