Life after High School

On By scottpetersenIn Life after high schoolLeave a comment

(A repeat from September 7, 2014) Social studies. Reading comprehension. English Literature. P.E. Chemistry. Trigonometry (did I spell that right?). These are all courses I took in high school. But the best course I took in high school was typing. I can type flawlessly for about 60 words a minute. The other courses? Physical science?  Chemistry? What the heck is a “beaker”? The best course I took in college was a year-long program to become an emergency medical responder (see 11/11/2025).

Okay okay. These are all good courses – and worth taking. But for my money, I think high school students should all be required to take a course “Life After High School.” It would be a one year curriculum and involve seminars on balancing a check book; shopping; basic first aid; spending money wisely; relationships and respect; job interviews; nutrition; cooking simple meals; raising babies; investing; and so on. Topics which help a young person acclimate and actually put to good use after high school. Many kids will go to college. Many will not. But learning how to show your best to a prospective employer, how to invest savings and dealing intelligently with a screaming baby will benefit everyone.

None of these topics are in conflict with parental decision-making so there should be no pushback. Frankly, it might create a broader universe of students/grads who are more able to assimilate, interact and thrive.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

On By scottpetersenIn Won't You Be My NeighborLeave a comment

[A repeat from July 13, 2022] Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a half hour children’s program that ran from 1968 to 2001. It was hosted by Fred Rogers (1928-2003) – a Presbyterian minister who created the show which focused on children’s emotional and social needs – and health. Mister Rogers began each show – singing a song that ended “Won’t you be my neighbor.” All children were invited to watch. And learn. Every child was a neighbor.

The notion of helping one’s neighbor is commanded in all faith traditions. The New Testament dictates that to find favor with God, one must “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” This admonition appears in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18). Taking care of neighbors is mandated in the Quran (Surah 4:36). The Book of Mormon (Moroni 7). Science and Health. In the Hindu faith. In Buddhism. And in other religions. To love our neighbor as ourselves. To help our neighbor. To take care of our neighbor.

Question: Just “who” is our neighbor?

Answer: All of mankind.

There is a lot of pain going on in the world today. A lot of need – by our neighbors. Wouldn’t it be great if politicians around the globe would unite to help – our neighbors?

What can we do? I suspect that each person who reads this post has the ability and capacity to make a difference. The small things we do for others may not mean much to us. But it could mean everything to that other person. Mother Teresa hit the nail on the head when she said “If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed one.”

Won’t you be my neighbor?

Henri Nouwen

On By scottpetersenIn Henri NouwenLeave a comment

(A repeat from July 12, 2012) One of the great inspirational/spiritual writers of all time was Henri Nouwen (1932-1996). Henri Nouwen was born in Holland. At an early age, he felt a call to the priesthood. He was ordained as a Diocesan priest in 1957 and studied at the Menninger Clinic in Topeka, KS. Henri went on to teach at Notre Dame, the Divinity School at Yale University and Harvard University. He died suddenly — and all too early — in 1996.

For several months in the 1970’s, Henri lived in a Trappist community at the Genesee Abbey in New York. In the early ’80’s, he lived in Peru among the desperately poor. After a time of contemplation, he left the seemingly bright world of academia — to go and work with mentally handicapped adults at L’Arche Daybreak in Toronto. It was at L’Arche that Henri felt his greatest fulfillment. He was a prolific writer and in 2003, a Christian Century survey rated his works number one among Catholic and mainline Christian clergy.

I was referred to Henri some years ago by my dear friend David. On his recommendation, I have read most of Henri’s works. Wow! Spiritual. Inspirational. Moving. And somewhat melancholy – knowing that Henri died at such a young age.  Return of the Prodigal Son is one of his most famous – and probably my favorite. I was given a copy by my friend and priest – Fr. Bob.  Return is worth a second read. . . . which I’m planning. . . . . If you want to pick one of Henri’s books to read — this is the one. [Afterword – I read it a second time.  It is now on the shelf for a third]

Hemo the Magnificent

On By scottpetersenIn Hemo the MagnificentLeave a comment

[A repeat of March 2, 2022] When I was 10 years old, I was introduced to “Hemo the Magnificent.” Hemo was one of 9 one hour science films sponsored by Bell Telephone – produced in 1957 by Frank Capra – for use in the classroom. I first saw “Hemo the Magnificent” while at Skyline Ranch in Estes Park, CO. I watched it several times at Skyline and later bought the CD when our daughter was young. “Hemo the Magnificent” is a tutorial on blood, the human body – and how organs of the body play their respective roles. I just watched it again while pedaling furiously on a recumbent bicycle. It’s clear. Poignant. And amazingly educational for children or guys like me who have yet to “grow up.” Watch the full movie – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08QDu2pGtkc

Thousands of years of evolution have split human blood into four basic “types”: A, B, O and AB. Each has a positive (+) and negative (-) (called “RH”) component as well.  43% of us are type O; 40% type A; 12% type B; and 5% type AB. There are geographic, racial and ethnic differences in blood type and RH distribution.  Each blood type has its own characteristics, strengths . . . . and weaknesses.

