Author: scottpetersen

Lawyer, guitar player (the Blues), magic man, chess player, father, grandfather, husband, linguist, etc.

Bicycle Helmet Laws. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Bicycle helmet safety lawsLeave a comment

I penned a letter to my local community expressing concern about a proposed bicycle helmet law.  I had read that my community is the only one around with a “Bicycle Safety Commission.”  And that the Commission was considering a requirement that anyone who rides a bicycle in the village must wear a helmet.　

I live in a nice community where most people are reasonably intelligent.  With a reasonably intelligent populace, I question why they can’t make determinations for themselves as to whether they or their children will wear a bicycle helmet — or not.   Do we really need another layer of regulation (and cost) dictating rules on an already heavily-regulated, crushingly-taxed and ordinance-saturated community.  With a reasonably intelligent populace, most will likely make good decisions.   And most will require their children to wear helmets and wear them themselves.

We do, however, need strict laws that require all children who step outside the door of their home to be fully bubble-wrapped from head to toe.  You can never be too careful and heaven knows that most parents are not smart enough to discern potential risk to un-bubble-wrapped children. 

The Turtle in the Tire Track

On By scottpetersenIn Chappell Spade Ranch, Turtle in the Tire TrackLeave a comment

In 1969 I was in Tucumcari, NM.   I was interested in Indian artifacts so I took a drive to “look around.”  Outside of town, I took the long road of the Chappell Spade Ranch along the Canadian River.  I pulled up to the ranch house where a man was standing.  I asked if there was a place one might find Indian artifacts and was told “Mr. Griggs” might help but he was out walking.  “Out there” the man pointed.   I was driving my 1964 Ford Falcon Sprint – ragtop.  Top down.   So I headed off into the desert — driving on a two tire track “road.”

I bounced along and found Mr. Griggs about 2 miles out.  I asked about artifacts and he shrugged.   “You just have to look.”  Big help he was.    He asked if I’d drive him back to the ranch – so I said “sure” and he hopped in. 

We came to the top of a rise.   Below, the two tire track ruts were full of water from rain the night before.  He said “you better gun it or we’ll get stuck.”  So I did.   Whoosh!  Down the hill.  And then I suddenly jammed on the brakes – skidding and splashing to a stop with water up to my hubcaps.  He said “what the. . .”  I got out of the car and about 20 feet in front of us a big turtle was cooling himself.  In the water.  In the tire track.  If I’d continued, I would have crushed him.  I held up the turtle to show Mr. Griggs.  I set the turtle on the side and got back in the car.  He stared at me.  I looked at him somewhat defensively and said “I didn’t want to kill the turtle.”  He nodded and thought a moment “You did the right thing.  You want Indian artifacts?  Go that way” – he pointed and we peeled off across the desert in another 2 tire track “road.”  And we stopped, climbed to the top of a butte and found an Indian burial ground.  He told me the story of the Anasazis who had lived there.  I found some neat things – some of which I took.   Today, I have in my office a well-used mano (corn grinding stone) – one of three I found that day along with a metate (the stone on which corn was ground).  Every time I walk in my office – and glance at the mano – I think of the turtle in the tire track . . . . and that very special day. 

Haiku

On By scottpetersenIn Haiku, Matsuo Basho, Renaissance Hombre1 Comment

A haiku is a short form of Japanese poetry characterized by three qualities: 

1.  There are three stanzas of 5, 7 and 5 syllables;

2.  In this highly abbreviated poem, there are two well-defined images (with a kireji or “cutting word” between them); and

3.  The subject is usually drawn from the natural world (often seasonal).

The most famous composer of haiku poetry was Matsuo Basho (1644-1694).   He was the grand poet of the Edo period and his poetry has achieved international renown.  His works frequently appear on Japanese monuments and at traditional Japanese sites.  Basho’s most famous (and probably the best known example of) haiku was “The Old Pond.”

Fu-ru-i-ke ya

Ka-wa zu to-bi-ko-mu

Mi-zu no 0-to

The translation?

Old pond

A frog leaps in

Splash

I tend to think that haiku can be a poignant teaching tool for students since it requires structure, thought, concentration and result.  Face it — if the three elements of haiku are present, how can the haiku be bad? 

Winter Squirrel by Renaissance Hombre

A squirrel sits still

His tail begins to move

And away he goes

Move over Mister Basho. . . . .

Harry

On By scottpetersenIn Camp Napowan, Harry Ford1 Comment

Speaking of Camp Napowan, a year or two before I was on staff, there was a chap named “Harry” who was on staff at the camp for a couple years.   Harry was from Park Ridge (IL) and attended Maine East High School.  Good guy from all accounts.  As I recall he worked in the camp store.   After graduating from Maine East, Harry attended Ripon College for a year or two but he dropped out and moved to Los Angeles where he had some minor acting roles and worked as a carpenter.  

While doing some carpentry work for filmmaker George Lucas, Harry was asked to “read” for a role for a new film that was in the works.  So, Harry read for the part – and he got it.    Harry played the part of Han Solo in Star Wars.  Yes . . . “Harry” who worked at Camp Napowan was Harrison.  Harrison Ford. . . .  

