Monet to Warhol

It was a pleasure to take my mother to a wonderful art exhibition in Prague today which presented 80 works of modern art spanning the beautiful tranquility of Claude Monet to the crazy flambouyance of Andy Warhol.  It was my dear mother who first introduced me to the joys of roaming art galleries.  I remember her taking my sister, Beverley and me to various exhibitions in London as a child.

I always think it is a good idea to try a pick out one piece of work from an exhibition which I particularly liked.  On this ocassion, it was Monet's famous and tranquil Water Lillies which gave me a real thrill to see "in the flesh".

Now that my mother walks so slowly, a gentle meander around a beautiful art gallery in Prague couldn't be better.  She really enjoyed herself, and I know how happy she is to spend time with me.

I then took her for a lovely lunch in a Japanese restaurant.  So we had a really good day of diverse culture.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Nahum Bedein

Sadly, my darling Yael, you will never know your uncle Nahum Bedein.  After a four-year corageous battle with renal cancer, Nahum passed away today in a Jerusalem hospice where he spent his final days.  He was just 55, two years older than me and far, far too young to die.

I first met Nahum 31 years ago.  He had married Susan, the sister of my then wife-to-be, Veronica.  He warmly welcomed me into the extended Kennard family.  He was full of fun and good humour, and I always enjoyed his company.  He was a lovely brother-in-law.

Born in Philadelphia as Neal, he changed his name to Nahum when he made aliya. He leaves behind his mother, Miriam Bedein who still lives in Philadelphia (his father, Philip, died some years ago); brother, David; sister, Helen Miller; his wife, Susan, who is your great aunt; and four sons: Amihai,; Yehezkel; Gilad, Lior and two granddaughters: Amit and Lia. 

Nahum was an easy-going, happy-go-lucky character.  In spite of his terrible illness, he remained upbeat and positive.  The treatment he had to endure was quite horrible, and yet I never heard him complain.  Above all, Nahum had a huge heart.  He was tactile, always hugging me tightly when we met.  He was so very proud of his four boys, as well as his two beautiful granddaughters.  Thankfully, he was able to live long enough to enjoy the weddings of two of his sons and to welcome into the world his grandchildren.

It was Nahum who reached out to me during my marital difficulties.  Unlike many others, he was unjudgemental, proactively offering his support and friendship.  I considered Nahum as a good friend, and I will miss him.

You will not remember Nahum, my darling Yael, but I brought him to the hospital to meet you when you were just two days young.  Inevitably, there will be many older family and friends who will have passed on by the time you read this.  But I want you to know that Nahum was a terrific fellow who you would have liked very much.  May fond memories of him endure, and may he rest in peace.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Merry Christmas

In spite of being brought up in a predominantly Christian society, we never had any of the trappings of Christmas at home.  But I did participate in Christmas activities at school and elsewhere.  In fact, I have always enjoyed this time of year and have happily embraced the opportunity to have a good time.  So it was with much pleasure that I prepared a traditional British Christmas dinner for my mother and some friends.  This included a roasted turkey with stuffing, brussels sprouts with chestnuts, red cabbage and, of course, Christmas pudding.  The table was adorned with glittering decorations together with Christmas crackers, which are a curious British invention.

Chistmas has no religious significance for me whatsoever, but I see no reason not to enjoy the ocassion.  At this time of year when the days are so short and the weather is so cold, it's lovely to have a good excuse for colourful decorations, sparkling lights and partying.  When your father was at school in London, he actually starred in his school's Christmas play in his last year at Camden Town School for Girls.  He will explain why he went to a girl's school.

It's good to have my mother with me here in Prague for a week.  She was keen to see the Queen's traditional Christmas message on television.  Queen Elizabeth II has broadcast a festive message every year of her reign, and it's interesting to see how her style, tone and the content has changed to fit in with the times.  This year's was particularly interesting. 

Usually recorded at her main home at Buckingham Palace, The Queen gave this message from Hampton Court where she talked about the King James Bible, which will celebrates its 400th anniversary next year.  It was in 1604, where King James IV -- who inherited the throne at a time when the Christian Church was deeply divided -- convened a conference of churchmen of all shades of opinion to discuss the future of Christianity in this country.

The King agreed to commission a new translation of the Bible that was acceptable to all parties. This was to become the King James or Authorized Bible.  The work took a painstaking six years to be translated at Oxford University from the original hebrew text.  It was designed to unify the Christian Church.

I am a proud Jew, but always interested in learning about other religions.  You, my dear Yael, were born in the remarkable city of Jerusalem which is the centre for three of the world's great faiths, Judaisn, Islam and Christianity.  I hope you have an appetite for learning about the traditions and beliefs of others.



Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Finally arrived back in Prague

Five days late thanks to the terrible winter weather in Europe, I arrived back in Prague at 6pm.  My mother had landed two hours ahead of me, but was met by a friend of mine and taken home.  So I was greeted by her when I got to my apartment.  She will stay with me in Prague for a week

Within minutes of my return, I dragged my mother out to my friend Alice's daughter's house, Misha, for a lovely Christmas eve dinner.  We had a lovely evening.

After such a long and eventful trip, I am glad to be home.  I will sleep well tonight in my own bed.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

"I counted them all, and I counted them all back"

I was upset today to hear of the passing of Brian Hanrahan, one of the most famous BBC correspondents, best known for his coverage of the Falklands War.  He died at the age of 61 after a short battle against cancer.

His reporting spanned the reshaping of Nato and the European Union, as well as conflicts in Bosnia, Kosovo, and the Middle East.  As the BBC's Far East, and then Moscow correspondent, he watched dramatic changes unfolding in China and Russia.  He covered Tiananmen Square and the fall of the Berlin Wall.

But it was in the Falkands War in 1982 that made him his reputation.  He was reporting from an aircraft carrier, and famously counted the returning Harrier jets  landing back on to deck, in such a way as to circumvent British Ministry of Defence censorship.  It was as though it was yesterday, as I so clearly remember hearing his radio report, when he said: "I'm not allowed to say how many planes joined the raid, but I counted them all out and I counted them all back. Their pilots were unhurt, cheerful and jubilant, giving thumbs-up signs."

Sadly, Hanrahan had recently been scheduled to report on the last flight of the Harrier jets, which are being scrapped because of government spending cuts, about which I have written in a previous blog.  Alas, he became too ill to attend the ceremony and died only days later. 

He was a true symbol of the remarkable reporting standards of the BBC.  He will certainly be remembered by me.



Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Stranded in New York

When I woke up this morning to the news of record snow falls in London, I instinctively smelt trouble ahead.  I was supposed to fly tomorrow evening to London en route to Prague.  But discovering that Heathrow airport was closed, I realised that this would almost certainly effect my flight.  Sure enough, when I went online, all transatlantic flights into London were already cancelled for tomorrow.  And when I called American Airlines, I was told that there would be no chance of my flying to London until at least Wednesday at the earliest. 

Britain is unprepared for such unprecedented amounts of snow and Heathrow just doesn't have the necessary equipment to cope.  The consequence is that one of the world's busiest airports with hundreds of flights a day just ground to a halt.  With scenes of anxious travellers sleeping on the floor at Heathrow and other airports, I felt fortunate that I could at least extend my booking at the comfortable DoubleTree hotel on Lexington Avenue, where I will wait until a flight becomes available.  There are worse places to be stranded that Manhattan.


Grandpa Jonathan
New York, USA

Holiday season in Manhattan

What a thrill to be in Manhattan at this time of year.  It's no longer politically correct to refer to this season as Christmas time, so instead they call it Holiday time out of respect for all religions.  I think this is quite crazy.  Surely Americans can recognise the differance between Christmas and Chanukah without causing offence?

The 'holiday' tree at the the Rockerfeller Center is especially stunning, set beside the skating rink beneath the elegant skysraper known these days as The Rock, it looks truly spectacular.

