Clear and Present Danger
938658
Clear and informative treatment of an otherwise ugly and incomprehensible topic. One can only imagine the risks taken by the author in  preparation of this text in an awful part of the world.
2729051
Most of the disaster preparedness books I've read have something in common when they discuss EMP or solar storms. The authors discuss what they "think" will happen in such an event. Sure, it's easy to look at the existing documentation from the government studies and deduce that we'll have a serious problem with our power grid in the event of a high-altitude nuclear explosion. And the consequences of loss of power... of course they will be serious.

But this is where Dr. Bradley's book stands out. In addition to describing the reasons for effects in a language the layman can understand, he goes several steps further and also explains how to set up a realistic Faraday cage, which will protect sensitive electronics in such an event. And what makes an effective Faraday cage? Using his electronics expertise and special equipment, Dr. Bradley constructs and tests several types of Faraday cages designed to protect gear from different types of frequency pulses. Read the book and you'll learn some simple, inexpensive and effective methods to protect critical equipment from an EMP pulse or a solar storm. The other disaster preparedness tips and planning advice in the book are icing on the cake.

-Andrew Baze, author of "The Road Home" and the upcoming guide - "Personal Emergency Communications"
4950124
The authors have found a memorable phrase to describe a depressingly common phenomenon - the occurrence of a disaster or failure that has been widely and often publicly predicted. The term `predictable surprise' will undoubtedly enter the managerial and political language.

They have provided a valuable analysis of why these predictable disasters occur and what can be done to prevent them (while recognizing that there are also such things as `unpredictable surprises' which can not be avoided through these processes).

The book is invaluable for the clear way in which it brings the elements together and for the vividness and immediacy of the examples chosen to illustrate the points. The result is a book that is very readable as well as being immediately useful, even if many of the points have also been made elsewhere by other authors. The book provides a template against which organizations can assess their defences against `predictable surprises', and I suspect that every organization will find gaps in its armour when it measures itself against the recommendations in the book.

The authors also use the book to mount a stinging attack on the failures of the American political system (and by extension those of other countries) and the need for fundamental reform. Their attack on the activities of the special interest groups and their direct responsibility for some of the worst disasters that the US has suffered is particularly pointed. One can only hope that the criticisms will be listened to and acted upon, and that politicians as well as business people will read and note them.

Throughout the book, the systemic, interconnected nature of the processes that lead to predictable surprises is very clear, but the authors do not, in my opinion, highlight the fact as strongly as they should. They do point out that depletion of international fisheries is a classic case of 'the tragedy of the commons', one of several archetypal forms of systems relationship, but virtually every example that the authors cite could well be illustrated with simple systems diagrams based on one or other of the classic 'systems archetypes'. Systemic issues require systemic solutions and the leverage for systemic change may be located well beyond the area of control of the immediate actors - another fact that shows up clearly in the course of the authors' examples.

 It is probably no coincidence that I was strongly reminded of Barbara Tuchman's The March of Folly as I read the book. The perspective and coverage is different, but the themes of willful ignorance, willful inaction and willful pursuit of perceived short-term self interest as fundamental drivers of future disasters are common to both. If Tuchman were still alive, I would have confidently expected an analysis of Iraq to follow her masterful analysis of the Vietnam war, the American War of Independence and the drivers of the Reformation. In its own way, Predictable Surprises provides a contemporary update of the ways in which we continue the march of folly.
4078713
Steyn reports much that we never hear about the long-term demographic danger we face from radical Islamists, and on the immediate belligerent danger likewise posed by the same crew.  His book is a refreshingly sensible summary of how to begin thinking about and dealing with a serious threat.  This is no partisan piece (unless you consider favoring civilization partisan).  The Left and Right both suffer criticism, because neither is truly facing the situation squarely and taking appropriate action.  And if you disagree with Steyn's analysis, at least you'll have a great deal of relevant information not supplied by the general press, and you will have laughed a great deal at Steyn's piercing wit.
4224098
It is clear by the end of the book that the environment in which the main character finds himself is ideal for survival in the situation that befalls the country.  The book is a wonderful look at the social, medical, ethical, political and economic effects caused by a massive EMP shock wave caused by a nuclear strike.  However, it may not be as bad as the book suggests.  We don't know how bad it will be, but this book portrays the worst possible effect.  There has been some research on EMP but the only results from nuclear tests regarding EMP was done so long ago that how they would affect modern equipment is unknown.  Since then there have been experiments done with simulators but how can we know whether an attack would be more or less severe?  Some of the reported results suggest that modern vehicles can survive the shock of an EMP but how can we know that they will?  How can we know that the results of the experiments were not altered to make them less threatening to keep from causing panic? This book is a shocking look at how we are dependent upon an infrastructure that is extremely vulnerable.  We should all be aware of the danger that is posed by certain countries that wish to do us harm and have no consideration at what retaliation may result.

ref:
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1002810
Dr. Gittleman's 2010 book is a well-written, clear and concise exposition of the hazards of modern life in the form of electromagnetic fields--and how they can disrupt the normal functioning of the human body--as well as other living things. It should be read by any and all high-schoolers. To be ignorant of her warnings is simply slow suicide.

