A Lifebuoy Lesson

On By scottpetersenIn A Lifebuoy Lesson, MulligansLeave a comment

(A spring repeat from February 2, 2012)

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 outdoor 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.”  

[This is an example of why we should be generous – in granting “Mulligans” as mentioned on May 11, 2022]

Juicy Fruit

On By scottpetersenIn Juicy FruitLeave a comment

Some years ago, while driving with my granddaughters – Eve and Elin – I heard them both exclaim “Juicy Fruit!” And they giggled. I thought nothing of it until a few minutes later when I heard “Juicy Fruit” again. I considered pulling into the next gas station to pick up a few packs of chewing gum but I thought — they’re too young to chew gum. So I drove on. I think it was the third “Juicy Fruit” that caused me to smilingly ask – “why do you keep saying ‘Juicy Fruit‘”? To which they responded that whenever they see a yellow car – they say . . . . you know. . . . .

Since then, I’ve become a “Juicy Fruit” guy — even when I’m alone in the car (yeah, I know. . . .). I’ve been known (when at least one granddaughter is in the car) to say “blueberry pie” [all blue car], “strawberry shortcake” [all red car], and my favorite “key lime pie” [all green car].

In April 1891, when William Wrigley began doing business, he sold scouring soap. To entice people to buy the soap, he would attach a small envelope of baking powder. As people seemed to prefer baking powder, in 1892 he added a few sticks of chewing gum to baking powder packages. And people began clamoring for the chewing gum which was even more popular. The original (grayish) label of Juicy Fruit gum was replaced after World War II with a bright yellow label. And the rest is history. Juicy Fruit even has its own Facebook page with over a million followers (see https://www.facebook.com/juicyfruit).

My granddaughters continue to spout “Juicy Fruit” when they see a yellow car — as do I. And that includes other yellow vehicles as well. When we pass the school bus parking lot I’m goin’ “Juicy Fruit, Juicy Fruit, Juicy Fr. . . . . . .

The Albatross

On By scottpetersenIn Albatross, GolfLeave a comment

[On this weekend of The Masters – an appropriate repeat of September 9, 2012] I have spoken about my near miss of a hole-in-one. And my not-so-secret passion for par 3’s (“Five Feet from Glory”). I’d love to have a hole-in-one. But what sticks in the back of my mind is the rarest of golf shots — an “Albatross.” A double eagle.

A double eagle is 3 under par on any given hole. It is a hole-in-one on a par 4 and a 2 on a par 5. They are a rarity — even on the PGA Tour. The first double eagle on record was scored by Tom Morris, Jr. (1870 British Open – Prestwick). The longest albatross was scored by Andy Bean on a 663 yard par 5 (no. 18; Kapalua) in 1991. The longest double eagle/ace was by Robert Mitera on a 447 yard par 4 (1965).

Double eagles are not child’s play. Yet the youngest golfer to score one was a 10 year old girl. Line Toft Hansen scored one in 2010 in a Danish juniors’ competition (419 yard; par 5). In tournament play, 602 doubles have been scored since the first in 1870. The last one I watched on t.v. — Louis Oosthuizen on April 8th in 2012 on number 5 at the Masters. The only Tour player to have scored two in Major tournaments was Jeff Maggert (’94 Masters and ’01 British Open).

Only one golfer is known to have scored a hole-in-one and a double eagle in one round. Coach John Wooden of UCLA did it in 1939 (Erskine Park G.C. South Bend) (a good trivia question).  

I’ve read that the odds of a double eagle are one million to one (judging by the score of my last round, I should’ve had one. . . .). A hole-in-one is a mere 40,000 to 1.  If you want to watch a few on the PGA Tour, check out  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKNs2jvmUYA  

I’d love that hole-in-one. But I’d love a double eagle even more. Maybe if I play from the ladies’ tees. . . .

Girl Scouts

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, Girls as Eagle ScoutsLeave a comment

[A repeat from February 1, 2018] In my post of July 13, 2017, I referenced an article calling the Eagle Scout rank the “PhD of Boyhood.”  In my post of May 14, 2017, I observed that being an Eagle Scout was likely the sine qua non — that got me to where I am today. It got me into college (it certainly wasn’t my grades or last minute application to Augustana College).  As a result of squeaking into college (on academic probation), I met Donna. Had Lauren. Two granddaughters. Got a great job.  Yadda yadda. 

In my post of October 6, 2013, I opined that no one should be allowed to become a politician unless they were an Eagle Scout, or the Girl Scout equivalent  — or shared the values thereof.   That eliminates most of today’s Democrats and Republicans.

So how do I feel about having girls becoming Eagle Scouts?  I think it’s great.  It is a wonderful idea.   While I prefer that this achievement be accomplished under the auspices of the Girl Scouts of America, if it’s done through the Boy Scouts, so be it.  What is important – is to develop a universe of young women who achieve the Eagle Scout rank (by meeting all of the challenging requirements and having the character and values required).  It would be a major plus for them.  And for America.   Regardless of party, I would want them to run for office.  And win.      

Fentanyl

On By scottpetersenIn Fentanyl2 Comments

In 2021, there were 106,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States. More than 70,000 attributable to fentanyl. On December 20, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported that enough fentanyl was confiscated in 2022 to kill every single American. Nearly 400,000 fatal doses. Fentanyl deaths are predicted to rise. Dramatically.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is 50 to 100 times more potent than heroin. Fentanyl chemicals are produced in China and often shipped to Mexico for production. Deadly drugs are pouring into America. Customers can buy fentanyl and have it delivered – through the mail – to their doorstep. 20% of Americans over the age of 12 have tried addictive narcotics. 11.7% of Americans over the age of 12 are regular users of illegal drugs. And – 70% of those who try drugs before the age of 13 will develop an addiction within 7 years.

