“Creed”

On By scottpetersenIn CreedLeave a comment

I’m not a movie critic – but I do (like you) have objective credentials for offering comment. The movie “Creed” had primo reviews (“best since ‘Rocky’“).  But in my humble opinion, the film was pretty boring.  Donna needed popcorn and Pepsi to stay awake.   The movie’s path was predictable.  Sylvester Stallone acted in his usual “duhhhhh how ya doon’?” fashion for the entire movie.  My mouth logged open and my eyes were glassy. . . . .    

The final “Rocky” scenes are unpleasant with the gratuitous violence and graphic result.  Slow motion blood, guts, vomit and disfigurement.  People who enjoy ultimate fighting, boxing or violent movies will like this.   Frankly I had trouble watching “Creed.”    One star.  Tops. 

If you see something, say something. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Watch for anomalies2 Comments

Every day we hear the admonition that is borne of terror – “If you see something, say something.” It is that mantra that tells citizens to be aware of their surroundings — and to report anything that looks out of place.  I’ve been saying that for years — “Watch for Anomalies” (see 6/18/12).  But should we really “say something“?

First – “if you see something” it will likely be someone (or something) that looks “out of place.”  Someone who raises suspicion.  This in turn requires some level of “profiling” which we are told in the United States is politically incorrect and thus forbidden.  Though profiling is viewed in most countries as smart.  Remember the 14 year old boy in Dallas who came to school with a package filled with wires and containers.  Someone “said something.”  Police showed up and detained the boy.  Turned out the boy had a homemade clock.  The clock was examined and dismantled by a bomb squad. The boy – a Muslim – is now suing the Dallas school system for $15 million.  And he’s moved to Qatar.  Airlines who question or debark suspicious passengers are sued routinely.  Same with police.  By the usual and predictable coterie of loathsome plaintiff’s lawyers . . . .      

Maybe the lesson should be — “if you see something – run the other way.”  And leave others deal with the consequences.  Sergeant Schulz comes to mind “I know nothing!  I see nothing!”   

Rice and Beans

On By scottpetersenIn Rice and beans recipeLeave a comment

Rice and beans is a food staple in much of the world. And for me, rice and beans has always been a staple. But not just any rice and beans. 

Last weekend, I started with a container of Rice Select Royal Blend. This wonderful mix combines Texmati, white, brown, wild and Red Thai rice. I boiled 1 cup of rice mix in 2-1/4 cups of low sodium chicken broth for about 30 minutes.  In a saucepan, I washed – then heated – a 15.5 ounce can of organic black beans.

But it was the addendum that helped bring “rice ‘n beans” to a whole new level of gastronomy. In a fry pan, I heated some olive oil. Then tossed in a diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, two finely chopped celery stalks and a large carrot (or 2)  also finely chopped. For seasoning, I used 2 tsp. of minced fresh oregano, 1 tsp. ground cumin and 2 tsp. of chopped, fresh parsley.   I tapped in a light dusting of (optional) Cayenne pepper to give an added kick.

The combo came together nicely. I mixed everything together and – voila!  A rice and beans extravaganza.   For the “side,” I drenched some wild Atlantic salmon in olive oil, shook on some turmeric and baked at 450 for about 10 minutes. Bake time naturally depends on the thickness of the salmon.

When it came time for the obligatory gelato, Donna and I looked at each other, smiled and dug into more rice and beans for dessert.

Progressives

On By scottpetersenIn Progressives1 Comment

“Progressives” believe government should be a tool for change.  And from everything I’ve been reading – and hearing – I’m not sure “progressives” give a hoot. About the poor, the homeless, the sick, those who are victims of abuse, hatred or violence. Those who are lonely or depressed.  They care little about racial issues.  Or minorities.   Or those who suffer.  They care not about virtue.  Or character.   

