Monthly Archives: August 2012

The search for the soldier without a name-Part 1

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

The Italian with the sword has stared at us Smillies for two generations now. He stands proud in his uniform and his knee high boots. His kepi cuts his face at an angle, as was the style in the 30s. … Continue reading →

Posted in Smillie family history, The search for the Italian officer | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Death by media

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

“Maybe the hippo has gone to the big pool in the sky,” I said to photographer Alon Skuy. “Ja, he hasn’t taken a breath in a while,” Alon replied. It was meant to be a joke but Solly the hippo … Continue reading →

Posted in Media, stories behind the news | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Hello USA

Posted on August 21, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

I watched its birth from the sidelines, I saw the pain endured in its writing and was blown away. That amazement was for the uncanny ability of the woman I love to draw on her earliest memories and weave them into … Continue reading →

Posted in south african history | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Those mystery predators and the man who finds them

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

Dr Adam Yates has a knack for finding monsters. In the northern Free State, in South Africa a couple of years ago he was part of the dig team that found a 10 cm long serrated fang, that belonged to … Continue reading →

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The alien squatting in my garage

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

It came from the forests of Patagonia and now it lurks in my garage. This beast is ancient and it has travelled a long way. Back in the 1400s it slipped on board a ship and headed for the Old … Continue reading →

Posted in beer brewing, science | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Recognition for a brave man

Posted on August 5, 2012 by Shaun Smillie

Siyanda walked to the podium and accepted a medal on behalf of a man he hardly knew. The medal was for bravery and it was for Siyanda’s father Looksmart Ngudle. Siyanda was a small boy when his father disappeared. As … Continue reading →

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