Celebrate Technology Day with Federal Digital Publications at the GPO Bookstore

January 4, 2019

Technology has become a game-changer. It might have started centuries ago with the advent of the wheel but today’s techno-world has moved eons beyond the days of yore when Emerson created the electric light bulb and old fashion dial-up telephones were all the rage.

National Technology Day is celebrated January 6. Imagine our world without the technological advances that have become almost ho-hum routine in just the past decade!

From the wheel to smartphones, technology has been changing the world. January 6 is the day to recognize those achievements and to look to the future of technology.

The Technology field is one of the strongest and fastest growing industries. No industry can competitively survive without remaining up to speed with the latest tech advances in their respective fields. Agriculture, healthcare, entertainment, and many more use technology to keep us connected, informed, and safe.

The GPO online bookstore has entered the world of “techno-publishing” by offering numerous titles as eBooks (often free) across many subjects. A sampling of eBooks can be found below.

There are many printed and eBook (often also known as ePubs) publications for those in search of the latest information on a variety of subjects from health to financial services. Plus many more for the adventurous to find at the GPO online bookstore.

Exercise & Physical Activity (PDF eBook)

Learn to age well with exercise! This easy-to-read Exercise & Physical Activity Guide from the National Institute on Aging is filled with useful information, tips on how to get started, sample exercises, and real-life success stories to help you:

– Learn about the 4 types of exercise and how they can improve your health.

– Determine your current fitness level, set goals, make an exercise and physical activity plan, and talk with your doctor about increasing your physical activity level.

– Exercise safely, build up the benefits, and have fun!

The guide also has photos and detailed exercise instructions, worksheets to help you track your progress, and tips on eating a healthy diet.

Understanding Alzheimers Disease (ePub ePub)

This easy-to-read booklet will help readers learn about Alzheimer’s disease, its symptoms and treatments, when to see the doctor, research studies, and where caregivers can get help. Includes vignettes, a resource list, and glossary.

Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid (ePub eBook)

This guide provides a description of Federal Student Aid programs and the application process. Readers will find information on federal student aid as a source for funding postsecondary education, and know where to go for more detailed information.

To download FREE ePub eBooks from the GPO online bookstore, just add to cart then checkout for free. Reading ePub eBooks on your computer requires free ePub reader software for your PC, Mac or mobile device or an ePub-capable eReader hardware device such as Apple iPad, Barnes & Noble Nook, Sony e-Reader, Kobo e-Reader, etc.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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 Publication and Information Sales program office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Digital Publishing, ebooks, Science & Technology, Technology | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

GPO’s Gift Guide Series: Books for the Great Outdoorsman

December 6, 2018

Hey there! How is the holiday season treating you so far? What’s that? You’ve got a competitive cookie exchange coming up, you need to find a tacky sweater last minute, and you’ve been struggling to come up with what to get your nature-loving niece? Your GPO elves are here to help! Well, with the last thing, that is. Today, we’re bringing you gift ideas for the great outdoorsman.

Our first gift idea is a National Park Pack. The lovely coffee table book Treasured Landscapes from the GPO Bookstore showcases paintings, watercolors, sketches, and other works on paper from over 50 National Park Service museum collections. These works of art are seen together in this book for the first time to illustrate and tell the story of the Service’s first 100 years. Pair this book with a framed print of your friend or family member’s favorite national park that they can hang in their home for their daily dose of the outdoors. Next, add in a t-shirt or sweatshirt from the park so they can wear their nature-filled heart on their sleeve … literally! Voila, you have a beautiful present.

Next on the list is a mountain man’s … or mountain woman’s … survival kit. In it, include a pocketknife, a canteen, a headlamp, a compass, and snacks like trail mix, granola, and dried fruit. Rocky Mountain National Park Map from the GPO Bookstore will go perfectly in your survival kit. Top it off with cool posters from the GPO Bookstore like Alpine Northwest and Rocky Mountains by renowned late graphics artist Charley Harper. Another great addition? North Cascades, a guide that provides a brief introduction to North Cascades National Park and the surrounding region and includes travel and reference information.

