Peace

On By scottpetersenIn Peace be with youLeave a comment

Pax vobiscum.  As-salamu Alaikum.  Shalom.  Shanti.  Aloha.  Peace be with you. . . .

It’s interesting how most faith traditions include a blessing to others — extending peace.  And asking for peace in return.   In my church, there is a time when we share the peace.  Peace – be with you.  And also with you.  

The Prince of Peace has been around for 3,000 years (Isaiah 9:6).  Plato encouraged moderation and a sense of limits that bring peace.   There is a Nobel Peace Prize.  There’s a peace symbol.  The Paris Peace Conference of 1919 was to end the war of all wars.  There’s a Peace Corps and the United Nations has “peacekeeping” missions.   

With all the peace being promoted around the world, you would think that peace would be bubbling over.  But no.  Families suffer discord.  As do school boards.  City councils.  Communities.  Counties.  States.  Washington D.C.  Other countries.  The world.   Pain.  Anger.  Hatred.  Violence.  Discord.  Just how serious are we about being peaceful?  Seems like everyone wants peace.  But nobody wants to give it.  Peace is like a bridge.  It’s always been under construction.  But it hasn’t been completed in several millennium.  

So – what’s the answer?  That’s the 64 dollar question.  Perhaps peace begins at home.  Or in the workplace.  We need peace in the political arena.  That’s for sure.  I believe charity of heart can help.  Along with an understanding that good people can have differing views on different subjects.  Not sure that’ll work though.  

Peace be with you.   

Picking up Nails. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Picking up nails, The man who picks up pennies1 Comment

When I walk from my house to the train station in the morning, I walk in the street.  Every day.  I like the street.  There’s little traffic and while conscientious folks hoof on the sidewalk with a 48 inch path, I have my own white carpet boulevard – 20 feet wide.  I walk against traffic.  Near the curb.  And as I walk, I keep my eyes peeled.  I’ve found coins, bills, wallets, watches, cell phones, jewelry, a diamond ring (yep).  And nails.

Life for me started in the cramped attic of a Chicago brownstone on Byron Street.  Watching for pennies (and nails in the street) was inspired by my parents (see post of August 2, 2012).  So I still pick up the pennies.  And I still pick up nails.  Whenever.  Wherever.  On my walk to the train station – or downtown.  Or on vacation.  I stoop over and pick ’em up.  The file cabinet in my office at home sports a few of the more exceptional specimens (including a 9 inch monster).  

Why do I still pick up nails?  Maybe it’s my upbringing (we can’t escape some things).  Maybe it’s the Boy Scout in me.   I don’t want you, your child or my daughter.  To drive over one of those sharpies and have a (potentially big) problem.  Over the years, I’ve picked up hundreds of nails.  And pitched them in the garbage.  And displayed a few on my file cabinet.    

We are told that small things we do can make a big difference.  I know that everyone who reads these words – does small things.  Big things.  And more.  Picking up nails doesn’t sound like a big thing.  But who knows? 

The Greasy Spoon

On By scottpetersenIn Greasy Spoon1 Comment

When I was a kid, we rarely went out for dinner.  But when we did, my folks would take me to different places – mainly burger joints.  One night – I was maybe 7 years old – we went to a place on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.   I don’t remember much about the place or the food.  But I remember – keenly – my father’s reaction.   “Man – this is really a greasy spoon.”  Greasy spoon.  I looked around on the table.  No spoons.  I thought – Wow!  That is a cool term. 

The next time we went out for dinner to one of the regular sit down burger joints, the waitress came over and took our order.  I looked up at her and asked – quite seriously – “is this a greasy spoon?”   I don’t recall the waitress’s reaction but I remember my father laughing and trying to wriggle out of my inquiry. 

The “greasy spoon” comment probably pales to the time when my father’s boss – Mr. Lovell – came to the house for dinner.  And I said quite innocently “gosh – we oughta have company more often.  This food is really good!”

  

A Winter Tip

On By scottpetersenIn Frozen air hoseLeave a comment

Happy New Year!!  (A valuable winter tip from post of December 15, 2013)

My friend Al reminded me that in cold weather, it’s a good idea to check car tires since the cold will contract air pressure and tires can flatten out. I did and sure enough – my front two tires were low. Really low. It was night. Cold. So I went to a gas station where they have one of those air pumps where you have to pop for 75 cents. I unscrewed the valve caps, had my air gauge at the ready and dropped 3 quarters. The machine kicked in and I applied the hose to the tire valve. Nothing happened. Everything was frozen.