It seems they care only about control and destruction. Strict monitoring of everyone.  A government which controls every thought, word and deed.  And destroys.  Religion.  Business.  American tradition.  Incentive.  Values.  Censorship and vilification of anyone who gets in their way.  Anyone who objects or even questions is decried as a “radical.”  “Racist.”  “Bigot.”    We hear this stuff every day.  The Constitution is old hat.  Freedom of speech is dead.  Ideology trumps charity and  compassion.  

Where am I going wrong here?  

 

For Want of a Nail. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Augustana College, Camp Napowan, Eagle Scout, Eagle Scout politicians1 Comment

If there was a pivotal moment in my life, it was becoming an Eagle Scout. I owe a lot to that boyhood achievement: going to college; going to law school; getting a job; meeting my wife; having a daughter and grandchildren; and knowing how to deal with different “situations.”

The sine qua non for my acceptance to Augustana College was that I was an Eagle Scout (see post of 10/13/13).  It sure wasn’t because I was a scholar.   At Augustana, I chatted with a couple of pals who talked about law school.  Soooo, I went to law school.  At Augustana, I met Diane — who a year after my graduation introduced me to Donna (“Scott I have a girlfriend from New York I think you should meet“).  And because of Donna, we have Lauren and her family.  When I interviewed to be a State’s Attorney, the first 15 minutes of conversation was about Boy Scouts (I’d put “Eagle Scout” on my resume).  And I was offered the job.

Being an Eagle Scout taught a lot – including first aid (see 10/21/11 and 10/31/15).  That knowledge has saved the day on a few occasions.  An Eagle trajectory got me a job at age 14 (for three summers) on staff at Camp Napowan — a Scout camp in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  The experience provided a major education and provided friends I have to this day.

All in all, I’d have to say that being an Eagle Scout was the “nail” (Poor Richard’s Almanac 1758) that made all the difference in the world for yours truly.  And you know what?  That achievement has made – and will continue to make — all the difference in the world for a universe of young men.              

Addicted to Love

On By scottpetersenIn Addicted to Love, Robert Palmer1 Comment

In my post of January 5, 2014, I referenced some of the biggest music videos (which I happen to like).  One I neglected to mention was the biggy of Robert Palmer (1949-2003).   In 1986, Robert Palmer – a Brit from West Yorkshire – recorded the top-of-the-charts “Addicted to Love.”  The corresponding music video was classic and catapulted Palmer into the national attention.  In 1987, Palmer won the Grammy for best male vocalist for “Addicted to Love.”    This music video can be seen at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcATvu5f9vE

The back up musicians – all women who are identically-clad and heavily made up – are thought to mimic or mock the painting style of artist Patrick Nagel.  Robert Palmer – a heavy smoker – sadly died of a heart attack in Paris at the age of 54.  But the women are still around.  The ladies were interviewed by Yahoo at the 2014 Grammys.  Interesting to see then – and now.    Check out https://uk.screen.yahoo.com/robert-palmer-girls-today-173805406.html

The Desolate Wilderness

On By scottpetersenIn Thanksgiving, The Desolate WildernessLeave a comment

“. . . .they knew they were pilgrims and strangers . . . and looked not much on these things but lifted up their eyes to Heaven, their dearest country, where God hath prepared for them a city (Heb. 9:16) and therein quieted their spirits.

The next day they were on board, and their friends with them, where truly doleful was the sight of that sad and mournful parting. To hear what sighs and sobs and prayers did sound amongst them; what tears did gush from every eye, and pithy speeches pierced each other’s heart, that sundry of the Dutch strangers that stood as spectators could not refrain from tears. . . . .

Being now passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before them in expectations, they had now no friends to welcome them, no inns to entertain or refresh them, no houses, or much less towns, to repair unto to seek for succor; and for the season it was winter. And they that know the winters of the country know them to be sharp and violent, subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search unknown coasts.

Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men? And what multitudes of them there were, they knew not; for which whatsoever they turned their eyes (save upward to Heaven) they could have but little solace or content.”

