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On December 26, 1998, 115 boats sailed out of Sydney Harbor at the startof the Sydney to Hobart race. The Syd-Hob is a grueling 735-mile race down theeast coast of Australia, across the Bass Strait, and down the length ofTasmania. Known as the toughest blue-water (open ocean) race on earth, it isalso something of a rite of passage for sailors around the world--especiallyAustralians. Aussie landlubbers also follow the race closely, greeting thewinning boat with fireworks and a city-wide celebration.

But the 1998 Syd-Hob was no party. Prior to the race, the Australian Bureau ofMeteorology issued a warning for 55-mph winds in Bass Strait, later upping theseverity and describing coming conditions as "atrocious." Atrocious proved anunderstatement. The first storm hit the fleet around midnight, causing manyboats to turn and sail for home. At 2:00 p.m. on December 27, a rare phenomenoncalled a "weather bomb" hit Bass Strait as three massive weather systemscollided. Over the next 24 hours, mammoth waves of 90 feet and higher combinedwith 100-mph winds to batter the remaining boats. By the end of the day onDecember 29, the results were in: six lives lost, five boats sunk, many moreboats--and sailors--seriously damaged.

In Knockdown, Martin Dugard captures the excitement--and horror--of the doomed race and its participants,though he does indulge inmelodramatic foreshadowing at times. Dugard is quick to name heroes; he layshonors at the feet of the men and women of the Australian Maritime SafetyAuthority for their valiant efforts in rescuing more than 50 sailors. He alsopraises Iain Moray and the crew of the Siena, who turned around to helpsave the crew of Stand Aside. Explaining his actions afterward, Moraysaid simply, "I certainly hope someone would do the same for me if I were introuble." For Dugard the villains are the wind and the waves: "Together, theyhunt for the fleet. Together, they hunt for a victim."

Though Dugard raises important questions--why are sailors willing to take suchrisks? Why didn't more turn back as the storm hit? Why didn't the raceorganizers call it off when the weather reports came in? Should the public beresponsible for paying the $650,000 price tag for the sea rescues?--he providesfew answers beyond platitudes, such as "The history of Syd-Hob is about stormsas much as sailing" and the "brotherhood of the honor" of finishing the race.That said, Knockdown is compelling reading for those who like theiradventure stories served raw. --Sunny Delaney ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A harrowing adventure story
"Knockdown" is a tale of death and rescue at sea inthe tradition of Sebastian Junger's "The Perfect Storm." Author Martin Dugard recounts the disaster that befell the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race that is the "Superbowl" of yachting in Ausrailia. Every year since the end World War Two, the bravest (and foolhardiest) of Austrailia's sailors set out on this epic race on the day after Christmas. Prior to 1998, there had luckily been few fatalities. Unfortunately, that year the racers' luck ran out and an unexpected hurricane strength storm (a "weather bomb" as the author describes it) descended on the race, killing six people. The storm left an aftermath of wrecked boats and caused the largest seas rescue effort in Austrailian history. That more sailors didn't perish was simply a matter of pure luck with some assistance from modern technology.

The only drawback of this book is Dugard's sometimes overly dramatic prose which diminishes rather than enhances his story. Otherwise, anyone with an interest in real life sea adventure stories will love this book.

Over flowery
While I realise a lot of work went into this book, and I applaud Dugard for bringing it together, I have to confess I hated it.

Lots of little inconsistencies and the overfamiliarity of a foreigner writing about an Australian race riled me because it is important to get the little things right. Mispelled names of people or yachts involved was just one of many things which was distracting and annoying.

I know conditions were deadly, appalling, and life threatening, however, this book (for me) played up on that fact way too much.

It read more like a rollercoaster, darstardly, murderous whodunnit puncutated with overflowery, repetitious slang rather than a real-life event which really happened to real people.

But hey, everyone's different. Maybe someone else loved it.
I've read better.

One of my favorite books
Wow. What a great book, and yes I am a sailer. True, we describe events differently than a non sailer but Dugard tells this story so non sailers could understand. As all sailers know...sailing "tales" bore non sailers to tears, so Dugard tells the Sydney Hobart story in such a manner that I can give this book to my non sailing frinds and they can read and appreciate what happened out there on the Bass Strait. A great book that impresses upon us all what dangers may await when we cast off the last line that binds us to terra firma.

