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.

A View from the River: The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (Pomegranate Catalog, No. A537)

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A View from the River: The Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise (Pomegranate Catalog, No. A537)
Jay Pridmore , Hedrich Blessing , and Jay Pridmore
Manufacturer: Pomegranate Communications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Criticism | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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The Chicago River: An Illustrated History and Guide to the River and Its Waterways, Second Edition
The Chicago River: A Natural and Unnatural History (Illinois)
Millennium Park: Creating a Chicago Landmark (Historical Studies of Urban America)
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The Chicago River

ASIN: 0764913336

Book Description

There is no better way to see downtown Chicago---a dazzling canyon of glass, metal, masonry, and marble---than by taking the Chicago Architecture Foundation's River Cruise.

The Chicago River affords one of the best vantage points from which to enjoy this city's remarkable buildings and historic sites. The Foundation's open-air boats provide comfort and an unobstructed view, while its exceptionally knowledgeable and witty docents enrich the tour with commentary on Chicago's history and development, insights on how its world-class buildings came to be constructed, and stories of the visionaries who designed them. To round out this mix of visual euphoria and intellectual edification, there's a brief and fascinating overview of Chicago's dominant stylistic influences: the Chicago School, Art Deco, the International Style, and Postmodernism. The tour is a great way for visitors to learn about the city---and a source of fresh perspectives for those who live there.

Forty-three stunning Hedrich Blessing photographs convey the splendor and diversity of downtown Chicago's building---all featured attractions of the Foundation's cruise. The text, by longtime Chicago Tribune contributor Jay Pridmore, tells the story of Chicago's early history and reviews the significance of the Chicago River in the development of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

96 pages. 48 full-color photographs including a map of the Chicago River area. Includes indexes of architects and buildings. Paperbound book, with flaps. Size: 8 x 10."

Average customer rating:

Perfect

Nymph-Fishing Rivers and Streams

nymph fishing rivers and streams

Nymph-Fishing Rivers And Streams: A Biologist's View of Taking Trout Below the Surface

Nice review of various nymphing techniques
Nymph-Fishing Rivers And Streams: A Biologist's View of Taking Trout Below the Surface
Rick Hafele
Manufacturer: Stackpole Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fishing | Hunting & Fishing | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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Active Nymphing: Aggressive Strategies for Casting, Rigging, And Moving the Nymphs

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ASIN: 0811701697

Customer Reviews:

Perfect.......2007-05-15

The book is awesome. Beautiful pictures. Very well explained. DVD is very good, even funny. Pay attention to what they say more than what they look like. Glad to have this !

Nymph-Fishing Rivers and Streams.......2007-04-04

The book is well written and extremely informative. The CD is informative, but hokie. I would definitely recommend this product for anyone that is interested in learning to fish with nymphs. It is also worthwhile for those who are interested in improving their nymph fishing techniques.

nymph fishing rivers and streams.......2007-03-23

one of the best books i've read on the subject, pictures are wonderful and help explain quite a bit, dvd included as well...Very easy to read and informative on techniques as well...

Nymph-Fishing Rivers And Streams: A Biologist's View of Taking Trout Below the Surface.......2007-02-19

Great book for a beginner nymph fisherman. Enjoy the large color pictures and illustrations. Rick tends to get bogged down with the specifics of aquatic insect entomology. I guess that's to be expected by an author that has a Masters in aquatic entomology. I wish the book would of had more information,pictures, and illustrations on what different patterns are used to imitate the aquatic insect trout regularly feed upon.

Nice review of various nymphing techniques.......2007-01-14

Good photos and nice explanations of "how to" fish with nymphs using different nymphing techniques. Tackle suggestions are a nice touch. While the book is somewhat basic, the DVD is a real hoot to watch--some corny humor (that I appreciate) and some great demos of how to fish the nymphs.

Different Views in Hudson River School Painting

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A beautifully presented anthology of the art and the artists who pioneered the first native style of American landscape painting

Different Views in Hudson River School Painting
Judith O'Toole , and Arnold Skolnick
Manufacturer: Columbia University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Themes | History & Criticism | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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The Intimate Landscape: A New Look at the Origins of the American Barbizon Movement

ASIN: 0231138202

Book Description

Hudson River School artists shared an awe of the magnificence of nature as well as a belief that the untamed American scenery reflected the national character.
In this new work, color reproductions of more than 115 paintings capture the beauty and illuminate the aesthetic and philosophical principles of the Hudson River School painters. The pieces included in this volume reflect a period (1825-1875) when American landscape painting was most thoroughly explored and formalized with personal, artistic, cultural, and national identifications. Judith Hansen O'Toole reveals the subtleties and quiet majesty of the works and discusses their shared iconography, the ways in which artists responded to one another's paintings, and how the paintings reflected nineteenth-century American cultural, intellectual, and social milieus.

