Seriously, I got caught up in it all

Morning all! I just realized that I am not at all cantankerous since I discovered it wasn’t me who put the ‘pee’ in “peevish”.

Posting a little early today since Jason and I will be heading to Wilmington, OH to watch Dinah race in a regional regatta. Last weekend, in Pittsburgh she rowed to an amazing finish, 551 entries from as far away as MX, cold and very windy, a 2.5-mile race, and she rowed twice in one day. First race (4+ boat) came in first and then in the 8+ boat a second-place finish. The race where she finished second was won by the other entry from her club. Her club is a true powerhouse!

Mr. Coffee coffee just beeped and so my morning begins officially. BTW, want to know all about how coffee (caffeine) affects your brain and aids perking you up?

Such as “Without caffeine, the neurotransmitter adenosine typically binds to adenosine receptors to slow down cell activity and make you feel sleepy. But caffeine can bind to those same receptors and block adenosine, so cells speed up instead of slowing down.” Or is that TMI? If you want that level of detail, then click here.

Otherwise just scroll down.

My Bad! I’d Forgotten – That last weekend, October 7, 1948 to be exact, was the 75^th anniversary of the introduction of the 2CV. The launch of the Citröen Deux Chevaux (2CV) occurred at the 35th ‘Salon de l’Automobile’ in Paris. It became the hottest thing on the show’s display floor.

“Citröen has kissed the last of austerity with masochistic fervour.”

journalist at the exposition in 1948 seeing the unveiling of the 2CV and eyeing it for the first time

Did you vote last week? – as part of the ‘Fat Bear Week’ contest’? Last week I published the how to vote details, here are the results. The winner of Katmai’s Fat Bear Week contest for 2023 is …drum road please… ‘defensive’ mama Bear #128, aka, ‘Grazer’. If you want details, she received 108,321 votes to her closest competitor, Chunk’s, 23,134 votes.

What’s the Weather? – For several years now, I have sat in on many sessions offered by a local non-profit educational group, EmpowerU America, not afraid to tackle almost any subject from any angle – even having speakers often shunned or cancelled by the standard national ‘news’ entities. A great learning base for me with my Libertarian/Conservative leanings.

This past week I sat for 1 ½ hours on Zoom raptly absorbed discovering a virtually unknown local. Unknown? Yes, barely known, Cleveland Abbe (1838 – 1916). Abbe was America’s First Weather Forecaster, in fact he developed the methodology which allowed the start of weather prediction. Starting in Cincinnati with the first daily weather forecast published in the US in 1869. Right here in Cincinnati, and with the nation being primarily agricultural, this was absolutely YUUGE!

Fine and dandy you say, but really, all that hoopla on weather? Well wait a minute. How about if I told you that he was also a key contributor developing the idea for standard time zones. With rail crisscrossing the nation and Europe, time standardization was realized as a necessity. Traveling to Europe and some negotiations he gained international buy-in. In fact, if Great Britain had not been the world’s superpower, the world could now be talking; ‘Cincinnati Mean Time’ instead of ‘Greenwich Mean Time’. What a fun evening.

Fear, it’s just Fear – which had almost ruled out Marcia going anywhere. I’m not talking to the Supermarket, kids home, restaurant, etc.; it’s trips of substance. Now, with 2 months of healing behind her, she has just about kicked her hodophobia (hodophobia; is your word of the day). So, in a bit under three weeks we’ll be heading for Michigan for a sibling gathering – we’re excited!

To help her prepare for greater mobility I found this portable little Pedal Exerciser in the CRAZY middle isle at Aldi’s. She is using it and loves it!

Red Bull made for the ‘Nati – Red Bull marketing knows how to pull it off. Rather than me trying to describe I’m attaching two short videos. First from a few years ago and shows one of our local TV anchors manhandling (or is it was manhandled by?) the Red Bull Soapbox Derby, Cincinnati. The second was from this summer’s Red Bull ‘Flugtag’, Cincinnati and it’s self-explanatory. Happy howling!

Red Bull Soapbox Derby, Cincinnati

Red Bull ‘Flugtag’, Cincinnati

;

ArriveCan App – and its development has cost Canadians $54million of their hard-earned monies – and ArriveCan App is now being described as a criminal “boondoggle”. The RCMP is investigating, and the Globe and Mail (Canada’s premier newspaper) is writing about it. The first real hearing on the matter was cut short by a demand by Iqra Khalid of the ruling NDP-Liberal Party to adjourn thus forcing a vote to shut down the Auditor General’s testimony; it passed, no further open dialogue.

I am galled in that for two years I was abused having to detail and submit to the app’s onerous demands simply trying to gain entry to check on my property.

Next stop, the Psyche Asteroid – Yesterday morning with mere minutes to spare before the start of my brothers’ Zoom exercise session, I watched the launch. SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket with two side boosters lifted off right on schedule. I even got to see the two side boosters return and land perfectly on their pads.

Apparently, the asteroid for which the $1billion probe is heading is what is described as a; “bizarre metallic asteroid.” This is why I was so rapt (Marcia thinks, over the top so).

Quoting re. my interest; “Scientists think the space rock Psyche, which is about 173 miles wide, may be the exposed core of an ancient protoplanet — a type of object they’ve never seen up close before. Psyche will reach its space rock target in 2029, then study it from orbit for about two years thereafter.” Are you too just as excited?

Vai’s Steel Drum Band – at Seasongood Pavilion was stellar and fun. Vai plays a tenor drum and is in the middle row on our right side. Rather than me blathering on and on, just watch the video and enjoy. By the way, make sure your audio is on.

On your schedule – If you haven’t yet purchased this year’s Halloween candy; click your mobile on the QR code to discover your State’s favorite Halloween Candy. Some are a natural, some you’ll go; “huh”?

Make it a great week. Worried how old your bread is? Check the clip or tie’s color and ask your store their color code; usually it’s the bake day of the week. I just mention that little factoid to take another morning concern off your plate. Do your best to stay healthy, stay happy, stay grateful, and continue to grow.

May Peace prevail! Love to all. Dirk

BONUS POINTS: This is a question with five parts:

1. When was the world’s FIRST speeding ticket issued?
2. What was the legal speed limit at that time?
3. What was the crazy speed of that infernal machine?
4. The auto had just a driver, but by law, how many people were required to operate it?
5. It was also missing an all-important ‘Red Flag’, why was it a necessity?

Check just how good/correct you are. Verify at this site, click here:

Top Fifteen no less!

Morning all! The week crept slowly towards Marcia’s last Physical Therapy session. More on that further into The Ramblings. So, sit back, put on your readers, and relax for a bit.

My own morning coffee has already been poured so I too am ready.

