This book deals with my own awakening to the reality of war and the moral questions that war raises. Fighting in war is a messy and bloody business. We face a moral dilemma with our first kill. We are all taught that hurting people and certainly killing people is wrong. When we are put into a position where killing is "necessary", our moral compass goes haywire and we have to deal with it, not only in that moment, but for the rest of our lives.
Author's Bio.
- MUSHROOM MONTOYA
- Mushroom Montoya circumnavigated the globe aboard the USS Trippe DE1075 after killing soldiers, woman and children in Viet Nam. Now, as a shaman, he heals the planet one person at a time. Mushroom Montoya has an active shamanic healing practice in Long Beach, California and he teaches at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Cal State Univ. Long Beach.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Wounded Toes and Stolen Boots
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Reviews from Amazon.com
My book, Viet Nam Body Count is available on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Viet-Body-Count-Mushroom-Montoya/dp/1484132823/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375476082&sr=1-1&keywords=mushroom+montoya
And at BarnesandNoble.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/viet-nam-body-count-mushroom-montoya/1115883930?ean=9781484132821
This book triggers many emotions - deep sadness, compassion, disbelief, outrage, and hopelessness, to name a few as I came to understand what it was really like for some in Viet Nam. It provides insights to what our servicemen and women go through as they try to come to grips in following orders to kill their fellow human beings, many of them innocent civilians and fellow servicemen, when it goes against everything in the core of their being. We don't come into this world wired to kill, and for some, no amount of training can change that.
This 349 page book is one that I didn't want to put down. It goes beyond being an account of time spent at war; it gives a voice to the damage war causes to one's soul. Thank you Mushroom Montoya for writing this. Perhaps in some small way it will contribute to consciousness being raised that killing is not the answer to insure a peaceful world, for the damage is more than the body count of those that died - no one really wins.
By Ann Davis August 7, 2013
I know Neal would have wanted to read this
book, so I ordered it and will read it to him--I know he will be
listening from above♥♥
By Mary Montoya August 7, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Viet Nam Body Count August 9, 2013
By Barbara Eknoian, author of "Chances Are:A Jersey Girl Comes of Age.
Viet Nam Body Count - A Real Account of War
Viet Nam Body Count takes us into the hearts and minds of Mushroom Montoya, along with his fellow sailors. For those who serve honorably in the military, this book reveals that war is not only hell, but its effects remain with the sailors, soldiers and marines forever, especially when they've seen acts of horror that they themselves deem immoral.
When given the opportunity to get even with an officer, Montoya chooses to live with his integrity intact, and inspires the reader to believe: One should do unto others as you would want them to do to you.
I highly recommend Viet Nam Body Count to enlighten us all about war, honor, and the remnants it leaves behind for those who serve.
5.0 out of 5 stars Important history August 11, 2013
By Max Ediger
This is important reading for people who want to know more about how many US soldiers serving in Viet Nam felt. Most were not gunho about the war and this book gives a personal account of one such soldier. Good reading
Wonderful book. So honest and compelling. The story unfolds so naturally and you are drawn into the hearts and minds of the characters. I know this had to have been a very cathartic mission for the author. What a marvelous testament to the lives of all those who live this story for real. Looking forward to the next book from this author.
4.0 out of 5 stars A Voyage of Discovery,September 23, 2013
By Farelegno -When I read Jerry Large's Seattle Times article last week about Mushroom Montoya's Viet Nam Body Count, I knew I had to read it. I got to know Mushroom and his wife Denise as neighbors many years ago, and have missed them since they moved back to Long Beach, California. Unfortunately, since then we only see them occasionally.
I knew little about Mushroom's background. What was always evident, though, was his gentle soul. I certainly didn't know how brave a soul he is. I wasn't aware of the underlying turmoil that resulted from his Viet Nam experience and the loss of his son. I am so glad he wrote this exceptional book. It was realistic, but not maudlin in the least. I even finally found out how he came to be called Mushroom!
Mushroom centers his book on the physical killing of this sad war. He dedicates the book to parents on all sides who lost their children during the war. For Mushroom, it was about finding himself an unwilling participant in the senseless carnage. But for me, the impact was in the emotional deaths that took place, even for those who did not serve. Some more than others, but all of us who lived the period came out out wounded.