Help the fisherman in your life plan his or her next fishing trip. The Upper Salmon River in Idaho provides a variety of boating opportunities. Between Stanley and Clayton, the river bounces through several classified rapids and is a favorite stretch for whitewater enthusiasts. The Upper Salmon River Boating Guide will help visitors navigate the river and learn about nature. The upper section is also unique in its combination of easy access and backcountry scenic quality. Pair this guide with a new rod, fishing line, fresh bait, and a cool vest, and you’ll hook, line and sinker all those other gift givers!

Finally, if you know someone who was really good this year, give the ultimate gift of travel. Surprise that lucky someone with a trip to the Grand Canyon, Redwood National Park in California, or Yosemite. Hide the plane tickets in a fun way by sticking them inside their passport … which, by the way, was printed right here at GPO. To get them even more excited, include a travel guide for the trip. The GPO Bookstore offers guides to many National Parks, including Trip Planner, a guide for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon, Redwood, a guide to Redwood National and State Parks, and Yosemite, a guide to Yosemite National Park.

They hike, they swim, they bike. They appreciate fresh air and fields of green. The great outdoorsman (or woman) doesn’t want a new iPhone or a watch or cologne. Show them you know them. Give a gift they will be sure to love as much as they love the mountains and the sea. We hope the ideas above inspired you to get creative. Stay tuned for more unique holiday gift ideas right here on the Government Book Talk blog.

GPO’s Gift Guide Series: Books for the Environmental Enthusiast

Click here to shop our Holiday Gift Guides for everyone on your list.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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 Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Consumers, Gifts | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Resources for Healthy Eating, Even During the Holidays

November 16, 2018

The holidays are right around the corner, and so are all the delicious … but not exactly nutritious … treats that come with them. A study from Cornell University showed that holiday weight gain is real and can take more than five months to lose! While it would be downright cruel for us to tell you to cut out all the eggnog, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies and candy canes the holidays have to offer (come on, we aren’t the Grinch!), GPO has some publications that can help you and your family stay healthy during the holidays and beyond.

Whether you’re spending money on the latest must-have gift or on tickets to see the Nutcracker or on a new pair of ice skates for the rink, the holidays are almost as tough on our wallets as they are on our waistlines. Healthy Eating Made Easy from the Department of Defense and Department of the Army offers tips and recipes to help you eat healthily and save money while doing it. The healthiest and most economical choices can also be the most fun and rewarding! With the help of this book, buy wholesome ingredients and cook your own meals at home.

Is it just us, or do you feel like you’re always in a rush during the holidays? There’s always another present to wrap or festivity to get ready for … and to our dismay, always another car honking in the mall parking lot. Meal prep is a must at this busy time of year. Instead of reaching for that all-too-accessible peppermint bark, go for a healthy meal made from your Deliciously Healthy Family Meals cookbook. This cookbook from the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and National Heart and Lung Institute is designed to help busy parents who want to make healthy meal preparation a family affair. The cookbook showcases new dishes that were created especially for the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) by a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef/instructor and father of two. And it’s kid-approved! All the recipes were taste-tested with parents and school-aged children, and feature easy-to-follow instructions in numbered steps and detailed health information, such as calories, fat, cholesterol, total fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and more.

Give the kid in your life an early holiday gift they’ll love. “Through the Eyes of the Eagle” is the first book in the Eagle Book Series. It introduces the character of Mr. Eagle. Mr. Eagle befriends Rain That Dances, the child character in the book, to educate him about diabetes and how the lifestyles and health of the people have changed. Mr. Eagle has come to remind the children of the healthy ways of their ancestors so that they can be strong and healthy again. The book is written by Georgia Perez of the Native American Diabetes Project at the University of New Mexico. Ms. Perez found that when children heard the story of the eagle, they listened intently. Afterward, they were eager to take the diabetes-prevention information back to their parents and grandparents to share what they had learned. Vividly brought to life by the colorful illustrations of American Indian artists Patrick Rolo (Bad River Band, Ojibwe) and Lisa A. Fifield (Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin), these award-winning stories are available at the GPO Bookstore. Look for all four books in the series: “Through the Eyes of the Eagle,” “Knees Lifted High,” “Plate Full of Color,” and “Tricky Treats.”

