Taksim Square

On By scottpetersenIn Catholic Theological Union, Taksim SquareLeave a comment

[A logical follow up from June 25, 2013]  We arrived in Istanbul and drove in the direction of our hotel — the Crystal (No. 7, Taksim).  It was a little after 9:00 pm on Friday night, May 31st.   The activity going on around us was disconcerting.  Hundreds of people on the streets wearing masks and balaclavas and carrying signs and banners.   All heading to the thousands already gathered in Taksim Square.  Our bus could not make it up the narrow street to Taksim No. 7 so we had to get off the bus and carry or pull our luggage the last block and a half.   The street had barricades a la Le Mis.   It was about halfway up the street that the tear gas hit us.  At first, I thought there was something wrong with my eyes and I began blinking.  Rapidly.  Then squinting.  And I realized — tear gas.   I squinted as hard as I could keeping just enough vision to sherpa my way up the street.  I looked around.  Donna followed in my wake.  Head down.  “Let’s go” I said (quite unnecessarily).

We mercifully got to the hotel.  One of our number was in distress and being attended.  The lobby was jammed.  People.  Luggage.  The faint whiff of tear gas.  And sweat (the day had been warm).   Our hotel was at near-capacity with many Libyan guests (some with medical conditions presumably from the revolution).  After what seemed an age, we got our room keys and went up to our room.    In our first room, the toilet was flooding.  And the flush mechanism fell into the toilet.   I went down to the lobby.  Got another room and I went up to check it out.  I went in.  And quickly went out.  The room was full of tear gas thanks to wide open windows.  Brilliant. . . .  We got a third room.  Seemed to work.  No tear gas or toilet leaks.  We sat down on the couch.  Sipped some water and looked at each other.  Welcome to Istanbul.  And we went to bed.

The next few days, however, were perfection.  We were able to travel around unhindered.   The Blue Mosque.   Hagia Sophia.  Topkapi Palace.  Mass in one of the old Christian churches.  Wow!  But the evenings that weekend made the stay interesting as the crowds gathered in force — with sporadic violence — to protest the planned urbanization of Gezi Park . . . .

The Footsteps of St. Paul

On By scottpetersenIn Saul of Tarsus, St. PaulLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 21, 2013]  Donna and I recently returned from a trip to Greece and Turkey with the Catholic Theological Union (“CTU”) at the University of Chicago.  There were 35 of us making a pilgrimage — following in the footsteps of St. Paul.    

Saul of Tarsus was born in Tarsus in the Roman province of Cilicia in about 5 A.D.  Saul was a Roman citizen but he was also a Jew and a Pharisee.   And as a young man, he zealously persecuted the followers of Jesus of Nazareth and vigorously attacked the early Christian church — and its members.   He played an active role in the stoning of the St. Stephen.  And he was involved in the rounding up and silencing of Christians.  However in or about 35 A.D. while walking on a road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus was struck down by a bright light and the voice of the Lord (Acts 9; Acts 22).   Saul was blind for three days and upon opening his eyes, he literally saw the light.  He underwent a dramatic conversion and began preaching the Christian gospel to all who would listen.  And he was henceforth known as St. Paul.  St. Paul went on to preach the Gospel of Christianity to Jews, Christians and Gentiles until his death at the hands of the Romans in 67 A.D.    

The pilgrimage with CTU took us to most of the places where St. Paul wrote his iconic letters and to those places where he spent time:  Thessaloniki (I and II Thessalonians); Philippi (Philippians); Corinth (I and II Corinthians); Ephesus (Ephesians); Antakya; Athens; Kavala; and other places.  And we visited Tarsus.  Where it all began.   All I can say is “Wow!”   St. Paul sure got around.  And we did too.  The trip was a bit arduous on occasion but immensely fulfilling.    The only time of mild concern when we arrived in Istanbul on the evening of Friday, May 31st.  Just after 9:00 p.m.  To our hotel off Taksim Square. . . . .         

So this guy. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn So this guyLeave a comment

So on Monday morning, this guy goes to work with a nasty-looking black eye.

“What happened to you?” said his friend.

“Geeesh. . . I was in Church yestereday. When we all stood up to sing a hymm, this old woman in front of me stood up. She was wearing a huge billowy dress and the back of the dress was stuck in her belt and in her rear end. So I reached forward and pulled it out.  With that, she turned around and smacked me.”