I'm happy to spend the weekend here enjoying the sights and sounds of this exhilerating city which is heaving with people as people by their last-minute Christmas, woops I mean holiday, gifts.  I'll be buying a few things here to take back for our festivities in Prague.


Grandpa Jonathan
New York, USA

Rainforest Alliance

Success.  After eight months struggling to repair a damaged relationship between my client, a major producer of pulp and paper, and the Rainforest Alliance, I am delighted to report that todays' meeting went very well.

Rainforest Alliance, a leading international non-governmental organization, had been provided certification to prove that my client's plantation wood was sustainably produced.  However, as a consequence of pressure from other environmental groups who alleged that my client is converting natural forest to make way for its plantations, Rainforest Alliance suspended the certification.  Many of my client's customers, who are big consumer companies, like Procter and Gamble who are the world's largest nappy producers, insist of buying only sustainably certified pulp.  So this was a big blow to my client.

My client has consistently denied any allegations of wrongdoing.  I have been playing my brokering role, trying to get both parties around the table to agree a process which will support my client's claim.  This is complicated work, particularly in Indonesia, where the company operates.  And it is sometimes strange to be discussing the problems of the rainforests in Sumatra in the offices of Rainforest Alliance in the heart of Manhattan.

Finally, a formula has been agreed that should now lead to the reinstatement of the certification within a few months.  There will be much more work to do, and many more miles to travel.  But I am confident of success.


Grandpa Jonathan
New York, USA

Chilly Chicago

I used to think that weather was trivial and that people who chose to live in sunny places were rather shallow.  But waking up this morning and drawing back the curtains to reveal a deeply frozen Chicago reinforced my now long-held view that weather does matter.  I'm in no doubt that the relaxed, happy-go-lucky character of the Latin Americans has a good deal to do with the pleasant temperatures in which they live. 

Less than 48 hours ago I was enjoying the balmy coniditions in Cancun, and now I must bundle up warm to travel the few blocks from Chicago's Magnificent Mile, where I am staying, to get to the offices of Reputation Partners at the corner of Clarke and Adams Streets.  Your grandfather would much rather have gone back to bed, but did endure a grown-up day in the office.

Anyway, I survived the day and am now at Chicago's O'Hare aiport about to board an evening flight to New York.  A few days in the Big Apple, no matter what the weather, will be sure to make me happy.




Grandpa Joanthan
Chicago, USA

Fascinating family history

I missed the wonderful sea breeze blowing into my room and the lovely sounds of the waves rolling onto the beach.  After 10 nights beautiful sunrises in Cancun, this morning I woke early to a view from my room of a dark and sub-zero Chicago.  I suppose it was this dramatic change that caused me to wake earlier than usual.  But this had one advantage, because while using the time to surf the Internet, I came across the most fascinating classified advertisments placed in the 4th January 1946 edition of The London Gazette.

This is a rather curious publication that has been going for a long, long time, and was commonly used by lawyers to publish announcements that were legally required to be made public.  I actually found two concurant and related announcements http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/37420/supplements/259 :

NOTICE is hereby given that by a deed poll dated

±he 27th day of December 1945 and duly enrolled in

the Supreme Court of Judicature on *the ist day of

January 1946, GERALD WOOTLIFF of 19, Wellhouse

Drive, Gledhow in the city of Leeds Dental

Student a natural born British subject renounced and

abandoned the surname of Waissblatt and assumed

in lieu thereof the surname of Wootliff—Dated the

ist day of January 1946.

HEPWORTH and CHADWICK, 14, Butts

Court, Albion Street, in the City of Leeds,

(130) .Solicitors for the said Gerald Wootliff.

NOTICE is hereby given that by a deed poll dated,

the 27th day of December 1945 and duly enrolled

in. the Supreme Court of Judicature on the ist day

of January 1946, JOSEPH LENARD WOOTLIFF

of 19, Wellhouse Drive, Gledhow in the city of Leeds,

"Tailor, and Costumier, a naturalized British subject,

-renounced and abandoned the surname of Waissblatt

and assumed in lieu thereof the surname of Wootliff.

—Dated the 1st day of January 1946.

 HEPWORTH and CHADWICK, 14, Butts

Court, Albion Street, in the City of Leeds,

{129) Solicitors for the said Joseph Lenard Wootliff.

My father had once told me that when he applied for the Royal Airforce, he had disovered that he had officially been born with the original name that the Wootliff family had brought to Britain from Poland.  I known this name to be Weisblatt, because of a branch of the family who had emigrated to the United States and retained the name, with this particular spelling.  But I do remember seeing the Waissblatt name on grave stones at my step-grandmother Rose's funeral, which must have been over 20 years ago.

It was quite common for Jews who immigrated to Britain to so-called 'anglicize' their names, so as to avoid the embarrassment of being known as a foriegner, and perhaps even as a Jew.  Weisblatt means White Leaf, and so your ancestors who arrived in Britain in the late eighteen hundreds decided to change the family name to Wootliff.  This was a particularly Yorkshire-sounding name, which was very fitting for a family that landed in the coastal town of Hull, where my father was to be born in 1923.

For some wierd reason, my father's father, Leonard, your great, great grandfather, had been born with the name of Waissblatt, which I assume was because his parents never got around to officially changing their surname.  As a result, my father was also officially born with the name of Gerald Waissblatt, although he was brought up as a Wootliff and had this name throughout his childhood, teens and early twenties.  These two announcements give notice of the fact that both Leonard and his son Gerald changed their name by deed poll, which is the legal term.

But what I still don't understand is that, according to these announcements, the change would have been when my father was already 24 years old.  This would have been after his service in the Royal Airforce.  So my question is why did my father officially change his name at this particular time?

Family history is interesting and important.  Unfortunately, it is easy to leave many questions unanswered.  By the time you get around to asking someone, people who would know are no longer alive.  Alas, this may be the case as for my father's name-change.  But I will ask my Aunt Barbara, my father's sister, and see whether she can shed any light on this family mystery.

Meanwhile, my dear Yael, I advise you to check your own birth certificate to find out whether your parents may have entered any information which now seems strange to you.



Grandpa Jonathan
Chicago, USA

A differant kind of climate change

After a final swim in Cancun's warm Gulf of Mexico waters, I packed and headed for the airport where I bought a few presents, including a cuddly sea turtle for your first Chanukah, my darling Yael. 

We flew almost exactly due north to Chicago where we arrived on time.  But what a shock to the system to leave the bliss of 22 celsius and arrive in minus 15 celsius with a bitter wind that made the temperature feel at least 10 degrees lower.  Chicago is known for its brutal winters, with frigid winds blowing from Canada across Lake Michegan.  It was absolutely horrible just leaving the airport to hop into a taxi.  This transition brings a whole new meaning to the term Climate Change.

I dined with my friend, Nick Kalm, at a favourite Chicago restaurant called Ditkas, which belongs to an American Football legend called Mike Ditka.  Now 71, Mike can often be seen chatting to people in this atmospheric steakhouse.  Just for the record, he was the only individual to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears' championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985.

Your grandfather had a wonderful boned steak which was about the size and shape of a small squash racket.  It was far too large, but I ate it all.....and enjoyed it very much.  I just can't understand how vegetarians survive.


Grandpa Jonathan
Chicago, USA

Modern-day Shakespearean tragedy

The discovery of the body of a 46 year-old man was found lifeless, hanging by a dog lead in his Manhattan appartment in the SoHo neighbourhood is absolutely everywhere this morning.  Tragically, on the second anniversary of his father's arrest in one of the most sensational fraud cases ever, Mark Madoff committed suicide. 

In March 2009, Madoff pleaded guilty to turning his wealth management business into a massive so-called Ponzi scheme that defrauded thousands of investors, including many leading charities, of billions of dollars.  His son leaves behind four children, ages 18, 16, 4 and 2, and and a wife.