Gripping!
This was one of the most vivid, compelling reads I have had in some time. Dugard is a master of description. Knowing virtually nothing of blue ocean yacht racing, I was transported into a world of driven men and the tragedy they willingly face. A must read.

Third in a Three-Book Field
I try not to review books solely by comparing them to other books, but in this case it seems justified. The story of the 1998 Sydney-Hobart race has been told in three books (that I know of): G. Bruce Knecht's _The Proving Ground_, Rob Mundle's _Fatal Storm_, and this one. Having read all three, I found Dugard's the least satisfying.

All are competent "true adventure" stories, and all deliver the goods on that basic level. Mundle, however, is first-rate journalism, following a wide range of boats and trying to give a precise picture of what happened. Knecht is more focused: an exploration of people facing mortal danger far from civilization, like Krakauer's _Into Thin Air_ and Junger's _Perfect Storm_. Dugard tries to split the difference, narrating the race as a whole while also exploring the reasons why people sailed in the Sydney-Hobart and other blue-water competitions. This would be a tall order for *any* 250-page book, and Dugard fails to pull it off. I was left neither with a good sense of the race as a whole nor with a clear understanding of why the crews involved made the choices they did.

Dugard's writing compounds the problem. It veers from breezy and imprecise (confusing if you're not familiar with yacht racing and severe weather, frequently irritating if you are) to ponderous and pretentious. His treatment of the storm as if it were a semi-conscious "enemy" is especially unfortunate because, paradoxically, it diminishes the storm's power. The essential, defining quality of the sea is its utter indifference to the fragile humans who venture out on it.

If you're only going to read one book on the 1998 Hobart, do yourself a favor: find a copy of Mundle or Knecht instead. ... Read more

Book Description

God has revealed to John McTernan a most urgent message for a nation that is turning away from the living God. This wake-up call is for both those who know Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Saviour, and for those who do not. John delivers a message with overwhelming evidence that God is warning America with disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, and wildfires that occur during acts of national disobedience.

Although the Lord is not in nature, He does use His power over nature to warn nations and individuals that they must turn from sin or ultimately suffer destruction. He is in the still, small voice that speaks to the hearts of men, calling them to follow Jesus Christ and secure the blessings of liberty that only those who obey God's Word can enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Why do people believe this glop?
A friend of mine loaned me this book.Thank God, (and, yes, there is one), I didn't expend money to buy it.

As noted, the author is an evangelist.He has no familiarity with the principles of logic or physical science that I can discern.

OF COURSE, there are going to be more weather-related disasters in America than was so in times past, FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT THE COUNTRY IS BECOMING MORE CROWDED.The tornado that chews up a subdivision today would have swirled the grass in an empty field just a few years ago, for example.Does this mean God hates us?Hardly, except to folks like McTiernan, perhaps.

This sort of writing dumbs down America in my opinion, and I certainly could not possibly recommend to any intelligent reader.

This book has solid biblical foundation
John McTernan has written an important book that explicitly documents how Americans' disobedience to the will of God inevitably results in divine retribution. The proof is in the news clippings! and in Gen. 12 and Matt. 25. By His mercy, the Lord is giving America one final chance to repent of its sins of tolerance for homosexuality and abortion and failure to stand with Israel. If these warnings are not heeded, judgment surely awaits. This book is a vital wake-up call to the body of Christ and to America at large. The Lord God is not pleased. Share this book with your friends who are on the fence.

The sky is falling, and the homosexuals are to blame!
"God is angry, at you!" is the underlying message of Gods final warning to America.
This is yet another in a long line of books that uses vague predictions, coincidence and half truths in what seems like an attempt to feed the ego of the author. John McTernan tries to show a
direct link between severe natural disasters and events he perceives to be against God. For example the Big Bear earthquake in Los Angeles , happened on June 28, 1992 Gay Pride Day. Of course he conveniently forgets to mention that during 1992 Los Angeles experienced hundreds of earthquakes, and if you try hard enough you're sure to be able to link each one to an event somewhere in the world.
Mr. Mcternan seems to be an expert at "prophesying after the fact", taking past events and placing them in a context that suits his needs. While I found this book entertaining, I doubt my enjoyment was the goal of the author. Bottom line, if your looking for a few laughs this might be right up your ally. If you looking for right wing religious doomsday warnings, watch the 700 club.