— Recorded by Nathaniel Morton, keeper of records of the Plymouth Colony based on the account of William Bradford.

Best wishes for a wonderful and Blessed Thanksgiving! 

Rules of Engagement

On By scottpetersenIn Carpet bombing, ISIL, IslamLeave a comment

The restrictions on our military to deal with ISIS are so limiting that the rare boots-on-the-ground soldier needs permission to load his rifle and a virtual nod from Obama to fire it.  The litany of approvals necessary for a drone strike on ISIS traverses several levels of command. And can take hours. Or days. Civilian casualties are verboten. A civilian casualty can make the front page of the New York Times.  An injured squirrel makes page 6. 

Let’s fast backward to World War II.  Germany carpet bombed Allied cities with impunity.  Japan decimated Asia.  So the Allies narrowed their eyes, pulled out the stops and smothered the Axis cities with ordnance.  75 million people died in 6 years. Most civilians.  But few American civilians.  The War ended and today, Germany and Japan are America’s BFF’s.

In my post of October 11, 2014, I referenced the swift, brutal and crushing efforts made by America against bad guys during that terrible conflict.  These were acts of our parents and grandparents.  And they won big time.  When I read that in the aftermath of the slaughter in Paris, French and Russian planes struck “ISIS headquarters and training facilities,” I wonder – what has America been doing?  Why haven’t we hit these targets before?  We gave France and Russia the intel!  The current threat is real and imminent.  Yet the President remains a deer frozen in the headlights on foreign policy.  He refuses to say the word “Muslim” with respect to the enemy.  Yet ISIS and Islamic jihadists have murdered tens of thousands of innocents.   With millions more on the list. . . . . 

I wonder what would our parents and grandparents have done given the current situation.  How would things go with Franklin Delano Roosevelt or Harry Truman sitting in the driver’s seat of America?  

Watch for Anomalies

On By scottpetersenIn Watch for anomaliesLeave a comment

I have only repeated one post in 4+ years.  Here’s number 2 from June 18, 2012.  It has particular relevance today. 

When my daughter was young, I taught her a phrase – “watch for anomalies.” As a young girl growing up, I wanted her to be keenly aware of her surroundings. To know where the exits are in a restaurant, theater or other public place. And to always be aware of what doesn’t “look right.”   People.  Places.  Things.  Situational profiling.  Which is smart.  What looks out of place.   I cautioned her – if something doesn’t look right, get out.  Go the other way.

I have a feeling that my daughter at the age of 12 could “case” a room as well as anyone. Though today when I say “watch for anomalies,” she’ll usually respond “Oh dad. . . .”

I learned the expression years ago. As a State’s Attorney – working with police – I learned quickly that they watched carefully for anomalies. Situations that don’t look right. Things that look out of place or out of character.

Apart from teaching my granddaughters about music, the guitar, speaking Spanish, how to spit, hitting a golf ball, making spaghetti carbonara, playing poker, doing magic tricks, finding pennies on the street and so on, I want to teach them situational awareness.  And to “watch for anomalies.”

The Thin Blue Line

On By scottpetersenIn Black Lives Matter, Thin Blue Line1 Comment

When I grew up, I was inculcated with the notion that ALL lives mattered. Not just black ones. . . .

I’m insulted. And offended. When I hear some Black Lives Matter folks calling on their brethren to “kill police.” Let’s have a show of hands — who agrees with these people??

When I was a States Attorney, I worked with the police every day. Hundreds of them. You know what? Most were good guys (a few gals) (see my post of 3/20/14).  Sure – there were occasional bad apples (and you deal with them) but most were just doing their job.  A pretty good job.  Of protecting the public.  Thus, I stand behind the police. I stand behind that thin blue line.

I would invite all of you to stand behind the police in your community. And for Mayor de Blasio of New York and the Black Lives Matters folks who urge violence — if you won’t stand behind the police, when the ISIS (or bad guy) bullets start flying — please stand in front of them.