Month: June 2025

American Sign Language

On By scottpetersenIn American Sign LanguageLeave a comment

[In view of the ongoing success of the movie “CODA,” I thought it would be of value to repeat my post of February 23, 2014]

I was sitting on the train a few weeks ago — waiting to pull out of the station. Three young girls (probably high school) came in and sat in the 4 seater ahead of me. They began conversing animatedly. Laughing. Giggling. And I watched. Fascinated.  What caught my attention was — they didn’t make a sound. One of the girls was deaf. And the three were mouthing words to each other and using sign language. “Signing.”  They were fast.  And fluent. 

American Sign Language (“ASL”) originated in the early 19th century at the American School for the Deaf in Hartford, CT.   Today, it is used by nearly a million people.  I have two friends who are conversant in ASL:  my partner Dave D. and my former priest, Fr. Bob M. (both Eagle Scouts by the way).  Watching these three young women “talking” was something of a wake up for me.  Since then, when I have lunch at my desk (which is often), I will sometimes log onto an ASL site just to stretch my small brain.  The site is http://lifeprint.com.  I can say “I am a grandfather” and a few other things in ASL.  It is pretty cool to creak open this door.  I even looked into the cost of a class at a Loop college a few blocks away. 

If you want to stretch your brain, this would be a great way to do it.  I guess I have a special reason to look into ASL.  You see my father was clinically deaf from World War II.  And he never learned ASL.  And neither did I. . . . .  

All Past is Prologue

On By scottpetersenIn All past is prologueLeave a comment

Let’s say you were to sit down and have coffee with Pope Leo XIV. Or have ice cream with Taylor Swift. Or maybe it would be a beer with Tom Hanks. Whoever it is – you would be sitting down with someone with whom you would chat, tell a few jokes and maybe enjoy some background memories. And whatever he or she has done – the person sitting before you has left their history at the doorstep. You are with the person as they are – at the moment. In the words of Shakespeare – from The Tempest – “What’s past is prologue.”

When you go out for dinner with friends or go to a cocktail party, everything that you have done, wherever you have travelled, whatever has gone on in your life merely sets the stage for the present. It’s a brand new day. For you and for others. The past has prepared each one of us for this brand new moment. And for the days to come. Along with opportunities. The forks in the road. The future. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.

How will you look back on these moments in a week. A month. A year. A recent medical journal article suggests that the term “past is prologue” can open the door to greatness. Or maybe not. An alternate – more cynical – view is that we may not learn from experience and mistakes (CUAJ Andrew MacNeily – April 1, 2020). “What is past is prologue” appears on a statue titled “Present” (by Robert Aitken) in the National Archives Building in Washington DC. Aitken’s work was done in the past. 1935.

As for me, I’m looking forward to having ice cream with Taylor Swift next Friday . . . . . .

A Golf Trip (continued)

On By scottpetersenIn Countries with only one golf course, Golf, Golf courses in Afghanistan, Pakistan and North KoreaLeave a comment

[A follow up from September 25, 2021] When I learned that Afghanistan and North Korea each have only one golf course in the entire country, my eyes narrowed and I thought – I wonder how many other countries have only one golf course? Well, fasten your seat belts because I may have devised a truly extraordinary golf trip. . . .

Some folks have a bucket list that includes visiting all seven continents, or every country in Europe, or every major league ball park in the United States. How about a golfing trip to every country where there is only one golf course? According to the R&A “Golf Around the World” – 2019 directory – there are 47 countries in the world that have only one course. 28 of these courses are confined to 9 holes. These one course countries include Sudan, Algeria, Chad, Niger, Mali, Iran, the Falkland Islands, Guyana and even Haiti. The newest country to join the “One Course Club” is Turkmenistan which in 2018 opened a Jack Nicklaus designed course — Ashgabat Golf Club.

I think it would be interesting to arrange a trip – to check out a few of these courses. While we’re at it, we can always travel to Mongolia where there are four golf courses. And then of course Nepal has six of them. The best is Chaudhary Industrial Village in the Nawalparasi District. It is a private club. There is one par 5 where you have to hit over Mt. Everest. And there are no carts. . . . .

Ready for a Golf Trip?

