Shocking Images of the Israeli-Gaza Conflict

By Dean McCleland in Historical, History, Military History 0 Comment

These shocking images illustrate not only the destruction of property in Gaza but also the impact upon the people who reside there. These images are both graphic and disturbing and highlight the futility of war.

As this war is unlikley to resolve any of the underlying issues driving this tension, this battle will be proceeded by yet more wars as the cycle of violence never abates. Hatreds based upon religion, dispossession and culture are indubitably intractable and not subject to facile solutions.

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A Society on the cusp of modernity: 1960’s Afghanistan

By Dean McCleland in Historical 0 Comment

These photos belie what the future Afghanistan actually spawned.  The tapestry of peaceful hues contrasts starkly with the current picture of religious intolerance, military intrigues and offensives and corruption.

Maybe Afghanistan was not the idyll but certainly in the 1960’s many bohemian Westerners hitch hiked through Afghanistan on the itinerary to an ephemeral Shangri-La. Continue reading

The Great World Depression in Pictures

By Dean McCleland in Historical 1 Comment

This series of pictures highlight what it was like living through the Great Depression during the 1930s

WE THINK WE HAVE GOT IT BAD! This was a mere 80 years ago. It makes complaining about no cell service, high petrol prices, not enough DSTV channels, seem a bit ludicrous. No credit cards to buy what you want, but don’t need! Forward this to remind our kids and others of what really tough times are like.

They don’t have a clue. If you don’t know what the Great Depression was, here’s the motto: “Use it up — wear it out”, make it do or do without! This reminds me to be grateful for what I do have. Start each day with a smile and gratitude. Then pass it on “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery.   And Today?

Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”

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