Bush Books

Written shortly before Peter Camejo agreed to run as Ralph Nader's running mate in the 2004 U.S. presidential election, the Avocado Declaration is a vivid description of how the young Green Party should "adopt a firm and uncompromising identity if it was to promote its values and combat the opposition of the more powerful Democratic and Republican parties in the United States." 1

In it, Peter Camejo advised the Green Party (which was divided and uncertain about election year strategy) to win hearts and minds by standing firm to its principles and by building a reputation of being reliable and unshakable.

In coming to that conclusion, Camejo deconstructs the mythologies that the Democratic and Republican Two Party System rely on to enforce an unhealthy allegiance from the people. He further points out how historically almost all positive and healthy benefits that have accrued to the people are due to the stubbornness of independent movements and alternative political parties.

Even though the context of this article is focused on the immediacy of the Green Party's 2004 political situation, it is still mandatory reading for Americans concerned with understanding the true nature of how the two party system affects their lives. It is also fundamental to those who wish to best fulfill their civic obligations by being informed and knowledgeable voters and activists. It is crucial too for anyone trying to understand the history and ideas of the Green Party, and it sheds much light on the nature of politics and elections in the United States.

Because the ideas in this document are so clear, thoughtful, and enlightening, they should have a long life in the world of political science, and be beloved by those who desire true democracy and wish to uphold a productive humanistic tradition.

By the way, the title, Avocado Declaration, refers to the "ideal of party members being like the avocado: "Green on the inside; green on the outside." Avocados are very popular and highly valued in California, where Peter Camejo is running as the Green Party candidate for Governor this year, 2006.

1 Quotations taken from the eponymous article: Avocado Declaration, Wikipedia 10/11/06.

Look, this product is phenomenal. I loved it. I really want to you to think about both sides of the debate before you get it, then get it! No doubt that the Clinton maniacs out there are slobbering all over this one. Watch out guys, this one may be too much for you. The talk between the analysts is engaging, serious and touches some really tough points on race, sex and achievement. I loved this one. It didn't hold back!

Check out his other book:
Barack Obama: An Unlikely Candidate

If you have any interest in seeing the African wildlife and are planning a trip to the bush. This easily accessible, entertaining and fast read is a must have. Based on questions from tourists culled from years of game drives, the information enhances your knowledge of what you get to witness first hand and enriches your experience. Even if you don't head to the bush, you'll feel like you did. Plus you'll get to learn fun tidbits like a group of zebra is a "dazzle" of zebra, and when you see them, it all makes sense.

This book is a superb introduction to the wildlife of Africa. What Mr. Carnaby does incredibly well in this work is bring the mammals to life with all sorts of captivating anecdotes, insight into animal behavior, and breath-taking photos. We have lots of field guides to the animal life of Africa, some good and some mediocre, but none are terribly interesting. This book is fascinating from front to back, and highly recommended for anyone really interested in the wildlife of this incredibly continent.

The elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals not so familiar to most of us paraded across the television screen in front of Clara Lee and Condit Brown. What a marvelous spectacle. The program, Your Zoo, was showing movies of an African safari, which had taken place the year before and been organized locally. William Hoff, executive director of the Cincinnati Zoological Park, who was conducting the program, then mentioned that another safari was being planned for the coming Fall. In one voice the two excited viewers exclaimed: "I'd like to go, too."

Thus began a memorable and exciting three-week experience for the author and her husband. Excitement truly reigned supreme and anticiption became their constant companion as they began preparations for the trip. Proper clothing had to be chosen, various shots to be taken, and the inevitable bags to be packed. Finally all was ready, and they were soon on their plane and headed for Africa.

What a rare experience - to go on safari and see the world. From Cincinnati, the party went to New York, London, Frankfurt, and Rome. Then came Entebbe and Nairobi, all by air. Next, there followed a two thousand mile journey over land through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Then by air again to Kartoom, Athens, Basle, Zurich, LOndon, Montreal, and back to New York. Halfway around the world and through the wilds of Africa in only three weeks - weeks that would miraculously spring to life again and again in the hearts and minds of the safari party.

Every reader, young and old alike, will enjoy this light-hearted, illustrated account of what happened when 33 Cincinnatians invaded Africa. Certainly nothing stirs one's imagination more than the feeling that he, too, is taking part in the action. Thus, perhaps the urge will overcome you also, and one day you'll actually find yourself experiencing the thrill and adventure of going on safari to Africa.
--- from back of dustjacket

I've read quite a few title in the this genre (early aviation in Canada and Alaska), and this is one of the best I've come across. Terpening's references to his journal entries, the photos that he took, and his clear love for the subject shine through and make this an interesting, exciting and educational read.

A lovely wee book that has never failed to bring a tear to my eye. I've read it over and over again.

My favorite books have strong characters who teach me something about living. Lawrence Bush's Bessie is a remarkable character whose story made me cry, laugh, bite my nails, groan, and cheer her on. As a bonus, Bessie fleshed out my sketchy understanding of the role of the Jewish immigrant in the American Communist party. As a young anti-czarist revolutionary, Bessie finds herself, alone, in Siberia in 1909, and somehow, at age twelve, summons the courage and wits to escape to America. Where does one person get so much grit? Where does she get the strength to live her convictions, even when they get her into life-threatening trouble? An 88-year-old grandmother looking back on her life, she describes with earthy humor her loves, losses, and family relationships. A lifelong revolutionary dedicated to helping the downtrodden, she says, "you can't make a revolution against old age. Then you accept it. And then you're not old, you're young...." Bessie is a stirring novel about a memorable character. I highly recommend it.

This book took over eight years to research and write, and is a labor of love yet grounded in sound historical research. You will get to know Donna in a very personal way, experience her growth into a thoughtful and caring adult, share her enthusiasm for her new teaching career and delight in her introduction to falling in love (and out of love)! You'll hold your breath as she rides with student pilots across the frozen tundra and wind and snowswept mountains, landing in remote bush villages as they stop to ask directions, and let go a huge sigh of relief as they land on fumes. It is a book of hopes and dreams fulfilled and lost. It is a book Donna had hoped to write, but could not---so instead, I wrote it for her with the help of her twin sister and older sister, best friends, colleagues, former students, and even a landlord; as well as extensive research in local, regional, state, and national archives.
Please enjoy it! I think she would be proud!

This is an excellent analysis of Australian bicycling history, written with an Western Australian emphasis, it is a well written, properly reasearched and thoroughly fascinating gem. It covers mainly the heroic exploits but also offers some analysis of the equipment, conditions, and technological issues. Huge amount of marvellous black and white photos. One of the the few books to properly explore the sociological aspects: public servants, shearers transport etc. If you're Australian and own a bike, then this book is a must.