During the 1950s Horst Cerni lived in Hamburg and so recalls the city's initial recovery after WWII. In "Ruins (and a Bunker)" Horst Cerni takes us on a tour of the city's monuments and ruins, setting them in the context of other famous ruins ranging from Hiroshima to Machu Piccchu, Angkor Wat and the Colosseum. One of the most unusual sites is the 'Green Bunker' which sheltered some 600 people during some of the worst of the firesstorms following bombing of the city. The bunker has now been converted to a hotel, restaurant botanical garden and museum. If you would like to learn more about Horst's experiences as a young man in post-war Hamburg, see his 2019 article with links to the German version of his book 'Auf Suche nach einer neuen Heimat' and English version, 'Journeying to Paradise'.
Our Columnists
Ken Gibbs - In "Early Onset Amnesia" Ken tells us about his struggles with a remote electronic tank monitor. He draws parallels between struggles with technology and challenges of aging. Regardless of age or expertise, the unexpected hurdles of both require humor and perseverence - all the more so in today's digital age.
Ramesh Shrestha - In 'Globalization of Inequality' Ramesh warns that the combination of globalization and AI poses a significant threat to global equality. While globalization has lifted many out of poverty, it has also created a system that favors the wealthy. The introduction of AI could further exacerbate this inequality by displacing workers and concentrating wealth in the hands of a few.
Nuzhat Shahzadi - Nairobi, "stunning, sassy, viibrant - audacious and resilent". "In the Land of Baobab and Flame Trees", Nuzhat shares her experiences as an expat in Nairobi, exploring the city's vibrant culture amid the challenges of adapting to a new environment. She recounts the joy of forming friendships with locals and the complexities of cultural exchange, including the advantages of having a personal Masai warrior equipped with a spear as a guard for her car.
Tom McDermott - In "Trump Selects RFK Jr." a second profile of Trump appointees likely to have a negative global impact, Tom explores Robert Kennedy Jr.'s dangerous views on vaccination, public health, and alternative medicine - views that sharply contrast with his more progressive positions on nutrition, environment, and climate change. Highlighting the Samoa measles outbreak as a critical example, Tom demonstrates how Kennedy's interventions contributed to an epidemic of 5,707 cases and 83 deaths, with UNICEF Representative Sheldon Yett succinctly capturing the danger by stating: "people who are spreading lies and misinformation about vaccinations are killing children."
News Links
Articles You May Have Missed - Fewer and fewer aid shipments reach people in Gaza, US Veto on Gaza, Russia veto on Sudan, ICC warrants (at last) amid attempts to kneecap the prosecutor, Hezbollah, Lebanon, and US agree on Lebanon ceasefire, but nothing heard from Israel, Trump and the UN - and much more.
Events and Anniversaries
Did you remember that Wednesday, 20 November was World Children's Day?
Please Add Your Name to the 2024 Geneva Declaration - Marta Santos Pais reminds us that World Children's Day was also World Children's Rights Day and a chance to join in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Geneva Declaration in 1924 - the first declaration on the rights of the child. Marta asks that all XUNICEF members consider signing the 2024 Declaration. Please add your name and reaffirm the Rights of the Child.
SOWCR 2024 - UNICEF has used the occasion of World Children's Day to launch the 2024 SOWCR. This year's theme is "The Future of Childhood in a Changing World"
Montreal - Niloufar Pourzand and her husband Cyrus were in Montreal last week and took the opportunity to meet with Fouad Kronfol, Fritz Lherisson, Chris Davis and his wife for lunch.
Books
John Williams and Mehr Khan Williams - The Invisible Baron of Flinders Street
John Williams and Mehr Khan Williams - The Invisible Baron of Flinders Street
Christian Clark is working to adapt the book "The International Human Rights Movement: A History" to a graphic history. Christian is asking help in finding a writer. He also seeks help of XUNICEF members in connecting with young people on comics as part of research with Amnesty and various universities.
Lighter Stuff
Lighter Stuff
Comments
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