Endings & Beginnings

Happy Saturday Morning – Last Sunday I wished several of my new friends, a great Autumn, a great Winter, and a super Spring. Then that we’d all catch up at the start of the 2027 Cincinnati Open. So, this morning with my morning Saturday coffee perking I’m plodding away on the Ramblings. We’re back on track.

In the meantime, it was a lovely sunset on this year’s Open.

With the 2026 Cincinnati Open the numbers are in; 330,000 people through the gates. These came from all 50 States and from 50 countries.

It was such a privilege to be involved in the Club level area of the Tournament. Hence, as I walked out the door for the final time of the 2026 Cincinnati Open and we said our goodbyes I was asked one question, “you’ll be back next year, won’t you?”

As my Appalachian neighbors are wont to say when I describe my week’s activities, I was “busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest”. Even so, will I return next year? “Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise”, YES!

Next? – Isn’t it amazing how quickly it’s possible to jump into something new. Tuesday it was driving Vai to her first day at the University of Cincinnati. Early in the drive I had some discussion on a style of music with her and mentioned how brilliant the virtu sound of the strings on the radio.

Vai, deep in thought about what she was about to face heard me only partially and instead misinterpreted my use of ‘virtu’ as me putting on my Dutch accent and came back with; “Opa, you do know we’re heading for the Blue Ash campus.”

A Foundation – The place at the Open where I volunteered was a suite which was primarily made available each day for a dedicated entity. One night it was for use by 5/3rd Bank. Another it was about 150 invitees from Merrill Lynch brokerage. However, my favorite was a smaller group; the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation Inc. That group is part of the continuum in the fight against Cancer, especially one of reducing the burden caused by cancer to individuals and their families.

One of the keys in their work is facilitating second opinions – providing platinum-level, highly comprehensive consultation at no charge whatsoever.

Talking with key members of this team I was given a copy of the Journal of Cancer Education. The item in the copy was our group’s keynote article:
“A New Approach to Cancer Second Opinions: Overcoming the Challenges of Conventional Oncology Practice by Providing Education to Patients and Physicians”

It was a huge honor to assist helping this group ensure that a grand time was had by all.

Fighting Ai? – Ai is on almost every tongue. What’s interesting is just how many young folk aside from plain concerns about loss of jobs are majorly opposed to this new technology, while the older generation is primarily accepting.

Without drawing lines pro or con, and there is plenty for both, I just want to showcase this YouTube from Musk’s Neuralink. Any of you who remember news bits with Stephen Hawkins, the late English theoretical astrophysicist, cosmologist, and author who came down with ALS (a neurodegenerative disease).

I remember just how uncomfortable it was to watch him try to communicate as he dealt with his disease. Now look at the video of this gentleman. The disease is just as debilitating and just as horrible, that hasn’t changed. But watch how Neuralink using Ai has given abilities not possible a handful of years ago.

Celebrating – The last week of August is full of Birthdays. Last evening we were seated in the private room at Sorrento’s Italian Joint – a mainstay food jewel in nearby Norwood since 1959 to celebrate this cadre of family birthdays. We even had the pianist and staff gather to sing Happy Birthday.

So, Happy Birthday to Adrianne, Vaioleti, Pete, Sandy, and George next week. Then cheers to my mother who would have turned 125 this coming Tuesday.

By the entryway to Sorrento’s sits an old Italian mini car; an Autobianchi-Bianchina, just thought you’d appreciate knowing what it is.

Quotation – “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” ? Dolly Parton

This week’s Interlude – This week as the flags of the nation have announced we as a nation lost a star; Dolly Parton. The ‘Interlude’ this week is a duet where she casually strolled on stage. As a hint, it was performed in Portland Memorial Coliseum April 1985 – a time without over-the-top staging, no auto tune, and straight-on musical magic.

Question, who was the other singer forming this duet with Dolly? And this surprise performance had her come out where they sang what song? Again, name the singer and the song title.

If you want to see and listen to this wonderful number, copy the answer below and place it onto the YouTube search bar. Remember, no cheating on the answer.

This coming week we’re advised that the heat index will approach 100. I am ready

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Thursday morning the so-called “Treasure of Villena” was stolen from a museum in Villena Spain. Four minutes is all it took, starting at 5:20 in the morning, to heist their whole $3-million Bronze Age collection.

To occupy the local gendarmes the robbers did what? While reading the possibilities you’re not allowed to envision a scene with Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther fame.

1. “started a family ruckus at a house”
2. “Rolled a loud Gypsy horse drawn wagon into town”
3. “got all the traffic lights in town to stick on red”
4. “blocked a creek to cause flooding”
5. “hired ‘ladies of the night’ to walk about town ‘en masse’”
6. ”lured police to a nearby Sports Center”

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 4
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Kenny Rodgers & Dolly Parton duet: “We Got Tonight – 1985”

What a Week

Happy Saturday Morning – If I wasn’t having such a blast, this week would have been a chore and a massive drain. It begins with the happy sounds of Marcia getting up with the words; “I smelled the coffee.” That was after a short night which began with my sleeping not long after midnight.

Some days it was another happy moment, driving Vaioleti to her job at the Cincinnati Zoo. She’s taking driving lessons with mom and dad but still requires some time with a teaching ‘Pro’. This short trip is our ‘happy-chat’ time together. There is nothing like one-on-one time with grandkids.

Today, midafternoon it’s off to Mason Ohio and start another shift of my volunteer stint with the 2026 Cincinnati Open (today it’s the Semifinals). To make it all easier on Marcia and the kids, Marcia gets dinner a bit early and then all is squared away till I roll back home after my gig.

Actually, I might leave a bit early and make a short swing past Costco (having Oat Milk in the house is important).

