Breakfast Tips

On By scottpetersenIn Breakfast tipsLeave a comment

(A summer repeat from May 2, 2013)

I’m not talking Cheerios, strawberry pop tarts or cold pizza (a breakfast staple of mine long ago).  I’m talking “tips” (gratuities) in restaurants — for those who serve you breakfast.   Lemme ask this — you go into a restaurant and order a cup of coffee for $1.50.  What would you leave as a tip for your server?  15% is 22-1/2 cents (rounded up to a quarter). Yes? Maybe 30 cents if you leave 20%?  Your server would probably give you the “big spender” look, shake her head and walk away.  Me?  I’d probably leave a buck.  Or two.  Especially if I’m nursing 5 refills of java while reading the newspaper. 

I remember reading an article a few years ago – that has guided me – on tipping.  Especially for breakfast.  “Breakfast servers” the article said, “are always deservant of a higher percentage tip than those who serve you dinner.” Why? Because bacon and eggs with toast, hash browns, coffee and orange juice may cost you nine bucks. And you walk out of the restaurant stuffed to the gills and smiling for the day.  Dinner may cost you three sawbucks and a fin.   Who gets more tip for the same work?  Yep. . . . .

I don’t want to seem frivolous but on those occasions when I’ve gone out for breakfast and the bill for Donna and me is $20, I may leave a $5.00 tip.  Maybe $6.00.  Why?  Because the server works just as hard (probably more so) filling the coffee cups, water glasses and balancing multiple plates.   Of course if service is bad, I’m quick to adjust downward too.  

In restaurants where I am known (“uh oh – it’s Petersen“), I will also be generous.  After all, why not?   Again, I am not being frivolous.  I believe I’m being smart.  A generous tip makes for a happy server.  And it seems to make me welcome when I come back.   

The Rock Island Line

On By scottpetersenIn Rock Island RailroadLeave a comment

[A summer repeat from May 15, 2014]

In 1845, the Chicago Rock Island Railroad began with a charter penned in the City of Rock Island, Illinois. For 130 years, the Rock Island Line hummed and drummed across the landscape of America. Until 1975 when a federal judge in Chicago ordered the famed railroad into bankruptcy. On December 10, 1977, a one day auction was held in the old LaSalle Street Station in Chicago. Tables, chairs, paintings, rolling stock and office supplies were sold off from the old railroad. There were also several hundred “tote” boxes full of archives of the railroad. All were filthy dirty and all were sealed. Any bid was on the contents. Sight unseen. The local news touted that perhaps the boxes contained a letter of Abraham Lincoln or Stephen Douglas – both of whom worked for the railroad. I was drawn – like a moth to flame – and I bought 45 boxes of “stuff” at $3.50 a box. I crammed the boxes into the trunk and interior of our Plymouth Valiant. And drove home. Donna thought I was nuts. Until I opened the boxes. . . .

There were hundreds of letters of U.S. Congressmen, Senators, Vice Presidents of the U.S., members of the U.S. Supreme Court, Chicago mayors. There were Aldermen like “Bathhouse John” Coughlin and “Hinky Dink” Kenna. Original letters of Clarence Darrow. It was a trove of major value. And I ended up selling most of the material to the University of Iowa. For many times what I paid for it. It was then I went on a three year quest – to acquire the rest of the defunct railroad’s archives.

After scores (hundreds?) of phone calls over three years, the squeaky wheel got the oil. A gusher. I was told the rest of the Rock Island Railroad archives were housed in a 10 story, 100,000 square foot building at Polk & LaSalle. No one had been in the building for several  years. “I’ll buy it” I said. And did. I bought the entire contents of the building for $500. They handed me the keys and it was mine. The only hitch — I had to get it out in 4 weeks. Within a few hours, I had the contents sold – to the Universities of Iowa and Oklahoma (Norman). Iowa had first choice and Oklahoma got the remainder. I walked alone through the 10 floors. File cabinets. Boxes of files. Empty desks. Coffee cups ringed with dried coffee. A mausoleum. Over the next few weeks, I orchestrated eight 48 foot over-the-road tractor trailers. Loading up the goodies. I looked back, walked out and locked the door.

I still have a few things from the RI. A ceremonial spike. A slice of track. Oh – and yes – a few old letters. In 1998, I delivered a paper to the Chicago Literary Club. Telling the whole story. It’s online at http://chilit.org  The Rock Island Line. Was a mighty fine line. And it was sure good to me.

Avocados for Breakfast

On By scottpetersenIn Avocados for breakfast1 Comment

[A repeat from August 20, 2013]

“Avocados for Breakfast” sounds like the title of a steamy romance novel set in Northern California.   “Hey Martha, would you like an avocado for breakfast?”  “Oh Henry, you sweet talker. . . . ”  

I have breakfast every morning.   For my breakfast, you might make a face – shake your head – and say “Are you kidding.”

