Month: January 2025

A Zambian Business Plan

On By scottpetersenIn Zambian business planLeave a comment

In 2008, Donna and I spent a few days in Zambia to check out Victoria Falls (which was pretty dry). After leaving, our driver took us to a grim and disheveled outdoor market where his brother had one of about 30 stalls. Upon arrival, some of the operators hustled out of their small booths – grabbing our hands to shake and our arms trying to usher us to their table. We rejected the invites and simply walked around – with people waving at us to “come in.” On leaving, I suggested to our driver some ideas for improving business. I wrote them down per his request. And I suggested they try these ideas for a few days – to see if there was any difference in sales. The next day – he told us that some of the market folks had adopted the “business plan” which included:

  1. Clean up the area – uniform cleanliness and organization
  2. Smiles and greetings. No forced handshakes or grabbed arms
  3. Refer business to neighbors (“she has the best textiles“) and point to a nearby stall
  4. Have an “elevator speech” – 20 seconds – to share with potential customers
  5. Have fair pricing and perhaps a discount table for last minute purchases
  6. Always say “thank you for coming” when people leave
  7. Public relations – update local tour operators and drivers on the market
  8. Develop a friendship with neighbors in the market
  9. Be prepared to discuss quality
  10. Have a good and stable inventory – neatly arranged

I have no idea how that small market is doing today but I hope they are doing well. I am hoping that Warren Buffett will acquire them – thanks to this off the cuff business plan. . . . .

Coming to your local theater

On By scottpetersenIn Coming attractions, Culture of Violence1 Comment

On March 27, 2013, I discussed how Donna and I had gone to see a movie at a local theater. I lamented the fact that each one of the six or seven coming attractions was built around violence. Fast forward to last Saturday. Donna and I went to see “The Brutalist” (“brutalism” is a style of architecture – hence the name). An okay film though not as great as some trumpet (that’s my “take”). But first, there were the coming attractions . . . .

We sat through about 25 minutes of upcoming movies. The movies? “28 Years Later.” “Bring them Down.” “Captain America – Brave New World.” “Drop.” “Mission Impossible.” “Warfare.” “Death of a Unicorn.“ Every single coming attraction was smothered with violence, gunfire, car crashes and horror. I feel like saying “come on, people – don’t you know what you are doing to your children? To our society?” I have discussed in the past how America is a breeding ground for a “culture of violence” (see January 3, 2013).

Young people can watch movies that glorify horror and violence.  We provide them with violent and cruel video games.   There is the bloodlust of ultimate fighting and the degrading and debasing reality television shows where manipulation and back-stabbing win.  Hollywood sinks lower.  And lower.  But – hey – don’t you dare try and impose your values on anyone.   Don’t even think of mentioning the word “God” in school or a public place.   And heaven help you if you bring a Bible to school.

It seems to be a scalding inhumanity that society wreaks upon itself. I suspect the culture of violence and the disintegration of traditional values — joyfully invite it. . . .

The Vegetable Medley

On By scottpetersenIn Renaissance Hombre, The Vegetable MedleyLeave a comment

As Boy Scouts on campouts – dinner was often a slice of Spam, half an onion and a piece of potato. Plus a chunk of butter. All was wrapped in tin foil and tossed into a campfire. Within ten or fifteen minutes, we’d unwrap the tinfoil and we were ready for a gourmet repast. Ahhhh memories. . . .

I have thankfully advanced several levels from that fine outdoor dining experience. Chapter 7 of Renaissance Hombre – features an abbondanza of my recipes and food-related posts. One that is not included is my favorite – healthy – “vegetable medley.” The ingredients are simple: sweet potato; butternut squash; and a sweet (or yellow) onion. I chop the onion fine and cube (less than one inch) the butternut squash and sweet potato. I heat up a little cooking olive oil and saute the mix until the cubes are cooked through. I will sometimes cover the pan and keep on low heat depending on what else is on the menu. As the cooking progresses, I add pepper, garlic powder and some Italian seasoning. For an extra bounce, you can add a teaspoon or two of maple syrup. Depending on your guests, chopped up garlic cloves add zing.

This is a dish where you get your carbs, your veggies, good fiber and a dash of protein. I always make enough for leftovers and I have it cold – for breakfast. Nuthin’ better. . . . .