Different Views is also the first major study to examine closely the Hudson River School artists' practice of creating thematically related pairs and series of paintings. O'Toole considers painters' use of this method to express different moods and philosophical concepts. She observes artists' representations of landscape and their nuanced depictions of weather, light, and season. By comparing and contrasting Hudson River School paintings, O'Toole reveals differences in meaning, emotion, and cultural connotation.

Different Views in Hudson River School Painting contains reproductions of works from a range of prominent and lesser-known artists, including Jasper Francis Cropsey, Sanford Robinson Gifford, Asher B. Durand, Frederic Edwin Church, Albert Bierstadt, John Frederic Kensett, and John William Casilear. The works come from a leading private collection and were recently exhibited at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

Customer Reviews:

A beautifully presented anthology of the art and the artists who pioneered the first native style of American landscape painting.......2006-05-07

Different Views In Hudson River School Painting by Judith Hansen O'Toole (Director and CEO of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, Greensburg, Pennsylvania) is an expansive and beautifully presented anthology of the art and the artists who pioneered the first native style of American landscape painting. Providing readers with an illustrative compendium of examples supported by an informative and "reader friendly" text, Different Views In Hudson River School Painting delves deep into the study of many various artists in terms of their diverse styles and productivity. A perfect edition to personal, academic, and community library Art History collections, Different Views In Hudson River School Painting is very highly recommended and informative reading.

River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life (Science Masters Series)

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Good Read
Ehhh
DNA just is and we dance to its Music
Decent Primer
Another Richard Dawkins book

River Out of Eden: A Darwinian View of Life (Science Masters Series)
Richard Dawkins
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Evolution | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

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The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design

ASIN: 0465069908

Amazon.com

Nearly a century and a half after Charles Darwin formulated it, the theory of evolution is still the subject of considerable debate. Oxford scientist Richard Dawkins is among Darwin's chief defenders, and an able one indeed-- witty, literate, capable of turning a beautiful phrase. In River Out of Eden he introduces general readers to some fairly abstract problems in evolutionary biology, gently guiding us through the tangles of mitochondrial DNA and the survival-of-the- fittest ethos. (Superheroes need not apply: Dawkins writes, "The genes that survive . . . will be the ones that are good at surviving in the average environment of the species.") Dawkins argues for the essential unity of humanity, noting that "we are much closer cousins of one another than we normally realize, and we have many fewer ancestors than simple calculations suggest."

Book Description

How did the replication bomb we call "Life" begin and where in the world or rather, in the universe, is it heading? Writing with characteristic wit and an ability to clarify complex phenomena (the The New York Times described his style as "the sort of science writing that makes the reader feel like a genius"), Richard Dawkins confronts the ancient mystery. "Dawkins is above all a masterly expositor, a writer who understands the issues so clearly that he forces his readers to understand them too. River Out of Eden displays these virtues to the full." --New York Times Book Review "Dawkins has gone to the heart of his subject and presented it with energy, insight, verve." --Los Angeles Times "[River Out of Eden] abounds with metaphors that make things brilliantly clear....an excellent introduction to many important evolutionary ideas." --Nature

Customer Reviews:

Good Read.......2007-02-04

I enjoyed the writing style and flow of this book. It was a nice read.

Ehhh.......2006-12-31

Excuse the low score. I will come to that, later. Overall, this book is not bad. It's actually quite good. It covers a wide range of topics in average detail. What do you expect from a 160 page book?

I gave it a mediocre score because the book covers topics that Richard has already explained in other books. It felt as though Richard wrote this book just to make money. All he did was rewrite his ideas, change the analogies, and write it real quick. Also...his writing wasn't on par. It didn't flow and didn't contain the usual humor that Richard presents.

Conclusion: If you have two days to read one of Dawkins books, read this. This should be the only circumstance in which you should read this book.