I try to eat a healthy breakfast.  Oh I know – if there’s leftover pizza or spaghetti carbonara in the fridge, I’d likely grab that and some coffee.  But that stuff does not make for a sparky day.  Usually it’s high fiber (bran) cereal, blueberries or banana and coffee. Lotsa coffee. . . .  Maybe once or twice a week, I have an avocado (with a little Newman’s salad dressing) and a banana. And the obligatory coffee.  More and more though I’m drifting toward avocados for breakfast. . . . . 

Avocados are a magnificent food.  One of the healthiest you can eat.  And avocados are among the least contaminated so there is really no need to buy organic (see post of July 12, 2012, for the “Dirty Dozen” foods which you do not want to buy “conventional”).  And avocados are simply delish.  I make my own guacamole (smooshed avocado, finely-chopped cilantro and lime juice – that’s it) and have it for a meal.  Heck – guacamole for breakfast?  It doesn’t get any better.   

Victims

On By scottpetersenIn Victims of Muslim terroristsLeave a comment

Al-Shabaab. Boko Haram. ISIS. The Taliban. Al-Qaeda.  And other Muslim terrorist organizations.  We read about ISIS digging its poisoned fangs into London.  Paris.  Manchester.  But we also read about horrible violence in Nigeria.  Yemen.  Iraq.  Teheran.  What is interesting is that the vast majority of all terrorist attacks occur in Islamic countries.  And the vast majority of victims are Muslim.  

According to a 2011 National Counter-Terrorism Center (NCTC) report, between 82% and 97% of all terrorist victims are – Muslim.  The reason for the 15 point gap is that the NCTC was unable to verify the religious affiliation of some victims.  One problem is that of the 72 different sects of Islam, many of them hate each other.  And thus there is internecine violence in Muslim countries.  They all say the shahadah (“there is no God but Allah . . . “) and yet they are killing each other like flies.  And then there are the evil, corrupt and mainly uneducated terrorist groups that have an equal opportunity plan of killing everyone. . . . .    

I post often on religion — and frequently on Islam.  As I suggested on August 6, 2015, most Muslims are of the Mecca variety (generally peaceful) — not the Medina types (fundamental/caliphate-driven).  

Next time you read about 63 people killed in a car bombing or an attack on a wedding ceremony with 45 fatalities or a suicide bomber killing 51 women and children in a market, note that it probably happened in the Middle East or Central Asia.  When it happens again in America or Europe (which it likely will), we can at least take heart that all of humanity – regardless of religion – should be in this together against the Godless forces of darkness.  

Home Run!

On By scottpetersenIn Liberty School, Scoring pointsLeave a comment

Since post number one in 2011, I have frequently referenced my various recipes and culinary creations.  I enjoy cooking and look forward to prowling the aisles of Fresh Market or Whole Foods seeking inspiration for new dishes.   Sunday was no exception.

I diced and skinned a large acorn squash; diced two bunches of organic carrots; sliced a dozen large Shiitake mushrooms; and then chopped up a yellow onion.  I sauteed the mix in the usual olive oil (high heat to begin then low heat for about 40 minutes) stirring frequently.  Seasoning is optional depending on the crowd.  I’m partial to light pepper, turmeric and garlic powder.   I also made a salad with mixed greens – heavy on the arugula.  And added fresh mango, papaya and banana – topped with a light avocado dressing.  

Grilled chicken breasts marinated for a few hours in mango sauce was the main course.  The chicken could have been pounded lightly (a wine bottle usually works better than one of those kitchen hammers).  The meal was accompanied by a nice Liberty School merlot.  Dessert – as a concession to my granddaughters who joined us – consisted of gluten-free double chocolate chip cookies.  

Pow!  This meal was out on Waveland Avenue. . . . .    

A PSA on PSA – An Update

On By scottpetersenIn Prostate cancer and aspirin, PSA test1 Comment

In my post of January 10, 2016, I spoke of issues relating to my elevated PSA (“prostate specific antigen“).  Past tests have been negative.  But the PSA numbers continued to remain high.  My urologist at the University of Chicago suggested a brand new test (developed in the last year or two) – called the “4K” test.  Instead of measuring PSA which is helpful but not determinative (and often unreliable), the 4K test measures four “kallikreins” (metrics which can more readily identify prostate cancer).  He also recommended an MRI with a contrast dye this time.  This too is readily new – and provides “highlights” of trouble areas.  

I had the 4K test and the MRI with contrast dye.   The 4K results are  reported in percentages:  “less then 10% chance of having a significant cancer (Gleason score more than 7).”  The MRI was even more optimistic (translation:  less than 5% chance of malignancy).   The two tests together were highly optimistic.  

Some men have a genetic propensity to higher PSA.  Prostate size can affect PSA and the aging process (lot of that going around) can elevate PSA.  And then there’s cancer. . . .     