Type O is the oldest blood type in the world with the most robust digestive system.  Type O needs animal protein for good health but may have trouble with wheat and gluten.   Thrives on vigorous workouts.  Less prone to heart disease.  O negative is a universal donor.

Type A has a more fragile digestive system which has trouble tolerating 4 legged protein.  This blood type might do well as a vegetarian.  Can be lactose intolerant and anemic.  Iron and Vitamin B-12 supplements may be helpful. 

Type B may have difficulty with wheat and gluten though dairy is usually just fine.  Chicken may cause health issues due to an agglutinating lectin which may adversely affect the circulatory system. 

Type AB is the new kid on the block having been around for perhaps 1,000 years.  Should avoid red meat especially smoked and cured meats as AB shares the low stomach acid of Type A and diminished stomach acid leaves one more vulnerable to stomach cancer.

Watch “Hemo.” With children or grandchildren. There’s a lot to learn . . . . . 

Lucretius

On By scottpetersenIn AED, First aid, Heimlich Maneuver2 Comments

[A repeat from 10/31/2015]  I was walking to the train station with a good friend. He was retired and I asked how he enjoyed retirement. He mentioned that he is taking a course on Lucretius – the Roman poet and philosopher (99 B.C.-55 B.C.).   His previous course was on Cicero and the one before that on some unpronounceable Roman chap.  My friend went on talking about Lucretius and his publications on the nature of the universe and Epicureanism.  Sounded pretty neat.  I asked what he was taking next semester and he was not sure.  Maybe something on analytics or Euripides.  It was then I stuck my chin out. . . . .

I asked my friend if he had ever had a course on first aid.  He looked at me – “no.”  I asked if he’d ever taken a Heimlich Maneuver, CPR or AED course.  I got the same answer.  He asked me if I had done so and I recounted briefly the year-long course work in college I took to become a Civil Defense emergency medical responder and my AED review (see June 12, 2014).   I said that over the years, knowledge of first aid has come in handy.  And on a few occasions very handy.

It’s great taking courses on Lucretius and Cicero though my personal bent might involve guitar lessons, drum lessons, bird study or a tutorial on doing card magic.  But lemme say this — acquiring knowledge on the subject of first aid (including AED, Heimlich, CPR) may someday prove to be more valuable than reading De Rerum Natura or Iphigenia at Aulis.  You never know when some fast-moving southbound emergency will raise its ugly head.  And there is no one but you . . . . . . 

Peace

On By scottpetersenIn Peace be with you2 Comments

[A repeat from January 12, 2017] Pax vobiscum. As-salamu Alaikum. Shalom. Shanti. Aloha. Peace be with you. . . .

It is 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. Our nation. 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 is 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 everyone agrees though. But can you try?

Peace be with you.

One Sandal

On By scottpetersenIn Creative compassion, Mahatma GandhiLeave a comment

[An update from August 31, 2022] It is 1935. India. Mohandas Gandhi rushed into a railroad terminal to catch a train. He was late. And as he ran, the train slowly began to move out of the station. Gandhi raced and grabbed the railing on the last car. And pulled himself up. But just as he stepped on board, the sandal of one foot fell off — and landed between the tracks.

QUESTION: Did Gandhi jump off the train to retrieve the sandal (and then try to make it back on the train)? Or did he shrug – and step inside the railroad car with one bare foot? What would you do?

It really is a trick question. Gandhi did neither. Instead, he quickly removed the sandal on the other foot and lobbed it into the center of the tracks — near the one that had fallen. An acquaintance who was already on board the train asked why he had thrown his other sandal. Gandhi replied that he was hoping that the person who found the first would find the second — and have a fine new pair of sandals.

This is an example of what might be called “creative compassion” — an ability to help others in ways that may not be so obvious. It is stories like this that give credence to the idea that we may not be able to change the world — but we may be able to change the world of another human being. The biggest thing we might do on any given day may simply be an act of kindness, of compassion or of love — to another person. It may not mean much to us. But it could mean everything to them. And – who knows how it might impact the world. . . . .

Exoplanets

On By scottpetersenIn Exoplanets1 Comment

Over the centuries – and millennium — there has been speculation on whether we on Earth are alone in the universe. We live in a solar system which circles our Sun and yet we live in the Milky Way Galaxy that hosts billions of stars. And beyond the galaxy are billions of light years of distance. What if. . . . ?

