I've only been writing scripts a relatively short time, less than 15 years. While I played around with the idea when I was younger, I never seriously attacked it. I wish I had started earlier. On this national day I've reached out to a number of young writers to encourage their work. I've been part … Continue reading National Encourage a Young Writer Day
Author: walterthinnes
More reflections on New York in Lockdown
New York is downright eerie right about now. Streets are downright empty but the air is filled with the sounds of sirens, echoing off our concrete canyons. In my upper Manhattan neighborhood people are out and walking but keeping respectful distances and most wearing mouth coverings of some kind. Grocery stores limit the number of … Continue reading More reflections on New York in Lockdown
International Beaver Day
I thought you otter gnaw that today is International Beaver Day. It is the best dam day there is. You may not know that a beaver keeps track of how many trees he cuts down by keeping a log. I wood've said more but ran out of puns. As always you can find more at … Continue reading International Beaver Day
Dispatch from the Epicenter
Hope you are well and taking care of yourself and your family. Here in New York we are praying for the week ahead. It will be tough as we approach the predicted apex. We hope it will not be as bad as the experts say but we must be prepared for the potential number of … Continue reading Dispatch from the Epicenter
Footnotes #23 – Arizona Boot
I have tried not to focus on my health issues when my entire city is getting sick around me, but it does go on. As a matter of fact, it has been delayed and detoured as hospitals are turned entirely into COVID-19 treatment centers. But recently I was fitted for something called an Arizona Boot. … Continue reading Footnotes #23 – Arizona Boot
Happy International Pillow Fight Day!
Happy International Pillow Fight Day! While you are locked in a COVID-19 lockdown this is the very best and least dangerous way to take out your frustration. Pillows are the safest weapon to use on your locked up friends! And who knows, maybe the world could adopt such a conflict protocol. At that point we … Continue reading Happy International Pillow Fight Day!
More time at home
Happy April Fool's Day. I understand these measures taken to stop the spread of the virus are deadly serious, but freezing in place sometimes feels like one giant prank. Yes, most of us will be spending more time at home to stop the spread of COVID-19. New York State has extended orders to stay in … Continue reading More time at home
National Tater Day
Today's national day salutes the delicious, flexible potato. So many delicious options - crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside french fries; rich creamy mashed potatoes; loaded baked potatoes and of course irresistible Tater Tots; and so many more ways to make them. But my favorite by far is something I learned in a … Continue reading National Tater Day
National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
Today is National Take a Walk in the Park Day and it is a good way to get out and experience some fresh air as so many of us are asked to stay in place. Even in New York we are allowed that luxury, though many National Parks have been closed down to reduce the … Continue reading National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
A ramble about RNs & PPE
When I was going through my health issues last year I observed that there was a lot of churn in using and dumping plastics and personal protective equipment. Though I am a dedicated recycler, I recognized it to be a necessary precaution to protect everyone involved. Now it is more vital than ever to reduce … Continue reading A ramble about RNs & PPE
Concerns for World Theatre Day
Happy World Theatre Day at a very difficult time for theatre. During the current shutdown Broadway has been closed down, several shows won't reopen, others have been rescheduled for next season, and the Tony Awards have been postponed. But more than that, millions of theatre employees and related workers have been laid off with no … Continue reading Concerns for World Theatre Day
Finally – a crisis suited to my skills
I would be no good in case of a flood as I am not a great swimmer. I can't run that fast, so getting to a shelter when a tornado threatens would be a problem. But the current COVID-19 crisis simply calls for me to stay at home and do nothing. This I can do. … Continue reading Finally – a crisis suited to my skills
In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Playwright Terrence McNally passed away from complications of COVID-19 yesterday in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was in the target danger group as he was 81 and had COPD. He was a prolific writer I admired very much and still actively writing. A great loss to the theatre community. He wrote the book to … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Patience and Fortitude
Like so much else, the New York Public Library is shut down. I miss going there to do my playwriting, especially the beautiful Rose Reading Room at the main branch. Flanking the entrance to that gorgeous building are two stone lions. During the Great Depression Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them names that he felt … Continue reading Patience and Fortitude
National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
With such a tasty national day and time on the hands of many people at home, why not make homemade chips AND a dip! Here's a couple of recipes to give you that option. ===============French Onion Dip INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, finely minced2 sprigs of thyme, stripped … Continue reading National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
Happy Spring 2020
The Spring Equinox happened last night at ten till midnight. That means that this morning, Friday, March 20, 2020, is the first sunrise of the spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) as this post is published. We need a new season and we need to get outside even as we shelter in place. Keep your social … Continue reading Happy Spring 2020
National Chocolate Caramel Day with a special Exposed! Edition
Today's National Day celebrates the great combination of chocolate and caramel. While looking for a way to celebrate I remembered a former feature of this blog called "Exposed!" where I explored or tore apart something to see what it is like inside. Now that we are all on isolation during the Coronavirus situation, I have … Continue reading National Chocolate Caramel Day with a special Exposed! Edition
A recipe for National Sloppy Joe Day
We could all use some comfort food right about now and just in time comes National Sloppy Joe Day and a recipe to go with it. Enjoy! ===============SLOPPY JOES INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil1 cup finely diced onion1 teaspoon minced garlic2 pounds lean ground beef1 cup tomato paste2 3/4 cups tomato puree1/2 teaspoon chili powder1/2 … Continue reading A recipe for National Sloppy Joe Day
Trying to keep our sense of humor
You may have heard that here in New York City all restaurants and bars are shut for dining in and only open for take-out and delivery. This action was chosen because too many New Yorkers ignored social distancing and crowded bars and restaurants all weekend. All evidence shows that this distancing and staying away from … Continue reading Trying to keep our sense of humor
A recipe for National Artichoke Hearts Day
According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. For all of these reasons, along with being … Continue reading A recipe for National Artichoke Hearts Day
New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
I was born in Florida and raised in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. I discovered New York City in my teens and fell in love right away. However, I did not move here until 1998. I discovered that native New Yorkers were disdainful of transplants like me. However, they reluctantly allowed us to call ourselves "New … Continue reading New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
National Pi Day
This is one of those national days based on reading the date. Thus March fourteen is also read as 3.14, the first three digits of the mathematical constant used to calculate the area of a circle. Handy thing. And, of course, in English a homophone of the delicious dessert pie. Thus a mania for baking … Continue reading National Pi Day
A whole new world
Exactly a week ago I fretted about what would happen if the spreading COVID19 infection hit the theatre industry. Yesterday it came true. Broadway has been shut down for at least a month. But it is much worse than that. Professional basketball and hockey have been suspended. College basketball playoffs, which at first was going … Continue reading A whole new world
Gary Larson Keeps on Keeping on(line)
When Gary Larson retired from writing "The Far Side" in the mid-nineties I was really bummed. I loved his warped sense of humor. Perhaps my favorite was a panel that had cows walking about on hind legs in a field when one of them calls out "Car!" They all get on four legs as the … Continue reading Gary Larson Keeps on Keeping on(line)
Walter Thinnes 
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