God's Final Warning to America
Excelent book cant say enought about it . If your into endtimes like me you will love this

Ever wonder why we have had such severe weather lately?
The first chapter of Warning Judgments records in detail, with dates, the severe weather-related incidents and natural disasters that have happened in this country since the mid-1980's.

Other chapters catalog naturaldisasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, 500-year floods, andeconomic chaos caused by these events and stock market crashes.All thesedisasters are linked statistically by dates to actual activities by ourgovernment, on a local, state and national level. Among the activitiesincluded are passage of laws favoring abortion, homosexuality, euthanasia.On a national level, disasters linked to the President's veto of thePartial-Birth Abortion Act are listed, as are disasters linked topresidential support for peace initiatives which force Israel to give backland to the Palestinians.

Years ago people felt that natural disasterswere a warning from God.These days, people seem to have lost thatunderstanding.God's Final Warning to America brings that idea back intosharp focus with details and statistics given in a highly readeableform.

God's Final Warning to America is a book that should provide awake-up call to Americans who are concerned that this country is going downthe wrong path!Reading the book will be an eye-opener and hopefully willbe an encouragement for people to get active on a grass-roots level intheir government.It is also a call to prayer for those people who have areligious outlook.

The book gives concise and well-documented informationin chapters that are well-organized and easy to read.Mr. McTernan hasreally done his homework! ... Read more

Book Description

What causes an earthquake? When will another big shock shake Tokyo or Los Angeles? Can people create deserts? How are the ozone layer and the greenhouse effect interlinked? Is global warming a force of nature—or of man? This compelling and informative book, illustrated with marvelous photographs and specially commissioned artwork, explains the latest scientific insights into these questions. Each force of nature is separately fitted into the jigsaw puzzle of global environmental change. The revised edition of this widely praised book draws on the dramatic evidence of recent years to evaluate the state of the planet—and man's effect on it—in the new century. 275 illustrations, 135 in color. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

EXCELLENT field guide!
I cannot speak highly enough of this book.
My boyfriend and I just got back from our first trip to Yellowstone- and this book was invaluable to us.
We took it with us as we went to the various geyser basins. It was incredibly helpful!

We read about the geysers,hot springs, fumuroles and mud pots as we got to each one.

The book also has great color photos of each feature.

It is broken down into these sections:
* Geyser Life
* Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces
* Norris Geyser Basin
* Gibbon Geyser Basin
* Lower Geyser Basin
* Midway Geyser Basin
* Biscuit Geyser Basin
* Black Sand Basin
* Upper Geyser Basin
* Shoshone Geyser Basin
* Mud Volcano Area
* West Thumb Geyser Basin
* Heart Lake Geyser Basin
* New Zealand - (3 hot springs)

As an example, here's what the book says about Fountain Paint Pots (in the Lower Geyser Basin):
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Temperature= 202.8 degrees F
Dimensions: 80 X 40 feet

Fountain Paint Pots was originally named "Mud Puff" by the 1871 Hayden survey and later turn-of-the-century tourists called it Mammoth Paint Pots.But guide books referred to the area as Fountain Geyser and Paintpots and the name was adopted in 1927.

The mud is composed of clay and fine particles of silica broken down by acids and grinding action.
The tinting of the mud in colors of pink and gray from iron oxides is derived from the original rock.
The bubbling action results in escaping steam and gasses- mainly carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

In the spring and early summer the mud is thin and the pots boil. By late summer and fall there is less moisture and the mud is thicker, creating unusual shapes and formations.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The only gripe that I have about this book is that it does not list every single feature.
There is a map at the beginning of each section- in red are the features that are talked about- and in black are the ones that are not mentioned.

In the Lower Geyser Basin- there were several feautures that we came to that were not talked about in the book, such as:
Leather Pool, Celestine Pool, Firehole Pool and Surprise Pool, Hot Lake, Jet Geyser, Twig Geyser, etc...

In the Midway Geyser Basin, Opal Pool is not talked about. We walked up to it and wanted to know more about it.