A Lifebuoy Lesson

On By scottpetersenIn Camp Napowan, Eagle Scout, Life's Lessons1 Comment

When I was 12 years old (1959), I spent part of the summer at Camp Napowan — a great Boy Scout camp in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  One hot sunny afternoon, I was loping back to my campsite when I saw a fellow camper named “Wiley.”  I looked at him and called him a “______.”   It was a highly offensive and nasty slur.  What prompted my outburst, I don’t recall but from the moment the words left my lips, things began moving verrrry quickly.  And with great and lasting impression. 

The Senior Patrol Leader, Bill B. – age 14, heard my comment and yelled an order to other Scouts.  They grabbed me and dragged me shouting and struggling to the wash stand.  Bill took a well-used cake of Lifebuoy’s finest and pushed it into my mouth.   Then – with a word from Bill – I was released.  I ran back to my tent on the verge of tears – spitting soap shards.   When I emerged, the matter was forgotten.

But you know what?  From that time on, I never used an epithet like that.   I learned.  Some might say “the hard way.”   But I disagree.    I wish other young people could learn like this — from their peers.  I look at this lesson (and others I’ve had) as being key to my development (see posts of 8/16/11 and 11/23/11).  I’m glad I learned.           

Oh and Bill B.?  He and I went on to become Eagle Scouts.  We worked together on staff at Camp Napowan for the next 3 years.   He became one of my two closest friends (along with my great pal Col. “Ox” – another Eagle Scout).   Bill was best man at my wedding.  And we talk frequently.  Today, he’s the finest veterinarian in the State of Kentucky.   And to this day, I’ve rarely heard Bill utter anything stronger than a (usually appropriate) “doggonit.”  

Gabriel

On By scottpetersenIn GabrielLeave a comment

There are three archangels in religious tradition:  Michael, Raphael and Gabriel.  Of the three, Gabriel is the one who curiously keeps popping up — not just in Christianity but in other faiths as well.   Gabriel is a messenger from God.  An uber messenger. . . . .

In the Jewish tradition, Gabriel was a holy messenger who in the Old Testament book of Daniel offers an explanation of Daniel’s visions.  In Christianity, it is Gabriel who foretells the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus.   It was Gabriel who visits Mary to deliver the good news of her new role. 

In the Mormon faith, Gabriel in his earthly life was Noah.  Some say, Gabriel continues to be a divine messenger having visited earth as recently as 1954.

In Islam, it was Gabriel (Jibril) who revealed the Qur’an to Muhammed.   And in the Bahai faith, Gabriel is referenced in their holy texts (“Baha’u’llah’s mystical work Seven Valleys).  

With Gabriel’s positive and influential involvement in so many religious traditions, one has to wonder why religious strife focuses so much on differences.  Perhaps Gabriel, the Messenger, is trying to tell us something. . . . .    

Character

On By scottpetersenIn Character, Chicago Lights Tutoring, John Wooden1 Comment

When I tutor for the Chicago Lights Tutoring Program (www.chicagolights.org ; see posts of August 8 and 9), each day I try to give my student a 3″ x 5″ card with a quotation on it.  Usually the quote relates to character, integrity, hard work and achievement.  I’m partial to the wisdom of John Wooden (winningest coach in NCAA). 

“Character is doing what’s right – when no one is looking.”           J.C. Watts

“Character is higher than intellect.”   Ralph Waldo Emerson

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”  James D. Miles

“Nearly all men can stand adversity.  But if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”   Abraham Lincoln

“Character is much easier kept than recovered.”   Thomas Paine

“The measure of true character is what a man would do if he knew he would never be found out.”  Thomas Babington Macaulay

“Ability may get you to the top but it takes character to keep you there.”    John Wooden

“In each human heart are a tiger, a pig, an ass and a nightengale.  Diversity of character is due to their unequal activity.”          Ambrose Bierce

Education is not just reading and math.  It’s learning about tenacity, hard work, civility and character.

So this guy. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn So this guy2 Comments

So this guy goes to the doctor.  He’s nervous and fidgeting.  The doctor says “do you smoke?”   The guy responds “yeah – four packs a day.”  The doctor responds “well, if you don’t quit smoking, you’re going to be dead in five years.”  The guy says “But Doc – I’m nervous.  I gotta have something to keep me calm.”  The doctor thought for a moment “why don’t you chew toothpicks?” 

So the guy quit smoking and started chewing toothpicks.  Three boxes of toothpicks a day.  He died five years later.  Dutch elm disease. . . .

Favorite Radio Stations

On By scottpetersenIn Favorite radio stationsLeave a comment

I’ve been asked a few times what I listen to on my IPod at the local fitness center (heavy on Blues, Clapton, B.B. King, Magic Slim, Chinese language tapes, Gloria Estefan, Japanese koto music, the Bee Gees, the Beach Boys, etc.).   What I listen to at any given time depends on what I am doing at the fitness center. . . .

But no one has ever asked me “What radio stations do you listen to, Scott?”  So let me volunteer this information.    

When traveling to and from the fitness center or just driving around, I have three stations I listen to:  WMBI 90.1 (the Moody Bible Institute); WBBM News Radio 780 AM; and WFMT 98.7 (classical music station).  Why these stations? 

First, let me say that I can only listen to Bruce Springsteen, Lady Googoo, Kanye West, Ernest Tubb & his Texas Troubadors for so long.   And besides — what benefit do I derive from hearing the same song 300 times during the course of my life?   Zilch.   The thumping and screeching of the “Top 40” will  long be forgotten.   And since life is not a dress rehearsal, I gravitate toward three stations that give me inspiration, knowledge and calm.  For me, I have succeeded.   What do you listen to?