Author: scottpetersen

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

Polaris

On By scottpetersenIn PolarisLeave a comment

“I am as constant as the northern star – of whose true-fixed and resting quality – there is no fellow in the firmament.”  (Shakespeare – Julius Caesar III i 65)

Polaris.  The North Star.  Probably the most important celestial guidepost in the galaxy (at least if you’re on earth).  As mentioned on July 26, 2011, I taught astronomy merit badge at Camp Napowan – a Boy Scout camp in Wild Rose, WI.  For late night “star hikes,” the first point of interest – and discussion – was always Polaris. 

Why Polaris?  First – it never moves.  Day or night – winter or summer –  when you are in the Northern Hemisphere – Polaris will always be in the same spot.  Every star and galaxy revolves around Polaris (at least from our perspective here on earth).  Second, the degree of altitude above the horizon gives you near perfect north latitude.  Chicago is 42 degrees north latitude.  Polaris is 42 degrees above the horizon.  Fort Worth is 33 degrees north latitude.  Polaris is 33 degrees above the horizon.  And so on.  Finally, when you draw a straight line from Polaris to the ground, you have true North.  True North varies from magnetic North by a few miles to a few degrees depending on where you are.  This variance is called “declination.”   

To find Polaris – one need only find the Big Dipper (Ursa Major).  Go to the two vertical stars at the far end of the dipper and draw a straight line up.  Five times the distance between those stars (Merak and Dubhe).  Polaris (a bright 2d magnitude star) is the tail star of the Little Dipper (Ursa Minor). 

 Polaris sits 433 light years from earth.  It is a “double star” (or “multiple” star) consisting of several stars which appear to be one.  Just think – if you could transport yourself to Polaris and look back on earth with a powerful telescope, you would see the earth — as it was in the year 1584 . . . . .  

   

Threat Level

On By scottpetersenIn Parole, Streets & SanitationLeave a comment

The first time someone threatens to kill you – it gets your attention. The second and third times it does, but not as much.   In my other life, I dealt with bad people.  Bad crime.  Pretty intense stuff.  A few of the bad guys I dealt with took the enthusiasm I showed for my job personally.  When that happened, they were likely to lash out. 

Threats were rare.  But they happened.  The first time for me was Robert A.  A North Shore white scumbag punk who had a string of armed robberies.  He had cases all over.  So, I followed him.  From courthouse to courthouse.  Courtroom to courtroom.  Informing the judges of all the other cases.  And what a bad guy he was.  So Robert A. remained in custody – ultimately going down for the count.  After perhaps half a dozen of these expeditions, as he was being led away – he screamed at me.  Lunging.  Held back by court bailiffs.  He described in detail what he planned to do to me – and my family – when he got out. 

Our usual protocol was to report such threats to the Chief of the Criminal Division.  He would ask us to fill out a 3″ x 5″ card detailing the case, the parties and the threat.  That way – if one morning I was found floating in the Sag Canal, investigators could thumb through the file cards and have a heads up on where to start (“Lemme see. . . . Petersen . . . here he is . . . . Petersen was threatened by . . . . . . “).    

Thank you notes

On By scottpetersenIn A thank you for a thank you, The written word must liveLeave a comment

I had a first.   I got a “thank you” note.  For a “thank you” note. . . . .

In my post of September 26, 2011, I opined that the written word was disappearing.  And I referenced my own push back to that trend.   I commented that the written word must live – despite new generations that care not about such custom.  I often host a young law students to lunch.  At most, I get an email “thanks for the lunch.”  Most often – I get zip.

We were invited to dinner with some old friends.  Upon arriving home, I dashed off a quick letter – with my customary art work – thanking them for a wonderful evening, dinner and friendship.  I thought that was it.  But I just received a note – thanking me for my handwritten “thank you” note.  Wow!  I have received handwritten thank you notes for contributions and miscellany.   I often save them.  But a “thank you” for a “thank you“?  A first. 

As I said in that post of 5-1/2 years ago — if you want to make an impression, send a real letter.  With real handwriting.  Posted in a real envelope.  With a real stamp.  You may get thanked for it.  

Peace

On By scottpetersenIn Peace be with youLeave a comment

Pax vobiscum.  As-salamu Alaikum.  Shalom.  Shanti.  Aloha.  Peace be with you. . . .

It’s 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.  Washington D.C.  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’s 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 sure that’ll work though.  

Peace be with you.   

Picking up Nails. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Picking up nails, The man who picks up pennies1 Comment

When I walk from my house to the train station in the morning, I walk in the street.  Every day.  I like the street.  There’s little traffic and while conscientious folks hoof on the sidewalk with a 48 inch path, I have my own white carpet boulevard – 20 feet wide.  I walk against traffic.  Near the curb.  And as I walk, I keep my eyes peeled.  I’ve found coins, bills, wallets, watches, cell phones, jewelry, a diamond ring (yep).  And nails.

Life for me started in the cramped attic of a Chicago brownstone on Byron Street.  Watching for pennies (and nails in the street) was inspired by my parents (see post of August 2, 2012).  So I still pick up the pennies.  And I still pick up nails.  Whenever.  Wherever.  On my walk to the train station – or downtown.  Or on vacation.  I stoop over and pick ’em up.  The file cabinet in my office at home sports a few of the more exceptional specimens (including a 9 inch monster).  

Why do I still pick up nails?  Maybe it’s my upbringing (we can’t escape some things).  Maybe it’s the Boy Scout in me.   I don’t want you, your child or my daughter.  To drive over one of those sharpies and have a (potentially big) problem.  Over the years, I’ve picked up hundreds of nails.  And pitched them in the garbage.  And displayed a few on my file cabinet.    