“Gee that’s too bad,” said the friend. “You try and do a good deed and look what happens.”

The next Monday the same guy came to work – this time with the other eye all blackened.   His friend saw him and said “Wow! What happened to you?”

Guy said “So yesterday we go to Church. And we sit behind this same woman. We all stood up to sing a hymm and – just like last week – her big billowy dress was caught up in her belt and in her rear end. The guy next to me reached over and pulled it out. But I knew she didn’t like that so I just leaned forward and tucked it all back in. . . . . . “

Padiddle

On By scottpetersenIn PadiddleLeave a comment

It used to be that when a headlight or tail light on your car was burned out, you were susceptible to getting a ticket — for a moving violation. Today it seems that this threat has dissipated (or disappeared entirely).

When I was in high school – and college – when driving with a girl — and you saw an oncoming car with a burned out headlight tail light, we would yell “Padiddle!” And the guy could kiss the girl. If the girl yelled “Padiddle” first, then she had the option to say “yes” or “no” to the smooch.  I was pretty lucky with “yes” in this department and anyway. . . .

Today, I find myself saying “padiddle” more and more often.  It seems there are more and more cars on the highway with padiddle-worthy lighting systems.  Donna and I sometimes collect the padiddle kiss at the end of the drive. . . . .  But I have to wonder why people care little – about the padiddle factor.  I see headlights and tail lights out all the time.  And why the police are so quick to turn away from a potential pullover.  And fine.  Next time you’re out driving, just watch for those padiddle-worthy vehicles.   Oh – and guys – umm . . .  you know. . . .    

911

On By scottpetersenIn Thin Blue LineLeave a comment

There are 790,000 law enforcement officers in the United States. But the deluge of negative comment about a handful of bad cops has led to demonstrations, disrespect, attacks – and worse – against all members of the “Thin Blue Line'” (see my post of November 16, 2015). And sooooo. . . .

What would you do – if you were a police officer. 

In Chicago, police have scaled back stops even for reasonable cause.  They’re cutting back on stop and frisk (see August 23, 2013).  Instead – the police simply respond to “911” calls.  They go.  Pick up the bodies.  And shell casings.  And go home.

In 2016, more than 700 were murdered in the Windy City.  That’s two killings a day!  Thousands upon thousands shot.  But now – the police who are under continuous siege from the Left (in Chicago and other big cities) are throwing in the towel.  And simply responding to the carnage and violence . . . .   Chalk up another. 

Tell me if you would do any different.  What’s the answer?      

Favorite Radio Stations

On By scottpetersenIn Favorite radio stationsLeave a comment

[A summer repeat from January 19, 2012]
I’ve been asked what I listen to on my IPod while pumping iron at the local fitness center (heavy on Blues, Clapton, B.B. King, Magic Slim, Chinese language tapes, Gloria Estefan, Japanese koto music, the Bee Gees, the Beach Boys, etc.).   What I listen to at any given time depends on what I am doing  . . . .

But no one has ever asked me “What radio stations do you listen to, Scott?”  So let me volunteer this information.    

When traveling to and from the fitness center in the gray fingers of dawn — or just driving around — there are three stations I listen to:  WMBI 90.1 (the Moody Bible Institute); WBBM News Radio 780 AM; and WFMT 98.7 (classical music station).  Why these stations? 

First, let me say that I can only listen to Bruce Springsteen, Lady Googoo, Kanye West, Ernest Tubb & his Texas Troubadors for so long.   And besides — what benefit do I derive from hearing the same song 300 times during the course of my life?   Zilch.   The thumping and screeching of the “Top 40” will  long be forgotten.   And since life is not a dress rehearsal, I gravitate toward three stations that give me inspiration, knowledge and calm.  For me, I have succeeded.   What do you listen to?       

Just for a Half Hour

On By scottpetersenIn Las VegasLeave a comment

In July 1970, my college roommate and great friend Ox and I were driving out West in my 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint ragtop.  We were destined for Spokane to drop Ox off at Fairchild AFB for survival training before he was to head off to Viet Nam.   On the way, we were cruising an interstate — approaching Las Vegas from the East. It was probably 1:30 in the morning.  Pitch  dark.  But when we were still 75 miles away, we could see the arched glow of Vegas in the distance.

We drove through Vegas and continued North to Nellis AFB (I was a tag along).  Ox checked us into the base “VOQ” (visiting officer’s quarters).  Ox – an Air Force second lieutenant; I a retired Boy Scout. It was probably 2:00 a.m. . . . .

