Month: December 2023

Why are you here?

On By scottpetersenIn Associacion Nacional de Abogados de Empresa, Why are you here?Leave a comment

[A repeat from November 5, 2015] In September 1994, I was invited to make a presentation to the Mexican Corporate Bar Association – ANADE (Asociacion Nacional de Abogados de Empresa) at their annual meeting in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Donna and I flew in to Mexico City International Airport and rented a car – Budget – for the 270 mile drive. 

We pulled out of the Budget lot over the angled ground spikes and headed out onto the street.  I adjusted the rear view mirror and noticed that a police car had pulled in behind me — about 100 yards back.  Hmmmmm. . . .    I kept driving.  Carefully.  After a mile or so, the police car put on its flashers and pulled me over.  I got out of the car and held up my license.  An officer got out, adjusting his Sam Brown belt and walked up.  “You almost hit a car back there.”  Bull.  After some discussion in Spanish (I suggested contacting the Embassy), he looked at me quizzically and asked “why are you here?”  And I told him I was addressing the Asociacion Nacional de Abogados de Empresa.  He turned, waved and said “just be careful.”  He got in his car and drove away. 

Why are you here?   I think about these words.  In my heart, I believe that each one of us is “here” for some purpose.  I love a quote of Albert Schweitzer – “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”  Then again, there’s the quote of W.H.Auden – “We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for, I don’t know.”     

My Last Cigar

On By scottpetersenIn Bullfighting, My last cigarLeave a comment

[An update from June 9, 2019] Years ago, I’d smoke a cigar from time to time. Usually while driving or on the golf course. One day, I was in the back yard – puffing a stogie.  My 6 year old daughter came up to me and said “Daddy please. Don’t smoke. It’s bad for you.” And she stood there arms akimbo. Looking at me. I took a puff, dropped the cigar and stepped on it. From then on, cigars were a rarity until one final day nearly two decades ago. I’ve recently thought about cigars again. Please don’t tell my wife. Or daughter. 

In his 1924 classic Death in the Afternoon, Ernest Hemingway constructs a dialogue between himself and another American on the subjects of bullfighting, soccer and football.  The number of young men injured, paralyzed and killed playing football numbered in the thousands (today, it’s the tens of thousands).  The number of young men hurt playing soccer is minimal by comparison.  And then there is bullfighting.  Where humans occasionally get hurt – but rarely killed.  Hemingway’s point — those who decry bullfighting rarely raise a whisper about American football.   

Many years ago, in another lifetime, Donna and I spent the better part of a month following the corrida de toros circuit in Spain.  Diego Puerta was a favorite.  Madrid.  Cordoba.  Malaga.  Sevilla.  And others.  It was pretty special.  I still have great pictures from those Sundays.  Artistry.  Tension.  Spectacle.   A unique smell.   There was the classic music.  And the denouement. . . . .  

The last time I went to a bullfight was in Monterrey Mexico with my good friend Antonio G.  The Plaza de Toros Monumental on the Avenida Alfonso Reyes.  That was the last time too when I had a cigar.  A gigantic Cuban.  Hand-rolled.  Cohiba Robusto.  Go to a bullfight one day – or just read Hemingway’s classic.   And get yourself a big hand-rolled Cohiba Robusto . . . . .

Christmas 2023

On By scottpetersenIn Christmas, Merry Christmas2 Comments

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.   Isaiah 9:6

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David). To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.   Luke 2:4-7

Here we are again! Christmas 2023!   There is an old expression that the days are often long but the years go quickly. How true. . . . .

Best wishes to all of you for a Happy and Blessed Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season!!

My Favorite Day

On By scottpetersenIn My Favorite Day, Winter SolsticeLeave a comment

[A timely repeat from 11/16/11 and 10/18/22] I had breakfast at Lou Mitchell’s with a client some years ago.   It was winter.  Freezing.  Snowing.   Out of the blue, he looked across the table and asked “Scott – what’s your favorite day in the year?”  Hmmmmmm. . . . . I had to think about it – but not for long.  “Thanksgiving” I said “because I leave work early on Wednesday, Thursday is a family day and I eat until I keel over, I get Friday off – and I still have the weekend to recover.”  My friend nodded solemnly and was silent.  Chewing his English muffin. I looked at him. “Sooooooo Chris” I asked “what is your favorite day?”  He responded immediately “December 22d.” 

