The Casual Observer

Marilyn Monroe, the Showgirl, and Colin Clark: A Romantic Interlude

By Dean McCleland in History, Opinion Pieces 2 November 2014 0 Comment

Who one may well ask is Colin Clark, a nonentity, and many years Marilyn Monroe’s junior and what was his relationship with her in 1956 so shortly after her marriage to Arthur Miller?

Two superstars of the day, Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier both had designs on becoming even more famous. In both cases it was to highlight their versatility by also becoming famous movie stars. Marilyn had become an iconic model and singer and Lawrence Olivier a stage actor especially in the Shakespearean mould but both desired more accolades and had pretensions of being famous movie stars.

Not one’s everyday photographs

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 30 October 2014 0 Comment

In fact, not to put too fine a point on it, but some of the photographs are highly unusual. From alternative uses of everyday common place items to the wonders of nature; this series of photographs has them all.

The Post Office Strike: We will Smash it up whatever it Takes

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Opinion Pieces 29 October 2014 0 Comment

This is not a trick question so just relax and answer with the first thoughts that cross your mind. “What are the characteristics of a South African strike?” Apart from the toy-toying workers bearing semi-literate signs on pieces of cardboard, what is next aspect which crosses one’s mind: the wanton destruction of property?

Main picture: The destruction of the Benoni Post Office by members of the CWU

Kim Philby: The Ties that Bind

By Dean McCleland in History, Opinion Pieces 28 October 2014 0 Comment

The 1930’s was an epoch during which one’s loyalties were tested to the extreme. For some in contemporary Britain it was the Class or status that bound. Yet for others it was their lover, family or even friends. In the extreme as the season of treason evidenced, it was Communism. But which one would triumph when all three collided? Which would take precedence?

For some inexplicable reason, during the 1930’s the myth of a Communistic utopia was implanted in the imagination of the West. Instead of the lower classes being infected by this contagion, it was an array of the wealthy well-to-do students who contracted the most virulent strain.

Main picture: Kim Philby with a sunny disposition but a treacherous heart

Cats which have not had Acting Lessons

By Dean McCleland in Animals 27 October 2014 0 Comment

Cats possess natural acting ability. Without trying their expressions accurately portray their moods. Imagine if they had to surreptitiously received formal acting lessons.

The Destruction of Homs: Flagrant Hypocrisy

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Military History, Other Galleries 22 October 2014 0 Comment

Ask most citizens of South Africa about the situation in Homs and they will in all likelihood answer the question with a question of their own such as “Where the hell is that?” Moreover the same question posed of Gaza or the Palestinians would elicit an immediate response. Why is this so?

Firstly some background.

King Edward VIII: Once a King

By Dean McCleland in History, Opinion Pieces 21 October 2014 0 Comment

King Edward VIII is notorious for two reasons. The first, the reason for his abdication in 1936, was his love for an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. The second, and for the most part unproved, was his pro-Nazi views during WW2. The first is fact but is there any substance to the second allegation?

In terms of the primogeniture rules of succession then applicable, young Edward, or David as he was known to his siblings, would become the next king of England. By the throw of the dice, Edward who was ideally suited to this role for he possessed the common touch was the heir presumptive. Unlike his parents, he was unafraid of being seen by the commoner.

Hiking to the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg

By Dean McCleland in Hiking, Personal 20 October 2014 1 Comment

By far the most imposing feature of the Drakensberg is the Amphitheatre and also probably the most recognisable. A hike to the top – not recommended for the faint-hearted – also involves a near vertical climb up the chain ladders.

Rising over 1000 metres from the Tugela Valley, the Amphitheatre is a mighty wall of granite which ascends all the way to the Lesotho plateau which is almost 3000 metres above sea level.

High fat low carb diets: The jury obtains additional evidence

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Health 19 October 2014 0 Comment

A recent “discussion” between Tim Noakes and an eminent cardiologist on 702 WTT [8th August 2014] during which Noakes was accused of “being criminal” brought this issue to the forefront again. What does the latest research reveal regarding this debate?

Conventional wisdom decrees that fat is bad for one’s health and if one so much as lets a glob of fat past one’s lips, one is liable to suffer from high cholesterol and die. The eating of all forms of fat including eggs, cream and fat on meat was not only eschewed, it was verboten. If any product had .005% less fat than a standard product, it would have the words low fat emblazoned all over it as if even such a miniscule reduction in imbibing fat would be beneficial.

Main picture: Tim Noakes

Sandstorm hits central South Africa

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs, Landscapes 17 October 2014 0 Comment

With winds gusting up to 100kms per hour in certain parts of South Africa especially the Kimberley region combined with extremely dry conditions resulted in the worst sandstorms seen for many years. At OR Tambo airport the windspeed recorded was 48kph. It was sufficient to provide Joburg residents with their worst dust storm in decades.