History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

Average customer rating:

An excellent book
From A Former Marine Officer
Fields of Fire
Excellent
Jim Webb and the Arizona Territory

Fields of Fire
James Webb
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0553583859
Release Date: 2001-08-28

Book Description

They each had their reasons for being a soldier.

They each had their illusions. Goodrich came from Harvard. Snake got the tattoo — Death Before Dishonor — before he got the uniform. And Hodges was haunted by the ghosts of family heroes.

They were three young men from different worlds plunged into a white-hot, murderous realm of jungle warfare as it was fought by one Marine platoon in the An Hoa Basin, 1969. They had no way of knowing what awaited them. Nothing could have prepared them for the madness to come. And in the heat and horror of battle they took on new identities, took on each other, and were each reborn in fields of fire....

Fields of Fire is James Webb’s classic, searing novel of the Vietnam War, a novel of poetic power, razor-sharp observation, and agonizing human truths seen through the prism of nonstop combat. Weaving together a cast of vivid characters, Fields of Fire captures the journey of unformed men through a man-made hell — until each man finds his fate.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent book.......2007-05-08

I am a pretty slow reader. As I read late at night before going to bed, I often only read a few pages before nodding off. It can take me a couple of weeks to finish a novel. However, I finished Fields of Fire over one weekend. I could not put it down. I found it compelling, interesting, and all-too-real. I felt like I knew the guys in the platoon. I felt their emotions, I laughed at their jokes, I wept at their losses. Better than any of the many Vietnam movies I have seen, this book painted a picture of what the life of a Marine was like during that terrible war. I hope that all Americans -- regardless of their feelings about Vietnam, Iraq, or war in general -- should read this book to gain insights that they could only otherwise get by actually being in combat.

From A Former Marine Officer.......2007-04-03

James Webb, now a US Senator, formerly Secretary of the Navy, and once upon a time, a Marine Lieutenant, has captured the essence of brotherhood, duty, hardship, and sacrifice that all former Marines can relate to so strongly. This book brought back so many of the long-buried ghosts of my own service 30 years ago, and then resurrected my pride in serving. Anyone with an interest in the Vietnam conflict from an infantryman's standpoint will find this book indispensable.

Fields of Fire.......2007-02-02

I am not widely read in war novels, but this one carries the flavor and angst of Vietnam as well as its dilemmas. Webb scallops the line between hero and murderer to the point of invisibility. His characters live their mostly brief lives on the edge of rage and desperation, cockiness and cool.

Fields of Fire provides glimpses of what it takes to be a fighting man. The Marine Corps can standardize them in boot camp, but the really superb ones have it in their bones- a natural alacrity that keeps them forever watchful and reactive.

Finally, if anyone wonders why combat soldiers re-up, the author demonstrates the reasons. It must be a huge rush to perform this perilous, bloody work, do it well and cheat the grim reaper. No other job is as real, no bonds of fealty are stronger. Thank you Mr. Webb, for all your services.

Excellent.......2006-12-27

This was a really well done and good book about Marines fighting in Vietnam. The soldiers are very real and the situations are horrible but so well written. I felt as if I had been there. I haven't read much fiction lately that I thought was very good but this book is - very good.

Jim Webb and the Arizona Territory.......2006-09-18

Jim Webb served his time in Vietnam during one of my nearly three years in Vietnam. I found this book just after the original publication in 1979. It was as if I was reading a biography of my own service with the grunts in the 1st Marine Division. In the years since I have always admired his work, first as a Platoon and Company Commander in 5th Marines and then as Secretary of the Navy and as an author.

Fields of Fire fully described the green hell that was Vietnam for every Marine infantryman who served there.

If you want to get a feel for what that war was like, read this book. If you think you might want to go fight in a war, read this book.

Curious George and the Firefighters (Curious George)

Average customer rating:

Alex loves this book

Curious George and the Firefighters (Curious George)
Anna Grossnickle Hines , and H.A. and Margret Rey
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0618494960

Product Description

Curious George¨ and the Firefighters Margaret & H. A. Rey. George and the man with the yellow hat take a trip to the firehouse where George finds all sorts of new things to explore. When one curious monkey meets a company of unsuspecting firefighters, a big adventure is sure to follow. 24 pages. Trim size 8" x 8".

