I usually pursue trivial topics in this silly blog. National Days. Food. National Food Days. That sort of things. Sorry to digress but I must address what is happening now. Mob violence has been a threat to the authorities throughout time. The Romans famously used "Bread and Circuses" to keep the peace. Since the 1960's … Continue reading An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
Month: May 2020
National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
The seminal French dish Coq au Vin (rooster in wine) comes from an old farm house need to soften up an old rooster in a wine stew from whatever was on hand at the farm. Traditionally it includes carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms. Knowing this national day was coming I checked out many recipes. I … Continue reading National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Recently Pamela came back from shopping with some of the few meat products available and one was a brisket. It was more than 7 pounds and I immediately knew I wanted to split it in two and make it two different ways. Please pardon the poor photographs because I was so eager to dig in … Continue reading National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
It is here again, (tomorrow, Thursday, May 28, 2020) that date when the setting sun aligns exactly with the east-west streets of the main grid in Manhattan. It has to do with the tilting of the earth on its axis that create our seasons. I've written about this before and you are welcome to look … Continue reading Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
Celebrate Memorial Day
To all the service men and women who have given their last full measure of service to our nation. To all their families who grieved them. To all the service men and women who have served and who serve today. To all their families who support and miss them. Thank you. As always you can … Continue reading Celebrate Memorial Day
Wear a Mask PSA competition
Here in the state of New York we are required to wear a mask in public to stop the spread and protect other people. Governor Cuomo established a competition for New Yorkers to create a public service announcement to get the message across. More than 600 videos were submitted and the public gets to choose … Continue reading Wear a Mask PSA competition
Happy National Solitaire Day
During stay at home orders like we are working through in New York City one is always looking for things to wile away the lonely hours. The card game known as Klondike or any form of playing card Solitaire is one solution. But most people today are more familiar with the version found on your … Continue reading Happy National Solitaire Day
Fortune favors the streaming
If you are looking to find something interesting to stream during the lockdown you may find this interesting. Do you like history? Do you like all things Rome? Do you like quality museum exhibits? Then you will really enjoy the limited time streaming of a tour of the exhibit featuring items from the excavations of … Continue reading Fortune favors the streaming
In Memoriam – Fred Willard
I'm a little late to the party celebrating the life of the wonderful Fred Willard, but he wouldn't object. A genial satirist, talented actor and gentle personality he was always a welcome sight on the screen. I first came to know him from "Fernwood Tonight" and looked forward to his presence in so many mockumentaries … Continue reading In Memoriam – Fred Willard
National Emergency Medical Services Week
Emergency Medical Services are more important than ever during this pandemic. Here in New York, where commerce and entertainment are still silenced, the empty street canyons echo with ambulance sirens. Less lately, but regularly. It is haunting. During my recent health problems I was transported by emergency medical teams, always professionally, ultimately to save my … Continue reading National Emergency Medical Services Week
New York “Pause” update
We in New York City have been on "Pause" for about eight weeks now and keeping time has gotten foggy. Some parts of upstate have started reopening as are many other states. New York City will continue for another two weeks or so and that is tough. The lockdown has certainly taken a toll, including … Continue reading New York “Pause” update
Quarantine beard
There are many themes and memes being formed around our national #StayAtHome experience. For half of the population one of those projects is a quarantine beard. I'm in the process of letting my usual neatly trimmed goatee grow out (you can see how it used to be on my profile picture). I'm waiting for the … Continue reading Quarantine beard
Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
You may have heard that Broadway has just confirmed that The Great White Way will be closed at least until Labor Day and perhaps longer. While disappointing, it is entirely understandable at this point. Until we get this plague under control few people are clamoring to crowd shoulder to shoulder into a building with strangers. … Continue reading Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
Happy Social Distancing Mothers Day
Currently I live about 1,000 miles away from my mother so I can't just pop down to see here, especially in these pandemic days of states stopping New York license plates at the border. So I hope she got the card I sent in the mail. I sure hope she has a great Mother's Day … Continue reading Happy Social Distancing Mothers Day
How’s 2020 been for you so far?
So how has 2020 been for you so far? Really? Me too. Tough one so far. Hope you can find a reason for a little smile. In this tough time it is especially important to keep your perspective and keep your sense of humor. I know it is not easy but it will help you … Continue reading How’s 2020 been for you so far?
I tried Mississippi Roast
During these lock down times I am trying recipes I may not have tried in other circumstances. Recently I tried an internet favorite slow cooker recipe called Mississippi Roast. It is simple, delicious and has several variations you can try. Basically you take an inexpensive cut of beef (try chuck roast or sirloin roast) and … Continue reading I tried Mississippi Roast
A surprised thank you to Korea
I've already lamented the delayed start to Major League Baseball and my Cincinnati Reds season and it is very depressing. On a lark I caught up with the opening of professional baseball in South Korea this week being broadcast on ESPN. There are only ten teams in this small nation's league but they started playing … Continue reading A surprised thank you to Korea
Another Epicenter Dispatch
You may be aware of the ancient curse: May you live in interesting times. That is exactly where we find ourselves in New York. The numbers are coming down, too slowly, but reducing. Governor Cuomo has become must watch television. We are hunkering down but many in our city are itching to get out and … Continue reading Another Epicenter Dispatch
National Hospital Week
This year National Hospital Week comes at a particularly appropriate time. The real battle ground against COVID-19 is in the world's hospitals where a daily war is fought to save people from this rapacious virus. Time to salute and thank all the hospital workers who are fighting valiantly to save lives and help families. Help … Continue reading National Hospital Week
An audio version of one of my plays online
During our city wide stay at home order the theatrical studio co-op I am a member of is posting virtual performances on their Facebook page. I contributed a radio version of one of my most popular short plays "Happy Birthday, Leonard." It was chosen to be broadcast by a Spokane, Washington station several years ago. … Continue reading An audio version of one of my plays online
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As warm weather returns, May is designated National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. If you are out and about on the roads, please watch out for motorcycles and let them ride safely. I wish I could get out but cannot currently. Ironic as it is one of my favorite ways to socially distance myself. While still … Continue reading National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Walter Thinnes 
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