Author: scottpetersen

Lawyer, guitar player (the Blues), magic man, chess player, father, grandfather, husband, linguist, etc.

My Father’s house has many rooms

On By scottpetersenIn My Father's House has many roomsLeave a comment

[A repeat from May 27, 2020] In 1985, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – the Mormon Church – opened a grand temple in Glenview, Illinois.  It was the 35th Mormon Temple in the world.  

Prior to its consecration in August 1985, the doors of the Temple were opened to the public.  From July 15 to August 3d, an open house invited anyone and everyone to take a guided tour through the beautiful structure.   There was no proselytizing and no sales talk.  It was strictly – we would like to share with you – our neighbors – this new home for the Mormon Church. 

I had seen the construction site – and later the completed structure.  When I read that the Temple would be open to the public, I thought it would be interesting.  And educational.   So one weekend afternoon, Donna and I drove over to a very crowded parking lot and lined up for the tour.  We must’ve spent close to an hour walking through – including a small, beautiful oval-shaped room, grand chandelier and four chairs – I believe called a “Celestial Room” – where one might pray more directly to God.  

After the tour, we were met by two young men in white shirts and black ties.  They cordially asked if we had any questions – about the Temple or the Mormon faith.  I asked how Mormons view those of other faith traditions who worship God in their own way.  One young man responded by quoting John 14:2-3 – “My Father’s house has many rooms. . . . ”  and he shared an ecumenical belief that while Mormons may have an upper hand in terms of their faith (not unlike the exclusionary attitude of soooo many others faiths, synods, religions), all Christians should have a reservation for lodging in Heaven.  As to non-Christians, there is further latitude that acknowledges that all people are God’s children.  Good for each one of us to remember — that we are all God’s children . . . . 

Thank you Captain

On By scottpetersenIn NapoleonLeave a comment

(An oldie from 5/28/2012) One of my favorite stories relates to Napoleon — the Grand Emperor of the French Republic.*  Napoleon was at a parade of troops outside of Paris. His Marshalls, his staff and his officers were all present. As Napoleon was reviewing the troops, alone and from a distance, a small animal ran from a bush startling his horse. The horse bucked. Reared up. And Napoleon fell backward in his saddle, clinging precariously to the reins. No one moved. Except for a young private who sprinted from the lines. His rifle clattered to the ground. His hat flew off. The private grabbed the reins of the Emperor’s horse, unceremoniously shoved Napoleon back into the saddle and snapped to attention.

Napoleon looked around. At his Marshalls. His generals. His officers. And then down at the young private. In a booming voice, Napoleon said “Thank you. . . Captain.”

The young man was flustered and asked “Of what regiment, Sir?”

Napoleon laughed. “Of my personal guard.”

The example of this courageous, young private can be an inspiration for all of us.  

*Source – Billy Sunday, the Man and His Message by William T. Ellis

How High Can You Jump?

On By scottpetersenIn Fosbury flopLeave a comment

(A very old one – from August 11, 2011)
I have the aerodynamics of a sofa. The question “How high can you jump?” never resonated with me since the answer was never one I wished to share (“I can barely get off the ground“).

In the 1900 Olympics, no high jumper could hope to succeed unless he did the scissors kick to launch himself over the high bar. It was thought no one would ever jump higher – that is until 1920 when the track and field world was stunned by a high jumper who dove over the bar. This added nearly two feet to the world’s record. It was thought that no one would ever jump higher – that is until 1968 when a young man from Oregon revolutionized high jumping at the Mexico City Olympics by going over the bar backwards! Today, as a high jumper if you cannot master the “Fosbury flop,” you may as well take your gym bag and go home. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_jump

So how high can you jump? What do you do to challenge yourself? Improve yourself? Motivate yourself – and others? What goals do you set? And reach? I like to think that the sky is the limit. W.N. Murray – who was on the Scottish Himalayan Expedition – said “Whatever you can do or dream you can. . . begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” So go. See how high you can jump.

Free at Last

On By scottpetersenIn Martin Luther KingLeave 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 on that special and memorable day 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.”

Gabriel

On By scottpetersenIn Gabriel1 Comment

(An ecumenical post – an update from January 30, 2012)

There are three archangels in religious tradition: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel. Of the three, Gabriel is the one who curiously keeps popping up — not just in Christianity but in other faiths as well.  Gabriel is not just a divine messenger from God, he is an uber messenger. . . . .

