Y2K

On By scottpetersenIn Y2K2 Comments

Does anyone remember Y2K? The initials Y2K (a “numeronym” – an abbreviation with a number) stand for “Year 2000.” The term related to the finale of that special day – December 31st 1999 – 26 years ago – when the old year ended and the world welcomed a new day, year, century and a new millennium. The year 2000. As the new year approached – the public became aware of the “Y2K Scare” — the prospect that the entire power grid would shut down, computers would be frozen and worldwide infrastructure would collapse. The speculation was fueled by the press and by books and articles like Computerworld’s 1993 3 page article – “Doomsday 2000” – by Peter de Jager.

I remember Y2K very well. It occurred to me that if we were approaching worldwide catastrophe, I better do something to prepare (ever the Boy Scout). Sooooo. . . . I bought seven gallons of water, perhaps two dozen cans of soup, ravioli, vegetables and chili, got some extra dog food for our little Daisy, I withdrew about $1,500 in cash and on that last day of December – I filled two bathtubs full of water. Oh – and did I mention I purchased a few bottles of cabernet . . . .

On that special New Year’s Eve, Donna and I hunkered down – watched some television and stayed awake for the dropping of the ball in New York City. Now mind you – I am not the brightest light in the box so I wondered if the shutdown might occur when the clock hit midnight in Beijing, Sumatra, Moscow or London. Or maybe Chicago, Wichita or Seattle. Anywayyyy . . . we went to bed. And next morning – turned on the T.V., made coffee and had breakfast. And all seemed okay.

Since then, we drank the water, ate the food, enjoyed the vino, spent the money and took a cold bath. The point is – I can’t believe that all of this took place 26 years ago. That’s more than a quarter century ago. . . .

Honey

On By scottpetersenIn Honey, Swedish pancakesLeave a comment

[An oldie from November 19, 2011] One of my primo recipes is Swedish pancakes.  On January 31st, I shared the recipe along with a pic of Chef Popi and his admirers.  I do not use sugar in the mix.  I use honey.  Honey is purely sweet and adds a subtle, gentle sweetness to the flavor.   In fact in baking (or even sauteing onions to add flavor), given the choice, I use honey.  A healthy dessert that I make for myself is Greek yogurt, almond (or peanut) butter topped with honey.  How sweet it is!

We all know that bees make honey but did you know that honey is the result of continuous regurgitation by the bees?    It goes up and down until it reaches a desired consistency then “splat” it goes into the honeycomb.  Interestingly most microorganisms cannot grow in honey (due to low water content – .6%) thus honey normally does not spoil — even after decades or even centuries of sitting around. Egyptian tombs from 3,000 years ago have featured honey that remains edible. It’s kinda like Twinkies which have a shelf life of 47 years.  Honey gleaned from different flowers and plants results in varied flavor and qualities.  Honey is a healthier choice than sugar as it contains no cholesterol. 

Our ancestors were collecting honey 10,000 years ago.  The Old and New Testaments refer to honey (Judges 14:8 and Matthew 3:4) and the Qur’an devotes an entire Surra to honey (al-Nahl; The Honey Bee).  Sore throat?  Honey in hot water.   Cuts or scratches?  Honey (if no antiseptic is available).  MRSA bacteria?  Honey (New Zealand Mānuka).  Good stuff, honey.   

[Postscript — The health benefits to honey include being an antioxidant powerhouse, helps with heart and brain function and – for me, a teaspoon before bedtime helps cut down on extra trips down the hall at night].    

New Year’s Resolutions

On By scottpetersenIn New Year's ResolutionsLeave a comment

Do you have any? New Year’s resolutions that is?   Something to do or not do in the coming year?  New Year’s resolutions date back 4000 years to Babylonian times.  The Babylonians celebrated a 12 day festival called “Akitu.” At this time, the people would affirm loyalty to the king for the new year and promise the pagan gods to repay debts and return borrowed objects. On January 1st (named for the two-faced god Janus), the Romans would look to the past year and promise good conduct for the coming year. Early Christians would look back on the mistakes of the past year and resolve to omit them from the New Year. Nearly one third of all people make some personal commitment for the new year.  However, a University of Bristol study showed that of the people who make New Year’s resolutions, 88% fail.   Mine will not.

One that crossed my mind is to play more golf. It occurred to me that if I work diligently every day on cardio, weights and golf – I could be on the PGA Tour in 10 or 15 years. That said, I would also like to read more, play my guitar more, volunteer/be a better person and eat healthier. Though I NEVER want to eat asparagus again . . . . . Best wishes to all for a wonderful, healthy and Happy New Year!!

I Get No Respect

On By scottpetersenIn I Get No Respect, Rodney Dangerfield1 Comment

[A repeat from March 30, 2014]   My wife made me join a bridge club. I have to jump off next Tuesday.

When I was in high school, a girl called and said “come on over. Nobody’s home.” I went over to her house. Nobody was home.

