Here we are again at September 19 which is International Speak Like A Pirate Day. Put some Jimmy Buffett on the record play and have at it, using all the typical Pirate talk you ever imagined. Surprisingly you will be joined by others in the know. This is a National Day that many people have … Continue reading Aye ye landlubber. Time again to talk like a pirate!
2026 Reds eliminated from playoffs…sigh
Sadly my Cincinnati Reds did not measure up for the post season again. Though there were some memorable performances there was never a consistent answer to big league competition. You may have noticed that in the first half of the season I was following their progress closely in my blog posts. When that didn't work … Continue reading 2026 Reds eliminated from playoffs…sigh
I did it! 1,000 Consecutive Wordle Solves!
If you read this blog, you know that I am addicted to the daily Wordle puzzle in the New York Times (even non subscribers can play). Yesterday I reached a landmark. I have successfully completed one thousand consecutive Wordle puzzles! The NYTimes makes a nice deal of it and awarded a "badge." I've been playing … Continue reading I did it! 1,000 Consecutive Wordle Solves!
Looking for help in the special hat department.
Over my many years of Cincinnati Reds fandom I have collected many hats. Above note that I even had a small Reds hat for my cat! Along the way I have collected many other themed caps as well. But a new hat is becoming available that I cannot get. And believe it or not it … Continue reading Looking for help in the special hat department.
My Reds roll the dice by doing next to nothing?!?
You may have noted my relative silence of the last few weeks after weekly cheering sessions for my Cincinnati Reds who were skidding with wheels spinning. As we approached the 2026 trade deadline I was a bit discouraged, especially realizing there were at least seven notable Reds in the last year of their contract. The … Continue reading My Reds roll the dice by doing next to nothing?!?
I endorse the film event of 2026 – “The Odyssey” – with a few notes
If you haven't already - by all means see Christopher Nolan's big screen adaptation of The Odyssey written so long ago by Homer. (No need to dive into the rabbit hole of the question of who Homer was and whether her was real. But it is a lot of fun.) First I have not seen … Continue reading I endorse the film event of 2026 – “The Odyssey” – with a few notes
And the second half of the 2026 Baseball Season starts today
As the All Star Game Break is complete we start up the second half of this start crossed season. Sure we had a couple of young players in the All Star game... ...but there is a reason you did not see our core players there. They have not earned it this season. We started it … Continue reading And the second half of the 2026 Baseball Season starts today
My Cincinnati Reds are Flatlining when they should be surging….
Harumph. As I noted about ten days ago my promising Reds need to step up to the plate and deliver on those promises. Sorry to inform you they are slipping farther back. And the season threatens to leave them behind. In their last stretch they went 4-6 and now stand at 41-48, the only team … Continue reading My Cincinnati Reds are Flatlining when they should be surging….
Time is slipping away for my Cincinnati Reds
As the baseball approaches that halfway mark there is no more excuses and precious little time to catch. The previous week was a disaster as we went one for six in the last two series. Terrible. Coming up we face Pittsburgh and Milwaukee (who just swept the last series) in away games and return home … Continue reading Time is slipping away for my Cincinnati Reds
A notable Wordle Update
I have posted several times about my obsession with the New York Times daily Wordle puzzle. Recently I reached a nice little milestone of 950 consecutive positive outcomes (and did it with a two guess puzzle). Just 50 days away from a 1000 day run. Wish me luck. This game page shows my 950 day … Continue reading A notable Wordle Update
A Special note on National Peaches and Cream Day
Yep, today is National Peaches and Cream Day. But that is an old timey dessert seldom seen today. There is a modern day and more accessible product today. Have you tried the Chick-fil-A Peach Milkshake? It is a very special summer treat and worth a visit. But don't become hooked on them. They are only … Continue reading A Special note on National Peaches and Cream Day
National Martini Day is today
Earlier this month I celebrated International Gin Day with a Gin and Tonic because summer was just getting underway. But the third Saturday in June is my favorite day because it is National Martini Day. Let us be clear, any Martini must be made with Gin. Anything else, whether vodka or chocolate or apple or … Continue reading National Martini Day is today
Reds Hunkering down but not Advancing
Tough week for my Redlegs, but we didn't back slide. We lost a series against the Cardinals and won one against the Mets. So we are still under .500 and at the bottom of the National League Central. But we are heading into a very challenging week. In the next week we face two Division … Continue reading Reds Hunkering down but not Advancing
An unnatural AI Mashup
Back to my occasional series where I ask an Artificial Intelligence program (in this case Google Gemini) to create an image of several unrelated National Days all mashed up together. In this case I am celebrating National Lobster Day, National Nature Photography Day and National Megalodon Day to create an image that could never happen. … Continue reading An unnatural AI Mashup
World Gin Day – Time for a Gin and Tonic!
