August 26, 2026
Protecting your family from household lead is one of the most vital steps you can take for their long-term health. If your home was built before the late 1970s, toxic lead-based paint could be lurking beneath years of modern paint layers.
Lead is a heavy metal that poses severe risks—especially to children under six. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive impairments, learning difficulties, and damage to the nervous system and kidneys.
Common Lead Sources in the Home
- Pre-1978 Paint: Older homes often contain hidden lead-based paint layers that peel, flake, or create toxic dust.
- Pre-1986 Plumbing: Older pipes, solder, and fixtures can leach lead directly into your drinking water.
- Contaminated Soil: Soil around home foundations often collects lead from exterior paint chips or historical vehicle emissions.
- Imported Goods: Certain traditional medicines, antique toys, cosmetics, and imported glazed cookware can still contain lead.
Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home from the EPA provides important information on protecting your family from lead. This easy-to-read booklet highlights the dangers of lead from paint, dust, and soil in and around your home, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. For example, children who seem healthy may have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies. The EPA recommends testing children for lead levels even if they appear healthy. Also, disturbing surfaces with lead-based paint or improperly removing it can increase the risk to your family. (The Spanish version is available here.
Taking proactive steps today ensures a safe, healthy living space for your family tomorrow.
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
Leave a Comment » | 
Consumers, Environment, Environmental Protection Agency | Tagged: Environment Protection Agency, EPA, home maintenance, lead, lead paint, lead paint poisoning, Protect Your Family from Lead, Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home | 
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Posted by Trudy Hawkins
August 20, 2026
Take flight during Aviation Week, August 19–25, by exploring the rich history and essential tools that have driven human flight from short beach hops to hypersonic travel. Whether you are a pilot, air traffic controller, maintenance technician, or history enthusiast, official publications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), available from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Online Bookstore, offer foundational knowledge and valuable industry insights.
The following essential publications are must-have technical resources, regulatory standards, and operational frameworks for aviation professionals and safety personnel across all aircraft types.
The Pioneers and Aviation Pilot Knowledge History Set: This 3-book GPO exclusive bundle combines aviation history with essential flight knowledge. First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane explores the pioneering origins of powered flight. The Advanced Avionics Handbook covers modern aircraft systems and cutting-edge tech for students and professionals. Pilots’ Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge delivers core principles, regulations, and skills for trainees and educators.
The Flight & Aviation Innovation History Set: Master the future of flight with this 3-book GPO exclusive set covering foundational engineering and essential operations. Powering Flight: NASA’s Contributions to Aircraft Propulsion details propulsion breakthroughs for engineers and insiders. Plane Sense: General Aviation Information breaks down safety and operational essentials for pilots and owners. Balloon Flying Handbook serves as the FAA’s primary training guide for lighter-than-air physics and techniques.
Secure these authoritative sets today directly from the GPO Online Bookstore to honor aviation’s courageous past and prepare for its audacious future.
The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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.
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).
Leave a Comment » | Aviation, Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA), Innovation, Transportation and Navigation | Tagged: aviation, aviation week, FAA, Federal Aviation Administration, National Aviation Week, The Wright Brothers | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
August 18, 2026
In honor of National Radio Day on August 20, we are highlighting a favorite for enthusiasts and professionals: the NEW 2025 United States Frequency Allocations: The Radio Spectrum Poster. While digital media evolves, radio remains a uniquely reliable lifeline, reaching listeners where the internet cannot. Available through the Government Publishing Office (GPO) U.S. Government Bookstore, this best-selling poster is the definitive visual guide to our nation’s airwaves, transforming the invisible infrastructure of communication into a clear, color-coded map.
The poster uses color codes to illustrate the parts of the radio spectrum allocated to various radio services, including amateur (ham) radio, commercial radio, television broadcasting, radio navigation, mobile radio, satellite radio, and others.
Essential facts about the poster include:
- Official & Current: The definitive 2025 US Radio Spectrum Frequency Allocations, crucial for regulatory adherence and operational planning.
- Substantial Size: Measures 39″ x 27″ for optimal readability.
- Premium Quality: Expertly printed using fade-resistant, premium archival inks on high-grade 100 lb. premium matte paper. This ensures vibrant colors, crisp detail, and long-term durability.
- Proudly Made in the USA.
- Display Ready: Unframed, offering flexibility for the buyer to customize their display.
For those who want to dive deeper into the rules of the road, the Manual of Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management also explains the “how” behind the map. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, the Radio Spectrum Poster is the perfect way to celebrate National Radio Day and appreciate the technology that keeps us connected.