In the Jewish tradition, Gabriel is the holy messenger who in the Old Testament book of Daniel offers an explanation of Daniel’s visions. In Christianity, it is Gabriel who foretells the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus. It was Gabriel who visits Mary to deliver the good news of her new role.

In the Mormon faith, Gabriel ministered to Joseph Smith.  In his earthly life, Gabriel was believed to be Noah. Some say, Gabriel continues to serve as a divine messenger having visited earth as recently as 1954.

In Islam, it was Gabriel (Jibril) who revealed the Qur’an to Muhammed.  In the Bahai faith, Gabriel is referenced in their holy texts (Baha’u’llah‘s mystical work Seven Valleys).  Among Yazidis, Gabriel is one of the “Seven Mysteries.”  In the Gnostic manuscripts, Gabriel is a divine spirit who inhabits Pleroma and who existed prior to the Demiurge. In the Hindu faith there are two messengers of God (perhaps they are cousins of Gabriel).   

With Gabriel’s influential involvement in so many religious traditions, one has to wonder if Gabriel, the Messenger, is trying to tell us something about unity.  Perhaps He who sent him is too. . . . 

ICE

On By scottpetersenIn Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company, ICE2 Comments

I have been increasingly concerned with the ICE operations around the country — and in my neighborhood. On December 9, 2025, I offered comments on this subject which were published in the Chicago Tribune (see below).

I grew up in a small family business located at 137 South Albany Ave. – a few blocks from Marshall High School on Chicago’s West Side. The company made paper tubes – for mailing and packaging. We had a dozen employees – many from Mexico. I remember them well — Candalario, Esther, Jose, Gilibaldo. Good people. Salt of the earth. These folks worked with my family for years.

Once – one of our employees – Jose M – was picked up by immigration agents and taken to a downtown detention center. I was in college at the time and I went downtown to see what I could do. I showed agents Jose’s work records and W-2’s. A few weeks later, he was released and back at work.

Fast forward to today: I’m on record favoring a controlled border though I believe America should have a compassionate immigration system. President Donald Trump announced that he would control the border and zero in on arresting, detaining and deporting the criminals, drug mules and bad people. However – Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol seem to concentrate on day care teachers, landscape workers, students, nannies, restaurant employees and children. Agents even lie in wait for those applying for green cards. Instead of focusing on bad actors and evildoers, they target folks with jobs, spouses of citizens and those who have lived here awhile. And this is happening in my neighborhood!

I agree wholeheartedly with collaring the bad guys. But most immigrants who have lived and worked for years in America – have families and pay taxes – are not “bad.” Targeting them is not only counterproductive but also contradicts the declared primary objective.

What do you think?

Y2K

On By scottpetersenIn Y2K2 Comments

Does anyone remember Y2K? The initials Y2K (a “numeronym” – an abbreviation with a number) stand for “Year 2000.” The term related to the finale of that special day – December 31st 1999 – 26 years ago – when the old year ended and the world welcomed a new day, year, century and a new millennium. The year 2000. As the new year approached – the public became aware of the “Y2K Scare” — the prospect that the entire power grid would shut down, computers would be frozen and worldwide infrastructure would collapse. The speculation was fueled by the press and by books and articles like Computerworld’s 1993 3 page article – “Doomsday 2000” – by Peter de Jager.

I remember Y2K very well. It occurred to me that if we were approaching worldwide catastrophe, I better do something to prepare (ever the Boy Scout). Sooooo. . . . I bought seven gallons of water, perhaps two dozen cans of soup, ravioli, vegetables and chili, got some extra dog food for our little Daisy, I withdrew about $1,500 in cash and on that last day of December – I filled two bathtubs full of water. Oh – and did I mention I purchased a few bottles of cabernet . . . .

On that special New Year’s Eve, Donna and I hunkered down – watched some television and stayed awake for the dropping of the ball in New York City. Now mind you – I am not the brightest light in the box so I wondered if the shutdown might occur when the clock hit midnight in Beijing, Sumatra, Moscow or London. Or maybe Chicago, Wichita or Seattle. Anywayyyy . . . we went to bed. And next morning – turned on the T.V., made coffee and had breakfast. And all seemed okay.

Since then, we drank the water, ate the food, enjoyed the vino, spent the money and took a cold bath. The point is – I can’t believe that all of this took place 26 years ago. That’s more than a quarter century ago. . . .