The Venue – all week has been my work with the Hospitality Suites group, in the tower 4th floor, which houses the center’s premium venue. Most evening it’s been a corporate purchase of the suite for the evening. Playing host to 150 – 175 people all hoping for a wonderful time of tennis, food, and some adult beverage. And I am delighted playing the role of greeter, host, and problem solver.

Doing everything including escorting a doctor who received a phone call requiring him to rush out. The elevators happened to be backed up, and I was able to help him down a set of stairs and past non-public area.

Thursday evening our Bank had the space for their event. When I arrived, I introduced myself to the Bank’s VP in charge of the gathering. I assured him we’d work our butts off to ensure that everyone would have a great time – with one condition. “Huh?” was his response.

With a straight face I informed him that I had promised my wife that I’d demand that the Bank would not even consider closing their St. Bernard branch.
Me – big Smile
He (name of Nate) – A laugh, and after that it quickly became the ‘Dirk-and-Nate’ show for the rest of the evening.
He did confide that he’d never had such a request.
And yes, our guests all had a great time!

Dinner for me I’ve organized at about eight o’clock on the venue’s green. Here I can eat and listen to an array of singers and bands – what a joy!

Studying the Game – I’ve now been around tennis enough where I’m seeing styles of play. The style that I believe to be very effective I especially noticed with a game between Tirante (Argentina) and Fils (France). The winner played a game of attrition with long rallies. No fancy slams trying to outmaneuver the opponent.

Instead, it was a game of keeping the play going thereby both tiring the opponent out and waiting patiently for the other to make a mistake. Keep the rally going at all cost.

Now that he’s aging it seems to me that Djokovic (Serbia) plays in a manner as I just described.

This tennis thing is a lovely gig. Watching the sport made up of very ‘limber’ guys and gals. All with names I can’t pronounce. Names such as Bouzkova, Swiatek, Nakashima, Gauff, Zaballos, and so forth.

The Shuttle – is only maybe a 20-minute ride between parking and the tennis venue. Just enough time for some discovery. The other day I sat next to a chef from the Jeff Ruby restaurant group – nationally rated steak house. Having said that, the fellow I sat next to is their fish guy – placed on ice the fish is brought ashore, in short order is aboard a freight aircraft and early in the morning arrives at the restaurant. Quite the process, quite the business.

Even more interesting was Thursday evening when I sat next to another volunteer who happened to be from Dayton. For a number of years he worked for the commercial side of the industrial Kodak 3-d printing business.

Then it got better.

Currently he works for a business which runs three labs, 3 shifts a day. By now you’re wondering; “okay Dirk what is that lab doing?”

Body parts!

Cadavers arrive. Skin is taken and processed to be sent to hospitals treating people with severe burns etc. Bones are finely ground up and processed to be used as filler in pockets as filler bone after surgery. And so forth. It’s a whole side of life and work I was oblivious of.

Fascinating!

Quotation – “Don’t think about the start of the race, think about the ending.” Usain Bolt, eight-time Olympic Gold Medalist sprinter.

This week’s Interlude – Mid week 57 years ago – it was August 17, 1969 that Woodstock actually got on the music map. That day a psychedelic Rock masterpiece was unleashed. A musical piece that still has people crank up the volume even today.

The voice and the piece’s sound are so distinct that you’ll figure it out in an instant – this 1-minute clip makes you’re guess super easy. What you’ll want to answer is the name of the singer and the name of the song.

Remember, no cheating on the answer.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

In recent memory it was the golden age of comedy. The Catskill Mountains region of the Adirondacks was known as The Borscht Belt and here Jewish comedians honed their craft and perfected new routines. All of the one liners below were used by these entertainers. However, only one was uttered by Jonathan Winters.

The question this week is to select the one line uttered by Winters:

1. “I’ve had great success being a total idiot.”
2. “I’m at an age now where just putting my cigar in its holder is a thrill”
3. “If you can see the handwriting on the wall… you’re on the toilet.”
4. “If your ship doesn’t come in, swim out to it.”
5. “You know you’re old if they have discontinued your blood type.”
6. “Who picks your clothes – Stevie Wonder?”
7. “Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.”
8. ”When I was a kid my parents moved a lot, but I always found them.”

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 1 (President Clinton)
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Grace Slick, with the band, Jefferson Airplane: “White Rabbit”

The Magic Plumbers

Happy Saturday Morning – it’s another busy one after the frenetic days of last weekend – thanks for joining in with today’s Ramblings. Happy Saturday. Now a second cup of coffee. Finish up The Ramblings, post it all, and head for The Open.

Whoops. First I best get the laundry started.

The Open – This afternoon I’ll begin my 2026 Cincinnati Open volunteer gig.
Again, this year I’ll be part of the Hospitality Suites team. I’ll be one tiny (very, very tiny) cog in a lineup of over 1,600 volunteers, spread through 30 unique committees – such as Marshals, ushers, guest hospitality, transportation, and tournament operations. I am absolutely psyched!

Condo life – parts one and two, both on the same day. The day after both the winds and the rains came and more than 130,000 of my fellow citizens lost power.

Part one, our bathroom ceiling had started dripping. No visible leak upstairs I was told. Nevertheless, they called a plumber who checked things out and arranged for a two-man team to come this past Wednesday morning. Upon arrival it took about an hour before they discovered that their tub’s drain toggle switch had been installed upside down. All this is ‘magic’ to me.

Apparently, there is a large plumbing supply house somewhere in town which still carried components for 45-year-old plumbing fixtures. By noon they were done.

Now the opening they carved into our ceiling will stay open for a couple of weeks to ensure that the repair is total.

Which leads to part two.

