SuperAging

SuperAgers – “SuperAgers” are defined as adults over age 80 who have the memory abilities at least at the level of individuals 20-30 years younger.”

More on ‘SuperAger’ below – just keep the quote in your mind for now

Now that September is here and the NCAA and NFL are in full swing, I thought I’d start it all off with one of my favorite ‘sports’ one liners:
Quotation – “What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on here?!” ? Slim Pickens in his role as Taggart, a henchman in Mel Brooks’ Blazing Saddles (1974)

Happy Saturday Morning – It’s almost a scary thing. Wake up with the streetlights still on, and there parked out front, is a car I’d not seen before in all its glittering Nitro-Blue glory. It’s almost too much.

There now, with coffee in hand I can slide more quietly into Fall. Last Sunday evening the city bade farewell to summer with a stunning display of fireworks. Even on my way home, I believe my ribcage was still vibrating. ”Quite the spectacle it was”, as Joda would say.

Words – Seeing a photo of a passenger duct taped to his seat I glanced at the accompanying TMZ article:

“Our sources tell us the man was screaming about Jesus and going to hell, prompting a Black flight attendant to walk over and attempt to calm the situation.
We’re told the man called the flight attendant the n-word and (he) also hurled anti-gay remarks using the f-word. Our sources say the man’s behavior became more intense and violent as he hit the passenger next to him….”

I am certain that 9 out of my 3 readers have seen this article, however, I have a bit of an add-on spin on the matter.

Reading this TMZ piece I began to wonder how long it’ll be before substitute letters used as place holders for the actual word will be outlawed. How will the news articles manage writing an article where writing the ‘f-word’ or ‘n-word’ too will be deemed so inappropriate, so offensive, each causing such microaggressions so as to not being allowed in print?

See the path we’ve embarked upon?

As an aside, realize that the complete ‘n-word’ itself is perfectly appropriate when used in much of today’s Rap music. Bizarre, isn’t it?

Quotation – “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” anonymous

A Symposium – Sure, it took planning, but Thursday at the Oasis center in nearby Loveland I attended a Symposium – mostly professionals who needed their professional credit hours, I was one of a small cadre of plain folk seeking to learn a bit.

Symposiun for Elder Care Professionals & Our Community

A total and wonderful surprise came prior to the start of the event. Coffee in hand, I made the rounds looking at each of the 57 exhibitors’ tables at the event. Then, looking up, there was my daughter-in-law Cathy. Seeing her in her work environment and the chats here and there we had during the event absolutely made my day!

Several highlights filled the day, each with a keynote style address and Breakout sessions.

A. A legal session dealing with the representation of those with diminished capacity. Creating awareness of all the little nooks and crannies to maneuver through the various trip points when it comes to individual and family desires and the law.
B. Dealt primarily with a guide to Dementia management. This became a realistic resource for people living with dementia and their caregivers.
C. This was a highlight by a Dr. Molly Mather, PhD. She discussed a 25-year ongoing long style research study on who exactly are the “SuperAgers” and what lessons are we learning. Should you want to dig a little more, here is the link at Northwestern University
D. As a late selection I choose a Breakout to gain insight into the offerings of the Pace Association. It’s primarily for those who want to stay in their home. Who with some assistance are able to stave off a residential facility. Pace is all over the nation and if of interest just search Pace Association in your system’s search bar.

So, what did I learn? I learned that it’s never too late to stick with healthy habits, explore the new, stay active (sweat a little), keep on learning, eat healthy, stay engaged, stay involved, and do what I struggle with – get enough sleep.

In other words, for us wondering how best to move along the elder path we need to continue to love our brain!

As Maya Angelou once said; “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This week’s Interlude – Will be a ‘Yes’ moment when you realize the name of the piece. It was released in 1969 (the golden age of Rock) and it was difficult to not enjoy a bit of sing-along whenever it popped up on my car’s little AM radio. When you click on the attached audio snippet is that very popular song as performed by Maynard Ferguson with Jazz Horn.

Hint: The original group to record the piece was West Coast American and helped to introduce mainstream audiences to writers such as Harry Nilsson, Randy Newman, Paul Williams. Still stuck? A desperation Hint: The name of the group references staying warm on a cold night.

Good luck, I know you’ll get it right!

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

The photo below I took at the last Sunday Riverfest finale and thought it would be good visual close for this week’s Ramblings.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk
BONUS POINTS:

Almost 100% of our population deems Education as being important for quality of life as overall welfare, and I could go on. Recently all our 50 states were ranked by WalletHub. The ranking considered academic ranking relating to student performance, funding, safety, class size, and instructor credentials.

It might be interesting to ‘fish’ which State is the lowest ranking in their nation’s education rankings.

1. “Oklahoma”
2. “North Dakota”
3. “Alabama”
4. “Maine”
5. “Alaska”
6. ”New Mexico”
7. “Florida”
8. “Hawaii”

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 4
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Maynard Ferguson: “Eli’s Comin” released by Three Dog Night in 1969

Pyrotechnics All Over

Happy Saturday Morning – ‘Ach du Lieber’, another week, another month. The Association for Psychological Science has looked at “The Fluidity of Time.” As they wrote, and as we all understand; “time flies when we’re having fun. It drags when we’re bored. Sometimes it’s on our side; other times it’s racing against us.”

This week my brother George had a very momentous (should I say somber?) ‘0’ ending birthday. I am certain he’s beginning to experience that for us geezers, time is not on our side. Luckily our coffee machine has switched its ‘Regular’ – ‘Bold’ setting with a ‘Slow’ – ‘Fast’ button (no, not really).

As I lift my fast-percolated, steaming, mug of java; Cheers.

