Author: scottpetersen

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

Did you ever use a bad word?

On By scottpetersenIn Did you ever use a bad word?, I Corinthians 13:11Leave a comment

[A repeat from February 10, 2019] Did you ever use a racial, religious, ethnic, body shaming, gender or other epithet when you were in 3d grade? 8th? 12th?  Did you ever call someone a “name”?  Or use such a term in a joke?  Or while talking with others?  If you say “no” – I’m not sure I would believe you.   Either way, it leads to the vexing question of whether a man or woman should be judged by the worst thing they ever said (or did) when they were young?  Yet that seems to be the demand of some individuals who are quick to condemn others for things said or done in their adolescence.  

As time goes on, and the maturation process continues, we learn.  I am not the “boy ” I was when I was 17.   I’m probably guilty of using bad words when I was 9 years old.  Or 18.  You want to see what happened to me when I used a slur when I was 12 years old?  Check out my post of July 30, 2017.  But the child of then is not the “me” of today.   Yet the current demand for adolescent accountability begs two serious questions:  what if at the time (60 years ago), such commentary was viewed differently.   Is it appropriate to judge people for words and deeds in the past by the selective moral compass of today?  Then there is the question of whether there should be forgiveness for words or deeds done in one’s adolescence — when one’s current life is exemplary — and does not reflect the “bad words” uttered in ages past.  We forgive criminals when they get out of prison.  Christians seem to forgive Saint Paul for once being Saul of Tarsus.  Why not forgive those who use bad words in adolescence?  How about forgiving those older folks who are contrite and repentant about stupid comments?  Is there a difference between an “offense” and “insensitivity”?      

I have grown up.  Maybe you have too.  While you and I said and did stupid things when we were 12 years old – or 18 – we are not the same person today.  This notion of maturation is even Biblical (I Corinthians 13:11):   When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  Question — should your son or daughter or grandchild be condemned forever and denied occupation — because of some ill-chosen words spoken or acts of stupidity when they were in grade school, high school or college?  How about an ill-tempered word in adulthood?  If you believe they – and others – should be condemned, then perhaps you – who are without sin – should pick up the first rock.   And let ’em have it. . . . .  

23

On By scottpetersenIn 23, EstorilLeave a comment

Donna and I were on a 3 week honeymoon jaunt – driving around Spain and Portugal. Staying in paradors. Eating chocolate and churros. And following famed matador Diego Puerta at Sunday corridas around Spain.

Upon arrival at our hotel in Lisbon, we learned there was a casino – Estoril – outside of town. They offered meals and a theater production that sounded interesting. Soooooo. . . . we hailed a taxi and headed off west from Lisbon along the coast. It was a 45 minute ride. We went in the magnificent entrance and soon learned that you had to walk through the casino to get to the restaurant and theater. Having enjoyed a few casino stops in Las Vegas and Reno with my old friend Ox, I slowed as we approached the roulette table. I looked at Donna and said “give me just a few minutes.” She rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, exhaled a heavy breath and gave me a slight “okay” nod.

I bellied up to the table, got about twenty dollars of chips in escudos (the old currency of Portugal) and I dropped a few on number 23. And on red. And on “odd.” The wheel spun – for what seemed like an eternity. The ball bounced and settled on number 23. Red. Odd. The payoff was about $160.00. Donna looked at me, smiled and gave the “let’s go” sign. And we did. That lucky number paid for our dinner, the theater, the cab and a few other things on our trip. Since then, number 23 has been the “go to” number – and no it is not used for passwords. . . . .

Streets and Sanitation

On By scottpetersenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

[A repeat from October 28, 2012] I was in the Felony Trial Division of the States Attorneys office for several years.  My daughter was born in the middle of a brutal two week murder jury trial in Room 504 at 26th & California. Donna went into labor at about 2:00 a.m. on a Thursday morning.  I called my friend and partner in the case and said “Charlie – Donna’s having the baby. You’re gonna have to handle things today.” His response “Congrats but be here tomorrow.”   

The next day, I showed up at the office with my arms packed with files and three boxes of cigars.  So picture this — I’m in my office passing out cigars, smiling, yabbering, guys wandering in and out when suddenly a large chap appeared at my door.  He was wearing bib overalls, high rubber boots, thick shirt and a hat.  He leaned against the door frame.  “Is there a Scott Petersen here” he asked.  We all turned.  I raised my hand.  “Yeah.  That’s me.”  “You missin’ anything?” he asked.  I felt pockets.  Jacket.  My checkbook!  It’s gone.  “My checkbook” I said.  He held it up waggling it between two fingers.  “I found it on the street.”    Oh my gosh!  “THANK you” – I said taking the checkbook.  I pulled out my wallet and started to pull out a twenty. “Here – I really apprec. . . “ “No.  That’s okay,”  he held up his hand.  “I’m with Streets and Sanitation.  I want you guys to know” he paused and looked around “we have a lot of good people at Streets and Sanitation.”    I then said “My wife just had a baby.  Can I offer you some cigars?”  He looked at the open box.  “That I will take.”  He grabbed a large handful of stogies and disappeared.

