With Christmas only a handful of sleeps away I’m faced with the yearly connundrum of what to buy for the men in my life. Everyone usually has one of the following to consider: Fathers, brothers, brothers-in-law, partners, husbands, in-laws, the ‘step’ variety and if you’re extremely fortunate a grandfather; buying for men can be difficult particularly if they don’t have a hobby. Hankies really don’t cut it and the old boxed tie is a last resort. Cue Santa! Wouldn’t you think he’d make it easier for everyone and start spruiking a few suggestions instead of always being on the listening end and being so wonderfully adept at telling small children that they can have whatever their heart desires. I’m thinking there should be a santa school somewhere that encourages compassion for parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles alike. But back to the big ‘boy’ kids on everyone’s list. Having just done the ‘one day’ christmas shop here are a few suggestions. 

1.  John Birmingham is a highly regarded Australian columnist and author. His latest work Angels of Vengeance is a terrific thriller which explores the aftermath of the destruction of America. 

 2. On the bush front a little known stock theft debacle in Springsure, Qld left the McDonald family reeling after a frenzied ‘bush court’ accused them of cattle theft in 2008. Pinched or Planted; The Cungelella Mystery by Susan McDonald explores this sorry experience and doesn’t – sadly- say alot about some bush dwellers. I picked up a copy at my local bookstore however I could find no reference to the work on the web. The inside cover suggests contacting the author for copies Albeni_ANIMALS@bigpond.com 

 

 3. For a big historical blockbuster you can’t go past Conn Iggulden, his latest offering is literally bigger than Ben Hurr and will be a hit with many.  He has a fabulous web site and audio books narrated by none other than Richard E. Grant . Visit Conn Iggulden 

Bushnell 8x25mm Powerview Compact= 4. You may think binoculars are only for bird watchers however many a sports fan and sports parent makes use of these gadets and out in the bush they’re very handy. We have a pair in each landcruiser and they’re often used to check livestock from a distance, whether it be through fences, across waterways or from the air. You can purchase a basic pair from about $20.00 up.
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Lastly, it’s summer and summer means cricket in many households. ABC released a centenary collection to mark Bradman’s incredible career and birthday in 2008 and it’s sure to be a popular addition to any DVD collection if like me you’re a cricket widow over summer and you don’t have a copy already. Bradman – directed by acclaimed cricket commentator Jack Egan and including one of only two extensive television interviews Bradman ever granted has 3 DVD’s including; Bodyline: It’s Just Not Cricket the events that transpired during the 1932-33 Test Series between Australia and England / The Invincibles relive the 1948 cricket tour of England, the first test match series for the two teams since the war, in which Australia came out utterly victorious winning every match they played even county games. They played six days a week for five months, and didn’t lose a match & Bradman: Reflections on the Legend the enthralling 2004 documentary about the man who becomes Australia’s first truly international and great sporting hero. I picked up a second copy (ours is worn out!) from the local Post Office however any ABC shop should have it.
 
Happy shopping!