That previous day, Tuesday afternoon, I required something from our furnace/water heater room. Stepping in it quickly became apparent that my feet were immediately quite wet. Sopping around with towels I took note that the stack pipe where our AC condensation drains was plugged up and overflowing. I shut our AC off, but the units above ours still had their running and everything goes into the same pipe. Grrrr!

It didn’t take long before I figured out that a basin I was able to work under the drain’s ‘gooseneck’ needed to be emptied about every 20 minutes.

I remembered that I had about seven feet of rubber fuel line. By placing the fuel line into the stack and a bucket on the floor next to it, and applying a little suction – voila – I now only required a water dump every hour and a half.

And that is how I went to bed Tuesday night. Every hour and twenty minutes I got up to empty a bucket of water.

I should point out that my scheme was very tiresome on multiple fronts.

When the two plumbers arrived at 8:30 on Wednesday morning it was a bleary, red-eyed, Dirk who hit them up before they even started heading upstairs.

After their upstairs repair, it was my turn and they ended up trying to snake the pipe from the top and from the basement back up. No success.

Eventually they cut the copper pipe adjacent to the ‘gooseneck’, cleaned the blockage, and placed a cuff in case it ever blocked again. Then blew hot water straight from the water heater through it all – this worked beautifully.

What a royal pain! Today I am almost back to normal.

Without Capitalism? – Of late the media’s push appears to highlight a new prominence of folk who have sprung up from nowhere and are doing it with fervor and glee. Had you heard of people such as Zohran Kwame Mamdani, or Abdul El-Sayed who are now being touted as masterfully “progressive” but in fact are far out Socialist?

While that is where the headlines are, people such as Thomas Sowell and Steve Forbes get an inch on page 13 (using old newspaper parlance).

While ‘singing’ the Progressive songbook pushing a heavy handed government, there is no mention of the absolute failure wherever Socialism and Communism is being implemented.

Probably the clearest counterpoint of all comes from a Ludwig von Mises (1881-1973, economist and historian) wrote and published a paper in 1920. Even then it was little noticed, in fact it took decades before it resurfaced. Here is a small piece referencing Mises’ writing, it’s not mine and I do not have the author’s name, but it is about the most precise piece rebutting all of today’s claptrap that I have seen:

“The argument was precise. Mises showed that without private ownership of the means of production, there are no real prices for capital goods. Without prices, you cannot calculate profit and loss. Without profit and loss, economic planners have no way of knowing whether they are creating value or destroying it. They are flying blind, spending real resources with no feedback mechanism telling them whether the factory, the railway, or the grain depot was worth building. Every allocation becomes a guess dressed up as a decree. “

Quotation – “It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams.” ? Gabriel García Márquez (1927 – 2014) Colombian, novelist & Nobel Laureate.

This week’s Interlude – Today’s singer turned 79 earlier this week and a founding member of a band founded in England in the mid-sixties. Starting with one instrument he changed over to another musical instrument. That changeover established the defining sound of the band. Your challenge is to name the artist, the instrument played, and if you can – the name of the song.

If I go on with another line or two this will stop being a contest but become a gift. Okay, one tip then – the ‘defining’ instrument is heard at the end of this clip – a clip with a very unusual start. Have a listen to these few bars and then check the answer below so you can congratulate yourself with your musical knowledge and brilliance.

Remember, no cheating on the answer.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Worried about the possibility of an Iranian drone attempt on Air Force One as the President was leaving Turkey, a subterfuge plan was set into motion. Boarding Air Force One in full view, and staff and journalists kept unaware, the President was spirited off the plane in a catering delivery vehicle. He then departed on a military plane. Both flights landed in the UK for a refuel stop and President Trump reboarded the big baby-blue Boeing 747.

The question this week is to select the correct other year such a subterfuge plan was put into play:

1. 2000
2. 2011
3. 1986
4. 1995
5. 2021
6. 1964
7. 1946

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 4 & 5
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Ian Anderson, with the band, Jethro Tull: “Thick as a Brick”

A Guinness World Record

Happy Saturday Morning – it’s another busy one after the frenetic days of last weekend – thanks for joining in with today’s Ramblings. Happy Saturday.

I’m posting a wee bit early today due the old Highway 127 yard sale which has grown and is now the “World’s Longest Yard Sale”. This sale goes for 630 miles and goes through 5 States and right through the ‘Nati, very close to Cathy and Jason’s. This year Cathy is joining the fray – and we’re filling the little Corolla dragging some of our treasures onto her tables.

But before we head out, we’ll make sure our coffee thermos is filled up.

Chaos and Mayhem – is alive and well. Although there are times when we don’t sit and stare at the worst or craziest offerings seen in an urban setting.

Sometimes it’s a calm study of all that keeps a neighborhood both running and ship-shape. The photo below is the latter:

Guinness World Record – had their team here for our annual Paddlefest. If we assembled over 1200 human powered craft on the river at the same time we’d earn a slot in the book. At somewhere near 1800 we beat it handily. In fact, if I have it correctly, an early (dawn) group of scheduled 15-mile racers were already off the water and thus were probably not counted.

Here are a few pictures of the event. You might see some rain drops in a few pictures. This is due to a thunderstorm, including lightning, which caused the Coast Guard and various other Safety boats clear us off the water for a time.

Going Full Power – with startup (or is it upstart) Valar Atomics. It would appear that everything these days deals with data and Ai. And the next piece of the Ai puzzle appears to revolve around the need for power. Since, assuming that all the hurdles are cleared it will take a full decade to bring a power plant online.

Staying ahead of competition is the big deal and to do that the name of the game is; power, power, power. Keeping that in mind the solution Valar Atomics is offering is huge.

Groceries – Every so often in these Ramblings you’ll hear me blather on about some event or find at a grocery(?) store called Jungle Jim’s. I’ve never even come close to seeing a place like Jungle Jim’s.