Customer Reviews:

Alex loves this book.......2007-03-23

This is a cute little story perfect for my 2 1/2 yr old for bedtime...he loves it.

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An entertaining, one-sitting read!
more terrific crime fiction -bring it on!
Silly and Frightening
Another success for James O. Born!
Not very good, to be charitable

Field of Fire
James O. Born
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0399153985
Release Date: 2007-02-15

Book Description

With Walking Money, James O. Born was hailed as "the real thing" by Elmore Leonard; Shock Wave was called "a constant blitz of action" (The Miami Herald); and with Escape Clause, Born was celebrated as "the best thing to happen to Florida crime writing since Elmore Leonard hit the Sunshine State" (Chicago Sun-Times). Now Born takes it to the next level with a remarkable novel of corruption, fraud, and the messy business of murder by explosives.

Since returning from Bosnia, ATF agent Alex "Rocket" Duarte has been slowly reacclimating to life in South Florida. But when a gunrunner's car explodes, Duarte's life kicks into high gear in a high-profile hunt for what appears to be a serial bomber. Teamed up with a lawyer from the Department of Justice who herself is looking into possibly related bombings in Virginia and Seattle, Duarte crisscrosses the country, following the bomber and hoping to anticipate his next move, but as he peels away the layers of deception, the lines between friends and enemies begin to blur-and the results are explosive.

Customer Reviews:

An entertaining, one-sitting read!.......2007-09-17

I don't usually read books in this genre, but decided I just had to after reading a variety of reviews, particularly after noticing a distinct difference between those written by women and by men. I spent all day saturday reading Field of Fire, because I just couldn't put it down. I loved it! James Born created characters who are unique individuals and entirely credible. As I read, I could think of a number of interesting folks I've known who share various attributes with James' people in this book. The characters are developed enough that you feel comfortable with who they are and what drives them - well, at least one character made me feel very uncomfortable, but that was a good thing. Just enough information to know them as much as you want to. The storyline kept me engaged and I loved the way he wrapped it up. I'm looking forward to reading more about Alex Duarte in the future, as well as checking out this author's other books. Add one more avid fan to your tally, Mr. Born!

more terrific crime fiction -bring it on!.......2007-08-30

James O Born brings us a new character and a new series -I hope he continues his Tasker books, but it's interesting to see the author branch out with a different Law Enforcement agency (ATF -Alchohol Tobacco and Firearms, this time) and an interesting twist on a sympathetic Hispanic American lead character; his work pressures his folks/culture and sibling issues, his take on the ladies. Florida based crime fiction with a plot that takes us to other parts of the country, too. Bring us more Alex Duarte -and- Bill Tasker books, Jim Born.

Silly and Frightening.......2007-08-30

"Not very good, to be charitable" is much too charitable.
"A spectacular page turner" Yes it is. Reading this is the much the same as watching a train wreck.
"fantastic police procedural" I sure hope not, if this is the way the ATF works they haven't gotten near enough bad press.
Life is too short to waste your time on this. Born may have written good books but this ain't one of 'em.

Another success for James O. Born!.......2007-05-04

After throrougly enjoying the first three James O. Born novels (Walking Money, Shock Wave, & Escape Clause), I was looking forward to the fourth, Field of Fire. Born's years of experience with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement made his first character, Florida law enforcer Bill Tasker, a natural. His keen insight of both the FDLE and FBI and extensive knowledge of the Bureau of ATF make his newest character, ATF agent Alex Duarte, both intriguing and believable. His wealth of real life experience comes shining through once again in this riveting and exciting novel. I would highly recommend it to all!

Not very good, to be charitable.......2007-04-30

This book had a good set of blurbs, from Michael Connelly and John Camp, so I bought it. The premise had some promise, but it doesn't pan out at all, and frankly as I got further into the book, I was waiting for it to end. When it did finish, the ending was pretty much what you would expect, improbable and not very satisfying.

The book starts out with the main character, Alex Duarte, being called in to investigate a series of bombings that appear to have a connection to union organizing. Since Duarte works for ATF, and is an explosives expert, he's called in when the latest bomb explodes in a camp for migrant workers in rural Florida.