Free at Last

On By scottpetersenIn Martin Luther King, St. Mark Lutheran ChurchLeave a comment

[A timely repeat from February 12, 2022] I was there – live and in person – when Martin Luther King delivered his speech which ended with the words “free at last, free at last, thank God a’mighty we are free at last.” It was an amazing day – but it was not at the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963. It was in Miami Beach in 1961.

When I was 14 years old, the American Lutheran Church Luther League Convention was held in Miami Beach, Florida, August 15-20, 1961. St. Mark Lutheran Church in Mt. Prospect sent a contingent of “Hi Leaguers” to this august August event. And I was one of them. Dr. King was the keynote speaker.

Dr. King’s speech was recorded – and transcribed – and can be found at https://soundcloud.com/user-238560644/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-speaking-at-the-alc-luther-league-convention-in-1961  Over the last few days, I revisited the transcription of that speech 61 years ago. “Powerful” is an understatement. They are words that we would be well advised to remember. And incorporate into our lives. A few examples which apply today. . . .

“The world in which we live is a neighborhood, and we face the moral responsibility of making it a brotherhood. We must learn to live together as brothers or we will all perish together as fools.”

“All life is inter-related and we are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny so that whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”

” . . . there is a voice crying through the vista of time saying to every potential Peter ‘put down your sword.’ History is replete with the bleached bones of nations. History is cluttered with the wreckage of communities that fail to follow this command.”

And he quotes John Donne – “No man is an island entirely of itself — every man is a piece of the continent – a part of the main.”

The words of Dr. King are worth reading. And re-reading. Perhaps one day, “all of God’s children” can join hands – and be “free at last.”

An Idea from the Chicago Fire

On By scottpetersenIn California wildfires, Great Chicago FireLeave a comment

From October 8th to 10th in the year 1871, the City of Chicago was devastated by a massive conflagration of fire. Roughly three and a half miles of the City was destroyed, approximately 300 people died and more than 100,000 residents were left homeless. You can read a summary of the event at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Chicago_Fire Several stone structures survived – like the the famed Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue. These structures still stand today as a legacy to that horrific fire that rampaged through the City. Everything else was consumed. Yet. . . . .

There were perhaps half a dozen wooden-structured homes that survived in the middle of the raging inferno of flames. A few homes left standing amidst the charred neighborhoods (the Ogden House; Bellinger Cottage; the Lind Block). How in the world did they survive? Fasten your seat belts. . . . .

When the fire began, the owners of the homes that endured promptly covered their dwellings with burlap, blankets and clothing – with the cloth hanging over the roofs and sometimes down to the ground. And then . . . . they began soaking the fabric with water. They continued to soak – as the flaming embers flew, settled and fizzled out. This lesson of 150 years ago might be of value. Perhaps providing rolled up – fire-retardant – fabric for the roof with an irrigation system. Fire approaches? Roll down the fabric, turn on the water for constant soaking and make your escape. And hope for the best.

A footnote on this topic – I learned as a Boy Scout that you can fill a paper cup with water and put it on the burner on your stove – and boil the water without the paper burning. Yep. Maybe there’s another way to protect a home – from the inside out. Who knows. . . . .

Tai Chi – Qi Gong

On By scottpetersenIn Qi gong, Tai chiLeave a comment

Around 60 years ago, I studied karate (gung mao gung fu) at the old Duncan YMCA on Chicago’s West Side under the tutelage of 7th degree master – Walter Borkowski. After pushing myself (and being pushed) I attained a green belt. I bordered on brown but I quit.

Fast forward some 30 years. I signed up for classes in tai chi and qi gong. I did this for about a year. These gentler disciplines were much easier to handle. We have probably all seen the gatherings in Chinese gardens of (often older) adults moving slowly from side to side – in synchrony – moving out and moving in. Tai chi is considered a form of “moving meditation.” Slow breaths and gentle movements that are arguably patterned after movements found in nature. Tai chi can be practiced by anyone – even those with disabilities. There are health benefits – for mind, body and spirit. Tai chi helps with balance as well.

Qi gong (pronounced chee-gong) is more of a mental exercise that does not require a lot of movement but does require a lot of concentration. Qi gong involves a repetition of movement – usually (in my experience) hand movements which capture energy, visualizes strength and enhances breathing, calm and relaxation.