When I bought Viet Nam Body Count, I was not sure I was going to be able to make it through it. Thank you, Mushroom, for carrying me through the experience with humor and hope. It is a celebration of your brave and gentle spirit.
- Mushroom was able to bring humor to a heart wrenching situation. I found this very tough subject easier to read knowing that
Mushroom survived this horrific ordeal and is alive and well and able
to tell his story. Thank you for sharing. You are very brave, my
friend.
http://www.amazon.com/Viet-Body-Count-Mushroom-Montoya/dp/1484132823/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375476082&sr=1-1&keywords=mushroom+montoya
And at BarnesandNoble.com
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/viet-nam-body-count-mushroom-montoya/1115883930?ean=9781484132821
______________________________________________________________________
Amazon.com REVIEWS:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A well written and captivating insight into the Viet Nam war.
July 10, 2013
By S. Edwards
I have witnessed the spiritual/emotional/mental damage that happened
to people that fought in the Viet Nam war, having been a teenager/young
adult during that time. Very few returning veterans would ever talk
about it, keeping it all inside, suffering from PTSD in one form or
another. Viet Nam Body Count helps me to understand how young men, (many
kids themselves) that wanted to serve their country, and those that got
drafted, faced impossible moral dilemmas in the atrocities of the Viet
Nam war. The collective belief is that we go to war to keep America
free, to stop the bad guy. The reality is quite different. It includes
big business making money, and people interested in furthering their
military careers at the expense of innocent people.By S. Edwards
This book triggers many emotions - deep sadness, compassion, disbelief, outrage, and hopelessness, to name a few as I came to understand what it was really like for some in Viet Nam. It provides insights to what our servicemen and women go through as they try to come to grips in following orders to kill their fellow human beings, many of them innocent civilians and fellow servicemen, when it goes against everything in the core of their being. We don't come into this world wired to kill, and for some, no amount of training can change that.
This 349 page book is one that I didn't want to put down. It goes beyond being an account of time spent at war; it gives a voice to the damage war causes to one's soul. Thank you Mushroom Montoya for writing this. Perhaps in some small way it will contribute to consciousness being raised that killing is not the answer to insure a peaceful world, for the damage is more than the body count of those that died - no one really wins.
______________________________________________________________________
I read a review and was interested in this "story" about "Nam". I
never went but many of my friends and family did. If you'd like more
insight about this "war", pick up a copy and give it a read. Written
with sensitivity and grace by a yet-to-be well know author with a name
you won't forget. I simply could not put it down. Now I want more...
______________________________________________________________________
By William McDonald August 3, 2013
First, my only complaint: It’s difficult to read
with the cat disabling my right arm so that I only have my left hand to turn
pages and hold the book.
It was quite an experience to be with you through all of
your Viet Nam
experiences. I felt as if I were with you throughout the book. You
really brought me into your world of that time. By the way, I really
enjoyed Keegan’s brogue.
I read Dalton Trumbo’s book, Johnny Got his Gun, in the 60’s. It was lent to me by a good old pacifist who is no longer with us. He only lived to be 97! He was quite vocal about his opposition to the war when he was a professor of math at the University of Michigan. He left and took a job at the University of Quebec , where he was more comfortable.
I read Dalton Trumbo’s book, Johnny Got his Gun, in the 60’s. It was lent to me by a good old pacifist who is no longer with us. He only lived to be 97! He was quite vocal about his opposition to the war when he was a professor of math at the University of Michigan. He left and took a job at the University of Quebec , where he was more comfortable.
Somehow, through him, I got a subscription to a Chinese
publication at the time that had the Chinese version of the news from
North Viet Nam
in which some of the weapons we were using were described. They were not
designed to kill, but more to disable, which would require more resources for
their care; things, like napalm, that we would never use against people of
European origin. I wish that I had saved some of them. They were
like little newspapers.
As we say: War isn’t the answer.
Thank you for writing it. I hope I can get some of my playmates to buy a copy (or 2). It is a very good read!
As we say: War isn’t the answer.
Thank you for writing it. I hope I can get some of my playmates to buy a copy (or 2). It is a very good read!