The investigation winds along for 340 pages, with various characters wandering in and out of the plot. Alex has assistance from a lawyer from Washington, a partner who's not as motivated as he is, a cousin who runs a pawn shop, his brother who's a sleazy lawyer, and a stupid (literally) FBI agent. The main plot becomes hard to follow, as it becomes obvious that the intended target of the bomb at the camp wasn't killed, and flees, leaving a trail of dead bodies in his wake, figuratively at least. The author switches point of view repeatedly, following first his hero, then the killer, and then the other killer. When you get to the end of things, the premise isn't exactly believable, to be honest.

There's also the issue of authenticity and believability in terms of characters, action, and setting. Much of the dialog is stilted and over-written, the sort of thing you might read in a book, but no one really talks this way. The main character is very inexperienced with women, and also can't relate to other men either. The main character at various points does things like torture bad guys, set booby traps, and other things that no one in law enforcement would really do. While the setting in Florida seems authentic (I assume: the author lives there) when the characters get on a plane and fly to California, there are some serious whoppers: the subway doesn't go to Beverly Hills, and Universal Studios isn't in Hollywood.

I must say I didn't really enjoy this book much at all. It's just a series of implausible events, hung together by bad plot development, worse dialog, as I said implausible events. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone, blurbs notwithstanding.

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A MUST FOR ALL RESPONDERS

Hazardous Materials Field Guide
Armando S. Bevelacqua , and Richard H. Stilp
Manufacturer: Thomson Delmar Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0766801551

Book Description

The critical information that emergency responders must have at their fingertips in the first minutes of an incident is here in a full color guide. Whether the incident involves hazardous materials, a clandestine laboratory, terrorism or a confined space operation, this user-friendly resource includes information that is consistent with the mission of all agencies. Flow charts verify critical procedure considerations that must be managed immediately, then set the stage for support response when an incident requires interagency cooperation. The guidebook's easy access format allows rapid identification of placards, labels, silhouettes, and common commodities that move on roadways and railways. Medical considerations are described throughout the text, identifying potential needs of an affected community. (Keywords: Hazmat)

Customer Reviews:

A MUST FOR ALL RESPONDERS.......1999-05-09

This book was developed with the first responder in mind. It has the information that is needed within the first few minutes of an incident. Identification of not only haz-mat, referance to clan labs, confined space and terrorist incidents.

Fieldwork Under Fire: Contemporary Studies of Violence and Culture

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Fieldwork Under Fire: Contemporary Studies of Violence and Culture

Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0520089944

Book Description

Fieldwork Under Fire is a path-breaking collection of essays written by anthropologists who have experienced the unpredictability and trauma of political violence firsthand. These essays combine theoretical, ethnographic, and methodological points of view to illuminate the processes and solutions that characterize life in dangerous places. They describe the first, often harrowing, experience of violence, the personal and professional problems that arise as troubles escalate, and the often surprising creative strategies people use to survive.
In "writing violence," the authors give voice to all those affected by the conditions of violence: perpetrators as well as victims, civilians and specialists, black marketeers and heroes, jackals and researchers. Focusing on everyday experiences, these essays bring to light the puzzling contradictions of lives disturbed by violence: the simultaneous existence of laughter and suffering, of fear and hope. By doing so, they challenge the narrow conceptualization that associates violence with death and war, arguing that instead it must be considered a dimension of living.

Looking for Longleaf: The Fall and Rise of an American Forest

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complete book about longleaf pines
Best book on longleaf yet.
America's Rain Forest

Looking for Longleaf: The Fall and Rise of an American Forest
Lawrence S. Earley
Manufacturer: The University of North Carolina Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0807856991

Book Description

Covering 92 million acres from Virginia to Texas, the longleaf pine ecosystem was, in its prime, one of the most extensive and biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Today these magnificent forests have declined to a fraction of their original extent, threatening such species as the gopher tortoise, the red-cockaded woodpecker, and the Venus fly-trap. Conservationists have proclaimed longleaf restoration a major goal, but has it come too late?

In Looking for Longleaf, Lawrence S. Earley explores the history of these forests and the astonishing biodiversity of the longleaf ecosystem, drawing on extensive research and telling the story through first-person travel accounts and interviews with foresters, ecologists, biologists, botanists, and landowners. For centuries, these vast grass-covered forests provided pasture for large cattle herds, in addition to serving as the world's greatest source of naval stores. They sustained the exploitative turpentine and lumber industries until nearly all of the virgin longleaf had vanished.

