Year: 2014

The Boys in the Boat

On By scottpetersenIn Daniel James Brown, The Boys in the Boat1 Comment

“How about if we read a book about rowing a boat?” This was – in essence – the question put to our book group. Rowing a boat. Sounded like I would sleep well (yawn). But then I started to read the book.  And I could not put it down. 

The Boys in the Boat is a number one bestselling work of non-fiction by Daniel James Brown.  It is the story of 9 young men from varied and humble backgr0unds who attended the University of Washington.  And joined the rowing team.  What they did – together – was nothing short of miraculous.  They defeated – soundly – their arch rival the University of California.  They went on to defeat – soundly – all of the elite Eastern schools.  The Ivy League schools.  And they were selected to represent the United States at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.  And – I’m not giving anything away – they won the gold.   

The book centers around one young man, Joe Rantz, who was literally abandoned by his family when he was 15.  He had no money.  No nothing.  But he was admitted to the University of Washington.  And tried out for the rowing team.  And made it.  The book is incredibly captivating, I had tears in my eyes when it ended.  If you want a wonderful, engaging book that draws you in — The Boys in the Boat is it.  Check out the two and a half minute documenary on Daniel Brown’s website – www.danieljamesbrown.com.   This is “Rocky” “Breaking Away” “Chariots of Fire” and “Billy Elliot” — with oars.          

Torture

On By scottpetersenIn TortureLeave a comment

Your wife (or husband), your two daughters, your son and your four grandchildren have been kidnapped by [insert your choice of “Bad Guys”]. Your family has been beaten and abused.  Your daughters raped.  All are put into an air-locked room. The air runs out in 12 hours. 11:59:59. 11:59:58 . . . . .

One of the bad guys has been captured and knows with precision where the air-locked room is. It’s 30 minutes away. Somewhere. The bad guy is seated in front of you. Tied to a chair. And when you ask him where the room is – he smirks and says %&#*x!.  And he asks for a glass of water. And demands some food.

Now there are some who would shrug and be resigned that their family would be wiped out in a few hours. And go get a pitcher of water and a ham and cheese sandwich for the guy. “Not ham – lamb you %#&^*x!  – and don’t forget the chips.” But I’m sure that many of us, given a scenario that is this close to home, might narrow their eyes. And start thinking how can I get this information. I need to save my family.  I just heard Mr. Obama state casually that America had “tortured some folks” and that it’s wrong.  I wonder if confronted by this situation, Mr. Obama might react differently. 

I’m not here to posit a moral judgment either way.  But simply to raise the question of — what would you do if your family was in harm’s way?  How far would you go?  What if you had the chance to save your whole family or someone else’s family?  With “enhanced interrogation.”  What if you had the chance to save 3,300 people from being incinerated?  Let’s say your whole family is in that group.   It is a tough question until it walks in your door.  And sits down at the table in front of you.  The answer may be a simple one.  With an asterisk.  You tell me.   

Loons

On By scottpetersenIn LoonsLeave a comment

A game warden is walking through a forest in Northern Wisconsin. He spots a guy skulking through the forest.  The guy is looking right and left.  And he’s carrying a large plastic garbage bag over his shoulder. The game warden watches for a few minutes – then steps out.  “Excuse me” the warden yells.  The guy jumps and the plastic bag falls to the ground.  And opens.  And out slide about a dozen dead loons.   The warden looks at the loons and then at the guy.  “L-l-loons!  You killed loons!  Loons are an endangered species.”  The warden sputtered.   “You’re under arrest.   Killing loons.  That’s terrible.”  The guy was contrite.  Put the loons back in the bag and began walking to the wardens pickup truck.     

The warden looked at the guy.  “Loons.  Loons.  What the heck do you do with loons?”  the warden asked.

The guy looked over.  “Oh I eat them.  They’re delicious.” 

The warden looked at the guy.  And thought.  “All right – I’ve never had a loon before.   What does loon taste like?” 

The guy looks at the warden and responds “well they’re kind’ve a cross between a California condor and a bald eagle.”

Jesus in Islam

On By scottpetersenIn Gabriel, Isa Ibn Marium, Islam1 Comment

When the angel said: O Marium, surely Allah gives you good news with a Word from Him whose name is the Messiah, Isa son of Marium, worthy of regard in this world and the hereafter and of those who are made near to Allah. The Koran – Surra 3:45

His name is Isa Ibn Marium.  He was born of a virgin – Marium – who gave birth to Isa by the miraculous will of God.  It is believed by many Muslims that Isa – Jesus – is a Messenger of God who was sent to guide the Children of Israel with the Holy Gospel.  Jesus is referenced in the Koran as being al-Masih (“The Messiah”).  Most Muslims accept that Jesus will return on the Day of Judgment to restore justice and to defeat the Antichrist (al-Masih ad-Dajjal). 