Chaos & Mayhem – as in ‘The Corner of’ has not been mentioned since I emerged from my hiatus. However, ‘The Corner of Chaos & Mayhem’ is assuredly living up to its reputation. This photo, from earlier in the week, will verify. The activity here is better than any TV. The only thing that comes close would be a performance by Cirque du Soleil.

FC Cincinnati – won a huge honor in Major League Soccer, the Supporters’ Shield for the best record in the league this season. This means that throughout the playoffs FC Cincinnati we will have home team advantage. Not bad for the latecomer entry on the national scene.

Outdoors – selected Cincinnati close to the front in a listing of the 15 happiest places in the Nation. I’ve never made it a secret that I love living in this town, but the Outdoors honor confirms my thinking.

What popped us up in the ranking is our 8,057 acres of greenspace and 365 parks, 88% of the citizenry is no more than a 10-min walk from any one of them. Geography has given us a temperate 4-season climate with both a long and glorious Spring & Fall season coupled by a short winter.

The ‘Underground Railroad’ came through here; we’re part of the North and the South. Today a 2,000-mile bicycle route retraces that ‘road to freedom’; and the 4,800-mile North Country National Scenic Trail crosses it right here. But, most importantly, our real ‘secret’ sauce is beer. Breweries were set up by German immigrants in the 1800s and over 80 are still “going strong” most offering Taprooms and/or “Biergardens”.

[Cincinnati riverfront – Smale Park]

Fat Bear Week – As a precursor to next month’s elections, your vote is important for this event. Katmai National Park, Alaska’s Fat Bear Week is a celebration where anyone can vote. Vote? Yup, vote for the fattest brown Bear – the one who’ll emerge from its winter slumber as the ‘king of the hill” (or woods).

The link below will show the bears participating in this year’s competition. Weight is put on by the success of each bear’s salmon catch. Have fun!

Vote now till the 10^th (October 4-10) and vote daily from 8am – 5pm AKDT at fatbearweek.org!

Cheesecake Factory – Does a Cheesecake Factory restaurant indicate a mall’s financial health? Moody’s Analytics says it could. They found that 93% of loans in places where a C.F. is located were current, versus 72% without the eatery.

Entities such as Nordstrom, Macy’s, Gucci, Lululemon, Vuitton, or an Apple store also tend to maintain brick and mortar places in Malls where the Cheesecake Factory has a presence. Of our four major Malls, just one has a C.F. restaurant. These four, by looks, fit’s the Moody’s profile with in that the one where there is a C.F. appears to be the most successful. It’s unscientific, but hmmmm?

People want to know – was our viewing the 100-year-old silent movie of Harold Lloyd in ‘SAFETY LAST’ earlier this week worth it? Answer; ABSOLUTELY! The theater was at least 80% full, from our Q-tipped heads to highschoolers. Along with the crowd we were mesmerized, and Marcia and I were caught belly-laughing more times than not. The piano accompaniment player was the perfect add-on, and his period costume made it even better.

Marcia – it’s a new day! Thursday Marcia graduated from Physical Therapy! In celebration we ‘gifted’ each other a block-long walk to the corner – No walker and No holding on. She did great, grumpy but great. Thank you, Dr. Stephanie!

Mid-month it’s off to the nerve/hand specialist, so Marcia will be embarking on a new path, and some new challenges. Success is awaiting; as Steve Jobs once said:

Vai’s Steel Drum Band – will perform tomorrow afternoon (for those in town, it’s at Seasongood Pavilion in Eden Park). Since we’re rushing headlong into the Halloween event along with all its screams and dirges, hearing the bright and sparkling steel drum sounds will be just perfect.

Weekly(?) Numbers – Should this segment become a regular feature? This week it’s a chart showing, the years 1968 through 2021 death rate (by color shade) for each age bracket per 100,000 people. Don’t worry, if you’re reading this, you’re OK.

Make it a great week. In every day there are 1,440 minutes. Use each of the 1,440 to do your best to stay healthy, stay happy, stay grateful, and continue to grow.

May Peace prevail! Love to all. Dirk

BONUS POINTS: if you think you know the answer let me know and I’ll verify. Likewise, have no clue?, ask and I’ll supply you the answer.

Do you know what this is?

and in between we had a blast!

Morning all! Yesterday it really began to look like Fall. We woke up with the city shrouded in a bank of fog. Day temperatures are still in the mid-eighties, nevertheless, Mother Nature has laid down her ‘season-is-a-changing’ gauntlet. My morning coffee is the one steady continuum.

Pieter’s arrival – was Saturday. Catching up, Lunch with friends (more below) and then dinner at our favorite pub, Gordo’s pub grill. And here was a first since post-surgery; Marcia joined! When your favorite eating joint beckons there is no refusing!

Saturday was a lot of ‘down memory lane’. Pieter is assembling a video memoir and had a long list of places – our family home upon arrival in the ‘Nati, Our family home in Madeira. His in-laws’ home in Indian Hill. And while at it, by request, the house where Sandy grew up. The little church where Pieter and Jeannie were married is now falling apart.

          

Lunch with Art Rozzi – President of Arthur Rozzi Pyrotechnics, Pieter, and I and one other friend had lunch together. These guys had ‘hung’ since high school and needed to reconnect. During their college days they went out West and ended up talking for an hour with Herb Alpert in his office at A&M Records. What a lot of you don’t know is that Pieter hitchhiked to California to meet Alpert, and that he and friends, twice over, drove me to Calvin College. Driving in some quite decrepit cars. Best of all, they remember those events as the best of times.

By the way, it’s Rozzi’s company which from the beginning (47-years) has enabled the WEBN Riverfront fireworks show which pulls ½ million to the river. No small feat! Be sure to crank the volume up and go full screen:

FC Cincinnati – had a game that evening and I grabbed a couple of seats, it was a great game. Then wandered around all the eateries, funky shops, parks, and pubs, in the Over the Rhine part of town. With both a soccer and baseball game, plus it being a Saturday evening, the place was hopping and a hub-bub of activity. I’ve attached the small movie Pieter made of the evening.

OTR Live – is a Black-owned night club and concert venue, having hosted national acts like Drake, Lil Wayne, and Young Jeezy (none of whom I’d ever seen). Our walk to the bus stop had us pass by the place. Although dark, it was early enough so that the five front door bouncers were waiting for the crowd and just hanging about. Pieter and I are friendly guys and so us two geezer types, tall white guys, got to talking with them.

     

Soon we were invited to ‘partake’ in some Tequila as it was being passed around. Inside a couple of young ladies were warming up and showed us their excellent ‘twerking’ technique; out of courtesy we each bought a Bourbon. Upon leaving the Security guys said their goodbyes and invited us back anytime. It was all most excellent!

