AED

On By scottpetersenIn AED, First aid, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

(A repeat from 6/12/2014)

It’s quite possible that some of you reading this post will one day save a person’s life.   Maybe save the life of a child.   By prompt action and a knowing response.

I get on the train every day and pass by a panel which announces the location of an “AED” unit (“Automated External Defibrillator“). I’ve seen this notice time and time again. My eyes glaze over and I move to my seat. And pull out my newspaper.  

In my post of October 21, 2011, I recounted that the best course I ever took in college was a year-long tutorial on advanced first aid (it has come in very handy over the years). Thus, a few weeks ago when I looked at the AED sign, something clicked.  I oughta figure out what this “AED” thingee is.  So while having lunch at my desk – I logged onto a YouTube video which told the story of the AED (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfvu5FCQs6o ).  I’ve got a better idea now of what an AED does.  And how it works.  I would urge those reading this post to spend 4 minutes and learn about the AED.

And while you’re at it, why not learn the Heimlich Maneuver? I’ve done it twice – successfully. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgtIgSyAiU&feature=kp

A baby choking? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSnEpheYkY

How about CPR (“Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation”)? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEFskCrdhQ&feature=kp

Heavy bleeding? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwV39oxGwZU

Rescue breathing?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu9WTPOCxwU  

If you watch all of these videos (if they don’t “link” just paste them in your browser), you will spend maybe 35 minutes. It may be the most valuable 35 minutes you ever spend. And someone – maybe you – will be eternally grateful.

April Fools!

On By scottpetersenIn April Fools, Jonathan SwiftLeave a comment

(A repeat from August 30, 2011)

The first mention of “April Fools Day” as being on April 1st was in Chaucer’s Canturbury Tales in 1392 (in the “Nun’s Priest’s Tale“).

Jonathan Swift (1665-1745) was the foremost prose satirist for the English language. And he was also a twinkle-in-the-eye practical joker who authored a doozy of an April Fools’ prank bringing the tradition to a whole new level. In February 1708, using the name “Isaac Bickerstaff,” he published an article solemnly predicting that John Partridge, a local author of astrological almanacs, would die at 11:00 p.m. on March 29, 1708. All of London held its collective breath. When the fateful day arrived, Swift – still writing as Isaac Bickerstaff – penned a moving obituary announcing the death of Partridge at 7:05 p.m. — four hours earlier than predicted.

Of course Mr. Partridge was very much alive – and outraged over Swift’s prediction and the false reporting of his death. Because the story of John Partridge’s demise was printed on April 1st, there was ignition and lift off for a new – and more creative – breed of April Fool pranks. I think I’d like to have Jonathan Swift join Aristophanes and me for that very special dinner. . . .

The Antique Crutch

On By scottpetersenIn antique crutchLeave a comment

(A repeat of 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 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.

Happy Socks

On By scottpetersenIn Happy SocksLeave a comment

Over the years, my feet have become increasingly unhappy. I won’t bore you with the pathology of my paws but suffice to say I have grumpy feet.  But I walk.  I wear shoes.  And I wear socks.  

In my post of November 14, 2013, I lamented the chaos in pulling open my sock drawer.  And I reported on the fix.  If you want some real captivating reading, check out that post. . . . .  My sock drawer has improved but the colors have remained lackluster.  That is until last Christmas.  

My granddaughters presented me with 6 pair of colorful “Happy Socks” (I’m wearing them as I write).  Eve and Elin are aware that Popi’s feet need help.  So they concluded that Happy Socks may be just the ticket.  

Happy Socks is a brand – started in 2008 by two Swedes – Viktor Tell and Mikael Söderlindh.   They wanted to build a brand that would be a “breath of fresh air” for one’s attire.  In looking at my sock drawer upgrade – they have succeeded.  My Happy Socks are a cacophony of color which help put my feet into a more neutral – if not happy – mood.   According to the London Evening Standard, Happy Socks are known for their “bold, colourful designs [which] tread precariously close to garish.”  