Looking for Longleaf demonstrates how, in the twentieth century, forest managers and ecologists struggled to understand the special demands of longleaf and to halt its overall decline. The compelling story Earley tells here offers hope that with continued human commitment, the longleaf pine might not just survive, but once again thrive.

Customer Reviews:

complete book about longleaf pines.......2006-11-19

mr. earley goes deep into everything you could want to know about this native tree species,a cornerstone to both the natural world of the southeastern united states and the economic growth and development of the country as a whole.......he tells all about the past history,present day status,and projected outlook of the longleaf pine tree:it's one-time dominance of the coastal plain landscape,compared to it's present day status;all about the naval stores and timber industries,and their heavy dependence upon it that led to it's near demise and current numbers;and the changes in land management of the longleaf forest and it's various ecosystems,with much insight to the controlled burning philosophy that has gained in popularity during the last 50 years or so.....with photos, including some impressive shots of long-gone virgin growth trees dwarfing the grown men standing among them.

Best book on longleaf yet........2005-09-08

This book is as accurate and detailed as any scholarly paper but is written so well that it is certain to be a classic of literature like Archie Carr's "The Windward Road."

America's Rain Forest.......2004-11-23

For years I have been concerned about the disappearance of the South American Rain Forest. What was shocking from Earley's book is how we had our own expansive Forest with it's own ecosystem and let it disappear before our very eyes without anyone noticing.

It is not only a wonderfully told story of the Longleaf pine but it is a genuine history of how the South's economic development between the time of the settlers and up until today nearly destroyed it's most valuable resource and the ecology that was a part of it.

The only problem with this book was not being able to put it down after I started reading it.

The Thirtymile Fire: A Chronicle of Bravery and Betrayal (John MacRae Books)

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The Thirty Mile Fire
Great insight
John Maclean Matures.....
REQUIRED READING FOR FIREFIGHTERS
firewife

The Thirtymile Fire: A Chronicle of Bravery and Betrayal (John MacRae Books)
John N. Maclean
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 080507578X
Release Date: 2007-05-29

Book Description

The Thirtymile fire in the remote North Cascade range near the Canadian border in Washington began as a simple mop-up operation. In a few hours, a series of catastrophic errors led to the entrapment and deaths of four members of the fire crewtwo teen-age girls and two young men. Each had brought order and meaning to their lives by joining the fire world. Then the very flames they pursued turned on them, extinguishing their lives. When the victims were blamed for their own deaths, the charge brought a storm of controversy that undermined the firefighting community. Continuing a tradition established in his previous books, and by his father Normans Young Men and Fire, John N. Maclean serves as an unflinching guide to the rogue fires unexpected violencewhich is almost matched by the passions released by the official verdict of the blaze. Weaving together the astonishing stories told by the witnesses, the victims family members, and the official reports, Maclean produces a dramatic narrative of a catastrophe that has changed the way fire is fought. More than anything, it is a story of humanity at risk when wildfire, ancient and unpredictable, breaks loose.

Customer Reviews:

The Thirty Mile Fire.......2007-09-26

I have enjoyed all the MacClean books. They are well written and pay attention to detail without losing the interest of non fire folks. The latest book is methodical in its countdown to this disaster and accurately identifies all the seemingly innocuous events that added up to the catastrophic ending. I too am a fire investigator but I did have some difficulty understanding his description of the landscape and topographical features thought to contribute to the blowup phenomenon. A few more drawings and/or photographs would have been beneficial. All in all I enjoyed the book and believe he did a wonderful job memorializing the firefighters who lost their lives.

Great insight.......2007-07-14

Being a firefighter for 5 years now and a self proclaimed student of fire, this book puts so many aspects of the job into perspective. A very emotional book at times that makes one realize how many time a firefighter is so close to the same situation but for whatever reasons things turned out alright instead of taking the tragic turn this fire did. Many times while reading this book, filled with emotions I had to stop and reflect on how many times my brothers, sisters and I could have had the same outcome. As hard as it is to portray a firefighters life to civilians and those in the outside world, this book does a pretty good job of doing so. I hope that anyone that reads this book realizes the stress and pains firefighters have to go thru just to do the job we love.

John Maclean Matures............2007-07-12

John's fire knowledge has favorably increased since "Fire on the Mountain". I think the subtitle "A chronical of bravery and betrayal" is hokey, he needs to lose the Hollywood drama. But, a riveting book for wildland firefighters.