On By scottpetersenIn Kabul Golf Club, Pyongyang Golf Course1 Comment

[A repeat from September 22, 2021] How about a golf trip for the ages?

There is only one golf course in Afghanistan — Kabul Golf Club. The course was opened in 1967, closed in 1978 and reopened in 2004. It is – to my knowledge – still open though I’m not sure how much traffic they are getting. Their website is down but there is information available (see https://golfdigestme.com/dangerous-driving-kabul-golf-club-is-golfs-unlikeliest-playground-for-thrill-seekers/ ). And if you Google the term, there are dozens of neat photos! The Taliban have banned sporting events so not much is known about the Club’s current status.

Kabul Golf Club is a 9 hole course. The “greens” are actually brown or black due to their composition (sand and oil – to keep the sand from blowing). There is no irrigation system and fairways are mainly sand. In 2010, there was a charity tournament that brought out 44 golfers – each paying a $100 fee to play this hard-scrabble course 7 miles from downtown Kabul.

For those golfers looking for a challenge, none could be more daunting. First we need visa permits and entrance authorizations to travel to Afghanistan (along with prompt registration with the Ministry of Interior). There are still flights into Kabul on Turkish Air. While we are at it, we can cross the border into Pakistan where (believe it or not) there are 48 private golf clubs! The Pakistan Golf Federation oversees the golf community in Pakistan. Pakistani courses can actually be quite lush. A link to some of the better courses is https://www.golfpass.com/travel-advisor/course-directory/8485-pakistan/

The trip can conclude with a 9 hour flight from Islamabad to Shenyang and several train and bus trips to North Korea’s only golf course — Pyongyang Golf Course (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyongyang_Golf_Course ). The back tees are 6200 meters (6780 yards). This is the course where Kim Jong-il scored a birdie or better on each hole and had 5 holes in one — all in one round! The course restaurant is said to be the best in North Korea. That said, I think we still may have to bring our own clubs. And food. And tents. . . . .

The Death March

On By scottpetersenIn Workout categoriesLeave a comment

[A repeat from March 25, 2017] I go to the local fitness center a few times a week. When I come home, I often get the question “how was your workout?” And my response – for the longest time – was “fine.” And that was it.

But my workouts vary. Sometimes it’s a quick in and out. Other times, I’ll be there for a while – punishing my body. Grunting, groaning, lumbering and lurching through all manner of cardio, weights, stretches and contortions. So one day when I got home and Donna asked “how was your workout?” – I responded “I did the puppy dog.” I got the look . . . . “What’s that?” Donna asked. “I was only able to work out for 45 minutes.” “Oh.” Later that week, I went home, got the question and responded “I did the Gorilla.” Nearly 90 minutes of exercise. And so it goes. I have now identified four distinct categories of workout:

The Puppy Dog — A workout of less than 45 minutes

The Regular — An hour

The Gorilla — An hour to an hour and a half

The Death March — Pushing two hours

“Death March” workouts are rare but they happen. While on vacation a few weeks ago, ta dahhhh I set a modern day record . . . . .

Japan

On By scottpetersenIn Chiran Peace Museum, Genbaku Dome, Shogun by James Clavell1 Comment

One of my favorite books was the 1975 historical novel – Shogun by James Clavell (1921-1994). The book details the dawn of the Edo Period (1603-1868) but more importantly provides a semi-factual account of the gradual influx of Western influence. Since reading the book, I have read other books on Japan and years ago had a year-long course in Japanese. Since then – I have wanted to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Fast forward to April 2025. . . . .

Donna and I just completed a 12 day Regent cruise around Japan (with one day in Korea). We flew in to Tokyo and spent 3 days on a “pre-cruise” tour. We visited temples, shrines and gardens. Once on board the ship – each day was a new area and tours of gardens, temples and shrines. Sometimes it was shrines, gardens and temples. . . . .

Seriously folks, our trip to Japan was an amazing foray around Nippon. Apart from the jet lag, we were up and at ’em every morning – hopping on a bus and heading off to see the sites in new ports of call. Years ago I learned to sing the iconic 1963 hit “Sukiyaki” by Kyu Sakamoto – in Japanese. I would occasionally warble “Sukiyaki” only to find surprised guides and locals joining in to sing. Maybe I have a future on “Japan’s Got Talent”. . . . .

