E. Mark Windle 25 March 2025. (Audio version is also available here for Medium members) Humanitarian crises management requires input from a range of invested but not necessarily directly connected agencies. One element of coordinating interventions involves common understanding of the current state of food insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) scale addressesContinue reading “A Question of Famine: IPC Food Security Phases and the Gaza Debate”
Category Archives: Commentary
This Parched Land: The Weaponisation of Water in Gaza
Access to clean water is essential for survival, yet over two billion people lack it, particularly in Gaza where military actions and infrastructure destruction restrict supply. The situation worsened post-October 2023 due to war, leading to disease outbreaks among children. Future recovery hinges on urgent WASH initiatives and international cooperation.
Troubling the Water: The Power of Song, from the Underground Railroad to Rhythm and Blues
“Wade in the Water” highlights the significance of spirituals in African American history, particularly in the context of slavery and the Underground Railroad. Originating as songs of hope and resistance, these spirituals evolved into powerful anthems during the Civil Rights Movement. The legacy of “Wade in the Water” is celebrated today, symbolising resilience and the quest for freedom across generations.
Malnutrition and Mortality in Gaza, One Year Later. Who’s Counting the Dead?
E. Mark Windle 1 November 2024. It’s a tragic sign of the times when little introductory narrative is needed to set the near-apocalyptic scene that exists in Gaza today. The world watches from a distance as Israel’s onslaught continues and the civilian death toll escalates to unimaginable levels. Now, the nightmare that Palestinian survivors are currentlyContinue reading “Malnutrition and Mortality in Gaza, One Year Later. Who’s Counting the Dead?”
October Book Release: In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music
E. Mark Windle 4 October 2024. In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music is a collection of short articles, opinion pieces, and industry press releases originally published in print and online between 2021 and 2024. The aim of this project is to present a sample of works on a variety of themesContinue reading “October Book Release: In Other Words. Commentaries on Writing Craft, Life and Music”
Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes
E. Mark Windle 6 August 2024. The passing of Maurice Williams, frontman for the R&B vocal group Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs, has just been confirmed by North Carolina sources. Williams was originally from Lancaster, SC. His group involvement was a long one, commencing with the Royal Charms in the early fifties, then the JuniorContinue reading “Maurice Williams, R&B Vocal Group Frontman, Passes”
Hidden Histories of the Mississippi Delta: Po’ Monkey’s Juke Joint
E. Mark Windle 25 February 2024. “We had to ask the owner of Abe’s BBQ in Clarksdale how to get there. His hand-written directions on the back of a napkin was our GPS for this shack at the edge of a cornfield. Don’t expect signs to point you there. Heck, don’t even expect signs withContinue reading “Hidden Histories of the Mississippi Delta: Po’ Monkey’s Juke Joint”
A Toast to Childhood, Spielberg, and Spanish Ladies
Mark Windle reflects on the enduring legacy of Jaws, exploring its literary roots and cultural significance. While the film has solidified its status among older generations, younger viewers often struggle to appreciate its impact. Windle’s nostalgic account highlights the film’s unique blend of horror and adventure, underscoring its role in shaping attitudes towards sharks and cinema.
Gaza and the Innocent Casualties of War: From Food Insecurity to Man-Made Famine.
E. Mark Windle 18 November 2023. The history of the conflict between Israel and Hamas is a complex and protracted one. As the latest escalation continues with airstrikes and ground invasions in Gaza, various political parties, the public and media across the globe debate the definition of Israel’s right to defend itself and the questionableContinue reading “Gaza and the Innocent Casualties of War: From Food Insecurity to Man-Made Famine.”
Holding on to the Past. The Challenge of Preserving and Accessing Soul Music History in the Written Word
E. Mark Windle 10 November 2023 It’s been a good while since the rare soul scene was an insular subculture confined to the wilds of northern England. The word spread decades ago, with self-sufficient parallel or related scenes now well established throughout Europe, Japan, the USA and elsewhere. Other than the pull of the musicContinue reading “Holding on to the Past. The Challenge of Preserving and Accessing Soul Music History in the Written Word”