But I do highly recommend this book.
Most of the features are listed. The author talks about the history and goes into detail about the characteristics about the features.
I recommend this book for anyone taking their first trip to Yellowstone. Take this book along with you as you tour the fascinating geological features of the park.You will be glad that you had this helpful guide.
This book also is great for everyone who loves Yellowstone and would like to learn more about the magic of this park.

A very useful book when touring Yellowstone National Park.
I took my family to Yellowstone National Park hoping to see some of the more unusual geysers in action. Carl Schreier's book was a great help in choosing which geysers to wait for to see the eruptions. For each geyser, hot spring, and fumarole, Schreier's book contains a photo and interesting information concerning the discovery of the various thermal sights, and an accurate description of the interval and duration of the geysers. Everyone in our family was reading it. ... Read more

Book Description

True-life stories of survival against insurmountable odds, especially in natural catastrophes, hold a certain fascination for us all. That Terrible Texas Weather puts the reader in the eye of the storm, at the crest of the flood, and in the heat of the drought through a collection of newspaper reports and eyewitness accounts of victims caught up in some of the most devastating weather Texas has ever produced.

From the hurricanes of Indianola to the tornado at Wichita Falls to the drought and heat wave of 1998, this is a sampler of Texas weather through the years—the terrifying storms and other events of weather gone berserk. These are the stories of the people who perished and the people who endured and of their Texas-sized courage and heroism. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's Got Some Good History
I was pretty interested in the chapter about the Indianola hurricane of 1880-something (I'm not sure about the year). I imagined what it must have been like back then. That hurricane literally wiped Indianola off the Texas map. That's why many people have never heard of it, except maybe for some descendants of the people who lived through it or died in it. I think that I would like to go to the area where it happened and see it for myself. ... Read more

Book Description

A whole alternative historical geology is presented in this book. The ruling dogmas of an old earth, slow overall geologic changes, organic evolution, the geologic column, etc., are examined and found wanting. In their place a Biblical geology is developed and defended, providing a scholarly explanation for such things as the biogeographical distribution of life, fossil succession, the origin of coal, etc., all in light of the global Noachian Deluge. Many little-known geologic facts are also brought to light. Before you conclude that whatever historical geology textbooks teach you is gospel truth, please read this book! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Thoughtful, comprehensive, compelling.
Young earth creationists are often accused of being unscientific or ignorning the facts. Anyone who says that has obviously never read this book. It is thoroughly scientific and carefully researched, drawing mostly from the general (non-creationist) scientific literature. A must-have for the serious student of origins issues (evolution/creation). The book convincingly refutes a large number of commonly-heard objections to the "young earth" creationist position, including:
1. explaining bio-geography by post-flood migrations
2. showing that there is not too much coal, oil, limestone, or too many vertebrate fossils, etc., to be explained by a young earth position
3. an extremely thorough study of the actual distribution of index fossils throughout the world with a creationist explanation for the "fossil succession" on a young earth
4. a well-developed case study on the stratigraphic distribution of cephalopods (molluscs, like the nautilus) showing how what is mis-interpreted as temporal succession (evolutionary replacement through time) is actually environmental sorting (animal buried in different layers because they lived in different places, not different times)
5. an explanation of how cyclotherms could have formed (and, indeed, must have formed) rapidly.
These are technical studies, but accessible to the serious layperson. There are only two things that I wish were better. Some of the articles are themselves compilations and contain a few points not thoroughly supported. More than that, I wish some of the articles were updated, but the author is busy with new research.
I own the book and I highly recommend the it, especially in the newly re-typeset version sold here.

Excellent Resource Book
This Comilation of research studies by John Woodmorappe is an excellent resource book for either creationist or evolutionist! It is excellent for the creationist as it demonstrates causes for the biogeographic distribution of land vertebrates after the Flood. He discusses the antediluvian bioshere and its capability of supplying the fossil record, the stratigraphic separation of fossils based on a diluviological model, a quantitative assessment of the nonexistence of the standard evolutionary geologic column, radiometric geochronology is reappraised, the cephalopods, and a diluvian interpretation of ancient cyclic sedimentation. Creation Research at its best! For the evolutionist it offers much information, plus this: It has been said that those who do not know their opponent's arguments do not completely understand their own. By better understanding the creation model, the evolutionist can better understand his own model and his own arguments! Great Reading! A must for both sides of this important issue.