The most memorable part of the trip was going to Hiroshima – and actually spending time at “ground zero” of that fateful August day in 1945. We visited the Peace Memorial Park and saw the Atomic Bomb (Genbaku) Dome – the only structure left standing where the bomb fell (which actually detonated at an altitude of about 2,000 feet). Nagasaki also provided a somber memorial. Finally – we went to the Chiran Peace Museum — a legacy to the 3,800 young men who died as Kamikaze pilots. Photos of most adorn the walls along with display cases with original letters home – to their mothers – expressing their sadness at leaving them.

All in all, a great trip. What would I do differently? I would spend a few more days in Tokyo to arrange a private guide or two. I would take the “bullet train” to Kyoto and I would check out the subway system. Maybe next time. . . .

Motorized Vehicles

On By scottpetersenIn E-bike regulation, Hoverboards, Motorized scootersLeave a comment

I was under the impression that a person needed a drivers license to use a motorized vehicle on the street. There was a requirement for “driver’s ed,” then acquire a learners permit and finally – following a written test and an on the road assessment — you got your drivers license. Well apparently my understanding of driving protocol is incorrect. Enter battery-powered scooters, hoverboards and motorized bicycles.

I am seeing more and more young people – and we’re talkin’ the 8, 9 and 10 year olds – who are zooming along streets and sidewalks pushing 20 and 30 mph. They don’t stop for traffic lights or stop signs. They’re often on sidewalks – weaving in and out around pedestrians. From what I understand, these new drivers have no licensed authorization to “drive” electric scooters, bicycles and hoverboards on the street. Do they have insurance? Helmets? Eye protection? Legal justification? From what I understand, their rights come from mommy or daddy’s okay. . . . .

Illinois has some hazy requirements for motorized scooters and bikes but I’m not sure any of them are followed. According to an article in Forbes Magazine (July 23, 2024), E-scooter and E-bike accidents are “surging” across America. Serious injuries. And worse. Am I an outlier on my belief that such motorized vehicles should at least have some regulation — and at least age restrictions? Mom and dad – if your little Mario Andretti runs into a tree or crushes some old lady – just remember. You asked for it. . . . .

Night

On By scottpetersenIn Anti-Semitism, Elie WieselLeave a comment

[Timely repeat of May 13, 2020] It’s a Wednesday evening.  You’re at home having dinner with your family.  Smiling.  Hearing stories from your children about their day.  And the doorbell rings.  Again.  Again.  Sharp banging on the door.  You put your napkin on your chair – get up and answer the door.   Seven hard-looking men in uniform, carrying guns, push their way in.  One, an officer, spits out the words “you have one hour to pack.   Be outside in one hour.”  He turns on his heel while the six men press into your home.  Guns leveled.  And your dinner begins to cool. . . . .

This scenario happened over.  And over.  And over again from 1939 to 1945 for those in Europe who were Jewish.  Once outside the door, families were often separated.  Sobbing children dragged away from hysterical parents.  Occasional shots rang out.  An infant might be tossed in the air and used for target practice.  Families stuffed into trucks or trains.  And transported to their death.  During the Holocaust, 6 million Jews – two thirds of Europe’s Jewish population – were murdered.  Elie Wiesel’s classic Night recounts a small chapter of the horror.  

The United Nations gives a smiling pass to China, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other totalitarian governments.  The United Nations Human Rights Council includes Sudan, Pakistan, Somalia, Libya and Venezuela.    Who do they condemn?  Israel.  A lone democracy in a troubled region.  A nation trying to survive despite the violent networks that surround them. 

Increasing numbers of people – supposedly educated elites in academia – rise up and spew hatred at Israel and the Jewish community. I mean really?  

There are 2.1 billion Christians in the world.  1.8 billion Muslims.  One billion Hindus.  And 14 million Jews.   And who gets it in the neck – from increasing numbers of people in Europe, the Middle East and even America?  Read my post on antisemitism (June 1, 2019). 

It’s a Wednesday evening.  You’re at home having dinner with your family.  And there’s a knock at the door. . . . . .  

Night.