Christmas 2015

On By scottpetersenIn Christmas, Isaiah 9, Luke 22 Comments

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 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 2015.  Mercy – the days are long but the years go fast. . . .

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

A Conversation on Islam

On By scottpetersenIn Islam, It's never just a rideLeave a comment

I had a 30 minute cab ride with a driver from Tunisia.  A Sunni Muslim.  As I mentioned on August 19, 2012, when I get into a cab “it’s never just a ride.”  We started talking about Islam – and the issues that are forefront in the media.   We chatted about the Quran, the Prophet  and the hadith (the conversations of Muhammed).  It’s then he opened up.

“You want to know the real problem is in the Muslim world?” he asked.   “You didn’t hear it from me.  Two words.  Saudi Arabia.”  This chap said that Saudi Arabia — with its Wahhabi (or Salafi) demands and sharia law — is wholly responsible for the radicalization of Islam.  Much of the negativity seems to orbit around that Middle Eastern power.  Women are denied the most basic of freedoms and the disease of sharia law infects everything and everyone.  You are a kafir (infidel) or mushrak (denier like Sunnis) if you are not a Wahhabi Muslim.  Saudi Arabia sponsors terrorism across the Middle East.  And elsewhere.  The tentacles of fundamentalism (and extremism) reach far and wide.  And now the Saudis seem to be caught up in their own cult of extreme Wahhabism – the puritanical, ultra-orthodox branch of Sunni Islam.  The offspring of Wahhabism now wants a return to the 7th Century caliphate.  ISIS cells are creeping inexorably into Saudi Arabia (as they are around the Middle East).  It will be interesting to see how Saudi Arabia fares in the next five years.      

“Creed”

On By scottpetersenIn CreedLeave a comment

I’m not a movie critic – but I do (like you) have objective credentials for offering comment. The movie “Creed” had primo reviews (“best since ‘Rocky’“).  But in my humble opinion, the film was pretty boring.  Donna needed popcorn and Pepsi to stay awake.   The movie’s path was predictable.  Sylvester Stallone acted in his usual “duhhhhh how ya doon’?” fashion for the entire movie.  My mouth logged open and my eyes were glassy. . . . .    

The final “Rocky” scenes are unpleasant with the gratuitous violence and graphic result.  Slow motion blood, guts, vomit and disfigurement.  People who enjoy ultimate fighting, boxing or violent movies will like this.   Frankly I had trouble watching “Creed.”    One star.  Tops. 

If you see something, say something. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Watch for anomalies2 Comments

Every day we hear the admonition that is borne of terror – “If you see something, say something.” It is that mantra that tells citizens to be aware of their surroundings — and to report anything that looks out of place.  I’ve been saying that for years — “Watch for Anomalies” (see 6/18/12).  But should we really “say something“?

First – “if you see something” it will likely be someone (or something) that looks “out of place.”  Someone who raises suspicion.  This in turn requires some level of “profiling” which we are told in the United States is politically incorrect and thus forbidden.  Though profiling is viewed in most countries as smart.  Remember the 14 year old boy in Dallas who came to school with a package filled with wires and containers.  Someone “said something.”  Police showed up and detained the boy.  Turned out the boy had a homemade clock.  The clock was examined and dismantled by a bomb squad. The boy – a Muslim – is now suing the Dallas school system for $15 million.  And he’s moved to Qatar.  Airlines who question or debark suspicious passengers are sued routinely.  Same with police.  By the usual and predictable coterie of loathsome plaintiff’s lawyers . . . .      

Maybe the lesson should be — “if you see something – run the other way.”  And leave others deal with the consequences.  Sergeant Schulz comes to mind “I know nothing!  I see nothing!”   

Rice and Beans

On By scottpetersenIn Rice and beans recipeLeave a comment

Rice and beans is a food staple in much of the world. And for me, rice and beans has always been a staple. But not just any rice and beans. 

Last weekend, I started with a container of Rice Select Royal Blend. This wonderful mix combines Texmati, white, brown, wild and Red Thai rice. I boiled 1 cup of rice mix in 2-1/4 cups of low sodium chicken broth for about 30 minutes.  In a saucepan, I washed – then heated – a 15.5 ounce can of organic black beans.

But it was the addendum that helped bring “rice ‘n beans” to a whole new level of gastronomy. In a fry pan, I heated some olive oil. Then tossed in a diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, two finely chopped celery stalks and a large carrot (or 2)  also finely chopped. For seasoning, I used 2 tsp. of minced fresh oregano, 1 tsp. ground cumin and 2 tsp. of chopped, fresh parsley.   I tapped in a light dusting of (optional) Cayenne pepper to give an added kick.

The combo came together nicely. I mixed everything together and – voila!  A rice and beans extravaganza.   For the “side,” I drenched some wild Atlantic salmon in olive oil, shook on some turmeric and baked at 450 for about 10 minutes. Bake time naturally depends on the thickness of the salmon.

When it came time for the obligatory gelato, Donna and I looked at each other, smiled and dug into more rice and beans for dessert.

Progressives

On By scottpetersenIn Progressives1 Comment

“Progressives” believe government should be a tool for change.  And from everything I’ve been reading – and hearing – I’m not sure “progressives” give a hoot. About the poor, the homeless, the sick, those who are victims of abuse, hatred or violence. Those who are lonely or depressed.  They care little about racial issues.  Or minorities.   Or those who suffer.  They care not about virtue.  Or character.   

