Bush Books

Ever since the publication of Stephen Piercey's brilliant Sky Truck books in the 1980s, I have been a huge fan of the Osprey Colour Series. The most recent addition to my library, this book doesn't dissapoint. Whereas most other titles in this series cover propeller-driven freighters, this one looks at smaller aircraft still plying the skies in remote areas, carrying passengers and their goods.

Aircraft types covered include the De Havilland Otter and Twin Otter (with a DHC Buffalo thrown in for good measure), its smaller brother, the Beaver, various Cessna craft (mostly seaplanes), the Grumman Goose and Mallard, the Douglas DC-3, and the Curtiss C-46 Commando. These aircraft are depicted in scenic parts of western Canada and Alaska, along with some nice pictures taken in Ethiopia (most of the other Osprey Colour Series books show aircraft in South America and the Caribbean).

The scenic backdrops of the Pacific Northwest are, needless to say, spectacular. I also enjoyed the extensive coverage of seaplanes and amphibians, neither of which feature prominently in the other titles. And the DC-3, in my mind one of the most beautiful aircraft in existence, in the colors of Ethiopian Airways, my favorite airline color scheme of all time, was a real treat.

The brief comments are informative, though more for what they say about the operations than the aircraft itself; however, they were not as amusing as those in the books by Stephen Piercey and his two German admirers, Karl-Heinz Morawietz and Joerg Weier. As is usual for the Osprey Color Series, the photographs are of excellent quality, though some are marred by being spread over two pages.

For anyone who loves aircraft and appreciates flying in its most basic form, this is a title well worth having.

Bush Games And Knucklebones is a picture book by Doris Kartinyeri which is based upon the real life experience of Aboriginal children who grew up at Colebrook Home, while it was open from 1924 to its demolishment in 1972. Many of the children were taken from their families under the governmental policy of assimilation; some never saw their parents again. Bush Games And Knucklebones tells of how these children formed a community, searched for bush food together, played games like knucklebones using leftovers from the Sunday lamb roast, or sliding down hills on sheets of galvanized iron. Enchanting color illustrations by Kunyi June-Anne McInerney of growing children learning to have fun together despite being relocated and having their lives changed by forces beyond their control, all in an era long before TV and video games, enhance this playful and soulful picture book.

This is a great book - No...it is not really about the current President, nor is it about gardening. It is about power, its servants and its holders. It is about greed and success and how it is achieved and held. Abelard Bush is a knight born in the Middle Ages who awakes in the contemporary world. At least, that is what he claims though we all know that to be impossible. Entered into the corporate world, the effectiveness and efficiency of his business tactics duly impress all. Yet, they are medieval are they not?
Fast paced and action packed, this humoristic and well written novel teaches us a great deal about the Middle Ages, and even more about our modern world.

I had an opportunity to review Jim Swanson's brilliant political commentary "The Bush League of Nations" during its writing. Jim is co-author with me (Michael "Mike" L. Baird) of our 15-year best-selling book "Engineering Your Start-Up: A Guide for the High-Tech Entrepreneur" (EYSU2), 2nd Edition, Professional Publications, Inc. at eysu d o t org. I knew from that experience that Jim had an astounding ability to write clearly and with high impact. "The Bush League of Nations" captures all of those qualities of the author, and is notable for its clearness, completeness, and consistency - the research embodied in this book is unrivaled. Written in a well-structured way, with numerous "sidebar" anecdotes, this book is easy to consume. Pro-Bush or anti-Bush, the reader will have to be impressed with James Swanson's grasp of the big picture. Historians writing about the impact of the Bush presidency in completely destroying the reputation of the United States worldwide, and in transforming what the GOP party once stood for, should refer to this unique tome on evil and unrestrained power.
Michael "Mike" L. Baird
mike [at} mikebaird d o t com

The author has used a style that is rarely seen in contemporary literary works--lack of punctuation.

The poems read like dialogue. Other than pauses, we do not see punctuation in dialogue.

He has an eye for detail although he raises questions in the reader's mind when he suddenly stops in the middle of an idea and begins a new one. This makes me question and think harder.

His presentation of the political climate in Africa, especially in poems regarding South Africa is vivid, at once arresting, and even comical.

I like to know his native country and invite him to read at one of our sessions, if you or his publisher can locate him.

I found a copy of the book in the Library of Congress and wish to know where to buy some copies to give my family as Christmas present.

This book is a tribute to the man who single-handedly shaped the face of Canadian avation, written by a long-time friend. Through a series of anecdotes depicting the adventures and misadventures of the former president of Canadian Pacific Airlines, Keith is able to paint a vivid picture of this charismatic, lovable man, while maintaining the legend that surrounds him. Well worth anyone's time; a great mixture of adventure and humour.

Les Hiddins was a Captain in the Australian Army and was given the task of discovering and documenting ways of surviving in the Australian Outback, probably one of the most inhospitable environments on Earth, from desert to tropics to snowfields and barren wilderness. Eventually this also became a range of books and videos / dvds which were best sellers in Australia.

He gives insight into how to live off of a seemingly barren land and narrates how to find food, water etc and what to drink / eat and what NOT to drink and eat. A truely engrossing product. Anyone who enjoyes the Crocodile Hunter will love this. His army hat style has also become a cult.

Having read the introduction, I understand (finally!) what happened in last years election.

The collection of key cases found here is superlative.

I highly reccomend this examination of election 2001 to any reader interested in an organized clarification of the events last fall.

I found this book to be very funny and witty. It kept me laughing all the way through it.

The author interviewed many of racing's top trainers, jockeys, and breeders, who just happen to be from southern Louisiana. The stories are entertaining and reveal a truly magical culture. Although many of the people written about in the book are far from perfect - they are all colorful and authentic.
All in all, Cajun Racing is a fun, fast read that was thoroughly enjoyable.