It’s funny how things happen – and there are moments of intense clarity.  Obviously I’ll never forget the birth of my daughter (I was there :). I’ll never forget the trial (guilty all counts). But I’ll also never forget the integrity of that stranger.  Streets & Sanitation . . . . .  

Shuji Shuriken

On By scottpetersenIn Kenjutsu, Shuji ShurikenLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 9, 2016] Kenjutsu is the overarching term for all schools of Japanese swordsmanship.  Swords.  Very important in the martial arts in Japan.  And to the samurai class.   The study of kenjutsu has been a sub-culture in Japan since feudal times.  For practice, they used the bokuto (solid wood stick) or shina (bamboo pole).  For battle, they used the real McCoy.    And only the most disciplined of swordsmen could repeat and internalize the magic words of the Shuji Shuriken — “the cutting of the nine ideographs.”  Only the most devout of Japanese swordsmen could give life to these nine words.  

U – Being 

Mu – Non-being 

Suigetsu – Moonlight on the water     

 Jo – Inner security 

Shin – Master of the mind  

Sen – Thought precedes action 

Kara – Empty:  the Void.  Virtue       

Shinmyoken – Where the tip of the sword settles.   

Zero – Where the way has no power. . . .

It was not enough to merely think or speak the words.  The words and their meaning must be summoned from deep within.  The thought was – if you get through the first one while meditating and contemplating, you’re doing pretty well . . . . .

Clearbrook 3 -75_ _

On By scottpetersenIn Clearbrook 3, Wrong numberLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 16, 2016] When I was about 10 years old, my pal Darryl M. lived across the creek from my home. Darryl and I would walk across a narrow foot bridge to play catch or just hang out. Darryl’s telephone number was CLearbrook 3-75_ _ .  Sometimes I would call him.  We’d chat.  And hang up. 

One bright day, I called Darryl’s number.  (Ring) (Ring) (Ring) And a woman answered “Hello.”  I said “hello is Darryl there?”  Sounds pretty innocuous.  Eh?   Well it was the wrong number.  This woman began screaming into the phone “you #$&*$X. . .  you have the wrong $%@&@X number!”  I sat there listening.  Mouth open.  Mesmerized.  I realized I’d dialed a “6” instead of a “7.” 

I got on my bike and rode over to Darryl’s.  Darryl opened the door and I pushed inside.  Grabbed Darryl, picked up the phone and said “listen to this. . . .”  And I dialed the wrong number again.  (Ring) (Ring) (Ring) And a woman answered “Hello.”  I said cheerfully “hello is Darryl there?”  And she began screaming again.  This was really something special.  We shared the “wrong number” with our pals.   It seemed entertaining (at the time) and we all learned new four letter words in the process.  Mind you — these were the days before caller ID. . . . .  

April Fools!

On By scottpetersenIn April Fools, Jonathan Swift1 Comment

Let’s have a smile.   Here’s a repeat first posted on August 30, 2011.

The first mention of “April Fools Day” as being on April 1st was in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in 1392 (in the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale“).

Jonathan Swift (1665-1745) was the foremost prose satirist for the English language. And he was also a twinkle-in-the-eye practical joker who authored a doozy of an April Fools’ prank bringing the tradition to a whole new level. In February 1708, using the name “Isaac Bickerstaff,” he published an article solemnly predicting that John Partridge, a local author of astrological almanacs, would die at 11:00 p.m. on March 29, 1708. All of London held its collective breath. When the fateful day arrived, Swift – still writing as Isaac Bickerstaff – penned a moving obituary announcing the death of Partridge at 7:05 p.m. — four hours earlier than predicted.

Of course Mr. Partridge was very much alive – and outraged over Swift’s prediction and the false reporting of his death. Because the story of John Partridge’s demise was printed on April 1st, there was ignition and lift off for a new – and more creative – breed of April Fool pranks. I think I’d like to have Jonathan Swift join Aristophanes and me for dinner. . . .

So this guy

On By scottpetersenIn Religious tolerance, So this guy1 Comment

As a follow up to the prior post relating to religious tolerance, I thought I’d repeat a post from April 22, 2018. . . . .

I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I ran over and yelled at him “Don’t do it!”

He stopped – and said “Nobody loves me.” I responded “God loves you. Do you believe in God?”  He said “Yes.”

I asked “Are you a Christian or a Jew?” He said “I’m a Christian.” And I said “Me, too!

