Author: scottpetersen

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

The 1913 “V” Nickel

On By scottpetersenIn 1913 "V" NickelLeave a comment

[An update on one of my very first posts – of August 3, 2011]  The Liberty Head five cent piece (the “V” Nickel – because of a Roman numeral “5” on the reverse) was made from 1883 to 1912 and was America’s second “nickel.”   In 1913, the United States Mint produced Liberty Head nickels but they were never intended for circulation.   Colonel E. H. R. Green (the son of the famous Hetty Green) owned 5 strikes of the 1913 nickel.  These five rarities have since been dispersed to collectors.  

Around 1960, I was a Boy Scout working on Coin Collecting Merit Badge.  The merit badge counselor was a gentle man named Herman Noll who lived in Mt. Prospect, IL.  He had an amazing collection of coins housed in a walk in closet off the living room.  Apart from quizzing me on and helping me with the merit badge requirements, Mr. Noll generously gave me some assorted coins for my collection.  I remember him telling me that his father was an employee of the U.S. Mint that produced the 1913 “V” Nickel.  His father took a few — apparently beyond those belonging to Mr. Green.  Mr. Noll never told me where the remaining 1913 nickels were or what had been done with them.  On August 14th, a 1913 “V” nickel sold for $4.5 million (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1913_Liberty_Head_nickel#:~:text=A%20specimen%20was%20sold%20for,from%20the%20National%20Numismatic%20Collection). ).   I wonder if they know about Herman.

 I wish I’d asked a few more questions . . . .      

Donating Blood

On By scottpetersenIn Blood types and healthLeave a comment

[An appropriate repeat from January 5, 2020] I received a number of comments on my post relating to blood type and health. Here’s one from my fraternity brother:   “I’m O-neg, I’m a carnivore, and I’ve given over 100 blood donations (over a dozen gallons), including to babies. I think it’s one of the reasons God keeps me around!”   Here’s another from one of my Boy Scout pals:  “I have given 26 gallons whole and done 250 platelet donations.”

Years ago – I began donating blood.  Mainly because I heard that there were health benefits (especially for men) in doing so.  And I’m on the bone marrow registry.  But maybe I’ve been stingy – judging by the generosity of my friends.   I probably went to Lifesource (the local donation venue) a dozen times.  Though I haven’t been for a few years.   

Only 37% of the American population is eligible to donate blood.  Yet according to the American Red Cross only 3% of those eligible donate.  Thus – there is nearly always a shortage for the 4.5 million Americans who need a blood transfusion each year.  The four blood types were first identified in 1901 by Dr. Karl Landsteiner (won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1930).  Of the four – O negative is the “universal donor” that can be given to all blood types. 

Every person has about 10 pints of blood in his/her body.  How about tithing?  Give a pint to your local donation center.  It’s not about the hour you’ll spend.  It’s about the life you may save. . . . .       

Blood Type and Health

On By scottpetersenIn Blood types and health1 Comment

[A repeat from October 4, 2012] Do you know your blood type?  You should.  Thousands of years of evolution have split human blood into four basic “types”: A, B, O and AB. Each has a postive (+) and negative (-) (called “RH”) component as well.   Roughly 43% of us are type O; 40% type A; 12% type B; and 5% type AB with interesting geographic, racial and ethnic differences in blood type and RH distribution. 

While there is speculation that blood type predicts broad personality traits (especially in Japanese studies), there is strong indication that different blood types have different vulnerabilities — and do better with certain diets.  A recent University of Pennsylvania study (April 2019) confirms that certain blood types are more prone to heart disease (see https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/april/blood-types ).   Where one blood type does well on a meat diet, others might suffer.   

Type O is the oldest blood type in the world with the most robust digestive system.  Type O needs animal protein for good health.  Has 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.  For this reason, iron and Vitamin B-12 supplements may be helpful. 

Type B has difficulty with wheat and gluten though dairy is usually just fine.  Chicken can 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 prone to stomach cancer. 

Further comments on the respective vulnerabilities by blood type are found at https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2023/how-your-blood-type-affects-your-health.html There are many articles on this topic.  Just Google blood type and health

Empty Handed

On By scottpetersenIn The Power and the GloryLeave a comment

[A repeat from January 16, 2014] Graham Green’s classic The Power and the Glory (1940) is set in Mexico in the late 1930’s. The country has turned against the Church.  Priests, nuns and the faithful are executed.  Public prayer is forbidden.  Church bells are silent.  One lone priest – the “Whiskey Priest” – escapes and is on the run.  He is being pursued by a methodical – and merciless – police lieutenant who is tasked with his capture. 