I'll admit I missed the iPhone revolution, clinging to my dumb cellphone for as long as possible. However, unless you commit yourself to a "back to the earth" or anti-progress lifestyle, you simply have to know how fast the technology is changing every aspect of our lives, and monitor how you are interacting with it. For example, would you guess that living or sleeping near a 6-plug extension strip is hazardous to your health?  Turn it off when and as long as possible!  No home built before, say 2009, is equipped with enough outlets, let alone with any thought to how the human and animal inhabitants were being surrounded by deadly or destructive (to human functioning) electromagnetic fields.  However, they are. You, the consumer, have the responsibility to figure out in what ways your body is being attacked, and find a strategy to protect yourself. Not all of us can construct and live in Faraday cages.  If you want to see what such a life might be like, watch the film "Enemy of the State" with Gene Hackman. How prophetic!

Because it is written in language that my generation should have been able to digest by grade 12, I recommend this book very highly--it is a quick introduction to a crucial topic for modern day living.  I had already instituted many of her recommendations into my own life, but finding it in a well-organized, short paperback is priceless.

Incidentally, my first personal meter for measuring these fields (electromagnetic and radiofrequency fields was manufactured in--AMERICA. What a surprise. I purchased it on Amazon, and the price was very reasonable.
4136735
As a retired firefight with over thirty years of trying to help solve the perplexing problem of wild fire and its impacts, I was impressed with Gary Fergusons in-depth study, Land on Fire, and particularly with its conclusion; the landscape is turbulent and fire behavior is not likely to change anytime soon.  My futile efforts seem universal, not necessarily a byproduct of my ineptitude.

Ferguson presents the dilemma with spot-on and clear analysis.  The complications involved with the intricate science of burning, the unpredictability of the weather, global warming, increasing deterioration of the forest structure, and lack of funding for research and suppression all contribute to a problem that defies resolution.

Using historical data and anecdotes, accompanied by stunning photographs depicting the fury of wild fires across the country, the author presents a masterful description of where firefighting has travelled, what complexities affect suppression efforts, insight into successes and failures, and prospects for the future.  I found the information very informative, even after twenty-four years of retirement, because I have witnessed a recent increase in the number and size of fires, caused by the shrinking of the wildland urban interface areas and the other factors noted.  Its disturbing and the answers are very elusive.

This book is a great source of information for those who care about the problem, and even for those who are only vaguely concerned, because it sheds light on a growing menace that threatens all of us and warns of the uncertainty of solving it in a timely fashion.  It reinforces the need for public insistence on leaders who recognize the need to face the challenges posed by human contribution to climate change and its footprint on the earth where we live.  There must be leaders, as the author asserts, that have the wisdom and courage to neither deny the challenges nor shrink in the face of them.

Schuyler T Wallace
Author of TIN LIZARD TALES
2545026
This clear, concise, well-written book added a great deal to my understanding of foreign policy  Despite covering a lot of ground, the book is not overly long nor pedantic.  He makes very clear where we've come from, what our challenges are, and what we could do.  The last chapter focuses on the situation in US and where we can go right and wrong.  The possibilities for the US now are both provocative and frightening.  Since this book was written before the 2016 election, he doesn't comment on the breakdown in foreign policy we've had since then.  In fact, we seem to be doing exactly the things he advises against and warns us about.  I wound up feeling much more knowledgeable and much less sanguine about our future, given the direction of the current administration.
1820793
I liked this book.  It was a fast and easy read--not full of any paranoid, militia or political stuff--a quick read so very respectful of my time.  This is not a fear mongering book seeking to motivate us all to construct bunkers and become survivalist hoarders, but instead offers a sensible approach to emergency preparedness--a simple reality check that is a step more than emergency candles and a few gallons of water.  This book offers a practical and sensible approach to emergency preparedness.  Like having extra batteries--it is more of a "better safe than sorry" approach instead of a "prepare for Armageddon" book.
434611
This is an easily read warning by a respected journalist bought the possibility of a cyber attack on our electrical grid. At times I thought he engaged in fear-mongering. It is one thing to expect our government to seriously plan for such an event. It is another for the general public to all become "preppers". That is no way to live. At times the author seemed to focus too much on individual preparedness. The book did deal with issues of privacy v. security.  An interesting read.
3400146
A natural disaster can happen at any time. Some disasters give warning like a storm preceding a flood. Others, like earthquakes give no warning. Once a disaster happens, the time to prepare is gone and all you can do is cope. Take the next few minutes to examine what you can do to prepare. Anything you do today to will be like making a deposit in your survivability savings account for withdrawal in tough times.

Today, we have the ability to predict with more accuracy than ever dangerous tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and floods. We know the areas that are prone to earthquakes and areas that are susceptible to wildfires, and we can tell hours in advance whether a tsunami will hit our shores.
However, in spite of all the capabilities for advance warnings, Americans are still quite poor at preparing for these disasters. Many of us really believe that it cant happen to us.

