Cunningham Reviews

I think it is amazing, perhaps instructive, that as we enter the new millennium, with its high tech hardware and eye-glazing promises, there is a growing interest in learning skills that depend more on the individual and less on machines. This interest to be self-sufficient, indeed in some cases to survive, cuts across socio-economic lines and relies on the ability and resources of the individual and not so much on the much-touted 20th century technology and its attendant costs. The genesis of many of these skills may be traced to the early mountain men of America. Recent experience teaches us that many of these skills must be re-learned, or taught anew, to most Americans. Fortunately, there is a good teacher from western Colorado that has taken the time to pack a lifetime of learning and skills into "Lighting Grandma's Fire." Cunningham is a lifelong practitioner of early mountain man skills. He grew up in Maine and has become a recognized authority on basic survival skills of American Mountain men. The book is chock full of basic information that will vastly imporve the skills, and perhaps chances of survival, of anyone who contemplates ever going into the outdoors. In 16 easy-to-read chapters you will learn how to do everything from making a Slouch Hat to the basics of Scrimshaw. Also, you will learn to light a fire without matches; sharpen a knife; make leather trousers and Indian moccasins; build your own Bucksaw; make a gourd cantee; use a Dutch oven; make snowshoes and a host of other skills that will amaze you. Cunninghaw writes in an informative, highly readable style. Unlike other books dealing with these subjects, this book is written in such a manner that you feel you are in the woods with the author, learning together in a fun, non-technical setting. As a bonus, there is a bibliography, a comprehensive list of suppliers and some wonderful graphics. If the reader has the remotest interest in early day mountain men, outdoor skills, or learning to be more self-sufficient, and don't want to spend a lot of money on the basics, get this book. You can spend more but you cant buy better.

The Gathering Storm

Kiri MacKay traveled ten thousand miles to claim Long White Cloud- her only legacy from the father she had never known. The shimmering island off the New Zealand coast awakened something deep within her, something she had thought long dead...

But it was clear that a great many people- some of them very dangerous- wanted her to abandon her newfound paradise. Among them was Noel Treverson.As untamed and as unforgettable as the island he loved, he was determined -deadly determined- to see its wonders left untouched.

The danger and suspicion gathering around Long White Cloud were more than Kiri could bear. But they were nothing compared to the desire that flared within her when this man touched her....

I am a reading specialist who previews new books all the time. I liked this book because it emphasizes the connection between spelling and phonics which is like being two sides of a coin. In addition, the activities are suitable for various levels and they seem to be classroom tested because I can sense that they are very realistic and practical.

I bought this book as a 'gag gift' for my wife, a New England native who LOVES maple syrup. Turns out it is a really wonderful cookbook about "cooking" with maple syrup (anybody can pour it on stuff). If you use grade B maple syrup (much darker, with a very strong maple flavor) you don't even need to use much. This book made a maple syrup lover out of me!

As a gardener of many seasons, I have long been interested in the relationship of gardening and planting by the moon. It was a delight to read Donna Cunningham's book The Moon in Your Life: Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World. Donna Cunningham is a respected astrologer/speaker/writer who has over 25 years of experience in astrology and a master's degree in social work and counseling. She does not advocate becoming a slave to astrology but rather becoming attuned to personal highs and lows with an willingness to let things wait until the time is right. Although I was primarily interested in the gardening aspect of the moon, I was both entertained and fascinated by Ms Cunningham's account of the influence the moon has on " prevailing emotional winds" as well as the public mood. The Moon in Your Life is easy to read and enjoyable. I recommend it without reservation.

This book by Bruce Cunningham covers the initial design, structures and testing of the Douglas A-3 Skywarrior. Very detailed information of the initial requirements, first flight, developement of the engines, test flights of the basic and versions. Goes on to describe all of the test squadrons, what they tested, problems found, resolutions, and etc. A lot of blue prints, early pictures and never released photos. If you are even remotely interested in aviation than you know the A-3 is the largest aircraft to operate off of carriers and they are still flying as testbed aircraft. 48 years after their first flight and still flying, this book will explain what it takes to build an aircraft that lasts. Also, you must own this book if you ever flew or worked on the Whale and want to pass on stories to others about those experiences.

The siege of Port Hudson, a Confederate stronghold on the Mississippi River a few hundred miles downriver from Vicksburg, is the longest siege in American history. Although often overshadowed by the story of Vicksburg, the author of "The Port Hudson Campaign, 1862-1863" tells the story of Port Hudson in such intresting detail that it parallels the Vicksburg siege. He vividly describes the two fatal major assaults of May 27 and June 14 by the Federals to storm the Confererate fortress. Both assaults, poorly planned and executed by the Federal generals, resulted in a large number of Federal casualties with only minor losses to the Confederates. The author also reveals a threat of mutiny by a number of the Federal troops against their generals near the end of the siege. Although the Confederates surrendered Port Hudson upon learning that Vicksburg had fallen, the author suggests that in terms of casualties, the Confederates won, "Union combat losses ran around 5,000 as against about 700 Confederates". The only negative comment about this book is that on occassion it is difficult to follow the flow of battle action due to the long listing of regements and companys on both sides involved in the action. This, however, does not prevent the reader from enjoying the book. Overall, a well written book on Civil War action and a must have book to complete any Civil War history library.

The Sacred Quest is a great read for people interested in learning about the study of religion, as it explores the meaning of the "sacred" through different mediums, including the nature and definitions of the words "sacred" and "religion," the appearance and language of the sacred in our daily lives. The authors also explore the many different types of sacred communities and rituals, which gives the reader a "crash course" into many different world religions and cultures. Another interesting aspect which the author delves into are the questions of evil and morality, although I found these two sections to be a little confusing and awkward to understand. Overall, the author does a great job of explaining the terms and ideas presented, and I would recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating subject!

An intriguing biography of Lilly's work in animal communication, brain research and flotation tanks.
Much of his work is valuable and continues today in the form of NLP, meta states and human mental
development.

We have studied about free trade and free flow of money. Theory said it would create more benefits to consumers and countries. But what would happen if it is used in a wrong way. People say Thailand has everything US or Japan has, but she still doesn't develop. This book will provide you a nice example about the starting of crisis in Thailand which expanded to other countries in South East Asia. Explain to you step by step and also show many ideas and opinions about the crisis. Nice Work