Kim Jong Un

On By scottpetersenIn Kim Jong UnLeave a comment

Kim Jong Un is the 31 year old leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (aka “North Korea”). He is the son of Kim Jong il and the grandson of Kim il Sung (his predecessors). This 31 year old whiz kid is President of the country and head of the military. And he controls every aspect of life in the “Hermit Kingdom.”

Those who cross Kim Jong Un learn quickly. Then they die.  He has caused to disappear scores of his own family members. He is reputed to have fed his uncle – Jang Song Thaek – to a large pack of dogs who had not been fed for several days. He keeps his 24.7 million people on a starvation diet.  And his people die like flies.  And he doesn’t care.   There are increased rumblings at the top.  And factions.  Dice are rolling.  The knives are out.  On March 14, 2013, Kim was the target of an assassination attempt.  And survived.  Keep watching the news in the coming weeks.   

Last week (July 8th), some rare footage of Kim Jong Un made its way to the West.  It shows Kim Jong Un limping.  Struggling to walk (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdGozD6cIGE ).   Yet a bare thousand views.  I wonder how it happened.  Shooting hoops with Dennis Rodman?  Poor guy.  Gosh – I sure hope it’s serious. . . .

I Am Always Right

On By scottpetersenIn Jonathan Haidt, The Righteous MindLeave a comment

I am always right. On everything. In fact, I am never wrong. My views are always – always – correct. On politics, religion, social issues, economics, the law, ethnic issues, people, movies and golf courses. If you disagree with me. You are wrong. You are obviously uneducated (some of the most well-schooled people are hopelessly uneducated.  Or fools) or just stupid. So if you want to know the right path, the right opinion, the right way to believe — just give me a call or send me an email. Because I have a righteous mind.

The Righteous Mind is a wonderful book by Jonathan Haidt.  It is a New York Times bestseller which explores why people are fundamentally intuitive – and irrational.  The book suggests that our views (whether political, social, religious or whatever) are hardwired into us.  You were never designed to listen to reason — only to respond with your preconceived notions and (often false) beliefs.  When you ask people moral questions and time their responses, you see that they reach conclusions quickly.  And they produce reasons – later – only to justify what they have already decided.  We often acquire morality (theories on right and wrong – and “justice”) the way we acquire food preferences.  If it tastes good, we stick with it.  Interestingly this bestseller suggests that conservatives are more broad-minded than liberals since they receive a more varied diet of information.  And are more receptive to listening.    

Haidt’s comments often sound cynical and yet if you follow the narration, you learn (if you don’t have a closed mind) that Haidt is really seeking enlightenment.  He wants you to open your minds to the moral intuitions of other people.  

If you don’t want to read this book, you are probably a lost soul.   But if you do, you may still have hope.  And if you want to know what’s right – and what’s wrong – just let me know.  I can tell you.  And will.  I have a righteous mind.     

Anaphylaxis

On By scottpetersenIn Anaphylaxis, EpiPenLeave a comment

A few weeks ago, Lauren and Trent took our granddaughter Eve out for a treat. They went to a bakery and ordered a coconut cookie. They were assured that there were no nuts in the cookie. Eve took a bite. And within minutes her face turned red.  Her body began to turn red.  And she began to swell. Here eyes began to swell shut. And Lauren and Trent raced to a hospital ER where Eve was whisked into a treatment room and given a shot with an EpiPen. And things began to calm.

Many children of late are developing allergies. Eve has a peanut allergy. And now we know — a coconut allergy.  And the allergy is serious.  For a child or adult with such allergies, eating the wrong food can bring on life-threatening anaphylaxis.  Anaphylaxis can be triggered by foods (e.g. peanuts or shellfish), biting or stinging insects, medication (e.g. penicillin), latex or other causations.   Anaphylaxis affects people differently.  The airway is often affected, there is swelling, chest pain, low blood pressure, dizziness and in some cases the result can be fatal.  Emergency treatment is essential.  For parents of children with allergies, an EpiPen is standard equipment.  I carry one in my briefcase – to work.  Along with Benedryl (another potential antidote) and aspirin (see October 21, 2011).  What you need to know about EpiPens is — the dosage only lasts for about 15 minutes.  And then the allergic reaction resumes.  We have friends who – when traveling – will carry 8 EpiPens for their child.  Enough to get them to an emergency room.  Apart from the ER or an EpiPen, there’s not much you can do when anaphylactic  shock begins to set in.    Benadryl (an antihistamine) can help but reaction time is usually much too slow for the sudden onset of anaphylaxis.  If you have a child (or know someone) who has such allergies, the best thing is to carry an EpiPen — and know where the nearest ER is located.   