I now wear Happy Socks almost all the time.  Next time I wear my tux, I will likely be wearing socks that look like a Jackson Pollock painting.   

Adam(s)?

On By scottpetersenIn Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, The Lonely Man of FaithLeave a comment

I just finished the book – The Lonely Man of Faith by Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik.  This wonderful book examines two separate and quite divergent characterizations of Adam which are set forth in the Old Testament book of  Genesis.  The two Adams are different indeed.

In Genesis 1, Adam I (and Eve) are created in God’s image.  Adam is charged to take dominion over fish, fowl, cattle and all of the earth, to multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it.  

In Genesis 2, Adam II is formed from dust, has life breathed into his nostrils – and is ordered to tend the garden.  Eve was later formed from Adam’s rib.   

I was drawn to this book by David Brooks’ thought-provoking 5 minute “Ted Talk” on the personality differences between “Adam I” and “Adam II”    http://www.ted.com/talks/david_brooks_should_you_live_for_your_resume_or_your_eulogy

Brooks does not reference Genesis but he does discuss Soloveitchik’s work.  Brooks offers that Adam I is motivated by his resume virtues.  Adam II is driven by eulogy virtues.  And guess which virtues Brooks finds of superior importance?  

I was unaware of the sharp differences of Adam in Genesis.  Rabbi Soloveitchik’s book – apart from using words which will require a dictionary at hand – is a fascinating and inspirational read.  

Death to the Infidels

On By scottpetersenIn Workout categoriesLeave a comment

I go to the local fitness center a few times a week. When I come home, I often get the question “how was your workout?”  And my response – for the longest time – was “fine.”  And that was it.  

But my workouts vary.  Sometimes it’s a quick in and out.  Other times, I’ll be there for a while – punishing my body.  Grunting and groaning, lumbering and lurching through all manner of cardio, weights, stretches and contortions.  So one day when I got home – and got “the question” – I responded “I did the puppy dog.”  I got the look . . . .  “What’s that?” Donna asked.  “I was only able to work out for 45 minutes.”  “Oh.”  Later that week, I went home and got the question.   “I did the Gorilla.”  Nearly 90 minutes of exercise.  And so it goes.  I have now identified five distinct categories of workout:

The Puppy Dog — A workout of less than 45 minutes

The Regular — An hour

The Gorilla — An hour to an hour and a half

Death to the Infidels — Pushing two hours

“Death to the Infidel” workouts are rare but they happen.  However, while on vacation a few weeks ago, I came up with a fifth category:  “Death to the Infidels – al-Shahid [the martyr].”  This is where I try to kill myself working out.  But I don’t succeed . . . .  

It’s all about the Dash. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn It's all about the dashLeave a comment

I read an interview with Julius “Dr. J” Erving.  He was asked the question “What’s the best advice you ever got.  He responded that it was learning one simple lesson:  “It’s all about the dash.”  The “dash” . . . . . 

Dr. J explained that in the cemetery, every tombstone has two numbers:  the year you were born and the year you die.  And there’s a dash in between.  THAT — Dr. J said — is what it’s all about.  “The dash [is everything].  What you’ve done with your life and how you lived it are in that dash.”   At some point, we are all going to have two numbers.  And a dash.

In my post of April 26, 2014, I suggested that it’s better to be a thermostat than a thermometer.  Thermostats take control. Thermostats are on the playing field.  Scoring points.  Making a difference.  Making a dent.  Thermometers sit back and . . . . just tell you the score.   The dash on your tombstone can be a thermometer.  Or a thermostat.  

What’s in your dash?  

Do You Play Golf?

On By scottpetersenIn Do you play golf?, Golf1 Comment

Years ago, when I was a States Attorney, I played golf with 7 other guys. Every Saturday morning for several years.  From April to October – we played at Cog Hill. Number 4. Dubsdread. Reserved tee times.  6:30 a.m. or so depending on sunrise.   Second and third foursomes off the tee — often after Larry Lujack and a group from his radio staff.   