I recommend read 160 pages of The Blind Watchmaker instead of this book. You'll get ALOT more out of it.

DNA just is and we dance to its Music.......2006-12-26

As mentioned in other reviews of Dawkins's books I enjoy his writing and his passion for explaining science to the general public in an understandable way. I have given this book 5 stars because of the way he explain his arguments... although I don't agree with them. Now for a reply which is divided into the following parts:

1. Good Explanation of Mitochondrial Eve
2. Evolution in small Gradations: No Evidence forthcoming
3. Darwin's Argument from Personal Incredulity
4. God's Utility Function and the problem of Ethics
5. Question for Darwinists/Atheists

1. Good Explanation of Mitochondrial Eve

River Out of Eden is an addition to his ever-growing collection of fine books. This talks about DNA and genetics. For someone who is not a scientist this is a good introduction into genetics. He also explains very well the concept of the Mitochondrial Eve and that she would have been an ancestor of humans in the female line (as opposed to a common ancestor). Dawkins also explains there are other ways of being descendents, and that the mitochondrial ancestry is just one of many. This should put to rest any attempts by Creationists (by this I mean those of the Christian Protestant ilk... see my review of Dawkins's book, `An Ancestors Tale - A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Life'. I myself am a Theist of the Islamic ilk) to infer that Mitochondrial Eve is in fact the Eve of Adam.

2. Evolution in small Gradations: No Evidence forthcoming

The Chapter on, `Do Good by Stealth' is an attempt to answer a letter sent to Dawkins by a Theologian. He delves into evolution in small gradations and cites a couple of examples to explain his understanding:

a) The evolution of the bee dance:

Dawkins explains in detail about the dancing of bees based on Von Frisch's ideas and how they are related to the location of food. He says that the dancing we see today may be an end product of intermediary dances that evolved into what we see today. This may be true and it will be accepted by all (Creationists) that behaviour can evolve. But the citation of the possible evolution of the dance sequences is not evidence that intermediary species existed. We may also track the changing dance sequences/styles of human beings from 1700s to 2000 and notice changes in the way people danced. There may have been intermediary dance sequences that led to what we have today, alongside the evolution of music. Behavioural evolution of human dance sequences does not explain nor suggest that there were intermediate species between our supposed common ancestors and homo sapiens. I understand why Dawkins cites the bee dance, it is an easy way to explain evolution, but as I say we have to distinguish between behaviour and speciation.

b) Nilsson and Pelger Computer Simulation:

Dawkins cites the two scientists who ran computer programmes that simulated the evolution of the eye. I am always sceptical about citing computer simulations as a way of explaining evolution in small gradations (fast-forwarded through programming) directed by natural (in this case artificial) selection. As the reader will note that programmes, algorithms etc. do need to be programmed in order to generate `random' events. The scientists start from a single cell... which is a given. Dawkins rightly points out that the complicated mechanism of the single cell itself is out of the equation so this somewhat simplifies the evolutionary simulation. Dawkins also used a simulation which he explained in his book, `The Blind Watchmaker' called the `Biomorph' programme to look at the evolution of simulated fancy-shaped biomorphs. In both examples of computer simulations, there is a programmer to programme algorithms to generate evolution. This glaring drawback is either ignored or acknowledged (in the Blind Watchmaker) but just accepted as given.

3. Darwin's Argument from Personal Incredulity

Dawkins rightly criticises Creationists for their often emotional argument that because the universe is so complicated etc etc that there must be a creator. There is no argument but just emotional nonsense. That is why I agree with Dawkin's coinage of the term `Argument from Personal Incredulity'. However, Dawkins didn't see fit to criticise Darwin for the same argument of personal incredulity. In the beginning of Chapter 4, `God's Utility Function', he cites Darwin who said that he could not persuade himself that a beneficent and omnipotent God would have designed the Ichneumonidae to feed within the bodies of caterpillars'. Atheists also tend to use the Argument from Personal Incredulity, i.e. emotional arguments much like Darwin did. They would ask why disasters happen or children are abused... if God existed He wouldn't let this happen. Same argument but on the different side of the coin

4. God's Utility Function and the problem of Ethics:

In Chapter 4 entitled, `God's Utility Function', Dawkins talks about the utility function (or I prefer to use `purpose') of life. Put it simply of is the survival of DNA. My favourite quotation from Dawkins (out of all the books he has written) is the following one he mentioned at the end of this chapter as it explains Atheistic ethics in a nutshell:

"In a universe of blind physical forces and genetic replication, some people are going to get hurt, other people are going to get lucky, and you won't find any rhyme or reason in it, nor any justice. The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at the bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference...DNA neither cares nor knows. DNA just is. And we dance to its music".

