Month: August 2024

Gardens

On By scottpetersenIn GardensLeave a comment

I like flowers as much as any guy. They’re easy on the eye. They smell good. And they make a decent gift in a pinch.  For me, I like a landscape chock full of flowers.  Thus when I drive, I’m often attentive to the gardens I pass.  When my granddaughters were little – and I was the chauffeur – I would always have them look for interesting sites along the way. One thing I would ask was for them to point out was “gardens” that they might see. There was never a wrong answer. A few flowers to one might be “look Popi! It’s a “garden!” Thus we would turn a simple ride into a botanic journey. 

Now my definition of “garden” and yours may differ.  Mine requires an aggregation of different flowers in an actual flower bed.  A few daffodils in a pot or a line of petunias along the driveway is nice but it doesn’t qualify – for me anyway.  I like gardens. . . . . .  

When I drive to play golf, I often take a shortcut on an assortment of north-south streets in Skokie.  For the most part, the homes along the way are nice-looking, well-maintained and landscaped.   Some may have gardens in the back yards where the owners can enjoy them.  But there are only a handful of (my definition) gardens in the front yards of those streets.  One is an uber garden which is quite beautiful.   And there are a couple wild natural gardens.  Many homes have a few flowers out in front which is still very nice.  Most offer grass and some bushes (a few wildly overgrown).  But the gardens I pass make the ride pleasant and get me in the mood to whack the elusive white pellet.  It’s only when my golf ball gets lost in a flower bed or bushes that my enthusiasm for gardens diminishes. . . . . those $%#&^X*! gardens. . . . .    

Golf is 70% Mental and 30% Mental

On By scottpetersenIn GolfLeave a comment

[Given my golf game – a timely repeat from December 8, 2016]

The only time I ever took out a one-iron was to kill a tarantula. And I took a 7 to do that.  ~ Jim Murray

The only sure rule in golf is – he who has the fastest cart never has to play the bad lie.  ~ Mickey Mantle

Sex and golf are the two things you can enjoy even if you’re not good at them.   ~ Kevin Costner

After all these years, it’s still embarrassing for me to play on the American golf tour. Like the time I asked my caddie for a sand wedge and he came back ten minutes later with a ham on rye.
~ Chi Chi Rodriguez

Give me golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the clubs and the fresh air.  ~ Jack Benny

Professional golf is the only sport where, if you win 20% of the time, you’re the best.   ~ Jack Nicklaus

The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.  ~ Billy Graham

If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play at it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf.   ~ Bob Hope

If you think it’s hard to meet new people, try picking up the wrong golf ball.   ~ Jack Lemmon

You can make a lot of money in this game. Just ask my ex-wives.
~ Lee Trevino

Hurricane Donna!

On By scottpetersenIn Hurricane Donna, Hurricane namesLeave a comment

Hurricane Donna was the strongest hurricane that took place during the 1960 Atlantic hurricane season. Donna was a category 4 hurricane that intensified as she smacked Florida and the Eastern United States. Hurricane Donna was . . . . wait a minute. . . . did you think I was gonna talk about my “Donna”? Whoa . . . I’d be in big trouble if I did that.

The history of hurricane names is interesting. During the 1800’s hurricanes were often identified by the places they hit – the year they occurred – or the name of a saint. In 1953, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) – an agency of the United Nations – began to name hurricanes using female names. The names were adopted in alphabetical order – a practice borrowed from the military’s phonetic alphabet. However, for some inexplicable reason, in 1979 male names were included to identify Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico hurricanes. Today, hurricanes are named on alphabetical lists alternating between male and female names. Even so, in 1986, the Washington Post had an editorial that lamented “many of the male names don’t convey either the romance or urgency that circumstances might warrant.” I mean Hurricane Mortimer? Hurricane Chauncey?

In any event, Hurricane Donna was a real troublemaker. Yet to this day – the world has yet to see or experience Hurricane Scott. For that bad boy – you ain’t seen nuthin’ yet. . . . . .

Wordle

On By scottpetersenIn WordleLeave a comment

When I get up in the morning, I head downstairs to make the coffee, open the blinds, get the newspaper, organize my breakfast (normally cereal and blueberries) and turn on “Squawk Box.” When Donna comes down – if it’s after 7:00 a.m. – we turn on the “Today” show. Before I open the newspaper, I usually check my Fitbit sleep score, take a few sips of coffee and settle back to do Wordle.