Scientific Research For The Flood Model
This is one of the first books I read on Flood Geology that contained all the research that I was looking for. As a geologist trained in evolution, I needed the scientific approach to the research studies on Flood geology. I learned things in this book that I had always had questions about, but that my professors never had the answers for. Questions about stratigraphy, fossil distributions, the ice age, radiometric dating problems, were all addressed here. This book helped launch my own desire to continue doing research on the question of origins. As usual, John Woodmorrappe's research is thorough and well documented.

A serious creation anthology for every origins library.
This anthology of articles explores a range of geologic and biological phenomena associated with the Cataclysm of Noah's time. Each of these papers were originally published as peer-reviewed articles in the Creation Research Society Quarterly. Titles include:

Causes for the Biogeographic Distribution of Land Vertebrates After the Flood. (1990)
The Antediluvian Biosphere and its Capability of Supplying the Entire Fossil Record. (1986)
A Diluviological Treatise on the Stratigraphic Separation of Fossils. (1983)
An Anthology of Matters Significant to Creationism and Diluviology: Report 2. (1982)
The Essential Nonexistence of the Evolutionary-Uniformitarian Geologic Column: A Quantitative Assessment. (1981)
An Anthology of Matters Significant to Creationism and Diluviology: Report 1. (1980)
Radiometric Geochronology Reappraised. (1979)
The Cephalopods in the Creation and the Universal Deluge. (1978)
A Diluvian Interpretation of Ancient Cyclic Sedimentation. (1978)

Woodmorappes' noteworthy doggedness in his study of each subject is apparent in each of the papers presented. Unless you have the entire past history of the CRSQ this is a very worthy addition to the library of every serious student of origins.

Some Serious Creationist Research
This work is an excellent way to show that evolutionists who claim "creationists don't do any research" is an obviously false claim. John Woodmorappe has been a dedicated Creation scientist, with important publications such as "The Myth of Modern Dating Methods" and "Noah's Ark: A Feasibility Study". Although I still believe that the flood model has a long way to go, John contributes an impressive effort in order to help our Biblical understanding of the past improve. The study on the geological column is a very important issue, and Woodmorappe offers an excellent chapter dealing with the "Essential Nonexistance" of the geological column.

I have two problems with this work, however. One is that there are too many quotations used, and the other is that the material is a bit outdated in some areas. However, the book is a worthwhile addition to Creationist studies. ... Read more

Book Description

For those who love animals comes this riveting account of an extraordinary, dedicated team of more than 3,500 trained volunteers. EARS (Emergency Animal Rescue Service) takes on the task that the Red Cross and other human-focused organizations simply can't: helping animals survive natural and man-made disasters. You will be moved by the courageous, poignant, and at times humorous stories, including:

The wrath of nature in the form of fire, flood, hurricane, or earthquake takes an enormous toll on animals as well as people. But, while there has long been help to save humans, there wasn't anyone who focused on helping the animals. This is why EARS—Emergency Animal Rescue Service—came into being. Inside are the real-life stories of EARS volunteers, and how their efforts have saved countless animals from certain death. You will read about the touching reunions of pet owners with the cherished pets they feared were dead. You will appreciate the wonderful service that EARS and its thousands of volunteers provide to all of us with their rescue efforts. Most of all these stories will make you laugh, cry, and marvel at the deep connection humans and animals share.

These and other stories are sure to inspire and thrill as well as make you appreciate the wonderful bond that exists between animals and the special people who care enough to save them.

Reviews (8)

All About What Really Matters- Animal Rescue
While this book might not contain as many fuzzy, feel-good, heartstring-tuggers as Crisp's earlier book, Out of Harm's Way, I think her second effort measures up just as well to her first. This book features stories from disasters that didn't generate as much press and also focuses on the nitty gritty of animal rescue work- she describes some of the dangers, the politics, the risks, and the disappointments. The book isn't intended to be a bunny-hugging Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul- it serves as an eye-opening introduction to the difficult but ultimately satisfying world of animal rescue, written by a true trailblazer in the field. Recommended (and inspiring) reading for anyone considering volunteering for EARS.