“Are you Protestant or Catholic?” He said “Protestant.” I said “Me, too!”

“What denomination?” He said “Baptist.” I said “Me, too!!”

“Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist?” He said “Northern Baptist.”  I said “Me, too!!”

“Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist?” He said “Northern Conservative Baptist.”  I said “Me, too!!”

“Are you Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region?” He said “Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.” I said “Me, too!!!”

“Are you Northern Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912?” He responded “Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912.“

I yelled “Die, heretic!” And I pushed him off the bridge.

The Blues Brothers

On By scottpetersenIn Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company, The Blues Brothers1 Comment

It’s interesting how years. . . . decades can go by and then suddenly you learn something about your family that you never knew. Such is my case. . . .

“The Blues Brothers” was the 1980 film classic which was shot in Chicago. Lots of street scenes, car chases and visits to public locations. The film features an amazing cast – John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway and so many others. I have just learned that this amazing cast included – fasten your seat belts – my mother and father. Let me explain.

As mentioned on July 26, 2022, I grew up in a small family business – Chicago Paper Tube & Can Company. The last location for the company was a 3 story building at 925 W. Jackson Blvd. in Chicago. When “The Blues Brothers” was being filmed, the production headquarters was a block away. But filming stayed away until. . . .

In the iconic scene where Jake and Elwood are racing back to the City – to deliver money to save the orphanage – they are chased eastbound on Jackson Boulevard. On the day of the filming, my parents watched the filming out an open second floor window. My mother recalled one of the directors yelling at her “hey Blondie – get back inside.” Well apparently they didn’t. I just learned that my mother and father are in the movie!!!

That immortal chase scene can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoKKT4hmj6Q If you do repeated stop action beginning at minute 1:49 to about 1:52 – you will see on either side of the racing car two people with their heads poked out the window. Those are my parents. And to think they never got their names in the credits. I wonder if it’s too late. . . . .

Forbidden Cities

On By scottpetersenIn Forbidden CitiesLeave a comment

[A repeat from November 16, 2014]   People – of all faiths – are welcomed into the Vatican — the Holy See of Catholicism. All may tour Jerusalem – the Divine City of Judaism.  All may visit Nazareth, the birthplace of Jesus.  Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama is open to visitors.  The red carpet is out in Tokyo (and Edo’s Shinto shrines), the Seven Holy Towns (of Hinduism), Salt Lake City (home to the Mormon faith) and a host of other countries, cities and locales which are relevant to a particular religion or faith.

But heaven help you (no pun intended) if you try to enter the cities of  Mecca or Medina in Saudi Arabia. You are carded at the door. And if you are not a Muslim, you are not welcome. If you try to get in, you will be booted out. Why?  Because the Quran dictates:  “O ye who believe!  The idolaters are unclean.  So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship. . . . ” (Surra 9:28).   Based on this centuries-old Scripture, Saudis deny entrance to “Scott” “Donna” “Abigail” or “Rex.”  Expressways have checkpoints – much like toll booths – where your credentials are examined.  If you are “unclean,” you’re shown the bypass that takes you away from Mecca (or Medina). 

Christianity and Judaism take a major beating these days from our government, academia and our allegedly mainstream media.  A crèche or menorah?  Puh-lease!  Are you a radical?  But raise questions about controversial Islamic practices, prejudice against women or demands for Sharia law in some locales in America – and your speech will be labeled “discriminatory.”  Or worse. 

The PhD of Boyhood

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, PhD of Boyhood2 Comments

[A repeat from July 13, 2017]  Do you have a son? Grandson?  Want to improve his chance of succeeding in school and as an adult? Encourage him to join the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2012, Baylor University conducted a study of the impact of Boy Scouts – and Eagle Scouts – on society.  The impact was highly positive.  A synopsis of the study can be found at http://www.baylor.edu/mediacommunications/news.php?action=story&story=113239   

The Boy Scouts is by far the largest youth organization in America (2.6 million Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorers and Venturers) and the best youth organization ever devised.  Eagle Scout service projects constitute the largest youth service initiative in history (150 million hours and counting).  And 3 million souls are alive today because they, their parents or grandparents had their lives saved by a Boy Scout.

On November 17, 2015, Michael Malone penned an article for the Wall Street Journal on Scouting.   Malone calls the path to the Eagle Scout award “the Ph.D. of Boyhood.”  I’m glad I have my Ph.D. . . . .  

As a parent, you could not wish a better activity for your son or daughter than Scouting.  America desperately needs youth – and adults – who abide by the Scout Law – to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Wouldn’t it be nice if our politicians would abide by these principles (see post of September 12, 2011).   

[And as I offered on February 1, 2018, I believe girls should have the same opportunity to become Eagle Scouts]