The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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.
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).
6 Comments | Department of Commerce, Telecommunications | Tagged: 2025 Radio Spectrum Poster, Federal Radio Frequency, National Radio Day, radio, radio broadcasting, Radio Frequency Allocation, Radio Spectrum Poster, Regulations and Procedures for Federal Radio Frequency Management, Telecommunications, United States Frequency Allocations: The Radio Spectrum Poster | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
August 14, 2026
This month, the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore is spotlighting Citizen Airman as its featured military publication—a standout title among its popular subscriptions.
As the official bimonthly periodical of the Air Force Reserve Command, Citizen Airman offers an insider’s look into the lives of Reservists balancing civilian careers with military duty. Placing it front and center highlights one of our most requested defense titles, making it easy for aviation enthusiasts, military families, and defense researchers to start an official print subscription.
Why subscribe?
- Primary-Source Reporting: Direct coverage of global missions, aerial firefighting, and humanitarian relief.
- Human-Interest Focus: Profiles showing how Reservists apply civilian expertise to military readiness.
- Hassle-Free Delivery: Bimonthly print issues delivered directly through our official subscription service.
Sign up for a subscription today!
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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: About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
Leave a Comment » | Aviation, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Adminstration (FAA) | Tagged: Aviation safety, FAA, FAA Briefing, FAA Safety Briefing, FAA Safety Briefing magazine, Federal Aviation Administration | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
August 7, 2026
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a perfect reminder to update your travel health records—starting with the official WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICV), also known as the Yellow Card, available from the GPO U.S. Government Bookstore.
Why You Need It
- Mandatory Entry Requirements: Many countries strictly require official proof of specific vaccinations before granting border entry.
- Essential Protection: Stamping your ICV for required and recommended shots (including Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and routine boosters) prevents trip-disrupting illnesses and keeps your journey moving smoothly.
3 Steps to Get Travel-Ready
- Check Destination Rules (4–6 Weeks Ahead): Review requirements early, as many vaccines need weeks or multiple doses to build full immunity.
- Get Your Yellow Card Stamped: Ensure your healthcare provider logs and signs your required vaccines on an official WHO ICV form.
- Pack It with Your Passport: Keep this bilingual (English/French) medical passport stored directly alongside your travel passport.
Celebrate International Immunization Awareness Month by scheduling your travel health consultation today!
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 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).
Leave a Comment » | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Consumers, Family, health, Health care, NIH, Travel and Tourism | Tagged: CDC, Certificate of Vaccination, immunization month, International Certificate of Vaccination, International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis, National Immunization Awareness Month, NIAM, Travel and Tourism, vaccination, vaccines, yellow card | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
August 3, 2026
Happy Coast Guard Day! Every August 4th, we honor the courage and service of our maritime guardians while recognizing the tools that keep them mission-ready—including the U.S. Coast Guard’s newly released Incident Management Handbook (IMH) 2025.
This updated guide builds on the firm foundation of previous versions, especially the 2014 handbook, to boost the Coast Guard’s incident response capabilities and strengthen partnerships.
Key Updates of the 2025 IMH:
Designed as an accessible job aid rather than a policy document, the handbook helps personnel apply the Incident Command System (ICS) during operations. Since eighty percent of response operations share common procedures, core guidance is presented up front, while the remaining twenty percent addresses specific scenarios such as oil spills or search-and-rescue cases.
Updates and Highlights of the 2025 IMH:
- Alignment with Updated NIMS Doctrine: This document incorporates the latest changes to ensure standardized response protocols across federal, state, and local partners.
- Enhanced Response Strategies for Severe Weather: Provides comprehensive guidelines for severe weather events and Presidentially Declared Disasters to improve preparedness and operational effectiveness.
- Cyber Incident Response Integration: Includes updated protocols for managing cyber-related events, emphasizing cybersecurity measures for protecting critical infrastructure.
- Utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): This section highlights the role of UAS in improving situational awareness, data collection, and response efficiency.
- Focus on Responder Resilience: This approach emphasizes critical incident stress management (CISM) and responder resilience, offering resources to support personnel’s mental health and well-being.
As we celebrate the Coast Guard’s legacy, the 2025 IMH reflects an ongoing commitment to operational readiness and safety across our waterways.
