"An exceptional work. I stand in awe of anyone who can piece together the puzzle of a man's life so fully, especially a man as odd and contradictory as Herrmann. A brilliant job."—Leonard Maltin "Bernard Herrmann was a master of psychology. His incredibly innovative music ‘inhabited’ the film it was in, creating moods that stayed with the audience long after the film was over. Steven Smith captures the very heart of what Herrmann represented. I highly recommend this book to anyone who truly wants a glimpse into the world of this musical giant who changed the very nature of film composing."—Esa-Pekka Salonen, music director, Los Angeles Philharmonic "Fascinating. The scholarship is impeccable, the judgments sound, and the whole thing as compulsively readable as eating popcorn."—Nicholas Meyer, director and writer

THIS is the story of a promise kept against all odds: a promise four friends made to each other that they would always be together. Like his boyhood friend Paul Ornstein, Steve Hornstein had dreams of becoming a doctor, even though admission to Hungarian universities was all but closed to Jews. Both managed to pursue their educations in Budapest and never lost hope of realizing their dreams, even when the Germans invaded Hungary in March 1944. Both were consigned to forced-labor camps; both escaped and endured the terror of life on the run. Anna Brunn grew up in a small village in Hungary and met Paul in 1941. They saw each other only a few times before the war intervened, but Paul had every intention of marrying Anna -- provided they both survived. Anna and her parents were sent to Auschwitz, where her father died and she helped her mother survive. Lusia Schwarzwald, born and brought up in privilege in Lvov, Poland, lost her parents and brothers during the war. She became part of the Polish underground and hid in Warsaw with false papers that identified her as a Polish Catholic. After the war she became acquainted with Steve, Paul, and Anna. During the early postwar years as medical students in Heidelberg, Germany, these determined friends identified their goals and made their plans. Eventually they arrived penniless in the United States with only their medical training, their hopes for the future -- and each other. Their remarkable firsthand accounts of survival and triumph stand as moving testimony to the resilience of the human heart and spirit.

The hum of servers, the flicker of LEDs, the vast repository of our digital lives – data centers are the throbbing hearts of our connected world. They store our memories, fuel our businesses, and connect us across continents. Yet, a silent threat lurks within these technological marvels: fire. This book isn't just about data center fires; it's about resilience: the ability to withstand, adapt, and emerge stronger in the face of adversity. It's about understanding the complexities of fire hazards, exploring the devastating consequences of fire incidents, and illuminating the pathways to prevention, preparedness, and recovery. Why this book matters: The stakes are high. Data loss, business disruption, and even human lives are on the line in a data center fire. Knowledge is power. By understanding the risks and mitigation strategies, stakeholders can make informed decisions and protect their critical infrastructure. Prevention is key. A proactive approach towards fire safety minimizes damage and ensures business continuity. Technology is our ally. Innovative solutions like advanced detection systems and training simulations are revolutionizing fire safety practices. Human vigilance is irreplaceable. Skilled personnel, clear communication protocols, and a culture of safety are the foundations of effective fire response. What you'll find: Comprehensive overview: Delve into the different types of fire hazards, suppression systems, and emergency response protocols. Real-world insights: Case studies and expert opinions illustrate the practical application of fire safety principles. Future-focused perspective: Explore cutting-edge technologies and trends shaping the future of data center fire safety. Actionable knowledge: Each chapter concludes with practical takeaways and resources for implementation. This book is for everyone invested in the world of data centers: IT professionals, facility managers, security personnel, executives, and even individuals concerned about the security of their digital data. By fostering a shared understanding of fire safety challenges and solutions, we can collectively build a more resilient digital future. Remember, fire safety is not a destination, but a continuous journey. Let's embark on this journey together, embracing the knowledge and proactive measures within these pages to ensure our data centers, and the invaluable information they hold, remain safe from the flames. Ready to face the inferno? Turn the page and begin your journey.