Crystal Clear: The Struggle for Reliable Communications Technology in World War II
Quartz crystal— a technology that changed the tide of World War II
Some of the defining leaps in technology in the twentieth century occurred during the Second World War, from radar to nuclear energy. Often left out of historical discussions are quartz crystals, which proved to be just as pivotal to the Allied victory— and to post-war development— as other technologies. Quartz crystals provided the U.S. military, for the first time, with reliable communication on the front lines, and then went on to become the core of some of the most basic devices of the post-war era, from watches, clocks, and color televisions, to cell phones and computers.
In Crystal Clear, Richard Thompson relates the story of the quartz crystal in World War II, from its early days as a curiosity for amateur radio enthusiasts, to its use by the United States Armed Forces. It follows the intrepid group of scientists and engineers from the Office of the Chief Signal Officer of the U.S. Army as they raced to create an effective quartz crystal unit. They had to find a reliable supply of radio-quality quartz; devise methods to reach, mine, and transport the quartz; find a way to manufacture quartz crystal oscillators rapidly; and then solve the puzzling "aging problem" that plagued the early units. Ultimately, the development of quartz oscillators became the second largest scientific undertaking in World War II after the Manhattan Project.
Bringing to light a little-known aspect of World War II, Crystal Clear offers a glimpse inside one of the most significant efforts in the annals of engineering.
Remembering the Lower East Side: American Jewish Reflections by Hasia R. Diner, ISBN 0253337887
For more than a century, the Lower East Side of New York City has been recognized and scrutinized as the largest and most vibrant immigrant Jewish neighborhood in America. In recent years a spate of art works, performances, and tourist productions have fostered increased interest in the neighborhood. This lively book explores the dynamics of Lower East Side memory and considers the changing ways that this unique neighborhood has been embraced by American Jews over the course of a century. Part 1, "The Dynamics of Remembrance", investigates multiple facets of life on the Lower East Side and considers the emerging repertoire of memory that took shape around the neighborhood. Themes include the naming of the Lower East Side, a century of photography of the neighborhood, and the colorful histories of synagogues and schools, restaurants and cabarets. Part 2, "Contemporary Recollections", examines the recent upsurge of interest in the Lower East Side as a site of Jewish heritage and cultural...
Remembering the Lower East Side: American Jewish Reflections by Hasia R. Diner, ISBN 0253337887 
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Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
It was an ordinary night in October of 1938 until a news bulletin interrupted the dance music on "CBS radio-aliens were invading the United States!
Meghan McCarthy's hilarious "Aliens Are Coming! tells the true story of the Halloween radio prank that duped much of the country into believing that Martians had invaded. The book uses excerpts from the actual "War of the Worlds radio broadcast and includes information about the importance of radios in the 1930s (before the time of televisions and computers) as well as facts about Orson Welles and H. G. Wells, author of the novel on which the broadcast was based.
"From the Hardcover edition.
Aliens Are Coming!: The True Account of the 1938 War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast
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The Ara Pacis of Augustus and Mussolini by Wayne Andersen, ISBN 0972557318
The Ara Pacis of Augustus, the Augustan Alter of Peace, was restored in 1938 to celebrate the bi-millennial birthday of Augustus and is now being refurbished by the American architect, Richard Meier. It is the most-revered ancient Roman monument. However, this book shows that it is not the altar that everyone thinks it is, but rather a commemorative altar erected under the reign of Tiberius.
The Ara Pacis of Augustus and Mussolini by Wayne Andersen, ISBN 0972557318
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Yamaha Refurbished 88-Key Digital Piano w/ Matching Stand, RDGX505
Yamaha Refurbished 88-Key Digital Piano w/ Matching Stand, RDGX505
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D3: The Mighty Ducks
Emilio Estevez and the original Ducks are back in this fast-moving comedy starring the most popular hockey team in movie history! After the Ducks win scholarships to a snooty private school, Coach Bombay (Estevez) announces that he's moving on to greener pastures with the Goodwill Games. Shortly after the team arrives at Eden Hall Academy, they inherit a new coach who turns out to be their worst nightmare when he strips Charlie Conway (Joshua Jackson) of his position as captain! Then, with their scholarships on the line, they face their toughest rival -- the 10-time championship varsity team! The Ducks and their opponents engage in a series of hilarious pranks to warm up for their battle on the ice. And in a thrilling and climactic third-period battle, the Ducks must prove why they are called the Mighty Ducks! "The quack attack is back!" (USA Today) -- and D3 will have you and your family cheering!
1. Coach Gordon Bombay and the Ducks are back in Minneapolis fresh...
D3: The Mighty Ducks
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