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)