Keep your little ones occupied during holiday travel. The Discover MyPlate Series, published by the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Nutrition Service, is available for free download at the GPO Bookstore. Kids will learn about the five food groups, healthy eating, and reading! These colorful books introduce kindergarten-aged children to foods from all five food groups while building literacy skills through the use of sight words, optional audio narration and text highlighting, interactive games and activities, and more!

Decorating cookies and enjoying hot chocolate by the fire are part of what make the holidays merry and bright. No need to deprive yourself of your festive favorites. Just have lots of healthy options available too. Happy and healthy holidays to you. Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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 Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

Leave a Comment » | Children, Consumers, Family, health | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

September is National Preparedness Month

September 19, 2018

National Preparedness Month (NPM) takes place each September and is an ongoing reminder to review the necessary preparations you should take in the event of a natural disaster. This September the sentiment seems even more relevant than most years as the Eastern coast feels the impact of Hurricane Florence and the Western States recover from a particularly deadly fire season.

This NPM the focus is on planning, with an overarching theme of: Disasters Happen. Prepare Now. Learn How., according to ready.gov. Visit the website today to get free reference materials, checklists, and information on how to best prepare for a natural disaster. It’s important to remember that nothing can beat being prepared when a disaster occurs, and there is no substitute for thinking ahead.

Some simple tips to help you prepare now:

  • Know how to perform some basic home maintenance like securing TVs, dressers, and appliances in event of an earthquake.
  • Learn how to turn off the utilities to your house like natural gas and water in the event of leaks or broken pipes.
  • Ensure your smoke alarms are working with fresh batteries, and also keep a fire extinguisher with the right ratings available in your home.
  • Learn CPR, and keep a First Aid Kit ready in your home.
  • Work with all your family to ensure that everyone knows how to evacuate the house beforehand.

Some other important information available on epa.gov, is how to report emergencies and some general information about any emergency.

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) also offers several items that can help you prepare this NPM. On govinfo, there is a newly-published feature article that offers several links to related publications on disaster preparedness. These publications cover a variety of topics ranging from the National Flood Insurance Program Administrative Reform Act of 2017 to the Pets Evacuation to the Disaster Relief Act of 1974.

GPO also offers access to several items that can help your organization celebrate this unique history. The U.S. Government Bookstore offers several titles about this topic in the Disaster Preparedness Collection.

Some of those include:

  • National Response Framework, 2008 – National Response Framework is a guide to how the Nation conducts all-hazards response. It is built upon scalable, flexible, and adaptable coordinating structures to align key roles and responsibilities across the Nation, linking all levels of government, nongovernmental organizations, and the private sector. It is intended to capture specific authorities and best practices for managing incidents that range from the serious but purely local, to large-scale terrorist attacks or catastrophic natural disasters.
  • Disaster Preparedness Manual: Natural Disasters, Man-Made Disasters, Patient Fact Sheets – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs takes disaster planning and response very seriously. This manual, comprised of three major sections, summarizes actions that Veterans and their families can take to effectively cope with a disaster.  The sections are:
    • Natural Disasters (tornadoes, floods, etc.)
    • Man-Made Disasters (chemical attacks, bombings, etc.)
    • Patient Fact Sheets
  • Owlie Skywarn’s Weather Book – Provides an easy to read pamphlet about storms: hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, lightning, emergency preparation kits, safety at school, and more. Although written to be understandable for children ages 8 to 12, it contains valuable disaster preparation and response information of use to parents, teachers and other adults. At head of title on cover: Watch Out Storms Ahead.

GPO’s commitment to Keeping America Informed will continue to strive to provide access to Government information on all issues that affect the public in all aspects of their life.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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 Scott Pauley is a Writer and Editor in GPO’s Library Services and Content Management offices.