Does America encourage the drug culture? Addiction? We have open borders. We are woke. Permissive. Police are criticized for police work. Our children consume a relentless diet of cinematic carnage. Notions of right and wrong are verboten in public schools. Drug use is casually legalized by some states and criminal usage goes unpunished. Homeless encampments see unbridled drug use. Felons are released to transgress again and again. Mental illness is rampant (53% of drug abusers) and not allowed to be treated. And contrary thoughts on these topics are demonized.

And we continue to do nothing. About addiction, dealers or cartels. According to the NCDAS, overall drug deaths are up 30% this year. So – you tell me. What’s the answer?

Polaris

On By scottpetersenIn Polaris1 Comment

[A repeat of January 22, 2017] “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 . . . . .  

Golf? Not in my country

On By scottpetersenIn Golf, Golf courses in Afghanistan, Pakistan and North KoreaLeave a comment

On September 22 and 25, 2021, I wrote about the 47 countries in the world that have one – single – golf course. I suggested putting together a golf trip for the ages. Get a group of guys – who have carry on luggage and golf clubs — and head off to those countries like Afghanistan and North Korea that have one golf course. And move on to the next 45. I’m sure Golf Magazine would author a 10 page article on the expedition. The Golf Channel would likely have a series – featuring all of the brave souls who trekked to Turkmenistan to play the new Jack Nicklaus course (Ashgabat Golf Club) and braved an expedition to the Kabul Golf Club.

On the flip side, there would be an added challenge to assemble an investment group to develop golf courses in those countries that are barren of fairways and greens. Countries devoid of a golf course. For example:

Vatican
Nauru
Monaco
Tuvalu
San Marino
Mauritania
Togo
Benin
Liechtenstein
Dominica
Western Sahara
Central African Republic
Chad

Who’s up for it?? Monaco and Liechtenstein might not be so bad for accommodations. But a few of those mentioned, a sleeping bag might come in handy. And we might need a few protein bars and some bottled water in the Western Sahara.

Cancelled

On By scottpetersenIn Forgiveness, MulligansLeave a comment

In my prior post, I poked fun at Swedes. I thought that there would be a newspaper article (“Blogger rants against Swedish people!”). I thought a saintly contingent of woke snowflakes would demonstrate (“Outrage!”). Maybe the ASPCA would give backlash because I made fun of skunks. But not a whisper. Not a word. Silence. What’s wrong with those doing the cancelling? Do they give a wink to some speech and not others?     

Confession: I have said and done some dumb things that I’d like to call back. I would wager you have too.  But in the words of the poet Omar Khayyam:

“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ,
Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit
Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it.”

Our futures lie to a great extent within our own hands.  The “moving finger” business is probably a good reason to think twice before we act — or speak.  We forgive those leaving prison and help to get them a new start. We forgive family members. But for some stranger’s ill-chosen words? Comments? In the words of Donnie Brasco – “fuhgeddaboutit.” I continue to scratch my head as to why.

Knowing of our own fallibility – and frailty – it may be a good reason to consider granting forgiveness to others when there is contrition and apology.  How would you like to be treated? Would you want your child cancelled and fired from her job for saying something stupid?

What’s wrong with – I forgive you.  Please don’t do it again. Let’s move on. . . . .  

Lutefisk and Pickled Herring

On By scottpetersenIn Lutefisk, Pickled herringLeave a comment

[Some ancient wisdom – from February 27, 2012]

A man had a problem with a family of skunks that lived under his porch.   He tried everything to get rid of them but nothing worked.   He went to the local hardware store and asked if they had any ideas. 

A grizzled old clerk looked at him and said “put lutefisk and pickled herring under your porch,” the clerk said.  “That should clear up the problem.” 

So the guy went to the market, bought a few pounds of lutefisk and pickled herring and threw it all under the porch.  The next morning, the guy ran downstairs and looked under the porch.  The skunks were gone.  But a family of Swedes had moved in. . . . .

Walleyed Pike

On By scottpetersenIn Caymus Vineyards, Walleyed PikeLeave a comment

[An ancient post – from June 28, 2012] I used to go fishing once a year or so.  Up near Minocqua, Wisconsin, with my friend Dan.  We’d get a guide – always Jim W. who is best in the North Woods – and head out onto the deep waters in the gray fingers of dawn.  Looking for walleye.   It was so early that the loons were still sleeping (“what are they doing here?”).  

To catch walleyes, you need big worms and a small jig with a medium-sized hook.  You string the worm onto the hook so most of the worm trails behind.  Then you cast and reel in slowly waiting for a little tug.   There are times when I’ve not had so much as a nibble.   And then there are times when the fish are biting so fast and furious that you have to bait your hook behind a tree.  

At the end of the day, Jim would clean the fish and portion them into filets.  As with tilapia, not much needs to be done.  A quick roll in some olive oil, Italian seasoning and bread crumbs and saute over a medium heat until the fish is flaky.  I swear there isn’t a better-tasting fish on the planet when it’s fresh out of the lake.  Add some homemade hash browns (I cut organic potatoes thin and saute in a squidge of olive oil, some butter, salt and pepper and finely-chopped Vidalia onion), steamed broccoli and wagon wheel chocolate chip cookies for dessert.   Oh yes and some Caymus cabernet.   You’ll have a North Woods meal fit for Paul Bunyan.