Ahl al-Kitab

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[A relevant post of August 23, 2012] As a follow up to my previous post — what is the status that Jews and Christians hold — according to the Muslim faith?  We (Christians and Jews) are considered Ahl al-Kitab — “People of the Book.”   

Islam accepts Old Testament (the Tanakh) as the Word of God.  Muslims believe the Quran is considered to be the completion of these Scriptures.  Since Jews, Christians and Muslims all derive from Abraham, “People of the Book” refers to those who share Abrahamic Scripture and believe in one God.  Sabians (who are mentioned three times in the Quran) are also considered Al al-Kitab. 

The Quran offers tolerance toward the Ahl al-Kitab — e.g. Surra 3 (“The Family of Imran“).  In Surra 5:69, the faithful are advised “Verily!  Those who believe and those who are Jews, Christians and Sabians, whoever believes in God and the Last Day and do righteous good deeds shall have their reward . . . .”    Then there is Surra 5:82 “. . . you will find the nearest in friendship to be those who say ‘we are Christians.’  This is because there are priests and monks among them and they do not behave proudly.” 

Every religious tradition has its own interpretation of Biblical text.   The Old and New Testaments and the Quran have been selectively interpreted over the centuries to justify various faith traditions and practices.  And to trivialize (or demonize) others.  It would be nice if we could recognize the shared heritage of our respective faiths so as to foster cooperative and ecumenical headway into some of the world’s most pressing, agonizing – and dangerous – problems.

Anti-Semitism

On By scottpetersenIn Anti-Semitism, Deborah LipstadtLeave a comment

[An appropriate update of June 1, 2019] Donna and I went to a local synagogue to hear James Carroll speak about his book The Cloister. The presentation was on a Saturday following Shabbat services. As we approached the entrance, we were greeted by a heavily-armed security guard – wearing body armor. We looked okay so we entered the temple.  And I donned my kippah. . . .

Mr. Carroll, a former Catholic priest (who remains a devout Catholic), discussed his book — and the love story of Heloise and Abelard.  But then he began discussing the issue of anti-Semitism which has roots going back more than a thousand years.  14 million Jews in the world.  1.8 billion Muslims.  2.18 billion Christians.  And who today gets an uneven distribution of hatred?    Yep. . . . .

I just finished the book Anti-Semitism – Here and Now by Deborah Lipstadt.  Read it.  Please.  Most of us are aware of anti-Semites from alt-Right jerks.  But there is anti-Semitism from progressives and those on the left. We see bigotry and hatred of Israel and Jews in American colleges and universities. For the latter, it is pointless to ask why we do not boycott human rights abuses in China, Russia, Syria, Saudi Arabia, North Korea, Sudan, Zimbabwe. Oh no. It is Israel that is in the cross hairs of the left.  And because many Israelis are Jewish, it is their faith that take the heat. 

In Europe it can be dangerous for a man to wear a kippah in public.  Synagogues are guarded by police.  And Jews feel concerns for safety from the moment they arise in the morning.   Anti-Semitism.  Making a comeback.  But did it ever leave?   

Randy Rosenthal’s Chicago Tribune review comments and quotes Lipstadt’s work “And so if we think ourselves to be liberal, or progressive, or simply decent, ‘we must insist that anti-Semitism be treated with the same seriousness as racism, sexism, homophobia and Islamophobia.'”  I hope you say “Amen.”   

The Honeymooners

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[An oldie from June 7, 2012] We all have favorite T.V. shows.  Donna likes “Dancing with the Stars” and a couple other network offerings.  For me, there is not much that captures my attention.  “Squawk Box” while I’m having breakfast and reading the newspaper.  The Weather Channel if the weather is “iffy.”   But there is one series that I love to watch.  Pretty much anytime.  “The Honeymooners.”  Talk about an upper.   I have seen each of the episodes perhaps a couple dozen times.  And I never get tired of watching.  This series is iconic. . . . . 

“The Honeymooners” — which was based on a “Cavalcade of Stars” sketch that ran from 1951 to 1955 —  had only 39 original episodes (I have them all on DVD).  The series aired in 1955 and ended in 1956.  The stars were Jackie Gleason (1916-1987) as Ralph Kramden; Art Carney (1918-2003) as Ed Norton; Audrey Meadows (1926-1996) as Alice Kramden; and Joyce Randolph (born 1924) as Trixie Norton.  When the episodes ended, Gleason revived the program for occasional short sketches up until 1978. 

The shows were filmed before a live audience at the Adelphi Theater in New York.  Rehearsals were spare since Gleason wanted spontaneity.   When he forgot a line, he would pat his stomach (which he seemed to do with some frequency. . . . ).    Alice would look at the refrigerator. . . . .  There was nuance and hilarity.  Ronnie Burns, son of George and Gracie, made a cameo appearance in one episode as bebopper “Wallace.”  In another episode, Norton refers to a coworker as Nat Birnbaum.  George Burns real name was “Nathan Birnbaum.”  In 1960, the animation “The Flintstones” was based in large measure on “The Honeymooners.”   