It was the incredible scale of the fraud, combined with the fact that it had been perpertrated for so long by a respected member of the Wall Street's stockbroking comminity that made Bernie one of the most famous white collar criminals in history.  What he did was terrible.  His scam resulted in thousands of ordinary people losing their entire life savings, and even some charities which had invested their endowments with Madoff's firm had to close down.

Amazingly, inspite of the fact that Bernie's firm had been embezzeling billions of dollars for more than two decades, the fraud was apparently unknown to his two sons, who worked for the business, nor his wife.  We are led to beleive that he first confessed to his sons who reported him to the authorities.  As the crime details of his crimes were unravelled, the world was stunned by the enormous sums of money involved.  What had been seen as a respected New York Jewish family -- Bernie was a major benefactor -- had its reputation destroyed as the story unfolded.

We may never know the full truth.  But Bernie, who is in his seventies, is now serving 150 years behind bars, his wife has been stripped of all her wealth and now tries to live a low-profile existence in Florida, and he leaves another son and grandchildren with the burden of shame in carrying the infamous name of Madoff.  It is a sad, sad tale for all involved -- one of Shakesperian proportions.

I am spending my last day in Cancun enjoying the warm weather in anticipation to the cold norther climbs of Chicago where I will go tomorrow.


Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

Cancun climate change compromise

I had a very late night.  Actually, I didn't get to bed this morning until around 5.30am, just as the sun was beginning to rise on the horizon.

At the unearthly hour of 3pm, anticipation of a lackluster outcome from the climate summit gave way to near euphoria at the closing plenary here in Cancún. It marked another dramatic end to a grueling two weeks of touch talks.  With the massive convention hall filled with self-congratulatory cheers accompanied by numerous standing ovations as conference president, Patricia Espinosa -- who is Mexico's minister for foreign affairs -- heralded the result as "a new era in international cooperation on climate change."

Having been attending these negotiations myself since Kyoto, your grandfather had become quite jaded by the rollercoaster of ups and downs that I've witnessed over the years. And yet I was deeply moved by the dramatic finale as Espinosa, described as a goddess by India's gregarious environment minister, was given a standing ovation as she formally presented the text to the negotiations with tears in her eyes.

It was a real joy to hear another woman, the newly elected U.N. climate chief, Christiana Figueres, who was sitting next to Ms. Espinosa throughout the proceedings, pronounce: "The beacon of hope has been reignited and faith in the multilateral climate change process to deliver results has been restored."

History will tell just how much of a success this summit has been.  I would describe the outcome more as a compromise than a triumph.  At least the process has been kicked forward to the next meeting at the end of 2011 in Durban, South Africa, when we must hope that the 194 nations of the world finallly come to an agreement on a new international treaty that will effectly reduce manmade greenhouse gas emissions.  It is so frustrating to see how slowly the wheels of international negotiations turn.  Years and years of wrangling seem to have achieved not much more than an agreement to continue talking.

However, the climate change challenge is clearly an issue that is of concern to every country on earth.  In the years that I have been involved, I have certainly seen an ecouraging shift towards universal agreement that something needs to be done.  Gone are the days when there were voices of doubt about the whole topic.  And many countries are implementing all kinds of environmentally-friendly measures that no one would have expected only a few years ago.

But it is quite shocking that decisions about what amounts to the most issue to face humanity are being deliberated by the nations of the world at 3am in the morning.  The summit was supposed to have finished nine hours earlier, but the leadership was determined to keep going until some resolution could be found.  So, as usual, this highly complex process was saved from collapse at the last minute. 

This has been another extaordinary experience for me to witness at first hand how the world is run.  In spite of the frustrations, I do remain confident that good sense will eventually prevail and that we will join together as one world to avert a real crisis.  I've met many interesting people, spent time with old friends and colleagues, and written many words about this summit.  It's been another life-changing week for me.  Here is the conclusion of my blog that I contributed to the Huffington Post by way of summarising the experience:

Personally, Cancún took on a whole new meaning for me. I've been one of many voices talking for years about the essential need to ensure that our grandchildren inherit a viable and healthy planet. Last August, I became a proud grandfather.

Climate change must be abated. An enduring agreement must be reached. We owe it to my new granddaughter, Yael, and all the grandchildren of the world.

After all the drama, and a distinct lack of sleep, I spent much of the day dong nothing of any consequence.  I swtiched from saving the world to swimming in the warm sea, and lying in a deck chair by the pool wating for the pretty Mexican girls to notice me.  They didn't, but at least I had a relaxing time.


Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

Crunch time in Cancun

It's nearly midnight here at the climate summit in Cancun and there is still no indication of the likely outcome.  Negotiators remain behind closed doors while the rest of us are generally milling around in expectation that the plenary sesssion will start any time now.  The chairman of this event had committed to closing the talks promptly at 6pm, but that has never happened in the past, and this is Latin America.

Talking to people here, I do sense a growing feeling of optimism that at least something positive can be agreed so as to keep the process moving forward.  Last year in Copenhagen, the summit ended in miserable deadlock with everyone leaving with a deep feeling of despondancy.  We are all just hoping and praying now that something more upbeat will emerge.

It's going to be a long night as we await the results of these critical negotiations.  With 13 years having passed since the historic first agreement on climate change mitigation reached in Kyoto, I am keeping my fingers and toes firmly crossed that good sense and goodwill will prevail.  The future health of Planet Earth is in the balance tonight.


Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

More student protests in London

Today's scenes of huge student protests in London against the British government's proposal to triple university tuition fees seem like a world away from here in Central America.  All day, I have been watching angry scenes over there as the debate took place in the House of Commons.  By early evening, as news reached the protestors that the government won the vote and the legislation will therefore go through, tensions on the streets mounted.

Unfortunately, as is so often the case with demonstrations, a minority took advantage of the situation to behave violently and destructively which has the effect of diluting the credibility of the arguments of the mainstream protestors.  But I am pleased to see students bothering to go out on a freezing cold day and make their feeling known.  It is important for people to express their views and British students are at least fortunate to live in a country where they are allowed to do so.  Alas, they are less fortunate when it comes to taking advantage of a university education.  Inevitably, there will be those from poorer families who will be deprived of further education as a consequence of this austerity measure. 

While I am not against some charge being levied for university education, the sum of 16,000 pounds will be prohibitive to many.  I do not beleive that a civilised socieity should expect young people to have to fork out so much for going to university.  The government is taking a regressive step for which I am sure they pay a heavy price as its popularity surely takes a nose dive.  It is extraordinary that the Liberal-Democratic party, who are in coalition with the Conservatives, have supported this draconian measure.  They will definately be punished by voters at the next election.  The party has long been marginal in British politics and I wouldn't be surprises if, after this brief foray of power, the Liberals will be driven to the edge of extintion.  And your grandfather says: "Good riddance!"

Amazingly, Prince Charles and the Dutchess of Cornwall got inadvertently caught up in the protests as their Rolls Royce was pelted with paint bombs and the back window smashed while on their way to the premier of a show at the London Paladium.  "Off with their heads" were the cries being chanted by some protestors.  Well, I have no doubt that there will be some senior police officers whose heads will roll for allowing the Royal couple into the eye of this storm.

Meanwhile, here in Cancun the climate summit progresses.  Or does it.  With less than 24 hours to go and negotiations as in flux as ever, who know whether there is going to be some kind of positive outcome.  This grandfather's fingers remain firmly crossed.



Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

El Presidente

The highlight of my day at the climate summit was meeting the president of Mexico, the country hosting what is turning out to be the usual spectacle of intergovernmental haggling over the future of our planet.  I snapped him on my Blackberry just prior to shaking his hand

But what makes this even so differant from last year's in Copenhagen -- apart from it being a pleasant 22 celsius in contrast to 15 below in the Danish capital -- is the Latin approach.  President Felipe Calderón, who has two years remaining until the end of his six year term in office, has been setting the tone by walking around the conference in a relaxed manner and talking friendlily with anyone and everyone.

But this casual appearance disguises the critical and high pressure negotations that are going on betwen the 194 nations represented here.  Meetings went on well into last night.  Right now, the differances seem to be as great as ever with fears that the event will end in deadlock.  Everyone who wants a solution knows that it would be quite disasterous for this whole process for these talks to end in the same dissapointing way as last year.  I honestly beleive that the credibility of multilaterilsm is at stake here.

Another contrast to last year is the limited media coverage.  In Copenhagen, where 120 heads of state and government came, the summit attracted massive news attention.  There are some 2,000 reporters here as opposed to the 3,000-strong press corps at the previous event.  I was told by the single BBC reporter here that the BBC News budget had been stretched by the huge coverage of the dramatic Chilean miners' rescue.  There were 30 BBC staff covering the Copenhagen meeting.

My expectations for a meaningful outcome here are low.  But I really do hope that enough will emerge to allow the process to move forward to next year's scheduled talks in Durban.  It's 16 years since this U.N. series of international discussions started and 13 years since the first legally-binding treaty was agreed in Kyoto.  While I had been beginning to doubt that a successor agreement will ever emerge, I can see that there is concerted effort going on to succeed.  The original treaty expires in 2012, so time is surely running out.

On a lighter note, it is so pleasant to go to bed at night with my balcony window open and hear the soundes of the waves.  Waking up in the morning to the sight of a beautiful beach with the sun rising on the horizon is exilerating.

Grandpa Jonathan

Cancun, Mexico

 

Our days our numbered

Although I am almost fully immersed in the climate summit here in Cancun, I was moved today at the sad news of the death of Elizabeth Edwards, the estranged wife of the former U.S. Senator for North Carolina, John Edwards.  Elizabeth was only 61 years old, and had endured a long battle with cancer. 

John Edwards became particularly famous when he ran as the Democratic VIce Presidential candidate in John Kerry's failed campaign in 2004, which they lost to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.  When I took your father on a visit to Washington DC a few years ago, it was through the then-Senator Edwards office that I arrange a tour of the Senate.

The baby-faced, clean-cut senator's career crashed when it was found that he had a child with one of his campaign staff, which he subsequently denied.  It marked a tragic end to a promising political career.  Although Elizabeth, who was an impressive woman in her own right, initially stood by her man, they subsequently separated, but never divorced.

It was reported that John Edwards was at her bedside along with their children when she died, at their North Carolina home.  Infidelity so often destroys the trust that people like the Edwards had built together over many years of marriage.  Having met at university, it is clear from everything I have read and seen that they had been very much in love.  How sad that her life should end in this way.

Tragedy is not new to the Edwards whose son Wade died in a car crash in 1996 at the age of 16 in a freak wind storm.  I've written about this before, and will say again that it must be unimaginably painful to lose a child. 

Just one day before her death, Elizabeth made this very poignant facebook entry:

Her comment about all of our days being numbered really touched me.  We never know what will happen tomorrow,  Writing this daily blog makes me has raised my awareness that our days are numbered, this being my 123rd missive since your birth, my darling Yael. I do hope to have the opportunity to write many thousands of entries, which will certainly keep you busy,

You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces -- my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It's called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel towards everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.

Grandpa Jonathan

Cancun, Mexico

Climate talks in Cancun

It has become something of a regular pilgrimage for me to attend the United Nations annual climate change summit.  As usual, this is an incredible spectacle of more than 20,000 people from 194 nations come together to try and reach agreement on how to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions and avert irreversible climate change.

My first summit was in 1997 in Japan's historic city of Kyoto at which an initial international treaty was agreed.  Sadly the United States, which is the world's single largest emitter of GHGs, subsequently failed to have the agreement ratified by Congress.  Without U.S. participation the deal has been relatively ineffective, and anyway, the so-called Kyoto Protocol is due to expire in 2012.  So this gathering is particularly critical, especially after the dissapointing breakdown of last year's talks in Copenhagen.

This has increasingly become a debate between rich and poor nations.  There is pressure on the developed countries, who are the biggest polluters, to reduce their use of fossil fuels, which are the main cause of the problem.  Meanwhile, the poorer countries are demanding financial compensation in return for curbing their emissions.  The science seems as complicated as the problem.

Your existence in the world makes this event a very differant experience for me.  Climate change is an issue about the future.  For years now, those like me who have campaigned for meaningful steps to be taken to mitigate climate change have argued that this must be done for the sake of our grandchildren.  We have long argued that it our responsiblity to protect our precious planet so that future generations will not suffer.

My dear Yael, you represent the true inspiration for finding the solution to climate change.  While it's unlikely that there will be any agreement reached here in Cancun this week, the political process will continue.  I remain optimistic that the world will come together to fix the problem, for the benefit of you and future generations.


Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

Caribbean sunrise

I awoke before dawn and threw back the curtains to see the sun rising on the horizon.  As the sky brightened, the dark ocean developed that wonderful azure colour that associate with the Caribbean.  Looking out over the Gulf of Mexico is a wonderful way to start one’s day.

My main mission was accomplished in obtaining my media pass.  There is massive security surrounding this U.N. climate convention.  I passed many Mexican police and army roadblocks on my half hour journey to the conference venue.  But being Sunday, there was no official business and everything was quiet and effortless.  This is the calm before the storm, as tomorrow will be buzzing with 20,000 delegates.

I’m happy to report that your grandfather spent a relaxing afternoon by the pool.  Actually, I should say pools, because this hotel has more than a dozen of them in their gardens overlooking the beach.  Back to hard work tomorrow.

Grandpa  Jonathan

Cancun, Mexico

Mexico, here I come

It seemed weird as I left home this morning, when it was minus 14 degrees Celsius, that in less than 15 hours I would be in the warmth of the Caribbean.  Because of the freezing conditions, I was concerned that my flight to London would be delayed, thus missing my connecting flight to New York.  But all went smoothly.  I even had a comfortable three hours at JFK airport to catch up on emails and the like before my final flight down to Cancun in Mexico. I was happy to see a chanukiah on welcome desk at American Airlines premium lounge. This was a lovely reminder that today is the third day of Chanukah.

It’s my first visit to the Yucatán Peninsular, so I look forward to seeing what it’s like. I have arrived at 10pm so the darkness prevents me from seeing much.  I’ve checked in to the Hilton and have a balcony twice the size of my room, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico.  I can hear the ocean and will go nicely to sleep with the windows open.

Tomorrow I will collect my media pass for the United Nations climate summit which I am attending all of next week.  The sad news of Israel’s devastating forest fires on the hills surrounding Haifa, which are still burning at the time of writing, are particularly ironic given the topic of the talks that I am attending.  Climate change is being increasingly blamed as the cause of many such forest fires.  The number of such natural catastrophes in the world has increased exponentially in recent years as global warming kicks in.


Grandpa Jonathan
Cancun, Mexico

Weather, not climate.....stupid

With Britain experiencing the coldest weather since records began, why am I surprised to read the usual clap trap from the so-called 'climate sceptics' who don't believe that man-induced carrbon dioxide and other so-called greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) are dangerously impacting on the world's climate?  The front page of today's Express Newspaper, one of Britain's most facile of tabloids, has a snow covered scene with the headline Global Warming?  It's the Coldest Winter on Record.

As I prepare to leave for the United Nations climate change in Mexico, it is extraordinary how many people continue to deny that our climate is changing.  This flux is sometimes known as 'Global Warming", but it is actually just shorthand for 'Climate Change'.  The fact is that over 95 percent of climatologists have identified a significant increase in the average temperature of the planet, whcih they direclty blame on the acceleration of GHGs that we are pumping in to the atmosphere.

