How to steal a fortune

 

 In the mid 1990s, Mary Rainer Skala (Then Mary Smith) and her husband, Glenn Smith, then of Burke Virginia, (6900 Courageous Circle) were having marital problems and saw marriage therapist, Dr. Mark Rodney Lohman, (540-341-2856) at his office in Fairfax County. Mary Smith and Lohman, who was also married, immediately began an affair

(Lohman AKA on various loans and credit cards:  Mark Lowman, M R Lohman, Mark R Lohman and Mark Loman)

In October 2001,  Lohman (540-341-2856-Virginia Practicing license number 701000543)  and Rainer Skala, borrowed $500,000 from Lohman’s wife.(308 Tinsley Circle Shepherdstown WV 25443. 703-407-8153)

The purpose of the loan was to underwrite a business. Lohman and Rainer Skala pocket the money and told Mrs. Lohman that the company she was funding went bankrupt and her money was gone.

Rainer -Skala and Lohman purchased a condo with the money and invested some in the company which sold in 2012 for about $40 million. Rainer -Skala/Lohman’s cut was $5 million gross.

 

 Lohman convinced Glenn Smith, (Mary’s husband)  who is blind and currently lives in Fairfax County, that his blindness, combined with Lohman sales abilities, could create a profitable assistive technology company.

 In 1997 Rainer Skala and Glenn Smith  (7820 Baltusrol Blvd. Suite 230, Gainesville) and Lohman, opened Bartimaeus Group in McLean,  Virginia where the Lohman’s lived.

After the company became operation from government contracts, Rainer Skala divorced Glenn Smith in 2003. Glenn Smith learned in 2025 that Lohman and Mary Rainer Skala were involved

Rainer Skala and Lohman co-singed a loan for $500,000 from Lohman’s wife, (Rainer -Skala singed for $300,000, Lohman for $200,000) They pocketed the bulk of the money.

 They bought two new Lexus’s with matching license plates and, in July 25, 2003,  a condo in Mclean at1489 Chain Bridge Road in McLean.

At least a portion of the down payment money to purchase the McLean Condo came from the loan intended for Bartimaeus Group. Rainer-Skala and Lohman paid $306,755 for the condo and carried a mortgage of $245,404.00

Rainer-Skala refinanced the condo in 2005 and finally sold the unit in 2015 for $375,000.00 (#0294-12090202)

 Loman filed for Chapter 7 protection in Virginia state court (#case 0610252) and was granted protection on January 29, 2007. To be clear, this personal bankruptcy had nothing to do with the $500,000 loan to he and Rainer Skala.

The loan, the real estate, the cars, the living arrangements, are all a matter of public record.

 Lohman then moved in with Rainer-Skala, who, by this time, was also practicing marriage therapy with Lohman, from Bartimaeus’s office.( VCU MSW program 1992-1994)

Since Lohman’s wife assumed the company had gone belly up, in 2002, they changed the company name to Bart Group  and moved to a different building in the same complex. (From 1481 Chain Bridge Road in McLean to 1489 Chain Bridge Road in McLean)

 Unknown to his wife, Lohman lived, part time,  in the McLean Condo for several years and then followed his wife, who was mothering his two daughters as her own,  and in 2010 began another therapy practice in Warrenton (54 East Lee Street)

Lohman’s  wife wasn’t aware that Bartimaeus Group became Level Access in 2017 after an investment of $40 million from JMI Equity or that it  later merged with other tech companies in 2022.

The company remains in Tysons Corner under the name Level Access.

Rainer-Skala’s cut from the merger was about $5,000,000.00 ,gross, and she cleared another hundred and fifty grand from the sale of the McLean condo. She is no longer associated with Level Access.

Rainer Skala lived with John William Tuohy for twenty years in common law. Although she cheated with Lohman in the first year of the relationship, he forgave her. But the cheating went on from 2015 until 2025.

Lohman and Rainer Skala married and now reside in West Virginia (309 Tinsley Circle in Shepherdstown)  worth about $1.1 million. They have an additional $1.1 million with a money manager located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Rainer Skala is a marriage therapist with the Well Marriage Center, a nationwide firm.