On getting to the room and dropping our bags, Ox’s first words were – “let’s go into town.”

My response “Are you kidding?  I’m tired.”  Ox said – “Oh c’mon let’s go in for just a half hour.”  I thought – half hour.  I looked at my watch.  We’d still be back by 3:30 or so.  And so I capitulated. . . . .  Half hour. 

Upon arrival into downtown Las Vegas – we were mesmerized by the famous corner with four casinos.  And we sauntered into the Golden Nugget.   A 25 cent slot machine called my name. . .”Scotty . .  come to me.”  I fished in my pocket and found one quarter.  I put it in, pulled the handle, and bells began ringing.  And lights flashing   I had won a $47.50 jackpot.  I was rich.  I looked at Ox and said “Ox – we’re gonna leave here millionaires.”  

Later on – at around 10:00 a.m. — we drove back to Nellis.  Considerably poorer than we had arrived.  We slept for a few hours and headed to Reno to try our luck again.  Regrettably, I won no further jackpots.  At least at a casino. . . .   

Word Quirks

On By scottpetersenIn Word quirks1 Comment

I have always been interested in language – and words.  And I began “collecting” interesting tidbits about words around the age of 10.  Here are some interesting facts that are fun to know.

Only 3 words in the English language have the vowels in perfect order:  facetious, arsenious (derived from arsenic) and abstemious (abstaining)

Longest word without repeating a letter:  uncopyrightable

Longest word you can type on the top row of a typewriter:  typewriter

Longest word typed with left hand:  stewardesses

Longest word typed with right hand:  lollipop

Only word derived from Malaysian language:  amok (to run amok)

Only one word has 3 consecutive double letters:  Bookkeeper.  Sweettooth is also one if spelled as one word

Only 3 words that are palindromes (same backwards as forwards):  racecar, kayak and level

Only one word ends in “mt”:  dreamt

Longest word without vowels (A – E – I – O 0r U):  rhythms

Longest one syllable word:  screeched

Most used letter in English language:  E

Least used letter:  Q

The Vikings

On By scottpetersenIn Doyle family, VIkings1 Comment

From about 790 A.D. until the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D., the Vikings sailed the world.   They were warriors, raiders, traders, merchants and discoverers.  They discovered America long before that Columbus fellow.  And they sailed their longships (oars and sails, shallow draft and symmetrical bow and stern to permit instant reversal of course) wherever the wind would carry them.   

The Vikings came from Scandinavian countries –Denmark, Sweden and Norway.   French Normans were descended from Danish and Norwegian Vikings who were made feudal overlords in Northern France.  The Vikings who raided – and remained behind in Ireland (often because they had met a young women) – were given the name “Doyle” which is from the Celtic Ó Dubhghaill, which means “son of the dark (or evil) foreigner.”    

As Christianity spread through Scandinavia, the Viking raids diminished and by the end of the 11th Century, the great Viking Age came to an end – not with a bang but a whimper.  

My father’s great grandparents were from Lyngby (just north of Copenhagen), Denmark.  They were caretakers of the local cemetery.  As they would dig graves, they uncovered various artifacts from the Viking Age.  And long before.  I have at home two beautiful stone axe heads they found — displayed on a shelf.  Great paperweights but still sharp . . . . and ready to use. . . .        

The Forbidden City

On By scottpetersenIn Mecca, MedinaLeave 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 city of  Mecca (even 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. Physically.  Why?  Because the Koran dictates:  “O ye who believe!  The idolaters are unclean.  So let them not come near the Inviolable Place of Worship. . . . ” (Surra 9:28).   And so based on this centuries-old Scripture, Saudis deny entrance to “Scott” “Donna” “Abigail” or “Rex.”  Expressways literally have checkpoints – much like toll booths – where your credentials are examined.  If you are “unclean,” you’re shown the bypass that takes you well out of your way — and far away from Mecca (or Medina). 

Christianity and Judaism take a major beating these days from our government and our allegedly mainstream media.  A crèche or menorah?  Puh-lease!  Are you a radical?  But object to highly controversial Islamic practices, suffocating prejudice against women or demands for Sharia law in increasing locales in America – and the pinheads will condemn your speech as “discriminatory.”  Or worse.  And I’m the one who is wrong.  And unclean. . . . .