Local weather conditions vary.  There is no connection between this and the big-picture phenomenon of climate change. 

As I make this point of clarification, I am mindful of how funny this will read in years to come, by the time that climate change is universally accepted and the world has become fully committed to curbing GHGs, having conquered its addiction to fossil fuels and now using clean, renewable energy technology.

Right now, as a pack my suitcase for the warmth of Cancun, it's -15 degrees celsius outside, here in Prague, with more than 12 centimetres of snow on the ground. 


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

World Cup misery

Using sporting parlance, I can say that the people of England today felt "gutted" and "robbed".

In spite of the sterling efforts of a King-to-be, Prince William, a footballing superstar, David Beckham, and Prime Minister David Cameron who led a team which included many other luminaries from the world of English football, the nation today learnt that it lost its campaign to host the 2018 World Cup.  The so-called 'Three Lions' attended the three day finale in Zurich, Switzerland of what has been a two year campaign.  Alas, we lost out to Russia.

The whole process has been complicated by allegations of corruption, particularly from the British media who had suggested that some of the voting officals of FIFA, the international football federation.  The organisation rejected these accusations and it is beleived in some quarters that this adversely impacted on England's chances of success.  Because of the lack of transparency at FIFA, we may never know what really happened.

This now means that England, who last hosted the World Cup in 1966 when we beat West Germany 4-2 in a dramatic final, that the event cannot again come to England until at least 2030 when your grandfather will be 70 and you, my dear Yael, will be 20 years old.  It seems like a long time to wait, but if England wins its then, I shall be pleased to take you to some of the matches.



Grandpa Jonathan

Religious freedom

On the eve of Chanukah, I was impressed by the comments of Brititish Chief Rabbi Rabbi Jonathan Sachs who was speaking on this morning's Thought for the Day slot on BBC Radio 4's Today Programme.
 
He recalled hsi experience twenty years ago when he lit Chanukah candles with Mikhail Gorbachev, the last president of the USSR, the former Soviet Union. He was asked to explain the siginificance of the festival. He said that it was about when Israel was under Greek rule and how the tyrannical leader, Attiochus IV, deprived the Jews of their religious rights.  It was thanks to the inspiration of an elderly priest, Mattityahu, a group of Jews fought for their freedom and won, regaining control of Jerusalem, cleansing the defiled Temple and relighting the menorah, the great candelabrum. And we've lit lights ever since on the anniversary of that rededication.
 
Rabbi Sachs then went on and said that for seventy years under communist rule the Jews of the Soviet Union had lost the freedom to practise their faith. And it was under Mikhail Gorbachev himself and his policy of glasnost that that freedom was restored. So in a sense he was part of the story of Hanukkah more than 2000 years later. Gorbacev litterally blushed by seeing his political achievements in that kind of historical context.
 
Alas, the battle for religious freedom still continues today. In many parts of the world Jews, Christians and Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and others are still persecuted because of their faith.  The simple symbolism of candle-lighting is shared by so many faiths, not just Jews on Chanukah but Christians  at prayer,  Hindusand Sikhs at Diwali.
 
Surely no one's flame  threaten another's, nor does their's diminish mine, and each time someone lights one, whatever his or her faith, the world becomes a little brighter for all of us.  That's why religious freedom matters and why religious diversity enlarges us all.
 
I have very powerful childhood memories of lighting Chanukah candles and recieivng presents.  You are too young to remember your first Chanukah, but I know that your parents will.  May you enjoy the excitiment of this lovely festival first as a child, and then eventually as a parent too.


 
Grandpa Jonathan

Journey's End

I was especially taken by today's Good Read programme on BBC Radio 4 on which the World War I play, Journey's End, by R.C. Sherriff was reviewed.

Set in the a British trench, located just meters from the German line, I studied this play when I was 15 and 16 years old for my English Litterature 'O' Level examination.  It is a powerful and moving play about the horror and senslessness of the so-called Great War.  It lets you into the lives of young soldiers who were facing what appeared to be inevitable death.  Sadly, the play's outcome fulfills expectations.

The First World War was said to be the one to end all wars.  Tragically, this was not to be.  Not only did millions of young lives get cut down in the horrors of World War I, but this terrible conflict provided the seeds for the Second World War which was to wipe out millions more.

My darling Yael, I hope you get the opportunity to see or read Journey's End.  I have seen it on stage a couple of times.  It was written a long time ago, with very differant language and attitudes to that of today.  But I beleive you will enjoy it, and I know it will provide you with a human and emotional insight into such a momentous event in history.


Grandpa Jonathan

WikiLeaks

Politicians and diplomats across the world are reeling this morning from the news of the unauthorised released of more than a quarter of a million confidential emails from the U.S. State Department on the highly controversial Wikileaks website.  These leaked dispatches provide many fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into  the U.S. administration..

I am deeply dubious of the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's condemnation of the leaks, saying that this act puts U.S. lives at risk in various parts of the world.  They appear to be embarrassing, but not dangerous to me.  Indeed, I am delighted that we have investigative journalists and Internet outlets like WikiLeaks that can tell us what is really happening.

Transparency is key to the good health of any democracy, and I fear the consequences of any government that says one thing publicly while doing something else privately.  Of course it is necessary for some issues that could compromise security to be kept under wraps.  But what I have seen from these revelations, there are no military or state secrets that have been released into the public domain.

Of most concern is the anxiety raised by many Arab nations including Saudi Arabia about the danger of allowing Iran to develop its nuclear capability.  There are dispatches which clearly show how badly these countries would like the U.S. to take action to stop this worrying development.  This pretty much confirms what we already knew, but having this confirmed sends shivers up my spine. 

While the U.S together with other Western nations including the U.K. somewhat hopelessly try to eliminate the Taliban's, it appears that we are doing little or nothing to curb the growign threat of Iran to world stability.  Maybe the public concern caused by this disclosure will galvanise our leaders to develop an effective strategy to deal with Iran.  The problem is that it is not easy to find an effective solution without risking terrible military confrontation.


Grandpa Jonathan

Another controversial week in Israel

"Jews are news", again turned out to be so true this week as the Israeli Knesset approved a bill which would requirs a two-thirds  majority to cede land in east Jerusalem to the Palestinians or in the Golan Heights to Syria. Failing that, either withdrawal would become subject to a referendum.

I'm all for our politicians making decisions that properly reflect people's aspirations.  It would be awful to think that any Israeli government would run rough-shod over the views of the public.  I therefore see nothing wrong with the principle of a referendum, or even a parliamentary vote.

My problem is that this new measure from the Netanyahu administration could appear to the world as the Israeli goverment building yet another obstacle to the possibility of peace the Palestinians or Syria.  I would now like to see the Israeli Prime Minister putting extra effort into conveying his heartfelt hope that peace can be achieved.

My dear Yael: every time I write something about Israel's security and the continuing tensions with some of its neighbours, I cannot help but wish that this will all read as some kind of a history lesson to a young woman who has never know anything but peace.  I remain confident that this is the last chapter in the story of modern Israel's struggle for universal recognition.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Desk work

Your grandfather spent a reasonably productive but not particularly stimulating day at his desk working on his computer.  Alas, sometimes I have to do what most normal people do.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Joseph Dunbar

Joseph Dunbar celebrated his 17th birthday last Thursday.  The following day he proudly started his new job at the River Pike coal mine, located 46 km east of the small town of Greymouth in the West Coast Region of New Zealand's South Island.

Shortly after excitedly entering the tunnel, a massive explosion ripped through the mine, trapping the teenager together with 28 workmates some two and a half kilometers from the entrance.  In spite of the ferocity of the explosion, but encouraged by the dramatic rescue of miners trapped in Chile just a couple of weeks ago, relatives remained hopeful that a similar miracle would happen this time in New Zealand.