Tevita will find any specialty item he requires to make a Tongan dish. I can find anything I am looking for, be it a Dutch or Indonesian dish. People drive for hours to the place.

Yesterday afternoon Marcia and I came across this interview with ‘Jungle’ Jim and the people around him that make the place work. I thought I’d share the video with any out of towners.

Quotation – a sharp tête-à-tête between: Sir Winston Churchill and George Bernard Shaw who offered Churchill a pair of tickets for Shaw’s next evening’s reading. Shaw told Churchill to bring a friend, “if you can find one.” Churchill, ever the quick thinker promised he’d attend the reading and replied: “if there is one.”

These two men’s tongues were daggers

This week’s Interlude – Given the right moment and I can find myself immersed in any one of a myriad of musical genres (except for Rap). This week I’ll let you know that I quickly learned to appreciate the singer I am featuring this week. Many a mile was driven with one of her CDs in the car’s player.

Raised in her grandmother’s brothel she started her career singing on street corners. As her talent became noted she eventually began collaborating with the likes of Maurice Chevalier and Yves Montand. She appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, Carnegie Hall, and the Moulin Rouge multiple times (I was fortunate to see a show at Moulin Rouge on business travels).

Born Édith Giovanna Gassion (a hint). According to singer/actor Charles Aznavour, her funeral procession was the only time since the end of World War II that the traffic in Paris had come to a complete stop. Hint number two, her singing style is labeled as being a cabaret style chanteuse.

Remember, no cheating on the answer – listed below so you can confirm being correct.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

“Walk Like and Egyptian” the song and the accompanying moves were made hugely popular by Steve Martin during his SNL stint. But, other than sand, pyramids, mummies, and Lynxes, the ancient Egyptians had a very sophisticated culture. Which two (2) of the noted items were NOT a part of an ancient Egyptian’s home as part of their day-to-day life?

1. Pots
2. Stone Pillows
3. Sun Glasses
4. High Heels
5. Woolen Socks
6. Cosmetics and Perfumes
7. Board Games
8. Tweezers

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 7
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Edith Piaf, song: “Non, je ne regrette rien” (No, I regret nothing)

Finally, slipping into Gear

Happy Saturday Morning – Another Saturday, another weekend, praise be. If I were to keep track of weekend comings and goings it would not be via coffee – that’s a seven day a week event. So, I raise my mug to all of you, cheers to my readers wherever you may be (even for those who are through the magic of time zones already well into Sunday). Happy Saturday!

First on this week’s list of Ramblings is the fact that there will NOT be a Rambling’s post next week. Next week Saturday it’s Ohio River Paddlefest 2026 and by 7:00AM Jason and I will be at the riverbank ready to kayak on our 10-miles of absolute river fun.

Going Sailing – Too many hours watching the very best soccer I’ve seen. Both our USA and Dutch teams dive out of the tournament’s back door: way too early. Still, it was great while they were on the pitch putting on a show.

It was with much World Cup hoopla that the Dutch fandom sailed their Big Orange Bus across the ocean and into Galveston, TX. Now it was time to head home. Below is a little loop put out by a TV station (with no audio) as the bus pulled into the Galveston docks for its return voyage.

Since there was no sound with the video, click on the audio track below and then while listening put the video on a loop. No wet eyes!

Credentials – It’s finally beginning to happen. Tomorrow, I head for the nearby village of Morrow to pick up my credentials and get informed on anything new for the 2026 Cincinnati Open which starts early August.

I should mention that the property for the Open is 40 acres and contains 30 tennis courts not including the Center Court and Grand Slam courts. That much space also requires that there are restaurants, stages, and lots of seating to just sit and relax. So much fun, and for me it all begins tomorrow.

Groceries – In order to get Marcia out of the house a bit more I’ve started to use a scheme daughter Adrianne introduced to us. As a busy mom she swears by it, and now I concur that It’s wonderful. Here is how it works; I call it “click-shopping”.

Marcia and I open the Kroger web page. We click on any wanted items appearing on our previously purchased list. Enter any new items not on that list. Then we just enter our preferred pickup time, drive over, click our bay number, and pop the trunk.

Magically everything is placed in the trunk and we hear a hearty; “Thank You.”

How easy is that?

The last time I set the pickup time to coincide with dinner-out at Marcia’s favorite; Chick-Fill-A. That ‘Chick’ happens to be immediately across from the food pickup area. It can’t get better and Marcia gets a little out-and-about!

Quotation –  Jo Kenny, ‘Cook it Eat it Live it’
“Don’t spend your life ordering the salad and waiting to be offered the fries.”

This week’s Interlude – Today’s singer recorded this piece when she was a hot, young twenties, newcomer; she is still performing today. During her beginnings I paid little attention to her material, now that I am more ‘mature’ this number from around 1977 I’ve revived it onto my ‘should listen to’ list. Why You ask? Well, it’s this duet sung with Chris Norman which with more maturity has given that number a whole new meaning, especially with my efforts to stay in shape and work out with regularity. Yup, I’m stumbling on.

There is a hint buried in all of the above. Enjoy the one-minute beginning. If you like it, it can be found on Spotify. The answer and title can be found below, but before you ‘peek’, try to get the answer on your own (i.e. NO Ai).

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Ok, so some of you know that in part I paid for my college life by bartending, beer joints, for the national Governor’s conference, upscale restaurants, and even the Pink Pony lounge at the Chippawa Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.
Last year I volunteered hosted the bourbon tastings at last year’s Cincinnati River Roots Festival in northern Kentucky.