If there is any thing in this report that you doubt, let me know I will provide you with the facts.

https://twentyyearswithanarcissist.blogspot.com/

 https://twentyyearswithanarcissist.blogspot.com/

The Ultimate American Hot Dog Tour: 10 Iconic Stands You Must Visit

The Ultimate American Hot Dog Tour: 10 Iconic Stands You Must Visit

Jim Wright 

 

 

13 August 2025

The hot dog is a cornerstone of American cuisine, a simple and perfect food that tells a story about the city or region it's served in. For any true food lover, a journey to the nation's most iconic hot dog joints is an essential pilgrimage. This is not a world of fleeting trends, but one of time-honored recipes, fierce local pride, and multi-generational loyalty. From New York's classic franks to Denver's exotic game sausages, this guide, based on deep research into America's most celebrated establishments, will take you on a tour of the must-try hot dogs that define our culinary landscape.

 

1. Nathan's Famous (Coney Island, New York)

A true American legend, Nathan's Famous is the undisputed champion of classic hot dogs. Since 1916, this Coney Island institution has been serving its world-famous all-beef frankfurters, known for their perfect snap and incredible flavor. A visit to the original location is a rite of passage, especially when paired with their classic crinkle-cut fries. It's the benchmark against which all other classic hot dogs are measured.

2. Olneyville New York System (Providence, Rhode Island)

A trip to Rhode Island isn't complete without trying its unique culinary creation: the "hot wiener." And the undisputed king is the Olneyville New York System, a James Beard Award-winning "America's Classic." Here, small, snappy wieners are placed in a steamed bun and loaded "all the way" with mustard, a signature seasoned meat sauce, chopped onions, and a dash of celery salt. It’s a truly iconic and delicious taste of Rhode Island culture.

3. The Weiner's Circle (Chicago, Illinois)

If you're looking for a classic Chicago-style char dog with a side of famous attitude, The Weiner's Circle is a must-visit. This late-night institution is legendary for two things: its perfectly grilled hot dogs "dragged through the garden" with all the traditional Chicago toppings (mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle, sport peppers, and celery salt) and its hilariously surly staff who engage in comedic, expletive-laden banter with customers.

4. Hot Dog Tommy's (Cape May, New Jersey)

A true Jersey Shore destination, Hot Dog Tommy's is famous for its upbeat vibe, creative gourmet toppings, and the legendary long lines that prove its popularity. This seasonal, upbeat food shop serves up high-quality hot dogs with both classic and one-of-a-kind toppings and even offers excellent vegan versions. It's a perfect, satisfying bite in a historic shore town.

5. Hillbilly Hot Dogs (Lesage, West Virginia)

For a truly unique and over-the-top experience, a pilgrimage to Hillbilly Hot Dogs is essential. Housed in two repurposed school buses, this roadside shack in Lesage, West Virginia, offers a dizzying menu of creative hot dogs. Their most famous creation

is the "Homewrecker," a massive 15-inch, 1-pound weenie piled high with jalapeños, peppers, onions, nacho cheese, chili sauce, and more.

6. Biker Jim's Gourmet Dogs (Denver, Colorado)

Biker Jim's takes the concept of a hot dog to a whole new level with its focus on exotic game sausages. This is the place to try something you've never had before, from reindeer and rattlesnake to wild boar and elk jalapeño cheddar. Topped with creative condiments like their signature cream cheese and caramelized onions, it’s a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience.

7. Nu-Way Weiners (Macon, Georgia)

A Southern institution since 1916, Nu-Way Weiners is famous for its classic, bright red hot dogs. The signature style is a wiener on a steamed bun topped with a unique chili sauce and often a line of mustard. It’s a taste of history that has been a beloved Georgia tradition for over a century.

8. American Coney Island (Detroit, Michigan)

Located in the heart of Detroit, American Coney Island is one of the originators of the iconic "Coney dog." This classic features a natural casing hot dog on a steamed bun, smothered in an all-meat, beanless chili, and topped with mustard and chopped onions. A visit here is a taste of a legendary Michigan tradition.

9. Papaya King (New York, New York)

A New York City classic, Papaya King is the originator of the "recession special": two delicious hot dogs and a tropical fruit drink for an incredibly low price. Their frankfurters have a fantastic snap, and the most popular way to order them is with mustard and sauerkraut. It's a simple, perfect, and quintessentially New York experience.

10. Bert's Hot Dog Shop (Burgettstown, PA)

A great side-of-the-road spot, Bert's represents the thousands of beloved local hot dog stands across America. It’s nothing fancy, just a small roadside joint serving up delicious hot dogs and hamburgers with just about anything you want on them. This cash-only spot gets busy fast, proving that a simple, well-made hot dog is a timeless American treasure.