Great Book Brings It all Home
What great reading for the animal lover! This book gave me a feel for what it's like to work in a real disaster and what goes on behind the scenes. It made me realize what hard work animal rescue can be and made me appreciate the people that devote their lives in this way. There were times I laughed out loud and times that I wish someone had warned me to get a Kleenex! I thought this book was a great follow-up to Crisp's other book, "Out of Harm's Way" because it shows disasters that were not necessarily as "media-worthy" but still just as important to the lives saved and impacted. It shows that not only is Terri a true asset to animals, but also to the people that care for and love them. I highly recommend both books and anxiously await a third from Terri Crisp!

Disappointing after "Out of Harm's Way"
To all my fellow readers who were disappointed in this poorly written book after enjoying "Out of Harm's Way" so much, I believe I have solved the mystery of Terri's disappearing writing skills. Look closely at the cover of "Out of Harm's Way" and you will see "by Terri Crisp (large letters) and Samantha Glen (small letters)." I have just finished reading Samantha Glen's delightful new book "Best Friends", and I now know who wrote the warm and wonderful "Out of Harm's Way".

All About Terri
Poorly writen, poorly conceived, and too much about Terri and not enough about the animals.

Great book...ignore the sour grapes
...

Terri Crisp once again has written a moving, behind-the-scenes book about animals rescue. Like any follow-up read, you probably won't experience the same feelings you felt when you read Out of Harm's Way (if you haven't read THAT book yet...do! It'smarvelous!). But you WILL read stories and tug your heart about animal rescues...they will make you cry, they will make you laugh, and they might just inspire you to get involved. I always hate to classify books like this as a "good read." It's never good when people and animals die. It's never good when animals are neglected and abandoned, even in the wake of tremendous disastar. But a good read it is--it's great stories accompanied by great lessons. You see, what Terri Crisp really does best is educate people about how to prepare for the worst through example--and this book provides fine examples of what to do and what NOT to do. What she wants you to do is get your act together and make a plan to save your family--of which your pets are an important part--in the event that disaster strikes your home. Part of this book illustrates the politics behind the work. You've seen it at work here on the review boards at Amazon. Now, read the book. You'll get your good read, and maybe save a life, too. ... Read more

Book Description

Floods, fires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes--we are quick to call them ''natural disasters.'' But are they? Did the great fires that swept Yellowstone in 1988 devastate the park, or did they just ravage our image of the park as a fixed, unchanging national treasure? This lucid, lively book reveals the shortsightedness behind conceiving of such events as disastrous to nature. Indeed, Seth Reice contends, such thinking has led to policies that have done the environment more harm than good--the U.S. Forest Service's campaign against natural forest fires and the Army Corps of Engineers' flood prevention program are examples. He points out ways in which we can better address the wide range of environmental problems humanity faces at the dawn of the new millennium.

Reice argues, in terms refreshingly nontechnical yet scientifically sound, that the traditional, equilibrium paradigm--according to which ''stability'' produces healthier ecosystems than does sudden, sweeping change--is fundamentally flawed. He describes a radically different model of how nature operates, one that many ecologists and population biologists have come to understand in recent years: a concept founded on the premise that disturbances help create and maintain the biodiversity that benefits both the ecosystem and ourselves. Reice demonstrates that ecosystems need disturbances to accomplish indispensable tasks such as the production of clean air and water. He recommends changes in environmental management to incorporate the essential role of natural disturbances.

This book shows that every tornado's funnel cloud, every forest fire's billowing cloud of smoke, has tremendous benefits for the ecosystem it impacts. As anyone concerned with man's impact on the environment will appreciate, this is the cloud's real silver lining.