It’s not fun to hear about medical issues (or non-issues).  But I believe it is important to my brethren  (and the brethren of my sisthren) to know about these two new means for detecting prostate cancer.  

Prior to 1988, prostate cancer was diagnosed by palpitation of lumps or hard nodules.  Then a biopsy.  Or – a man would develop chronic back pain (and then be diagnosed).  In 1990, the PSA test became widely used.  But elevated PSA often resulted in unnecessary biopsies – or surgery.   It is only in the last couple years that new diagnostic tools have been developed:  4K and contrast dye MRI’s.  Thank heaven for modern medicine. . . . .    

Busy Beavers

On By scottpetersenIn Hope Ryden, Lily PondLeave a comment

I’m an easy sell for books recommended by friends. My Boy Scout pal Bob mentioned that he enjoyed reading Lily Pond by Hope Ryden.  The book, published in 1997, chronicles Ms. Ryden’s four year stint – observing a family of beavers in Harriman State Park in New York.  The book sounded a bit mundane but given my friend’s  recommendation, I found a used copy on Amazon.  When I read the preface by Dr. Jane Goodall, I thought – this could be good.  And it was.  

We are introduced to the species Castor canadensis by meeting a family of beavers (each had a name).  After some preliminary introductions, Ms. Ryden offers a brief history of the aggressive beaver pelt trade two centuries ago.  Beaver pelts made beaver hats and other adornments and thus trapping (with steel jaw leg traps) was uncontrolled.  Beavers were near extinction by the early 1800’s.  As of 1800, the beaver population of the Adirnodacks had been reduced by more than 99%.  And then things slowly got better.  And beavers were given protection.  Fast forward to the mid-1980’s when Ms. Ryden began her four year surveillance.

Winter.  Summer.  Spring.  Fall.  Ms. Ryden observed the growing family of beavers.  She knew them by name – and they knew her.  We see the circle of life.  Joy.  Sadness.  And the occasional humans who try to poach, hurt or destroy.  

If I had it to do over again, I’d probably read Lily Pond in the winter. A more quiet time.  By a fireplace.  The book is gentle.  Compelling.  And thought-provoking.  When I finished the book, I actually felt like I was part of the family. 

   

Character

On By scottpetersenIn Character, John WoodenLeave a comment

[Here’s a repeat from January 26, 2012]

When I tutor for the Chicago Lights Tutoring Program http://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 basketball).

“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.

Life After High School

On By scottpetersenIn Life after high school1 Comment

(A repeat from September 7, 2014)

Social studies. Reading comprehension. English Literature. P.E. Chemistry. Trigonometry (did I spell that right?). These are all courses I took in high school. But the best course I took in high school was typing. I can type flawlessly for about 60 words a minute. The other courses? Physical science?  Chemistry? What the heck is a “beaker”?

Okay okay. These are all good courses – and worth taking. But for my money, I think high school students should all be required to take a course “Life After High School.” It would be a one year curriculum and involve seminars on balancing a check book; shopping; simple first aid; spending money wisely; relationships and respect; job interviews; nutrition; cooking simple meals; raising babies; investing; and so on. Topics which help a young person acclimate and actually put to good use after high school. Many kids will go to college. Many will not. But learning how to respect a spouse, showing your best to a prospective employer, and dealing intelligently with a screaming baby will benefit everyone.

These are not topics that are in conflict with parents so there should be no pushback. And it might create a broader universe of students/grads who are more able to assimilate, interact and thrive.

Sleeping in Frank’s Bed

On By scottpetersenIn Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation2 Comments

My first Board meeting of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation was held at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ.  Before leaving home, I asked where I should make reservations to stay.  I was told “don’t worry about it.   Just come to Taliesin.”  Soooooo . . . . on a Thursday afternoon – after the flight from Chicago – Donna and I showed up with our luggage at Taliesin West.  

After checking in, our host escorted us toward one edge of the compound.  There was a low-lying building that looked quite nice.  Our host keyed open the door and brought us in.  “Welcome to the Sun Cottage.”  It was explained that this was Mr. Wright’s home when he stayed at Taliesin.  Our escort walked us around the premises, handed us a key – and left.  

We wandered around the place.  Picking up knick knacks that were probably worth a small fortune.  I checked out the closet.  Mr. Wright (everyone calls him “Mister Wright“) still had clothes hanging on the rack.  From 1959 –  when he died.  I pulled a book – FLW’s autobiography – off the shelf and opened it.  It was penned and inscribed “To my darling Olgivanna from your husband Frank Lloyd Wright.”   I thought to myself – this isn’t Kansas, Toto. . . . .  That is until we got into bed.  Mr. Wright, who was all of 5′ 8″ tall, had a bed made to his size.  My tootsies hung over the end of the bed.  The next morning, I stepped into a shower which was the size of a tiny phone booth.  My shoulders touched the sides.  And the shower nozzle was positioned at the 5’8″ mark.  You coulda sold seats for the contortions I used to soap down my head. . . .