An Algorithm –   4-way X 2 + 3-way X 2 + 2x-Coneys = 2-lunches for 2 brothers. Pieter just had to do it and I wasn’t about to complain. Cincinnati’s own Skyline Chili, both on Sunday and Monday. It’s not just an acquired taste, it’s a craving.

The Reds – On Sunday Pieter and I were walking the riverfront area and parks. In the background we would hear occasional crowd noise, curiously we walked towards Great American Ball Park, and found ourselves at the ticket office. We asked for a pair of half game tickets (it was the beginning of the 6^th).

Right after we got into the stadium the Reds came from behind to take the lead. Aside from being the final Home Game of the regular season, Joey Votto probably played his last game as a Red (after 17 seasons). And we won. Now, I ask, how good does it 

get?

Marcia is healing  — and this week has taken a major step by pointing out to me a new movie listings from her weekly Esquire Theater update. The Esquire is our town’s oldest operating historic and independent Art House Movie theater.

Tomorrow it’s a very cool single showing and we are making plans to go out to see the slapstick comedy of Harold Lloyd in ‘SAFETY LAST’. It’s the 100^th (1923) Anniversary of this Silent Film classic.

An iconic movie which will include LIVE piano accompaniment by music historian Matt Tolentino – and as explained; “this is how the film was meant to be seen”. The top three ‘genius’ actors of the Silent Movie era were Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, and Harold Lloyd was the third. Should be fun.

The Esquire – On the subject of The Esquire, it has shown monthly, since 1975, The Rocky Horror Picture Show; and this week at midnight the iconic horror/comedy film is being shown again. Always suggested is to come in costume, be ready to spritz water (rain), but NO tossing toilet paper, toast, rice, or confetti. It’s a time warp.

Years ago I saw it and am ready to experience it again, sometime, but not this week.

Make it a great week. Stay healthy, stay happy, stay grateful, and may Peace prevail!

Love to all. Dirk

Hard to believe that since I took off for my summer break, a summer has passed, a family gathering in Canada has taken place, saw more concerts than Marcia thought proper, and bones were broken; so, here we are, back with The Ramblings. Plus, a morning coffee in hand.

Also, I have to make this first Rambling short(?) and crisp since even as I’m writing brother Pieter is on the road heading for the corner of Chaos & Mayhem.

Today, is it Hupmobile or Hipmobile?  The first quarter of the previous century the Hupmobile auto was the rage. The current RAGE (in our household) is the ‘Hipmobile’. Marcia, while pirouetting in the driveway did a flip, required an EMT run to one of our hospitals, and had her left hip replaced – by none other than the Ortho Dr. for the Cincinnati Bengals football team.

Recovery is steady. She’s doing great, and is about as grumpy as one can be and still hold membership in civil society – all of which is absolutely the best while on one’s road to recovery.

Here is a photo of her with her ‘Hipmobile’.

The Urbanites – visited us at Northern Comfort – grandson Marin and roommates with friends. Marin could not be happier than being out in the bush. His friends (now known as the ‘Urbanites’) could not be happier than being on their latest Apple mobile. They left on day 3.

Marin went home, signed up at Hocking College in Southeast Ohio to major in Forestry, then returned to our camp for a family week which included all the aunts, uncles, and cousins.

That week I woke up one morning around 1am to the uproarious laughter by everyone except Marcia and I. Everyone had gathered on the screened-in porch playing some group game. It was then that I knew I was seeing a family memory building ‘home run’ in the making. Fun Times.

Most Interesting – happening at the corner of Chaos & Mayem this past summer. So much to choose from, but the winner is…..DRUM ROLL PLEASE….: the guy splayed across the front hood of a car rolling through the intersection. The guy kept yelling: “she’s got my baby”…”help, she’s got my baby!”

What is an Atlatl? — It’s a spear (or Javelin)-throwing lever, i.e. it’s a tool that uses leverage to give –greater velocity, almost like having an extra forearm. I read where it was used by the earliest Paleoindian (i.e. earliest known) cultures in Ohio and continued to be the primary weapon of Native Americans to late in the woodland period.

At the Pawpaw Festival they had a contest and signup to use the Atlatl. It was fascinating (but the lines too long for a one-day visitor like me). By the way, I’m told that the Atlatl penetrating power is about the same as that of a 50# longbow, and has a typical hunting range of 10 to 30 yards. Enjoy the little loop video I took:

Summer Entertainment – did not slow down one bit, beginning with seeing 90 years of age Willie Nelson. Also on the bill was John Fogerty – former writer and lead for Creedence Clearwater Revival. Also on the list was Particle Kid and one of my favorites, Warren Haynes of the Grateful Dead style Gov’t Mule.

It was a bit of a break until I managed to catch a favorite of mine, Tuba Skinny in Dayton.

Then this past Thursday evening a local organization, Empower U, which provides to the community a wide array of speakers on a variety of subjects, military, political, history, celebrated the start of a new season and brought in the Sensational Blues Brothers.

Elwood & Jake Blues (reenactors) brought to life the great R&B and Soul classics from the Blues Brothers film from 1980. They had it all, the sounds, the moves, the fedora, the sunglasses and second-hand black suits, skinny ties, white sox, and of course the iconic attaché case locked on Elwood’s wrist. Glorious!

Marcia is now saying; “enough, enough is enough”, all in reference to my summer of music and song. Maybe so, but it’s sure been a ton of fun!

Northern Lights – While everyone was in Canada word spread that the Northern Lights would be visible. For three nights folk either stayed up or got up – all for naught. Nada!

Thursday I came across this photo taken last week on takeoff from the Minneapolis International airport. Lucky guy [@Davidjonphoto] captured that photo, lucky us that he did:

Make it a great week. Stay healthy, stay happy, stay grateful, and may Peace prevail! Love to all. Dirk

PLEASE NOTE: that The Ramblings will be on hiatus (break, breach, lapse) until early August. This to re-charge my batteries, and at the same time I’ll be returning to the world of the internet.

So it’s finally come to this. Here it is, our last Saturday here at the corner of Chaos & Mayhem prior to heading north to our little Northern Comfort.

First a few quiet moments of contemplation and planning over my morning coffee, as I organize what to write.

In a way I hate to leave this place since activities on ‘the corner’ are always occurring and it’s never dull. Here is a moment from earlier this past week. Yesterday Marcia discovered that the rider, even though EMT took him to the hospital with a neck brace, he wasn’t banged up too badly.

Canada’s gift – stayed with us a better part of the week, like a smelly fog. Wildfires in Canada’s far west caused the smoke to drift this way. This also was a renewed opportunity to hear a whole bunch about everyone’s favorite cult-like boogie man, “Climate Change”.