We are told that small things we do can make a big difference.  I know that everyone who reads these words – does small things.  Big things.  And more.  Picking up nails doesn’t sound like a big thing.  But who knows? 

The Greasy Spoon

On By scottpetersenIn Greasy Spoon1 Comment

When I was a kid, we rarely went out for dinner.  But when we did, my folks would take me to different places – mainly burger joints.  One night – I was maybe 7 years old – we went to a place on Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago.   I don’t remember much about the place or the food.  But I remember – keenly – my father’s reaction.   “Man – this is really a greasy spoon.”  Greasy spoon.  I looked around on the table.  No spoons.  I thought – Wow!  That is a cool term. 

The next time we went out for dinner to one of the regular sit down burger joints, the waitress came over and took our order.  I looked up at her and asked – quite seriously – “is this a greasy spoon?”   I don’t recall the waitress’s reaction but I remember my father laughing and trying to wriggle out of my inquiry. 

The “greasy spoon” comment probably pales to the time when my father’s boss – Mr. Lovell – came to the house for dinner.  And I said quite innocently “gosh – we oughta have company more often.  This food is really good!”

  

A Winter Tip

On By scottpetersenIn Frozen air hoseLeave a comment

Happy New Year!!  (A valuable winter tip from post of December 15, 2013)

My friend Al reminded me that in cold weather, it’s a good idea to check car tires since the cold will contract air pressure and tires can flatten out. I did and sure enough – my front two tires were low. Really low. It was night. Cold. So I went to a gas station where they have one of those air pumps where you have to pop for 75 cents. I unscrewed the valve caps, had my air gauge at the ready and dropped 3 quarters. The machine kicked in and I applied the hose to the tire valve. Nothing happened. Everything was frozen.

Now this is not an issue that I’ve dealt with before so I shivered my way into the gas station where a lone clerk sat behind a thick glass partition.  I explained the problem. “Valve’s frozen,” he said. Hoookayyy. . . “Stick the hose up your exhaust while the motor’s running and . . . . [he grabbed a lighter from the shelf and passed it under the window] warm your tire valves if they’re frozen.” “Bring back the lighter,” he said.

I went out and slid the hose a couple feet up the exhaust. And let it sit for a few minutes. And warm. I lit the lighter and warmed the tire valves. After a couple minutes, I took a breath, dropped in another 75 cents and applied the hose to the tire valve. “PFFFFTT.” It worked like a charm. Whew! The tire inflated and I brought the lighter back. I thanked the clerk (offered him a tip – he declined). “I used to drive a semi” he said. “Used to happen all the time. It’s one of those little tricks you learn.”

Now you all know the trick. 🙂

TED

On By scottpetersenIn TED, TED TalksLeave a comment

I have lunch at my desk nearly every day. And during that 20 to 30 minute break, I usually watch something that helps enlighten and develop my meager brain.  I may work on sign (or other) language skills (see post of 2/23/14).  Sometimes I take a continuing legal education course (I need at least 24 hours every two years).   Other times, I brush up on first aid know-how (see post of 6/12/14).  Lately, I’ve been listening to “TED Talks.”  

TED (Technology Entertainment Design) Talks was founded in 1984 as a Silicon Valley conference – which featured speakers on technology and design.  Since then, TED has blossomed into a free-viewing online educational network – on a host of topics.  TED’s slogan is “Ideas worth spreading.”  By November 2012, TED Talks had over one billion views.  

Live TED events are offered throughout North America, Europe and Asia.  But most of those who listen simply log in to http://www.ted.com and make a selection that suits their interest.  

TED speakers — who are carefully vetted —  are given a maximum of 18 minutes to make their pitch.  That fits perfectly into my midday nibble.   If you have 18 minutes to spare — you could not go wrong.  Listening to and learning from – TED. . . . . .

Christmas – 2016

On By scottpetersenIn ChristmasLeave a comment

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given . . . . and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, 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 2016. Mercy – the days are often long but the years go fast. . . .

My best wishes to all of you for a Happy and Blessed Christmas, New Year and Holiday Season!!

A Last Minute Gift

On By scottpetersenIn LAst Minute GiftsLeave a comment

Diogenes of Sinope (404-323 B.C.) was the Greek Cynic philosopher who is reported to have walked through the streets of Athens – lantern in hand – searching for an honest man.  I don’t recall him finding any.    

I took the day off yesterday – to search.  I didn’t have a lantern but I did have a credit card.  Searching.  For just the right gifts.  For Donna and for grab bag gifts for two young men in the family.  The grab bag gifts were tough.  What to get.  Socks?  A tie?  English Leather?  I wandered from store to store.  Credit card in hand.  Searching.  I found nothing.  And then (cue the trumpet) I walked into Brookstone.  And there it was.

Brookstone had a whole wall.  Of DRONES.  I know what you’re thinking – those big expensive buzzards that circle around and deliver packages.  Yes but. . . . these drones start at $29.99 for a small one.  Next stop $49.99 – for a drone with a camera.  And on up.  To the big boys.   I ended up with two of the lower price drones.  And last night – the $49.99 variety went over very well. 

I previously touted the Genome Project kits as excellent gifts for family (see 8/6/11 and 9/13/15).  I’ve done it and it’s amazing.  I continue to believe that it is not just a gift but a learning experience.  But if you’re looking for a quick score this Christmas, you may want to check out Brookstone’s selection of real drones.  Up in the air, Junior Birdman . . . . .