R.I. Food Fights to celebrate wieners, hot dogs, and more beginning September 1st

 

R.I. Food Fights to celebrate wieners, hot dogs, and more beginning September 1st

Be part of the fun and choose the region’s best dogs

 

Wieners, Hot Dogs, Saugys, whatever you call them, they’re a Little Rhody favorite.

Rhode Island is known for its culinary scene, but hot dogs are an often overlooked menu item. With so many popular wiener spots around the area, including Sam’s New York Systems, Wally’s Wieners Providence, and Baba’s Original New York System Rhode Island is at the center of the Wiener-verse.

This September, RI Food Fights kicks off WIENER FEST, a contest inviting locals to sample dozens of the state’s best wieners and help choose a winner, one bite at a time. 

The concept is simple and irresistible. Participating wiener joints offer one free hot dog to anyone with a coupon from RI Food Fights. The coupons come bundled in a single book, known as the Passport, which is mailed directly to participants. For under $30, you can purchase a Passport and begin your summer/fall wiener tour. This year features more than 20 participating establishments.

With a Passport in hand, participants have the entire month of September to visit restaurants, food trucks, and hot dog stands across Rhode Island and taste everything the state has to offer.  Along the way, voters help decide which spot earns the coveted title of Best Wiener in RI.

Wiener joints span from Woonsocket to Westerly, making the competition a showcase of local businesses and a celebration of the state’s diverse and creative hot dog scene. Passports are on sale here, and organizers expect them to sell out quickly. Visit EventBrite.com to purchase yours and get ready to enjoy. Click here for more information on RI Food Fights.

Reader’s Digest says this dish defines comfort in Rhode Island. Do you agree?

 

Rin Velasco

USA TODAY NETWORK - New England

Comfort food means a lot of different things to people in Rhode Island.

The Ocean State has a lot of local eats that just hit the special spot. Foods like johnnycakes, pizza strips, and doughboys from Iggy's mean so much more than just satisfying your hunger. Eating them can feel like home.

As part of Reader's Digest's America the Tasty 2025: Comfort Food from Every State list, the publication said that one Rhode Island dish in particular signals that type of comfort more than anything else.

"See if you agree with your state’s pick … or find a new personal favorite on this list," Reader's Digest said.

Here's what Reader's Digest picked as Rhode Island's top comfort food.

Reader's Digest says stuffies are Rhode Island's top comfort food

Reader's Digest chose stuffies as Rhode Island's number one comfort food because of how the making of the savory treats can bring Ocean State families together.

Here's what Reader's Digest said about it: "Rhode Islanders make this coastal comfort a family affair, harvesting fresh quahog clams, then stuffing them with a delectable filling of briny steamed clams, smoked Portuguese sausage and seasoned bread crumbs. A simple squeeze of lemon takes them over the top."

 

What are stuffies

Stuffies are the regional name for Rhode Island baked stuffed quahog clams and are a state tradition, the Visit Rhode Island website said.

"A quahog (pronounced kwa-hog) is a hard clam, available year-round in Rhode Island waters and harvested to make favorite dishes such as clam chowder and stuffies," the website said. "Quahogs are inherently nutritious—high in selenium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and B vitamins."

Rin Velasco is a trending reporter. She can be reached at rvelasco@gannett.com.

The airport stuffie

 

 

 

The airport Stuffie

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Commerce is working on a new campaign that would put installations of life-sized “stuffies” in airports across the country.

Stuffies, also known as baked stuffed clams, are a Rhode Island staple.

The goal of these installations is to get people curious about Rhode Island and hopefully draw more people to the state.

Travelers at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport have mixed reviews on whether or not a stuffie would draw people into the Ocean State. Some people said yes, but many people said something else would better represent Rhode Island.

“What would you think if you saw a giant stuffed claim in the airport?” asked ABC 6’s Alyssa Azzara.

“SpongeBob lives here, I don’t know,” said one traveler.

“Would it make you want to come to Rhode Island?” asked Azzara.

“I think so…because it looks good,” said another traveler.

“I don’t think they would come to Rhode Island for that,” said a third traveler.

Some people say no way to the stuffie, but one traveler that spoke with ABC 6 thinks it’ll peak people’s curiosity.

The whole idea of these life-sized installations is to get people’s attention.