REQUIRED READING FOR FIREFIGHTERS.......2007-06-30

John Maclean, author of two previous award-winning books on disastrous wildfires, has written a third -- this one chronicling the Thirtymile Fire that killed four firefighters in 2001 in the Chewuch River canyon in northeast Washington.

The fire, which initially appeared to be a quick suppression effort with a bit of mop-up, spiraled out of control into a disaster fire that burned over 9,000 acres. Four young firefighters were killed, several others were injured, and one survived severe burns. A fatal fire that brought change to the firefighting world -- like the South Canyon Fire before it -- the Thirtymile will remain an historic marker for decades to come because of its aftermath. The official investigations that followed the fire were even more controversial than those that followed the 1994 South Canyon Fire in Colorado. One Thirtymile investigation concluded with the filing of federal charges against Ellreese Daniels, the incident commander on the fire. He was indicted on four felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and seven counts of lying to investigators.

This book profiles the firefighters on the fire and details the events and issues that combined for the perfect set-up for a perfectly disastrous fire. Maclean walks readers through the early stages of the fire, documenting the little mistakes and the big unknowns that all came together on a hot July afternoon -- exactly seven years after the South Canyon Fire killed 14 firefighters.

Maclean divides the story into three parts, starting with detailed portrayals of the firefighters and other people involved in the fire. He offers just enough background information for readers to comprehend the human factors aspects that contributed to the set-up for a disastrous fire. The book's second section details the initial attack on the fire, cataloguing a long list of little mistakes and big bad luck. Finally, the third section brings it all together - with an almost eerie conclusion.

Most wildland firefighters and fire managers have read Maclean's first two books, Fire On The Mountain and Fire and Ashes. This third effort is his best yet, and will be required reading for those who study wildland fire safety. The book will be a hot topic on online wildfire forums, and there'll doubtless be at least one copy in every crew buggy in the country.

firewife.......2007-06-15

Maclean did an excellent job of portraying the events that unfolded during that fateful day, and that was no easy task, given the confusion and miscommunications that transpired. At times I felt as though I was right there. Parts of the book brought me to tears, while others parts made me so angry at the bureaucratic mess, backtracking and second-guessing. This book is a MUST read for anyone in fire, it can happen to you! I have a personal interest in the book, my husband and son both are wildland firefighters. The legal ramifications, yet to come, are being closely watched, for they will determine the future path of fire fighting

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Fire & Rescue Field Guide
Paul Lesage
Manufacturer: Informed Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 1890495352
Release Date: 2007-02-08

Product Description

The new 7th edition Fire & Rescue Field Guide has been totally revised. Now with antiterrorism information, new fire attack procedures and tactics, Mayday, firefighter rescue, and much more. This Guide makes it easy for firefighters, command officers, and volunteers to coordinate fire attack, incident command, tactics, look up LELs, UELs, and friction loss. Now 7-color, this pocket-sized field reference is still only 3" x 5", has color-coded tabs, and is waterproof, alcohol-fast, durable & "Street Tough" This new & improved edition features; New Fire Attack / New Tactics, Mayday & Firefighter Rescue, Evacuation / Abandon Structure, Antiterrorism Section, Special Rescue / Triage, Incident Command System / MCI, EMS Response / Medical, Water Supply / Friction Loss, HazMat Section, Tables for Flammable Gases & Liquids and much more.

Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire

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Blowout!
Still Learning
Resubtitle : One of the Versions of the Storm King Fire
A disservice to the memory of his father and firefighters
We hiked Storm King...

Fire on the Mountain: The True Story of the South Canyon Fire
John N. Maclean
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0688144772

Amazon.com

Colorado and its neighboring states battle thousands of wildfires every year, scrub and sagebrush blazes often ignited by lightning strikes in the dry, hot days of summer. A vast, intertwined firefighting infrastructure combining local resources with agencies like the Forest Service and the BLM, reacts to these flare-ups as if going to war--and in theory, the coordination and communication ensures that fires are fought in the most efficient and safe manner possible. But while most wildfires in Colorado end up costing just over $60,000 on average with no loss of life, the catastrophic South Canyon fire of 1994 burned for 10 days, at the ultimate cost of $4.5 million and the lives of 14 firefighters. OSHA would later describe the coordinated action flatly as a "management failure," and concurrent investigations would reveal a tangled web of jealous rivalries, bureaucratic bungling, and severe morale problems. (One of the early on-scene supervisors would later tell investigators, "Leadership in this state sucks.")