Let it be said that I do enjoy a ‘wee’ dram of whiskey now and then, including a nice single malt from Scottland and Ireland. So, here is the question for this week; what, from the list below, is the Gaelic meaning for Whiskey:

1. Drinkable water
2. Angel’s Glory
3. Intoxicating drink
4. Cow-beer
5. Dew of the Highlands
6. Spray of the Skye
7. Water of Life

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 8
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Suzi Quatro singing with Chris Norman “Stumblin’ In”

For the love of Tennis

Happy Saturday Morning – Enjoying my Saturday morning coffee it’s still quiet and peaceful. It’s “the peaceful” piece that needs to be front and center.

It was Benjamin Franklin who, looking ahead at the nation he had just helped form, stated; “We have a republic, if you can keep it.” Hence, it’s the wisdom of that heavyweight of the founders of our nation, Benjamin Franklin, who peered into a future we should reflect on. While it’s peaceful I should add.

Dinner time last evening (and we’re high up in the basin where the ‘Nati sits) so while flooding was not an issue for us, a heavy rain made our roadway and sidewalk look like a fast-flowing river. It only took minutes before mobiles began to wail their Emergency Alert.

Most traffic ground to a halt. ‘All’ except for UPS and Prime, they kept on going, staying right on track.

A Guinness Record? – Two weeks from today Jason and I will be kayaking the Ohio River. The Ohio River Paddlefest is a Cincinnati tradition which has long been recognized as the nation’s largest paddling celebration with around 2,000 participants. This year the sponsors, Adventure Crew (a nonprofit organization that connects city teens to nature and each other through outdoors activities) is ‘hell-bent’ trying to get the event into the Guinness Book of World records.

The run is just shy of 10 miles and at one point passes downtown (great views). Luckily, we’re going westward – makes paddling somewhat easier.

Jason and I did Paddlefest several years ago when he went in his canoe along with Marin and I was alongside in my Kayak.

This year we’ll use the paddle to memorialize Marin and give thanks for the too short a time we had together.

Starship – Last evening I had the good fortune to tune in at the right time to watch the test flight 12 of the completely redesigned Starship.

The thrust has to be amazing so I checked with Ai (Grok). Using as a base point the Boeing 747-8 4-engine aircraft fitted with the latest locally produced here in Evendale GE GEnx-2B engines set at full takeoff power, and accounting for differences such as ‘sea level’, it’s comfortably equivalent to seeing 70 – 80 of such aircraft taking off simultaneously.

AMAZING!

Cincinnati Open — Last summer I was involved with both FIFA’s Club World Cup 2025 and the Cincinnati Open. Loved both! The excitement, the pace, and the people all made my involvement a lifetime memory. Again, this year I was offered a slot in the Hospitality Suites Tower which looks over both the P&G Center Court and the Grand Slam Court. Much of what’s involved is interacting with people and an occasional problem-solving minute. I’m practicing getting ready for it all; shaking hands wherever possible for starters.

The Cincinnati Open is the oldest U.S. tennis tournament still held in its original city. This year there will be 96 world ranked singles players for a total of 153 entries across the ATP and WTA Tours. With all of that, 38 different nations will be represented. You can see, mid-August I’ll be a busy lad.

Worldwide there are 4 Grand Slam events. Cincinnati does not possess official Grand Slam status, but we are immediately beneath that status ranking as an elite Masters 1000 event for men and a WTA 1000 event for women. Sitting directly below the four Grand Slams in importance, it makes this event a pivotal lead-up to the US Open.

If anyone has plans to attend, please look me up or make contact prior and we’ll catch up.

This week’s Interlude – Watching a performance by composer-songwriter-musician Kishi Bashi perform his breakout composition, “Atticus, In the Desert”, is where I was introduced to today’s featured musician. Kashi has performed at many venues including the Kennedy Center. The attached video is of him doing a warmup preparing for the SXSW (South by Southwest Festival) in Austin, TX. The soloist’s seen in the piece’s real name is Mike Savino.

Your question this week is to give Savino’s stage name; in the video he’s seen playing his “Banjotron 5000“. When not playing with Bashi he usually performs as a “one-man psychedelic indie-folk orchestra” (Wikipedia) under his stage name.

Now best get ready for the bronze, 3rd place, match of the current FIFA World Cup. Game between France and England at 5:00pm. Then tomorrow it’s the tip of the mountain game starting at 3:00pm between Argentina and Spain.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

You know that piece of common wisdom; ‘companies come and companies go’. It’s a fact that a high percentage of startups fail to stay in business for more than a couple of years. However, there are companies and their brands which have been a staple fixture in our nation’s ‘stable’ of well-known names for decades. In fact, one of the following brands has been around since Thomas Jefferson was our President. On this list, which is the oldest brand/company.

1. Jell-O
2. Ivory
3. Nike
4. LL Bean
5. Colgate
6. 3M
7. Fruit of the Loom
8. Red Wing Shoes.

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 8
Answer, this week’s Interlude: ‘Tall Tall Trees’ is Savino’s stage name, he solo’s with Kishi Bashi’s “Atticus in the Desert”

A/C but not Europe

Happy Saturday Morning – we’re back on track! This week Marcia and I joined ‘some’ people in their chase: the ‘some’ people line comes from the sage words uttered by ‘some’ anonymous wag:
“Some people chase happiness. I chase well-cooled rooms in July.”

Starting Tuesday morning, we felt the HVAC fan pushing out air that got warmer and warmer by the minute. It wasn’t all that long before the room temperature exceeded 80; that’s when I felt like a European.

By then I’d already received notification that a repair team stood at the ready – between the hours of 8 and 10 next FRIDAY morning. I tried a couple more ‘heat-hero’ companies and got similar stories. With careful window treatments adjustments, we did survive the 90’s temperature last week. Now, meaning as of the Friday morning’s fix, all is well!

By Friday afternoon Marcia was complaining that “it’s cold!”