______________________________________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars
I finished the book with tears in my eyes
August 6, 2013
By Flamenco Romántico
Body Count, by Mushroom Montoya is a well written and moving book about the horrors of war and its toll on all involved. Mushroom went to Viet Nam as an innocent young man intent on defending his country. The book chronicles his awakening and awareness of what was actually happening. One feels the horror of killing innocent people and the beauty of nature as Mushroom chronicles his spiritual journey. His writing is poetic and poignant and I had a hard time putting the book down.
At the end, I had tears in my eyes. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to experience a first hand account of war. I recommend this book for anyone interested in history. I recommend this book for anyone thinking of enlisting in the military. Mushroom is a beautiful and engaging writer and who he is as a person shines through his writing.
By Flamenco Romántico
Body Count, by Mushroom Montoya is a well written and moving book about the horrors of war and its toll on all involved. Mushroom went to Viet Nam as an innocent young man intent on defending his country. The book chronicles his awakening and awareness of what was actually happening. One feels the horror of killing innocent people and the beauty of nature as Mushroom chronicles his spiritual journey. His writing is poetic and poignant and I had a hard time putting the book down.
At the end, I had tears in my eyes. I recommend this book for anyone who wants to experience a first hand account of war. I recommend this book for anyone interested in history. I recommend this book for anyone thinking of enlisting in the military. Mushroom is a beautiful and engaging writer and who he is as a person shines through his writing.
______________________________________________________________________
By Ann Davis August 7, 2013
______________________________________________________________________
By Mary Montoya August 7, 2013
______________________________________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars Viet Nam Body Count August 9, 2013
By Barbara Eknoian, author of "Chances Are:A Jersey Girl Comes of Age.
Viet Nam Body Count - A Real Account of War
Viet Nam Body Count takes us into the hearts and minds of Mushroom Montoya, along with his fellow sailors. For those who serve honorably in the military, this book reveals that war is not only hell, but its effects remain with the sailors, soldiers and marines forever, especially when they've seen acts of horror that they themselves deem immoral.
When given the opportunity to get even with an officer, Montoya chooses to live with his integrity intact, and inspires the reader to believe: One should do unto others as you would want them to do to you.
I highly recommend Viet Nam Body Count to enlighten us all about war, honor, and the remnants it leaves behind for those who serve.
______________________________________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars Important history August 11, 2013
By Max Ediger
This is important reading for people who want to know more about how many US soldiers serving in Viet Nam felt. Most were not gunho about the war and this book gives a personal account of one such soldier. Good reading
______________________________________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars
From the Heart
August 16, 2013
By Nancy L. Mary Author of Carnal Academy and Bird Boy
I don't read war novels, nor do I watch war movies. I walked out in the middle of "Saving Private Ryan." I couldn't take the overwhelming sadness of the violence. But Mushroom Montoya's Viet Nam Body Count is not a war story. On one level it is, of course. But the real story, at a deeper level, is the account of how a young man, raised a Catholic, finds himself on a Navy ship in 1972, on his first mission "to drive out the communists and make Viet Nam safe for democracy." At the end of that day, three young Vietnamese boys--civilians--had been killed. The gunner was ecstatic, having killed "three targets with two shots." Sailor Montoya saw it differently: he and his shipmates on the USS Tripp had just blown up children.
Montoya does fight enemies in his tours in Viet Nam. But they are on the ship, in the form of ignorance, bigotry and denial. Montoya was born in New Mexico, USA. The ship's captain wants to know if Montoya joined the military "to become a citizen," and Montoya tries to convince the captain that New Mexico is a state.
The ship's captain calls for a meeting of a group of "minority sailors" to meet and discuss issues they might have related to discrimination on the ship. A "Jap," a Filipino, a couple of Blacks and Mushroom are part of the group that has been identified. Mushroom's immediate boss, Chief Jaffe puts himself on the committee claiming that being Jewish makes him a minority. He doesn't quite get it....
Finally, at the end of two tours of combat, Mushroom Montoya makes a brave decision to face a possible dishonorable discharge, and requests a six month early out, declaring himself a conscientious objector. After his attempts to serve his country, he has come to the conclusion that "war is not healthy for children, parents, and other living things."