To Celebrate World Gin Day I am revving my occasional series where I ask ChatGPT to write a traditional blog post on the Gin and Tonic (but I have made a few personal edits to the material signified with ****). As usual I have provided the illustrations. Few cocktails have achieved the timeless appeal of … Continue reading World Gin Day – Time for a Gin and Tonic!
Don’t Panic, there is a long season ahead for my Cincinnati Reds
As I told you last week, the games aren't yet do or die, but my Reds need to pick and improve soon. They did not do so over the last week. We are now under .500 having been swept by the Cardinals and won only one of three in the series against the Padres. I … Continue reading Don’t Panic, there is a long season ahead for my Cincinnati Reds
Welcome to the 2026 World Cup Tournament
Here we go. The North American Soccer Futbol World Cup is under way with matches taking place in Canada, Mexico, and especially the United States. It will be all the talk for next many weeks and if you want to get a primer about the sport and the tournament - this is not the blog … Continue reading Welcome to the 2026 World Cup Tournament
Another Silly Mashup of National Days using A.I.
Here we go again. I asked ChatGPT (free edition) to mangle June 10th National Black Cow Day, National Frosted Cookie Day, and National Iced Tea Day. Sorry and you're welcome.
My 2026 Reds Backsliding as June begins
In baseball we play 162 games over a long and trying season. It is not possible to win every game. The measure of success is often how many series (usually three games) you can claim. My Reds just finished series with the Atlanta Braves and the Kansas City Royals. We are struggling. We have talented … Continue reading My 2026 Reds Backsliding as June begins
Throwback Thursday – Graduation Time
Haven't done a Throwback Thursday for a while but it is time for graduation. My high school graduation was half a century ago (Yep, I am officially OLD). Gee, that was in 1976 - The Bicentennial year so my sash had patriotic colors. So good luck to all the Semiquincentennial graduates. Yours is much more … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Graduation Time
Another A.I. Mashup of three National Day images
Yep, time again for an image mashup of three National Days created by Artificial Intelligence (in this case a free version of ChatGPT). June 2 is MLB Lou Gehrig Day, National Rotisserie Chicken Day and National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day. No disrespect to the great Iron Horse but I tend to do these from … Continue reading Another A.I. Mashup of three National Day images
Today is Say Something Nice Day
You remember what your mother told you as a child - "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." Hope you learned your lesson well, but today, take it one step further. Please go out of your way to say something nice. Let's increase civility and let it start with us. This … Continue reading Today is Say Something Nice Day
A Fascinating Old Book I Recently Purchased
I love books and have quite the collection. Recently I have primarily focused on e-books such as this that I bought for my Kindle. I also have several sources for discount books so this cost me just two bucks from Amazon. I focus and history and cookbooks usually and this is both! "Specialities of the … Continue reading A Fascinating Old Book I Recently Purchased
National Hamburger Day
Ah, the versatile and omnipresent hamburger. Today is its day. Its origin is murky and disputed. Perhaps it began in the 1800's but became defined in American minds at the start of the 20th Century. Maybe it came from the city of Hamburg, German, or may not. Who cares. It serves as a quick and … Continue reading National Hamburger Day
National Paper Air Plane Day
With a simple sheet of paper, a paper airplane allows us to fly. It carries no people or luggage but it cradles our dream. And aggravates others in its path. What could be better? Use the directions below for an excellent version. Have fun. Do not, repeat, do not try these instructions with whatever you … Continue reading National Paper Air Plane Day
Walter Thinnes 
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