Scott’s Fatal Polar Expedition contrasted with a Modern One

By Dean McCleland in History, Other Galleries 0 Comment

The ways in which Scott and Shackleton explored the Polar Regions is moribund. Even the manner in which Randolph Fiennes manhandled all his kit across Antarctica need no longer be the modus operandi. Whilst even his odyssey to the South Pole is remarkable in terms of endurance and tenacity, it lacked the one ingredient that continues to make Scott’s and Shackleton’s attempts enduring: no Plan B. 

Robert Falcon Scott was to die on the 29th March 1912 in his heroic attempt to become the first person to reach the South Pole. Amundsen, using dog sleds instead of manhandling their equipment, had beaten them to it. The only solace and consolation was to return with their samples which was the ostensible reason for the trip. Reaching the Pole first was pure bravado, vanity and for the glory of the British Empire.

Main picture: Robert Falcon Scott in full Polar regalia

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Churchill vs Lady Astor: The Age of Classic Insults and Witticisms

By Dean McCleland in History, Opinion Pieces 9 Comments

In a long-forgotten era, the telling insult did not incorporate foul language or invective using four letter words mainly commencing with an F. Instead they exemplified the participant’s erudition, class, intelligence and wit. The putative insults between Winston Churchill and Lady Astor exhibited Churchill’s mastery of this art form. What is less well known is Lady Astor’s equally acerbic tongue and repartee skills. This lack will be put to rights in this blog.

One of the witticisms that have not yet made it into the history books, is one of the classic Mike Paxtonisms – a fellow runner – that he is so prone to intone. If Mike should ever obtain the recognition due to him and that he so richly deserves, this is one that he will be remembered by:

“I am not saying he is a slow runner, but the organisers know the race is over when he finishes”

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His Master’s Voice: The SABC Betrayed

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Opinion Pieces 0 Comment

The decision at a meeting of the ANC’s Party Communicators late last week that the SABC’s journalists should be “forced” to give President Jacob Zuma “even more love” on the broadcaster’s channels, is merely a long line in the political interference in the editorial policies of the delinquent and dysfunctional institution.

Before 1994 and the dawn of democracy, the SABC was rightfully regarded as the propaganda arm of the Nationalist Party. Under the tutelage and control of the NP, it was disingenuously called the SABC instead of the Nationalist Party Broadcasting Corporation [NPBC] as that would have been too blatant. Instead the SABC was packed with NP lackeys. The top echelons and their corner offices being reserved for the crème-de-la-crème, the Broederbond.

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What are you trying to do to me?

By Dean McCleland in Animals 0 Comment

Animals can be as expressive as humans. It is this attribute which endears them to us humans and ensures that we adopt them and pamper them. In this series of photographs, their human owners or companions are attempting acts as banal as attempting to wash them or take them to the vet.

In no uncertain manner do they demonstrate their displeasure at such a sadistic activity.

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My Unintended Journey from Communist to Racist

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs 0 Comment

The abhorrent South African tradition of denigrating one’s political opponents by mis-labelling them continues unabated under the ANC. Instead of being castigated as being Communists, white opponents of the ANC are now being labelled as racists and black opponents as white apologists.

The first time that I became aware that I might have Communist proclivities was in the Army at 3 SAI Oudshoorn.  Continue reading

More Remarkable Playmates

By Dean McCleland in Animals, Nature & Animals 0 Comment

Yesterday’s blog showcased three separate stories on unusual animal friendships or playmates. Here is another. In this case it is between an elephant and a dog.

Barak, a Basenji dog – a breed from Central Africa, owned by a game ranger in the Kruger National Park, clearly has eyes for this elephant. In order to communicate better with the dog, the elephant reciprocates and gets down to the dog’s level.

This incident occurred in 2014 at the home of Louis Olivier who lives at Skukuza, the main camp in the Kruger Park.

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Unusual Animal Behaviour

By Dean McCleland in Animals 0 Comment

I was always under the mistaken belief that it was only my pets which exhibited this usual behaviour. Now I have become aware that all pets suffer from the same psychological problem: the opposite of agoraphobia.

After viewing these photographs does your pet also require the services of a trained animal behaviourist in order to overcome their belief that something that they could sleep in as a puppy or kitten is no longer suitable as a fully grown animal?

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The Tale of Four Women and the Sexual and Gender Liberation

By Dean McCleland in History, Opinion Pieces 2 Comments

A century ago was the dawn of the sexual and gender liberation. It was a fitting time as it witnessed the passing of the eponymous Victorian era with the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. Like the commencements of all epochs, it was marked by stubborn resistance, resilient reformers and societal backlash. These four women in diametrically opposed manners led the charge for sexual and gender liberation.

Some innovators and crusaders will forever have an unblemished legacy, most however being stubborn and dogmatic in their opposition to the status quo; often create implacable foes in their endeavours. Whilst these traits might be overlooked in the broad sweep of history and change, they will forever be remembered both as bold reformers and as flawed characters.

Main picture: Marie Stopes in her laboratory in 1904

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