Doing it Right – The company that came out for our A/C repair did it right. Twenty minutes prior to the tech’s arrival I received this text with an attached photo of ‘my’ tech:

“Hi Dirk Pastoor,
We wanted to let you know that G*** M*** is on the way.
G*** is a skilled HVAC Service Technician from Cincinnati, OH, who has worked at Thomas & Galbraith since June 2022. He proudly holds his Kentucky HVAC Journeyman License along with Nate, EPA and OSHA 10 Certifications. In his free time, he enjoys basketball and all other sports.”

On a more somber note, yesterday I got word that my French cousin, Guillaume (‘Jan Willem’ in Dutch), had passed. He lived his adult life in Lisieux Normandie. Apparently, he passed peacefully while asleep after having spent time with friends the previous evening. RIP Guillaume.

Guillaume with George, Sandy, and Dirk at Joe’s Stone Crab restaurant, Miami Beach

The Remains – mid-week it would have been Marin’s birthday. That very morning my mail contained a notice from Spring Grove Cemetery letting me know that that very evening there would be a live concert in their Rose Garden. On the stage would be the 1960s 70s and on music performed by a group going by the name of “The Remains”. They are local and first were seen nationally on The Ed Sullivan Show in December 1965.

Marcia chose not to go, Adrianne came over to chat with her mom, and I made it out to hear The Remains. In a sense it was an odd way to celebrate Marin’s birthday, but considering it all, it was the perfect way.

Screenshot

Being there by his resting place, listening to my favorite music on that special summer evening, made me remember this thought: music and laughter form the shortest distance between people who love one another, now and forever. Love you bunches kid.

“I know a bank where the wild Thyme blows where Oxlips and the nodding Violet grows”
William Shakespeare

Insight – Our Monty Python hero, John Cleese explains football versus soccer. This is because I understand that some of my readers are a bit unsure on the differences between the two sports. Hence, I am inserting this here now that the 2026 World Cup games are reaching their crescendo. Cleese, as is his usual style, makes perfect sense:

Now that you understand all of the football/soccer differences, here is an introduction to each of your 2026 Fifa cup favorite players. Sit back for 6 minutes and watch footwork ‘par excellence.’ Footwork like you’ve never seen.

Just remember that there will be two great games, one at 5:00pm & another at 9:00pm ET on Fox TV

Food Pantry – on the radio the Reds baseball organization announced that anyone coming to the game bring a nonperishable food item. This reminded me of Marcia’s Doctor’s office. There, once you reach a ‘certain’ age one of the social questions asked is whether or not your food needs are being met.

But it gets better!

Last Doctor’s visit while at the counter setting up a future appointment behind us the door to a walk-in closet was open. Staff there were busy working to restock a wide array of food items. Marcia’s Doctor’s office is also a food pantry!

They really take the “are you experiencing any food issues” question seriously. You gotta love it!

This week’s Interlude – During the 1970s and 80s there were probably a handful of songs which aside from being played over and over on radio, were on every stack of your player’s 45 singles, and sung – way too loud – driving car (no AC and arm out the window). This week we lost one of the members of that entourage. Your hint is the singer was born Gaynor Hopkins and not in the USA. The name and song title are found below. Complete songs can be found on Spotify and others.

Now I need to just stay calm and wait. Brother Art is traveling between California and Doylestown, PA. (it’s a long story). The plan is for him to stop by later today for a hearty meal and a hug or two.

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Marketing is a huge part of how we navigate our day. Most of us understand that watching auto advertisements, hotel wonders, and the latest clothing trends gets us motivated in their desired direction. What we overlook is the degree to which grocery stores manipulate our food purchases. Here is a list of ways we’re being influenced. Which on this list is not normally a psychological strategy conducive to what you end up buying.

1. Last minute coupon release
2. 2 for $$, or any multiple items for a single price
3. Consolidate items like marshmallows with chocolate
4. No price change just a new, glitzy big, tag on the shelf
5. Needed items nowhere near the front
6. High-cost items always at eye level
7. Free Samples
8. Must have quick pick-up items near checkout.

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 7
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Bonnie Tayler “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?”

250

Happy Saturday Morning – Since this weekend is our nation’s 250th, I’ll kick it off by counting the period from the first of this year in a vigesimal counting manner. Ok, so in that fashion, I hope you’ll have a wonderful celebration, on this nine score plus 5 days. This is how President Lincoln would have expressed it.

Here’s some Black Coffee to get my (and your) morning started

GOOOOOOOOAL – I am still trying to gain my breath back from watching the team from tiny Cape Verde stay toe-to-toe with the reigning champions from the last World Cup, Argentina. !Wow

What I watched last evening had to be soccer’s version of ‘Rocky’. The way the contest is structured, there must be a winner and loser – no second chance. But sometimes the game itself is so good that to me and other spectators it was the game itself that was the winner.

Truly, it was the ‘Beautiful Game’ playing out.

“Pragtig” (as I would say in Dutch)

Psssst, Argentina 3 -2

Then, exactly one year ago I had the time of my life. Ah, for the memories.

A Reading – Today, for only the second time in 100 years there will be a public reading of the Declaration of Independence in downtown’s Washington Park. A great venue as you can see from this concert that I attended last year.

The list of readers is varied. You’d expect the perfunctory list of ‘blowhard’ politicos – and there are some. But how about Jeff Berding, co-executive director of FC Cincinnati our professional soccer team to Dr. Lakshmi Kode Sammarco, MD is, who since 2012 has been the Hamilton County Coroner and a board certified neuroradiologist. She is recognized nationally for her work, introducing the idea of “virtual autopsies” and who secured her office’s forensic investigation capability into a nationally recognized facility.

Then I must add, who my mother as a recent widow, babysat for a baby Lakshmi.

You gotta love this town.