This quotation provides a huge problem when dealing with ethics. If there is no right nor wrong, no justice and injustice, then by logical extension there is no such thing as a crime only survival of the fittest. Let's take rape. I hope all readers will agree that rape is a crime and is wrong and laws are there to deter men from raping women, and if they do there is a punishment. Using the Atheistic/Dawkins analogy, the act of rape would be the preservation of DNA. It would be a male instinct to procreate and transfer his DNA so that new DNA could be generated regardless of whether the woman wants it or not. Would Atheists accept this type of universe? No they would not and let's be fair to Dawkins, he did deal with the problem of ethics elsewhere. In one of Dawkins's other books (cannot recall which one) he did criticise a scientist (again I have forgotten whom) for suggesting that rape was a survival instinct. Dawkins rightly stated that this should not be accepted. Elsewhere Dawkins said that there are consequences of evolution but we as a species have crossed a threshold where we can revolt against evolution (I am paraphrasing). But this begs the question, if the utility of life is preservation and propagation of DNA, then why revolt against a system which will do exactly that? Why have laws against rape, which is a preservation and replication system for DNA? If there is no right no wrong, no good, no evil then Atheists and Darwinists should not criticise rape. If they do, and rightly they do, then there has to be a problem with the concept of the utility of life being DNA preservation alone... hence a problem with the theory of evolution and natural selection in the absence of a Creator.

Note: I am not using the ethics argument to prove the existence of a Creator. Creationists may do that but my reasoning behind bringing ethics (and the example of rape) is to show the fallacy of the concept of the purpose of life being DNA preservation alone, a universe where there is no evil no consequences. It's something for Atheists and Darwinists to think about.

5. Question for Darwinists/Atheists

This is a general question and not related to this book alone. The idea of evolution is that species would mutate in order to survive changing conditions. Let's assume that bacteria is the first entity on Earth that evolved from single cells after chemical interactions etc. Now the reason for bacteria to mutate into something better (`better' is a relative term but we can use it for this argument where `better' means better survival) is for survival of DNA. A series of mutations and natural selection would make subsequent descendents and species better equipped to survive. Give the Earth billions of years time and what started with bacteria ends up with a multitude of species we see today which have evolved through small steps over geological time. Let's assume that Homo Sapiens, a part of the African Ape species, is uppermost of the evolutionary ladder. In other words, it has reached a survival capability better than when its ancestor started as a bacteria...otherwise there is no point in evolution. With me so far? If we and the rest of the African Ape species are best equipped to survive brought about by millions of years of evolution (mutations and natural selection), why is it that the most populous entities today are bacteria? They seem to have survived without any need to mutate and evolve into complicated descendents. If bacteria are the most populous entities, then why is evolution regarded as a sequence of better mutations (guided by natural selection) that leads to better survivability that has led to species such as Homo Sapiens?

(Ex-Parliamentary Candidate, Conservative Party)
London
UK

Decent Primer.......2006-12-18

Many people have trouble reconciling the complexity of the observed organic world with a simple and mindless process such as natural selection. The trouble derives from an implicit idea, a fallacy of the conservation of complexity, which holds that complex effects must have complex causes. As a result there is a tendency to invoke what Dennett has called skyhooks - imaginary mechanisms (such as an intelligent designer). In this book Dawkins offers a popularized account of natural selection, the only known process which can produce complex functional organizations. The book is aimed at the general reader. Dawkins begins with an overview of the basics of natural selection, showing how each generation acts as a sieve, filtering a "digital river of information" -- namely, the ACGT sequence of DNA.

Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, there has recently been a resurgence of obsolete `arguments' from design and a resistance against the irrefutable facts of evolution. Dawkins successfully tackles many of these so-called arguments and shows how vacuous they really are. Many creationists believe that evolution, proceeding as it does by a process of gradual selection and incremental change, cannot explain certain phenomena in the natural world. Using mimicry as an example, there is no survival advantage to critters that are only one-quarter camouflaged, these creationists say: it's an all or none thing. Dawkins dismantles this `critique' and manages to show its fallacy. But perhaps the paragon example for many creationists is the eye, an organ of extreme complexity, and Dawkins addresses this issue at some length as well. What use is an eye with only half of a functioning capacity? Well, actually, there is evidence that parallels nearly every step of eye evolution: beginning with the simple, light-receiving structures in the limpet to the `pinhole camera' eye of the mollusk, Nautilus, to the image forming lens eye of the vertebrate. Photosensitivity offers a greater survival advantage than no photosensitivity and the ability to detect only blurred intimations of movement confers a still greater advantage. It is only a lack of imagination and thinking that could prevent a person from understanding how, through a process of the intensification of function, the complex mini-computer that is the vertebrate eye could have gradually evolved. Dawkins also reviews the work of Swedish scientists on simulation models of eye evolution whose research has shown that this entire process (from light sensitive sheaths of tissue to image forming visual systems) requires only a few hundred thousand generations - a mere blip on the geological time scale. But the best indicator of possibility is historical antecedent and here it can be pointed out that the eye has evolved along independent lines, at least forty times over. Just because some people find this incredulous doesn't change a thing - arguments from personal incredulity are not valid.

The recent rallying against evolutionary theory and the resurfacing of outdated intelligent design arguments is troubling. This small book should serve as a decent primer for the general reader who wants to become acquainted with the process of evolution by means of natural selection. In the process, the general reader should come to realize that there is no `controversy' at all in the evolution versus intelligent design debate. It is true that the themes explored in the book are explored elsewhere by Dawkins and in a more satisfactory manner, but this is not bad for a quick read.

Another Richard Dawkins book.......2006-08-19

I remember reading a review of a Chuck Norris film many years ago that made the point that Chuck Norris films could only be compared to other Chuck Norris films because all Chuck Norris films were nothing more than Chuck Norris films.

And that's sums up the writing of Richard Dawkins. This book, River out of Eden, is just another Richard Dawkins book that can only be compared to other Richard Dawkins book because its nothing more than a Richard Dawkins book.

So what is a Richard Dawkins book? A collection of interesting stories from biology and chemistry loosely tied around a vague theme. The theme is introduced somewhat early on, but due to Dawkins' penchant for not staying focused, the theme is unstable and ever mutating. The stories are wonderful indeed, and they usually support the theme of the moment. Finally, after several hundred pages of stories and ramblings and changing themes, Dawkins ends the book. Quickly. Done. It's over.

"River out of Eden" is a Richard Dawkins book. Great stories supporting vague themes.

Did you notice how this one ended? A poem and it's over. I said to myself, "What? Where's the rest of the chapter? Where's the conclusion? What the devil was the point of this book exactly?"

Footnote: okay, okay. Not all of Richard Dawkins books are Richard Dawkins books. I have to admit that his recent "The Ancestor's Tale" was better. It actually ended with a bit of a summation. Not much, but a bit.

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A View of the river
Good Introductory Text
Luna Leopold: the godfather of hydrology.
A scholarly, college level text.
A magnificent book for anyone interested in fluvial systems

A View of the River
Luna B. Leopold
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Rivers | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

Fluvial Processes in Geomorphology
Water, Rivers and Creeks
Stream Hydrology: An Introduction for Ecologists
Fluvial Forms and Processes : A New Perspective
Water in Environmental Planning

ASIN: 0674018451

Book Description

With the Midwest under water, America had a chance to see how effectively it had "improved" its rivers. We've straightened and dredged them, revetted and rerouted them, made massive efforts to control them, yet our actions have been less than successful. Too often, physical changes made to a river conflict with natural processes, resulting in--rather than alleviating--damage. Applying available knowledge on how rivers form and act could prevent such problems. In this book, Luna Leopold seeks to organize such knowledge. Widely regarded as the most creative scholar in the field of river morphology, Leopold presents a coherent description of the river, its shape, size, organization, and action, along with a consistent theory that explains much of the observed character of channels.

The laws of physics that govern rivers allow for variations, many of them dictated by random chance. Thus, a river's adaptation, as Leopold describes it, tends toward the most probable form, the one with the least variance among hydraulic parameters. We see how this probabilistic tendency plays out as Leopold views the river as a whole from headwater to mouth, in the drainage net, in the behavior of meanders, and in aspects of sediment transport.