Honey

On By scottpetersenIn Honey, Swedish pancakesLeave a comment

[An oldie from November 19, 2011] One of my primo recipes is Swedish pancakes.  On January 31st, I shared the recipe along with a pic of Chef Popi and his admirers.  I do not use sugar in the mix.  I use honey.  Honey is purely sweet and adds a subtle, gentle sweetness to the flavor.   In fact in baking (or even sauteing onions to add flavor), given the choice, I use honey.  A healthy dessert that I make for myself is Greek yogurt, almond (or peanut) butter topped with honey.  How sweet it is!

We all know that bees make honey but did you know that honey is the result of continuous regurgitation by the bees?    It goes up and down until it reaches a desired consistency then “splat” it goes into the honeycomb.  Interestingly most microorganisms cannot grow in honey (due to low water content – .6%) thus honey normally does not spoil — even after decades or even centuries of sitting around. Egyptian tombs from 3,000 years ago have featured honey that remains edible. It’s kinda like Twinkies which have a shelf life of 47 years.  Honey gleaned from different flowers and plants results in varied flavor and qualities.  Honey is a healthier choice than sugar as it contains no cholesterol. 

Our ancestors were collecting honey 10,000 years ago.  The Old and New Testaments refer to honey (Judges 14:8 and Matthew 3:4) and the Qur’an devotes an entire Surra to honey (al-Nahl; The Honey Bee).  Sore throat?  Honey in hot water.   Cuts or scratches?  Honey (if no antiseptic is available).  MRSA bacteria?  Honey (New Zealand Mānuka).  Good stuff, honey.   

[Postscript — The health benefits to honey include being an antioxidant powerhouse, helps with heart and brain function and – for me, a teaspoon before bedtime helps cut down on extra trips down the hall at night].    

New Year’s Resolutions

On By scottpetersenIn New Year's ResolutionsLeave a comment

Do you have any? New Year’s resolutions that is?   Something to do or not do in the coming year?  New Year’s resolutions date back 4000 years to Babylonian times.  The Babylonians celebrated a 12 day festival called “Akitu.” At this time, the people would affirm loyalty to the king for the new year and promise the pagan gods to repay debts and return borrowed objects. On January 1st (named for the two-faced god Janus), the Romans would look to the past year and promise good conduct for the coming year. Early Christians would look back on the mistakes of the past year and resolve to omit them from the New Year. Nearly one third of all people make some personal commitment for the new year.  However, a University of Bristol study showed that of the people who make New Year’s resolutions, 88% fail.   Mine will not.

One that crossed my mind is to play more golf. It occurred to me that if I work diligently every day on cardio, weights and golf – I could be on the PGA Tour in 10 or 15 years. That said, I would also like to read more, play my guitar more, volunteer/be a better person and eat healthier. Though I NEVER want to eat asparagus again . . . . . Best wishes to all for a wonderful, healthy and Happy New Year!!

I Get No Respect

On By scottpetersenIn I Get No Respect, Rodney Dangerfield1 Comment

[A repeat from March 30, 2014]   My wife made me join a bridge club. I have to jump off next Tuesday.

When I was in high school, a girl called and said “come on over. Nobody’s home.” I went over to her house. Nobody was home.

My wife is such a bad cook, the flies chipped in to fix the screen door. The roaches hang themselves in the pantry. Most guys go home and get pot roast. I go home and get roast pot. Did you ever see meat loaf that glows in the dark?  In my house, we pray after the meal. . . .

Rodney Dangerfield (1921-2004) was a classic (which may share a whisper about my sense of humor). Born Jacob Rodney Cohen in New York, he started writing material for stand up comedians at the age of 15 and began performing (as “Jack Roy”) when he was 20.  In the 1960’s he was performing stand up comedy at night and working as a salesman or singing waiter by day.  Nothing seemed to go right for him and he went deep into debt.  He came to realize that he needed a stage “image.”  Since nothing went right for him, the light went on over his head.   On March 5, 1967, The Ed Sullivan Show needed a last minute replacement and “Rodney Dangerfield” made his big debut.   And he was the hit of the show.  He was invited as a guest on The Dean Martin Show and then The Tonight Show – where he appeared on 35 occasions.  Rodney’s career peaked in the 1980’s when he appeared in the iconic movie “Caddyshack” and several other films (including “Easy Money” and “Back to School“). 

In 2001, he suffered a minor heart attack backstage at The Tonight Show.  And his health began to slide.  In August 2004, he entered the hospital for a heart-valve replacement.  When someone asked how long he’d be in the hospital, he responded “if all goes well, a week or 10 days.  If not, then maybe an hour and a half.”  He died a short time later – at 83 – and was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.  His headstone reads “There goes the neighborhood.” 

Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MecU2keW54I  for a laugh 🙂