This from Professor Gad Saad, professor of Evolutionary Psychology and Marketing at at the John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal Canada, best known for his studies in consumer behavior. I think he explains it best by stating, if;

“It’s too hot: Climate change.
It’s just right: Climate change.
It’s too cold: Climate change.
Forest fire: Climate change.
No Forest fire: Climate change.
Heavy snowfall: Climate change.
Light snowfall: Climate change.
Hurricanes: Climate change.
No hurricanes: Climate change.
Islamophobia causes climate change.
Climate change cause islamophobia.
Anxiety is caused by climate change.
Climate change causes anxiety.

Climate change is at the root of every phenomenon.

If you wish to discuss the policies surrounding climate change, you are a science denier who is likely causing climate change.

Jane Fonda explained that racism causes climate change as does toxic masculinity.

It is a grotesque 21st century new religion masquerading under the guise of science.”

the Normandy Invasion – anniversary was celebrated June 6. 79 years ago (June 6, 1944) saw 156,000 allied troops storm a 50-mile stretch of beach in Normandy, France. This was the start of the defeat of the Nazi ‘boot’ stomping on the neck of the western European nations.

Marcia feels that I am preoccupied with the black and white images of those days. Not exactly so, but since I do remember a few, child-like, snippets of that horrific time, it is part of me and also of my world view.

I thought you might find it interesting to hear (then) General Dwight D. Eisenhower inform the troops of the struggle ahead – multiple thousands who would never see their home and family again. As it’s been said many a time, this was; “The Greatest Generation.”

La Pinta – was the fastest of the three ships which, under the leadership of Christopher Columbus, was used to explore the New World in October 1492. It was a caravel-type vessel – a style that was well known during that time.

This week, docked on the shore of The Ohio River on the Kentucky side, was the replica of the original La Pinta. It was built by eighth-generation Portuguese shipwrights using the same methods and tools as the original.

At a mere 70’ long with a crew of 26, seeing it maked it seem almost impossible that such an assembled stack of planks and sticks made it across the Atlantic Ocean.

I went and toured the boat. A massive beam formed the handle of the tiller. Below deck was strictly for supplies and animals – the crew worked, slept, cooked and ate, dealt with storms, sun, wind and cold, all on deck.

Navigation of the ship was absolutely rudimentary (pegs placed on a board) and it’s a feat that their ‘discovery’ ever took place. That they survived, and even more importantly, that they made the return voyage back home is difficult to comprehend.

Jazz on the Square – was a short walk across the Purple People walking bridge from seeing La Pinta. Three hours of Jazz, wonderful to listen to and explained music. A couple of hundred of us were absolutely mesmerized. Then it was a bus ride home – glowing with the experience of both afternoon and evening.

Packing – has our little condo look like a combination Flea Market, Dollar Store, and warehouse. Bins stacked, loose stuff here and there, and a replacement refrigerator all waiting to be loaded.

The hard work will start tomorrow. June 26 Marin and some pals will arrive which means that Marcia and I know what needs be done upon our arrival at Northern Comfort mid-week. The rest of the clan will be there mid-July.

And, I forgot to mention, that there is importance to us being back in August since we have tickets to see. Drum roll please, WILLIE NELSON along with John Fogerty, the lead and primary songwriter of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Should be great!

Etcetera –
• This weekend is the 2023 USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, FL. Dinah and her cousin Adriana (from San Diego) are both there with their respective teams. Also there are brother George & Sandy, and my niece Heather. Adriana will race her finals later today in a 4-man boat. Dinah will be in the ‘stroke’ seat of her 8-man boat in the finals tomorrow.

• Since I won’t be writing at Father’s Day, here is a key Dad tendency on that day; “before using the tongs when grilling, he clicks them together two or more times to “test them out”.

• This week President Joe Biden signed a bill suspending debt ceiling for two years. I believe that all of us mere citizens are now discovering that we’re all bumping our heads on that ceiling.

• We sold out Volkswagen (camper) Bus decades ago. I think that Volkswagen thought that was long enough and so they are returning the bus to the US market after 20 years.

• I like my soccer. Currently, arguably, named the world’s best male soccer player is Argentine superstar Lionel Messi. Assuming his Miami contract goes through he’ll be playing here at TQL Stadium around the end of August, Before heading north I’ll try and snag a ticket to the Bailey.

Ciao. Stay strong. Stay Safe. Now grab my cow bell to cheer our young rowing ladies on.

Be well, be happy, enjoy your summer.

Dirk
BREAKING NEWS: Adriana in her finals just place second – great work Adriana!(San Diego (Yi, R)). 1.39-seconds behind the winning boat.

After a low-90s degree day, it’s Saturday, and a new hot day. The fact that summertime heat plus humidity hasn’t arrived yet is a bonus. All that said also means that a hot morning coffee still tastes really good.

At some point yesterday Marcia and I stared at each other. I expected a bit of a snarky; “you look really old” comment. I was wrong. It was; “do you realize that in just two weeks we’ll be at the cabin?”

Now it’s noticeable that the days for us to head north have begun to be shorter and are coming quicker.

I made an appointment at the dealership for an oil change, tire rotation, and belt/hose inspection. The earliest they could accommodate me is 11-am Monday a week (the 12th) – the day before we leave. Not comforting at all.

I think that to keep myself calm I should just plan to, again, watch Peter Sellers do his magic as Dr. Strangelove. Sellers in each of his 6 roles in that film is a performer-beat none. Peter Sellers – Dr. Strangelove; “[we’re] talking about mass murder, general, not war!” Then, to the American President; “Mein Führer!”………“Deterrence is the art of producing, in the mind of the enemy… the fear to attack!”

The Roast – before I forget, a major thank you to Tevita and Adrianne for hosting the Memorial Day weekend backyard Pig Roast. Tevita especially, up at dawn to start the coals. It was such a fun time, and a wonderful opportunity to meet new folk and re-establish contact with old friends.

“First the pork chops, then morality” ~ Bertolt Brecht

Spring Grove – Then last Sunday I decided to walk to Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboetum. I didn’t go to visit my parent’s grave site, but to capture the events celebrating the holiday weekend; music from the Revolutionary period and the Civil War, and a three hour tour of interesting history from the past.

President Abraham Lincoln – was with us for a full hour. History came to life as a couple of Lincoln’s famous speeches were given. Even more interesting was the shared background Lincoln had to deal with during his time, cultural, politically, socially, and familial. Questions were answered; all while our ‘historical’ Lincoln stayed in character.

Period Music – played across the acres of grass, ponds, and wood lots. Hearing music from the Civil War period played on instruments, especially the pre metal gut stringed Banjo, in that setting made it very special. Add period costuming and it became a bit of a time machine.

Grave Markers – So, I took part in a three hour tour in some of the older sections of the cemetery. Here a docent talked about the people by whose grave we stood who lived and experienced our Revolutionary period. There are 25 veterans of the Revolutionary War buried here. I’ll detail a little of just two such folk.

