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An engineer with Bell Labs, Pierce was there when a new electronic switch was invented, and he got to name the thing. The year: 1948. He decided to call it a "transistor". He said later that was "the most significant thing that ever happened to me," but that's far from the largest impact he had on the world. He read and wrote (using the pen name J.J. Coupling) science fiction, and was so inspired by an Arthur C. Clarke story about geosynchronous communications satellites that he went on to create the Telstar satellite system. Clarke said that Pierce "designed, developed, and produced it, making real that which I and others thought only to write and dream about." In 1962, Pierce helped use Telstar I for the first live international TV broadcast. He retired from Bell in 1971, and later went on to teach at Stanford University. Pierce died in California on April 2 at age 92. From This is True for 31 March 2002 Suggestions for further reading:
 By: Joel McNamara List Price: $21.99 Amazon Price: $14.95 Editorial Review: GPS For Dummies gives new meaning to finding yourself. In fact, with a GPS (global positioning system) receiver, you can determine precisely where you are anywhere on this planet. If you’re are planning on buying a GPS receiver or if you have one and want to get your money’s worth, this guide tells you what you need to know, including: Basic GPS principles and concepts such as waypoints, routes, tracks, and coordinate systems Recommended features for GPS receivers to be used in various types of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, geocaching, hunting, ATVing, mapping, and more How to do digital mapping on your computer, including software packages you can use to work with aerial photos, topographic maps, and road maps The main providers of digital map data for the U.S. and their Web sites The scoop on geocaching—a high-tech treasure hunt Written by Joel McNamara, avid outdoorsman, adventure racer, search and rescue team member, and author of Secrets of Computer Espionage, GPS for Dummies is ideal for both ordinary travelers and exotic explorers. It covers a world of GPS info such as: Choosing features for a GPS receiver, including the screen, an alarm, built-in maps, an electric compass, an altimeter, antennas, interface modes, and more Systems for traveling on the main roads and systems for exploring off the beaten path Using GPS with a PDA (personal digital assistant) Computer requirements for different mapping choices Topographic map software from Maptech, DeLorme, and National Geographic that’s for off-road use Using Web-hosted mapping services, including street maps, topographic maps, aerial photos, and U.S. government-produced maps Incorporating GPS receivers into outdoor workouts, with tips for specific sports including cycling, golf, rowing, and more A companion Web site has links to all kinds of free maps and resources. So explore on your computer and then explore for real! With GPS for Dummies, you’ll find yourself having adventures!Offers down-to-earth guidance for hikers, cross-country skiers, ATVers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who own or are thinking of buying a GPS receiver, as well as people interested in digital map-making GPS (global positioning system) receivers draw on satellite signals to precisely determine a person's geographic position; as prices for these devices have gone down-entry-level models now sell for $100-sales have risen dramatically Provides coverage of the increasingly popular sport of "geocaching," in which people hunt for a canister hidden at precise geographic coordinates Explains how to turn cell phones and PDAs into GPS receivers and what hardware is required for connecting a GPS receiver to a PC Shows how to use popular, inexpensive software packages to create topographic, aerial photographs, and three-dimensional maps, and discusses free Web-hosted map services The author's diverse background in archeology, outdoor rescue, adventure racing navigation, and dis aster response set him apart from other people writing about this topic  By: William R. DavieJames R. Upshaw List Price: $105.33 Amazon Price: $94.79 Editorial Review: The career-oriented focus of Principles of Electronic Media provides readers with a sound introduction to both basic concepts and emerging changes in the broadcasting field today. The professional broadcasting experience of this talented author team offers anyone considering careers in television, radio, or the Web a firm grounding in the field. Readers will gain a basic understanding of the history and technical foundations of electronic media as well as the daily business realities and likely future challenges facing today's media professionals. The authors' accessible and engaging writing style fosters understanding and encourages critical thinking on the complex issues that surround the way our culture interacts with the broadcasting media. For anyone interested in launching a career in the broadcasting industry.  List Price: $129.00 Amazon Price: $96.68 Editorial Review: This thoroughly updated second edition of an Artech House bestseller brings together a team of leading experts who provide a current and comprehensive treatment of the Global Positioning System (GPS). The book covers all the latest advances in technology, applications, and systems. The second edition includes new chapters that explore the integration of GPS with vehicles and cellular telephones, new classes of satellite broadcast signals, the emerging GALILEO system, and new developments in the GPS marketplace. This single-source reference provides a quick overview of GPS essentials, an in-depth examination of advanced technical topics, and a review of emerging trends in the GPS industry. Engineers can use this book to build GPS receivers and integrate them into navigational and communications equipment. Executives can turn to this book to determine how technology is affecting markets and how best to invest their companies' resources. The book also serves as a handy resource for electrical engineering students looking to advance their studies and careers in GPS.  By: William HachtenJames Scotton List Price: $39.95 Amazon Price: $39.95 Editorial Review: Analyzing the changing role of transnational news media in our evolving globalization and its impact on rapidly changing news events, The World News Prism appeals beyond the classroom to journalism professionals worldwide. A popular and established textbook, this 7th edition has been updated to appeal to an international audience
 By: Robert J. Sweet List Price: $22.95 Amazon Price: $15.61 Editorial Review: Can piloting a boat really be this easy? Traditional navigation with its chart plotting, compass errors, and current vectors requires years to master. Serious boaters learn it eventually, but with $100 GPS receivers offering 50-foot position accuracy anywhere in the world, it’s no longer necessary to master the art before enjoying the sport. The Weekend Navigator is the first book to recognize that affordable, simple-to-use electronics demand a radically new approach to teaching navigation. Bob Sweet lets you find your way on the water immediately, learning by rather than before doing. This innovative guide’s quick-reference format shows you how to: Pinpoint locations at all times Determine the precise ranges and bearings of destinations Compensate for wind and current effects Avoid underwater hazards |
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