... Read more

Book Description

Whenever a major earthquake strikes or a hurricaneunleashes itsfury, the devastating results fill our television screens andnewspapers. MaryC. Comerio is interested in what happens in the weeks and months aftersuchdisasters, particularly in the recovery of damaged housing. Through case studies of six recent urban disastersHurricane Hugo inSouthCarolina, Hurricane Andrew in Florida, the Loma Prieta and Northridgeearthquakes in California, as well as earthquakes in Mexico City andKobe,JapanComerio demonstrates that several fundamental factors have changedincontemporary urban disasters. The foremost change is in scale, and asmoreAmericans move to the two coasts, future losses will continue to beformidablebecause of increased development in these high-hazard areas. Moreover,thevisibility of disasters in the news media will assure that responseeffortsremain highly politicized. And finally, the federal government is nowexpectedto be on the scene with personnel, programs, and financial assistanceeven asprivate insurance companies are withdrawing disaster coverage fromhomeowners inearthquake- and hurricane-prone regions. Demonstrating ways that existing recovery systems are inadequate,Comerioproposes a rethinking of what recovery means, a comprehensive revisionof thegovernment's role, and more equitable programs for constructionfinancing. Sheoffers new criteria for a housing recovery policy as well as realfinancialincentives for preparedness, for limiting damage before disasters occur,and forproviding a climate where private insurance can work. Her carefulanalysis makesthis book important reading for policymakers, property owners, andanyoneinvolved in disaster mitigation. ... Read more

Book Description

Incredibly, the ten most costly catastrophes in U.S. history have all been natural disasters--seven of them hurricanes--and all have occurred since 1989, a period, ironically, that Congress has dubbed the Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. Why this tremendous plague on our houses? While some claim that nature is the problem, in fact, as environmental historian Ted Steinberg explains, historically speaking, much of the death and destruction has been well within the realm of human control. Surveying more than a century of losses from weather and seismic extremes, Steinberg exposes the fallacy of seeing such calamities as simply random events.

Acts of God explores the unnatural history of natural calamity, the decisions of business leaders and government officials that have paved the way for the greater losses of life and property, especially among those least able to withstand such blows--America's poor, elderly, and minorities. Seeing nature or God as the primary culprit, Steinberg argues, has helped to paper over the fact that, in truth, some Americans are better protected from the violence of nature than their counterparts lower down the socioeconomic ladder. How else can we explain that the hardest hit areas have been mobile home parks and other low-income neighborhoods?

Beginning with the 1886 Charleston and 1906 San Francisco earthquakes, and continuing to the present, Steinberg spotlights the defective approach to natural hazards taken by real estate interests, the media, and policymakers. By understating the extent of storm damage in news reports and offering quick repairs and cosmetic solutions to damaged property, fundamental flaws in the status quo go unremedied, class divisions are maintained, and unsafe practices continue unquestioned. Even today, with our increased scientific knowledge, he shows that reckless building continues unabated in seismically active areas and flood-prone coastal plains, often at taxpayer expense.

Sure to provoke discussion, Acts of God is a call to action that must be heard before the next disaster hits. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

from the city of burning rivers
This is a brilliant book -- well-researched, incisive, and passionate. It should inspire all of us to think more deeply and critically about how social oppression manifests itself in the ecosystem.

Essay on Mismanagement of Disaster
Ted Steinberg's book, Acts of God, is an interesting look at the handling of natural disasters in America. It shows how natural disasters may arrive from nature (as flood, hurricane, earthquake, drought, etc.) but it is the social and cultural context of American that truly turns these phenomena into disasters. This can result from such things lack of warning due to budget cuts, downplaying the effects of the disaster in order to support boosterism, or controlling relief efforts in way that hurts the poor, elderly or minorities. The unusually high proportion of death and loss of property of people in mobile homes is not, in fact,due to random, natural acts or some perverse vendetta against by natural forces against mobile homes but, instead, by purposeful acts by government and capitilists. These arguments are presented forcefully using examples from throughout American history. On occasion, particulary the chapter on weather control, the arguments can become a little muddied. It is, nevertheless, a fairly powerful indictment of the current system that will result in more disasters than it will prevent. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive analysis of North Atlantic hurricanes is intended as an intermediary between hurricane climate research and the users of hurricane information. Topics include climatology, a history of the major hurricanes, forecasting methods, and models for the social and economic impact of the storms. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE source for Atlantic hurricane climatology
An up-to-date text on all classes of Atlantic hurricanes, including formation, track, intensity, dissipation, forecasting, and emergency management. There's a lot of information legibly crammed into 488 pages! ... Read more

Book Description

In a single terrifying night near the end of the 19th century, a gigantic hurricane ripped through the islands and lowlands of Georgia and South Carolina, drowning 2,000 or more and leaving 70,000 destitute. Most of the victims were former slaves and descendants of slaves, "Gullahs." With no government involvement, but through steady appeals to those outside of the devastated region, Clara Barton of the American Red Cross and others spent most of the next year in the tedious recovery effort. More than a century later, the horrors of that experience come to mind whenever a hurricane spins offshore. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A twister unraveled
So much has been written about this storm over the years and so much erroneous. Major tornado histories have stated there was no funnel cloud but as we know from this book that was true at the start of the storm but later in its path there clearly was a funnel--the book even describes its location at cloud level AND ground level--and then multiple funnels were evident. This contemporary account from more than a century ago still provides riveting reading. Perhaps one day someone will likewise document the Sept. 29, 1927, tornado which similarly has been misreported over the years (no funnel in that one, too, reportedly except I've spoken to people who SAW it).