Lucius Chapin (1760 – 1842) – At age 15 he was too young to fight during the American Revolution. But he could play the Fife. Along with a young drummer lad Lucius was in several of those early battles. He fought alongside General George Washington at Valley Forge.

The Fife player meant you had to call the troops to breakfast, taps, and marches. Additionally, they were an early form of the Signal Corps, signaling for the troops to ‘flank’ left or right. What this meant is that for an enemy to cause disruption, aim for the drummer and fife boys.

Lucius survived and with his brother started traveling regionally as music teachers. Since most people could not read music he was key in developing a method for people to follow music. It was a ‘shape’ (or Harp) style of “Shaped-note Singing” which became wildly popular especially in churches.

As it was written in a description I read: “taking part in a shaped-note singing is an experience like no other. Grouped according to vocal range in a square formation, facing the song leader in the center and singing a-capella, singers create a powerful sonic exchange.”

Matthew Lawler (1755 – 1831) – was Active in the American Revolution. During the conflict he commanded privateering ships, including the Holker and later the Ariel. ‘Privateering’ in reality meant that the English viewed him as a pirate.

He was heavily involved in the early work, which, over time, ended up in the establishment of the Navy and Coast Guard.

But, wait a minute, there is more. He served as the Mayor of Philadelphia. And he served as the chairman of the board of directors of the Philadelphia Bank.

Spring Grove cemetery is non-profit and has always been non-sectarian and so it’s not very often that there is a ‘ripple’ when it comes to something as simple as a grave marker.

However, the blue marble Sphinx did cause a bit of a stir. The period saw a bit of fascination with everything Egyptian and hence, eventually, it was approved.

Etcetera –
• A fair bit of the Ramblings this week mentions music. So here is one more. A Mesopotamian tablet which at 3,400 years old is the oldest sheet music found. Named; “Hurrian Hymn No. 6,” it’s a tune in praise of the ancient goddess Nikkal.

• Mid week the Atlantic Hurricane season began. They predict with 40% accuracy that it’ll be a normal season. Tell “normal” to those who’ll be staring in some, yet unnamed, storm’s eye.

• Want to see Billy Joel in one of his scheduled Madison Square Gardens concerts? Better hurry, July 2024 it’ll be the end of his 150 concert run.

• We’ve successfully harvested solar energy from an orbiting satellite and then wirelessly beamed the energy to Earth via microwaves. I think this is the very early beginnings of distributing electricity without the use of strung wiring. Kinda cool!

• Take a look at this video of the Cooper Hill Cheese Roll (Gloucester in England). Insanity! Broken bones and concussions are the norm. In one heat a young gal won by crossing the line first – while she was unconscious.

Ciao. Stay strong. Now teach myself to walk around all the bins and stuff packed for Canada. Don’t want to trip like some of our leaders are prone to do.

Be well, be happy, stay safe.

Dirk

Have a great Memorial Day weekend. It might actually be good to display a bit of patriotism as we all are out and about grilling everything in sight. Tevita and Adrianne are having a pig roast, in part to celebrate their new home. We’re told that Marcia and I will be two in a group of about 30 expected folk.

Marcia will be bringing her famous and much sought after baked beans. The kitchen counter is filled with over a dozen cans of a variety of beans – all part of some ‘secret’ recipe.

But now, a bit of coffee. Thursday I was at Costco where they had $5 off of Peet’s coffee. Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend (brother Pete’s favorite west coast coffee) so I bought enough to carry us into next month and for our stay in Canada.

Now that summer is about to begin this weekend probably has been traditionally the ‘blowout’ sales season for beer sales. Anheuser Bush and their mainstay item, Bud Light for years were near the sales leader. While at Costco I noticed that the stack of Bud Light had the largest footprint of all the beers available. I also noticed that there was NOT a single case of the stuff taken from the pile. The scene made it appear as if they couldn’t give it away.

Actions have consequences!   

Think you can tame the national debt? Play the budget game – by The Washington Post

“Remember, this isn’t easy. You, and every player, have inherited a debt of $31 trillion. Without any changes, it’s projected to grow to a whopping $52 trillion by the end of the next decade.”

I played the game, here is my result: I am……the Classic Conservative. Apparently I believe in cutting both the size of the government and the programs it funds.

Unlike the ‘Classic Conservative’s’ archnemesis, the Big Tax and Spender, I am one who believes the federal government has to be smaller or else it will impede on the freedoms of our fellow Americans.

Unlike the Diligent Deficit Hawk, the ‘Classic Conservative’’ wants to cut taxes in addition to cutting spending, and we think the economy would grow for everyone if the government just got out of the way.

Click on the link here and play the game. Maybe you’ll be right in sync with our Potus & Congressional gurus – I hope not.

”All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson 

Dissertation – The other day, I don’t even know how the subject came up, but Marcia fired across the room; “what purpose has your degree’s dissertation actually served?” I was taken a bit off kilter for it surely wasn’t the subject material; Appalachian Values; Are They Transferable From A Rural To An Urban Setting?. Now that I’ve reflected on the question some more I have the answer; the purpose was that; I did it.

All that goes into such a thing, the research, the focus, the writing, the defense; and how that all those have combined and thus served me over the years is the answer. The actual subject material was merely the vehicle.

Word of the Day; Niksen: a Dutch verb which means “doing nothing”, which can be roughly translated as “nixing”.

This week we observed the lifestyle of the generation following us. Being retired it appears that their lifestyle all seems a bit of over the top busy. Buried with work, buried with homemaking, buried raising kids, buried with ‘events’.

Recently I came across the concept of ‘Niksen’. The Dutch, in an effort to prevent burnout and institute ‘wellness’, have put into place what they call Niksen; a trend that means “doing nothing.”

It translates into a regularly scheduled (organized) intentional period of doing nothing. The concept seems to be catching on. Niksen is not laziness. It’s a way to stimulate productivity and re-engage your mind by allowing it to breathe. It is essentially a picture of purposelessness.

As a Social Worker wrote; “What’s beautiful about it and the art of living is that you have the autonomy and uniqueness.”

Steve Martin — One of my favorite celebrities is Steve Martin, comedian, actor, and an amazing Banjo player.

With the constant stream of news-ready negativity day in and day out I thought I’d post this little musical piece from Steve Martin. It’ll bring a smile to your face. Enjoy:

Etcetera –            

• • Lots of people happenings this week. Henry Kissinger turns 100. Bob Dylan turned 82.
  • Marcia had to spend time listening to the music from Tina Turner who passed at age 83

• • This past week would have also been Dr. Sally K Ride’s birthday. The first American female in outer space (1951 – 2012). Passed of Pancreatic cancer.

• • Yesterday I had my 6-week final checkup on the results of my eye surgery last January. Verdict? Quoting Dr. Miller; “the results could not have been any better!” I have a couple of small sight issues (curvature & depth) which should clear up over time.

