Bobby Jones

On By scottpetersenIn Character, IntegrityLeave a comment

Robert Tyre “Bobby” Jones (1902-1971) was one of the greatest golfers of all time.  During the 1920’s, Jones won 13 major championships  including golf’s coveted “Grand Slam.”  Jones was also an attorney (which still gives me some faint hope that I con combine my day job with my favorite sport). 

During the crucial opening round of the 1925 U.S. Open, Jones was addressing his ball, getting ready to hit.  Suddenly, he stepped back and called a penalty/stroke on himself because he had seen his ball move.  In golf, if you address the ball and it moves, it counts as a stroke.  No one but Jones had seen the ball move, but he still insisted on taking the added stroke.  Jones went on to lose the tournament — by one stroke.  When he was praised for his honesty, Jones responded testily “you might as well praise someone for not robbing a bank.” 

Integrity has its own rewards which can be quite personal (since our reputations live long beyond our days).  I find vignettes like this inspiring since they demonstrate the character that we can all (even politicians) aspire to.   And achieve.  

The “Lady be Good”

On By scottpetersenIn Lady Be GoodLeave a comment

[A repeat from September 15, 2016]  I’m not talking about the 1924 Broadway show that featured music and lyrics by George and Ira Gershwin. I’m talking about a B-24D Liberator that vanished after a bombing run over Naples during World War II. That fateful day was April 4, 1943.

When I was a kid, my parents subscribed to LIFE Magazine – the weekly news journal that was published from 1883 to 1972.  I couldn’t wait to get my hands on LIFE when it walked in the door.  Simple kid that I was – I loved the pictures.  And the armchair adventure.  And I remember with clarity a day in 1960 when I learned that a mysterious B-24 Liberator that had been spotted a year before deep in the Sahara had been identified as the Lady Be Good.

The Lady Be Good on that early April day – was staffed by a newbie crew of nine – just one week off the boat.  Their first mission was a big one.  A night bombing run over Naples harbor.  The Lady Be Good took off with 25 other bombers from Soluch Field in Libya.  Near Benghazi.  Most of the bombers returned to base within a few hours — because of high winds.  But the noble Lady pressed on.  And ended up dumping her bombs in the Med.  And the Lady with its nine souls – began the return trip – alone.  In the black of night, the plane overflew the base and continued on.  Deep into the Libyan Desert.   The pilot believed the desert below was the ocean.  So they continued.  Until they ran out of fuel.  And the crew bailed out. . . . . .

In February 1960, the U.S. Army visited the plane and conducted a formal search for the remains of the crew.  Eight of the nine were found.  And in August 1994 the remnants of the plane were removed from the site.  Only one member of the crew – S/Sgt. Vernon L. Moore of New Boston, Ohio – was never found.  His body still rests – where it fell – 73 years ago. . . . .  

Anna Pavlova

On By scottpetersenIn Anna PavlovaLeave a comment

Anna Pavlova was born on January 31, 1881, in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was born prematurely and was subject to various illness during her short life. Anna’s passion for ballet was ignited when her mother took her to a performance of “The Sleeping Beauty” at the Imperial Maryinsky Theater. When she was nine, her mother took Anna to audition for the Imperial Ballet School. At first rejected, she was accepted at the age of ten — and her career took off. . . . .

Anna became a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet.  She is most recognized for her creation of the role of “The Dying Swan.”  She toured the world with her unique – amazing – grace and style.  But on one gray day – while traveling from Paris to The Hague, Anna became ill – and was diagnosed with pneumonia.  A few days later – on January 23, 1931 – she died of pleurisy.  She was to have performed a few days later.  Yet the show went on. . . . 

In accord with old ballet tradition, the show proceeded — with a single spotlight that played across the stage in the spaces that Anna would have graced.  Those who attended could visualize the great Anna Pavlova – dancing with the soft strains of the music.  And when the performance ended, the audience offered a standing ovation. 

Anna’s last words were reported to have been “Get my ‘Swan’ costume ready.”   One of her great quotes “No one can arrive from being talented alone.  Work transforms talent into genius.”  That’s a bit like Thomas Edison’s suggestion that “genius is 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.”  Not bad counsel . . . .   

Music Videos

On By scottpetersenIn Music videos1 Comment

[A fun repeat from January 5, 2014]  I play guitar.  And I love the Blues (see post of April 20, 2012).  I also do okay with drums –learned from my old friend Paul S. of the “Shadows of Knight” (I went to high school with the original Shadows).  I’ll occasionally sit at the computer and play along with music videos or downloads.  And sing.  You could sell seats for that. . . . 

