ice cream vender, Havana, c. 1950

 

 

On the evening of February 15th 1942, the commander of the British forces in Singapore, Lieut. General Arthur Ernest Percival, surrendered the city to General Tomoyuki Yamashita of the Imperial Japanese Army. This was the greatest military disaster in the British history since the Charge of Light Bridge some eighty years before.

Istanbul was Constantinople

Now it’s Istanbul not Constantinople

Been a long time gone…

Old Constantinople’s still has Turkish delight

On a moonlight night – Jimmy Kennedy (Four Lads).

 

 

Henry Ford

 

 

Circa 1902. “The Waldorf-Astoria, New York.” The original, and somewhat forbidding, Waldorf at Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. Complete with the obligatory windowsill milk bottle.

st peter’s basilica, vatican city, rome

Due to a rare genetic problem with Dede's immune system he has been unable to fight the HPV infection or Human Papilloma Virus causing his body to produce tree-like warts mostly on his arms and legs


Afghanistan’s Addicts .



Dick Cheney’s New House Under Construction.

The year 2009 is now coming to a close, and it's time to take a look back over the past 12 months through photographs. Historic elections were held in Iran, India and the United States, some wars wound down while others escalated, China turned 60, and the Berlin Wall was remembered 20 years after it came down. Each photo tells its own tale, weaving together into the larger story of 2009. This is a multi-entry story, 120 photographs over three days. Please see also part 1 and part 2. (40 photos total)
via 2009 in photos (part 3 of 3) – The Big Picture – Boston.com.

The 530 athletes of Team USA made a patriotic entrance to the London stadium tonight, clad in their Ralph Lauren uniforms and Made in China berets, and being warmly applauded by First Lady Michelle Obama and Mitt Romney in the stands.
Flag bearer Mariel Zagunis led the team out as she held the national flag in the athlete's parade, waving triumphantly at the crowd.
Though Team USA  were one of the last to appear - as the parade is done alphabetically - they did not let this dampen their enthusiasm while the Americans in the crowd loudly voiced their support and appreciation.

Earlier today, the First Lady cheered on Team USA at a breakfast reception, before helping American and British children get moving alongside soccer star David Beckham and other athletes.
She said at the breakfast reception that 'being here is otherworldly for me. I am still so inspired'.
Scroll down for video

Most successful nation: Flag bearer Mariel Zagunis of the U.S. holds the national flag as she leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Athletes from the United States pose for photographs during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 27, 2012, in London

Walking the walk: A group of female Olympians joins Kobe Bryant in the procession into the Olympic Stadium

Here they come! Ms Zagunis leads her fellow athletes in to the XXX Olympiad

Excitement: Plenty of the U.S. contingent, from lesser-known athletes all the way up to LeBron James (right) took out cameras to record the event for posterity

Honour: Mariel Zagunis is one of America's top fencers and will be hoping to add to her two gold medals this year

En masse: Over 500 American sportsmen and sportswomen are proudly representing their nation in London

Cheering on the team: Michelle Obama was watching from the stands during the opening ceremony and parade of nations

Let the Games begin! The Olympic torch in full flame in front of the iconic five rings

The Olympic Cauldron burns, lit by seven young athletes, chosen for their promise by British sporting legends

The Cauldron was formed by 204 petals, one for each nation competing

The petals converged into one, after they were lit by the seven teenagers, rising high above the stadium

The audience watched open-mouthed as the burning petals raised

The sporting prospects lit the petals, after they were passed the flame by Sir Steve Redgrave

Fireworks created a spectacular display above east London

The view from inside: Spectators in the stadium were treated to an amazing vision during the fireworks

Lighting up London: The fireworks around the stadium could be seen from miles away

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2180038/Team-USA-Patriotic-entrance-London-2012-Olympics-spectacular-opening-ceremony.html#ixzz21wXscCKv