This book is trying to do exactly that, to prepare you for everything that can happen to you, or your family. Sooner or later we must all protect our family and prepare ourselves for natural disaster. This book do provides a lot of ideas on how to be prepared in case unexpected things may happen such as what we will need from food, water, the essentials and many more. The author was able to pull together the best survival tips for both bug out and bug in situations.

All in all, this book is very practical, easy to read and well written. A good read.
2031701
Yesterday, I was thrilled to find Scott B. Williams' GETTING OUT ALIVE: 13 Deadly Scenarios and How Others Survived in my mailbox. I have been waiting for it since I read his previous book this summer. I teach Disaster Psychology for our local Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training weekends. In these trainings, we cover the importance not only of nuts-and-bolts preparedness, but of the mental aspect of emergencies as well. Scott B. Williams' books are on my recommended reading list for trainees.

Scott B. Williams' latest work GETTING OUT ALIVE, is an excellent contribution to the field of emergency preparedness literature.  Coming as it does, on the heels of his successful book BUG OUT: The Complete Plan for Escaping a Catastrophic Disaster Before It's Too Late, you might expect GETTING OUT ALIVE to be targeted at the survivalist crowd - but it's not. It's a survival and preparedness book for people who don't like thinking about emergencies and who certainly don't like books about preparedness. And, in this, it excels.

GETTING OUT ALIVE is a collection of potentially deadly scenarios that deftly demonstrate exactly how easy it is to find yourself between a rock and a hard spot with no hope of escape or rescue. Each one of Williams' 13 deadly tales could begin with the words, "It all started innocently enough." Each scenario presents plausible circumstances that any of us could find ourselves in without warning and presents potential options for escape and survival. Each scenario is accompanied by real life tales of other victims who endured similar survival situations - some of them who made it out, many who didn't. Each scenario is also accompanied by snippets of wisdom related to the particular scenario circumstances (like forest fires, or being snowbound). Most valuable, however, are the Ten Tips for Survival that appear at the end of each scenario. If you read nothing else, read the Ten Tips at the end of each chapter. If you read nothing else out of this book, you'll regret it, but at least you'll be slightly better armed for an encounter with unforeseen circumstances.

The greatest strength of GETTING OUT ALIVE is that it demonstrates that any one of us can find ourselves in a bad place without any warning  -  yet it also explains exactly how simple it is to be prepared. This is a great book for your friends who think that emergency preparedness is for paranoid survivalists. It drives the point home that anyone can be a victim in a disaster or an emergency and that it's everyone's responsibility to take steps to be prepared. GETTING OUT ALIVE is not a step-by-step guide to being prepared, it's something more important - a book designed to change the way people think about emergencies.

If you've been worried that people you care about just aren't ready for an emergency, GETTING OUT ALIVE would be a great gift that might just change the way they think.
2601599
Clear message applies to today in a fascinating historical read.
2353433
It is a reality that we live in an age where disasters occur with relative frequency. This book offers information on being prepared for a wide variety of disasters. The author give examples of scenarios we might possibly face and valuable information on weathering the storm, so to speak. The fact is since there is not advanced warning in many situations, we may find ourselves far from our homes. Good read. Good information.
129738
This is the most important book I have seen in at least 20 years.
The hazards of "dirty electricity" are many and serious.  It is the cause of
numerous cases of cancer, suicide, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Even more important it tells you how to reduce your risks substantially.
Since exposure is already almost universal in the US, I urge you to read
it carefully and act pronto!
4160667
Superb effort by an authoritative veteran journalist. While the growing threat of an EMP attack is gathering increasing attention, the possibility of a cyber attack is below the radar screen. This book performs a vital service by digging into the realm of cyber warfare. I hope someone has the good sense to pay attention.
4597745
An outstanding achievement, covers in clear terms the details of what radiation is, its effects on the human body, what is not understood, and the many uses that radiation has in our world.

This book is remarkable for its focused, matter-of-fact tone, and the clear intent to give the reader instruments to make reasoned decisions around an oft-hyped topic vastly affected by poor reporting and deliberate fear-mongering.  Gale and Lax provide good data to take decisions about radiation both as an individual and as a policymaker and include hefty doses of common sense to combat the abundant hysteria surrounding the subject.

The authors don't shy away from declaring some areas poorly understood, but doing so in the context of the known facts, bounding the uncertainty space at both minimum and maximum understood endpoints.  Very often, these known extremes are sufficient to contextualize available information, and understand what is a matter of concern for an individual, and what is only relevant in aggregate numbers as a matter of a country's health policy.

If you live close to a nuclear power plant, or are concerned about airport scanners, medical scans, or cell-phone emissions, this is a good book for you to read to evaluate real risks and what actions are best taken (or not taken).

The author's work is a public service to an area riddled with exaggeration and hyperbole, other subects of public policy and private concern would benefit from such a dispassionate, approachable, and clear expert opinion.  A highly recommended read.