The only living cast member is Joyce Randolph.  There are wonderful recent interviews where she spoke of the show – and her fellow cast members (see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLuDunqv5VE ).

The theme song was actually written by Jackie Gleason.   And away we go. . . . . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2maOGkKE_A

Ghettoside

On By scottpetersenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

[A repeat from May 7, 2016] “Death was bad enough. The death of a child, unbearable. But the murder of a child? There was nothing worse.”

“The hurt was too great for crying—tears belonged to a realm of earthly physics, but the murder of her son had transcended the coordinates of her world.”

Jill Leovy nailed it in her classic work Ghettoside:  A True Story of Murder in America.  This bestseller deals with the poisoned soul of gang violence which is endemic to inner city, poverty-stricken neighborhoods in Los Angeles.  She targets the horrific black-on-black murder rate that soars in these communities (witness Chicago with its thousands of victims of gang violence – the vast majority – black).  I don’t need to “review” the book.  Suffice to say I recommend you read it.  

To me, the big question is what do we do about this blight of violence?  One political party profits from poverty — because the poor are a voting block.  The other political party is accused of coming up with only tough love solutions.   And – like certain other issues today – no one is allowed to discuss the root causes of poverty lest they be accused of racism or bigotry.  So it goes on.  And gets worse.  Wouldn’t it be great if caring folks with pure hearts and sound minds could deal with problems in America unencumbered by politics, social agenda and political correctness?  Nahhh.   That’s way too much to ask. . . .

Avocados for breakfast

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[A repeat from August 20, 2013]

“Avocados for Breakfast” sounds like the title of a steamy romance novel set in Northern California.   “Hey Martha, would you like an avocado for breakfast?”  “Oh Henry, you sweet talker. . . . ”  

I have breakfast every morning.   For my breakfast, you might make a face – shake your head – and say “Are you kidding.”

I try to eat a healthy breakfast.  Oh I know – if there’s leftover pizza or spaghetti carbonara in the fridge, I’d likely grab that and some coffee.  But that stuff does not make for a sparky day.  Usually it’s high fiber (bran) cereal, blueberries or banana and coffee. Lotsa coffee. . . .  Maybe once or twice a week, I have an avocado (with a little Newman’s salad dressing) and a banana. And the obligatory coffee.  More and more though I’m drifting toward avocados for breakfast. . . . . 

Avocados are a magnificent food.  One of the healthiest you can eat.  And avocados are among the least contaminated so there is really no need to buy organic (see post of July 12, 2012, for the “Dirty Dozen” foods which you do not want to buy “conventional”).  And avocados are simply delish.  I make my own guacamole (smooshed avocado, finely-chopped cilantro and lime juice – that’s it) and have it for a meal.  Heck – guacamole for breakfast?  It doesn’t get any better.   

Three little words I long to hear

On By scottpetersenIn Three little words I long to hearLeave a comment

I’m hoping that readers share a longing to hear those three – special – little words that mean so much. No – I’m not talking “I love you” or “go Chicago Cubs.” I’m talking “chicken pot pie.” OMG – be still my heart (but not too still). As a kid, my mother served me Banquet chicken pot pies with regularity. They were wonderful. Nourishing. Gooey. Delish. For me, it was often breakfast (seriously). And it was PB & J with a slice of bologna on Wonderbread for lunch. Anywayyy. . . .

When I was in law school, I lived at 1006 North State Street in Chicago – across from the old Mister Kelly’s just off of Rush Street. Kitty corner from Papa Milano’s. It was a dumpy walk up apartment that was replete with mice, cockroaches and an occasional ant. My refrigerator freezer was stocked with – yep – chicken pot pies. And the pantry full of canned corn. My dinner started with putting the CPP in the oven – 35 minutes at 400 degrees. Then I would tear the label off the can of corn, peel open the top and put the can on the burner of the stove. When the water in the can bubbled, it was ready. I’d fold the top down, drain and pour the contents on top of my – chicken pot pie. Yum.

These days, I’m still a big fan of chicken pot pie. And yet despite my culinary elan, Donna remains on the sidelines except for the rare occasion when I’ve earned some hubby points and we sit down to dine on chicken pot pie.

For dessert, I’m a big fan of three (other) little words that I long to hear – “Key Lime Pie.”

The Magician

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When I was 8 years old, I got a magic kit. I immediately started whisking around handkerchiefs, tearing paper, dropping coins and fiddling with ropes. After a few weeks of practice, I considered myself a master in the art of prestidigitation so I sent around word to neighborhood kids that I would have a magic show in my back yard. Admission? Five cents. My mom made lemonade and popcorn for the crowd. It was a wonderful success. As I recall I made about 70 cents. Big money for an 8 year old in 1955. . . .