I suspect most folks have heard of Wordle — the New York Times word puzzle to guess a 5 letter word in no more than 6 attempts. The Wordle prototype was first developed in 2013 by a Welsh software engineer – Josh Wardle. On January 31, 2022, the New York Times acquired Wordle from Wardle (say that three times real fast) for a “low seven figure” amount. On November 1, 2021, there were 90 players. On January 2, 2022, there were 300,000 – and one week later there were over two million!

For me Wordle is a way to get my small brain activated in the a.m. The game usually takes me two or three minutes. So far, my statistics show 882 games played, a maximum streak of 86 and a win percentage of 97%. My first word usually contains 3 vowels (“Radio” “Ratio” “Raise” or “Ocean”) though occasionally I enter a quirky pick. I’ve never gotten it in one guess – but I have 41 in two (one was “Acorn” after entering “Ocean”); 210 in three; and 332 in four. I have “lost” (not done it in 6 or less guesses) 23 times. If you’ve never done it – give it a whirl. I mean wordle. . . .

Beer for my Horses

On By scottpetersenIn Beer for my HorsesLeave a comment

[A repeat from April 16, 2015] When I was a State’s Attorney at 26th & California, I prosecuted very bad people.  It was 40 years ago but I still go back every year or two to testify in parole hearings – objecting to release – for the really bad ones (3/20/14).  Murder trials – jury and bench – were very emotional.  Think of your worst nightmare and know that there are people out there who are worse.   In one capital case, a chap had one-by-one murdered perhaps 15 people (or was it 18) as a hired killer.  He would slit your throat as easily as he would hold the door open for an old lady.   Jury verdict:  guilty. 

Our culture of violence is a breeding ground for bad stuff (1/2/13).  We glorify the new “Game of War.”  There is horrific violence in video games for children.  Hollywood offers disturbing brutality and immorality.  And some cheer the blood and guts in ultimate fighting (who can watch this stuff?).   Yet remember that we are often reminded – it is Bibles, the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance that present shocking dangers to our Society!  But I digress. . . . .

In 2003, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson released a music video that most can relate to.  “Beer for my Horses” won the Country Music Awards “Best Music Video” award later in the year.  It’s a first since in this video – no one sings!   It’s the kind of music that will make you narrow your eyes and smile.  You’ll want to raise up a glass – and share a a bottle of Dos Equis with a large four-legged pal.  Watch –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1JOFhfoAD4     Maybe this is a way to deal with the boys and girls from ISIS, Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, Hezbollah, Hamas, Al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the bad people on our own shore.  Beer for my horses . . . .

Naps and Cold Showers

On By scottpetersenIn Naps and cold showersLeave a comment

Until the time of my retirement, you could probably count on one hand then number of naps I enjoyed since the age of 3 or 4. It was a seventy year hiatus. And then. . . . .

Maybe it was the weather. Perhaps the Covid bugs flitting around. Then again, maybe it was . . . . ummm age. I haven’t changed much since I was in grade school (and I weigh what I did in college) but these days the sandman starts knocking on my door in the late afternoon. And I often relent. It’s usually a 20 minute doze but when I awaken from my siesta – I’m usually ready for. . . ummm . . . . dinner.

In talking to others of my vintage, I have learned that naps are not an uncommon event. They are well-received. And appreciated. One friend said that his nap is the “best part” of his day.

As to cold showers, let me offer some context. Over the years, I have enjoyed hot showers — especially in cold weather. I like saunas, steam rooms and sunny days when toodling around the golf course. But lately my druthers in that department have mutated a bit. While I still enjoy a toasty shower whatever the weather – my new custom is to end with the water on as cold as it will go. It helps get my 190 pounds of protoplasm somewhat awake. And moving. Then I dry off, brush my teeth, comb my hair (no smart aleck comments), get dressed . . . . yawn. . . . and think about taking a nap. . . . .

Reach, Throw, Row, Go!

