The spun sugar treat we call Cotton Candy was invented centuries ago but was popularized at the 1904 Worlds fair marketed as Fairy Floss. It has been raising glucose levels ever since at carnivals, circuses and ballparks ever since. In the 1950's a home version was introduced to send your children into sugar shock and … Continue reading National Cotton Candy Day
Author: walterthinnes
National Roof Over Your Head Day
Today is #RoofOverYourHeadDay and is intended to remind us to be grateful for what you have, starting with the simple things like a roof over your head. So many struggle because of the hard times this country and the world find themselves in. While I have my own challenges in this department, I am grateful … Continue reading National Roof Over Your Head Day
November 22, 1963
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy shocked the nation and quickly led to a conspiracy industry that still thrives today. To mark the occasion I have read three disparate books over the last few months and offer quick mini-reviews of each. Sinatra and the Jack Pack by Michael Sheridan is a breezy read of … Continue reading November 22, 1963
My newest short play will have a performance in February 2021!
A few weeks ago I noted that my new play "2020 - A Perfect Year for Magical Thinking" was a finalist for The Old Library Theatre's 10th Annual One Act Play Festival in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. My script was one of a dozen plays selected from 107 submitted. The producer made those twelve scripts … Continue reading My newest short play will have a performance in February 2021!
Book Review: Longitude…
The full title of this book is "Longitude: The true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time" by Dava Sobel. A long title for a relatively short book. Ms. Sobel has written a fascinating and very readable book. First remember that before GPS and satellite guidance sailors had … Continue reading Book Review: Longitude…
National Princess Day
For decades, nay centuries, little girls have been encouraged to dream of and dress up as little princesses. It was extremely unrealistic that any of them would ever meet a prince, let alone live a storybook life. Along the way it taught them to give up agency and wait to be rescued. Various animation houses … Continue reading National Princess Day
No Knead to celebrate National Home Bread Day
During recent lockdowns some people reveled in discovering sourdough bread and banana bread recipes. You can find many sourdough and banana bread recipes on this blog. But maybe you are one of the many people who find bread too challenging and have no need to knead. Good news, here is a recipe for No-Knead Bread. … Continue reading No Knead to celebrate National Home Bread Day
Friday the 13th 2020
Today is Friday, November 13, 2020. A Friday the 13th in 2020. I'm not superstitious. Nope, not me. After all, the 13th day of a month falling on a Friday is a statistically normal phenomenon. It happens two or three times each year. It is just a coincidence, not an omen. 2020 has already had … Continue reading Friday the 13th 2020
It is difficult to be a writer in today’s world
I'm working on several projects at the moment. But I have a nagging fear how they will be received. Let's imagine I am writing about a sitting president who sends his personal attorney to give a press conference disputing election results in Pennsylvania. And for the sake of argument, perhaps this sitting president sends a … Continue reading It is difficult to be a writer in today’s world
National Parents as Teachers Day as never before imagined
Back in 2001, when this National Day was established, it was imagined as a resource for parents augmenting the teaching of their children. Sort of a PTA outreach service. During this pandemic it has become so much more and parents have taken over an entire new role in this difficult age. Thanks to all of … Continue reading National Parents as Teachers Day as never before imagined
Believe it or not, today is National Stress Awareness Day
I know you are all calm and balanced and just fine today, but just for fun, know that this is National Stress Awareness Day. What in the world would you be stressed about? Maybe a national election? Or maybe a pandemic reaching record levels of infection heading into a winter flu season? If for some … Continue reading Believe it or not, today is National Stress Awareness Day
V O T E
Today, November 3, 2020, is Election Day. If you do not vote you are not permitted to complain about the results for the next four years. If I am not mistaken this is a federal law. Hopefully one day our government will treat this day with the respect it deserves and make it a federal … Continue reading V O T E
My newest short play is a finalist in New Jersey
I am thrilled to announce that my (very recently completed) short play 2020 - A PERFECT YEAR FOR MAGICAL THINKING has been selected as a finalist for the Old Library Theatre's 10th Annual One Act Play Festival in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. There were 107 plays submitted and 12 were selected as finalists. By late … Continue reading My newest short play is a finalist in New Jersey
