250th Kick-Off

Happy Saturday morning. No coffee! At least not till Marcia gets up, and this will be a while since I got an early start on the day. Having said that, no worry, you will get to read this morning’s Ramblings in a timely Saturday a.m. manner. (a.m. for Ante meridiem, Latin for ‘before midday’) So, sit back, watch, listen, read, and enjoy!

For more on this Latin bit read today’s ‘Bonus Points’.

Tuesday evening a single drumbeat started the evening, and the start of Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare for the Common Man. I was at our Music Hall where our Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Opera began what was the nation’s very first ‘kick-off’ beginning of our nation’s 250th anniversary. The ‘Nati began it all with a massive The Spirit of America Gala at Music Hall.

The Ohio River was the theme and thus the opening drum gave homage to the early natives who traded along the River. Celebrated were the African sounds and Blues music from southern slaves seeking freedom the river brought up from New Orleans. The orchestral sounds and Opera the European immigrants brought down the river to what was then the extreme edge of the settled new continent. With a Cincinnati harbor filled with flat bottom steamboats, the sights, smells, and sounds such as this by Aaron Copeland would fill the place:

Those sounds brought our town a vibrancy of music like none other on the continent – remember this was before Memphis and Nashville. In fact, a young Cincinnati youngster, Mamie Smith, recorded the very first ever black-female blues song. One year after releasing her groundbreaking record (1920) she came home and on the very stage our Pops orchestra now occupied and sang her hit – “Crazy Blues”.

WLW700 radio – Time moved on, and soon radio became any household’s ‘must have’. Locally, WLW700 was the biggest with its 500.000 watts transmitter (max for any station today is 50,000 watts). This caused most every entertainer to stop in the ‘Nati to perform and record since the WLW radio signal, from coast to coast, gave instant coverage. This had several studios spring up. The most innovative being King Records which quickly became the nation’s largest independent label. Syd Nathan owner was also the first studio to be fully integrated. Syd was referred to as the “happiest little, short man” and was heard to say; “white or black, it doesn’t matter, I just like green”.

So, it was King where James Brown’s career was launched. Aso from Cincinnati came some kids who recorded as “The Isley Brothers” of “Shout” fame. The Isley Brothers are the only act in history to hit the Billboard Hot 100 in six consecutive decades: The 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

So it was all of the above sitting in a hall with our full Pops Orchestra which led me to watching a baritone Opera singer singing and dancing The Twist while covered by a full Pops Orchestra. We watched the Ballet dancers, now in street clothes, lead us all in dancing to Shout – “a little softer now”.

What an evening!

Shenanigans rule – America’s River Roots festival is in full swing. The river is filled with churning paddle-wheelers. Sounds of the steam horns and Calliope music fill the air. And every so often a roaring canon kicks off another boat race – never a clear winner without shenanigans galore causing much delay and bickering before finally declaring the race’s winner. So much fun.

The scenery looking up and down the river is not to be forgotten. Thursday even with the big boats coming and going came a parade of probably close to 50 ‘Great Gatsby” era style wooden Chris Craft type boats.

I am a volunteer on the Kentucky side of the festival at The Bourbon Experience. Three ticketed events a day offer a roomful of people an hour and a half tasting and learning experience. Each is different and presented by a different local Bourbon distiller. People love it.

The music – is so critical to these events. A series of stages offer a variety of music throughout the day. Thursday evening outdoors on the River Adrianne and their house guest joined me to watch a favorite of ours, Over the Rhine who played along with The Newbees. I’ve always viewed them as a wonderful regional band. Hearing them again I am proclaiming the as a really good International Band: Karin Bergquist & husband Linford Detweiler form the duo. It even brought way back memories when they performed at nearby Sudsy Malone’s leaning on the clothes dryer – see, Malone’s located in nearby Corryville was not just a music venue but was also the neighborhood laundromat!

So, this ends the post for this week. It’s a little focused on a single subject but does reflect just how involved I am with the America’s River Roots festival. Plus, I do have to get ready to head out again – it’s a double shift today.

Happy entry into America’s 250th

Life is AMAZING! – what a time to be alive!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

You’ve probably accepted that Latin (used by the Romans) is really a dead language. The following are words the Romans used and we too use, but one is not. Which word is NOT Latin in origin?

1) “Alibi”
2) “Arena”
3) “Bonus”
4) “Video”
5) “Forum”
6) “Gift”
7) “Raptor”

It’s been eventful

Happy Saturday morning. This afternoon we’re off for a short walk around the corner. There, with the street blocked off, we’ll join our annual neighborhood block party. The weather will be sunny 83 and thus a perfect time to catch up with friends and acquaintances. Yesterday Marcia put out the ‘stuff’ that will become our mandatory side-dish offering.

But for now, I’ve started our morning coffee pot. Not really a fan of Starbucks (never have been), I couldn’t help but follow their somewhat urgent downsizing – by hundreds of stores. I suspect that this also means that a slew of ‘barista’s’ will be exploring other avenues. Bottom line, I am just happy that I buy the coffee bean, I grind the coffee bean, and I brew the result. And, as a bonus, the smell of fresh coffee wafting throughout our little condo beats anything Starbucks could offer.

Trickle Down Incompetence – These past weeks I’ve run across reference to both Federal and Local information which was either ‘classified’ or ‘held private’. Both, as in nearly all situations, should have been made completely transparent and available to a free people. But modern society has government which is so crazily overreaching that even the most mundane is held ‘classified.

Nearly 90 years ago the world opened newspapers and tuned in radios with bated breath to follow the adventures of Amelia Earhart, Aviation Pioneer, the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, and many other firsts. Trying to reach her fuel stop on an island in the South Pacific she disappeared while trying to be the first woman to fly around the world.

Now, as with every President since that mystery, the request to release the records of her ‘final’ trip was once again brought up. Last week Friday President Trump ordered those classified records released. My question is “why were these records held for 90 years? What was so critical to the safety of the nation to keep details lock and key? Why is government so preoccupied to classify almost everything?

My thinking is that none of it was due to some grand worry, concern, or some imposing plan. I think that what happened is that government is so overgrown that no one wants to just decide. To do something it needs to be run up and down the ladder. Not just THE ladder, but several hundreds of ladders. The result being a much easier (think of ‘safer’ to make) non-decision. Was this just another case of trickle-down incompetence?

Volunteering again – Mid-week America’s River Roots festival will get into full swing. Of the nine Tall Stack steamboat paddlewheel boats arriving the furthest to ply the nation’s river system is the Natchez out of New Orleans (1,100 miles). It’ll assemble the largest gathering of Tall Stack Riverboats in the nation. Add to this all sorts of music and foods, all having the makings for a grand time.

Then mid-week Wednesday my stint as a volunteer at the festival’s “Kentucky Bourbon Experience” will begin. While most of the activities will be on the Ohio side, the ‘Experience’ will take place in a 300’ riverfront tent in Newport Kentucky. From that vantage point I should have a wonderful view of all the boats and activities.

1000 miles – apart is Kirstin from here. Yet all last evening we were so together. How so?

Last evening Jon Batiste on the stage of Austin City Limits was live streamed. And it was an unbelievable show showcasing his amazing musicality with Jazz, Country, Rap, Classical, Gospel, Rock, and Blues; this incredible show was as good as I’ve ever seen. Also, I found out that his guitarist is just 22 years old. This last thought Kirstin shared as we kept texting back and forth.

Both of us watching the same show and sharing with each other each of the many “oohs” and “aahs” we experienced. This is what made the evening even more special.

So, here is what we watched. It’s the full concert (2-hours 18-minutes – actual concert starts at the 14-minute mark); only watch it when you have the time. Play on the largest screen you have. And if you have a sound bar be sure it’s on. Then, afterwards, be sure to thank Kirstin since she was the first to alerted.

Oh, Oh – And now I need to peek out the front door and find out why, in the dark, a Fire Engine is backing into our driveway.

Just got back inside after talking with the arriving Police. It appears someone is on next-door’s roof, shirtless, and thinking about jumping. Welcome to a regular morning at the Corner of Chaos & Mayhem.

An hour later: it appears that the ‘jumper’, now brought down and taken away by ambulance.

And since it’s now after eight o’clock I’ll park it for this week and post. Have a great week everyone.

Life is AMAZING! – what a time to be alive!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Who has not heard of Charles Dickens author (1812 – 1870)? But did you know that he invented words still in use? Which of these words came from Dicken’s imagination?

1) “whizz-bang”
2) “sassigassity”
3) “messiness”
4) “sawbones”
5) “comfoozled”
6) “mildewy”
7) “jog-trotty”

55

Happy Saturday morning. Last evening it was a quiet dinner at Marcia’s favorite neighborhood pub, Gordo’s Pub & Grill. While there we both clinked our glass of ice cold Grolsch Lager. Aside from this Lager being our favorite, it’s brewed in my birth-city of Enschede. It was last evening at Gordo’s we ‘clinked’ in our 55th anniversary!

This also means that we’ve been married 5-years longer than the Rocky Horror Picture Show movie which turns 50 today. Locally once a month, on a Friday starting at midnight, it’s still being shown. I’ve seen it twice, both without a costume, and seeing it, it’s still a hoot.

Today is a new day and an early one at that. I’m holding off making coffee till it’s a bit closer to Marcia’s getting-up-time. What I should do is make a quick mug of instant/fresh coffee Kirstin brought with her to Canada last weekend. Coffee that’s in a teabag like baggie with folded ‘wings’ on each side. Unfold the ‘wings’ and they grab the sides of a coffee mug, open the baggie and add boiling water. And that quick it’s great coffee.

4 Active Days – Kirstin and I had a marvelous few days at Northern Comfort. We (she) worked hard giving the place a major cleaning while I worked on the grounds. Then I had fun showing her the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of getting the place set for its winter hiatus.

Over afternoon coffee with our new neighbors, we were told that last year he went over to look at our place and that the snow was about 18” high on the roof. It’s hard to imagine.

Donn and Marlene took us on a boat ride around the lake on their new Bombardier Sea-Doo pontoon; wow, what a machine! Then, Marlene must have felt sorry for us, we were invited for dinner. It was so good to catch up.

On the final afternoon at the cabin, I pulled a Kayak and the Canoe Marcia won at Vai & Vili’s school’s auction. We circled the cove and heard a Beaver tail slap as we approached their lodge. This was followed by a pizza done on the grill.

All of the above was to keep the kitchen clean and have the place ready to pull the water the next morning.

So that morning we were at it by seven and at 10:30 were on the road. Two hours to the border, through border control, and a coffee at the Soo’s new Biggby Coffee shop (which I like better than Starbucks). Dropped Kirstin off at the little local airport (4 in/out flights a day) and set sail for the ‘Nati. At a fuel stop just past Flint Michigan my GPS said I’d arrive home at 10:16PM. Pulling off I-75 and waiting at the light a half mile from home, my car clock clicked 10:16. I am still blown away at just how accurate the technology is.

At home I dragged a large bag of garbage from the truck to our dumpster. This was trash from the cabin. Question to Paul, is it legal to bring your own trash from Canada into the USA? Asking for a friend.

Another Town Hall – Yesterday afternoon I spent with the next Governor of Ohio, Vivek Ramaswamy. Also, there was Cory Bowman (stepbrother of our Veep) who’ll be our next Mayor. Add to this group Independent Chris Smitherman and Gary Favors as candidates for City Council.

Finally, answers to questions that were based on COMMON SENSE!

A major part of the afternoon was spent on how best to deal with the crazy crime wave we’re experiencing. Several people who’d been affected were introduced. One lady, Holly, who was pounded on and kicked in the head at a bashing she received while leaving a restaurant as she tried to assist someone who was being pounded on. Still requiring a chair on stage, it was a powerful moment.

Cory Bowman stated that once he’s mayor he’ll hold a weekly Press Conference listing any perps and the name of the Judge who’s released that individual on one of those crazily minimal bonds. Great idea.

From friends and acquaintances, the answers are all the same, after years of being known as “The Queen City of the Midwest”, we’re now on a decade long downward slope and its high time for a clean sweep of our local government.

As an aside, our current “mayor” has yet to reach out to any of the victims and not yet made a substantive statement.

Did it again – Volunteering that is. In a couple of weeks, we’re holding something called; “America’s River Roots” festival. It’ll bring the largest national collection of Tall Stack Riverboats to the city along with a variety of cruises, music, cuisine, and the piece I’ll be involved in; The Kentucky “Bourbon Experience”. This is a 90-minute-deep dive into everything Kentucky Bourbon. Monday I’ll start learning all my duties to assist that it’s a great experience for all the attendees.

Quotation by Albert Einstein: “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.”

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

When Erika Kirk said she had forgiven the man who allegedly shot and killed her husband, Charlie Kirk, it caused actor Tim Allen to:

1) “begin reading through the entire Bible for the first time in his life”
2) “caused him to fall away from God”
3) “leave him cold”
4) “forgive the man who killed his father”
5) “acknowledge that he had a pound of cocaine while at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport”

3:00 AM

Happy Saturday morning. Earlier this week I woke up alert and ready for the day. Made a pot of coffee and turned on the radio then sat down to ease into the day. It wasn’t till that moment that I first looked at the clock and got shocked by the fact that it was 3:00AM.

Today it’s early, but not ridiculously early. Still dark and quiet and for the ‘Corner of Chaos and Mayhem’ that’s a delicious time. So, Good Morning!

Later this coming week I’ll head north to meet up with Kirstin where the two of us will head into Canada and our Northern Comfort. It’ll be a short visit primarily to check up on the place and make certain all is ready for the place to face the Canadian winter.

Having said that there will be some time to take in the Fall colors. Also, to sneak in some Kayak time in the cove! And spend Saturday on the area’s annual Sylvan Tour.

By now you can guess that next Saturday there will NOT be the regular weekly Ramblings. As my French cousin Guillaume would say, “sorry, so sorry”.

Sylvan Circle Artist & Artisan Tour – This, the 23rd annual tour has us follow a 100 km route through the Algoma countryside. We’ll stop at a number of villages where their community halls have opened to allow over 50 area artists to display/sell their wares. Some of the halls also offer food, while the backroads meander through gorgeous Fall colors. Anyway, now you know what Kirstin and I will be doing next Saturday.

Merely just shopping – Luckily nearby we have a foodie’s heaven, Jungle Jim’s International Market. Starting as a highway fresh food stand is now a two-location enterprise which necessitates a fold-out maps just to get around. Hundreds of types of sodas, over 1.400 different types of cheese. Need fresh vegetables or herbs from Yugoslavia, India, Argentina, or Polynesia, no problem you’ll find it there.

Where else could I have discovered a made in the Netherlands Gouda cheese infused with Indonesian spices?

To make Kirstin’s stay at the cabin a bit more special I thought I’d head over to Jungle Jim’s for three (as in 3) items I couldn’t get elsewhere. When I arrived back home, I saw Marcia’s eyes bulging wide open when I opened the trunk on her little car. Somewhere in one of the sacks she discovered the receipt. Remember I set out to purchase 3 items? Well, all I can say is that $220 worth of groceries buys more than three (as in 3) items.

It’s very easy to get lost in the place. Having said that, I did get Dutch salted herring filets (zoute haring), pumpernickel health bread (Dutch; Roggebrood), and Deventer Kruidkoek (ginger cake) as the three primary items. Then added a ‘few’ small wedges of differing cheeses plus some odds and ends.

Loss – This week we, as a nation, didn’t just lose an “activist”, our loss was much deeper, and now in death the ‘activism’ possibly much stronger. Our college campuses have become stronger through Charlie Kirk’s founding of Turning Point USA now a voice on hundreds and hundreds of campuses. This man, Charlie Kirk, leaves us a phenomenal legacy and I believe that what he’s started will unleash a ‘turning point’ from the very dark path our schools and culture are sliding down on.

Words from Charlie Kirk –
“When you stop having a human connection with someone you disagree with, it becomes a lot easier to want to commit violence against that group. What we as a culture have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.” –Charlie Kirk

“I want to be remembered for courage for my faith.” –Charlie Kirk

“This silent majority are the Americans who love God, their family, and our amazing country. They don’t want their morals, their job, or their lifestyle threatened by the government or any candidates.” –Charlie Kirk

“All death can do to a believer is deliver him to Jesus.” –Charlie Kirk

“Conservatism is not about hating change; it’s about preserving what is good and proven.” –Charlie Kirk

“Education should focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think.” –Charlie Kirk

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

What is the most notable feature of “French cursive”

1)     “reverse angled lettering”      

2)     “cursive writing with some letters disconnected”

          3)     “written at an angle of 90 degrees”

          4)    “learning cursive as early as kindergarten”

          5)     “graceful rounded loops”

All Matters

Happy Saturday morning.

Too much going on, otherwise I’d be off for Findlay Marked with a quick stop by this little Tuk Tuk:

Finale! – Here’s the final minute and a half of the Riverfest 2025 WEBN / Western & Southern fireworks show last Sunday. This year the show paid homage to ‘Musicals’ and it quickly became known as “Boomsday the Musical”. It might help, especially if you have a sound bar, to crank it up. This was the 49th year and the best.

Billy Graham – Quote: [Angels] “crisscross the Old and New Testaments, being mentioned directly or indirectly near 300 times”.

Angels – back in 1975 Reverend Billy Graham first published his well-researched book: Angels, God’s Secret Agents. I understand that it seems that after the atomic bomb was dropped, we declared ourselves as having mastery of the Universe. Religion was dead.

Now, while AI is about to take over, comes the realization that we are more than a collection of chemicals, neurons, electric impulses, and minerals; we’re not robots. That once again we’re viewing what was expounded in the Bible eons ago in a new light.

This is in part due to what the James Webb Space Telescope is presenting to us. Galaxies, and even a massive Black Hole, existing shortly after the supposed start of it all, the Big Bang. How? And, even questioning what exactly is the Big Bang and what caused it?

Viewing us as being merely a collection of chemicals, minerals, etc. puts us in league with a block of marble, or a tree, or a drop of water. In other words where does the concept of free will fit? Why then bother with laws, down the extreme laws, even ones prohibiting murder?

Along with all this reevaluation of religion as offering structure, there is story after story of people reporting an Angelic experience. Well, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced such an event. Having said that, a couple of weeks ago this happened going to The Fresh Market:

I talked Marcia into joining me at this fancy grocery store. The handicapped slots were in use and so I parked in the far corner of the lot (it was a shade thing). She grabbed my arm and held her cane and off we went. By the entrance sat an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair with no one else around. At first glance I thought he was panhandling. I smiled and gave him a few words of greeting. He responded likewise. There we stood for maybe a minute exchanging pleasantries. His eyes sparkled with goodwill and joy. That was all.

When we left the store there was no sign of the old gentleman. However, that short interaction did make an impression on me – was this an Angelic event? I don’t know, maybe not, but maybe I (we) need to open ourselves more open to the possibilities. Life and all its mysteries are so much more than anything we can comprehend.

Borders to Cross – In just under two weeks I’ll be off for the cooler climes of Northern Comfort. The exciting piece of news is that on my way north I’ll stop and retrieve Kirstin at Chippewa Airport where she’ll then join me for a few days at camp.

Between our ‘tariffs’ and their ‘elbows up’ I am hoping that crossing the border at Sault St. Marie will be a smooth process. My worst fear being that Canada’s give-and-take could be that the interaction at the border be conducted in French (their other formal language). I could get caught up much like the boys in Monty Python and the Holy Grail:

Marin the chef – Even though he’s still in a junior position (his formal title is; ‘commis chef’), this weekend he is having his first “Event”. As you might know, he’s been working at a great restaurant in the hub of the ‘Nati’s the Over-the-Rhine foodie area, a place called Abigail Street Mediterranean restaurant.

The “Event” is one where Marin has designed a dinner menu which he then oversees and prepares. I have no idea what he’s organized other than that it includes his variant of a “baba ganoush”. But we’ll find out this evening when Marcia, Jason, Cathy, and I head to Abigail’s where we have a reservation. Proud of this kid, really proud!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

From the list below locate any “portmanteaus”

1) “Motel”
2) “Chillax”
3) “Biopic”
4) “Spork”
5) “Podcast”
6) “Smog”

To Boom, or…….?

Happy Saturday morning. I’m certain that even without trying, I am not ready for the latest fad — the Pouch! Without any research I just know I’d miss the smells, the taste, even the mug in my hand. No, just leave me with my preferred morning ‘kick-start’.

This week we celebrated Sandy and Vaioleti’s Birthday – Vai’s was yesterday. This also means that in a couple of hours we’ll all gather at Cathy and Jason’s for a late breakfast; or is that called “Brunch”?

Labor Day – BOOM – Tomorrow evening will be the 48th annual WEBN radio station’s Fireworks on the riverfront. A half million with gather on the Ohio and Kentucky riverbanks. For 48 years, each year WEBN staff works and puts together a soundtrack to which Rozzy Fireworks joins up the pyrotechnics. It’s a major event and I love it. And that is the problem.

There was a time when I’d head out at the crack of dawn to strategically park the car to facilitate a quick way home (we’d all take the bus into town & drive home). That was a long time ago. Now it’s difficult to find anyone in the family to head down for the Fireworks extravaganza. Should I head out solo, or should I just park by the TV? It’s a quandary.

So, let’s get started. Or as Harry Callahan (Clint Eastwood in Sudden Impact – 1983) said: “Go Ahead, make my day!”

Earl Pitts Uhmurican – yesterday we heard that my favorite Morning Radio personality –Gary Burbank – had passed. It wasn’t all that long ago that one of his ‘buds’ from his radio days (locally at WLW700 radio between 1981 and his retirement in late 2007) sat down with Gary and had the mike on. At that time Burbank already knew that he had Alzheimer’s. He was asked how that diagnosis changed his life. Typical Burbank style, he said that now he appreciated reruns of Seinfeld more than ever. Now he could watch and enjoy the same show repeatedly since he couldn’t remember the ending.

Over the years, every afternoon, we were regaled by several of his many radio characters. Here are two bits, Burbank as Earl Pitts and my favorite, Gilbert Gnarley. Gilbert would call from his retirement home [St. Pia Zadora Golden Buckeye Community] to a corporate or governmental agency. Get a hanky ready to aid with your ‘tears of laughter’. Enjoy!

First is Earl Pitts with his thoughts on TV Weathermen:

Then, here is Burbank doing his classic Gilbert Gnarley calling the Johnson & Johnson switchboard (this is one of my favorites):

The Old is again the New – It’s funny just how all this works isn’t it? And the latest to discover this being Cracker Barrel and their ‘cracker’ Marketing Team. It cost them a mere hundred plus million dollars to discover that the ‘Cracker’ wasn’t dead after all.

In fact, there is a long list of companies that made a similar discovery. Wasn’t it a beer company wanting to stop selling to the “fratties”? Or the company that filled their aisles with rainbow colored baby onesies to then quickly change back? How about the company which successfully sold livestock castrating bands deciding their real customers had to be those involved in dressage. All spent serious investor money chasing the idea of a better “mousetrap”, only to revert to what they were.

Condo Life – has many upsides, especially when (improved?) age suggests that something called; “downsizing” comes into focus. There are, however, a few downsides. On top of the downside list is what in America we label as ‘needed or must-have’ space. We love to collect ‘stuff’.

A couple of weeks ago at “Paddlefest 2025” I snagged an inflatable standup Paddleboard, complete with all the necessities, i.e. pump, fins, tools and wonderful backpack. The problem now is that Marcia has very little appreciation for this great backpack acquisition sitting in the bedroom at the foot-end of the bed.

I am trying to get it moved up to Northern Comfort; and this is something which makes Marcia very happy.

Shopping – Getting groceries to our pantry is currently easier than ever. “Ever” now that Marcia is categorically adept ordering online from Kroger, complete with the exact day and time it be delivered to our front door.

Now that this whole shopping business is under complete control other worries must be explored. See, we humans cannot feel ‘complete’ unless we have something to lose sleep over. Am I correct or not?

It’s Opera Time – Finishing up my Opera experience last Saturday at the Aronoff Center to see Iolanta Op. 69 by Pyotr Tchaikovsky last Saturday. It was wonderful!

Iolanta when written in the late 1800s, reflected that period and thus Princess Iolanta was born blind because of some sin by the family. In the end a magical Doctor from the Mid-East cures her blindness. This rendition is somewhat problematic in today’s world. Hence the actress in the Iolanta role, who in real life is blind, was asked to rework the ending.

Her change had the Doctor restore her sight. This was so altering, scary, and massive that she then chose to stay the blind person as the way she grew up. This reflects what people who are blind having to face as technology changes, stay the way or step into the unknown.

Adriane, the play’s director, and Iolanta came on stage to have the audience ask questions. I was very proud of my daughter and the professional woman she’s become.

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

What is a Schwa?   One of the following is correct

1) “In Israel, an area on a Kibbutz”
2) “In Hungary a rivulet prior to running into a canal”
3) “Finnish, a specific type of Iceberg.”
4) “the upside-down “e” per the International Phonetic Alphabet.”
5) “various specific rock formations in Scotland

 Afloat?

Happy Saturday morning. Howdy, I know, I know, it’s Saturday morning and to kick start I get going with a mug of coffee.

However, this morning I am still thinking about the ‘double, double, latte’ I made yesterday afternoon. It was “to die for” as Marlene would have said.

After my volunteer stint at the Cincinnati Open, the front half of the workweek became recuperation time. Didn’t think I needed it. I was wrong. Hour after hour greeting people, smiling, solving problems and issues, and occasionally getting people back on a ‘strait-and-narrow’, every day for 9 days straight in 7 to 12 hour stints mostly standing proved a little bit more taxing than I had thought.

Nevertheless, it was GREAT and I’m already on the ‘list’ for next year.

On another subject I was going to pontificate on the latest corporate name to hit the news. I am not!

I, however, will add it to the list I am keeping of companies which just cannot learn until finally they get hit over the head by something – usually it’s the in ‘free-falling’ stock:

Target
Tractor Supply
Busch Beer
Jaguar
Pepsi
Cracker Barrel

Final Breakfast – at the Cincinnati Open had us eating breakfast with the one and only Tracy Austin! As sister-in-law Sandy said when she heard who had been at the breakfast; “Oh WOW”

Tracy Austin: 1 – Youngest US Open women’s singles champion (aged 16)
2 – Ranked as the world No. 1 in women’s singles by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) for 21 weeks
3 – Won 30 WTA Tour-level singles titles
4 – Youngest inductee into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (aged 29)

The lady is a gem to be around. Also joining her at breakfast was Andrew Kresley (he’s the Voice for Tennis and previously had organized for Joan Rivers and Martin Short). Since the broadcast area was a floor above my area I had previously talked with him on the elevator – though I never knew who he was. You know the kind of stuff; friendly small talk about heat & humidity, tennis upsets, and anything that would fit into a 30-second elevator ride. Little did I know that I had, had access to someone with an amazing tennis knowledge base.

Sears – Some of the family members might remember Adrianne and Tevita’s first home, the one on Delmar. Well, their home on Delmar was a Sears do it yourself kit home.,

Now, two houses later I came across this minute-long YouTube on the Sears kit homes – you buy the property and buy the kit. This then could be a build-it-yourself project, or hire an assembly team, privately or from Sears. The kit had it all, down to nails, screws, hinges, windows, doors, roof – 30,000 bits and pieces.

The ‘Nati had a fair number of these homes in part because we had a large distribution center in town – partly because of access to three railroads, as well as a major river route.

Their home was advertised as: “A True California ranch! Only one in the area. 3 bedroom*formal dining*2 car garage*Beautiful woodwork*French Cottage windows open on large porch wraps around home. Only thing missing is the Ocean front.”

Its first County tax appraisal after assembly was $5,050.

Hooters – is entering a downsizing, probably not reflective of the young ladies eager to serve in their tight Tees and ultra short shorts, but a number of their establishments – 30 to be precise.

One of those shut down Hooters had been floating on a barge on the Ohio adjacent to the Purple People walking bridge connecting to Newport. It had been operational for several decades in that location. This week marked the end of that era. A tug pushed it down river a ways to a spot where the building was to be taken down and the old barge cut up for scrap.

If you frequented the place, sit back a spell, reflect on your fond memories (and possibly hopes) while you listen to this to aid and comfort – Floating on Down………

It’s Opera Time – So here’s my day; post this, hard boil an egg for some protein, fill the water bottle and head out for a few miles. Then, work it so that I can get a short nap in early afternoon.

There, that should get me ready to see an Opera at our downtown Aronoff Center this evening.

The Opera is Iolanta Op. 69 it’s one act (four scenes) by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. I’ve not heard or seen this particular work. But I do like the power of Russian music and of Tchaikovsky. The world premiere took place in December 1892 in Saint Petersburg.

The story line is typical shmaltzy fare. A blind Danish Princess, blind from birth, has only been allowed to be in an enclosed garden and has never been told she is blind. She’s been given to a suitor. Then along comes the one she really falls for. And so it goes.

What is different is that for this performance of Iolanta the lead is in actuality a blind individual. Adrianne, through her work has been asked to set up a lobby table with details on what her Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired [CABVI] is all about and what it offers. I am going along as her companion and assistant, and as a BONUS will get to see this Opera. Good stuff!

Want a bit more on exactly what Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired is all about and the major impact they have here and throughout much of Ohio? It might be worthwhile to click on the embedded link above and take a moment to scroll through their home page.

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

No, these are not “yo mama” jokes. Which of the following are insults written for the ages, written by the Bard himself, Shakespeare?

1) “You starveling, you elfskin, you dried neat’s tongue, you bull’s pizzle, you stockfish!”
2) “Away, you three-inch fool!”
3) “Villain, I have done thy mother.”
4) “Away, you scullion, you rampallian, you fustilarian!”
5) “I’ll tickle your catastrophe.”
6) “I do desire we may be better strangers.”
7) “You Banbury cheese!”
8) “Thou cream-faced loon!”

Volunteering, it’s a ‘Rap’

Happy Saturday morning. Howdy, starting with Dirk’s Rap:

Yo, it’s DJP who lives in the 513
wake up snappy, got a mission today,
It’s a tennis tournament,
Gonna hit the ground running.
Exciting vibes, I’m feeling the thrill,
Busy with my crew, we’re ready to serve.

Serve and volunteer, it’s an exciting way,
Building up our future, brighter every day.
With my crew so busy, we laugh and we cheer,
Tennis and volunteering, bringing the passion near.

In this tournament of life, we’re a missing link found.
Together we’re the winners, that’s what life’s all about.

Now, another mug of java before this Rapping takes over these entire Ramblings.

Aging – it happens oh so quickly. I remember getting a call from my brother that at his school they had a special deal with Texas Instruments for a calculator – for the fantastic price of, merely, $20.00 (big bucks then). Without any hesitation I told him; “YES!” Other than the % function it only did the basic add, subtract, divide, multiply stuff – but it was a CALCULATING machine!

That calculator, red readout and all, is now a museum piece.

Cincinnati Open 2025 – is entering the final weekend as the Cincinnati Open 2025 is in the thick of the semifinals. Aside from volunteering in the suites I’ve had the privilege to see world class tennis elites such as Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Coco Gauff and others perform in what is a Super Bowl of Tennis.

Watching the last set from a courtside seat I had a return punch at me at 124mph (measured by speed gun) – happened to be quite disconcerting. Luckily the ball hit the top edge of the barrier, bounced up where the guy two seats over caught it. How cool to be part of this level of play. Here are photos I took watching the action.

Mid-week we had a nasty thunderstorm blow through. Winds were strong enough to break off a large branch of a tree by our condo. At the Open, the double patio doors of the suite I was working in flew open, and sheets of rain blew in. The rain and lightning kept on coming. Eventually, guests started to get anxious wanting to head home. To assist we coaxed Housekeeping to bring a couple of rolls of garbage bags. As the picture shows, the result was my happy load of customers heading home on the elevator.

Leaving that evening I use a concrete pathway to the shuttle buses. Drains had clogged and walking about 300 feet on a walkway with water reaching above my ankles meant that the ‘condom’ I had put on meant little – oh well ‘C’est la Vie’.

Finally, a couple of shots of the area I worked, the bar and food service areas, TVs and all, and yes, that is Prime Rib on the food bar.

The video below was made by two players who arrived at the players only area for the first time since the renovation this year ($260 million). This area is one of the several my Credentials won’t let me in so I had never seen it either.

Fast forward to the 4:30 minute mark

Canada gone Bonkers – Remember that there was a time when we had just men and women? A time when we all fit into this category as determined by our chromosomes, XX and XY?

Well, the Canadian government has a much better solution than just mother nature and her little-bitty snippets of DNA. It all started slowly and sneakily, but now it has authorized an acronym (possibly to be further expanded on at a later date) used by the Government of Canada to refer to the Canadian community – 2SLGBTQI+.

Want the complete progression of the growth of the acronyms? What is even more interesting is that they are actually paying and having a bureaucracy sit around to develop and ensure these are properly inserted where ‘necessary’. Here is the list: SSOGIE, SOGIESC, SOGIE, SOGI, SGM, LGBTI, LGBTQ2, 2SLGBTQI+.

2SLGBTQI+’s meaning is this: “Two-Spirit people as the first 2SLGBTQI+ communities; L: Lesbian; G: Gay; B: Bisexual; T: Transgender; Q: Queer; I: Intersex, considers sex characteristics beyond sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression; +: is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities.”

I believe that since it’s all ‘fluid’ that this latest iteration MUST grow. Bonkers I say!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

What year did the last American Collect a Civil War Pension?

1) “1932”
2) “1942”
3) “1953”
4) “1964”
5) “1970”
6) “2020”

The Open is Open

Happy Saturday morning. Last evening I ended up retrieving tired looking members of our family from the airport. They were returning from Tonga and had been there for the funeral of Tevita’s mother. Tired, with 10 different airplane flights in about a week and a half – the long portions were 12-hour events. Good to have them back home.

Now that the Cincinnati Open is in full swing and my volunteer shifts have kicked in, I immediately took note that the Volunteer Lounge has Keurig coffee machines – I think they hadn’t realized that I was on site. I promise I’ll keep working on my self-control.

Now, best pour a hot mug of my morning brew.

Cincinnati Open 2025 – So, this week I started being a volunteer (on the Hospitality Crew) at the Open. And it’s a blast – I’m just having a time of my life. For my regular readers, last week I described what all that Cincinnati Open hub-bub is all about. This week a few pictures and a two-minute drone overview will flesh it all in, so enjoy! I certainly am.

Town Hall Meeting – Just in case you’ve been in a cave and hadn’t caught all the negative Press that the ‘Nati received – nationally and internationally. A brutal attack occurred at the trailing end of a very busy downtown weekend (major music festival, Reds game, and more). Out of nowhere a gang descended on a small gathering of middle-aged white folks finishing up their evening.

And this event was managed by the city leadership about as poorly as possible. The highlight being that our erstwhile Mayor left town for a mayoral gathering and then immediately flew on to British Columbia for some vacation time – seriously bad optics.

Hence, on Monday evening I went to be part of a Town Hall meeting to discuss what needed to occur to get the city back on track (a few hundred expected and over a thousand showed). Present were our ‘next’ State Governor, Vivek Ramaswamy, former Bengal and football Hall of Fame member Anthony Muñoz, and former nearby neighbor, our former Vice Mayor and past President of the Cincinnati NAACP, Christopher Smitherman.

The whole event was worthwhile! But that’s not what this bit is about.

Parking at anywhere near the event was crazy. I, and about 30 others, ended up parking on a lot of a nearby medical facility a few hundred yards away. It was when leaving I got a bit of a shock once I spotted the first of 2 tow trucks. Uggggh!

Finally, I’d climbed enough of a small hill to be able to see around the building’s side and the area where my car was. What awaited was a long row of empty spaces. Empty, except for one old burgundy Corolla – Marcia’s car! I HADN’T BEEN TOWED!

But why? Why had my car been left alone? Then it crossed my mind. We were all given yard signs at the Cincinnati Open’s volunteer registration. Since no yard signs are allowed on condo property my option was, to pitch or be creative. The ‘creative’ side of my brain took over and I placed it in the car’s back window. That sign with its bold “VOLUNTEER” lettering must have looked enough like it was official and so the tow folk left it alone.

Prove me wrong!

In all fairness — There was also opposition to the Town Hall Meeting. Now, please understand my idea is that a Town Hall is to express thoughts and ideas. Therefore, to me mind you, it seems a bit strange that people protest the sharing of ‘thoughts and ideas’. Nevertheless, a bunch of protesters did show up — representing at least a half dozen differing causes. Aside from chanting, they played some good to listen to old Woody Guthry and Pete Seeger protest songs from the 1930s. Kept me entertained waiting to enter the venue.

Red Bull, Flugtag 2025 – is this afternoon at the Riverfront. I believe it’s 40 ‘aircraft’ designs and participants and I am sorry I won’t be there watching. Two reasons; A.) HEAT, 90 degrees and sunny. B) I have a 6:00 – 11:00 shift at the Open and all of that would be a little much. Having said that, these Red Bull events are always a fun show.

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

As we age and eye conditions such as Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Macular Degeneration can change the way we see color – our color perception changes. But color changes are critical enough to where Pilots are required to stop taking which of the following prior to a flight:

1) “Aspirin”
2) “Tylenol”
3) “Viagra”
4) “Dry Eye drops”
5) “Sun Screen over #50”
6) “ibuprofen”
7) “Pepto-Bismol”

The Coffee Bourgeois Blues

Happy Saturday morning. So, our town fielded a crazy week. No big rant from this end, just that over the last number of years this great town has been like a rudderless ship. It’s what happens when a single party, especially one embracing every and all woke & DEI ideas, gains and maintains absolute control.

Let it just be said that our ‘silver tongued’ Mayor, Aftab Pureval, is so far in over his head it’s ridiculous. Aftab “quack quack’ Pureval (as in ‘pure-evil’) felt it more prudent to let a nationally seen and discussed ‘beat down’ not by taking the helm, but by spending personal time in British Columbia.

Ok, I’ll stop before this turns into a rant.

Remember: “Cincinnati doesn’t have time for National or International news; we’re too busy pi**ing with local issues.” ‘Willie’ Cunningham, WLW700 radio

Now for a solid mug of dark coffee. Here is where the Coffee Bourgeois Blues come in. While reading sit back and enjoy a bit of Jake Speed and the Freddies skewer Starbucks while promoting water used from the ‘Big Muddy’ (Ohio River) as the proper way to make coffee. Now here: Coffee Bourgeois Blues

Last evening I wandered the Ohio riverbank as Paddlefest 2025 started (noted as the Nation’s largest ‘Paddlefest’ at well over 2,000 kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes on an almost 10-mile paddle), listened to Jake and his gang, enjoyed some truck food, and enjoyed a craft beer from Mad Tree. Most importantly, I talked with a number of people representing a myriad of non-profit environmental groups. One that stuck out was called the “Ohio River Way” which promotes hiking trails and paddling along a 3 -State (Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana) 550-mile charted way.

No more Shopping for Dirk – or so says Marcia, as with pounding heart she fearfully peers out of the front window any time I come home and open the car’s trunk. Last evening, coming back from my evening at the Paddlefest 2025 event I had done it again. I managed to snag, at well below half price, a new but “out of the box” blow up DAMA Stand-Up Paddle Board”. It’s a perfect addition to the water activities at our Northern Comfort. Add to my find that this weekend it’s “Back to School Sales Tax forgiveness” weekend and my purchase qualified. How good does it get?

Mentioning Northern Comfort – I completed my quick journey north without any hiccup. Border crossings were as smooth as I’d ever experienced. The cabin was fully intact and solid. The new neighbors were what anyone would hope for. And all wildlife has once again been put on notice as to who exactly is in charge. ‘All’ that is except for the a flock of Canadian Geese who stopped by the day before my arrival and left the waterfront area loaded up with their ‘Tootsie Rolls’.

My journey back to the ‘Nati did have a slight detour as I visited with Paul and Dia for an evening. It was a perfect finish to my solo week out. Thanks guys!

One minor addition – About a half hour from home I got caught in some very severe rains. These were to the point where other traffic ground to a halt in the middle of I-74. This was NUTS! By morning I heard on the news that I’d driven through what was now labeled as a F-1 Tornado. Ignorance surely is bliss!

For my Car-Lovers readers – At the Paddlefest weekend festivities I spotted this gorgeous Lucid. This was the first Lucid I’d seen. A quick check has these details: a full EV, some models can go 500 miles on a single charge and do 0-to-60 in under two seconds. Price ranges from $100.000 to $200,000. This is a serious set of wheels.

Lupe Ongolea – Tevita’s mother, Lupe, passed away and Tevita, Adrianne, Vai, and Vili all traveled to Tonga for the services (left for the airport Sunday at 4:45AM and arrived in Tonga Tuesday morning). In Tonga the passing of a person, their death and the celebration of their life, is a family and community affair managed without a professional ‘funeral’ class.

Having attended the ‘Green’ funeral of my friend, Jeff a couple of years ago and now seeing photos of Lupe’s passing in Tonga has given me a sense of just how this becomes a family event; thus, more appreciative of the pain in the immediate, and joy in remembering what has been. For both Vili and Vai being an intimate part of Lupe’s journey is truly a life-altering experience.

Rest in Peace Lupe – be proud of the family you have nurtured and raised; you’ve done well!

Cincinnati Open – the Cincinnati Open 2025 Tennis Tournament is starting this week. Bright and early last Saturday I had my training and credential time which started with an outdoor breakfast prior to the temperature climbing to about a 100. My first shift is from 6 to 11 PM this coming Thursday. I took the picture below from the vantage point I experience on my shift.

A Factoid: commentator on Fox News, Katie Pavlich: Your regular reminder that when Israel completely disengaged from the Gaza Strip in 2005, including digging up Jewish graves, they left thousands of productive green houses to the Palestinians – nearly a billion dollar produce industry. All this infrastructure was immediately destroyed by the new ‘occupants’.

Now that France, the UK, and Canada are talking ‘Statehood for Palestinians’, it might be good to reflect on Pavlich’s quotation above.

Pan Rocks the music of Rush, 2025 – Earlier this past Spring Vai with her school band played her steel drums at a major concert held at the Miami University’s Millet Hall Arena. Just released this week was the professionally assembled song “Fly by Night”. The reason I am posting it is that starting at the 1:17 mark and on towards the conclusion there are some great shots of Vai doing her ‘stuff’ – (she played at the end of a row and thus look for her on the right side of the screen). It’s a great piece of listening – ENJOY!.

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Which stall should you use in a Public Bathroom? Which is the cleanest stall in a public bathroom? Science has finally figured it out.

1) “closest to the entrance”
2) “go to what’s furthest away”
3) “the middle stall”
4) “any end stall”

Want the details? Click here