But I awoke this morning to news that another massive explosion occured at the River Pike mine overnight.  Even had these miners survived last week's blast, experts were now sure that they would all now have perished.

Orphan is the word for someone who loses a parent, and widow for someone who loses their wife.  But there is no word in the English language to describe a parent who loses a child.  Today, the parents of Joseph Dunbar will be mourning the loss of their teenage son, as will the nearest and dearest of all of the other lost miners.  The pain of losing a child is absolutely unimaginable to me.

It is awful that anyone has to make a living by working in an underground pit.  And it is particularly shocking that young men like Joseph, not yet having become a legal adult, are sent down into the bowels of the earth. What is a civilised country like New Zealand doing sending people of such a tender age down into these ugly and dangerous pits?

As a parent, my thoughts today are with Dean and Philippa Dunbar.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Conflict in Korea

I could have woken this morning to better news that that of North Korea having unleashed a missile attack on it southern neighbour overnight.  The totalitarian power in paradoxically named Democratic People's Republic of Korea, has effectivley been at war with the truly democratic Republic of Korea since 1950.

The infamous Korean War actually began in 1950 and ended with an armistice two years later.  South Korea was supported by the United States, while its enemy was bolstered by China and the USSR.  It was a bloody conflict, with its pathos brilliantly depicted in the American television black comedy series, MASH. I really like this show, particulary becuase of the way it so cleverly highlights the awful futility of war.  Alas, the conflict continues this day, as exemplified by today's skirmish in Asia.

It's worth adding that North Korea is an isolated dicatorship, governeed with an iron fist.  It's people have no access to any independent information with their radios and televisions manufactured so they can only receive State channels.  Quite a contrast to South Korea, which is an open, free and bustling 'Western' society.  I last briefly visited the capital, Seoul, in 2007.

My dear Yael, you unfortanately live in another part of the world where conflict sadly endures.  The tensions in the Middle East are by no means unique.  In fact, at the time of writing this, there are more than 70 unresolved military conflicts in the world.

But it wasn't all gloom and doom today.  This afternoon came official word that the date of Williiam and Kate's wedding has been set for 29th April 2011, and the Royal wedding will herald a public holiday.  No soon as this news broke, it seemed that the media's attention shifted from the crisis on the Korean Peninsula to British nuptial fever.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Austerity

Austertiy seems to be the word of the moment with today's acceptance by the Irish government of a financial bail out package from the Eureopean Union and International Monetary Fund.  If it is to meet the lending requirements, Britain's closest neighbour is going to have to seriously tighten its belt and introduce massive austertiy measures.  Without the loan, the nation could go bankcrupt.

The British Conservative-Liberal coalition government has been rolling out a long and agonising series of so-called austerity measures over the past few weeks with a focus on reducing public services.  The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne has been justifying what amounts to a savage attack on welfare, health and education, by saying this is the only way to avoid the fate of Ireland.  Ironically, in spite of its apparent urgent need to reduce its deficit, Britain has pledged around seven billion euros towards the rescue fund, arguing that it is in the 'national interest' to save Ireland's economy given its impoortance as a significant trading partner.

Many governments are introducing austerity measures as they struggle to recover from the financial collapse of the past two years, triggered by the irresponsible lending practices of the banks.  As the general public begin to feel the pain of what will inevitably appear to be draconian cuts, they will increasingly wonder why banks profits are on the rise once again.  Inevitably it will be the financially needy who will suffer during this times, and not the well-paid banking executives who steered the capitalist world into this road wreck in the first place.

We've yet to see the details of the Irish government's austerity budget, but there can be little doubt that it will adversly impact on services to the most needy.  The more butcheryof public services that I am following in Britian, the more I beleive that this provides a perfect excuse for the Conservatives to do what they have historically done best, which is to reward the rich and punish the poor.  Or am I just a socialisit cynic?

I have long beleived that economics is similar to the weather.  In spite of an over-abundance of highly qualified economists, no one ever seems to predict the bad times.  In my adult life, I have witnessed no less of three cyles of boom and bust.  It seems to me that when the sun is shining the rich get richer, and when the cloud cover comes, the poor get poorer.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Condom breakthrough

Today's reports of remarks by Pope Benedict that the use of condoms might not always be wrong could herald a major breakthrough.

The Catholic church's public opposition to birth control has caused unbridled population growth in many of the poorest parts of the world where people can least afford large families.  And its condemnation of the use of condoms has helped to spread HIV and AIDS, particularly in Africa.

The Pope commands considerable power to influence people's behaviour and this apparent liberalisation in the Vatican's position on condums is long overdue.

His explanation is somewhat bizaare, as he suggests that the use of condoms might be justified on a case by case basis to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS, enabling him to retain his opposition to artificial birth control.  But I see no reason to look this gift horse in the mouth.

I cetainly support the notion that religious leaders should serve as a positive influence on the way people behave in society, and I welcome many of their inspiring comments about the need to strive for peace in the world, respect for people of differant races, the elimination of poverty and the like.  But I do not beleive that the Pope or any other religious leader has any rightful place in people's bedrooms, particularly when this leads to the widespread practice of unsafe sex.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Dull day, bright night

As the days draw in, we have to accept the fact the number of daylight hours is diminishing.  And with cloud overhead, today has been particularly dull, in stark contrast to the evening, when the sky cleared to reveal a brillian full moon.  It's almost brigher at the time of writing this, than during the day. 

The full moon reminds me of the suggestion that my dietician gave me for having one 'detoxitation day' each month, when I only drink tea.  He told me that it would be most effective to do this when the moon is full because this is when the gravitational pull is greatest on the body.  It sounds a bit weird to me.  But maybe I will try it next month.  If your grandfather dissappears as a result, you may see him floating around the moon.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Video killed the radio star

I was very pleased to get confirmation today that the Huffington Post, a leading US online newspaper, wants me to submit a daily report from the upcoming United Nations intergovermental climate summit to be held next month in Cancun, Mexico.  You will be hearing much from me about this event in the coming weeks.  For now, it is interesting to note that the Huffington Post has caused some surprise, attracting more readers than many major newspapers.  It is massively growing in influence.

It occurs to me that you may find it hard to understand why this is so amazing to me, because it is possible that online publications will be the primary source of news and opinion by the time you get around to reading this.  I would really like to look into a crystal ball to find out what the future has in store for the newspaper that you can actually hold in your hands.

This reminds me of the song, Video Killed the Radio Star which celebrates the golden days of radio, describing a singer whose career is cut short by television.  Released in 1979 by a British pop group called The Buggles, who I'd never heard of before or since this one-hit wonder, this song symbolised the fascinating question about the impact of new technology on society.  Thankfully, television didn't kill the radio, which is as imporant to me as the air that I breath.

While I'm delighted to contribute to the Huffington Post, I do hope that growing interest in online media will not destroy the conventional news publishing industry.  Time will tell whether the Internet killed the newspaper.  Not such a catchy song title.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Growing old, uncomfortably

Your grandfather has just returned from a rock concert here in Prague performed by the 66 year-old legend, Joe Cocker.  His unique, gravelly voice is as powerful as ever, and inspite of his age, there were many young people in the audience.  It's his ballad, You are so beautiful, that always touches me the most.  It's a song that only he can really sing.

When I first went to rock concerts, the performers were young, long-haired, rebellious types, seeminly dedicated to taking as many drugs, having as much sex as possible, and to overthrowing the 'establishment'.  But today, these same stars, look like bank managers, with short hair, conservatively cut clothes.  Gone are the calls of revolution, the haze of dope smoke or the screaming loose women. 