These days, when I go to the local fitness center, I sometimes practice a few – very rudimentary – blocks and hand movements (my legs ain’t what they used to be) and then some gentle qi gong breathing. I do this at home as well. It helps with balance – though each day is a new day. Since there’s a lot of “aging” going around, there may be benefit for those reading this to check out these disciplines — tai chi and qi gong. There’s literally no downside. . . . .

Edward Everett Hale

On By scottpetersenIn Edward Everett HaleLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 3, 2018] Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909) was a prominent Boston theologian and author.  He penned the classic narrative – The Man Without a Country (1868) — the story of an American Army Lieutenant who renounces his country during a trial for treason.  The lieutenant is sentenced to life at sea — never again to hear news about or the word “America.”  The story was designed as an allegory about the pains of the Civil War. 

From 1901 to 1909, Hale was the Chaplain of the United States Senate.   While Reverend Hale was serving as chaplain, he was asked if he prayed for the Senators.  “No,” he said. “I look at the Senators and I pray for the country.”  Given the current chaos, perhaps we might all profit by extending similar petitions. . . .

As a collector and dealer of historic autograph material, Edward Everett Hale was long a focus of my collecting.  Over the years, I acquired nearly 400 of Hale’s original letters and signed first editions.    How I started collecting Hale’s original letters is a story in itself.  Among the letters were perhaps a dozen small cards – each carefully handwritten – with Hale’s favorite advice – “Look up and not down. Look forward and not back.  Look out and not in.  Lend a hand.”  Good counsel for each one of us . . . . . 

The Lottery of Birth

On By scottpetersenIn Gabriel, Lottery of birthLeave a comment

[While we’re on the subject of faith, an oldie from April 9, 2015] I’m fortunate.  You who read this post are probably fortunate as well.  We were born into a relatively stable environment. Decent parents. An education.  Job.  Family.   Friends.  A religious tradition.  We can travel. And if we get sick, there are doctors to take care of us. The twinkling spark that suddenly became YOU arrived just in the right place.  At the right time.  It was a lottery.  Of birth. 

What if that spark had come to life a hundred years ago. A thousand. For many in those times, they just endured.  Day by arduous day.  Struggling with the things we take for granted today.  Yet even now there are those who are born into a life of abysmal poverty, suffocating hunger and crippling disease.  Raised in countries ravaged by violence, hatred and injustice.  Where every single day may be a strenuous, painful and frightening saga.   Do you ever think — that could’ve been me.  Do we have a duty to help resolve issues like poverty? World hunger?  

And what about faith traditions that deny salvation to those not exactly like them.  Can a little boy help if he is born in Totonicapan, Guatemala?  Or to a Hindu family in Rajahmundry, India?  Can we help that we are born Lutheran? Episcopal? Catholic, Jewish?  Buddhist?  Moroccan? Pakistani? Chinese? And if the little girl in Zimbabwe never hears the message of [pick your faith tradition] what does that mean for her eternity?  Her hope of salvation? Is it a closed door?   I wonder how the Archangel Gabriel might answer that question (please see post of 1/30/12).

The Four Chaplains – A Commentary

On By scottpetersenIn Gabriel, The Four ChaplainsLeave a comment

[A follow up from November 10, 2021] I am touched by the story of The Four Chaplains. By the heroism, the sacrifice and the amazing constellation of circumstance that brought these four men together. At that hour. At that place. What are the odds that four friends – clergy of four different faiths — would be together on that dark night, when a torpedo changed their world.

Question. Do you think the fellow who got the priest’s life jacket was first asked “are you Catholic?”  Do you think the rabbi inquired – “are you Jewish?” Or the Methodist or Reformed Church pastors asked- “are you Methodist? Reformed?” I suspect not. Four men died so that four men could live. John 15:13 states “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Could it be that there is a higher message? When these four heroes died, what was important was saving the life of a fellow human being. Yet knowing that they were sacrificing their own. Might God’s benevolence be similarly ecumenical? Is the criteria for salvation that one be Methodist? Lutheran? Catholic? Jewish? Episcopalian? Or another faith? I’m just askin’. . . .