School’s on – and as we hear that, especially in our high schools and college campuses, our kids’ actual learning programs are buried inside a load of Woke and ‘Progressive’ drivel. It’s surprising then that islands of common sense can still be found. One such campus is Tuskegee. Tuskegee University President Dr. Mark Brown, Air Force major general retired, stated; “Raise the bar, students will reach it.” Yes, raise the bar! This almost sounds like a bad afterthought from some forgotten generation.

Dr. Brown continued by explaining that “banning durags and bonnets in classrooms is part of a broader push for student success and job readiness.” Yes, at Tuskegee proper business attire in the classroom is a requirement.

If nothing else, those simple mandates by Dr. Brown change the whole tenor of and preparedness attributes to all their school endeavors. Yes, raise the bar! Even though today this almost seems like a bad afterthought.

Quotation – “My [physician assistant] reminds me that although I have a PhD in physics, women should remain a mystery.” ? Dr.Stephen Hawking, arguably the most recognized physicist of the last century and author of ‘A Brief History of Time’, passed of a motor neuron disease in 2018.

The Crave – Yesterday, Friday, was one of those days. On the surface it was absolutely quiet. Behind that facade there was a bit more of a hubbub. Back up to Wednesday evening, I was at Walgreen’s. Leaving the place I climbed back into our trusty Corolla beater – key in – and nothing. Thankfully Adrianne swung by with her car; it was in the mid-nineties, A/C on wheels was wonderful. Soon AAA was at the scene. Ruling that the battery was just fine, the verdict was to tow it to my garage. Thankfully, AAA handled it all. I gave the guy the name of my garage and he hid the car’s key somewhere while organizing the tow online. At 9:30, at home, I was texted that the car was placed safely at the garage.

Fast forward to Thursday. The original factory installed starter was deemed ‘kaput’. They’d start work later in the day.

Fast forward to Friday. The phone rang and I answered; “Dirk, were there other issues with the car? Me; “no, why?” Garage, “the cable connecting the shifter is busted!”

Huh?

So, yesterday late afternoon all was good again with our little Corolla beater. That plus a few other things had me suggest to Marcia that rather than whirlwind through the kitchen I’d drive down the street to the nearby White Castle and quickly settle both our craving. Marcia jumped on it and I wasn’t opposed either.

Dinner was a sack of Cheese sliders and for good measure a batch of Onion Rings. This was our first White Castle visit since early last Fall and it tasted pretty good!

Fun Fact: Did you know that White Castle is the first fast-food chain to be installed with robotic fryers? Early model was the ‘Flippi’ it’s since advanced to the ‘Flippi 2’. Eventually these will be in the 350 White Castle locations. Perfect fries without a break has advanced Miso Robotics maker of the Flippi 2 to gain a foothold in the fast-food business.

Pyrotechnics – I think I have it worked out where I can go to the Riverbank tomorrow evening. I am told if I go, I’ll be with about half a million of my new friends. Sunday evening is the town’s Labor Day Fireworks show started by WEBN Radio 50 years ago. Because of the nation’s 250th and this event 50th it’s going to be all out.

The Western Southern/WEBN (102.7 FM) Fireworks show by local specialists Rozzi Fireworks, the pyrotechnic displays will last 50 minutes rather than last year’s 30 – all accompanied to a themed musical soundtrack broadcast on WEBN. Former company President Art Rozzi is one of my brother’s best friends – I’ve always had a soft spot for their magical shows.

Here’s what we’re in for aside from the extra 20 minutes of the extravaganza. Past years they’ve shot from 3-barges mid river, this year it’s from 6-barges. The show will be 360 degrees around, along from the barges there will be land locations both in Kentucky and Ohio, plus also from two of the Ohio River bridges.

Additionally, they’ve got a person dedicated to the grand finale piece and we’re being touted that this finale will be the largest ever in the nation. Add a Drone show and it’ll be HUGE. I love this stuff!

PS, wanna hear the accompanying soundtrack wherever you are? Climb on the iHeart radio app and load 102.7 WEBN at 9:00 PM Eastern Time,

This week’s Interlude – This week’s ‘Interlude’ exposes a bit of a secret like of mine, Outlaw Country. The singer careened around somewhat until he was in his thirties when he lost a marriage and both parents due to drugs and alcohol.

Hint; it was the short lived phenom guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan, who first took him to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Now, still playing with his son as the lead guitarist he just released a new album.

Enjoy this small piece of one of his better-known songs. I am looking for you to successfully provide the singer’s name and the song title – no cheating!

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

Enjoy!

And finally, the heat wave is breaking. Yesterday as it’s been the whole week, the Real-Feel temp climbed past the 100-degree mark. Today it’s dropping down into the upper eighties. Just thought you’d want to know.

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Any astronomers in the house? For years now the Hubble telescope has functioned and observed the heavens above. It’d even been repaired in space. A few years ago the James Webb telescope was sent a million miles out and since then been busy at work exploring the far outer reaches of the universe. A week ago, a 27engine Space X Falcon Heavy launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Between those telescopes and various satellites we keep researching our nearby planets. Building on earlier findings at Saturn’s north pole we’ve now discovered an unusual wave pattern in clouds above Saturn’s poles.

From AP Science: “Scientists have discovered an enormous ‘XX’-sided wave pattern in the icy ammonia clouds over Saturn’s south pole.” These are wave pattern possibilities, which one is correct

1. 17 sided north pole and 8 sided south pole
2. 12 sided north pole and 10 sided south pole
3. 3 sided north pole and 7 sided south pole
4. 6 sided north pole and 10 sided south pole
5. 4 sided north pole and 4 sided south pole

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 6
Answer, this week’s Interlude: Ray Wylie Hubbard; “Mother Blues”

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”