My wife is such a bad cook, the flies chipped in to fix the screen door. The roaches hang themselves in the pantry. Most guys go home and get pot roast. I go home and get roast pot. Did you ever see meat loaf that glows in the dark?  In my house, we pray after the meal. . . .

Rodney Dangerfield (1921-2004) was a classic (which may share a whisper about my sense of humor). Born Jacob Rodney Cohen in New York, he started writing material for stand up comedians at the age of 15 and began performing (as “Jack Roy”) when he was 20.  In the 1960’s he was performing stand up comedy at night and working as a salesman or singing waiter by day.  Nothing seemed to go right for him and he went deep into debt.  He came to realize that he needed a stage “image.”  Since nothing went right for him, the light went on over his head.   On March 5, 1967, The Ed Sullivan Show needed a last minute replacement and “Rodney Dangerfield” made his big debut.   And he was the hit of the show.  He was invited as a guest on The Dean Martin Show and then The Tonight Show – where he appeared on 35 occasions.  Rodney’s career peaked in the 1980’s when he appeared in the iconic movie “Caddyshack” and several other films (including “Easy Money” and “Back to School“). 

In 2001, he suffered a minor heart attack backstage at The Tonight Show.  And his health began to slide.  In August 2004, he entered the hospital for a heart-valve replacement.  When someone asked how long he’d be in the hospital, he responded “if all goes well, a week or 10 days.  If not, then maybe an hour and a half.”  He died a short time later – at 83 – and was buried in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery.  His headstone reads “There goes the neighborhood.” 

Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MecU2keW54I  for a laugh 🙂

These cookies aren’t very good

On By scottpetersenIn These cookies aren't very good1 Comment

[A repeat – and true story – from October 13, 2019]

In the past, Donna and I hosted a Christmas Eve celebration for family. It was always a smorgasbord dinner, exchange of gifts and a special appearance by Santa Claus. We would sing a few Christmas carols and all enjoy a relaxing and happy time.

A few days after one of those special days, I was grazing in the pantry — looking for goodies. I happened upon a neat plastic bag, festooned with ribbons and bows.  Inside were cookies made by one of my cousins. Hmmmm . . . .  Well, it didn’t take long for me to rip open the bag and shovel a cookie into my mouth. Chomp chomp chomp . . . .  Hmmmm . . . . The cookie was not very good.  I had another. Hoping to glean some nuance of sweetness. Or chocolate. But it was no go.

At that moment, Donna walked into the kitchen and saw me with the bag. I said “these cookies are not very good.” She looked at me like I was an idiot.  Arms akimbo, she shook her head. And exclaimed “Scott. . . . those cookies are for Daisy.” Hmmmm. . . no wonder.  I took another bite and then handed the rest to Daisy who sat at my feet.  Wagging her tail.   Maybe if I had put peanut butter on them . . . . 

Christmas 2025

On By scottpetersenIn Christmas1 Comment

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, 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 2025!   There is an old expression that the days are often long but the years go quickly. How true. . . . .

Best wishes to everyone for a Happy and Blessed Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season!!

Try? Win. Don’t Try? Lose.

On By scottpetersenIn Incentive, Try? Win. Don't try? LoseLeave a comment

[A repeat from April 12, 2015] My father was born in 1913. In the late 1920’s, he was a caddy at North Shore Country Club in Glenview. He would take the “train” (streetcar) from Portage Park up to Waukegan Road and Glenview Road. From there, he and his chums would hoof east to the Club.  He would do one – or two – “loops” and then go home on the streetcar which ran down the middle of Waukegan Road.  His best tip as a caddy was a five dollar bill from one wealthy (and apparently grateful) member.  My Dad said he felt rich. 

What’s interesting was my dad’s clear recollection of what happened after work.  He and several other neighborhood boys would exit from the west end of the Club onto Glenview Road and walk around the corner.  Streetcars ran every hour or two.  Thus if a streetcar was approaching – or there – there was lots of incentive to traverse the quarter mile or so as quickly as possible.  My father said it was often the same conductor.  If he saw the boys — and he saw them running — he would look at his watch and hold the other arm in the air.  Holding up the streetcar.  Standing on the pavement.  Arm in the air.  One eye on the watch.  One eye on the boys.   However if one of the boys lagged, or slowed to walk, Mister Conductor would look up.  Twirl his arm in the air (“go!”) and hop on the streetcar.  And off it went.  And the boys would have to wait for an hour for the next streetcar home. 

My father said he learned a big lesson here.  About trying.  If they tried, and ran, or at least made an effort, the streetcar would be held up for a few minutes for the boys to arrive.  And then go.  That nameless conductor of nearly a century ago appreciated effort.  But he also knew something about charity.  It was simple.  Try?  Win.  Don’t try?  Lose.        

Robert Johnson

On By scottpetersenIn Martin Guitar, Robert JohnsonLeave a comment

[A cold weather repeat from May 19, 2013] What do Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin) and Scott Petersen have in common?   We have all been inspired by Robert Johnson — the godfather of the Blues. 