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Disasters, Emergency Response, Family, FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Interactive Books for Understanding Your Child’s Milestones

September 11, 2018

Whether they’re throwing temper tantrums, needing kisses for boo-boos, making messes, or drawing on things they shouldn’t be, toddlers are tough work. As a parent, you have enough to worry about. Keeping track of your child’s developmental milestones shouldn’t be one of them. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. First steps, first words, and using the potty for the first time are all developmental milestones. Other developmental milestones may not be as easy to see, but they are just as important for your child’s development. GPO, HHS and the CDC have worked together to bring you publications that make it simple, easy, and even fun (for you and your little one) to recognize your child’s milestones.

Where is Bear?: A Terrific Tale For 2-Year Olds is a fun, interactive book that encourages two-year-olds in their development and helps parents monitor their children’s attainment of important skills. Meet Tiger, Bear, and their forest friends, Bird, Frog, Fox, and Turtle! In this terrifically unique and interactive tale, your two-year-old child will help Tiger find Bear. Each step in your child’s quest to find Bear highlights important milestones in your child’s growth and development. Look for the leaf at the bottom of the page for these Milestone Moments such as following simple instructions, naming items in a picture book, and much more. Review the two-year-old milestone checklist, which includes social/emotional, language/communication, cognitive, and physical milestones. The end of the book also offers helpful parenting tips to learn more about your child’s development.

For a three-year-old, check out Amazing Me: It’s Busy Being 3 from the GPO Bookstore. In this story, a kangaroo named Joey shows all of the amazing things he can do now that he is three years old. Joey is working on dressing himself and taking turns and loves playing make-believe. With this book, your child will find koala bears throughout the story as Joey continues to learn and grow. See if your three-year-old is able to do some of the same things as Joey.

Finally, in the booklet Milestone Moments, you can follow your child’s development by watching how they play, learn, speak and act. Check off the milestones your child has reached at each age. You can even take this booklet to your child’s doctor at every visit to talk about the milestones your child has reached and what to expect next.

Watching your child grow is so much fun. It seems like they learn something new every day. Purchase these publications to help you keep track of it all … and to help you remember the special moments. It’s true what those other parents say – they grow up so fast!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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 Cat Goergen is the PR Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations office.

2 Comments | Children, Consumers, Family, Parenting | Tagged: , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

How is the Agricultural Sector Doing? The Latest Vital Statistics

April 12, 2018

There’s no more critical economic sector supporting a thriving and growing American economy than the great work of the nation’s farmers, livestock, and fisheries operators. A healthy agri-sector not only makes for a healthy American family, but also is of great importance as a reliable export contributor.

The Department of Agriculture’s yearly report, “Agricultural Cooperative Statistics”, is published annually to provide information on the position and trends among the America’s farmer, rancher, and fishery cooperatives. The latest report with 2016 data was just released.

These statistics are used for cooperative benchmarking, research, technical assistance, education, planning, and public policy. The collection, analysis, and dissemination of cooperative statistics are managed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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.

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

Leave a Comment » | Agriculture, Consumers, Department of Agriculture | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Read Across America – March 2

March 1, 2018

On March 2, 2018, Get involved! The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2—Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the country, thousands of schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and books, and you can too! Incorporate these guides and activities to celebrate reading with young people.

The Federal Government Environmental Protection Agency has a fun and informative children’s activity book featuring beloved Dr. Seuss character, the Lorax (Dr. Seuss TM 2015).

Join the Lorax and ENERGY STAR by doing your part. Save energy at home and at school – to keep pollution out of the air and keep the earth cool! The Lorax can teach us a thing or two, about saving water – that’s a good thing for the earth too.” A graphic and simple-to-understand activity book to engage school children in learning and caring about the environment and how to improve America’s quality of life.

You can purchase this fun booklet online at the U.S. Government Bookstore here.

For more on Dr. Seuss, read “Dr. Seuss, U.S Army” from the early days of Government Book Talk.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

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

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 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.

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.

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

Leave a Comment » | Consumers, Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins

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