On By scottpetersenIn Lifesaving Merit Badge, Reach throw row goLeave a comment

[A summer repeat of June 7, 2022] In my freshman year of college, I got a job at the Moline YMCA – as a lifeguard for the indoor pool. There was hardly ever anyone there – but they needed a lifeguard and so I took afternoon hours. After class. I was hired as a lifeguard because I had Lifesaving Merit Badge and the American Red Cross Lifeguard certification. In these happy days of spring and summer, it’s good to know a few things – about saving lives. . . . .

The one mantra that I learned early and often was “Reach, Throw, Row, Go!” Trying to save someone from drowning does not always require diving into the water. If the person is 3 feet away, Reach for them – with your hand or a stick or rope. And pull them to safety. Or Throw a ring buoy (throw it behind them so you can pull it forward – and snag the person). If the person is far from shore in a lake or river. Choppy water. And you have a rowboat, then hop in the boat – and get out there. Finally – if all other options are exhausted – GO! Jump in the water and swim out. So you don’t get pulled under by flailing arms, go under the water, turn the person around, bump them up to the surface with your hip – and toss an arm over their chest and start moving. Usually the flailing stops. If you Go, ya gotta be careful. A drowning person can grab on to you putting your life at risk. The Red Cross does not encourage the “Go” unless there is no other option.

People who are drowning will have their head down. Or mouth back. Body vertical. Legs not moving. Arms may be flailing but the head my be under water. Struggling to get back up. Watch their head.

Once on shore, if a person is unconscious, there is precious little time. Begin with some quick mouth to mouth resuscitation – to get air into lungs. This may prompt vomiting. If there is no pulse – or a weak one – begin CPR. To learn more – go to https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/lifeguarding/lifeguard-training/lifeguard-certification

In short – keep watch. And always be ready. . . . .

Ikigai

On By scottpetersenIn IkigaiLeave a comment

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain

Why are we here? Why are YOU here? Each one of us desires to have meaning in his/her life and yet we often struggle for purpose. In the Japanese language, the word iki means “life” and the word gai means “value.” Ikigai is a term that unites the joy of life with a sense of purpose. In short – it equates to a reason for living.

Ikigai offers a visual tool (below) – that helps to explain its meaning. Look at the four circles – each containing a single element: passion (what we love to do); what we are good at; a profession (where we can earn money); and our mission (what the world needs). Interestingly, I have seen a similar diagram offered to job-seekers as a guide to seeking meaningful employment. While it is doubtful that anyone can achieve this confluence of perfection, what remains important is recognizing that each one of us can make a difference. Having the passion to do so is all it takes. . . . .

Sand Lot Baseball

On By scottpetersenIn Regulations, Sand lot baseballLeave a comment

[A repeat from June 7, 2013] When I was a kid, I played sand lot baseball. We would get 15 to 20 guys on any given Saturday morning in the park by Sunset School.  Two of the older boys (age 12 or 13) would pick the teams. “Meyer” “Shutt” “Kaspari” “Wilkes” “Knox” “Barsi” “Hodson” and so on. “Petersen” was usually one of the last picked.  But no hard feelings. And the game would begin.  Boys ran the game. There were no adult coaches or overseers. When a kid slid into second base and the tag was close, 10 year old boys would decide “safe” or “out.” Sometimes there would be an argument. A shove. Then it was back to baseball. It worked like a charm. . . . Regulations were not needed.  We made the rules as we went along. . . . . and they were fair.    

Government, however, is different.  We are one of the most regulated and heavily-taxed countries in the world.  And it’s getting worse.  Layers and layers of government, laws, ordinances, regulations, policies and such.   And there is a tax on everything.   Government grows incrementally.  Counties.  Cities.  Districts.  Municipalities.  Townships.  School districts (13,506 in the U.S. with 852 of them in Illinois alone).  Each with its own rules.  Regulations.   Employees.  Whereas it used to be that (not long ago) 1 out of 15 of those employed in America were government workers. Today it is 1 out of 4.6 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).   And many earn more than they would in the private sector.  The government does not trust its citizens to play sand lot baseball.   It seems like the government wants to regulate our lives and make decisions for us.   And government grows.  With more employees.  More taxes.  Sound cynical?  If you disagree, call me – I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I’d like to sell you . . . . .