Now this is not an issue that I’ve dealt with before so I shivered my way into the gas station where a lone clerk sat behind a thick glass partition.  I explained the problem. “Valve’s frozen,” he said. Hoookayyy. . . “Stick the hose up your exhaust while the motor’s running and . . . . [he grabbed a lighter from the shelf and passed it under the window] warm your tire valves if they’re frozen.” “Bring back the lighter,” he said.

I went out and slid the hose a couple feet up the exhaust. And let it sit for a few minutes. And warm. I lit the lighter and warmed the tire valves. After a couple minutes, I took a breath, dropped in another 75 cents and applied the hose to the tire valve. “PFFFFTT.” It worked like a charm. Whew! The tire inflated and I brought the lighter back. I thanked the clerk (offered him a tip – he declined). “I used to drive a semi” he said. “Used to happen all the time. It’s one of those little tricks you learn.”

Now you all know the trick. 🙂

TED

On By scottpetersenIn TED, TED TalksLeave a comment

I have lunch at my desk nearly every day. And during that 20 to 30 minute break, I usually watch something that helps enlighten and develop my meager brain.  I may work on sign (or other) language skills (see post of 2/23/14).  Sometimes I take a continuing legal education course (I need at least 24 hours every two years).   Other times, I brush up on first aid know-how (see post of 6/12/14).  Lately, I’ve been listening to “TED Talks.”  

TED (Technology Entertainment Design) Talks was founded in 1984 as a Silicon Valley conference – which featured speakers on technology and design.  Since then, TED has blossomed into a free-viewing online educational network – on a host of topics.  TED’s slogan is “Ideas worth spreading.”  By November 2012, TED Talks had over one billion views.  

Live TED events are offered throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  But most of those who listen simply log in to http://www.ted.com and make a selection that suits their interest.  

TED speakers — who are carefully vetted —  are given a maximum of 18 minutes to make their pitch.  That fits perfectly into my midday nibble.   If you have 18 minutes to spare — you could not go wrong.  Listening to and learning from – TED. . . . . .

Christmas – 2016

On By scottpetersenIn ChristmasLeave a comment

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 2016. Mercy – the days are often 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 Last Minute Gift

On By scottpetersenIn LAst Minute GiftsLeave a comment

Diogenes of Sinope (404-323 B.C.) was the Greek Cynic philosopher who is reported to have walked through the streets of Athens – lantern in hand – searching for an honest man.  I don’t recall him finding any.    

I took the day off yesterday – to search.  I didn’t have a lantern but I did have a credit card.  Searching.  For just the right gifts.  For Donna and for grab bag gifts for two young men in the family.  The grab bag gifts were tough.  What to get.  Socks?  A tie?  English Leather?  I wandered from store to store.  Credit card in hand.  Searching.  I found nothing.  And then (cue the trumpet) I walked into Brookstone.  And there it was.

Brookstone had a whole wall.  Of DRONES.  I know what you’re thinking – those big expensive buzzards that circle around and deliver packages.  Yes but. . . . these drones start at $29.99 for a small one.  Next stop $49.99 – for a drone with a camera.  And on up.  To the big boys.   I ended up with two of the lower price drones.  And last night – the $49.99 variety went over very well. 

I previously touted the Genome Project kits as excellent gifts for family (see 8/6/11 and 9/13/15).  I’ve done it and it’s amazing.  I continue to believe that it is not just a gift but a learning experience.  But if you’re looking for a quick score this Christmas, you may want to check out Brookstone’s selection of real drones.  Up in the air, Junior Birdman . . . . . 

Liberia

On By scottpetersenIn LiberiaLeave a comment

What’s the only country in the world outside of the U.S. to have its capital named after an American President? Answer: Liberia (Monrovia)     What is the only country whose flag copies the American flag – but has only one star?  Answer:  Liberia.   What is the only country in Africa where the U.S. dollar is the national currency?  Answer:  Liberia.   What is the only country in Africa which has English as its national language?  Answer:  Liberia.  What African country frowns on “African” first names?  Answer:  Liberia.  What is the only African country to declare independence without a revolt or incursion by another country?  Answer:  Liberia. 

