Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Pinochet's Rise to Power in Chile.

Augusto Pinochet became President of Chile on this day (17th December) in 1974.

However, he became the de facto leader of Chile on September 11, 1973, after leading a military coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende's democratically elected government. 

Pinochet's rise to power began with his taking the chairmanship of the Military Junta, culminating in his presidency in 1974.

From its beginning until 1990, the Pinochet regime was defined by its authoritarian government, its disregard for human rights, and its neoliberal economic reforms. 

His rule continued until 1990, even after a 1988 referendum voted against him.

Memorial to victims of Pinochet's regime
Pinochet's rule remains a source of intense controversy. Although his economic reforms led to growth, they also exacerbated inequality, and his human rights abuses continue to haunt Chile to this day.


Sunday, 15 December 2024

Only Fools' Grandad Died 40 Years Ago.

Today is 40 years since Only Fools and Horses actor Lennard Pearce died.

On December 15, 1984, Lennard Pearce, the actor known for his role as Grandad in Only Fools and Horses, passed away at age 69. A heart attack caused his death.

Pearce was born in October 1915, the youngest of five children. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and during his long theatrical career, he appeared in many plays at the National Theatre, working alongside legends such as Laurence Olivier and Anthony Hopkins

His portrayal of Grandad, beginning in 1981, alongside David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, made him a favourite character on TV.

Pearce was filming the fourth series of Only Fools and Horses when he was admitted to a hospital on December 15 following chest pains, only to pass away 2 days later after being allowed to go home.

Production stopped temporarily because of his unexpected death, which devastated the cast and crew. The show wrote out Pearce's character, Grandad, and replaced him with Uncle Albert, played by Buster Merryfield.

Lennard Pearce's time on the show was short (only 3 series), yet his portrayal of Grandad made him a beloved figure in British television history.

Saturday, 14 December 2024

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes - the Painter for France

Today marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of influential French Symbolist artist Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, known as "the Painter for France".

Celebrated for his monumental murals and association with Symbolism, Puvis de Chavannes is known for his muted palette, ethereal compositions, and focus on allegorical, idealised themes. His work is often viewed as paving the way for modernist movements such as Symbolism and early abstraction.

The Poor Fisherman (1881)
His notable works comprise "The Sacred Grove" (1884), “Death and the Maidens (1872),” “The Dream (1883),” “The Poor Fisherman (1881),” plus murals adorning the Panthéon in Paris and the Boston Public Library.

Modernist painters, especially Symbolists such as Gustav Klimt and early abstract artists like Wassily Kandinsky, were heavily influenced by Puvis de Chavannes.

The fusion of classical and modern elements in his work inspired subsequent artists to delve into abstraction and spirituality.


Wednesday, 11 December 2024

Che Guevara Addresses the UN - 11th December 1964

December 11, 1964, marked Che Guevara's address to the UN General Assembly, representing Cuba—a speech that took place 60 years ago today.


He passionately and defiantly criticised U.S. imperialism, colonialism, and the economic exploitation of developing nations in his speech, and went on to highlight Cuba’s stance on social justice and solidarity with liberation movements worldwide.


Guevara spoke out against U.S. policies of intervention in Latin America and the ensuing economic and political isolation of Cuba. He championed the end of colonialism and imperialism by voicing his support for liberation movements across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.


Dismissing allegations of pro-Soviet ties, Guevara asserted Cuba's right to self-determination and its dedication to socialism.


Highlighting racism, inequality, and exploitation within their own borders, he charged Western nations, especially the U.S., with human rights hypocrisy.


To end the exploitation of developing nations by industrialised powers, Guevara called for global economic system reforms.


Guevara’s iconic Cold War speech embodies his revolutionary beliefs and Cuba’s defiance of U.S. dominance amidst significant geopolitical conflict.





Monday, 9 December 2024

The Battle of Ayacucho

The Battle of Ayacucho, fought on December 9, 1824, was pivotal in South America's struggle for independence from Spain.

The high plains near present-day Ayacucho, Peru, was the site of a battle pivotal to South America's independence from Spain. The battle happened amidst the Latin American independence wars, a string of revolts and battles starting in the early 1800s. 

By the early 1820s, most of South America had declared independence, but Peru remained a stronghold of Spanish royalist forces.


The Patriot forces, led by Antonio José de Sucre (pictured left) were allied with Simón Bolívar's broader campaign for independence. Sucre commanded a combined force of troops from various South American nations, including Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina.


The Royalist forces, loyal to the Spanish Crown, were commanded by Viceroy José de la Serna (pictured right)

Despite being outnumbered by 9,000 to 6,000 soldiers, the Patriot forces achieved a decisive victory using their mobility and strategic positioning. The terrain allowed Sucre to divide the Royalist troops, resulting in many captures.

The Capitulation of Ayacucho, signed after the battle by the Spanish army, ended their efforts to regain control of their South American colonies.

The Ayacucho victory marked the end of Spanish rule in South America and secured the independence of Peru.


Sunday, 8 December 2024

The Murder of Dimebag Darrell

The 8th of December is probably most remembered for being the anniversary of John Lennon’s death, but on that same date, 20 years ago, heavy metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell was also shot and killed.

Dimebag Darrell Abbott, the legendary guitarist for Pantera and Damageplan, was tragically killed on December 8, 2004, during a live performance. He was shot and killed by a deranged fan, Nathan Gale, at the Alrosa Villa nightclub in Columbus, Ohio.

25-year-old Gale rushed the stage during Damageplan’s performance, opening fire. Dimebag Darrell was instantly killed.

Three others lost their lives in the attack. Nathan Bray - a fan, Erin Halk - a club employee and Jeff Thompson - a member of the band’s security team were also tragically killed. Several others were injured.

The attack ended when Officer James D. Niggemeyer arrived on the scene and shot Gale, preventing further casualties.

The now-defunct Alrosa Villa nightclub

Gale’s motive is unclear. He may have harboured a belief that Panters’s breakup was the fault of Darrell, or possibly he was struggling with mental health issues.

Dimebag Darrell was one of heavy metal's most influential and skilled guitarists. His death at age 38 shocked the music world.


Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Bhopal - the Worst Industrial Accident in History

The Bhopal disaster is one of the world's worst industrial tragedies, which occurred on December 2–3, 1984, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. 


It involved the release of a highly toxic gas, methyl isocyanate (MIC), from the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) pesticide plant. 

Around midnight, water entered a MIC storage tank, triggering an uncontrollable chemical reaction. The reaction produced heat, increasing the tank's pressure, which released approximately 40 tons of MIC gas.

The gas spread quickly over densely populated areas near the plant. The toxic cloud affected thousands, causing serious respiratory issues, eye irritation, chemical burns, and other health problems.



The official death toll within the first days is estimated to be anywhere from 3,000 to 8,000. Subsequent estimations indicate that more than 20,000 individuals might have succumbed to long-term health issues.

The Bhopal disaster remains a stark reminder of the severe human and environmental costs associated with industrial carelessness.

Even after many years, survivors continue fighting for justice, improved healthcare, and environmental cleanup.