April 1 is National 1 Cent Day even though we no longer make the penny. No Joke!

I'm sure you are aware of April Fools Day today. Did you also that the US Mint no longer makes the penny. After many years about the cost of producing the coin versus the value of the finished product. In November the US Mint was ordered to stop producing the penny any longer. Some retailers … Continue reading April 1 is National 1 Cent Day even though we no longer make the penny. No Joke!

Review of “Death by Lightning” – I’ve been here before.

Back in 2020 I read the book "Destiny of the Republic" by Candice Millard and reviewed it on my blog (yep, you can search my blog to find that review if you really wish to). As a history buff I was entranced by the work and enjoyed it tremendously, heaping it with praise. Well recently … Continue reading Review of “Death by Lightning” – I’ve been here before.

National Shower with a Friend – Redux

This is a replay post from several years ago. Enjoy if you remember, or discover it new. The National Shower With A Friend Day is a National Day rooted in companionship, thrift and clean living. But, of course, co-showering images can easily drift to lurid and suggestive territory pretty quickly. Since this blog strives to … Continue reading National Shower with a Friend – Redux

🐿️ National Squirrel Appreciation Day: Celebrating the Tiny Acrobats in Our Trees

Tired of my typical snarky, off beat observations and blog posts? Prefer a standard, composed post on a topic? This is why I periodically pass along a blog post created by Artificial Intelligence on a random National Day. Sit back and enjoy a staid and standard blog created by Chat GPT. Illustrations inserted from my … Continue reading 🐿️ National Squirrel Appreciation Day: Celebrating the Tiny Acrobats in Our Trees

92nd anniversary of the longest gun battle in FBI history (and a link to an original post about a tour of the site)

Today is the 92nd anniversary of the longest shoot-out in FBI history and it all happened not far from on the shores of Lake Weir, Florida. If you are interested in more here is a link to replay of a previous post regarding to tour of the house where it happened. Enjoy! https://walterthinnes.blog/2023/01/20/a-tour-of-the-ma-barker-house/

In Memoriam – Erich von Daniken and his contributions to the decline of critical thinking skills

I am an avid reader of the New York Times Obituary section and I use this series to comment on notable passings, not always in a laudatory manner. Writer Erich von Daniken, writer of several best sellers including "Chariots of the Gods" recently passed away at 90 years old. It posited that space aliens visited … Continue reading In Memoriam – Erich von Daniken and his contributions to the decline of critical thinking skills

National Trivia Day and a HyperLocal Question

Today is National Trivia Day and trivia suffuses our culture. From Jeopardy! on television to Trivia Nights at your local bar it is everywhere. I'll forego the observation that our society needs to focus more on the bigger issues and less on trivial memorization. Having said that, I will make this personal. Recently I told … Continue reading National Trivia Day and a HyperLocal Question

A Sweet Symphony: Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Almonds Day!

Once again I turn to Artificial Intelligence Gemini Generator to create a full blog post about a Nationa Day with my own twist at the end... A Sweet Celebration Awaits! Get ready to mark calendars for a truly delightful occasion! July 8th is National Chocolate Covered Almonds Day, a special moment dedicated to one of … Continue reading A Sweet Symphony: Celebrating National Chocolate Covered Almonds Day!

Bloodletting In these Hills has started rehearsals

In September 2024 my script BLOODLETTING IN THESE HILLS won the Appalachian Playwriting Festival at the Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, North Carolina. Part of that prize included a production in their 2025 summer season. It is scheduled to be mounted on August 1-3 and 8-10. I've had the pleasure to speaking with the director Elizabeth … Continue reading Bloodletting In these Hills has started rehearsals

Pete Rose, surprisingly, is Breaking news

My posts are seldom about breaking news but today will be an exception. The MLB commissioner has decided that Pete Rose is no longer a threat to the game and so has taken him off the permanently banned list. Pete Rose, my favorite Cincinnati Reds with whom I have a complicated relationship (https://walterthinnes.blog/2024/10/03/throwback-thursday-in-memoriam-pete-rose-the-dreams-and-the-distractions/), who bet … Continue reading Pete Rose, surprisingly, is Breaking news

Throwback Thursday – the 60th Birthday of an American Classic

Sixty years ago today an American Classic was born. The Ford Mustang was an instant hit that captured the youth and vitality of drivers back in the 1960's. I've never owned a Mustang but have driven one that belonged to a close friend of mine many years ago. It was a wonderful experience I remember … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – the 60th Birthday of an American Classic