Good and Bad News for the Autumnal Time Change
The end of Daylight Savings Time means you should have set your clocks back one hour last night. The good news is you get an extra hour of sleep. The bad news is the year 2020 just got one hour longer. Good luck to you and stay safe out there. As always you can find … Continue reading Good and Bad News for the Autumnal Time Change
A Pictorial Ramble on Halloween 2020
Traditional Halloween frights don't seem quite as scary or pertinent this year Entirely new frights are in order in 2020. Whole new categories have emerged to fear this year. There is still a "parent tax" from trick or treating and here is a new way to protect your take! The good news is the year … Continue reading A Pictorial Ramble on Halloween 2020
International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
I do not currently have a pet but I have been owned by several cats. Tops among them was my favorite little guy - Macaroon. I have very fond memories of little Mac. An acquaintance had a cat who recently had a large litter and wanted to give most of them away. I was seated … Continue reading International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel passed away on October 25, 2010 - you read that correctly, a decade ago. But ten years ago I didn't have a blog so I wanted to take this opportunity to memorialize a great guy ten years out. I started work at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts (since renamed Artis-Naples) in 1989, … Continue reading In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
How Do You Top Ramen Entry
I love a good cooking challenge and this one is fun! Nissin Foods is asking you how to top their Top Ramen product to celebrate 50 years of their enterprise in the United States. I couldn't resist giving it a try. You can find full information at the URL below and should use the hashtag … Continue reading How Do You Top Ramen Entry
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Here is a perfect recipe for National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day that would be great for a Halloween Party or Thanksgiving Get-Together. ===============Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Baked in a 9-by-13-inch pan, these are sliced into bars that are easy to serve and eat. If you want to make them a bit fancier, you can reserve some of … Continue reading National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
International Gin and Tonic Day
This is the second best way to consume delicious Gin (a martini up with olive is the best, but that is a whole other day). That is, of course, if you like Gin as much as I do. It is not a taste that everyone appreciates. It has long been my theory that Gin and … Continue reading International Gin and Tonic Day
On this Date 1956: Pan Am Flight #6
My brain is full of useless information. Sometimes I find more utterly trivial stories to add to the pile. On October 16, 1956 there was an astounding water landing in the Pacific Ocean that made headlines because it was the first forced water ditching where all crew and passengers survived. It was Pan Am Flight … Continue reading On this Date 1956: Pan Am Flight #6
On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!
On October 14, 1935, a dedication ceremony was held for the brand new Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. It turns 85 years young today and looks amazing for its age! Nestled on a ridge between Inwood and Hudson Heights it has stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It is home … Continue reading On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!
In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
Big Reds Machine manager Sparky Anderson with second baseman Joe Morgan I grew up idolizing my Cincinnati Reds and through the 1970's they were the greatest team in Major League Baseball. Their amazing second baseman, Joe Morgan, passed away yesterday. He was a powerful hitter for what was a smaller than standard sized player. He … Continue reading In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
What Shall We Call Today?
For a long time the second Monday in October has been celebrated as Columbus Day here in the United States. As we have gained a better understanding of the truth and impact on peoples of the Americas that Columbus "discovered" many states have also incorporated the term Indigenous Peoples Day for the holiday. If, like … Continue reading What Shall We Call Today?
On This Date: The First Saturday Night Live Broadcast
In 1975, 45 years ago, NBC broadcast the first episode of what has become a comedy and music standard - Saturday Night Live. It has been good and it has been bad, it has never stopped experimenting. It has introduced legions of new comedians and showcased classic music groups. It has had iconic moments and … Continue reading On This Date: The First Saturday Night Live Broadcast
Walter Thinnes 
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