This book is from the heart. You should read it. My husband kept me up at night reading this book.
Nancy Mary
5.0 out of 5 stars By Anonymous Wonderful book. So honest and compelling. The story unfolds so August 30, 2013
By Nancy L. Mary Author of Carnal Academy and Bird Boy
I don't read war novels, nor do I watch war movies. I walked out in the middle of "Saving Private Ryan." I couldn't take the overwhelming sadness of the violence. But Mushroom Montoya's Viet Nam Body Count is not a war story. On one level it is, of course. But the real story, at a deeper level, is the account of how a young man, raised a Catholic, finds himself on a Navy ship in 1972, on his first mission "to drive out the communists and make Viet Nam safe for democracy." At the end of that day, three young Vietnamese boys--civilians--had been killed. The gunner was ecstatic, having killed "three targets with two shots." Sailor Montoya saw it differently: he and his shipmates on the USS Tripp had just blown up children.
Montoya does fight enemies in his tours in Viet Nam. But they are on the ship, in the form of ignorance, bigotry and denial. Montoya was born in New Mexico, USA. The ship's captain wants to know if Montoya joined the military "to become a citizen," and Montoya tries to convince the captain that New Mexico is a state.
The ship's captain calls for a meeting of a group of "minority sailors" to meet and discuss issues they might have related to discrimination on the ship. A "Jap," a Filipino, a couple of Blacks and Mushroom are part of the group that has been identified. Mushroom's immediate boss, Chief Jaffe puts himself on the committee claiming that being Jewish makes him a minority. He doesn't quite get it....
Finally, at the end of two tours of combat, Mushroom Montoya makes a brave decision to face a possible dishonorable discharge, and requests a six month early out, declaring himself a conscientious objector. After his attempts to serve his country, he has come to the conclusion that "war is not healthy for children, parents, and other living things."
This book is from the heart. You should read it. My husband kept me up at night reading this book.
Nancy Mary
______________________________________________
Wonderful book. So honest and compelling. The story unfolds so naturally and you are drawn into the hearts and minds of the characters. I know this had to have been a very cathartic mission for the author. What a marvelous testament to the lives of all those who live this story for real. Looking forward to the next book from this author.
______________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars A fine read!, September 7, 2013
By Arthur G. Yaffe (West Palm Beach, FL USA) -I'm well acquainted with the author and with his ability to weave a
story, so I looked forward to reading his book. I'm about 1/2 way
through (I cheated and read the last chapter right after the first
chapter, but it's not a spoiler.) and I love this book. Mushroom - not a
pseudonym, by the way, is a great author, and his stories have a ring
of truth to them. If you survived the Viet Nam war, either in the
service or stateside arguing about it's morality, this book is a fine
read.
______________________________________________
5.0 out of 5 stars Shaman seeks to heal old wounds, September 18, 2013
By Rob Mood -Mushroom Montoya is a fresh, original voice in American letters. This emotional expose' of sins of the past should wake up the nation to the perils of the future. Should be required reading in today's schools; will probably be banned in Texas.
By Rob Mood -Mushroom Montoya is a fresh, original voice in American letters. This emotional expose' of sins of the past should wake up the nation to the perils of the future. Should be required reading in today's schools; will probably be banned in Texas.
______________________________________________
4.0 out of 5 stars A Voyage of Discovery,
By Farelegno -When I read Jerry Large's Seattle Times article last week about Mushroom Montoya's Viet Nam Body Count, I knew I had to read it. I got to know Mushroom and his wife Denise as neighbors many years ago, and have missed them since they moved back to Long Beach, California. Unfortunately, since then we only see them occasionally.
I knew little about Mushroom's background. What was always evident, though, was his gentle soul. I certainly didn't know how brave a soul he is. I wasn't aware of the underlying turmoil that resulted from his Viet Nam experience and the loss of his son. I am so glad he wrote this exceptional book. It was realistic, but not maudlin in the least. I even finally found out how he came to be called Mushroom!
Mushroom centers his book on the physical killing of this sad war. He dedicates the book to parents on all sides who lost their children during the war. For Mushroom, it was about finding himself an unwilling participant in the senseless carnage. But for me, the impact was in the emotional deaths that took place, even for those who did not serve. Some more than others, but all of us who lived the period came out out wounded.