• • Here’s one for the little people. This week the Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Water Act only regulates wetlands that have a “continuous surface connection” to larger bodies of water. A farmer can no longer get ‘nicked’ by the EPA over a duck pond on their farm.

• • Mid-week I realized I could stream the FC Cincinnati vs the NY Red-Bulls for a jump into the elite final eight for the US Open tourney. How could I have known that the game would go into extra time with two additional shortened periods. Then would go into a 10 kick penalty shootout. By 11pm I go to bed happily knowing the home team had won!
  • Vili is leaving school — primary grades that is. Off to Middle School (Clark Montessori Highschool) next fall. Nice going kiddo!
  •      

• • Now that the Round the World solo sailing race, the GoGo2022, is over, There was a massive void. Bulent to the rescue. He now has me following the Imoca class 5-crew round the world race (this is the high speed stuff coupled with a couple of stops). Tense sailing, great watching as the “The Ocean Race” is on!

The Ocean Race 2022-23 – 10 May 2023, Leg 4 Day 17 onboard 11th Hour Racing Team. Malama sailing downwind in waves.

Ciao. Stay strong. Now post and then watch Marcia do her bean magic – appreciate Life and be sure to incorporate a little ‘niksen’ into it.

Dirk

Drop this Rambling quickly and then head for East Fork Lake (about 45 minutes away), cowbell in hand, to watch row Dinah row. It’s another weekend and another regatta.

Now, I first should open up ‘Chatgpt’ to have the system inform me which would be the quickest, easiest, simplest way to make the best morning coffee. Since it’s A.I. it’ll be easy to also include best ground, coffee type, water temperature, and method of brewing etc, all for the sake of coffee perfection.

If I’m not happy with the A.I.’s ensuing answer it wouldn’t be all too crazy for me to run over to White Castle with my thermos. Yes, we do have our own coffee; just thinking of alternatives.

Hi-Heels Sneakers – Tuesday evening it was “Jazz at Fountain Square”. This week it was the Michael Mavridoglou Quintet with an evening of ‘60s Jazz, Soul, and Gospel. So what did all this all translate into? As an example, they played ‘Hi-Heel Sneakers’ by Tommy Tucker written in 1964 – this number has been covered by folk such as Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Elvis, and Ramsey Lewis to name a few. It was a great evening.

5 of us, (two couples plus me) total strangers when we arrived, for two hours shared a table. And for that whole time had wonderful conversation alongside great music. Quite an evening. Here’s how Janis recorded ‘Hi-Heels’ with her band, Big Brother and the Holding Company – this definitely not a jazz rendition.

Also spotted on Fountain Square was this dog, a breed I’d never seen before. Talking with the owner, it turns out that it’s an Italian breed, a Cane Corso, and looks much like a Mastiff.

Climate Change – part one; 500,000 years ago – i.e. well before man, and when fossil fuels were still in the developmental stage, our area was massively affected by Climate Change, temperature and when accompanying glaciers reworked our landscape:

”We [Cincinnati area] are a Landslide Area, one of the top four in the nation.” ~ Laure Quinlivan former anchor for the local ABC affiliate news and filmmaker – “Living With Landslides”

Earl Pitts came out of the woodwork. Actually, he ‘musta’ happened on the scene because of the fact that our region is dead center in the world of racing and some of the guys were just ‘jawing’ around.

Days ago it was The Derby a little south of us. Then next weekend it’s the Indy 500 a little to the west, and all of this followed by a worldwide audience. So yes, these events are really hyped in these parts.

Anyway, I happened to record Earl‘s ‘take’ on it all, so have a listen:

A Canoe Life – At Vai’s Clark Montessori Highschool we attended their annual Festival. Marcia spotted, then went wild, and finally bought a bunch of raffle tickets, for a student made 13’ Canoe. We did not win.

Thursday evening she got a call. The gist of it was that the winner of the canoe took a pass, so another ticket was drawn. It was one of Marcia’s tickets! She had to yell (in delight) into a pillow so as not to scare the neighbors.

Yesterday afternoon we picked it up and it is gorgeous.

Art visited –. I promised a week ago that I’d fill in on his visit, so here’s more detail. Art was on business nearby and wanted to do brunch. He also wanted to make certain that Vaioleti would join our Brunch gathering at First Watch.

Now let’s go back in time. Vai was supposed to arrive in December 2008. In actuality she arrived August of 2008; she surely was a wee little micro-preemie.

At the time, Marcia and I were in Canada. Brother Art happened to be in Indianapolis for business. That next morning he drove to the ‘Nati and the ‘NICU‘ at Good Samaritan Hospital, there talked his way into the micro-preemie ward. He took a photograph of the 1-day old Vai and placed his Blackberry on the incubator as a size comparison. We’ve always loved that photograph.

Fast forward to last weekend.

Vai was surrounded by mom Adrianne, dad Tevita, and brother Vili as uncle Art pulled out of a bag a professionally mounted and framed copy of the picture he had taken that day. Mounted above the photo was the actual Blackberry which he had saved all this time. It’s stunning and an instant heirloom.

I saw a very emotional Vaioleti do some serious swallowing and give some serious hugs.

It was a beautiful moment!

Fin –

It’s common knowledge that Southwest Airlines has ‘grab-any-seat’ boarding (with a few exceptions). Now here’s a trick, for a mysterious ‘healing’ experience board in a wheelchair. It’s amazing how many people board a Southwest flight requiring a wheelchair and somehow get healed enroute, and walking off.

Cincinnati has the first pro Baseball team in MLB, The Reds. But immediately across the river we have the Florence Y’alls baseball team part of the Independent Frontier League. One of the crazy (but I love it) differences in that league is that any foul ball caught by a fan is an immediate out for the batter. Thought you’d want to know.

Last evening I listened to a live-stream of the opening performance of our May Festival’s 150th season; on my studio headphones – UNREAL! The Festival kicked off with Bach’s Manificat! Plus the premier of two commissioned works. The choral portion was by the voices of the local May Festival chorus, youth choir, and boys choir. I think I actually swooned. 

Just discovered that the ’fraddies’ and ‘nerdish’ at MIT have written and created a file which contains around 35,000 Japanese style 3-line Haiku’s – their subject? ……… each one written about the ‘killer’ luncheon meat we affectionally call “SPAM”! This Haiku came straight from the ‘can’:

SAS sent out
To destroy the SPAM missiles
Fear in Tel Aviv — Angus

Now my final coffee and a little breakfast all with my feet up. Mid morning, assuming the weather (i.e.rain) clears, it’ll be a drive to East Fork Lake to watch Dinah race in yet another regatta. Row Dinah Row!

Ciao. Stay strong, appreciate Life, and just so you know, the A.I. was not much help with brewing my morning coffee.