John Maclean (son of Norman Maclean, who wrote both A River Runs Through It and an award-winning account of Montana's deadly 1949 Mann Gulch fire) skillfully unfolds that summer's foreboding blow-by-blow. Fire on the Mountain weaves together a tense narrative of almost cinematic action, starring ballsy cowboy smokejumpers, frustrated federal middle managers, seasoned "hotshots" flown in like commandos, pissed-off tanker pilots, and well-intentioned but spin-wary politicians. Maclean's well-sketched personalities bring the action on the ground convincingly to life--and knowing up front that many of his main characters won't survive South Canyon makes this tragic tale that much more compelling. --Paul Hughes

Book Description

When, on the morning of July 3, 1994, the site of a forest fire on Storm King Mountain in Colorado was wrongly recorded as taking place at South Canyon, it became the first of a series of seemingly small human errors that, three days later, led to the deaths of fourteen fire fighters, including four women. Fire on the Mountain sets out to answer three mysteries that surrounded the blaze: Why wasn't the fire, which could be seen clearly from an interstate highway, put out earlier? Why did Don Mackey, a smoke jumper who was already a legend in his own time, turn back to the fire after making his way to safety? And how could such a seasoned group of fire fighting professionals be caught off guard so badly?

With the aid of papers obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and dozens of interviews, Fire on the Mountain also takes a long, hard look at the official investigation that followed the fire and the divided conclusions of the investigative team. If this book is action/adventure at its best, it also offers deeply moving insights into the lives of the smoke jumpers, hot shots, and helitacks who fight forest fires and put their own well being on the line as a daily part of their jobs.

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Blowout!.......2005-02-03

It started with dry lightning storm starting 40 new fires in the Grand Junction District with 5000 lightning strikes on Storm King Mountain before the fire and a total of 9,000 strikes total.

The BLM case is that other fires threatening homes required resource immediately and the South Canyon fire was not number one on the priority list; furthermore, BLM relied on County Helicopter support and availability from Western Slope Fire Coordination Center. The author tells about a tactic used by Blume where Blume would travel to Western Slope Fire Coordination Center identified which helicopters were on the pad, return to office, and place a call for the resource; the resource could not be denyed; games people play. What was needed to prevent such games was a join network of State and Fed with a central command hierarchy that could give stronger coordination during a crisis.

Therefore, it is logically that criticism would surface directing its anger at unclear procedures between state and federal agencies delayed deployment and usage of firefighting resources like failure to by the state too put out the fire because it had not cross its zone. Furthermore, criticism centers on these delays causing the small Storm King fire to expand from 30 acres to 50 acres to a crisis. When the smoke jumpers arrived at the fire scene they were startled at the size of the fire, however their "can do" attitude may have contributed to this underestimation of the problem. Brains are critical to fire survival and not just brawn. Smoke jumper could not be expected to back down from their jobs. Therefore, management must be held accountable for the disaster and their failure to recognized a crisis emerging and don't point the finger at the smoke jumpers. The reviewing commission says, "Twelve of the 18 Watch Out Situations were not recognized, or proper action was not taken" indicating that the firefighting crew was careless.

The smoke jumpers, BLM/Forrest service misjudgment could have been avoided by putting out the fire sooner. Immediate plane drops of retardant and helicopter support could have contributed significantly. Red mud retard was delivered by plane too late. The difficult wind currents made flyovers difficult caused by sudden drops in air pressure threatening to put the plane wing into the mountain.

Lack of immediate support delayed blue hat crews from arriving at the fire sight. Good black areas were too far from the fighting crews and super human efforts by the blue hats was not enough; the second group were able to power out to I-70 into safety.

"On July of 1994 had been a drought year and a time of low humidity. The fuels were extremely dry and susceptible to rapid and explosive spread. None of the groups recognized the dense oak spread as a potential for a blowup. A blow up is the perfect combination of fuel, high winds, and specific terrain topology. Cucou was monitoring the weather conditions on July 6: he predicted a cold front with winds of 45 mph passing through the fire zone around 3:30-4:00 pm. The weather information came in advance but did not trigger and evacuation. "A major blowup did occur on July 6 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Maximum rates of spread of 18 mph and flames as high as 200 to 300 feet made escape by firefighters extremely difficult."