 

Five Riddles

On By scottpetersenIn Five RiddlesLeave a comment

I remember “what’s black and white and red [phonetic] all over?”  Answer:  a newspaper.  The following are good 🙂

1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven’t eaten in 3 years. Which room is safest for him?

2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together. How can this be?   

3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away ? 

4. Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday?  

5. This is an unusual paragraph. I’m curious as to just how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!

THE ANSWERS . . . .

1. The third room. Lions that haven’t eaten in three years are dead.  That one was easy, right?

2. The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it, and hung it up to dry (shot; held under water; and hung).

3. Charcoal, as it is used in barbecuing.

4. Sure you can name three consecutive days– yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

5. The letter “e” which is the most common letter used in the English language, does not appear even once in the paragraph.

The Chicago Cubs are Lutheran

On By scottpetersenIn Chicago Cubs are LutheranLeave a comment

Donna and I went to see Garrison Keillor at Ravinia. It’s perhaps our sixth time attending his live radio broadcast of “Prairie Home Companion.” His show is always – always – a treat. 

Mr. Keillor discusses the goings on in Lake Wobegon but he inevitably gets around to talking about Chicago, the North Shore, Illinois politics and such.  Last night was no different.  But last night he talked about the Chicago Cubs.  And he came to the divine conclusion that the Chicago Cubs’ failures over the last hundred years are due to the fact that they are (are you ready?) a Lutheran team. He went on.  And on.  And the audience loved it.  And collectively thought gosh maybe it’s true. . . .

In 1914, Wrigley Field (then known as Weeghman Park) was built on the grounds of the old Chicago Lutheran Theological Seminary.  Because Lutherans (who are in abundance in Lake Wobegon) are devoted to “service to others,” this mantra has seeped from the ground and stuck.  On the Cubs.  And the Chicago Cubs since 1914 have been the living embodiment of Lutheran theology — “in service to others.” Devoted to ending other teams losing streaks. Ending batting slumps. Lowering opposing pitchers E.R.A.’s. And so on. The Chicago Cubs failure to ever win a World Series while playing in Wrigley Field is not because of a Billy goat. Not because of poor management. Not because of poor players. It is because – they are Lutheran.  Having grown up as a Lutheran, I kinda see where he’s coming from . . . . .

Stevie Ray Vaughan

On By scottpetersenIn Stevie Ray VaughanLeave a comment

I play guitar. Have for years.   I often stick in a CD and play along (or try to) with Buddy Guy, Eddie Campbell, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and so many others. Lead or rhythm.  But the chap I’d like to play like is Stevie Ray Vaughan (1954-1990).  He was amazing.  I’d give my left arm to . . . . no – wait a minute. . .   

Stevie Ray was born and raised in Dallas, TX.  At age 7, he received a gift — a plastic guitar from a Sears catalog.  He liked music.  He tried to play drums.  Then sax.  But the guitar idea stuck.  And he got a real guitar and learned to play by listening to the greats above plus masters like Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix. His first public performance was at age 11 in a local Dallas talent contest.   And he realized – this is where it’s at.  “SRV” as he was known dropped out of high school and moved to Austin — to pursue his passion — music.  In 1977, the band Double Trouble was born.  And it soared – with SRV at the helm.  But  SRV developed an alcohol and cocaine habit while touring with Double Trouble.  His performance contracts called for two fifths of Crown Royal and a fifth of Smirnoff vodka.  His cocaine use jumped to 7 grams a day (together with the booze).  After a long stay in rehab, he returned to performing.  Stevie was spiritual, ascetic and sober.  And he went into high gear on producing some of his best music.   

But the music died on August 27, 1990.  Double Trouble opened for Eric Clapton at the Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy, Wisconsin.  After the show, the musicians boarded four helicopters bound for Chiciago.  SRV’s helicopter took off after midnight and crashed into a 1000 foot ski hill.  Killing all aboard.  It was everyone’s loss.   

Some of the best guitar work you’ll ever hear  is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLw7nozO_U  and nothing like “Pride and Joy” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NU0MF8pwktg

Tongue Twisters

On By scottpetersenIn Tongue TwistersLeave a comment

The first tongue twisters that most kids of my generation learned was “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.  A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked.  If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked?” 

The two others that I remember well (and which to this day I can recite perfectly) are:  “Rubber buggy bumpers” and “Sally sells sea shells by the sea shore.”  I was told to repeat them three times quickly and of course I remember them coming out “Rubber bubby mumpers – Rugger buddy buppers – Buggy bubber bumpers.”  The “Sally” one came out equally bad. 