“The goal is to make them say, ‘Well, what is that?’ And when they say what is that, we have achieved part one of of goal, which is to get their attention and make them curious,”‘ said Anika Kimble-Huntley, chief marketing officer at Rhode Island Commerce.

Some travelers think Rhode Island Commerce could have picked something different to better represent the state.

“If Rhode Island had a great coastline, or water, or mansions to visit, maybe if I saw that I’d be more interested, a quahog… probably not,” said a traveler from Rhode Island.

Kimble-Huntley said they want to draw people in with something they may not know about, have travelers talk with ambassadors about it, and then hopefully they’ll visit the Ocean State.

“If we’re able to drive food tourism to restaurants who probably need the help selling stuffies then there’s an economic impact to that, then think about the trickle down affect, now you have the shellfish fisherman.. Maybe they’ll be a greater demand for quahog,” explained Kimble-Huntley.

Kimble-Huntley said they’re also looking at doing events and marketing around the stuffies as well as looking at putting a Newport mansion installation in airports.

The stuffie installations are a part of a $4.5 million air service marketing program.

Officials hope to have the stuffie in airports in June.

 

 

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Rhode islands favorites

 

 

 

RHODE ISLAND FOODS

Stuffies

Served in the shell, stuffies are baked stuffed clams with lots of breading and butter. This Rhode Island food is so iconic that a seven-foot version of it is being placed in airports around the country to attract visitors to the Ocean State.

 

Clam Cakes

A deep-fried fritter made with chopped clams, clam juice and a flour base. They have a similar consistency to a hush puppy after they're fried and are more cakey than say a crab cake.

 

RI-style Calamari

Take a basic calamari appetizer (batter and fried squid) and toss it in butter, garlic and hot peppers, and you get Rhode Island-style calamari. The dish is the official state appetizer.

 

RI Clam Chowder

 

A lighter take on clam chowder than the New England or Manhattan versions, Rhode Island clam chowder skips the cream and the tomatoes giving it a clear broth.

 

Lobster Roll

Sure, Maine gets a lot of credit for their lobster rolls, but Rhode Island's are every bit as good. As a state, we're not picky about if they're warm or cold. We just like them with an ocean view.

 

New York System Wiener

We know, it says New York in the name, but we promise this is a Rhode Island thing. The weiners – which are a mix of beef, pork and veal – come in a natural casing that makes a 20-foot rope that the restaurants has to cut to size by hand. Once in the bun, it's covered in a spicy sauce that includes onions and ground meat.

 

Grinder

If you're really from Rhode Island, you'll pronounce it "grindah" and forget about the r. This Rhode Island favorite is a sandwich made with Italian cold cuts, pickles and other vegetables put on a grinder roll. You can mix up the cold cuts, but they have to stay in the salumi family.

 

Dynamite

 

A Woonsocket classic, the dynamite sandwich is a type of sloppy joe-like sandwich served in a torpedo roll with a spicy sauce often made in batches large enough to feed a crowd.

 

Pizza Strips

Also called a party pizza, red strips or a bakery pizza, a pizza strip is a rectangular strip of pizza, served on a crust that would be best described as focaccia, topped with tomato sauce and often a dusting of grated Romano cheese. It’s served at room temperature. 

 

Johnnycakes

Similar to a pancake, the main difference is Johnnycakes are made with stone-ground cornmeal. A staple at May Breakfasts across the state, they're very easy to make.

 

Pepper biscuits

An Italian treat, a pepper biscuit is a simple biscuit flavored with fennel and pepper rolled out into a log before being twisted into a round. The crunchy snack pairs well with a glass of wine.

 

Zeppole

A treat traditionally served on St. Joseph's Day, zeppole resembles a flattened cream puff, filled with cream and topped with more cream and a cherry. Traditional ones are filled with pastry cream. Others are made with ricotta cheese, chocolate cream or whipped cream and fruit.

 

Coffee Milk

For those who didn’t grow up drinking coffee milk from cartons in elementary school, coffee milk is exactly what it sounds like: milk mixed with a sweet coffee syrup.  The drink was invented in Rhode Island, sometime in the 1930s.  

 

 Del's Lemonade

Never drink it with a straw! Del's Lemonade is a frozen lemonade with roots in European fruit ices. Perfectly refreshing on a summer beach day, lemon is the classic flavor but the brand offers many others.

 

Doughboys

Awfully close to the fried dough you might find at any old state fair, but better because of their smaller, more manageable pillow shape. Cover these in sugar and cinnamon for maximum happiness.