Quotation – From an amazing elder statesman: “What exactly is your ‘fair share’ of what ‘someone else’ has worked for?”

and this
“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.”

Dr. Thomas Sowell, Economist, Historian, Social Theorist, who celebrated his 96th birthday this past week.

Cold Breakfast – We’re experiencing a week of ‘real-feel’ temperatures of higher than 100. Thus, the smart thing to do is enjoying cold breakfasts. It was our Kirstin who alerted me to the fact that Costco had an oats variant which is prepared by cold cooking – on Sale. Then this item is enjoyed with either a spoon or drinkable straight from its overnight place in the refrigerator.

Since summer heat has kicked in, I’ve been enjoying my morning oats. More importantly, I have implemented the perfect hack to get a perfect mix I enjoy and which avoids having to buy envelopes with a corporate blended mix. All it took was for regular rolled oats to spend 5 seconds in my coffee grinder along with some protein powder, cinnamon, and Chia seeds, then a night in the frig.

This week’s Interlude –

I am certain you’ll guess this singer’s name; the trick this week is to come up with the name of the song. Check if you’re correct. A hint, this is the perfect day to hear him sing it. The name and song title are found below. Complete songs can be found on Spotify and others.

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk
BONUS POINTS:

This week was the start of the Wimbledon Championships classic in the UK. This tennis contest, around since the late 1800s also mandates all white clothing be worn as homage to its beginnings. Those early tennis balls were also white, and this was a concern to spectators and to the judges as they ‘disappeared’ against the all-white. It was Sir David Attenborough then with the BBC who suggested that dyed balls be introduced (Optic Yellow was selected). What was the year this changeover happened?

1. 1955
2. 1967
3. 1958
4. 1963
5. 1974
6. 1977
7. 1981

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 6
Answer this week’s Interlude: Ray Charles, “America the Beautiful”

Things & Phases

Happy Saturday Morning – After a week where you, my readers, had a breather from these Ramblings, for me it was an unwanted interruption. Starting last Friday, I lost my WiFi connection. Both the modem and router were fine; the problem was with my laptop.

Late Friday I got back to try and figure out what was going on. It didn’t take that long to find the culprit; in the Device Manager, I found that the “Killer Wireless Network Adaptor” driver had a malfunction.

Easy fix.

‘Easy fix’, except for the fact that it was now well into World Cup2026 matches and Father’s Day weekend. All that was required was for me to download a fresh driver.

Monday, after getting Marcia settled, I shot up to Micro Center to buy the dongle I required to connect a RJ-45 cable to the laptop and gain wired connectivity.

So, no worry, all is good! All good, except for the fact I now need to pause one more time; this time to pour my morning coffee.

Simplicity – Have you ever taken note of something we all have lived with since childhood? ‘Something’ such as those great bits of childhood fun that caused excitement, comradery, arguing and making up, got new friendships, and kept us out till dusk and moms with the old battle cry; “DINNER”, rang out?

We called it a variety of things, races, battles, teams or whatever; but whatever we called, they were games. Simplistic fun games.

This past week I heard an advertisement on the radio which offered more than just playing backyard “Beanbag-Toss”. With great background music the radio pushed all to join up with some national Beanbag-Toss federation. I suspect that by ‘joining’ you’d be eligible for properly sanctioned boards, bean bags, and of course specific team clothing and the like.

You’d get everything while simultaneously losing out on fun. Why? Well, just think, a Federation needs authority at the top alongside lawyers and marketing folk, not to forget training of referees etc. Whoops, can’t forget the rules, new rules, added rules every year.

Give me the fun I received playing the simplistic games of my youth alongside a ton of learning.

Phases – Life continues non-stop. For ease of pointing out where we are along that continuum, we’ve cleverly organized into a series of groupings. The common groupings are, infant, toddler, child, grade schooler, high school, etc. Then things like newlyweds, the working years, and retirement.

There is a phase which I call the wedding years. That period where we ourselves might jump into that fray. In any case, for a while it appears that barely a month or so passes by without someone, we’re close to, expecting us to show up at their wedding. It’s a time when your dancing shoes wear out and the champagne flows freely.

And then it stops.

Mostly. There are a few ’round two’ events.

Now I’ve entered the season of the loss! Since the New Year I’ve lost two family members Marin and Carolyn. Add to that the loss of my college roommate, Gary V, and the project partner for my Graduate school Comparative Study project, Detlef M.

Then this past weekend I received word that my dear friend, Ron S. had passed after a brief but vicious illness. To Ron I owe the amazing position I held until my retirement; this came after he urged the President of the Company I ended up working for to sit down for dinner with me. ‘The rest is history’ as that old and trite saying goes.

RIP all.

It was as our Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who wrote this witticism in 1789; “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Neither are easy, both are painful.

Burial – Dave Allen (David Tynan O’Mahony, 1936-2005) Irish comedian/satirist/actor mentioned that in old Irish Catholic tradition, on each day the first burial had the deceased head straight for Heaven. Here is how it would play out:

WC2026 – It’s been a week of soakings, soaking on soccer that is; World Cup 2026. Last evening Marcia even got ready for another round, (Uruguay vs Spain) by downing a dish of Fluffermutter ice cream before the game even started.

Having said that, even I think that watching three games per day is over the top. When I finally got to bed a little after midnight Friday morning I promised myself that this needed to stop. So, last evening I did not watch the scheduled 11:00pm game — New Zealand – Belgium.

Other than a ‘love’ for coffee I have minimal patience for those hooked on stuff, including soccer. Even worse is watching a game with pranksters.

This week’s Interlude – Every so often we all have a moment here and there where we want something to tap our toes to. Tap your toes without resorting to some old tune we loved long ago. So, here is something probably new to you. This band started and is still based in Birmingham, UK.

And, as a hint, they founded and starred in the ‘Swingamajic’ music festival.