Do you ever log on to music videos? Some of the best I’ve seen – old and new – with millions of “listens” – are the following.  Oh come ON.  Check it out.  At least, click on the link to Little Richard.  And  
Spencer Davis – “Gimme some Lovin'” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxA3atHD2QM  (1966 – really good stuff)

“Rock Me Baby” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4OXrmxDp44 (the original was taken down – now see BB King) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_AwCjK0Ak  

Little Richard  – “Good Golly Miss Molly” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZ6h0kyqSRk  (You will smile)

Jerry Lee Lewis – “Great Balls of Fire” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY  (for a 3 piece group – an amazing presentation)

Billy Lee Riley – “My Gal is Red Hot” –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KylmByeB6bg      Corny but. . . . .

Kenny Chesney – “She Thinks my Tractor’s Sexy” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWu4aynBK7E (there are several iterations of the video.  This is a good one.  Great for boot scootin’)

Michael Jackson – “Thriller” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG6oy46qKE4 (best music video of the ’80’s.  I miss MJ’s creativity)

Lady Gaga (Yeah – Lady Gaga) – “Poker Face” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo  (Whoa!  Nearly 700 million hits!)

I tell Donna I should get my old group back together (“Scott and the Bookends” – two girls and me – a/k/a the “Corydon Trio’).  But Donna responds “Don’t quit the day job, Elvis.”  (Sigh)  Wait a minute. . . . maybe Lady Gaga needs a backup guitarist. . . . .

A Lost Dog

On By scottpetersenIn MaineLeave a comment

I’ve collected historical autographs and manuscripts since I was a kid.  I acquired the entire 100,000 square feet of archives of the Chicago Rock Island Railroad when the “line” went out of business (see May 15, 2014).  And for perhaps 30 years, I published catalogs and listings of autograph material.  In 2002, I became President of The Manuscript Society – http://www.manuscript.org – in Belfast, Northern Ireland (see November 13, 2011).  I have seen and sold my share of wonderful manuscripts, letters and documents.   

There’s one item I’ve kept.  For a long time.   It’s not that “special” nor is it valuable.  It’s a cursive scribbling on a 4-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ blue-tinged sheet of paper from a little boy to people in the town of Lyman, Maine:  “Lost – In this village a small spoted (sic) dog.  With red ears and a red string around the neck.   Whoever will return or give information of the same shall be suitably rewarded.”  It is signed “Nathaniel Hill, Lyman.”  The letter is dated “January 19th 1854.”     

I look at this letter and wonder — did Nathaniel got his little dog back?  I sure hope he did . . . . .

Chef Popi

On By scottpetersenIn Chef Popi, Renaissance Hombre, Swedish pancakes1 Comment

Some years ago, I led a book discussion on Dearie – the Remarkable Life of Julia Child by Bob Spitz.  In preparation, I got myself a full chef’s outfit – with the jacket and toque stitched with the words “Scott” and “Renaissance Hombre.”  Today – I occasionally wear that outfit when making Swedish pancakes or dinner for my granddaughters . . . .   Oh – and Swedish pancakes?  

SHHHH!  You are sworn to secrecy!  A cup and a quarter of Bisquick, two eggs, a generous portion of honey (no sugar), a pinch or two of salt, a cup+ of milk and a third of a stick of melted butter.  In the blender for a minute or two.  Then portion three inch dollops of batter in a fry pan – medium heat – on a dusting of melted butter.  The first batch always looks burned.  After that, things settle down and the pancakes (thin, small and medium brown) usually end up perfect.  Make sure you have some lingonberries and real maple syrup.  You don’t need the chef’s outfit.  Though it may help . . . . .

Mizar and Alcor

On By scottpetersenIn Mizar and AlcorLeave a comment

As a Boy Scout, I was on the Staff of Camp Napowan in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.  I worked in the Nature Area.  One of the merit badges I taught was astronomy since I could (and still almost can) identify every constellation in the Northern Hemisphere.  Twice a week, at around 10:00 pm – when the sun’s last wisps of light had dipped below the horizon and darkness ruled – I would gather those working on their Astronomy Merit Badge to gaze at the stars above.  Camp Napowan was in the middle of nowhere – blessed with no light pollution and a clear and amazing view of stars, planets and nebulae.   

To get the evening off on the right foot, it was often the middle star of the handle of the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) that I would first mention to the gathering.  “Look carefully” I would say.  “What do you see?”  After a few seconds, the Scouts would begin to say that there were actually two stars — not one. 

2,000 years ago, Arabs would use that middle star of Ursa Major as a test of sight.  Why?  Because there are actually two stars:  Mizar and its fainter companion Alcor.  “Horse” and “rider” in Arabic.  If you could see them, you were thought to have great vision.  In Japanese mythology, Alcor was the “lifespan” star.  If one could not see jimyouboshi, they might pass away by year’s end.  

If you have a chance to go to some place where when the sun goes down, the lights don’t shine, take a look and see if you can see Alcor.  Bring binoculars too.    

