The Casual Observer

Did Neanderthals and Humans ever interbreed?

By Dean McCleland in Other Miscellaneous Topics 26 December 2016 2 Comments

It is probably trite to question whether they could have but we must also enquire whether they would have. Stating the obvious, they could have subject to the caveat that they only would have if they were members of the same species as different specious refuse to mate.

**How and why did these other species of humans disappear? The answer to the “same species” question will determine which theory takes primacy: Interbreeding or Replacement?**

Main picture: Theoretically the DNA of the Neanderthals & Homo Sapiens should be so far apart that they never should be able to interbreed. However is that correct?

What form will Zuma’s comeback in 2017 take?

By Dean McCleland in Current Affairs 26 December 2016 1 Comment

Bereft of options, the guilty are at their most disingenuous, duplicitous and mendacious. Even the guile card is now useless. If they are in a supreme position of power, they are especially dangerous as they can abuse their authority and the levers of powers.

It is instructive to recall that Zuma’s 2016 was an unmitigated disaster. From losing his case in the Constitutional Court to the ANC losing control in three Metros after the local government elections, Zuma has been on the defensive. Then came the most galling of all: an attempted vote of no confidence in his leadership within the NEC.

As he surely will, what will the wounded Zuma do as a counter strike in 2017?

Main picture: South African president Jacob Zuma (2nd R), the man with nine lives, poses for photographs with an assortment of his wives: Sizakele Khumalo (R), Nompumelo Ntuli (L), and Thobeka Mabhija (2-L) after the State of The Nation address in Parliament, in Cape Town, on June 03, 2009. The rest were indisposed.

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Market Square Through the Ages

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 23 December 2016 0 Comment

From a position of being the focus point of trade in Port Elizabeth in the first fifty years of Port Elizabeth’s existence to its position where it now occupies the lowly position as a parking space for the members of the Metropolitan Council.

Its name change over the years reflected this change. From Market Square to Mayor’s Garden to Vuyisile Mini Square.

Main picture: Ox Wagens filled Market Square all days of the week except Sundays

The Rheinwiesenlarger: Did the Americans kill German POWs?

By Dean McCleland in Military History 23 December 2016 2 Comments

On first hearing about my German father-in-law’s ill-treatment in an American POW Camp in France during 1944 & 1945, I was extremely sceptical. Not only that but I was totally dismissive of his claims, never deigning to hear him out.

Then in 1989, I came across a book by James Bacque entitled “Other Losses” in which he exposes the extent of American disregard for the lives of German POWs and the blatant deception practiced by them in an effort to hide these resultant deaths.

Main picture: The Rheinwiesenlager provided no protection from the elements together with meagre rations. This was a recipe for disaster on a large scale

Juvenal’s question “Quis custodiet ipsos custodies” applies in South Africa

By Dean McCleland in Opinion Pieces 23 December 2016 0 Comment

In his satirical poem eponymously called Satires, the Roman Poet Juvenal raised this existential question, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodies” meaning “Who will guard the guardians themselves.” This scourge now seriously afflicts the Security Cluster in South Africa.

The latest spat between the Priority Crimes Unit, commonly referred to as the Hawks and Robert McBride, the head of IPID, the Independent Police Investigate Department highlights the phenomenon of the politicisation of the various organs of the Security Cluster.

Furthermore, there has been the progressive securitisation of the state under Jacob Zuma’s watch.

Main picture: Robert McBride is the latest victim of the internecine warfare between the components of the security establishment. He was recently charged with treason, fraud amongst other charges

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Town Hall-Epitomising a Vision for Greatness

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 23 December 2016 1 Comment

Amongst all the iconic buildings of Port Elizabeth, this must feature in the top five. Yet in 1977 this building which epitomises Port Elizabeth, almost became an ex-icon as a result of a conflagration which destroyed it.

What a momentous loss that would have been?

This blog covers the odyssey of a plan transformed into a Town Hall to finally being acclaimed as the City Hall. Finally it is saved from destruction by the wreckers’ ball of short-sighted Councillors and then from a fiery inferno.

Main picture: The Town Hall under construction from 1858 to 1861

Unsafe Acts

By Dean McCleland in Other Galleries 22 December 2016 1 Comment

As the maxim states, “Different strokes for different folks.” That is great as far as it goes but these antics are downright dangerous, death defying even. Either they cannot foresee the consequences of their actions or they have a death wish. Whatever it is, does not make a difference, as either way, they will not survive to old age.

Or maybe I am a wussie and too risk averse.

Main picture: Would you allow somebody to angle grind using your back as a work bench?

Port Elizabeth of Yore: Ghosts & Apparitions

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 22 December 2016 3 Comments

All towns have their ghost stories. Real or imagined, they form part of the folklore of the town. In Port Elizabeth’s case, it has its fair share. Apart from perhaps one, none are real ogres.

Being a sceptic of the metaphysical world and paranormal phenomena, I do not place much credence on these inexplicable tales. However, given the interest of various people in these alleged phenomena, this blog covers the most important ones.

Main picture: Richly House formerly Langford Lodge. Is it the most haunted house in Port Elizabeth?

Port Elizabeth of Yore: The Mad Pyromaniac

By Dean McCleland in Port Elizabeth of Yore 21 December 2016 2 Comments

Some people gain fame, and possibly fortune, through charity, good deeds and hard work whereas Miss Francis Livingstone Johnston only gained notoriety through setting fire to numerous buildings in Port Elizabeth in the mid- 1890s. The reason for burning down churches was an apparent irrational hatred of altars.

The blog covers the wayward and abnormal career of this atypical female.

Main picture: The Cleghorn, Harris and Stephen’s building, next to where the present Port Elizabeth Public Library was later built, burnt down on Wednesday night 6th May 1896.

Twenty Historical Photos That Are Rarely Seen

By Dean McCleland in Historical 20 December 2016 0 Comment

Helen Keller and Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin was a famous silent film movie actor and Helen Keller was an author, political activist and lecturer who was deaf and blind. She still learned to communicate. Bizarrely there is a photograph of Charlie Chaplin and Helen Keller meeting each other in 1912 Hollywood. They are standing face to face and Helen appears to be touching Charlie’s face to read his expression. It’s probably not seen often because it looks like a photograph a friend may have taken as a keepsake of the meeting.