As I was writing my shopping list in the lead-up to Christmas, I added
a name I normally skip: mine!  After a little searching, I settled on
a couple of books as I hadn't added to my reference library for quite
some time.  The two books I chose were "The Nicole Factor" (by Paul
Bellamy, Arthur Cunliffe and Roy Ison) and "The Disc Musical Box" (by
Kevin McElhone).

I was delighted when they both arrived in just eight days, in time for
Christmas, and well packed with not a mark on them.  As for the books
themselves, what a pair of beauties -- production and content are first
class and as for the glossy pages -- ahh, what a lovely smell (yes, I'm
a secret book sniffer.  Am I alone in this?).  The discs that accompany
each book are a bonus indeed.

Anyhow, I got to thinking just how wonderful real books are and how, in
this modern world of the Internet and e-books, they may one day largely
disappear as it's hard to compete with the convenience and economy of a
computer.  (I tried smelling my old keyboard -- what a mistake.  One
advantage that it's safe.)

Authors such as these have my total admiration and I for one will
continue to support them by buying their work.  I hope others do
likewise.

Damon O'Donoghue
Daylesford, Australia