Now I am not the brightest light in the box but I do have a handle on the major holidays – and even a few minor ones.  December 22d did not ring a bell.  “Why, pray tell, do you like December 22d?”  I asked.  “Because” Chris said “that is the winter solstice.  When the days start getting longer.”  (See  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_solstice ). Ahhhhhh. . . .  

The winter solstice nearly always occurs on December 21 or 22 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 20 or 21 in the Southern Hemisphere.  The sun is at its lowest maximum daily elevation from the Earth. And from that moment, the days begin to lengthen.   There are many festivals and celebrations that surround the winter solstice.  For many of us, the dog days of winter are still ahead. And the days continue to get shorter. I really like Thanksgiving. But December 22d is moving up the charts. . . . .

The Greatest Game Ever Played

On By scottpetersenIn Favorite movies, The Greatest Game Ever Played1 Comment

[A repeat but from December 28, 2014] We all have favorite movies. Mine include “Planes Trains and Automobiles” “The Pink Panther” “The Shawshank Redemption” “Airplane” “Young Frankenstein” any Steve Martin, Laurel and Hardy or Three Stooges offering (yes – I know). Those – and a few others – I can watch again and again – for escape (see post of January 6, 2013).  And there are a few I enjoy for inspiration.  “Breaking Away” “Remember the Titans” “Rudy.”  These movies never get old. 

Since I like golf, my favorite movie on this topic – which get my eyes misty at its close – is “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (2005; directed by Bill Paxton).  At the age of 7, young Francis Ouimet (1893-1967) gets a job as a caddy at a posh country club in Brookline, Massachusetts.  The young man learns to play golf – practicing at every opportunity.  One day a club member – Mr. Hastings – invites Francis to play a round despite member objection.  Francis shoots an 81.  With a 9 on one hole.  Francis enters a qualifying round for the U.S. Amateur Championship – borrowing $50 from his father.  He misses the cut by one stroke.  His father insists he get a “real” job.  And that’s that.  For nearly a year.

Francis works in a sporting goods store in Brookline.  One day, the President of the U.S. Golf Association enters the store and invites Francis to play in the U.S. Open.    And in 1913, Francis – age 20 – competes in the U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline.  His caddy (despite objection and “tsk tsking” from the elites) is a 10 year old boy – Eddie Lowry – who plays hooky from school to caddy for Francis.  The result?  Francis defeats the world’s greatest golfers – Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.  And wins the tournament.  Wow! 

The movie is historically accurate except that in the movie Francis wins the playoff on the last hole by one stroke.  Truth be told – he dusted Messrs. Vardon by 5 strokes and Ray by 6.     

Regulations

On By scottpetersenIn RegulationsLeave a comment

There are times when “government” (at some level) needs to step in and “regulate” businesses, banks, products and such. But from my perspective, a lot of “regulation” is uncalled for, counter-productive and downright destructive. I think back to when I worked at our family business – Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company. “CPT” as we called it – was small. With about 20 employees.

One day the Chicago Fire Department fire inspector came in to check things out. He did a “tsk tsk” and said that we needed to have “aisle markers” – to identify the route one might take to get to an exit in case of emergency. If we didn’t do it within 30 days, there would be a daily fine. So we did it.

Months later, a representative from Illinois OSHA came in. He did a “tsk tsk” and said our aisle markers were inappropriate. He said they needed to be widened by a few inches. We told him that the fire inspector had given the okay to the ones we had. He laughed – “I don’t care what he told you. You change them or we will fine you.” So we changed.

Probably a year later, the federal OSHA inspector came in. Hands on his hips he declared that the aisle markers were all wrong. They had to be of a defined distance. Made of elevated tape protrusions. And of a certain – yellow – Pantone color. We told him that the Illinois OSHA inspector had approved what was there. His eyes narrowed and he spat “if you don’t change it, we will fine you on a daily basis.”