Keep on storming the castle. Pray for Peace.

Dirk

Happy Mothers Day Celebrating Moms Everywhere.

Well, well, seems like a day or two that’s all that has gone by and now it’s Saturday already. Maybe it was my anticipation for events later today, but that usually makes it appear that time has slowed. I should have had a conversation with Albert Einstein on the subject when I had the chance. Now it’ll have to be with Dr. Michio Kaku; but more on that later.

A morning mug of coffee anyone?
Sit back, relax, and enjoy these few moments of tranquility and leisure. Just do not discuss should these Ramblings put you back to sleep.

Word of the Day: apothegm: Just stating, “everything points to the number 42” is not an apothegm. An ‘apothegm is merely a short, sweet, phrase that incorporates a life lesson.

42 – Mid-2020, mid Covid, the Trump Whitehouse invoked Title-42 which allowed immigration officials to quickly return illegal aliens to their native countries for the sake of public health – 2.5-million illegal entrants were removed that way.

Yesterday Title-42 expired and according to NBC News; “DHS is now preparing a memo that will direct Customs and Border Protection to begin releasing migrants into the United States without court dates or the ability to track them…”

A week ago Jordan Neely, an out of control criminal type, was causing mayhem on New York’s subway. He was restrained and subdued, as a result he died. Turns out he had 42 previous arrests on his rap sheet.

Ok, good, finally, the number 42 shows up. But wait, here’s more….

Any of you ever read, ”The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams? No?
Well, in the ‘Guide’ the “Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and of Everything” was calculated by an enormous quantum supercomputer named ‘Deep Thought’ over a period of 7.5 million years. By then, no one remembered what the actual question was, and thus they were utterly stupefied when the computer (after 7.5 million years mind you) spit out the answer, which was……………………………………42.

It appears, that (much like the number 15) the number 42 is one of those cosmic numbers which keeps the Universe in balance and thus keeps us little peons guessing.

Vili and his Saxophone – have become a team. Last Tuesday evening his school, North Avondale Montessori, held their spring event with dancers, choir, bongo percussion, and a full band.

Like many of these events and my cynical self, I did not expect all that much. I was wrong! We all had a great evening.

Next year Vili will join Vaioleti at Clark Montessori High School. He’s already informed Vai that he won’t join her playing a steel drum, he’s going to try out for the school band and is hanging on to his Saxophone. He knows what he likes and what he wants.

”Anywhere you can dream is good, providing the place is obscure, and the horizon is vast.” ~ Victor Hugo (1802 – 1885) writer (Notre-‘Dame de Paris, ‘Les Misérables’) Politician

A spectacle shown – as last week the ‘dream’ continued in London, but was it good? Much like an old movie house movie reel that kept on breaking, was as how I saw the coronation of King Charles. Never saw the full video, just a series of ‘stop-start’ photos.

I caught snippets of a figurehead, with no purpose, and a person who is not likable. I have no issue with a monarchy per se, but I interpreted this event as an over-the-top fiasco, a bit of a sad fairy tale. Considering what England has devolved into, what it has become; to me what I spotted was akin to an old Monty Python joke.

Platos allegory – In Plato’s famous ‘Allegory of the Cave’, a group of prisoners have been chained to the floor of a cave all their lives such that their heads cannot move. All they can see is the wall opposite them, upon which they observe shadows in constant motion.”

“The shadows are of people and objects moving behind the prisoners, which are projected onto the wall by the light of a fire that is constantly burning. But the prisoners cannot see any of this. For the prisoners, the shadows are their reality. It is the only reality they have ever known.

If they could turn around, they would see the world as it really is. But they are incapable of doing so.” (from article by Mike Bedard)

“Crazy” you utter, “Dirk, what in the world are you driving at”?

The video (10-minutes) mentions politicians and the news media. It mentions the overt slanting of their utterings. However, what’s even worse, what is even more insidious, is what they do NOT say.

As anexample, this week a Congressional Committee had a Press Conference which detailed and made available Bank statements (from 4-banks), e-mails, whistleblower statements; all detailing in depth the corrupt financial dealings of the Biden family. To date, “ABC, CBS, NBC devote(d) ZERO Seconds to Oversight Committee’s Bombshell Findings on Biden Family Corruption” (headline from an article by Debra Heine in ).

And so dear readers, that’s how we truly are the chained, kept in the dark, much as the ‘prisoners’ Plato wrote about.

Row, row, row that boat – Dinah is busily finishing her school year (think ‘tis the season of exams). At the same time, she is practicing 3-hours a day, 6-days a week rowing.

This has also meant that already this year one week she rowed locally, then in
southern Tennessee, followed by a weekend in Saratoga, New York, with more regattas to follow.

And what does she gain? Physical fitness, goal setting, life-long relationships, winning graciously – losing graciously, getting along, cooperating/sharing, time allotment, just to name a few. With all of that, I thought I’d share a write-up mom Cathy shared the other day.

Fin –
* I began by using the word ‘anticipation’. Here is what all that is about.
Brother Art had business in Columbus yesterday. This morning he’s
hightailing it to Cincy. I will be taking him, and Vai (by his special request)
to lunch. Next week I’ll be able to fill you in fully.

* Then right after lunch Vai has to perform at school, an all afternoon Clark
Community Festival. I’m hoping Art can stay a bit to watch. Marcia will join
at that time.

* The Flying Pig Marathon weekend ran on time as scheduled. Saturday with
the ‘half’ the 10 & 5K were held in absolutely perfect weather conditions. I
think we all got a little too smug. Because………..

* Sunday the full Flying Pig Marathon started exactly at 6:30. Ten minutes later it was curtains of rain blocking vision, thunder, and lightning. A 40-minute break and then it was round two. It was horrible. A cadre of weather people hunching over screens, the management team from the Boston Marathon, fire, and Police, were all in on one HUGE confab. In the end, most of the starting crowd of 20,000 finished – and all went well. Me? I sat in front of the ‘telly’.

* Never heard of it? It’s still going on so hurry down. The ‘Nati is hosting the
2023 APP Vlassic Classic Pickleball Open tournament. With almost 900
players it’s much larger than I had suspected.

* Yesterday (May 12 th ) in 1963, Bob Dylan walked off the set of the Ed Sullivan Show. His “Talkin’ John Birch Paranoid Blues” was not to be sung. I guess Bob showed the ‘power-set’ who was in charge.

* Three Pedal offerings – A quickly-dying breed, stick shift cars can still be found in the US. Car and Driver compiled this list:  

* Tomorrow will be the 30th anniversity of the horrific Carrolton, KY bus crash on I-71 – killing 27 youth on a church outing. A drunk driver hit head on a school bus. The kids were returning from a day long fun trip at our nearby King’s Island ammusement park. Anytime I travel to Louisville a roadside marker reminds me of that horrid event. Don’t drink and drive!

* Citroen meet-up in Enschede / East Holland (my birth city)

Ciao. Stay strong, stop by and have a little of my self-made Sauerkraut (contains more probiotics than found in anything else) – appreciate Life.

Dirk

Saturday morning, and with our just missing the coldest-May 1st-on-record the current change is for the better, temperature that is. The warmer weather makes for me to come out of the gate spritely and upbeat. So let’s get started, with a smile and sparkle in the eye – even more so now that my coffee is ready.

Word of the Day: dryasdust: A boring, pedantic speaker or writer. Dull and boring.

‘Dryasdust’, I hope not with this morning’s read. For us the town will be hopping, actually running. See, it’s the weekend of The Flying Pig marathon. Between the 5K, the 10K, and the full marathon, there will be 40,000 runners on the streets, add to that about 8,000 volunteers and 100,000 spectators and, yup, it’ll be a hub-bub of activity. Tomorrow morning I’ll be one of those ‘squeelers’ (keeping with the ‘pig’ theme) cheering the marathoners on.

The ‘Nati’s Jewel – has to be our Mercantile Library and yes, you may pronounce it MercanTILE or MercantTEEL (wanna sound local?, just call it “the Merc”). Founded in 1835 by a few young business types. since then it’s grown and also assembled a number of fine art pieces.

The Merc is a remainder of earlier of membership libraries (which were around before there were public libraries). Anyone is welcome and visits are free.

Over the years there have been an annual series of speakers. Looking back, how about Herman Melville, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Harriet Beecher Stowe (who grew up nearby). More recently notables such as Rabbi Isaac Wise, John Updike, Salman Rushdie, Robert Caro, David Brooks, Julia Child, and Doris Kearns Goodwin have given lectures.

With membership the events are open as is the ability to peruse amongst the more than 80,000 book collection – many of historical value from a bygone era – the oldest dates to 1641.

What is truly amazing is that the place has survived two fires and the space it occupies on the 11th and 12th floor of the downtown Mercantile Building has had the library there since inception. There under a 10,000 year lease (yes, you read correctly; ten-thousandyears)

Want to see a recent event on video? Click on this Crowdcast LINK.

All this woke Bud Light stuff and in-your-face virtue signaling advertising needs to chill. First, they came for Uncle Ben (a credit to his rice) and I said nothing. Then they came for Aunt Jemima and I said nothing. Then they came for Dylan Mulvaney, and I said, “Whatever.” ~ Ron Hart, libertarian op-ed humorist, this on Dailey Caller

G°G°R 2022 or ‘On the Minnehaha’ – The 36′ boat, Minnehaha or “The Laughing Waters”, is a very special older boat – it just finished a global circumnavigation of 30,000 miles winning the quadrennial 2022 Golden Globe 2022 (G°G°R 2022) race in first place. (this race started September 4, 2022 – finished April 27, 2023).

My own love for sailing has me quickly connect to these massive races. In 2000 it was the Vendée Globe, now it was the G°G°R 2022 which I could track and follow. Over the years I did some lake sailing and racing and it must be that these races fulfill a small piece of my wish list. Besides, I just love the sights and sounds.

Sailing solo with just two quick (video card transfers only) stops, South African sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer, the only female in the 16-boat race, won the race. First of the only 3 boats that completed the race.

1st place even after diverting 95 miles to rescue a fellow sailor who was bobbing on his life-raft. Finish sailor, Tapio Lehtinen, had 5-minutes to activate his EPIRB device, grab his logs & sim cards before his #6 boat, Astria, completed its Titanic-style maneuver. He then floated for 24-hours in a raft before Kirsten was able to rescue him. As an aside, he was later transferred to a cargo ship which had also responded.

Neuschäfer’s boat had to be reworked and retrofitted. By race rules, everything has to be as it was on the first Golden Globe Race of 1968. Sealed ‘emergency only’ gear and a couple of minutes a day of telephone contact only is mandated. No restocking of supplies — Kirsten even collected and used rain water for drinking. Even to where CD’s are not allowed only cassetes because the CD wasn’t available in 1968. Plus, all navigation is by the stars only – no GPS. To rework the boat she spent almost a year on Canada’s Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) town of Baltic where she worked alongside the locals to get her Minnehaha ready.

A while back Marcia and I spent time in Canada’s Maritimes including P.E.I. and, like Neuschäfer, also loved the place and its people. Enjoy the short video and music by P.E.I’s  folk singer/songwriter Lennie Gallant and townsfolk as backup singers.

Fini –

• A quickie from our corner of Chaos & Mayhem comes this visual of a wrong-way tow – nice try though.

• Former Budweiser Bud Light marketing vice president, Alissa Heinerscheid, following her Dylan Mulvaney fiasco has re-surfaced. This might be a limited trial run with, possibly, her new employer?

• Watching everything WOKE, especially with high school and college aged kids I can’t help but wonder. Wonder if kids these days could muster the fortitude of those of The Greatest Generation of WWII. Think of a young kid climbing into the Ball Turret on a rattling B-17 Bomber. Gunners were squeezed into a suffocating totally exposed bulb, withstood bitter cold, hours on an oxygen mask (ok, we’ve had two years of the mask thing), and cramped in a fetal position. Your thoughts?

• Dinah raced in Saratoga, New York at the Toga-Invitational. A first place in the 8-person and 4th in the 4-person boat. With 1,500 athletes registered that becomes ‘most excellent’.

• Does anyone have a cogent answer as to exactly why the IRS needs to spend $10-million on weapons and ammunitions? I certainly haven’t got a clue.

• Our dazzlingly amazing veep (alongside Dan Quale & Walter Mondale) Kamala is now our A.I. tsar. I suspect it’s due to her stellar performance managing similar ‘tsaristic’ duties as Border ‘bozo’ and abortion ‘goat’. To formalize, this week a meeting on A.I. was held in the White House Roosevelt Room – the room’s portrait of the great namesake man himself seemed to come to life; it appeared he began rubbing his temples.

• Dutch is my original tongue. During my school years I’ve had a discussion or two about the fact that The Netherland’s most northern Province, Friesland, has its own language which is more closely related to English than to Dutch. This week I came across a chart which clearly details just how I’ve been correct all along. ‘Checkmark’ for Dirk.

• Last Saturday as mentioned last week, we made an excursion to Ikea. Actually, Ikea ‘shopping’ is a day-long event, hence it’s no wonder they built a restaurant and the halfway point. That aside, the ‘gravadlax’ salmon salad was amazing!

Ciao. Stay happy, stay connected, run your own life’s ‘marathon’ in whatever form suits you best – just keep on going! Be safe and be healthy.

Keep on storming the castle. Pray for Peace.

Dirk