Grounded in hydraulics, geomorphology, and surveying, as well as in extensive fieldwork on rivers in the eastern and Rocky Mountain states, Leopold's view of a river is at once technical and personal, providing both a firm foundation for understanding the behavior of rivers--including instructions for getting started in backyard hydrology--and a wealth of firsthand observations by a thoughtful and experienced scientist. It will be of immediate interest and great use as we seek to develop, preserve, and appreciate our most fluid natural resource.

Customer Reviews:

A View of the river.......2007-04-02

An outstanding resourse for professionals in the hydrology industry.

Highly recommended

Good Introductory Text.......2007-01-10

This is a fine text for folks who are seeking to introduce themselves to watershed and river mechanics.

Luna Leopold: the godfather of hydrology........2001-07-19

This book is a must-have for your library if you will only have ONE book on freshwater hydrology. Leopold thoroughly explains the essential processes in a way that is clear and understandable. Also show ways to put this knowledge to work near your home. Reading this book is critical to your competent understanding of basic hydrologic processes, so you can be an intelligent consumer of the stuff put out by the mass media. Get it. Read it. Re-read it.

A scholarly, college level text........1999-01-08

Excellent, and up to date,overview of rivers and the hows' and whys' of their existence. Great book for a college course or to keep around for professional reference. Loaded with diagrams, well organized, and very comprehensive. Covers; river channels, measurement, flow, distribution of discharge, floods, hydraulic geometry, drainage networks, river morphology, sediment load, etc, etc. Includes just enough equations that are light to moderate in complexity, about college sophomore level. Moderately easy to read, but not for casual reading. Overall a super book for those who are interested in the "nuts and bolts" of how and why a river works.

A magnificent book for anyone interested in fluvial systems.......1998-04-18

This is one of the best books about river systems that I have yet read. The author covers the basics of fluvial hydrology and geomorphology as he explains what he has learned about rivers over his many years of study. Written for the general public the author speaks to you as a mentor, not a professor lecturing his students. Chapters cover the following topics: The river channel; River measurement; Meanders and bars; Distribution of discharge in space and time; Rivers of the world; Flow variability and floods; Relationships between channel and discharge; Hydraulic geometry; Sediment load; The drainage network; Energy utilization; River morphology - the most probable state. Each chapter could be the topic of a college-level symposium or course. The references include many classic USGS Professional Papers. As a geologist I have gained a deeper appreciation for fluvial systems and their deposits because of the material contained in this book. Any fluvial stratigrapher, sedimentologist, hydrologist or geomorphologist should have a copy of this book. I recommend it for anyone whose livelihood depends upon rivers as well as those who just want to learn why rivers behave as they do. C. J. Donofrio

Average customer rating:

An Artist's Journey Down the Thames
John Doyle
Manufacturer: Michael Joseph
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Watercolor | Painting | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1851452672

Average customer rating:

Maybe 3 1/2
Left me hanging
An Eagle fan...
interesting contemporary romance with a paranormal spin
Another Must-Read from Kathleen Eagle

A View Of The River (MIRA)
Kathleen Eagle
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Night Remembers
What the Heart Knows
Night Falls Like Silk : A Novel (Eagle, Kathleen)
Ride A Painted Pony
The Last True Cowboy

ASIN: 0778320987

Book Description

If you look closely enough, you can find love everywhere

A descendant of a courageous band of Ojibwe, Birch Trueblood is now a local shaman doing a booming business with the New Age believers and tourists. With a young daughter to care for, he manages to mask his cynical attitude about life and his so-called art. But everything changes when he's called to work his magic at an historic old house where he meets a woman who's about to make him a believer.

Rochelle LeClair has crossed paths with Birch before -- and has no reason to change her opinion that he's a fake and a charlatan. Running Rosewood, a fledging bed-and-breakfast, Rochelle is forced to come face-to-face with Birch again when her eccentric aunt hires him to communicate with the house's ghostly presences -- but it's Birch's own presence that plays havoc with Rochelle's senses. As family rivalries and buried lies are exposed, the spirits of the past will come to light, along with the deepest secrets of Rochelle's heart.

Customer Reviews:

Maybe 3 1/2.......2007-09-02

This book never came together for me. Several times I found myself losing interest. The whole wedding party brought nothing to the storyline. The characters from the wedding party were not developed and added many pages that I felt didn't need to be there.