I have written about religion in earlier posts.  I’ve discussed my journey through the Old and New Testaments.  And I have not been shy about discussing Islam (see 1/30/12; 3/26/12; 8/23/12; and 9/6/13).  Frankly, Islam, Christianity and Judaism have more in common than they do difference. But try telling that to the extremists.  Many it seems – especially Muslims at this juncture in history – seem to believe that they alone have the ear of God.   And among Muslims, the 72 (or 73) different sects vilify one other.  And they vilify Christians and Jews despite our Abrahamic origins – and being Ahl al-Kitab.  But I digress.

The story of Jesus has recurring reference in the Koran.  Mary – his mother – is the only woman mentioned in the Koran.  I’m a good Episcopalian but I read the Koran and other religious texts given that the topic is so fascinating (and historically relevant).  Frankly, religion is a topic more people ought study.  And understand.  Yet among Muslims, regrettably a majority cannot read.  S0 many get their information from imams, madrassahs and politicians.  Who often have a political agenda.  And you know what happens then. . . .   Witness the fires that burn across the Middle East.  Nevertheless, I find it easier to discuss religion with Pakistani cab drivers (see post of 8/19/12) than I do politics with those who are misguided on the subject.    

 

Hat’s Off!

On By scottpetersenIn Hat's Off, Voss Birchwood LodgeLeave a comment

In my last post, I talked about being up in the North Woods of Wisconsin. Minocqua. Woodruff. Lac du Flambeau. Boulder Junction. Great time. Beautiful country.

One really neat – old – place is Voss’s Birchwood Lodge in Manitowish Waters. This place hearkens back to 1910. John Dillinger and his pals drank beer in the bar and were probably responsible for some of the cigarette burns in the woodwork.  The original owner was the one who blew the whistle on Dillinger’s gang.  And FBI agents gathered there before the assault on Little Bohemia which is down the road.  Wonderful history. Today’s crowd is more peaceful. And civil.  But not necessarily civilized.

When I was growing up, I remember my father always telling me to “take off” my hat — when going in any public place. And I did.  My buddies did too.  It was a lesson we all learned.  Once, when I was not quick enough, a Scout leader slapped the brim of my hat sending it flying.  But today, it seems like a lot of young men – and even a few older guys – are not getting the message. 

Posted at the entry to the dining room at Voss’s Lodge is a sign directing men to take off their hats. We walked in for breakfast one morning and sure enough there are two men sitting there with their Green Bay Packer hats perched squarely on their heads. Men.  I looked at them and there was not much of a spark looking back.  If you get my drift. . . .  Next time I see some character with his hat on in a restaurant, there may be a temptation to walk over.  And send it flying.

Bald Eagles

On By scottpetersenIn Bald Eagles, Minocqua, Walleyed Pike1 Comment

We spent a relaxing weekend with friends in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. Golf, great food, fine wine, nice company, the North Woods. And then there was fishing.  In my posts of June 28, 2012, and July 23, 2013, I talked about being up North and fishing for walleye with our guide Jim W.  Well, this time was no different.  Dan and I went out early with Jim – who is probably the best fishing guide in the Minocqua area. 

The fishing wasn’t as keen as in previous years (we did have enough “keepers” for dinner) but what made this outing special was seeing Bald Eagles.  In a veritable abundance.  I feel I need to capitalize the words of that species just because. . . . well, you know.  I have seen an occasional Bald Eagle in the past but our time on Lake Tomahawk on Saturday was amazing.  We probably saw half a dozen Bald Eagles.  Soaring above.  Diving for fish.   I felt very patriotic sharing space with these symbols of America.  And there were loons galore.  Having seen a fox at Minocqua Country Club the day before and several deer, I have to wonder what’s around the corner.  Maybe a donkey.  And an elephant?   Please spare me. . . . .

My Biggest Case

On By scottpetersenIn My biggest case, My Father1 Comment

When I was a young(er) lawyer, my father got a speeding ticket. “I wasn’t speeding” he protested. “I wanna fight this thing. You wanna be my lawyer?” he asked me.  I’d never handled a speeding ticket but I said “sure, Dad.”

So on the appointed day of the court hearing for my father’s speeding ticket, we showed up and sat toward the back of the courtroom. The room was crowded and people milled around. The judge entered. Everyone rose. And the judge got down to business – “anyone who wants to plead guilty, I’m willing to give you supervision – which means you pay a fine but if you get no ticket in the next six months, the conviction is wiped out.” The judge directed those interested toward a window where they would pay a fine but get their “supervision.” My father – who had been deaf since World War Two – didn’t hear but I knew he wasn’t interested (“I wanna fight this thing“).