I haven’t given much thought to tongue twisters until a few weeks ago when someone challenged me to say “I slit a sheet, a sheet I slit, and on the slitted sheet I sit.”   Now that is not one for the faint of heart.  Especially if you have to say it while holding your tongue.   Fortunately this is one I learned from Donna early on (must be an East Coast thing) so I took a breath and spat it out.  Flawlessly.  Raised a few eyebrows that did. . . .  

If anyone gets bored, here are 549 tongue twisters  you can practice (see http://www.uebersetzung.at/twister/en.htm ).  And there are tongue twisters for children (which is probably a good educational tool) – see   http://www.funenglishgames.com/funstuff/tonguetwisters.html.   Excuse me now as I wish to wash my Irish wristwatch. . . .

Frozen

On By scottpetersenIn Frozen1 Comment

My granddaughter Eve’s favorite movie (the only one she has seen) is “Frozen” — the 3D animated fantasy produced by Disney in 2013. The movie was inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale — The Snow Queen.  Eve can’t wait to sit at the computer to watch the trailer of the movie — check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbQm5doF (21 million views on YouTube – of which I think 18 million of them are by Eve).  And she wakes up singing the classic songs “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and the Oscar winner “Let it Go” which was sung by Idina Menzel.   Donna’s favorite song is the one the Trolls sing about Olaf — Anna’s boyfriend — “He’s a Fixer Upper.”  Donna swears the song has no relevance to me but I do remember overhearing Donna tell a friend that I needed “a lot of work” when we got married.  (See  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHQI7CvzTyc ).  Me?  A “lot of work”? 

Eve also has books telling the story of Frozen.  In fact, she has two identical books.   I will read one to her and then she’ll ask me to read the other.  “It’s the same book” I say.  “Read, Popi” she responds seriously.  And hands me the book.  Okay.  I can do this. . . .

 

AED

On By scottpetersenIn AED, CPR, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

The chances are good that some of you will  one day save someone’s life by quick action and thoughtful response.  Or it may be your life that is saved . . . .

I get on the train each day and am confronted by a panel which announces the location of the “AED” unit (“Automated External Defibrillator”). I’ve seen this notice time and time again.  My eyes glaze over and I move to my seat.  In my post of October 21, 2011, I recounted that the best course I ever took in college was a year-long tutorial on advanced first aid (it has come in so handy over the years).  Thus, a few weeks ago, something clicked.  I should figure out what this “AED” thingee is.  So while having lunch at my desk – I logged onto a YouTube video which told the story of the AED (see  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfvu5FCQs6o ).  I may not – yet – be ready to use it but I’ve got a better idea now of what an AED does.  And how it works.  Hopefully, I will never need it.  I would suggest to those reading this post to spend 4 minutes and learn about the AED. 

And while you’re doing that, why not learn the Heimlich Maneuver?  I’ve done it twice – successfully.  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgtIgSyAiU&feature=kp 

A baby choking?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSnEpheYkY

How about CPR (“Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation”)?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEFskCrdhQ&feature=kp

Heavy bleeding?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwV39oxGwZU

If you watch all of these videos (if they don’t “link” just paste them in your browser), you will spend maybe 30 minutes.   It may be the most valuable 30 minutes you ever spend.  And someone – maybe you – will be eternally grateful.    

 

 

Teaching to the Test

On By scottpetersenIn Teaching to the Test, U.S. Department of EducationLeave a comment

“Teaching to the test” is an educational practice which focuses teachers on preparing students for standardized testing.  The practice is often considered unethical given that it forces teachers to limit curriculum to a fixed set of knowledge or facts.  There is a emphasis on excessive repetition of simple and isolated skills (“drill and kill“).  A student’s rote memorization then translates to a possible ability to “score” on a test but an inability to understand why answers are what they are. The big problem is that then students suffer – greatly – by losing out on creative and abstract thinking, general knowledge and general concepts.  Japan has been notorious for teaching to the test but their academic successes have been often attributed to longer and more school days (240 days versus less than 180 in the U.S.). 

So why do teachers “teach to the test”?  The answer is simple — because teachers are often themselves graded on this false metric of student success.  These skewed results then reduce the validity of standardized tests and create a incorrect profile of a student’s achievement.  What could be worse for our children?  For students?   The federal No Child Left Behind Act (2001) relies heavily on standardized testing.  It has been a failure for the most part and education in America continues its race to the bottom.  Frankly the problems seem to have begun when the U.S. Department of Education was established in 1980.  This Department has an annual budget of over $80 billion dollars (with 5,000 employees).  Maybe we should judge the DOE on the basis of its success.  And if it doesn’t measure up — abolish it.  I’ll bet the states could use that money far more wisely.  With a resulting uptick in educational success. . . .