While I enjoyed the concert for its music, I could not help but feeling dissapointed by the soberness of the occasion.  Rock and roll used to represent expressions of dissent from the younger generation.  Rock idols were generally against the status quo, apparently pushing for radical change in society.  It was all about peace and love, and anti-capitalism and equality.  Now it seems to be more about enhancing the bank balances of the stars.

The concert ended by 11.30pm, no doubt enabling Joe to go back to his hotel and get his beauty sleep.  What a change from those heady days in the seventies, the legendary Woodstock festival at which a much younger Cocker performed.  Rock and roll was going to change the world.   What happened?  Your grandfather must to confess not to be be growing old comfortably.

Grandpa Jonathan

Prague, Czech Republic

Euro's woes

Good news rarely stays at the top of the media agenda for long.  Waking up to this morning's news of Ireland's accelerating financial crisis after the joy of yesterday announcent of Royal nuptials, was a stark reminder of this.

Ireland is apparently on the verge of bankcrupcy, as was Greece until it was bailed out by the European Union.  And we are told that Portugal and Spain are also facing the prospect of financial collapse.  These four weak links in the Euro chain have been nicknamed the PIGS.  The big worry is that the PIGS could really mess with the stability of the Euro, and even jeopardise the currency's future.

Your grandfather was very excited by the introduction of the Euro at the start of 2002.  Less than 60 years after this continent was torn apart by terrible conflict, former enemies were now sharing the same banknotes.  I am a passonate supporter of the European Union.  It may have its imperfections, but it is a miracle of mankind for nations to collaborate so closely on important issues of common interest.  I am not discouraged by the seeminly endless political bickering between member states.  Jaw, jaw is far better than war, war -- to coin a phrase of Winston Churchill's.

But I am worried that the current financial problems facing four of the 16 countries using the Euro could fatally undermine the currency's future.  I was told the other day that the Germans never destroyed their old Marks, and that the banknotes are held in secure storage in case the government were to urgently decide to leave the Euro.  If Germany were to quit, this would surely result in the currency's demise.

As of now, Britain is still not in the Euro and continues to use the good old Pound.  I wonder whether this currency will still be around by the time you are old enough to read this blog.  It's my hope that our politicians will have the courage to stregnthen the Euro and ensure its future stability; and that Britain will show its confidence in the project by joining the Euro in the not-to-distant future.

But until the current financial hurricane passes, all we can expect is for the European Union, the International Monetary Fund and others to help to keep ailing Euro economies above water.  When the economy bucks up and the sun comes out again, let's hope that as optimism grows, so does peoples appetite for the Euro.

One financial postscript from yesterday's news of William and Kate's impending wedding, is that some economists are predicting that the event will bring in more than a billion dollars to the British economy.  At least we have a wedding to look forward to.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Rebublic

Soon to be Princess...and one day Queen

"Soon she will be Princess, and one day she will be Queen", were the first words I heard when turning on the radio just before lunchtime today.

These were the words of a BBC reporter, with news of the impending marriage of Prince William to his long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton.  Like it or not, this is a truly historical moment, as we witness the continuity of almost a thousand years of history of British Royalty.

In this modern era, there is a tendency to be rather cynical about the British Royal Family.  It's fashionable to ask whether it has any relevance or it it's just an unecessary expense.  But it seems that all of this negative talk has got completely thrown out of the window, as the media shows scenes of unbridled joy in Britain today.  And fascination of Kate and William's engagement has rapidly spread throughout the world.  All of the major U.S. news networks opened their morning shows today with dramatic fanfares, and even the Czech media is devoting massive airtime to the story.

I am surprised about how emotional I am about this news.  I remember the wedding of William's parents 29 years ago.  Your grandmother Veronica and I watched the ceremony from the office window of our friend Robin Ellison, just a stone's throw from St. Paul's Cathedral.  Your grandfather was perched on a second floor window sill taking photographs with my two beloved Nikon cameras with long lenses attached.  I have some wonderful photographs which you must see of this great event.

The birth of Prince William is another day etched in my memory, with happy photos of his mother cradling him in her arms.  Of course, I recall the day that Prince William's died in a car accident in Paris just over ten years ago.  I was deeply touched by the scenes of the happy couple posing for photographs in St. James Palace this afternoon.  In fact there is no other family's life that I have followed more than British Royalty.  It may seem strange for you but this announcement feels very much a part of my life.

Love is beautiful, and the deep feelings that this couple, who have been going out together for nearly a decade, was very clear for everyone to see.  In spite of the declining popularity of marriage -- with a third less people in Britain tying the knot today compared to 30 years ago -- everyone adores a wonderful wedding.  These may be so-called times of austerity, but the wedding planned for next spring or summer is bound to be of fairy tale proportions.

Kate and William, both 28 years old, have been living together near his military base in Anglesy for the past six months.  I was therefore amused by his father's comment that "they have been practicing for long enough".  Another interesting sign of the times is that Kate is the first 'commoner' (non-aristocrat) to marry into the Royal family.  And with so many modern marriages sadly breaking down, it was wonderful to hear William say that he had chosen this women with whom to share the rest of his life.

Amusingly, given the rather dismal record of failed Royal marraiges, Prime Minister David Cameron's description of "unadulterated joy", raised a few eyebrows as he stood on the steps of Number 10 Downing Street today.

I beleive in the institution of marraige profoundly.  To live with someone in good times and bad, to support and cherish them whatever the pressures, is wonderful.  I can think of nothing more uplifting than growing old toegether with the person you adore more than anyone else in the world.  I hope that the love which radiates from this union will have a positive impact on us all.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Introspection

A good friend of mine made an observation about me today which has really made me think.  She suggested that I didn't look comfortable in my own skin, and that I wanted to jump out of my body.  The idea iniitially amused me, but then I realised that it has some truth.

Your grandfather has a tendency towards becoming easily irritated and bad tempered, mostly about things of little or no importance.  I have often wondered whether this is symptomatic of some inner feelings that I could adjust for the better.  To be quite honest, I do beleive that I am in an almost constant state of discontent.  Although I lead an interesting life, live in a lovely home, am fortunate to have terrific friends, have lovely children and an adorable grandchild, when I am being introspective, I do feel that I have yet to find my place in this world.

It's not in my nature to be negative, in fact I am mostly energetic, optimistic and enthusiastic.  But I have this nagging feeling that I haven't fully found myself, and in particular, I am without any clear direction as to where I am going in life.  It's not easy to explain, and I am not quite sure of the purpose of using my blog for this kind of introspection.  But one of its purposes if for you to gain some insights into what your grandfather is (or was) really like.

I've previously mentioned my concern about the absence of a life strategy.  I may be without one, but that does not mean that I am simply prepared to aimlessly live one day to another.  I am continuing to look for that all-important path.

Perhaps I've had too much time at home to idly think about such matters.  Maybe it's time to get back on the road in search of adventure, and forget about such inward thinking.  Or maybe it's high time for me to force myself into plotting out a plan for living.



Gramdpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Glorious Dead

I never fail to be moved by scenes from London's Whitehall on Rememberence Sunday -- that closest to 11th November -- when the Queen and the Royal Family, together with dignatories from Britian and the Commonwealth, lay wreaths in memory of our war dead.  They are joined by thousands of ex-servicemen, many old and some with terrible injuries, who proudly march past the Cenotraph memorial to honour their fallen colleagues.  As I watch them file past on television, I look at their faces and wonder what incredible life stories these people have to tell.

The words "Glorious Dead" boldly engraved on the elegant marble war memorial, originally unveiled exactly 90 years ago, always attract my attention.  I wonder whether it is glorious to be dead.  As a young man, fired up with anti-war idealism, I used to deride this approach as a cynical means for the establishment to glorify war.  But I see it differantly now.  War is awful, and one of its consequences is death.  It is surely right to pay tribute to those who made that ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their country.