When I bought Viet Nam Body Count, I was not sure I was going to be able to make it through it. Thank you, Mushroom, for carrying me through the experience with humor and hope. It is a celebration of your brave and gentle spirit.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!, December 20, 2013
By
Dawnzella Gearhart
Friday, December 13, 2013
Wally Brightens Up
-
My 89 yr old Dad, Wally is his name and he has dementia. He really doesn't enjoy doing much these days and will just sit for hours unless we change it up for him. The other day, I was reading The Book and Dad pipes up...What you reading"? Long story shorter, I started reading to him and He loves the book. He laughed so much at the cussing and all and told me he was in the navy, and Yes , you must cuss like a .....Sailor. He wants me to read It all the time now and has his favorite chapters too. He has some really interesting comments about the captain, as you may imagine and could just not comprehend how the man could condone killing children. This has really been great. You struck a chord I think. Dad now has something he looks forward to...when he remembers....Thanks Mushroom.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
Vietnam Veterans of American Books in Review II
Vietnam Body Count by Mushroom Montoya
Montoya served two tours in Vietnam aboard the USS Trippe (DE 1075) and the USS Truxton (DLGN 35). In his creatively written memoir, Vietnam Body Count (CreateSpace,
370 pp., $17, paper), Montoya tells us that after killing soldiers,
women, and children in Vietnam, he circumnavigated the globe.
Montoya’s worked in “R” (Repair) gangs on board his Navy ships. He fixed things such as broken plumbing. His job was to keep a ship from sinking and he also fought shipboard fires. They called him a snipe.
This memoir, which reads very much like a novel, pays homage to Herman Wouk’s classic shipboard novel, The Caine Mutiny. The main plot is the tension between Chief Jaffe and Mushroom Montoya, whom Jaffe decides is a “peacenik” and must be gotten off his ship by any means possible.
Jaffe tries again and again to frame Montoya as a drug user, which he is not. Mushroom is a guy who showed up for this stint in the Navy, his second, with hair down to his shoulders. He burns up his rage at the killing by running around and around the ship’s smokestack screaming. He also meditates, which seems suspicious to the chief. Montoya, who is from California, even has a mantra.
The captain of the ship, as we are alerted by the title, is obsessed with getting a positive body count. He is a Commander, not a Captain, and also is obsessed with making Captain. Unfortunately, his ship has killed friendly villagers and American and South Vietnamese soldiers, which has given the ship a negative body count.
To get the body count up, the captain decides to bomb a Catholic church during Sunday morning mass. Intel indicates that the VC are hiding ammo under the floor of the church. Montoya and friends decide to alert the priest that the attack is coming so that the church will be empty when the bombs hit. Montoya is told that it would be tantamount to treason to give this information to the priest.
Montoya’s efforts to thwart his captain’s goals are fueled by letters from his friend Kathy, who asks him if he is the sort of guy who took part in the My Lai Massacre and the napalming of Vietnamese children. She says that she hopes “he is not involved in stuff like that.”
Of course, the purpose of war is to kill, so he is involved in stuff like that. All of us who were there were involved.
Montoya holds forth about the purpose of the Vietnam War. He says we were not there to stop the spread of communism, but “we’re pouring [money] into the pockets of the cigar smoking fatties at Dow Chemical.” He goes on to say: “We’re killing the Vietnamese so that American business can thrive.”
I was pleased when Jane Fonda was addressed as a subject in this philosophical war memoir. Mushroom says he was proud of her when she was in Hanoi trying to stop the war. Montoya agrees with Fonda, and praises her and her film Barbarella.
Chief Jaffe, on the other hand says, “She’s a fucking traitor. I hope they shoot the bitch.” Montoya replies, “She has big balls.”
For readers who enjoyed The Caine Mutiny and want to read a book similar to it in many ways—but which takes part in the Vietnam War—this is the book for you. I found it a refreshing contrast so many Vietnam War memoirs that laud the American war in Vietnam, but forget about all the innocent villagers who died from being shelled, and the many American soldiers who died as a result of indiscriminate friendly fire.