Liberia.  “Land of the Free.”  Was settled in 1822 by the American Colonization Society.  And populated by former slaves — who had left the United States in search of a better life.  James Monroe was a supporter of the ACS.  Hence Monrovia.  

During the 1950’s, Liberia enjoyed the world’s second-highest rate of economic growth.   But then things began to unravel.  From 1989 to 1995, a bloody civil war claimed more the 200,000 Liberian lives.  Since then, there have been sporadic uprisings though the country has been fairly stable since 2005. 

Liberia offers a “flag of convenience” — the second largest maritime registry in the world (behind Panama) allowing maritime vessels to register under the Liberian flag for business and tax purposes.  Corruption and crime are problems in Liberia but there is now one 18 hole golf course in Liberia — The Seaview Golf Club in Virginia, Montserrado County.  Thus Liberia is back on my bucket list . . . .   

My Favorite Trees

On By scottpetersenIn My favorite treeLeave a comment

Has anyone ever asked you what your favorite tree is?  I didn’t think so. . . . .

I walk to and from the train station every day. And each day I pass the same trees. Elms, oaks and maples. And a few coniferous offerings — pine and spruce varieties.  But there are two trees – that stand out.  And gather my attention every day.   The first is a copper beech.  A beautiful, old, twisted thick-trunked tree with noble mien and stature.  It has the elephant hide bark and beautiful leaves in summer.  If I was 10 years old again, I’d be climbing it.  

It is the second tree though that has my greatest admiration.  It is a ginkgo.  One single ginkgo in my half mile walk.  The ginkgo is a rarity among trees as it dates back 270 million years.  Its leaf design is the symbol of the prefecture of Tokyo.  Male ginkgos develop cones and the female ginkgos sprout small flowers.  And extract of ginkgo is marketed as a dietary supplement for enhancing cognitive function (I buy it by the gallon).  And ginkgo nuts are edible.

The most amazing feature of the ginkgo is that in the fall, the tree loses its leaves all within the space of hours.  One day, I will walk by my “favorite tree” and it’s full of leaves.  The next day, the leaves are all lying in a thick, yellow, circular carpet around the base (see http://www.kwanten.home.xs4all.nl/leavesfall.htm ).   If one day I come back to this world as an animal – I’d want to be an eagle.  If I ever come back as a tree – I’d want to be a male ginkgo.  In a forest of female ginkgos.  Hellooo there good lookin’ . . . . . .

Old Dutch grape juice

On By scottpetersenIn Old Dutch grape juiceLeave a comment

When I was a State’s Attorney at 26th & California, Friday lunches and dinner when a jury was “out” were often enjoyed away from the Criminal Court Building.  States Attorneys, Public Defenders, judges, police officers and politicians would head over to the wonderful enclave of Italian restaurants at 23rd and Oakley.       

Those were the days. Marconi’s. La Fontanella. Febo’s. Toscana Bakery. And others. All offering wonderful fish, meat and pasta dishes.  A commodity sadly lacking from the menu of one restaurant was wine. Vino rosso. The restaurant did not have a liquor license and thus could not – technically – sell wine (or any other alcoholic beverage).

 But as stated on Febo’s menu – Un pranzo senza vino, e come un giorno senza sole (a day without wine is like a day without sunshine). So, to remedy the situation, this restaurant offered “Old Dutch grape juice.”  Yep.  If you wanted a glass of wine with lunch or dinner, you would look at the waitress and say “I will have some Old Dutch grape juice.”  The waitress would nod.  And disappear into the kitchen.  She’d fill an Old Dutch grape juice bottle to the brim.  With superb red wine from a keg in back. 

Now you’re probably asking if they ever got in trouble – no liquor license and all.  Answer?  Never.  Not with police, judges, lawyers and even Alderman (and occasionally the Mayor – Richard J.) all sitting there – asking for “Old Dutch grape juice” (har har hardy har har).  Toward the end of my stretch – the restaurant did get a liquor license.  But they still served Old Dutch.  For old time’s sake. . . .