The Whiskey Priest – an alcoholic who has sinned in varied ways – tries to remain faithful as he travels around – incognito – ministering to his flock sub rosa.   But he is doggedly pursued by the lieutenant and narrowly escapes capture. 

The book tracks the ills of a society which attacks and tries to destroy the Church.  And faith.  In the end, the Whiskey Priest is captured.  And condemned.  He regrets not his imminent death but rather his failings.  Green concludes with: 

He felt only an immense disappointment because he had to go to God empty-handed, with nothing done at all . . . He felt like someone who has missed happiness by seconds at an appointment place. He knew now that at the end there was only one thing that counted—to be a saint.

There are several lessons in this work.  One is the war on religion (which we deal with in our own country).  Another is the universal question of why am I here?  And for most the nagging question of am I going to God empty-handed.  I’m aware that most of those who read these posts are active – in volunteering, contributing, helping, doing good deeds and working to improve the human condition.  But are we doing enough?  Think about it.  Could we do more to make the world a better place?  If every person – spurred by that simple query – did one extra act of kindness, charity or contribution each day, imagine how much better the world might be.  Think about the novel notion of civil discourse with those we disagree with . . . . .     

Settlement

On By scottpetersenIn Dispute resolutionLeave a comment

When I was at 26th & California, every day was “let’s make a deal.” When indicted for murder or armed robbery or whatever, defense counsel would always talk big at the outset – before discovery was complete (“we’re ready for trial“). But as time wore on, it was customary for counsel to ask “what can we do” – to resolve the case. And we’d go into the judge’s chambers to talk settlement. As a State’s Attorney – no one could “reduce” a crime (to one less serious) without the express consent of the Chief of the Criminal Division. And we would talk with victims or victim’s families to get them on board. So most criminal cases were “plea bargained” – before going to trial. Whereas an offer of 5 to 15 years might be offered for a plea of guilty – after a guilty verdict at trial, that number could go up. Dramatically.

In the civil arena, statistically around 90% of cases settle before going to trial. Why? You ask. Because no matter how strong you think your case is, if you go to trial – there is a 100% chance that someone is going to lose. And that “someone” could be you. Plaintiff’s lawyers – who don’t thrive on integrity – often sue – in order to settle. They only care about the money.

To me, there is a lesson here for families, communities, nations and our world. The settlement of differences is preferable to going to the mattresses. And risking everything. Settlement – the resolution of differences – can be like drinking a warm Pepsi Cola on a hot day. Not always satisfying. But it does the job. . . . .

The Antique Crutch

On By scottpetersenIn antique crutchLeave a comment

(A repeat from November 7, 2011)

Shortly after Donna and I were married, we took a drive out to Western Illinois. We stopped at an antique shop outside of a small town. After wandering around – and finding nothing – we strolled outside and headed to the car. Suddenly we heard shouts and yells from the store. The door banged open and a man – running – burst out covering his head. He was being chased and pummeled by another man with an antique crutch(!!). Whack! Whack!

Having no clue what to do – if anything – I pointed and yelled “YOU’RE UNDER ARREST!” The two stopped – one in mid-swing – and turned toward me. Like deer in the headlights. I yelled and pointed “YOU – OVER THERE. AND YOU – OVER THERE.” The two parted and began babbling animatedly – and angrily – what the other had done (“he was. . . .” “no you were. . . .”). A woman came out on the porch of a house – I pointed at her and yelled “YOU – CALL THE POLICE.” She immediately popped back into the house. The two men continued to explain whatever the issue was. But I sensed they were starting to wonder – “who is this guy?”

After a few minutes, and off in the distance, I saw a police car – emergency lights flickering – speeding down the road. Under my breath I hissed to Donna “get in the car.” She did. And I calmly walked to the car got in and we drove away – just as the police car pulled into the driveway. I really had zero curiosity about staying – to find out how it all turned out.

Fasty and Slowy

On By scottpetersenIn Fasty and SlowyLeave a comment

[A repeat from November 27, 2011]  When our daughter Lauren was little, Donna and I would often need to find things to keep her occupied while driving in the car or sitting in a restaurant.   One evening while having dinner in a Greek restaurant in Evanston, Lauren was getting bored soooo I took my right hand and – using my fingers as “feet” – began walking my hand toward her.  Well she squealed with delight.  And of course the hand walked up her arm over her head and down the other side.  Big smiles.  🙂  Big laughs.  🙂

After a while, I got the other hand into play.  Where the right hand was light and quick, the left hand was slow, lumbering and ponderous.  And heavy.  My index fingers would be raised to serve as “heads” of the two critters.   And so, “Fasty and Slowy” were born.  Fasty was nimble and danced lightly over the table and all over Lauren (and even bouncing on top of Slowy) while Slowy plodded along.  Slowly.  Heavily.  And when Slowy stepped onto our daughter’s hand, he was . . .well, heavy.  Lauren thought it was hysterical!   And so Fasty and Slowy were regular visitors from then on. 

