“I love you so much as a brother,” were the powerful words used by Ed Miliband in his acceptance speech on becoming the new leader of Britain’s Labour Party today, having defeated his brother, David, in a leadership contest.
Your grandfather watched with fascination as the results of a complex voting process slowly emerged at the party’s annual conference in Manchester today. It was political drama at its finest, as two Jewish brothers, David and Ed, competed for the position of Leader of the Opposition along with three other candidates. And the outcome could hardly have been closer with Ed winning 50.65 per cent of the vote in contrast to his older brother, David’s 49.35 per cent.
The former Foreign Secretary, David, could be seen just holding back the tears as he faced the realisation that his dreams of becoming Britain’s next Prime Minister were fatally dashed.
Unless the current Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition comes unstuck, the next election is likely to be almost five years from now. But even by then, I don’t believe that my dear Yael will still much care about who is the resident of Number 10 Downing Street.
With this being my 50th blog since your arrival, I should have clocked up more than 1,800 by then. Phew, you are going to have a lot of reading to catch up on as you get older.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Saturday, 25 September 2010
Friday, 24 September 2010
Sukkot: transience vs. permanence
It's hard to escape the irony that the Israeli government plans to end the moratorium on building new homes in disputed parts of Jerusalem during the festival of Sukkot. This is the time when we Jews build temporary structures in the form of the sukkah in order to remind ourselves of the short-term dwellings in which our forefathers lived during their exodus from Egypt. It is a time for us to consider the contrast between transience and permanence.
Everyone on earth has a right to a home, and it is a terrible tragedy that so many people are without a roof over their head. Of course, every Jew deserves to have somewhere he or she can call home. At this time when we ponder over the impermanence of the sukkah, we should rejoice that after 3000 years of wandering, the Jewish people do now have a very real and permanent homeland called Eretz Y'Israel.
But we must all learn to understand that the long-term security of this priceless homeland cannot depend on tall concrete walls with barbed wire and a strong defence force, which is sadly such a central component of this nation. Israel's stability requires peace with its neighbours, and this means that all those living in this shared land must be treated equitably and fairly. I do beleive that the struggle to find common ground with the Palestians is the last chapter in the story of the establishment of a peaceful and secure modern Israel.
As Israelis dismantle their sukkas, I really hope that the leadership will put pragmatism before populism and not jeapordise the present, fragile peace talks with the Palestine Authority by provocatively restarting the construction of Jewish homes in sensitive, disputed neighbourhoods of Jerusalem.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Everyone on earth has a right to a home, and it is a terrible tragedy that so many people are without a roof over their head. Of course, every Jew deserves to have somewhere he or she can call home. At this time when we ponder over the impermanence of the sukkah, we should rejoice that after 3000 years of wandering, the Jewish people do now have a very real and permanent homeland called Eretz Y'Israel.
But we must all learn to understand that the long-term security of this priceless homeland cannot depend on tall concrete walls with barbed wire and a strong defence force, which is sadly such a central component of this nation. Israel's stability requires peace with its neighbours, and this means that all those living in this shared land must be treated equitably and fairly. I do beleive that the struggle to find common ground with the Palestians is the last chapter in the story of the establishment of a peaceful and secure modern Israel.
As Israelis dismantle their sukkas, I really hope that the leadership will put pragmatism before populism and not jeapordise the present, fragile peace talks with the Palestine Authority by provocatively restarting the construction of Jewish homes in sensitive, disputed neighbourhoods of Jerusalem.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Thursday, 23 September 2010
A bad hair day
Yes, even celebrities like your granfather have bad hair days.
Thursday was one of those days when everything that could possibly to wrong did so. When your aunt Rachel was a little girl and was expressing her frustration in no uncertain terms, I asked her what was annoying her. She replied: "Everything!". It was a perfect retort that I've never forgotten.
Well, that's exactly how I am feeling as I go to bed. Nothing catastrophic occured. I still have all my limbs. None of my clients has fired me. But I just experienced one niggling problem after another, and I felt my stomach increasingly getting tied in knots.
Thankfully, Thursday is over. And as I've written before.....tomorrow is another day.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Thursday was one of those days when everything that could possibly to wrong did so. When your aunt Rachel was a little girl and was expressing her frustration in no uncertain terms, I asked her what was annoying her. She replied: "Everything!". It was a perfect retort that I've never forgotten.
