The Casual Observer

Earth’s Rich Tapestry as Viewed from Space

By Dean McCleland in Landscapes 16 March 2015 0 Comment

Sometimes the marvels of an object are best viewed from a distance. Often not only will those photographs provide a fresh perspective of the object but also place it is context. That is what this series of photographs illustrates

Main picture: The Palouse region of Washington State, an agricultural zone that produces mainly wheat and legumes.

The Past Comes Alive from these Rare Photographs

By Dean McCleland in Historical 15 March 2015 0 Comment

Apparently these photographs were found as part of a stash in a London basement. This array includes mostly photographs that I personally have never seen before. All however offer a vivid and unique insight into the past.

Main picture: Shooting practice for German soldiers in 1935

Stunning Photographs

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 15 March 2015 0 Comment

This is a sample of the 173 000 photographs submitted to the 2014 Sony Photographic Competition.

Main photograph: Orangutan in Bali

What happens when the fatal disease called Aging is cured?

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Health 14 March 2015 0 Comment

Last weeks’ Time Magazine has a series of articles on how science can retard the rate of aging and possibly even halt it completely. Of more significance to me – which was unstated – was what would the social & societal consequences of such a process be? Does this even bode well for humankind in terms of the quality of those additional years? For instance would one then be senile for fifty years instead of ten?

Main picture: I bet that Bridgette Bardot has many regrets about her life but probably her main misgiving was about getting old and more importantly, looking decrepit. Continue reading

Only in Australia

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 14 March 2015 0 Comment

A previous blog entitled “Only in Africa” revealed the essence of Africa with its idiosyncrasies and quixotic behaviour. Every country has a unique image which evokes that essence. As is usually the case that quintessence represents more than the landscape even though that forms an important backdrop to that imagery.

This time is the idiosyncratic behaviour of Australia and Austrailans that is portrayed.

Eskom: Where Politics Trumps the Production of Electricity

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Opinion Pieces 12 March 2015 0 Comment

The latest in a long succession of upheavals in the key parastatals relates to the suspension of the CEO of Eskom after being appointed only eight months previously in August 2014. Instead on their focus being the delivery of their services rather it is factional fights and other considerations that take precedence.

At the highest political levels in South Africa, there seems to be no understanding of the fundamental requirements for a sophisticated economy. Surely the ANC should realise that the requirement to provide power to South Africa supersedes parochial political considerations?

Clearly not! Continue reading

Have we got the balance in life correct?

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Opinion Pieces 11 March 2015 0 Comment

In this regard, I am referring not to the work / life balance over which most working people agonise especially working mothers but how we should handle the life portion of the equation. A number of issues crossed my mind over the past week or two which reminded me that either I am focusing on what is truly important due to wisdom – some would call that experience – or due to stage of life – some would call that age.

Main picture: This cat does not accept that a box in which he curled up as a kitten was now too small
Continue reading

Animals in Unusual Poses

By Dean McCleland in Animals 10 March 2015 0 Comment

This is a series of photographs with animals in different poses, some fatuous and others charming but all evoke a pleasing response. Is this an animal’s innate ability or do they surreptitiously attend acting and drama lessons when their owners are not at home? Whatever the truth of these assertions, pets, especially kittens and puppies with their cute adorable expressions, make their actions even more lovable.

How about making these breath-taking locations your next vacation stop-over?

By Dean McCleland in Landscapes 9 March 2015 0 Comment

How about something breath-takingly different for a vacation? Instead of Paris and London, why not make a change and discover some magical places where none of your friends have been before.

Main picture: Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Golden Age of Air Travel

By Dean McCleland in Historical, History 8 March 2015 0 Comment

Cabin service on board an intercontinental Boeing 707 during a flight with the West German airline Lufthansa, April 1967

What is the first thought when contemplating flying somewhere: cramped conditions with stodgy unappetising meals? Business Class is completely different experience but who can afford a seat which can cost anywhere from 5 to 10 times that of an economy class seat.

This series of photographs will reveal the elegance of flying during the 1950s and 1960s. Women would be dressed up to the nines and for the men suits and ties were de rigeur. In effect the whole plane was in current terms First and Business Class. The prices reflected that fact too. The plebeians were not allowed to lower the tone. There was no need to discriminate against them overtly. The price ensured that they could not enter these hallowed cabins.

Main picture: Passengers enjoy a drink and a game of cards in the cabin of an Imperial Airways plane in 1936