Since I lived in Wilmette, this meant traversing 45 miles to Lemont. Every Saturday morn.  To arrive by 5:45 a.m.  Thus, each Saturday, I was up at 4:00.  Showered, dressed and on the road by 4:30.  

When I left my house, I would not waste time.  If you get my drift.  I gunned the car when I left the driveway and by the time I hit Lake Street, I was doing maybe 50.  In a 30 zone.   Never a soul on the highway.  Except one morning when in the black of night, way back, I saw the flicker of Mars lights moving swiftly in my direction.  #%&X!.  I slowed.  Stopped.  Got out of the car and stood there.  Holding up my license.  A police squadrol ground to a stop and an officer got out.  I was wearing shorts and a golf shirt so I didn’t look like much of a threat.  “Do you know how fast you were going?” he asked as he approached.   I handed him my license.  “Yes sir – I do.  I was going too fast.”  And then I offered “Are you a golfer?”  He looked at me.  “Yeah.  Why?”  I responded “I live back there.”  I turned and pointed.  “Every Saturday morning, I play golf at Cog Hill in Lemont.  We tee off in about an hour.  And I confess that I sometimes go faster than I should when I leave the house.”  

The officer looked at me.  Chewing on my comment.   “Well most Saturdays, I’m sitting right back [he turned and pointed] there. Keeping an eye on things.  Do me a favor.  Go the speed limit from now on.”  And he handed me back my license.  “Hit ’em straight” he said.  And walked back to his cruiser.  

Maybe it’s Just Me. . . .

On By scottpetersenIn Global warming, Just Turn it Off1 Comment

I am diligent about conserving water.  Turning off light switches.  Turning off the car rather than wasting gas – or polluting the environment.  Recycling.  I promote my registered trademark – JUST TURN IT OFF® – whenever and wherever I can.  I’ve often posted on the subject of conservation.  If you want to see what rankles me, see April 10, 2016.  

But I continue to be a skeptic on “global warming” though I tend to agree with the notion of climate change (they are different).  Global warming is a political issue more than a scientific one.  It’s not a scientific law.  Not a theory.  Not even a hypothesis.  It is a consensus.  Of some people.   There are scientists and respectable folks on both sides of the issue.  But the “believers” want to silence those who ask questions.  They want to squelch discussion.  Ever notice that those who raise questions about global warming are put down?  Vilified?  Try discussing the subject among those who have drunk the Kool Aid (“Eeek!  He’s asking questions!”)?  Great.  That’s really productive.    I do wish discussion on this topic would be allowed.  Since discussion, diagnosis and then consensus may be more productive than taking a grand and uneducated leap of faith.  Into the void.   

 

Idiot Casual

On By scottpetersenIn Hat's Off, Idiot CasualLeave a comment

Donna and I have been travelling. Vacation.  So we’re indulging ourselves a bit more than usual. Going to nice restaurants where “smart casual” (or “business casual“) is the norm.  Our first dinner was on the top floor of a swanky hotel.  I wore dark slacks, button-down shirt and a sport coat.  Donna was in her LBD.  Little black dress.  Smart casual.  Donna was – for sure.  But I was so far out of style that I . . . . . lemme explain.

The women – older and younger – in this wonderful restaurant – all wore dresses.  A few strapless.  Low heels (a few high).  Shawls.  Smart.  Elegant.  But the men for the most part looked like they were homeless.   Jeans.  T-shirts.  Untucked shirts.  One guy wore (are you ready?) a white V-neck t-shirt.  And ripped jeans.  I watched a few of these guys to see if they would snort corn niblets out of their noses.  One idiot wore his hat.  Backwards.   Though he finally did take it off.  If you want to know what I think of men who wear hats in restaurants – any restaurant – see July 24, 2014.

Some people say that the human species is actually devolving – rather than evolving.  If you want evidence of that (at least as to the male of the species), I’ll give you the names of a few fancy restaurants.  And you can judge for yourself.