Well, that's exactly how I am feeling as I go to bed. Nothing catastrophic occured. I still have all my limbs. None of my clients has fired me. But I just experienced one niggling problem after another, and I felt my stomach increasingly getting tied in knots.
Thankfully, Thursday is over. And as I've written before.....tomorrow is another day.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Just what the doctor ordered?
I was taken to Prague's Hamolka hospital by my caring friend, Alice, for my colonoscopy, duly prepared and completely empty, thanks to the horrid powdered substance I'd been drinking for a couple of days. Although perfectly on time, the face of the receptionist looking at her computer screen indicated a problem. In spite of having my appointment confirmed in writing, there was apparently no record on my procedure on her system. The thought of having to reschedule was unimaginable after such unpleasant preparation.
Thankfully, a doctor appeared who showed some willingness to find a solution to this administrative error. She agreed to carry out the procedure. Looking quite unenthusiastic, together with two nurses, they took me into a room and asked me to take off all my clothes except for my shirt and socks. The only two clear comments I heard from the doctor were: "I need a gateway to your anus", and "This problem was not my fault", as the nurse began injecting a sedative into my arm. She and the two nurses were quite unfriendly and certainly didn't have any interest in explaining what was happening.
It was a bit like a train going through a tunnel. I felt nothing, but could see the journey from the driver's compartment view on a television screen, as the camera went up my bottom. The injection must have caused me to nod off for a few minutes, because when I opened my eyes it was over.
In spite of being told that the doctor spoke English, she left without providing me with any explanation as to what had happened. But she did briefly tell Alice that they had found three polyps which had been removed and sent to the laboratory for testing. So, with no medical professional to provide any commentary, I went to Wikipedia which says: "A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.” Now I must wait the results, but am assured that polyps are quite common and that I shouldn’t be worried.
I’ve no reason to doubt the ability of the medical professionals at the Hamolka Hospital, but there is massive room for improvement in their manner and patient empathy. Thankfully, I was with a dear friend who provided me with the comfort and compassion that was so lacking by the doctor and her nurses.
In spite of having nothing to eat for 24 hours, my appetite took a while to return, particularly because I had some quite painful wind. But I am happy to report that I did enjoy some lovely chicken soup, as well a juicy piece of tuna with some soft mashed potato. Just what the doctor ordered (or didn’t in my case!).
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Thankfully, a doctor appeared who showed some willingness to find a solution to this administrative error. She agreed to carry out the procedure. Looking quite unenthusiastic, together with two nurses, they took me into a room and asked me to take off all my clothes except for my shirt and socks. The only two clear comments I heard from the doctor were: "I need a gateway to your anus", and "This problem was not my fault", as the nurse began injecting a sedative into my arm. She and the two nurses were quite unfriendly and certainly didn't have any interest in explaining what was happening.
It was a bit like a train going through a tunnel. I felt nothing, but could see the journey from the driver's compartment view on a television screen, as the camera went up my bottom. The injection must have caused me to nod off for a few minutes, because when I opened my eyes it was over.
In spite of being told that the doctor spoke English, she left without providing me with any explanation as to what had happened. But she did briefly tell Alice that they had found three polyps which had been removed and sent to the laboratory for testing. So, with no medical professional to provide any commentary, I went to Wikipedia which says: "A polyp is an abnormal growth of tissue projecting from a mucous membrane.” Now I must wait the results, but am assured that polyps are quite common and that I shouldn’t be worried.
I’ve no reason to doubt the ability of the medical professionals at the Hamolka Hospital, but there is massive room for improvement in their manner and patient empathy. Thankfully, I was with a dear friend who provided me with the comfort and compassion that was so lacking by the doctor and her nurses.
In spite of having nothing to eat for 24 hours, my appetite took a while to return, particularly because I had some quite painful wind. But I am happy to report that I did enjoy some lovely chicken soup, as well a juicy piece of tuna with some soft mashed potato. Just what the doctor ordered (or didn’t in my case!).
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Don't ask, don't tell
It's hard not to notice the flamboyant, publicity-seeking singer as she seems to be in the media all the time. But it's not just because of the extraordinary outfits that she wears, because this is a celebrity with conviction.
Can you believe that in 2010, American soldiers are forbidden from admitting their sexuality? Effectively, you can now only be a homosexual in the military provided you don't admit to it.