In my post of April 20, 2012 (“Martin O-18”), I talked about how I enjoy playing the guitar; how I played years ago in a group; and how I still play nearly every day.  And I enjoy playing the Blues.  The  grand master of the Blues and inspiration to so many of the greats was Robert LeRoy Johnson.  Robert Johnson was born in 1911 in Hazelhurst, MS.  At an early age, Robert began playing the harmonica, the “jaw harp” and the guitar.  Soon, he settled into life as an itinerant musician — playing in bars, juke joints and dance halls in the Mississippi Delta.   He would often arrive in a new town and stand in front of a barber shop or restaurant where he would serenade the town folk with Blues, pop standards, jazz or country music.  He was versatile and proficient. 

There are only two known recording sessions of the works of Robert Johnson:  in 1936 in the Gunter Hotel in San Antonio, TX; and in 1937 at the Vitagraph Building in Dallas.  The songs are grainy and yet iconic.   At the 3 day San Antonio session, Johnson recorded 16 selections, a few with alternate “takes.”  In Dallas, 11 recordings were made.  It is believed he did the sessions playing a Gibson L-1.  The complete collection of Johnson’s “discography” can be had for a few dollars on Amazon.

Robert Johnson enjoyed the company of ladies and he is known to have fathered several children.  And his dalliance got him into trouble.  On August 16, 1938, at the age of 27, Robert Johnson while playing in a dance hall in Greenwood, MS was poisoned by a jealous husband.  Johnson died and was buried in an unmarked grave nearby.

Robert Johnson is known for a series of wonderful songs but his most famous are Cross Road Blues, Hellhound on my Trail and – Sweet Home Chicago which was recorded in 1936 (see  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8hqGu-leFc ).  I would still like to get my old group back together but Donna has advised “Don’t quit the day job, Elvis.”   [But now that I’m retired, my “day job” has changed . . . . ].

A Lost Dog

On By scottpetersenIn A lost dog, Lyman Maine, Manuscript Society1 Comment

I’ve collected historical autographs and manuscripts since I was a kid.  I acquired the Chicago Rock Island Railroad archives – the contents of a 10 story building full of history – when the “line” went out of business (see May 15, 2014).  And for perhaps 30 years, I offered catalogs and listings of autograph material and was heavily involved with The Manuscript Society ( http://www.manuscript.org – see November 13, 2011). Clearly – manuscripts, archives and autographs have always been a big part of my life. But given my retirement – and thinking about the next “chapter” – I’ve been unloading the residuals of autograph material.   

There is, however, one item I’ve kept.  For a long time.   It’s not that “special” nor is it valuable.  It’s a cursive scribbling on a 4-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ blue-tinged sheet of paper from a little boy named “Nathaniel” to people in the town of Lyman, Maine. He’s looking for his lost dog:  “Lost – In this village a small spoted (sic) dog.  With red ears and a red string around the neck.   Whoever will return or give information of the same shall be suitably rewarded.”  It is signed “Nathaniel Hill.”  The letter is dated “January 19th 1854.”     

I look at this letter and think about the young boy who wrote it. And I wonder — did Nathaniel ever get his little dog back?  I sure hope he did . . . . .

Feherty

On By scottpetersenIn David FehertyLeave a comment

[I’ve been thinking about golf. Sooooo – what better than a repeat from October 2, 2016] 

Anyone who follows professional golf knows the name “Feherty.”  David Feherty was born in 1958 in Northern Ireland.  He grew up playing golf and in 1976 turned pro — spending  most of his career playing in European tournaments.  He was good enough to make Europe’s 1991 Ryder Cup team.  He retired from the Tour in 1997 and joined CBS Sports as a golf analyst and commentator.  He is now with the Golf Channel and NBC Sports.

In 2006, Feherty went public about his long history of depression and alcoholism.  When Tom Cruise – actor and Scientologist – opined that only exercise can cure depression (and that drugs and therapy don’t help), Feherty responded that “actually, some sort of exercise would have helped me.  If I had kicked the #%&X out of Tom Cruise, I’d feel a lot better about myself.”  Gotta love it. . . . .

Feherty is known for hysterical one liners.

“That ball is so far left, Lassie couldn’t find it if it was wrapped in bacon.”

“Watching Phil Mickelson play golf is like watching a drunk chase a balloon near the edge of a cliff.”

“Colin Montgomerie is a few French fries short of a Happy Meal.”

“If the green was where his ball landed, that would’ve been a great shot.”

[Jim Furyk’s swing] “Looks like a one armed man trying to wrestle a snake in a phone booth.”

[On Tiger Woods]  “I just stood there watching him walk past and thinking – ‘I don’t know what it is but I know there weren’t two of them on Noah’s Ark.'”   And there are so many more. . . .

In 2010, Feherty became a naturalized American citizen.  He lives with his family in Dallas.  And continues with the memorable one-liners. . . .