A wonderful reprint of a rare piece of history.
Bravo to the Southern Illinois University Press for reprinting this wonderful historical account of a horrific natural disaster. The pictures alone tell an incredible story of destruction. Interviews with people show the biases of the time, and it is written in melodramatic tones typical of the 1890s. It is hard to read this book without picturing yourself as being a part of the event then, or picturing such an event happening today. This event changed thousands of lives a century ago, but its significance has faded with passing years. It is a valuable reality check to have this account reprinted, so that we can be reminded that battling nature, overcoming devastation, and exercising a will to rebuild are common themes which reach back far beyond our world today. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent resource that is a must for non-insurance people!
Kunreuther, et al have made a major leap forward in helping to educate and inform insurance and non-insurance people alike on the threats associated with natural hazards of all kinds, how insurance companies historically and are now reacting to how those hazards affect their business as they seek to help their insureds manage the risks they face, to demystify the complex world of insurance, and to offer some well reasoned suggestions for all who have a stake in managing the risk of damage from catastrophic natural hazards like hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, etc. Whether the reader is: an individual homeowner; a member of the scientific or academic community; an interested federal, state or community official; an insurance or reinsurance company employee; or one of the other parties who should be concerned about how catastrophes might impact their customers and constituents, this book is a must! Read it to understand the extent of the problem. Read it to understand how mitigation of future damage may be a key part of the solution for the risk that the individual homeowner whose home is located in harm's way (nature's fury) faces. Read it to understand what's been tried and what's suceeded or failed. But mostly read it to seriously consider how you can participate in the solution. The responsibility rests with the individual homeowner to make sure that his or her home is as safe and strong as it should be - for the sake of his or her loved ones (including the family pets), his or her irreplaceable or prized possessions, and that their psychological well-being and lifestyle are not significantly disturbed after a major catastrophic event. And he or she must see themselves as part of a safe and strong community that can similarly weather what Mother Nature can (and at some time certainly will, regardless of how small the probability) throw at them so that the goods and services it provides can be continued after such an event. This book provides a balanced approach to helping the reader understand the role insurance can, should, and does play. But it also helps place it into perspective and suggests some next steps. It explores the reasons for why the different stakeholders act the way they do. Why do people not react to the risk they face by demanding and then paying to make their homes stronger and safer? Why do insurance companies not offer premium incentives? How do various public policies and practices get in the way of efforts to invest significant tax dollars to promote stronger, safer homes and communities, when the original objective of that investment was to avoid spending significantly more tax dollars every year to bail out people and communities living in areas at risk to hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural hazards (sometimes repeatedly) because they either didn't fully understand the risk or they simply chose not to act to avoid or reduce the subsequent damage? Read this book to learn. Read this book to capture a vision of what needs doing. Seek more information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency or from the Institute for Business and Home Safety on how to retrofit your own home or how to contribute to community based programs. Both have very good web sites that are mentioned in the book. And finally carefully evaluate your own risk to natural hazards and take action to protect your family (both physically and psychologically), your irreplaceable and prized possessions, and get involved with others in your community to do the same thing for the environment in which you live, work, and recreate. Thanks to Kunreuther, et al for giving us such a wonderful resource to get us thinking about the status and role of insurance against the adverse impacts of natural disasters in the United States, but also for helping awaken us to our own status and role in protecting our families, our homes, and our communities because it should now be clear that insurance is only part of the solution. Keeping it affordable and available requires us to begin seeing insurance as just one, albeit very important, part of our arsenal for managing our individual and corporate risk of loss from natural hazards that threaten us where we live. Respectfully submitted, Dennis Fasking ... Read more