Blasting a Roman Catholic Church off the face of the earth on Sunday morning was not an effective way to win hearts and minds or defeat the spread of communism.
The author’s website is http://vietnambodycount.blogspot.com
—David Willson
https://vvabooks.wordpress.com/tag/mushroom-montoya/
Montoya’s worked in “R” (Repair) gangs on board his Navy ships. He fixed things such as broken plumbing. His job was to keep a ship from sinking and he also fought shipboard fires. They called him a snipe.
This memoir, which reads very much like a novel, pays homage to Herman Wouk’s classic shipboard novel, The Caine Mutiny. The main plot is the tension between Chief Jaffe and Mushroom Montoya, whom Jaffe decides is a “peacenik” and must be gotten off his ship by any means possible.
Jaffe tries again and again to frame Montoya as a drug user, which he is not. Mushroom is a guy who showed up for this stint in the Navy, his second, with hair down to his shoulders. He burns up his rage at the killing by running around and around the ship’s smokestack screaming. He also meditates, which seems suspicious to the chief. Montoya, who is from California, even has a mantra.
The captain of the ship, as we are alerted by the title, is obsessed with getting a positive body count. He is a Commander, not a Captain, and also is obsessed with making Captain. Unfortunately, his ship has killed friendly villagers and American and South Vietnamese soldiers, which has given the ship a negative body count.
To get the body count up, the captain decides to bomb a Catholic church during Sunday morning mass. Intel indicates that the VC are hiding ammo under the floor of the church. Montoya and friends decide to alert the priest that the attack is coming so that the church will be empty when the bombs hit. Montoya is told that it would be tantamount to treason to give this information to the priest.
Montoya’s efforts to thwart his captain’s goals are fueled by letters from his friend Kathy, who asks him if he is the sort of guy who took part in the My Lai Massacre and the napalming of Vietnamese children. She says that she hopes “he is not involved in stuff like that.”
Of course, the purpose of war is to kill, so he is involved in stuff like that. All of us who were there were involved.
Montoya holds forth about the purpose of the Vietnam War. He says we were not there to stop the spread of communism, but “we’re pouring [money] into the pockets of the cigar smoking fatties at Dow Chemical.” He goes on to say: “We’re killing the Vietnamese so that American business can thrive.”
I was pleased when Jane Fonda was addressed as a subject in this philosophical war memoir. Mushroom says he was proud of her when she was in Hanoi trying to stop the war. Montoya agrees with Fonda, and praises her and her film Barbarella.
Chief Jaffe, on the other hand says, “She’s a fucking traitor. I hope they shoot the bitch.” Montoya replies, “She has big balls.”
For readers who enjoyed The Caine Mutiny and want to read a book similar to it in many ways—but which takes part in the Vietnam War—this is the book for you. I found it a refreshing contrast so many Vietnam War memoirs that laud the American war in Vietnam, but forget about all the innocent villagers who died from being shelled, and the many American soldiers who died as a result of indiscriminate friendly fire.
Blasting a Roman Catholic Church off the face of the earth on Sunday morning was not an effective way to win hearts and minds or defeat the spread of communism.
The author’s website is http://vietnambodycount.blogspot.com
—David Willson
https://vvabooks.wordpress.com/tag/mushroom-montoya/
Monday, October 21, 2013
The US Navy Has a Proud Tradition of Serving Our Country
My book is not intended to disgrace the Navy veterans who served their country, nor is it my intention to disgrace the Navy.
99.9% of those
of us, who served, did so with honor. My father served in the Navy in WWII. My
sister (who is 15 years younger than I am) served in the Navy and so did my first
born son.
My book is an anti-war book, not an anti-Navy book.
My book is an anti-war book, not an anti-Navy book.
Even
in the best institutions, individuals go astray and they bring disgrace to their
organizations.
Individuals in any organization sometimes discover things that most of the other members of the organization are not aware of. They can choose to keep it to themselves or they can choose to tell others. Sometimes they wait, letting time pass before they tell anyone.
Individuals in any organization sometimes discover things that most of the other members of the organization are not aware of. They can choose to keep it to themselves or they can choose to tell others. Sometimes they wait, letting time pass before they tell anyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)