I Am One of the Donkeys Here

On By scottpetersenIn Chinese language1 Comment

[An embarrassing repeat from December 13, 2018] A long time ago, I studied a bit of Mandarin Chinese. Then some years ago, I got back in the game with an intense 3 month Berlitz “immersion” course.  I continued for several years with my tutor – Weixin – who came to my office once a week.  And we would work on Mandarin.

Chinese is not as easy as it looks . . . . It can be challenging. There are four different tonal sounds such that each word can be pronounced four different ways — with perhaps a dozen different meanings depending on context.  Thus one must be very careful – when saying anything.  The only word resembling an English equivalent is the word “mama.”  And that will only get you so far. . . .

After the Berlitz immersion and a year or two of tutoring, I had the occasion to host several Chinese judges and lawyers at my Firm.  I thought to myself I will wow them with my resurrected knowledge of Chinese.  I took them on a tour of our offices and brought them into our Board room for a meeting.   At one point in my presentation, I noticed some polite laughter which I thought might be a result of my excellent elocution or my Shanghai accent.  However, as they were leaving, their translator pulled me aside and commented that when I tried to say “As one of the partners at Holland & Knight,” I had actually said “As one of the donkeys at Holland & Knight.”  You should say lu shi — not lu zi.  Partner.  Donkey.  Great. . . . . 

I have a feeling that my contretemps was one of the highlights of their trip such that the story will be retold with smiles and great enthusiasm.  Probably for years (sigh) . . . . .   

Masterclass

On By scottpetersenIn MasterclassLeave a comment

When I go to the local fitness center, I normally do some cardio, weights and then devour a box of jelly donuts (I’m just kidding about the weights). Anywayyyy. . . . the cardio machines (recumbent bike, treadmill, elliptical) can be pretty boring. Fortunately, all have a plug in arrangement so you can watch television. And I also have my phone – to listen to music or watch something else.

Several years ago, my daughter Lauren and her family bought me a subscription to Masterclass (www.masterclass.com). At first, I would watch occasionally. But recently, I’ve become a devotee. I usually skip the television unless there’s major news breaking. These days, I tune in to Masterclass offerings on my phone. I’ve done Steve Martin’s series on comedy, Chris Voss on negotiation, Aaron Sorkin on writing and so on. There are some really blue ribbon “teachers” who are offering blue ribbon classes.

Masterclass (under the name “Yanka Industries”) was founded in 2014 by a chap named David Rogier – while he was a student at Stanford University. The site launched in 2015 with three instructors and twelve classes. Today, Masterclass has more than 100 instructors who offer classes in eleven different categories (food; design; entertainment; music; business; sports; writing; science; home; and government). The cost is $120 annually which in my book is pretty reasonable. My next course will be “How to Make it Big on the PGA Tour“. . . . .

Topwater

On By scottpetersenIn The Angling Marketplace, Topwater1 Comment

As a kid, I never went fishing much. But fishing lures? My father did some work for Heddon’s – the old fishing lure company in Dowagiac, Michigan. He made wax-dipped paper tubes for storing fishing rods. I would sometimes accompany him on trips to Dowagiac and the nice Heddon folks would always give me a few lures to take home. Sooooo. . . . I acquired a fair number of old lures. And I was bequeathed my great uncle’s fishing tackle box. With a few lures from the 1930’s. Fast forward to today. . . . .

Donna and I are doing some downsizing of “stuff.” No plans to move. But pondering the next chapter. My tackle box is jammed to the gills – no pun intended – with fishing stuff. One fellow offered me a “hundred bucks or so” for the lot. And I thought to myself – I can do better than that. Then a good friend suggested I check out The Angling Marketplace which has monthly auctions for lures, reels, rods and anything related to angling. I did and promptly signed up. Over the course of four auctions, I have netted over $450(!).

My collection of lures is slowly dwindling but so far so good. The process is pretty easy so I will probably give it another go. Oh – and my name on the site? “Topwater.”

The Death Penalty

On By scottpetersenIn The death penalty2 Comments

The murderer of 11 souls at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh was just sentenced to death. What do you think? What should we do with such people?