After a while, my father’s case was called and I took my father’s arm, stood – and we walked to the front. And stepped before the judge. “Good morning, your Honor” I said. “My name is Scott Petersen and I’m here representing the defendant Peter Petersen.” The judge got a glint in his eye and looked at me. Smiling. “Is he your father?” “Yes Your Honor” I replied seriously. The judge chuckled. Looked at the ticket and said “case dismissed.” I thanked the judge for this amazing gift – and started to lead my father away.  He pulled back – “wait I wanna say . . . ” “DAD” I hissed – and put a finger to my lips.  

I’ve had a few cases in my career but none that gave me the satisfaction of that one. Once outside the courtroom, I explained that the case had been dismissed.  He smiled.  “You’re pretty good,” he said. Yep.

No Names

On By scottpetersenIn Being nice to wait staff, Breakfast tips, No Names, Tipping1 Comment

In my post of May 2, 2013 (“Breakfast Tips“), I talked about how when going out for breakfast, the gratuity I leave is always more – percentagewise – than when going out for dinner. Why? Simply because your bill for breakfast may be six bucks. What are you going to do — leave 90 cents? Your wait staff deserves better.

Anywayyyyy, fast forward.  Speaking of wait staff — we go out with different friends for dinner on a fairly regular basis. We always have a great time.  Except. . . . . when Donna tells me we’re going out with ___ and ___ I inevitably ask – “do we have to?” The reason is that the woman is frequently downright nasty to wait staff.  Demanding. Condescending. Pick out a few similar adjectives.  I have no idea why.  It makes me very uncomfortable and tends to put a cloud on the dinner. 

When I was growing up (Donna is still waiting for that to happen), I was inculcated with the mantra of “being nice” to people. The vast majority of our friends are courteous and friendly to those who serve them. But there is one.  Donna’s been suggesting that we go out with this couple for the last year or two.  My usual response is – how about November 12, 2018?  Oh wait.  That’s the day I have to clean the birdbath. 

Kim Jong Un

On By scottpetersenIn Kim Jong UnLeave a comment

Kim Jong Un is the 31 year old leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (aka “North Korea”). He is the son of Kim Jong il and the grandson of Kim il Sung (his predecessors). This 31 year old whiz kid is President of the country and head of the military. And he controls every aspect of life in the “Hermit Kingdom.”

Those who cross Kim Jong Un learn quickly. Then they die.  He has caused to disappear scores of his own family members. He is reputed to have fed his uncle – Jang Song Thaek – to a large pack of dogs who had not been fed for several days. He keeps his 24.7 million people on a starvation diet.  And his people die like flies.  And he doesn’t care.   There are increased rumblings at the top.  And factions.  Dice are rolling.  The knives are out.  On March 14, 2013, Kim was the target of an assassination attempt.  And survived.  Keep watching the news in the coming weeks.   

Last week (July 8th), some rare footage of Kim Jong Un made its way to the West.  It shows Kim Jong Un limping.  Struggling to walk (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdGozD6cIGE ).   Yet a bare thousand views.  I wonder how it happened.  Shooting hoops with Dennis Rodman?  Poor guy.  Gosh – I sure hope it’s serious. . . .

I Am Always Right

On By scottpetersenIn Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous MindLeave a comment

I am always right. On everything. In fact, I am never wrong. My views are always – always – correct. On politics, religion, social issues, economics, the law, ethnic issues, people, movies and golf courses. If you disagree with me. You are wrong. You are obviously uneducated (some of the most well-schooled people are hopelessly uneducated.  Or fools) or just stupid. So if you want to know the right path, the right opinion, the right way to believe — just give me a call or send me an email. Because I have a righteous mind.

The Righteous Mind is a wonderful book by Jonathan Haidt.  It is a New York Times bestseller which explores why people are fundamentally intuitive – and irrational.  The book suggests that our views (whether political, social, religious or whatever) are hardwired into us.  You were never designed to listen to reason — only to respond with your preconceived notions and (often false) beliefs.  When you ask people moral questions and time their responses, you see that they reach conclusions quickly.  And they produce reasons – later – only to justify what they have already decided.  We often acquire morality (theories on right and wrong – and “justice”) the way we acquire food preferences.  If it tastes good, we stick with it.  Interestingly this bestseller suggests that conservatives are more broad-minded than liberals since they receive a more varied diet of information.  And are more receptive to listening.    

Haidt’s comments often sound cynical and yet if you follow the narration, you learn (if you don’t have a closed mind) that Haidt is really seeking enlightenment.  He wants you to open your minds to the moral intuitions of other people.  

If you don’t want to read this book, you are probably a lost soul.   But if you do, you may still have hope.  And if you want to know what’s right – and what’s wrong – just let me know.  I can tell you.  And will.  I have a righteous mind.