It seems they care only about control and destruction. Strict monitoring of everyone.  A government which controls every thought, word and deed.  And destroys.  Religion.  Business.  American tradition.  Incentive.  Values.  Censorship and vilification of anyone who gets in their way.  Anyone who objects or even questions is decried as a “radical.”  “Racist.”  “Bigot.”    We hear this stuff every day.  The Constitution is old hat.  Freedom of speech is dead.  Ideology trumps charity and  compassion.  

Where am I going wrong here?  

 

For Want of a Nail. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Augustana College, Camp Napowan, Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout politicians1 Comment

If there was a pivotal moment in my life, it was becoming an Eagle Scout. I owe a lot to that boyhood achievement: going to college; going to law school; getting a job; meeting my wife; having a daughter and grandchildren; and knowing how to deal with different “situations.”

The sine qua non for my acceptance to Augustana College was that I was an Eagle Scout (see post of 10/13/13).  It sure wasn’t because I was a scholar.   At Augustana, I chatted with a couple of pals who talked about law school.  Soooo, I went to law school.  At Augustana, I met Diane — who a year after my graduation introduced me to Donna (“Scott I have a girlfriend from New York I think you should meet“).  And because of Donna, we have Lauren and her family.  When I interviewed to be a State’s Attorney, the first 15 minutes of conversation was about Boy Scouts (I’d put “Eagle Scout” on my resume).  And I was offered the job.

Being an Eagle Scout taught a lot – including first aid (see 10/21/11 and 10/31/15).  That knowledge has saved the day on a few occasions.  An Eagle trajectory got me a job at age 14 (for three summers) on staff at Camp Napowan — a Scout camp in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  The experience provided a major education and provided friends I have to this day.

All in all, I’d have to say that being an Eagle Scout was the “nail” (Poor Richard’s Almanac 1758) that made all the difference in the world for yours truly.  And you know what?  That achievement has made – and will continue to make — all the difference in the world for a universe of young men.              

Addicted to Love

On By scottpetersenIn Addicted to Love, Robert Palmer1 Comment

In my post of January 5, 2014, I referenced some of the biggest music videos (which I happen to like).  One I neglected to mention was the biggy of Robert Palmer (1949-2003).   In 1986, Robert Palmer – a Brit from West Yorkshire – recorded the top-of-the-charts “Addicted to Love.”  The corresponding music video was classic and catapulted Palmer into the national attention.  In 1987, Palmer won the Grammy for best male vocalist for “Addicted to Love.”    This music video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcATvu5f9vE

The back up musicians – all women who are identically-clad and heavily made up – are thought to mimic or mock the painting style of artist Patrick Nagel.  Robert Palmer – a heavy smoker – sadly died of a heart attack in Paris at the age of 54.  But the women are still around.  The ladies were interviewed by Yahoo at the 2014 Grammys.  Interesting to see then – and now.    Check out https://uk.screen.yahoo.com/robert-palmer-girls-today-173805406.html

The Desolate Wilderness

On By scottpetersenIn Thanksgiving, The Desolate WildernessLeave a comment

“. . . .they knew they were pilgrims and strangers . . . and looked not much on these things but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their dearest country, where God hath prepared for them a city (Heb. 9:16) and therein quieted their spirits.

The next day they were on board, and their friends with them, where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting. To hear what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other’s heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood as spectators could not refrain from tears. . . . .

Being now passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before them in expectations, they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns to entertain or refresh them, no houses, or much less towns, to repair unto to seek for succor; and for the season it was winter. And they that know the winters of the country know them to be sharp and violent, subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search unknown coasts.

Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men? And what multitudes of them there were, they knew not; for which whatsoever they turned their eyes (save upward to Heaven) they could have but little solace or content.”

— Recorded by Nathaniel Morton, keeper of records of the Plymouth Colony based on the account of William Bradford.

Best wishes for a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving! 

Rules of Engagement

On By scottpetersenIn Carpet bombing, ISIL, IslamLeave a comment

The restrictions on our military to deal with ISIS are so limiting that the rare boots-on-the-ground soldier needs permission to load his rifle and a virtual nod from Obama to fire it.  The litany of approvals necessary for a drone strike on ISIS traverses several levels of command. And can take hours. Or days. Civilian casualties are verboten. A civilian casualty can make the front page of the New York Times.  An injured squirrel makes page 6. 

Let’s fast backward to World War II.  Germany carpet bombed Allied cities with impunity.  Japan decimated Asia.  So the Allies narrowed their eyes, pulled out the stops and smothered the Axis cities with ordnance.  75 million people died in 6 years. Most civilians.  But few American civilians.  The War ended and today, Germany and Japan are America’s BFF’s.

In my post of October 11, 2014, I referenced the swift, brutal and crushing efforts made by America against bad guys during that terrible conflict.  These were acts of our parents and grandparents.  And they won big time.  When I read that in the aftermath of the slaughter in Paris, French and Russian planes struck “ISIS headquarters and training facilities,” I wonder – what has America been doing?  Why haven’t we hit these targets before?  We gave France and Russia the intel!  The current threat is real and imminent.  Yet the President remains a deer frozen in the headlights on foreign policy.  He refuses to say the word “Muslim” with respect to the enemy.  Yet ISIS and Islamic jihadists have murdered tens of thousands of innocents.   With millions more on the list. . . . . 

I wonder what would our parents and grandparents have done given the current situation.  How would things go with Franklin Delano Roosevelt or Harry Truman sitting in the driver’s seat of America?