News Notes

On the Internet

There has been a number of inquiries regarding TCBA subscriptions from people using the computer Internet system. I find this a bit frightening as it could increase the number of subscribers by two to three times our present membership. I do not oppose an increased circulation of TCBA News. It's just that I hate to think of myself sitting here at my desk processing, say, 1500 subscriptions. TCBA is only a hobby and I'm already tied to this desk for too many hours of each day.

Just a Dinosaur

I once took pride in being a person who stayed on top of events. But now, I have come to the conclusion that progress has passed me by. For example, it took years before I finally converted my super monaural audio system to stereo. And the only reason for updating to CDs is because (1) companies ceased production of long playing vinyls and (2) CDs were superior and provided a plethora of choices (including reissues of old 78s and LPs). In addition, when the world of photography began to advance at supersonic rates, it left me with some old 35mm and 4x5 cameras. An attempt to get up to date knocked me flat due to sticker shock. And now, computers threaten to send the typewriter into oblivion. A good computer system can ruin a person's savings account. And just the other day, someone told me I needed a Fax machine. It looks as though I will remain a resident of Jurassic Park for the rest of my days. Dinosaurs are not extinct.

Up a Dollar

A rise in printing and mailing costs has forced me to raise the TCBA subscription fee to $25. I would have absorbed either the added postage fees or the printing fees but, unfortunately, was hit with both increases at the same time. The rates for domestic subscriptions, effective January 2, 1996, are $25 with junior-senior high school students (U.S. only) at $12.50. Rates will remain at $30 for Canada and Mexico and $40 overseas.

M.D. Computing Magazine

M.D. Computing magazine is an impressive glossy-printed publication devoted to computers in medical practice and research. Computing examines the use of computers in office practice management, medical diagnostics, medical education, and research. Coverage includes the special needs of hospital-based medicine, from database management and other administrative tasks to the selection and implementation of complex hospital based computer systems.

What has all this to do with TCBA, you ask? Well, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that Volume 12, #2 (1995) carried a hefty editorial devoted to one Nikola Tesla. In addition, pages 137-140 featured an excerpt from Tesla's 1893 lecture “On Light and Other High Frequency Phenomena.” A nice color portrait of Tesla appears on page 76.

Readers who wish to obtain this issue may do so by sending $8.95 to Springer-Verlag New York, Journal of Fulfillment Services, P.O. Box 2845 (1-800-Springer). Strangely, the address on my order invoice gave a different address for Journal Fulfillment Services (P.O. Box 19386, Newark, NJ 07195-9386).

Tesla Honored at George Westinghouse Museum

A museum which pays tribute to inventor/industrialist George Westinghouse also gives recognition to Nikola Tesla. A room set aside to display the company's motors features a large poster-sized portrait of Nikola Tesla. The legend below the portrait (difficult to read on the brochure) states “Nikola Tesla's patents for an induction motor, purchased by George Westinghouse in 1888, gave the Company leadership in the field. From Tesla's early model has emerged a broad line of motors from 1/18th hp. to giants over 60,000 hp.” The George Westinghouse Museum is located in Wilmerding, Pennsylvania (not far from Pittsburgh). The building in which the museum is housed is called the Castle. It served for nearly a century as the general office of the Westinghouse Air Brake Company. For more information, call (412) 825-3009. (tip from Betty Stoutenberg)

Freeze a Shadow, Catch a Laser

The Museum of Scientific Discovery, located in Harrisburg, PA offers more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Whether you are five or fifty-five, you can experience the magic and wonder of science at exhibits named Gravity Well, People's Symphony, Shadow Box, Tornadoes, Soap Bubbles, Optical Illusions, and more. The science museum features a Van de Graaff Generator capable of 40" discharges. For more information, write P.O. Box 934, Harrisburg, PA 17108 (717) 233-7969. (tip from Betty Stoutenberg)