In 1977, I prosecuted an early death penalty case in Illinois after the United States Supreme Court gave states the green light to proceed with capital cases. William H. was charged with killing two pharmacists at a small pharmacy at Halsted and Madison Streets in Chicago. As a contract killer, William H. had murdered perhaps 15 other souls. One by one by one. After a three week jury trial at 26th & California, he was found guilty. After another week of testimony on sentencing, the jury voted unanimously that he should die. On January 6, 2023, I posted on how William H. – during the trial – had asked if I would get him a candy bar. And being the soft soul I am, I did. Though I donned track spikes for closing argument. My opening lines – with finger pointed at William H. – “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, here sits before you – the grim reaper of death. Taking fathers from children. Husbands from wives. And sons from mothers and fathers.”

The death penalty. . . . what do I think? Juries voted unanimously that it was appropriate for the Tree of Life killer and for William H. Then again. . . .

While the death penalty can be justified, life without parole in a maximum security facility may be more deserving. To wake up each morning for the rest of your life. Early. Behind bars in a 6 foot by 9 foot cell. The screams and yells of others. Barely edible food. Danger lurking at every turn. Boredom. And, capital cases can be more expensive financially (for taxpayers) – appeal after appeal after appeal by those on death row. Going on for years. Compared with the more modest fiscal cost of life in prison. What should we do with such people?

And furthermore . . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Life after high school, MillenialsLeave a comment

[A repeat of January 11, 2020] On September 7, 2014, I posted on “Life after High School”   The post suggested a one year curriculum for high school students on balancing a check book; shopping; simple first aid; spending money wisely; relationships and respect; job interviews; nutrition; cooking simple meals; raising babies; investing; and so on. These are topics which a young person could put to good use after high school. Many kids will go to college. Many will not. But learning how to respect a spouse, show your best to a prospective employer, and deal intelligently with a screaming baby would be a plus for everyone in America.

But there are two additional courses that I would add for high school students.  History and economics.  Studies suggest that millennials are not taught the important events, participants or dates in American history.  And few learn the basics of economics.   And of course millennials are now taking courses on “how to be an adult.” This variety of courses might be offered to some of our political prospects . . . . 

The Aspen Tree

On By scottpetersenIn Aspen treesLeave a comment

“The body does not consist of one member but of many . . . If one member suffers, all suffer together. . . ” I Corinthians 12:14 and 26.

Nature affords us many lessons. And yet so often we ignore them.

I read an article about the aspen tree. The aspen has the distinction of being the most widespread tree in North America. Above ground the aspen will grow as an individual tree. But it is below ground that the miracle takes place. Each tree is interconnected with every other aspen in the forest by a common root system. In other words – all aspen trees are part of a living community. A single body. When one tree is sick, the grove rushes nutrients to the damaged area much like immune cells rush to the site of an infection in humans. The root system allows trees close to water to send nourishment to connected trees that may be suffering drought.

I like to think that this planetary orb that we share is one body and each person is a part thereof. And that all we all share a common “root system.” But do we rush nutrients to those who are damaged or suffering? We do but not always.

There is wisdom in nature. All the more reason to lend a helping hand to those that are struggling. And to accept that our small, individual lives have a connectedness with all of humanity.

The Talmud – Part II

On By scottpetersenIn The TalmudLeave a comment

[A follow up – repeat from February 3, 2019] Unlike Rabbi Steinsaltz’s compendium, the Talmud is more than just a single book. It is volume upon volume. More than 6,200 pages consisting of at least 63 “tractates” (or treatises). It is not authored by one or two people. It has been penned by hundreds of hands and collective minds.  The Talmud is divided into two parts: the Mishnah (circa 200 A.D.) which is a discussion of the oral Torah; and the Gemara (500 A.D. to present) which delves into a wide variety of social and cultural issues.

Originally, Jewish scholarship was passed down from generation to generation in oral narration.  Then – with the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 A.D., there was a move to memorialize this oral tradition.  And so it began.  The Talmud is written in Hebrew script but the language is Aramaic — the language of Jesus.  Arguably the Talmud is no longer open for further edits.  However it continues to be open to discussion, commentary and footnote.  Thus, in a way, the Talmud will never be completed.

What are the topics discussed?  Apart from the social and cultural matters referenced in my previous post, the Torah plays a large role.  For example, when the Commandment says “Remember the Sabbath Day to make it holy,” just what does “Remember” mean?  That admonition (along with so many others in the Old Testament) has prompted extensive discussion and debate about the meaning of certain words, statements and commands.   

I may never become a Talmudic scholar but I am glad I took the time to read Rabbi Steinsaltz’s book.  And further investigate this important chapter of our Judeo-Christian heritage.       