On the west side the fire crossed the original fireline so BLM/Forest service started a second fireline further downhill on the east side of the ridge.

"At 3:20 p.m. a dry cold front moved into the fire area. As winds and fire activity increased, the fire made several rapid runs with 100-flame lengths within the existing burn. At 4:00 p.m. the fire crossed the bottom of the west drainage and spread up the drainage on the west side. It soon spotted back across the drainage to the east side beneath the firefighters and moved onto steep slopes and into dense, highly flammable Gambel oak. Within seconds a wall of flame raced up the hill toward the firefighters on the west flank fireline. Failing to outrun the flames, 12 firefighters perished. Two helitack crew-members on top of the ridge also died when they tried to outrun the fire to the northwest. The remaining 35 firefighters survived by escaping out the east drainage or seeking a safety area and deploying their fire shelters."

The smoke jumper elite were burned, a forbidden taboo; their story shows their incredible determination to survive; they lived their on the edge and lives with each other represented a close family bonds; the Storm King blowup was similar to the Mann Gulch blowup and no correlation translated to warn against a repeat occurrence; McKay was a hero; the escape routes were too long and steep with the worst part of the path achieving a 55 degree incline as the blue hat pace dropped to 1 per hour as the fire increased its velocity to 5 miles per hour; "the Prineville Interagency Hotshot Crew (out-of state-blue hats) was not briefed on local conditions, fuels, or fire weather forecasts before being sent to the South Canyon fire."; carry tools and equipment on the escape route reduced the pace and every second made the difference between reaching the ridge and death.

The book is captivating.

Still Learning.......2004-07-31

Great reporting, decent literature although granted, few of us will ever match his father.
I know/knew many of the principals on this stage and what struck me was how well he captured them. Over and over, I'd read of another friend and easily picture them saying or doing what was in print, but now became very real.
I'm amazed by how much I missed after the official report and talking with some of those that were there. Mr. MacLean's book has rounded my education well. My oldest started fire fighting four years ago and I required reading of the report and this book so that he would understand the multiple levels that mistakes are made at.
To those that complain about faultfinding; how much fault has been found with "Fire on the Mountain"? Have there been any lawsuits, settlements or retractions? If none, then please list flaws so we can judge the validity of disputed items.
The only major flaw I saw in this book was failure to deal aggressively with the two jumpers who were not carrying fire shelters. Should have been at least a few pages devoted to that.
There is a huge reason for this book. The failing of management to report on and effectively deal with management's errors. This book fills part of that void.
Mr. MacLean, would you please do a book on Los Alamos and the Cerro Grande Fire? I was there for a couple weeks. The mistakes of the prescribed burn that got away would only be an appetizer to leads us to the corruption/incompetence of the Lab. That Lab is a far more important issue than wildland fire safety.
Whatever else, thank you for this book.

Resubtitle : One of the Versions of the Storm King Fire.......2004-01-19

Gee -- this isnt the fire I remember fighting!! How eloquent and backbiting a report from someone who wasnt even there and who, while researching this book, appears to have devoted most of his time to the federal offices groups. To spend so much energy on the inability of politicos to get along when a fire is truly fought on the ground... And the truly amazing players, the local fire officers and firefighters who stepped up to the plate after the firestorm (prior to the arrival of the overhead team)and saved homes and each other -well, John you missed it, you missed most uplifting part of the story. So this isn't the "true" story of Storm King; it is one version, by someone who wasnt even there.

A disservice to the memory of his father and firefighters.......2003-09-12

Norman Maclean, himself a former firefighter and woodsman, wrote an excellent account of the Mann Gulch fire. His work was tempered by the distance of time, benefit of age, and experience in the woods. This is obvious through his interaction with the survivors and his search for what happened on that hill.

In contrast, John Maclean's account of the South Canyon fire is riddled with accusations, contradicitions of his own statements and interpretations, and a generally muckraking tone. There is searching for truth and then there is searching for animus. I wish he had left this story to those with a little more time in boots than in Chicago.

Punctuation seemed OK - 1 star is generous.

We hiked Storm King..........2002-11-20

It was the hardest hike I have ever done for a few reasons. The book very accurately depicts the conditions of the mountain and the fire fighters working the fire. It's such a moving story about those that were lost on Storm King and their last day. Have Kleenex handy, but definitely read this book.

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