Good luck, remember to match both the group and the title piece to be correct. Make your guess a good one!

I hope you guess the band’s name. Check if you’re correct, the group’s name and song title are found below. Complete songs can be found on Spotify and others.

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Just about 160 years ago the Russian Empire was hurting for cash after their Crimean War. They had a chunk of remote land, a frozen chunk. Not only that, but by location it is awfully difficult to defend. Hence, under the stewardship of Secretary of State William H. Seward Alaska was purchased. The price was a pittance, even though opposition to the purchase termed it as “Seward’s Folly”. We had now acquired a slab landmass twice the size of Texas. Question, how much did we pay per acre for purchasing Alaska?

1. $1.25
2. $0.95
3. $2.73
4. $0.55
5. $0.12
6. $0.02
7. $1.02

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 7
Answer this week’s Interlude: Electric Swing Orchestra, “Empire”

What’s a FIFA?

Happy Saturday Morning – After a week where the “real-Feel” temperature hovered at 100 it’s turned cooler. In fact, the cooler mid-seventies temperatures will be with us all week. Today is glorious!

Already, the thought of a hot steaming mug of coffee (as soon as it’s finished perking) is a welcome thought. Either Marcia heard me or she smelled the coffee, but she too is up.

FIFA – This week’s Ramblings title asks, “What is FIFA?” Here is your answer, FIFA is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It was put together on May 1904 as the self-governing body of the differing nation’s soccer clubs. The name stands for the: Fédération Internationale de Football Association.

See what I learned last year when I volunteered for FIFA during last year’s FIFA Club World Cup 25? I had a blast and was invited to participate this year – would have had only the ‘Nati been selected as one of the host cities.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JUNE 25: FIFA President Gianni Infantino meets with FIFA Club World Cup 2025 volunteer Dirk Pastoor at TQL Stadium on June 25, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

GOOOOOOOOAL – Soccer World Cup play is underway. Last evening team USA filleted Paraguay 4 – 1.
I guess we’re in the mix for real.

Though I am really waiting for the game tomorrow at 4:00 my time in Dallas; Netherlands vs Japan. As an original FIFA member, it’s about time that the Netherlands climb the World Cup ladder. As the Dutch are wont to say; “at the wedding over and over, always a bridesmaid.”

This could be the year; they do have a very good team. But then, there is always Poland trying to block the door. And Poland is surrounded by her bouncers; Argentina, Spain, France, England, and Portugal.

Faith my boy, have faith! Let the Lion ROARRRR!

Sabotage – It not any secret that I think highly of the older Citroën automobile. This is especially true for the years of Citroën’s president, Pierre-Jules Boulanger. Under his leadership the 2 cylinder Deux Chevaux (2CV) was conceived and the big T45 already in production.

The French were producing their T45 busses. The Germans ordered them to turn it into a heavy-duty flatbed truck which had many absolute firsts, most notably was a ‘special’ oil dipstick.

World War II, broke out and the Nazi’s ordered Citroën to produce vehicles for their military. Had Boulanger refused it would have meant death or some prisoner camp. If overt sabotage were to take place it meant a similar outcome with a real possibility that the factory be closed and workers would be out of work.
Boulanger the engineer went to work.

They devised several potential bits, the one they implemented was brilliant. Boulanger ordered that the high-low oil level markers on all dipsticks be micro ‘adjusted’. There was no noticeable change to the vehicle. However, by the time the oil showed low, internal engine and piston damage had already occurred. It wasn’t long before the Citroën T45s began to fail frequently and miserably.

The Nazi’s were suspicious of something but never really discovered what was going on. By war’s end Boulanger was suspected and on their ‘black’ i.e. pick him up for any possible excuse list. Boulanger survived the war.

Segrada – Approximately 20+ years ago Marcia and I spent a few days in Barcelona. Aside from seeing a four-masted cruise ship up close to where it was tied to a pier in the harbor. Topless beaches and spandex clad (mostly fat as me) Germans. And a team of two guys popping open a car trunk at a traffic light and running off with suitcases. The couple inside the car looked absolutely nonplussed and had no inkling what had gone on until the perps were long gone. But that was not the best.

The best for me was Barcelona’s Sagrada Família cathedral. Designed by architect Antoni Gaudí 144 years ago, it’s exterior was completed this month marking 100 years since architect Antoni Gaudí’s death.

I couldn’t talk Marcia into climbing the main tower, so I went by myself, climbing up as high as was allowed. It was a stunningly memorable experience. What we both were enthralled with was the structure’s exterior. Gaudi did not want any straight lines on the building – something he achieved. The structure and the experience were truly awesome!

Quotation – Anne Frank was born on yesterday 97 years ago (June 12, 1929), in Frankfurt, Germany. The monsters who took her short life did not even come close to stifling her brilliant insights.

Here is a favorite Anne Frank quotation: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

This week’s Interlude –

Good luck, remember to match both the group and the title piece to be correct. Here’s a hint, I learned to love this music over the years of travel.

I hope you guess the band’s name. Check if you’re correct, the group’s name and song title are found below. Complete songs can be found on Spotify and others.

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

We all remember or read to little ones Nursery Rhymes. These rhymes have come down through the ages. Many assume they’re just happy, joyful, catchy ditties. Many claim they have hidden meanings of war, murder, death, and religious persecution. Closer study seems to find most of them do not have any dark or deep meaning. On the list below, which one might have an inkling of truth that it does hold a secret:

1. Humpty Dumpty
2. Mary Had a Little Lamb
3. Who Killed Cock Robin?
4. Ring Around the Rosie
5. London Bridge Is Falling Down
6. Jack and Jill
7. Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 5
Answer this week’s Interlude: Buena Vista Social Club, “Chan Chan”