I liked the two leads & the children Robin & Garth and Aunt Meg. The rest of the characters and storyline I could have lived without. I found myself wondering what happened to Tracy & Ariel.

Left me hanging.......2007-08-04

Kathleen Eagle is a great writer and view of the river was a good book over all but left me thinking "thats it??"
kryket

An Eagle fan..........2006-07-11

A View of the River evokes emotion through the inequities of human nature: one group profiting from the loss of another, greed, buried lies, and the sins of the fathers. Ms. Eagle artfully weaves past and present, giving us a glimpse of Minnesota around the beginning of the 20th century, and the emotional struggles of Native Americans and white families, alike.

In an effort to preserve her heritage, when Rochelle LeClaire decides to turn an historic family home into a bed and breakfast, she uncovers some old family secrets and a little more about her family members than anticipated. She reunites with Birch Trueblood, an Ojibwe medicine man with whom she has a long-held fascination. Digging through family archives, and convinced that spirits of the past are revealing themselves to him, Birch and his daughter uncover truths about his and Rochelle's family lineage. As the relationship between Rochelle and Birch blossoms, a Minnesota snow storm traps them at Rochelle's ancestral home. When the electricity goes out, the fires are stoked in more ways than one.

The characters are colorful and the relationships are believably smooth. (How does she do that?) The sub-plot includes visitors--the likes of which you would only tolerate because they are family--such as a sister, who is more concerned with her inheritance than spending the last days with her aging aunt or preserving the family legacy, attempting to weave her way back into the family by planning her wedding at the historic home. She brings along her equally greedy future in-laws, only to have their hopes for a profitable financial future derailed by mother nature, giving us a sense that the spirits don't appreciate their motives, either.

Kathleen Eagle is a master at weaving stories that impart a rich sense of family, history, Indian folk lore and spirit. A View of the River is all that, and more. If you are a Kathleen Eagle fan, you'll enjoy this one.

interesting contemporary romance with a paranormal spin.......2005-09-05

Schoolteacher Rochelle LeClair returns to her home in Little Falls, Minnesota to insure her once wealthy philanthropist Aunt Meg has a roof over her head. The family fortune earned by great-grandfather Martin Bruner back in 1911 also devastated the homes of a small but courageous band of Ojibwe Indians.

Ojibwe shaman Birch Trueblood is doing quite well with providing Native American rituals to believers and tourists though he himself is a cynic. He raises his preadolescent daughter Robin by himself ever since his wife, a soldier, died on active duty overseas.

Birch is hired to help the spirits that reside at Meg's home which was converted to a bed and breakfast move on to the next level. Everyone who attends his performance including Robin thinks he is the real deal except himself and Rochelle. Their ancestors crossed back in 1911 and they have known each other on and off for years; she believes he is fraud, something he would agree with. However, this time encouraged by her aunt, his daughter, and several spirits they fall in love but she refuses to believe him when he insists he has seen ghosts that no one else sees.

This is an interesting contemporary romance with a paranormal spin and a delightful final reverse twist that will surprise readers. The cast makes for a pleasant read as the past haunts the present in more ways than just the ugly "eminent domain' 1911 incident that link the lead duet. Though Robin is too precocious, fans will enjoy this fine tale with ghostly intervention.

Harriet Klausner

Another Must-Read from Kathleen Eagle.......2005-09-05

Whether you're already a K.E. fan or trying her for the first time you should read "A View of the River."

Eagle blends American Indian mysticism with a good-old don't-look-out-the-window-at-night ghost story. And there's a strong, handsome Ojibwe shaman to fall in love with to boot.

But it's more than just a love story. It's more like a "Love of Life" story, and few authors capture and convey everyday joys like Kathleen Eagle.
[...]

Average customer rating:

Monet: A View from the River
David A. Brenneman
Manufacturer: High Museum of Art
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown2 | Specialty Stores | Books
ASIN: 0939802961

In Full View (A True and Accurate Account of Lewis and Clark's Arrival at the Pacific Ocean, and Their Search for a Winter Camp Along the Lower Columbia River)

Average customer rating:

In Full View (A True and Accurate Account of Lewis and Clark's Arrival at the Pacific Ocean, and Their Search for a Winter Camp Along the Lower Columbia River)

Manufacturer: Moffitt House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

Lewis and Clark: Down and Up the Columbia River

ASIN: 0972531513

Product Description

New (shrink wrapped)

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