“Exoplanets” are planets that have been discovered around the universe — circling stars just as the Earth revolves around our Sun. The first exoplanet was identified in 1992 and since then thousands more have been discovered. Rather than spotting the exoplanet telescopically, they are found mostly by observing “dips” in a star’s light (transit photometry) or measuring stellar “wobbles” caused by gravity (radial velocity). And this all keeps gravitating back to whether there may be life on distant (exo)planets. There are a lot of factors to consider: gravity; temperature; radiation; water; atmospheric pressure; gasses; and so on). The Earth is considered a “Goldilocks” planet — implying a perfect balance for life-sustaining conditions. Earth lies between two planets that are uninhabitable. Life elsewhere? Let’s look at the scientific time line:

13.5 billion years ago – The “Big Bang”

4.5 billion years ago — The Earth was formed

4 billion years ago — Earth experiences micro organisms

85 million years ago — Primates diverge from mammals

300,000 years ago — First homo sapiens

3500 B.C. — Recorded history begins – Early Dynastic period of Egypt

Soooooo. . . . if we assume that (reasonably) intelligent life on Earth has been around for the last 10,000 years, and we convert 1/400,000 (division into Earth’s age) to a decimal form, that would be .0000025. In other words, that decimal would be the percentage of time intelligent life has been on Earth. Even assuming habitability of certain exoplanets for life forms, presumably those exoplanets thousands of light year distance would still have a need to “grow.” And to mature to a similar level of intelligence and interest in communicating with exoplanets . . . . like Earth. Some scientists believe there are many exoplanets that have life forms. Yet others have commented that they are not so sure . . . .


FedEx (circa 1860)

On By scottpetersenIn Pony ExpressLeave a comment

(A repeat of August 6, 2017) It was the FedEx of 1860.  It was called “The Pony Express.”   

Two centuries ago, it would take weeks for the United States Post Office (started in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General) to deliver the mail.  Going cross country?  It might take months. . . . .

The need for a fast mail route was prompted by California’s soaring population, commercial prominence and statehood in 1850.  Delivering the mail – with more speed – became essential.  In 1859, three men in the freight business opened a mail route that became known as the Central Overland California & Pikes Peak Express Company.  On April 3, 1860, the operation began — literally running mail on horseback from St. Joseph, MO to Sacramento.  The company set up 157 stations – roughly 5 to 25 miles apart – on the 1,900 mile journey.  The operation became known as “The Pony Express.”  Each of the 120 riders (all – under 19 years of age and weighing less than 125 pounds) was presented with an inscribed Bible and required to sign an oath.  No profanity, no intoxicating liquors, no fighting, and commitment to honesty, duty and God.    

The riders would gallop day and night — changing horses every 10 to 15 miles and passing the 20 pound mail pouch (called a “mochila”) to a new rider every 75 to 100 miles.  The Pony Express worked well.  For about a year. 

But as with all things, time caught up.  The transcontinental railroad opened, telegraph lines soon connected east and west – and the Civil War began in April 1861.  In October 1861, the Pony Express made its last delivery.  There’s not much left of the Pony Express save for a few stations (the Hollenberg Station in Hanover, KS is the only one remaining in its original location).  And there are Pony Express stamps and envelope cancellations.  Got one?  They’re worth mucho.     

April Fools!

On By scottpetersenIn April Fools, Jonathan Swift1 Comment

Let’s have a smile.   This April 1st 2026, I told Donna there was a skunk in the garage. She looked at me seriously then . . . she smiled and said “April Fool.” Yep. Here’s a repeat from August 30, 2011.

The first mention of “April Fools Day” as being on April 1st was in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales in 1392 (in the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale“).

Jonathan Swift (1665-1745) was the foremost prose satirist for the English language. And he was also a twinkle-in-the-eye practical joker who authored a doozy of an April Fools’ prank bringing the tradition to a whole new level. In February 1708, using the name “Isaac Bickerstaff,” he published an article solemnly predicting that John Partridge, a local author of astrological almanacs, would die at 11:00 p.m. on March 29, 1708. All of London held its collective breath. When the fateful day arrived, Swift – still writing as Isaac Bickerstaff – penned a moving obituary announcing the death of Partridge at 7:05 p.m. — four hours earlier than predicted.

Of course Mr. Partridge was very much alive – and outraged over Swift’s prediction and the false reporting of his death. Because the story of John Partridge’s demise was printed on April 1st, there was ignition and lift off for a new – and more creative – breed of April Fool pranks. One day, I’d like to arrange to have Jonathan Swift join Aristophanes and me for dinner. . . .