Fast forward . . . . our daughter Lauren was turning 7 or 8. For the kid’s party, Donna said she was going to hire a magician. Cost? $25.00. I scoffed. “I can do a magic show for nothing!” Donna’s eyes narrowed. “Pleeeease let me do it” I implored. She said “okay” and I headed off to Magic, Inc. – a shop on Lincoln Avenue – where I spent at least a hundred bucks on new magic tricks. Lauren’s party was a big success – such that when the local grade school was having a silent auction to raise money, Donna signed me up to do a magic show. Some lucky person bid $50.00 and got the show of a lifetime. For the performance, I donned my tuxedo, gathered up my tricks – and headed off for the gig. To say it was a big success would be an understatement. . . . .

In the weeks that followed, I began getting calls to do magic shows for kids. “How much?” they’d ask. I said “$75.00” then after a few shows I upped the number to “$100.00.” And the calls kept coming. I also volunteered numerous shows for various friends and charitable causes. Over the course of my “career” as a magician, I probably did two dozen kid shows. But I started thinking – I’ve got a day job. So I put my magic wand back in the drawer and discontinued the kid shows. But even today – every once in a while – I will perform a miracle or two.

Not many folks know that I have actually performed magic for four Presidents of the United States. That’s true – Donna and I were out at Mt. Rushmore a few years ago and . . . . .

A Priest, a Lawyer and an Engineer

On By scottpetersenIn Humor1 Comment

[A good one from January 7, 2018] During the French Revolution, 3 noblemen – a priest, a lawyer and an engineer – were condemned to die on the guillotine.   As noblemen, they were afforded one final courtesy of rank.  That of choosing whether to die face up – or face down – on the guillotine. 

The priest was led up the steps where the black-hooded executioner stood.   “How do you wish to die, face up or face down,” said the executioner.  The priest thought, looked up and said “I wish to die face up – so I may see the heavens one last time and meet my maker face to face.”  With that the priest was placed into the guillotine and the executioner pulled the rope.  The heavy blade fell swiftly – but an inch above the priest’s throat, the blade screeched to a stop.  It was jammed.  Under French law, if someone was spared death on the guillotine, he was a free man.  So the blade was raised and the priest walked away — free.  

Then the lawyer was led up the wooden steps.  “How do you wish to die – face up or face down?”   The lawyer quickly looked up and said “Ohhhh I too want to die face up to see the heavens one last time and meet my maker face to face.”  The lawyer was put into the guillotine and the executioner pulled the cord.   Whoosh!  The thick blade sped downward — but just over the lawyer’s throat, the blade came to a halt.  And of course under French law, being spared death on the guillotine meant the lawyer was a free man.  He hopped up and walked away. 

Then the engineer was led up and the executioner asked — “How do you wish to die, face up or face down.”  The engineer looked up and said “I too. . . want. . . to die . . . .face up to . . .”  He stopped and pointed.  “HEEEY!  I think I see your problem up there!” 

I want it as hot as you make it

On By scottpetersenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I like spicy food. Jalapenos. Curry. Peppers. Sichuan. Hot sauce.

Fast backwards about 35 years. Donna, Lauren and I went out for dinner to a new Indian restaurant on North State Street in Chicago. The waiter – kind gent – walked over and asked for our order. And I – macho man – order a vegetarian dinner. Then our server narrowed his eyes and asked “would you like light or medium spice” to which I paused – looked him in the eye – and replied “I want it as hot as you make it.” To which he paused . . . and asked seriously “are you sure?”

Now most intelligent people would take that “are you sure” as a caution. A warning. A red flag. But me? OH NOOOO. . . . . The meal sounded like it would be right up my alley.

Ten or fifteen minutes later, the waiter approached our table with a tray bearing three innocent-looking meals. My vegetarian plate consisted of perhaps six small bowls filled with – yes – veggies. I have a feeling that as the waiter pushed the door to exit the kitchen, a dozen eyes peered out the small square window to see who in the world ordered his food “as hot as you make it.”

I took a bite. And began to perspire. Donna and Lauren looked at me like the man is bonkers. The meal was really quite an experience. And frankly so were the next two or three days . . .

Make a Difference in the World

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[A repeat from November 21, 2019] I’d like to make a difference in the world. So would you. But the clock is winding down.  I ponder this question.  Pray about it.  Discuss it with others.  I recently happened across some quotations – on this very topic.  Let me share a few with you — to consider.  

“We rise by lifting others” – Robert Ingersoll

“No act of kindness – no matter how small – is ever wasted” – Aesop 

“One person can make a difference.  And everyone should try”  – John F. Kennedy

“If you cannot feed a hundred people, feed one” – Mother Teresa

“We can change the world and make it a better place.  It is in our hands – to make a difference”  — Nelson Mandela

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well”  — Ralph Waldo Emerson

“No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence” — Martin Luther King

“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference“ — Jimmy Carter

“There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit” — Ronald Reagan

Let’s make a difference in the world.  As Lao Tzu puts it – “the journey of a thousand miles – begins with that first step.”  Take a step. . . .