What is a business to do – when regulations at cross-purposes are enforced? What about stupid regulations? Some people believe it is government’s job to impose layer after layer after layer of regulation until businesses are snuffed out, employees laid off and companies leave the city or state for more hospitable climates. Or just die. This is precisely what is happening today in some states today. Stifling – out of control (often unnecessary) – regulation. Can there be too much regulation? What should businesses do when they are regulated out of existence? What should employees do when they are laid off? If you’re a big fan of regulations and government controls – let me know your thoughts.

The Hero Code

On By scottpetersenIn Admiral William H. McRaven, The Hero CodeLeave a comment

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” — Anne Frank

We all love heroes. I was a “Superman” fan as a kid. 9:00 a.m. on Saturday mornings with George Reeves. At 9:30, it was “Sky King.” Today – each one of us has heroes who have made a difference in our worlds – teachers, friends, parents, strangers. I have posted on two of Admiral William H. McRaven inspiring works: Make Your Bed (April 20, 2017) and The Wisdom of the Bullfrog (November 21, 2023). And now I write on a third — The Hero Code. Admiral McRaven opens the book with those poignant words of Anne Frank. And he continues with a series of chapters – each addressing the qualities of heroes. The opening chapter is on Courage. . . .

“Courage is rightly esteemed the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the rest.” — Winston Churchill

In a nutshell, Admiral McRaven speaks of ten qualities of heroes: courage; humility; willingness to sacrifice; integrity; compassion; perseverance; dedication to duty; maintaining hope; using humor to help others; and a willingness to forgive. I want to be a hero. So do you. And the requirements for being one are not rocket science. Have courage. Be a hero. . . . .

Happy Socks

On By scottpetersenIn Happy SocksLeave a comment

[A repeat from April 2, 2017] Over the years, my feet have become increasingly unhappy. I won’t bore you with the pathology of my paws but suffice to say I have grumpy feet.  But I walk.  Wear shoes.  And I wear socks.  

In my post of November 14, 2013, I lamented the challenge in pulling open my sock drawer.  If you want some captivating reading, check it out . . . .  My sock drawer has improved but the colors remained lackluster.  That is until last Christmas.  

My granddaughters presented me with 6 pair of colorful “Happy Socks” (I wear them as I write).  Eve and Elin are aware that Popi’s feet need help.  So they concluded that Happy Socks might be just the ticket.  

Happy Socks is a brand – started in 2008 by two Swedes – Viktor Tell and Mikael Söderlindh.   They wanted to build a brand that would be a “breath of fresh air” for one’s attire.  Judging by my sock drawer upgrade – they have succeeded.  My Happy Socks provide a rainbow of color that inspire my feet into a more cheerful mood.   According to the London Evening Standard, Happy Socks are known for their “bold, colourful designs [which] tread precariously close to garish.”  

I now wear Happy Socks all the time.  Next time I wear my tux, I will likely be wearing socks that look like a Jackson Pollock painting.

Afterword: The last time I wore a tuxedo was March 6, 2020 – just before the pandemic exploded. And – yes – I was wearing Happy Socks. 

Hunger

On By scottpetersenIn Hunger, world hungerLeave a comment

She cried dry tears. Her baby was dying. There was no food and the little one was severely malnourished. And parched. The mother – who had not had a bite of food and precious little water in three days – leaned over her baby, pressed her mouth against the child’s mouth and let her spit drain. Over and over until she had no more saliva to give. Have you ever watched a mother – in desperation – spit into her little one’s mouth? I haven’t in person. Though pictures I saw are unforgettable.

According to the United Nations – UN Chronicle – 25,000 people (including more than 10,000 children) die from hunger and related causes each DAY. That’s 9 million souls annually who die of starvation. And it is estimated that 854 million people worldwide are undernourished.

Donna and I donate to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. To Churches. And to other charities. Some contributions find their way to Africa and those faraway places where the scarcity of food is raging. And hunger is a pandemic. The United Nations, the United States and many other countries are generous in delivering food to impoverished areas. But still – it’s just not enough.

Wouldn’t it be nice if autocracies like Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and terror organizations like Hamas, Hezbollah, ISIS, Boko Haram and so many others would devote their time and money to helping people instead of fostering conflict and hate? These people could be heroes. Why choose cruelty over good will when you can make positive difference? Why not turn a page? I continue to hope. But I’m not holding my breath. . . . .