Uncle Walter

On By scottpetersenIn Uncle WalterLeave a comment

[A repeat from December 14, 2017]  I wonder if every family has an “Uncle Walter.”  My Uncle Walter was my father’s father’s brother. He was born in Denmark and moved to the United States just in time to be conscripted into the United States Army – and shipped off to France – in World War I. When Uncle Walter finally got home, he behaved strangely.  He only wore white clothes and he refused to sleep in a bed.  He always slept on the floor.  He was committed to a veterans’ hospital in Milwaukee. My father said Uncle Walter was “shell shocked” [PTSD] from the War. And that was that for Uncle Walter. My father’s family never talked about him and only once that I recall did anyone go to visit.

I’d heard about Uncle Walter but I’d never met him.  So when I was in my late 20’s – rebel that I was – I decided to go find him.  I called the Veteran’s Administration and learned that he was in a halfway house for veterans on South 27th Street in Milwaukee.  And I drove up to see him.   As I approached the address, there was an old man in white clothing walking slowly on the sidewalk.  I stopped the car.  Got out.  “Are you Walter Petersen?”  He looked at me.  I said “I am Willy’s [my father] son.”  And Uncle Walter began crying. . . . .

A few months later, I brought my father up to see Uncle Walter.  And just about every week from my first visit, I sent him a care package of Copenhagen snuff [he loved it], some candy and a couple of dollar bills.  When he died at the Veteran’s Home in King, Wisconsin, he left me “everything”:  his large print Bible, his veterans benefit (about $1,700), the cross on his coffin and a brand new stuffed bunny for my daughter.  The Bible remains on my shelf.  The cross is on the wall in my den.  The bunny is still in Lauren’s old room.  And the money purchased a tree that sits in our yard.   I’m glad I reached out to my Uncle Walter.   Though I’d bet there are more than a few Uncle Walters out there. . . . . . 

Civil War

On By scottpetersenIn Civil WarLeave a comment

On December 19th, on NBC’s Today show, Chuck Todd host of “Meet the Press” opined that America is now in a “cold civil war.” 

America had one real civil war with over 620,000 men killed (2% of America’s population).   Let’s hope we’re not on tap for another.  But according to a June 2018 Rasmussen poll, 31% of Americans are concerned about another civil war within the next five years (67.23% per the Intelligencer of October 2019).  Only 29% of Americans believe a civil war is “not at all likely.” 

We all know that Democrats threw down the gloves when Donald Trump was nominated.  Ongoing efforts to overturn the election.  A demand for impeachment even before he took office.  Once in the White House, they threw down the gloves on the 63 million folks who voted for him.   Formal “Resistance” was established.  Obstruction (“no” votes) to Presidential nominees became the norm.  Those on staff in the White House could not go out for dinner or a walk – without being heckled, demeaned and threatened.   

Trump is arrogant, narcissistic and undisciplined.  But has America deserved three years of resistance?  Obstruction?  Division?  Where are we headed?    America is seething with anger. Identity politics.  Tribes.  Everyone has a righteous mind (see 7/6/14).  That is closed.  With no room for facts.  Logic.  Or truth.  And a poisonous media fuels the fires.  

America.  The United States of . . . .  Wouldn’t it be nice if a Pledge of Allegiance to our nation came back into fashion?   Civil discourse?  Charity?  Compromise?   That seems way too much to ask of anyone in Washington.   But for the rest of us?  Should we take a knee?   Do we try to bring healing to our fractured nation?  Or do we want Republicans to throw down the gloves.  You tell me. . . . .   

Trouble Sleeping?

On By scottpetersenIn Trouble sleeping?Leave a comment

On March 19, 2012, I offered some counsel for those with trouble sleeping.  Like me.  There are three types of insomnia:  transient (occasional); acute (short duration); and chronic (long duration).   I fall asleep easily – and quickly – but there are times when I will wake up at 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.  thinking, worrying, solving, praying, innovating. . . .  I’m familiar with the usual RX’s for getting to or back to sleep.  However in that post I shared three further remedies that work for me that I’ve never read about:   

1.  Clenching hands — When I wake up in the middle of the night, I sometimes find that my hands are clenched.  I simply unclench and lay them flat.  I suddenly feel relaxed;

2.  Deep breathing —   Just contemplating each – deep – breath; and

3.  A pad of paper — I often wake up thinking about what needs to be done.  So I have a pad of paper by the bed to jot things down.   

On January 3, 2016, I observed that watching phosphenes – the light show that we all “see” in darkness – can help us sleep.  Recently I note another phenomenon that keeps me awake.  When I am laying there – thinking of work, handyman projects, cooking, writing this blog, etc. – I sense that my eyes – while closed – are squinting.   It’s like my face is tightened as one is in deep contemplation.  So, I’ve been relaxing my shoulders and letting my jaw drop a bit to relax my face.  I think of it as adopting a “lazy face” (see March 13, 2014).  And then of course there’s the “bent ear” phenomenon when I find myself laying on my pillow with my ear doubled over. . . . . .