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
Leave a Comment » | Department of Defense, Emergency Response, U.S. Coast Guard | Tagged: 2025 IMH, 2025 Incident Management Handbook, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Day, Coast Guard Incident Handbook, IMH 2025, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Incident Management Handbook 2025, US Coast Guard Handbook | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
July 29, 2026
On July 30, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Social Security Act Amendments into law, creating Medicare and Medicaid. These vital programs remain the cornerstone of affordable healthcare for seniors and low-income families—a testament to their enduring role in supporting American lives.
Behind this legacy are the tools and administrative systems that keep healthcare running smoothly. Chief among them is the CMS-1500 form, the standard health insurance claim form developed by the National Uniform Claim Committee (NUCC) and available through the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) online bookstore.
While electronic billing is required under the Administrative Simplification Compliance Act (ASCA), the CMS-1500 serves as an essential paper alternative for non-institutional providers, equipment suppliers (DMERCs), and state Medicaid agencies holding a waiver.
Why This Tool Matters Today
- Saves Rural & Small Practices: Prevents steep digital overhead from crushing independent or geographically isolated practices, ensuring they receive timely federal reimbursement.
- Protects Patient Care: Prevents “medical deserts” by allowing clinicians under hardship to keep accepting Medicare, ensuring elderly and disabled patients retain access to trusted local doctors and supplies.
- Standardizes Billing: Translates complex diagnoses and treatments into a universal format shared across Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers—reducing errors and keeping funding steady.
As we mark July 30th, taking a few moments to manage these essential federal benefits provides peace of mind and keeps healthcare accessible for millions.
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 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).
Leave a Comment » | aging, Department of Health & Human Services, Health care | Tagged: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS, CMS Medicare, CMS-1500, Medicaid, medicaid health insurance, Medicare, Medicare CMS, medicare health insurance | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
July 21, 2026
The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and with increasing life expectancies and complex medical needs, prolonged care has never been more critical. The Borden Institute, a renowned name in military medical research and education, has just released a significant new publication, simply entitled Prolonged Care.
Prolonged Care bridges a critical gap in the 6–72-hour post-injury phase of casualty care, particularly in resource-limited, non-surgical settings like battalion aid stations. It equips non-surgeon prehospital providers with the essential skills to manage stabilized combat casualties requiring extended care before evacuation to advanced medical facilities.
It signals a fresh and comprehensive deep dive into the multifaceted aspects of extended medical care. This new resource is highly anticipated, given the institute’s commitment to evidence-based practices and focus on the unique challenges faced in various operational environments.
It addresses key areas such as:
- Strategies for managing long-term illnesses and injuries: This could include best practices in treatment, rehabilitation, and maintaining quality of life over extended periods.
- Resource allocation and logistical considerations: These are especially relevant in situations with limited resources or during prolonged deployments.
- The psychological and emotional impact on patients and caregivers: Recognizing the significant burden and offering insights into support and resilience.
- Ethical considerations in prolonged care scenarios: Navigating complex decisions that may arise during long-term treatment.
This publication promises to be a valuable resource for medical professionals, caregivers, policymakers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of prolonged medical care. Don’t miss out on this new book from the Borden Institute.
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
2 Comments | U.S. Army, U.S. Army Medical Department | Tagged: Army Medical books, Army Medical Center, army medicine, Borden Institute, Prolonged Care | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
July 16, 2026
Consumer credit card debt in the U.S. is a growing concern. Despite recent efforts to curb rising interest rates, many Americans struggle to manage their credit card balances. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) latest Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), now available from the Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore, gives consumers the right to access their credit reports, dispute inaccuracies, and know who has accessed their credit information.
Here’s a summary of what the FCRA does:
- Protects the accuracy of your credit information: You have the right to dispute any errors on your credit report. The FCRA requires credit reporting agencies to investigate disputes and remove inaccurate information.
- Gives you control of your credit report: You can get a free copy from the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once a year. You can also dispute errors online or by mail.
- Limits who can see your credit report: Credit reporting agencies can only share your credit report with creditors and other businesses with a permissible purpose, such as landlords, insurers, and employers.
Now is a great time to familiarize yourself with the provisions of the FCRA to protect your rights as a consumer.
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 the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
Leave a Comment » | Consumers, finances | Tagged: credit card debt, credit report, credit reporting, Fair Credit Reporting Act, FCRA, Federal Trade Commission, FTC | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
July 14, 2026
Get ready for an awe-inspiring year under the stars in 2028! We are thrilled to announce that the New! Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2028 publication is now available from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore.
This small, yet incredibly helpful booklet is a must-have for every skywatcher. It contains general interest material preprinted directly from The Astronomical Almanac, a definitive guide published jointly by the U.S. Naval Observatory and His Majesty’s Nautical Almanac Office. Released two years in advance, it gives you a head start on planning your celestial observations.
The Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2028 is packed with essential information, including:
- Exact dates for Solar equinoxes, solstices, and phases of the Moon.
- Detailed eclipse maps, so you can pinpoint the best viewing locations for these spectacular events.
- Dates for various planetary phenomena, offering insights into when to spot your favorite planets.
- Visibility and magnitudes of the planets, helping you identify them in the night sky.
- Dates for some religious and civil holidays, for broader chronological context.
- Chronological eras and cycles.
- The equation of time and declination of the Sun.
- Accurate sunrise/sunset and moonrise/sunset times to perfectly time your observations.
- The precise position of Polaris, the dependable North Star.
The cosmos has an abundance in store for skywatchers in 2028! From dazzling meteor showers to captivating lunar and solar eclipses and intriguing planetary alignments, this publication provides the precise data you’ll need to mark your calendar. Get ready to witness the magic of events like annual meteor showers that streak across the night sky and the rare beauty of lunar eclipses, where the Moon is transformed by Earth’s shadow.
Be sure to secure your copy of the Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2028 to ensure you have all the precise dates and times for these and many other celestial occurrences that will surprise and delight you throughout the year.
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.
Order by Phone: 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.
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).
Leave a Comment » | Naval Observatory, Science & Technology, U.S. Navy | Tagged: Astronomical Almanac, Astronomical Phenomena, Astronomical Phenomena for the Year 2028, Nautical Almanac, U.S. Naval Observatory | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
July 1, 2026
The Fourth of July holiday is a profound time for our Nation to reflect on the blessings of being a beacon of hope and democratic freedom. As we mark an extraordinary milestone—America’s 250th anniversary—there is no better time to dive into American history and remember why we celebrate Independence Day.
This Independence Day, you can hold history in your hands with the official Pocket Constitution and Declaration of Independence from our U.S. History Collection. It is the perfect way to reconnect with the foundational texts that started it all 250 years ago on July 4th, 1776.
Beyond our founding documents, the U.S. Government Bookstore’s Pre-U.S. Colonial & American History collection offers unique insights into our Nation’s earliest days, including an extensive selection detailing the diverse histories of American Indian tribes. You can also bring this vibrant era to life with a beautiful set of colorful, detailed posters depicting pivotal events from the Revolutionary War, such as the American Navies, 1775-1783 (Poster), the British Redcoat, 1775-1783 (Poster), and The Continental Soldier in the War for American Independence (Poster).
Be inspired by the rich, complex stories of those who fought to ensure our Union was free and explore how the early American landscape evolved. To honor, enjoy, and memorialize America’s historic semiquincentennial, start your journey back to the days that shaped our Nation by visiting https://bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/pre-us-colonial-american-history.
The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications
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: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From the 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 Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).
Leave a Comment » | U.S. Constitution, U.S. History | Tagged: 4th of July, America 250, America’s 250th Anniversary, American history, Fourth of July, Independence Day, U.S. history | Permalink
Posted by Trudy Hawkins
June 22, 2026
In December 1972, with the Vietnam War at a diplomatic stalemate, the U.S. military launched Operation Linebacker II. Sending waves of B-52 bombers directly into the world’s most formidable air defense network, this intense 11-day campaign became a masterclass in crisis management and rapid tactical evolution.
Now, the official, unfiltered account of this historic operation is available to the public.
To understand what truly happened in the skies over North Vietnam, read Linebacker II: A View from the Rock. Published by the Department of Defense and available through the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore, this riveting narrative details the high-stakes reality of the campaign:
- The Brutal Reality: Initial American sorties faced devastating losses from dense surface-to-air missile (SAM) salvos.
- The Pivot: Instead of sticking to a broken blueprint, planners adapted on the fly—radically changing flight paths, electronic countermeasures, and strike timings in real time.
- The Outcome: By neutralizing critical infrastructure, Linebacker II bypassed a decade of attritional warfare and forced a return to the peace table.
Beyond the Cockpit
A View from the Rock goes beyond the decision-makers to highlight the immense collaboration of the thousands who lived it. It captures the staggering coordination among military branches, the logistical grit of ground crews, and the raw courage of crew members flying into radar traps. With no existing playbook for an operation of this scale, these service members wrote it themselves. Perfect for military history enthusiasts and anyone inspired by resilience under pressure.
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 the 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 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).
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Posted by Trudy Hawkins
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Trudy Hawkins
Government Book Talk 