Lower the flags, and raise your beer

Václav Havel, hero of anti-communist revolution, has died.

One of the great heroes of Eastern Europe's transition from communism to liberty. No bombastic speeches, no image consultants, just a man dedicated to an idea and willing to make it happen. Ethical, honorable, humble and brilliant. A combination too rarely seen these days. Odpočívej v pokoji, Václav.

So much for my dream of having a beer with him in Prague.