It was the Bill Clinton administration, now more than a decade ago, that changed the law so that gay soldiers could no longer be expelled as their superiors were prevented from asking them to disclose their sexuality. Although an improvement from outright disqualification of army service for gay people, the so-called "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is both ridiculous and abhorrent in these supposedly enlightened times.
In her speech to a rally in Maine, Lady Gaga suggested that the policy be changed to "If you don't like it, you can go home". She wants prejudiced straight soldiers who hate gays to be ejected from the military in stead.
It's not just her body that your grandfather admires. I like celebrities who use their fame to convey important moral messages. And I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Gaga's condemnation of the US military's anachronistic position on homosexuality. It's time for America to grow up and accept that society is made up of people of all shapes, sizes and sexuality.
I must go now, as I am running to the toilet in preparation for tomorrow's colonoscopy. I've started to drink this ugly substance which is doing its job very efficiently. The doctors will need a clear passage to explore tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck.
Can you believe that in 2010, American soldiers are forbidden from admitting their sexuality? Effectively, you can now only be a homosexual in the military provided you don't admit to it.
It was the Bill Clinton administration, now more than a decade ago, that changed the law so that gay soldiers could no longer be expelled as their superiors were prevented from asking them to disclose their sexuality. Although an improvement from outright disqualification of army service for gay people, the so-called "Don't ask, don't tell" policy is both ridiculous and abhorrent in these supposedly enlightened times.
In her speech to a rally in Maine, Lady Gaga suggested that the policy be changed to "If you don't like it, you can go home". She wants prejudiced straight soldiers who hate gays to be ejected from the military in stead.
It's not just her body that your grandfather admires. I like celebrities who use their fame to convey important moral messages. And I wholeheartedly agree with Lady Gaga's condemnation of the US military's anachronistic position on homosexuality. It's time for America to grow up and accept that society is made up of people of all shapes, sizes and sexuality.
I must go now, as I am running to the toilet in preparation for tomorrow's colonoscopy. I've started to drink this ugly substance which is doing its job very efficiently. The doctors will need a clear passage to explore tomorrow afternoon. Wish me luck.
Monday, 20 September 2010
Blood test
The highlight of my day was to go to my health clinic, which is inconviently located on the other side of Prague, for a blood test. I had intended to take my car, but it seems that the gearbox in playing up. It's a nearly ten-year-old Mercedes A-Class, but is in good condition and I hope to repair if. Let's hope it's not too expensive. I am reluctant to get another car as this one has a lot of history. Your father, among others, has spent many happy summers squashed into the tiny vehicle on holidays in Italy and eslewhere in Europe.
My blood test is in preparation for a colonoscopy that I am having at Prague's Hamolka Hospital on Wednesday lunchtime. As a part of a major medical check up that people of my age should have, I have been referred for this rather unpleasant, but, I'm told, painless proceedure. The worst part is the preparatory steps that I have to take before a tiny camera, together with light, travels the distance of my colon in search of anything untoward. I have to start drinking a dreadflully-tasting powered substance, called Fortrans, that is mixed with water whos purpose is to cause the evacuation of all solid waste. Didn't I describe that gracefully?
No doubt you'll hear more about this lurid topic tomorrow. I bet you can't wait.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
My blood test is in preparation for a colonoscopy that I am having at Prague's Hamolka Hospital on Wednesday lunchtime. As a part of a major medical check up that people of my age should have, I have been referred for this rather unpleasant, but, I'm told, painless proceedure. The worst part is the preparatory steps that I have to take before a tiny camera, together with light, travels the distance of my colon in search of anything untoward. I have to start drinking a dreadflully-tasting powered substance, called Fortrans, that is mixed with water whos purpose is to cause the evacuation of all solid waste. Didn't I describe that gracefully?
No doubt you'll hear more about this lurid topic tomorrow. I bet you can't wait.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Prince Philip and the tartan knickers
I was pleasantly amused to awake on Sunday morning to the delightful news that Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth's eccentric husband, asked one of the Scotish lady dignatories attending an event to honour the Pope, if she was wearing tartan knickers. The good old Duke of Edingburgh, who's in his late eighties, still knows how to cause a stir in the British media. Isn't it refreshing to know that humour lurks behind the pomp of British royalty?
Today's been otherwise non eventful. I've just been catching up on some of my work, while staying at home in my apartment at Moskevska 47 (which is the name of my street).
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
Today's been otherwise non eventful. I've just been catching up on some of my work, while staying at home in my apartment at Moskevska 47 (which is the name of my street).
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
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