Fasty and slowy have been in hibernation for quite a few years.  But I have a feeling that pretty soon they’ll be making a reappearance. . . . 

Postscript – Fasty and Slowy did make a comeback with the arrival of my granddaughters. At this point – for the most part – they are back in hibernation. . . . .

Recidivism

On By scottpetersenIn Church of the Damascus Road, Prison Congregations of America, Reducing recidivismLeave a comment

Despite ongoing efforts to reduce the rate of recidivism among those who are released from prison, statistics show that nearly 70% of those released will commit further crime within five years of getting out. More than half of all inmates of prisons have served time in the past. And chances are they will again. . . . .

What can we do about this disturbing cycle of crime? There are many fine organizations that provide job training, mentoring, education, housing, reconciliation with family and counseling for those who are newly-released. All of these support organizations help reduce rates of recidivism among those who are involved. There are also educational and counseling programs that begin within the walls of prison. But there is another blue ribbon program that is providing valuable results: religious congregations.

My friend and fraternity brother from Augustana College – Pastor Paul Stone — has spent nearly four decades in prison . . . . as a visitor. . . . Pastor Paul has been setting up and overseeing prison congregations on a regular basis through Prison Congregations of America and the Iowa chapter – Church of the Damascus Road. Prison congregations encourage inmates to become involved in faith-based programs. Bible study. Church services. Meetings. Spiritual awakening. There are two things that are important to know about prison congregations: they are open to everyone — to those with faith and to those with none; and rates of recidivism among those who participate in prison congregations show a drop of nearly 50%.

On December 4, 2023, Pastor Paul made his debut in The Wall Street Journal talking about the value of prison congregations. This last Saturday (February 17th), he is quoted in the Chicago Tribune on the same topic. Regardless of where one stands on matters of religion, the point is that prison congregations make a difference. There is literally no “downside.” And everyone wins. . . . .

The Class of 1947

On By scottpetersenIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

I just celebrated a birthday. I moved from “76 Trombones” to “77 Sunset Strip.” Next year it will be 78 rpm [for those too young – that relates to record player speed]. I have a lot of company — college pals, golfing buds and celebrities. Many of us born in the year 1947. The biggest and most prominent celebrity born in that year is my wife Donna – born exactly 30 days after me. 

Among the heavyweights born in that year, I’m in pretty good company. My brethren and sisthren include: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barbara Bach, David Bowie, Glenn Close, Albert Brooks, O.J. Simpson, Emmylou Harris, Meat Loaf, Ted Danson, Camilla Parker Bowles, Elton John, James Woods, Carlos Santana, Farrah Fawcett, Sam Neill, David Letterman, Stephen King, Teri Garr, David Mamet and Hillary Clinton.

When I look at myself in the mirror – and at the assembly of college pals, golfing buddies and celebrities, I have to wonder just why I’m here. I got to thinking about that – and looked up those special events that occurred in 1947. And then it dawned on me. . . .

In 1947, an alleged Army Air Force balloon crashed near Roswell, New Mexico. It was said that it had been operated from nearby Alamogordo Air Base as part of the top secret “Project Mogul.” However when debris was recovered, it was determined that it had been a flying disc — and likely a UFO. One has to wonder about the numerous alien life forms that likely escaped that space ship in 1947 into the . . . . never mind. . . .

I was just thinking. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn I was just thinkingLeave a comment

Did you know that dolphins are so smart they can train people to stand on the edge of a pool and throw them fish.                                      When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90% of their body.  Men are so polite they only look at the covered parts.
My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We’ll see about that.
Money talks… all mine ever says is good-bye.
You’re not fat, you’re just… easier to see.
If you think nobody cares whether you’re alive, try missing a couple of payments.
I can’t understand why women are okay that JC Penny has an older women’s clothing line named, “Sag Harbor.”
My therapist said that my narcissism causes me to misread social situations. I’m pretty sure she was hitting on me.
My 65 year kindergarten reunion is coming up soon and I’m worried about the 175 pounds I’ve gained since then.
The location of your mailbox shows you how far away from your house you can be in a robe before you start looking like a mental patient.
The reason Mayberry was so peaceful and quiet was because almost nobody was married. Andy, Aunt Bea, Barney, Floyd, Howard, Goober, Gomer, Sam, Earnest T. Bass, Helen, Thelma Lou, Clara and, of course, Opie were all single. The only married person was Otis, and he stayed drunk ALL the time.