The Talmud

On By scottpetersenIn The TalmudLeave a comment

[A repeat from January 31, 2019] I am a Christian. But since Jesus was Jewish, I thought it would be good to learn more about Christianity’s Judaic heritage. I’ve read the Torah, the Tanakh and the rest of the Bible cover-to-cover (more than once) but I’ve never dug into the Talmud.  Soooo. . . . .

A few months ago, I drove passed a store that offered a large selection of Judaica.  It was the book section that enticed me to stop.  I asked the gentleman at the counter for the best book (I confessed to being an Episcopalian) to learn about the Talmud.  He nodded and handed me The Essential Talmud by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.  All I can say is – “wow.”  The book was captivating.  And hard to put down. 

While the Tanakh (Old Testament) is the cornerstone of Judaism, the Talmud is the pillar — the most important book in Jewish culture.  The Talmud is an assemblage of commentary, questions and answers – about the Torah, the Tanakh, culture, social order and. . . . . everything.  The Talmud invites questions.  None of which is considered inappropriate.  Questions about the Torah are encouraged.  Discussed.  Debated.  Resolved.  And discussed again.  One is not supposed to just read the Talmud – but to study it.  And to become a scholar of the Talmud.  This is quite unlike Islam which mandates that questions about the Quran are haram (forbidden). 

Rabbi Steinsaltz’s book includes chapters on the Sabbath, Marriage, Divorce, Civil and Criminal Law, Dietary Laws, Ethics, the Law, Prayer, Scholarship, Women, and on.  And on.  It was a truly enlightening read.  If you are interested and would like a copy of the book – let me know.           

The Unicycle

On By scottpetersenIn The UnicycleLeave a comment

I think it was a first. Or maybe it was the first time in years.

I was driving Elin – my 8 year old granddaughter – to camp. We’re heading southbound on Sheridan Road when up ahead cruising northbound – I saw a guy pedaling (fasten your seat belts) A UNICYCLE. He was in the bike lane and I blubbered quickly “ELIN LOOK – THERE’S A GUY ON A UNICYCLE!!” We both watched as he pedaled by — hands swinging at his sides. Now mind you the wheel on this baby had to be 36 inches or more in diameter. And there he went – Elin staring out the back window.

So Elin crinkled her eyebrows and asked me a question – “POPI – how does he stop the unicycle?” Well, I hemmed. Hawed a few times. Coughed. And I had to admit that I didn’t know the answer to this question. That’s only the second time in my life when I couldn’t answer a question (the last time was in third grade). I tried to deflect the question by discussing UNIcycles (one wheel), BIcycles (two wheels) and TRIcycles (three wheels) for children. But but then Elin pressed the question and corrected me that some children’s “tricycles” have four wheels. Well okayyyyy. . . . . How about them Cubs. . . .

  • To stop a unicycle, stop pedaling. Unicycles are direct drive vehicles. Since pedals are attached to the axle of their wheels, the wheels stop rotating as soon as the rider stops pedaling. 

We need to bring something

On By scottpetersenIn Dish towels, the best gift1 Comment

So you’re going to a party and you need to bring “something” for the hosts. Often we defer to a bottle of wine. Some folks lean toward a box of chocolates. Then there are times when you come home from a vacation and feel the need to bring “something” for special friends and relatives. Sometimes it’s a pen that has little things floating in water. Or a paperweight that says “Tucson.” Or maybe a t-shirt that says “I’ve been to Weller Creek!” Right. . . .

Think about it. The wine will be consumed. The chocolates eaten. The pen will dry up and tossed. And the t-shirts will. . . .”Scott, I can’t wear that t-shirt.” All will be forgotten. So what to bring – that will provide a lasting impression? I have an answer. The perfect gift!

Donna and I have a kitchen drawer that is chock full of. . . . dish towels. They are from all over the world. And we use them all. Some days, it’s London. Some days Africa. Some days it’s the Berghoff Restaurant in Chicago. And some days it’s just a towel full of flowers. The point is — they all get used, they never get tossed, and they all tell a story. I think one towel is from my parents – 60 years ago. So if you’re off to some fun or exotic place and you need to bring the Petersen family something from far away, skip the cab. Forget the chocolate. Think dish towel. We’ll use it forever. And we’ll always silently thank you when we pull it out of the drawer.