At the risk of becoming overly philosphical, I suppose that it makes sense to describe death as glorious.  After all, when we die, it's permenant.  Life is only a transient stage which always culminates in death.  Life wouldn't be of much value if we didn't hold death in the highest regard.

Today, I salute all those who have tragically and needlessly lost their lives in conflicts.  In spite of our intelligence and ability to achieve greatness, hostility and aggression remain as a significant feature of human nature.  We must understand the pain of war, and pass this on to future generations in the hope that disputes can be resolved peacefully.  If we were to learn the true lessons of war, and put down our weapons for ever, the death of those killed in warfare would indeed become glorious.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

100 today ! ! !

Mazel tov, my dearest Yael.  You have reached your first century.  It is exactly 100 days ago that you came into this world.  In such a short time, you have filled so many people's hearts with such love and joy. 

If I ruled the world, I would change the system so that you have a birthday every one hundred days, and not every 365 days as it is at the moment.  It would be much simpler and more fun.  More than three times as many birthdays as we get right now.  So, if I were World Ruler, today would be your first birthday, dear Yael.  But as I am not you will have to wait another nine months.  Don't worry, time will fly, beleive me.

There's been some happy news from Burma today where the military junta has released the opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi after seven years under hous arest.  Aung San Suu Kyi is a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to peacefully confronting the dicatorship in her country and fighting for democracy.  She's an attractive and youthful woman in her early sixties who, if given real freedom, could emerge another inspiring international like South Africa's Nelson Mandela.  But we will have to see whether the Burmese authorities, who have kept this wonderfully elegant and composed woman imprisoned for 15 out of the past 21 years, will losen their grip on her movements. 

Grandpa Jonatha
Prague, Czech Republic

Skype baby

It was lovely to see you today on Skype, my darling Yael.  I took this picture of you while we were chatting.  You have changed so much and get more beautiful each time I see you.  I understand that you have more than doubled your weight since birth. 

As wonderful as it is to enjoy this 'cyber-contact', I can't wait to see you in person.  Your grandfather has a lot of secrets stories that he wants to whisper in your ear.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Armistice Day

Today is Armistice Day -- also known as Remembrance Day-- when we commemorate the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany at Compiègne, France, for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at exactly 11am — the "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month" of 1918.  While this was the official date to mark the end of the First World War, it has since become the day on which many allied nations rememeber all members of the armed forces who were killed during the Second World War and in all conflicts since.

I was often taken by my father as a child to the ceremony at the Cenotaph in London's Whitehall, which is the official memorial for the so-called Unknown Soldier.  My father was a Flight Leiutenant in the Royal Airforce during the Second World War.  Although he didn't see active service, he was a member of the Association of Jewish Ex-service Men, called AJEX, and marched past the Senataph the Sunday following 11th November each year for a special Jewish ceremony.

Today is a particularly significant anniversary, because it was 90 years ago, two years after the end of the First World War, that the white-marble Cenotaph was unveilled right in the middle of Whitehall, halfway between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament.

Millions of young men, on all sides, many as young as 15, died in these two terrible world wars.  Ironically, the first was dubbed 'the war to end all wars', only to be followed 22 years later by a war which culminated in the use of the nuclear bomb. 

In Britain, specially made poppy badges are sold to raise money for injuured soldiers and bereaved families.  People commonly wear these on their lapels during the week leading up to Armstice Day itself.

This is an important day, which has much meaning for me.  I was only born 12 years after the last person was gassed in the concentration camps.  We should never forget the soldiers you gave their lives to stop Nazi Germany from taking over the world.  It won't be long before no one is still alive who experienced either world wars.  But we should also never forget those soldiers on all sides of these and every conflict, who have lost their lives in war.

At 11am today, millions of us here in Europe stood for a two-minute silence to relfect on all those fallen soldiers.  I hope the practice endures long after all those involved has passed on.  We cannot ever afford to forget the horrors of war.

May you, my dear Yael, never know what war is, only having to enduring it in history lessons.

But on a lighter note, today is also St. Martin's day.  Don't ask me its historical significance.  But what I do know is that it is a night when people go out to goose feasts.  Your grandfather is just about to leave for one himself.  I love goose. Bon appetite!

Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

From 'Cool Britania' to 'Broken Britain'

It was little more than a decade ago that Cool Britania was the phrase being used to describe Blair's Britain.  Now, the Cameron government has coined the term Broken Britain, which it pledges to 'repair'.  The nation's bi-polar psyche supports my view that public perceptions are like a carrousel, with rapid ups and downs and sharp twists and turns, driven by little more than headlines and soundbites.

The word with which I would associate Brtain today is protest. Only a few blogs ago, I predicted that we would see protests against the government's extravagant cuts in public expenditure.  I spoke to soon, because today we have seen the first signs of what I am convinced will become a truly hyperactive season in protest in Britain.

What have some of the country's most senior retired military leaders got in common with students?  The answer is that today they both voiced their concerns against government austerity measures.  This morning's Times published a damning letter by some of the most esteemed former military top brass, protesting against the Ministry of Defence announcement to get rid of the Navy's fleet of Harrier aircraft.  While this afternoon saw more than 50,000 students protest against a 300 percent rise in tuition fees.

Being an old leftie, I confess not to be too upset about any news to reduce military expenditure.  While I acknolwedge the need for Britain  to have some kind of defence capability, I hate to think how many more hospitals and schools could be spent with the money spent on bullets and bombs.  I was amused to read that one of the major concerns about eliminating the Harriers is that will make the Falkland Islands more vulnerable to attack from the Argentinians.  Apparently, the cancellation of these planes will mean that the navy will have no ability to fly from aircraft carriers for the next decade, thus providing an 'open invitation' to Argentine to invade their beloved Malvines, as they call these remote islands.

It's high time that the British and Argentine governments found a solution to this ridiculous situation.  There are only 3,000 people living on the islands, with a permenant force of more than 500 British troops, defending a place of no importance to Britain, on the other side of the world.  Surely we have gone way past the era where we would wage another war with Argentina, which is now an advanced democracy?

While I am not opposed to the defence cuts, I have much sympanthy with today's protesting students.  There was some violence as a consequence of some nasty anarchist thugs trying to hajack the demonstration, but the peaceful protestors definately have my support.  I am particularly pleased to see them target the Liberal-Democratic party who had made a clear election pledge to the British people that there would be no tuition fee increases.  As partners in the government coalition, the Liberals are effectivley facilitatiing this unpopular measure. 

If Britain is broken, it ain't gonna be fixed by discouraging young people from going into higher education.  Shame on the politiicans, and good luck to the student struggle.



Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic

Time heals

At best, I thought George W Bush was a fool, and at worst dangerous, when he was President of the United States.  But now, 22-months after he left the White House, he gave his first television interview today in which he came across as a friendly and honest man.  It seemed as though time had washed away my prejudices.

This is a strange but not new sensation.  I have found that many politicians look quite differant in the heat of office to when they have retired.  I didn't agree with Bush's politics, and I was unimpressed by his communications skills during his eight year presidency.  But with the benefit of hindsight, I cannot say that he looks evil or hateful in any way.

History has a way of balancing reality.  While I doubt that I will ever beleive that George W Bush's presidency was particularly impressive, I am sure that history is likely to be kinder to him than his critics would have thought at the time that he left the White House.

Bush's interview had a purpose.  He is publishing his memoirs, Decision Points.  While self-serving by definition, these books written by former politicians always make fascinating reading.  It is so interesting to understand what it's really like to hold a position like the President of the Untied States.  My father was a voracious reader of political autobiographies.  He passed along this interest to me.

The key philosophical question for me with all of these memoirs is just how credible are such accounts when written by the very people at the centre of history.  I suppose the answer is that there is no such thing as one truth.  We must listen and read broadly across all parts of the polical spectrum before coming to conclusions.


Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic