For the love of Tennis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMAZING!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

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

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

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

A/C but not Europe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Screenshot

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

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

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

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

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

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

But it gets better!

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

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

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

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

250

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

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

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

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

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

“Pragtig” (as I would say in Dutch)

Psssst, Argentina 3 -2

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

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

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

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

You gotta love this town.

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

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

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

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

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

This week’s Interlude –

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk
BONUS POINTS:

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

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

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

Things & Phases

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

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

Easy fix.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And then it stops.

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

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

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

RIP all.

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

Neither are easy, both are painful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

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

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

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

What’s a FIFA?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This week’s Interlude –

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

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

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

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

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

Heading for 250

Happy Saturday Morning – Yesterday Marcia actually got herself a real job. The Unit next door which Adrianne and Tevita had sold, has the new owner getting the place ready to her liking. Yesterday the first cadre of service types marched in. That business required the building’s entry doors be kept unlocked, and here is where Marcia discovered her niche – keeping track who enters the building. And it worked.

This is not some joke, people have reported packages missing, yet they have the delivery service’s photograph showing the delivery. We’re taking steps. In the meantime? See where this is heading? Thanks Marcia!

As a morning bonus, when she gets up I’ll ask her if she would like me to put a dollop of whipped cream in her morning coffee. If it were me, I’d say yes, where I normally would say no.

‘Optimist’ Definition – 1835 local business clerks and leaders formed a private ownership library club and with it donated 700 books. Cincinnati’s Young Men’s Mercantile Library – all for self-improvement was born. Shortly thereafter our Chamber of Commerce was started there in 1839. Short years later (1845), because of a fire, they lost the library.

But back to the optimists. The fire of 1845 was devastating but that was not the end – there is a ‘Pheonix’ to this story. The fire was quickly followed up with these early business folk donating $10,000 to rebuild the building in return for a new library to be housed right there in downtown on its top (11th) floor.

Plus, under the guidance of local icon Alphonso Taft, father of President William Howard Taft, they gave the $10,000 rebuild in return for a $1 per year lease for an unheard of 10,000-years – and it’s RENEWABLE!

Every year speakers of note are brought in. Over the years iconic names including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Herman Melville, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Julia Child, and Margaret Atwood have shown up on the roster.

Now, you must agree, that each of these founding people are the true definition of being Optimists!

Education – Browsing during my almost daily pre-bedtime pastime I came across a couple of items. Here is the main ‘bit’ in the first piece, the ages of our Founding Fathers (or should I say, Founding Kids?).

We’re so used to seeing sketches and paintings of each of the names we all memorized when they were in their later years. It’s not until you park their actual ages front and center at the time they placed their signatures on the Declaration of Independence, now 250 years ago, that you realize just how young they were when they put their lives on the line. And did so while facing the world’s most powerful Nation – its armies and Navy.

Common sense would say that certain death was their future.

On July 4, 1776:

James Monroe, was 18
Aaron Burr, was 20
Alexander Hamilton, was 21
James Madison, was 25
Thomas Jefferson, was 33
John Adams, was 40
Paul Revere, was 41
and George Washington, was 44

What was it those many years ago that allowed such an amazingly high level of understanding, insight, perception, and astuteness by such a young group.

Today, we have young folk too who display the energy, brawn, and foresight our Founding Fathers also displayed. But as I see it, there is a difference. I tend to think that now our dependence on electronics and the drop in classical education, plus the lack of face to face interactive discourse has become a huge negative.

In addition, the reliance on the ‘mobile’ and ‘tablet’ rather than exercising the mind with debate, and writing skills has caused a decline in our ability to interact in the best manner possible.

Recently I saw on a NASA site the questions from the eighth-grade final exam from 1895 in Salina, KS. The exam was a total of 6 hours of allotted time broken up into five specific sections each containing 10 questions (I’ve listed the five below and included one of the 10 questions from each).
Click on 1895 in Salina, KS to open the NASA page which contains all the questions. You’ll be astounded and shocked!

Grammar (Time Limit – one hour)
Give nine rules for the use of Capital Letter

Arithmetic (Time Limit – 1.25 hours)
District No. 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?

U.S. History (Time Limit – 45 minutes)
Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided

Orthography (Time Limit – one hour)
Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, mis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup

Geography (Time Limit – one hour)
Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.

Quotation – Dr. Steve Turley, PhD Education: “Lewis (author C.S. Lewis) explains that while the cultivation of virtue was central to classical education, modern education stifles such moral formation by teaching a scientifically-inspired mechanistic vision of the world.”

Own a Buck knife? – Marcia has owned one for years. Every so often it ends up somewhere away from where she normally keeps it and then it’s not long before a search is underway. She loves that knife.

For a variety of reasons, with so many mainstay companies it appears that “the end is near.” This detailed description of the history of Buck Knives I placed here because of Marcia’s love of the product.

If these things don’t interest you, skip the video. If you do appreciate them, take the time to soak up some amazing background:

Cuse – Over the last couple of years, being our family’s ‘eyes’ regaling our Dinah’s love and work she puts into rowing, I’ve kept you abreast of her adventure. This past year she’s been a member of the Syracuse University rowing team.

Last weekend was the NCAA Rowing Championships DI. Twenty-two teams qualified. Syracuse sent three boats to Lake Lanier Georgia – this was a first. Based on points, Dinah’s program placed 9^th nationwide – a first; they are immensely proud. Now looking towards the 2026-27 school year.

Go CUSE!

Highlander memories – As an aside, way too long ago I was on that same Lake Lanier racing in the Highlander class day-sailer, crewing my friend Mike’s boat in the Nationals. The Highlander is a 20-foot high performance one-design racing dinghy.

The day of the finals the wind was touching 25 knots which really exceeds the upper wind limit for a race. This was after a delay a day earlier and hence a ‘GO’ decision was made – crew safety and equipment failure be damned.

Mike, the Captain, worked the rudder, main, and was the start strategist, and race tactician. I was the meat hanging overboard as the boat healed and worked the Jib and the Spinnaker. I do remember several waves depositing small squirming fish on the boat’s 7’ bow.

Such fun!
Wonderful memories!

This week’s Interlude – June is a massive month when it comes to the release of major hit Rock music. This past week, June 3rd 59 years ago, was especially ’vibrant’ when a song which had to be modified for radio streaming length and lyric ‘modification’ was released. The insert included a much-loved solo. The last couple of ‘Interludes’ have been difficult, so here is a major hint – the city of record for the group is Detroit.

Good luck, remember to match both the people and the title piece to be correct.

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

When we look at other nations, whether it be to the north, or even western Europe it’s our jobs report which powers along. For May it exceeded expectations. Our May new hires added to the U S economy was:

1. 67,000
2. 145,000
3. 79,000
4. 85,000
5. 172,000
6. 38,000
7. 210,000

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 7
Answer this week’s Interlude: Doors, “Light My Fire”

Furlough

Happy Saturday Morning – Here, after a couple of days, I can still taste the dinner I made; it was a SUCCESS!

Trying hard not to get into a dinner eat pattern and loop, in my new role I try and spread out and vary our dinner fare. The way I view it, the actuality of these dinners of mine are mostly ‘singles’ with a few ‘doubles’ tossed in. Last Thursday evening’s dinner was a Home Run!

Using our gifted last Christmas Air Fryer (Ninja from Costco) became the base. The final product was a Spicy Black Bean & Cheese Nachos – topped with Salsa and a healthy dollop of Sour Cream dinner. It was a Success!

This morning over my mug of freshly brewed coffee, I am still happily ‘licking my chops’ (yesterday’s lunch was leftover nachos).

Here schools have just begun Summer Break. On my walk last evening I spotted the very first kids after dinner yard party.

Furlough – Finally a Friday (yesterday) where I managed to get some exercise in. In the morning it was our regular 45 minutes of Cross training on Zoom with my brothers. That session was intense enough with weights, bands, and movement to have me finish up with some sweat.

Then, last evening after dinner Adrianne swung by for a visit. With her here it gave me a half hour to get a walk in – 13.6 furloughs; and it felt really good. Thanks Adrianne!

A Historical ‘hood? – People are amazing. For almost two years I’ve attended a number of meetings as well as listening to the updates given at neighborhood association meetings. I’ve listened to details explained and opportunities given to raise questions. All of this was to plan for a possible neighborhood classification change to Historical District status.

Finally, it’s at a point where the city council is ready to vote on the matter.

Now, watching a newscast there they found a person who was perturbed that this (two yearlong) event was sprung on him without notice. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

Our Chanel 9 TV won’t allow the video they made on the subject to be replayed other than on YouTube. Here is the link, well made with drone footage: WCPO Chanel 9

Air Hub – devastation to a city. Cincinnati’s airport, CVG had steady growth. Then in the 1990s a local entrepreneur came up with an idea – a network of connections to a large hub and so the birth of the commuter airlines came about – Comair. Comair was the first offering of what started the nationwide commuter airlines network. Early on prop planes and then quickly Comair regional jets filled the skies.

Next, Comair was purchased by Delta Airlines. Quickly, CVG was grown into the largest Delta hub next to Atlanta. Delta was on a roll – a roll into Chapter 11 that is. Misery loves company and so Delta and Northwest Airlines merged. Northwest with a brand spanking revamped airport in Detroit easily won the cost savings battle, hence Delta vacated CVG as a hub and with it ‘flew’ the 670 daily departures per day away from CVG.

Probably, had it not been because of the now former CVG CEO, Candace McGraw, we’d still be stuck in the muck.

Under her tenure with Delta’s grip loosened she brought in several low-cost airlines. Quickly we dropped from being the highest cost fare airport in the nation to one of the most affordable. Next, she tapped into the Cargo boom. This landed CVG to become the global Amazon Air hub as well as a major landing spot for Germany’s DHL and their bright yellow and red freighters.

I’ll fill out this little history lesson with this well-made video by Plane Curious. Enjoy:

This week’s Interlude – I guess I am a true ‘generalist’, especially when it comes to the various styles of music I enjoy listening to. This week’s “Interlude” features a Folk singer and songwriter. As a hint to help you zero into this person, here are three facts: he was the only performer to be invited on the Johnny Carson Show – twice in a row. He was also a participant in the creation of the Presidential Commission on World Hunger in 1977 and his debut album made a huge impact selling over a million copies.

He would have been a few months younger than me; passing away at the young age of 38.

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

Enjoy!
Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

The Great Depression of the 1930s translated into tough times for a large portion of people in the nation. Mealtime was an area where types of food, preparation of food, saving leftovers, etc. all were handled differently. Looking at that family favorite, Meatloaf: how, if any, changes were made to this classic mealtime staple?

1. No change whatsoever.
2. Began to use ‘poor man’ vegetables, i.e. onion etc
3. It quickly was made with 25% add-on food products
4. It quickly was made with 35% add-on food products
5. It quickly was made with 15% add-on food products
6. 75% Oats & Breadcrumbs
7. More than half of weight was veggies and grains.

Last week Bonus Points answer – # 4, 5, 9
Answer this week’s Interlude: Taxi · Harry Chapin

“The Prayer”

 Happy Saturday Morning – Busy, busy this week. A graduation and a funeral, plus playing host to our senior daughter who insisted on sleeping in my little office (couch life just won’t do any more). The sleep on a fold out 3”+ pad style affair mandated that a lot of ‘rooting-around’ in the office take place. Best have an extra mug of coffee to absorb all of this.

The funeral required some serious shuffling around my clothes closet to try and assemble an ‘assemble’ of stuff which didn’t have and array of company logos, 5K event sponsors, or some wild Caribbean flower theme. Finally, I found slacks from way before the skinny pants look took hold (Marcia says that what I had looks like a long skirt). My black suit jacket had a ticket stub in the side pocket which made me think I wore it last on February 28, 2004.

So, instead of moping on all this, it made me grateful to be retired and didn’t have to wear the stuff much anymore; once every 22 years is enough. By the way, does anyone have any really wide, really short, tie?

Corner News – Yup, every day is still a quest into the unknown here on the corner of Chaos and Mayhem. Thursday morning Marcia was the first to spot a 30’ tree branch laying on sidewalk and into the street.

I had a vision of me with my little pruning saw – the chain saw being in Canada.

About an hour later a city truck pulling a chipper drove by, backed up and two workers began the branch removal. I went out to thank them for their quick response. Guy smiled and told me that no one had called. They were on their way to an assigned job when they spotted our branch. He said that even though the tree was not on city property, the branch stuck out enough to hook it to the chipper. In under 10 minutes they were underway. Kudos to these two workers!

Then, last evening shortly after dinner the ‘team’ rolled in next door; 4 fire wagons, a chief’s car, ambulance on standby as was the ladder wagon. Whatever was going on next door cleared up in less than an hour. And this is how we introduced Kirstin to the corner of Chaos and Mayhem.

 Carolyn – Cathy’s mom passed away recently. This past week was her Celebration of Life, interment ceremony, and social gathering. Even after her passing Carolyn let it be known that she was still in charge. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum is an extensive complex. Her service and gathering were held in adjoining spaces. Normally Spring Grove, at these events, manages providing the foods, etc.

However, Carolyn ever still in charge, had insisted that foods be catered by her favorite restaurant, the Oriental Wok at The Regency, a high-rise in our Hyde Park neighborhood. Our delightful plates were from, you guessed it, Oriental Wok.

Even her last goodbye made sure that all was in order:

“Did you close the garage door?”

Children’s Book Readings – Early on this week brother Art and I were talking. Don’t know what brought it on, but he said; “do you remember that as a child you were being read to?” I didn’t. Times were different in many ways.

However I do remember reading to our grand kids and every week while in town taking the ‘kiddos’ to the local library for “book hour” where a big part was the reading of a kid’s book.

Now as an adult and with adult eyes it’s fun to see that in the great children’s literature various levels of meaning are beautifully embedded.

During Carolyn’s final hours Cathy spent time with her and what better way than to read a child’s book, one with a wonderful meaning. Her choice to read to her mom? The “Grasshopper on the Road,” by award winning author Arnold Lobel.

The story has the grasshopper on a whimsical journey with a cheerful Grasshopper who discovers a beautiful path and encounters a world of very busy characters. Grasshopper doesn’t pine for their ‘exciting’ lives, he “remains content, enjoying each step of his journey without the need to rush. This charming tale celebrates the joy of simplicity and the beauty of embracing one’s own unique path.” (from Bookey)

Cathy closed the story she was reading to her mom with the piece about the worm living in an apple. In the story the apple fell and broke into pieces. Growing up, whenever something would go amiss the family refrain would be; “too bad worm”, playing on the worm in the story crawling out of the bad apple.

Now, as death neared and her body began to shut down, Cathy chose to review with her mother that old family favorite. Nearing the end Cathy envisioned her mom, remembering that child’s story, just like the worm crawling out of his broken home saying, “Oh never mind. It was old and it had a big bite in it anyway. This is a fine time for me to find a new house.”

For Carolyn, I believe this time with Cathy was a wonderful way for Cathy to acknowledge her mother’s love, the gift of contentment, wonder, satisfaction, and the beauty in pausing for special moments. Moments she had in her own life and had passed on to her children.

Graduation with hints of Polynesian highlights – Vaioleti did it! Graduation from Clark Montessori High School proved to be quite special. The event was held at the University of Cincinnati’s 5/3 Bank-Arena (Bearcats basketball). Aside from the typical Pomp and Circumstance played by the school’s jazz band the Steel Drum band played a number written by a previous graduate.

The graduating drum members left their seats and joined to play in the band one final time. At the end of the ceremony all 90+ graduates formed a circle for a candle lighting ceremony where, at the end, a large candle was lit as that flame moved over the Junior class, next year’s seniors.

Now came the fun. Under her gown Vai wore her Tongan wardrobe. Tevita had brought a Tapa for her to stand on, and people started placing Leis around her neck; strings of candy, live flowers, and money.

Then many were placed around school friends, even a security officer got leied. It really was a major highlight of the event.

This week’s Interlude – Is a piece that was played at Carolyn’s Celebration of Life. The audio is a minute from the piece played. Play it and without looking below, try to name the who sang and what played.

The singer’s name and song title are found below. Complete song can be found on Spotify and others.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Travel, especially air travel, is producing more and more headache for passengers. Rules being adjusted, new ‘can’t do’ rules implemented. The latest is Southwest Airlines which announced; “today Southwest updated our internal policy banning ………………………… ”. What was it that Southwest announced?

1. 1. Be at the gate at least 25 minutes prior to boarding
   2. Refusal to purchase adjacent seat for extremely obese
   3. Over age 65 is seated in an emergency row seat
   4. Purchased food in a separate bag – item must be hand carried
   5. Any companion dog weighing in excess of 32 pounds
   6. For safety reasons, no ‘flip-flop’ footwear
   7. No self-powered accompanying robots

 Last week Bonus Points answer – # 4, 5, 9

Answer this week’s Interlude: The Prayer · Andrea Bocelli · Céline Dion, The Best of Andrea Bocelli – ‘Vivere’

“a Prom eve”

Happy Saturday Morning – This morning we’re on the edge of possibly turning the heat back on. What’s preventing me is that over the next few days it’ll be just shy of the 90-degree mark and I just know we can make it. In the meantime, I’ll pour another mug of steaming coffee – Marcia has already asked if my mug was empty (her way of ‘suggesting’ she was ready for a refill).

Looking forward – Marcia’s titanium hips are works of wonder and work beautifully. Struggling the most is balance. As we age staying ahead in the balance game becomes more and more of an issue.

With my brothers we work out together via a Zoom session twice a week, and have been at it faithfully since 2022. Aside from occasionally adding a newly discovered routine or dropping one used little we’re adding more stretching and balance activities into our workout bits. The loss of balance is a main cause of a slow downward spiral as we age.

All of this said working to improve balance has Marcia and I to an (almost) daily walk about the property. We should all make it a highlight in daily life.

Crown ‘Vic’ – Sometime during the last couple of weeks the last Crown Vic ‘Interceptor’ used in a police force went out of service. That model was probably produced at the height of America’s desire for having an everyman available massive sedan parked in their driveway.

I never owned one, yet I drove one regularly for a couple of years – enough of the puzzling? OK, for a while I was Police trained member of our local “Citizen’s on Patrol.” Mostly we walked our neighborhood, carried a police communication radio and had access to a parked at the station older Crown Vic Interceptor cruiser (blue lights changed out for amber lights). The last to get a bit further into the ‘hood.’

As an aside, I really enjoyed our volunteer work and based on the comments we received, often from residents living in the sketchiest part of urban (ghetto) areas. Often, as we walked about the streets, it was a voice from a porch or a handshake that I knew they too appreciated us being around.

Prom innovation – Last evening Vaioleti and her classmates were partying the night away on their senior prom. She outdid herself in the fancy-dress department and looked beautiful.

What made this Prom different is that the whole event, meal, dance, and party took place on a Riverboat – the Belle of Cincinnati tall stack paddle-wheeler. Next, you’ll ask me; “why does this make an evening with wild teenagers different?” Think it through.

• No running out to the parking lot to a stashed bottle of alcohol.
• Everyone is in a contained setting.
• The boat returns on schedule, and this establishes a framework for the event.

As being old enough, Marcia and I believe this Boat cruise to offer something different with views of lighted up city views from the river in a wonderful setting. We’re waiting for an update later this morning.

This week’s Interlude – Not a guessing game this week. Thought I’d just post this great song from one of my all-time favorite Soul and R&B singer; Clarence Carter. We lost him this week, aged 90 and blind since age one. And yes, his work on occasion could be a bit on the prickly side, this made it that much more real. Enjoy:

Now I best get involved seeing how Dinah and her Syracuse University rowing team is managing in the ACC (American Coast Conference) Rowing Championships. They are rowing against schools such as Stanford, Cal, Notre Dame, Louisvile (my alma mater), Duke, Virginia, and Miami.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

Last month it was King Charles III who addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress. This session was one of only 11 where a monarch made such an address. Of this list, which three made more than a single presentation?

1. King Kalakauaa
2. King Juan Carlos I
3. Queen Beatrix
4. King Hussein I
5. Queen Elizabeth II
6. King Bhumibol Adulyadej
7. King Baudouin
8. King Mahendra
9. Queen Juliana

Last week Bonus Points answer – #1

“30 second Pitch”

Happy Saturday Morning – To all the mom’s, wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day weekend.

Marcia received a Christmas gifted Bird Feeder from Kirstin, a clear plastic one I affixed on the bedroom window near some shrubs. Loaded it with Black-Oil Sunflower Seeds and, for two months, NOTHING!

This week when Marcia lifted her head off the pillow, there in the feeder, was a Cardinal. Since then, I too have seen the bird. SUCCESS!

Yesterday, as the morning coffee was still percolating was when I opened my mobile to check for any texts – family on the west coast tends to forget the 3-hour time shift – that was when I spotted a minutes old text from Jason here in town. And so it was that I learned that Cathy’s mom, Carolyn, had passed away during the early morning hours.

We were aware that her illness had no cure and her life on earth would end in a few short months. Carolyn, always the strong manager had said, ‘enough is enough’ and succumbed peacefully with family at her side. May her soul rest in peace.

With Cathy, Jason, Dinah, and Jim our arms Marcia and I embrace you, and strive to give comfort during the days ahead.

Pre the Civil War – Every so often I’ve strived to use these Ramblings to give you a bit of our local history, usually history not that common. This is one of those weeks.

Prior to the War between the States Cincinnati was the furthest southern and western major city. Cincinnati was Union and a bridge away it was Confederate territory. Although as the war loomed, both sides had contingencies loyal to their opposition, the net result was that this town became a major player in the Underground Railroad.

Harriet Beecher Stowe’s father was an abolitionist, and the young Harriet would sit on the stairs in the evening listening in as her father held ‘meetings’. This listening in led to her eventually writing the book every school child is expected to read; Uncle Tom’s Cabin. By the way, her house is just under a mile from where we live. Also, locally there are homes still occupied with basement ‘escape tunnels’ once built to allow unseen exit and start runaway slaves on their journey north.

Effects from the Civil War – I mentioned why this city was important during the war. Coupled with the Ohio River, several railroads and the Erie Canal made it a huge prize for both sides. These railroads feed the city; the place became a hub. For old-time railroad aficionados these included the Little Miami Railroad, Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton (CH&D), Ohio & Mississippi Railway, and the Marietta & Cincinnati (M&C) Railroad.

All this made sense to create a military recruiting, training, and medical post – thus Camp Dennison was born a little north-east of the city on open land. The camp’s medical section started with over 200 beds by using converted barracks. By 1862 it had grown to about 2,400 beds making it one of the largest Union hospitals treating civilians, wounded and injured soldiers, and even some Confederates.

From this beginning it is easily seen that the town became a medical hub with the effects still visible today. With numbers of medical folk settling here permanently, medical and even mortuary science schools quickly followed. Historically we can point back to that early start and today, depending on whether specialized care facilities such as a major eye surgery facility are included, there are approximately 25 to 35 hospitals and major medical centers. Personally, I’ve spent a number of hours at the CEI (the Cincinnati Eye Institute) and had major work done there. The local Cincinnati Children’s Hospital is rated number 1 in the nation and among the world’s best.

At our nearby Spring Grove Cemetery there exists a section dedicated to casualties from the Civil war. A number of these passed at Camp Dennison. These burials accelerated Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum into the stunning place it is today.

30-second pitch – Grand daughter Vai will graduate from Highschool in a few days. Her school, Clark, is a public Montessori specific school. As part of their graduation regimen, aside from the standard work completion and tests, they each have to prepare, and present, a senior project of their choice. A little over 90 graduates, a little over 90 projects. Think of a topic and it was probably presented.

So, the complete piece was written and handed to the teacher. A one-page visual describing in detail with drawings/text/ photographs the specific project was then printed in color on a 3-feet by 3-feet paper.

Now, here is where it got interesting. Thursday at 6:30 parents, siblings, friends, teachers and students all assembled on the school’s soccer pitch. On the pitch’s surrounding fencing each of the 3X3 papers was hung and each graduating student positioned themselves by their project. People walked around, looked, read what interested them and asked questions and a description – the 30-second sales pitch.

Vai told us later that she gave over 15 of these small talks. Her topic centered around the fact that ever-expanding tourism was detrimental to Hawaii – primarily in cost of property to the local native peoples, a looming freshwater shortage, and loss of natural vegetation and wildlife.

I loved the concept, loved the effort put in by the students, and loved the manner of presentation!

Kudos to Clark Montessori Highschool graduating Students and the Staff.

This week’s Interlude – I know, this music is best suited for a cold, snowy, winter ‘s afternoon or evening with a fireplace crackling as there being nothing better when reading a favorite book in such a setting. ‘Nothing’ plus a wonderfully pure voice and accompanying music as background. This mostly Folk, this singer fits that bill with her “pure and sultry” vocals, all without any of today’s devices and auto-tune.
The singer’s name and song title are found below. Complete songs can be found on Spotify and others.

Enjoy!

Life is AMAZING!

Dirk

BONUS POINTS:

For over a decade it is that Amazon and its Prime delivery division have created an expectation that should we want most anything it can be delivered to your home by the next (or often the same) day. But for the better part of the previous century, it was Sears (and the ubiquitous Sears Catalog) which was the common ‘go to’ shopping experience. These are some of the stranger items found in the Catalog. Is this list correct?

1. Medical Electric Belts
2. Tombstones
3. Bees
4. Kit Houses
5. Worm Syrup
6. Asbestos Baking Sheets
7. Heroin
8. Vapor Cabinets
9. Apples

Last week Bonus Points answer – #1
Hope Sandoval vocalist, songwriter – Bavarian Fruit Bread: Around My Smile