Happy 4th of July, Happy American Independence Day. This is a nation still being born. The Founding Fathers had a fascinating concept that is still not fully realized. We're getting there but it is slow going, especially for citizens who still do not benefit from all the grand ideas. I have faith we'll get there, … Continue reading Ramble on Independence Day
History
Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
155 years ago today, on June 19th, 1865, a contingent of Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and advised local enslaved African Americans that they were free. This was a year and a half after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and almost two months after the surrender of Lee's army, effectively ending the American Civil … Continue reading Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
I have found it difficult to blithely post National Food Day entries lately with all that is going on. There will be more, but the gravity of issues before us will keep me distracted from time to time. It is wonderful that protests continue and that the pressure for reform is finally being felt across … Continue reading A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
National Ballpoint Pen Day
National Ballpoint Pen Day is celebrated today to mark the filing of the patent for the revolutionary new device on June 10, 1943. We take it for granted today but before then you had to use a pencil or fountain pen. And that spotty device only came about in the 1800's. Before that came the … Continue reading National Ballpoint Pen Day
A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
New York City today begins phase one of the re-opening after three months of stay at home orders. It will be a slow process with only a few people going back to work and very limited businesses starting up again. We are eager to get moving but it will be tense judging how mass transit … Continue reading A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
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
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
National Telephone Day in the age of COVID-19
During this lockdown period it is likely your screen time is increasing tremendously. Wonder how that played back in 1918 for the last pandemic when the telephone technology was relatively new. Take a look at this ad: A new way to stay in touch even in that early day. But not every home had a … Continue reading National Telephone Day in the age of COVID-19
National Titanic Remembrance Day
108 years ago today a really big ship sideswiped an iceberg and an industry was born. Novels, movies, even a Broadway musical were launched and by now everyone knows the story and the plot lines built around it. If you don't, you now have plenty of time to dip into books and movies to catch … Continue reading National Titanic Remembrance Day
A Monumental Wedding
Last weekend Pamela and I attended the wedding of her son in Richmond, Virginia. It was a terrific ceremony and a great after-party. I don't know how the honeymoon is going as we weren't invited. The ceremony was held at Richmond's Monumental Church on Broad Avenue. It is historical and not only because it was … Continue reading A Monumental Wedding
National Miner’s Day
It seems almost anyone can name a National Day to hype their product, but today's was declared by Congress. It commemorates the worst mining disaster in US history when 362 coal miners lost their life in Monogah, West Virginia in 1907. One of my full length plays is based on the southwest West Virginia coal … Continue reading National Miner’s Day
Happy Evacuation Day!
One of my favorite New York City holidays has largely been forgotten. During the American Revolution George Washington and his army left the island of Manhattan on November 16, 1776 (which was quaintly celebrated at nearby Fort Tryon Park recently). Through the remainder of the war the city was run by the British and they … Continue reading Happy Evacuation Day!
Rare Political Commentary
This blog is focused on theatrical experiences, personal notes, food adventures and celebrations of National Days. I seldom lapse into political commentary, but will make a brief exception today. President Trump and various members of his administration are currently embroiled in an impeachment fight that I have followed closely. I'm not predicting what the outcome … Continue reading Rare Political Commentary
Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
One day each year Fort Tryon Park in Northern Manhattan is transformed into a festival celebrating Medieval Times with jousting, attractions, performances, crafts, fair food and more. In 2019, it is scheduled for this Sunday, September 29 from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. It is literally next door to where I live and I have … Continue reading Take the ‘A’ Train to the 35th Annual Medieval Festival!
Unexpected Glimpses of Olde New-York
Live in this city long enough and you know the feeling of seeing the past layered in the present. Maybe it is the unexpected revealing of an old painted sign when a neighboring building is turned down. Maybe it is an archeological dig where shards unearthed reveal an old clay pipe or tavern plate. As … Continue reading Unexpected Glimpses of Olde New-York
National Lighthouse Day
Today is National Lighthouse Day and you can find a very cute little lighthouse very close to where I live in Upper Manhattan, not where you would think to find one. It is nestled under the George Washington Bridge and is rather famous. Below is a picture I snapped when I hiked down to see … Continue reading National Lighthouse Day
World Emoji Day
Today is World Emoji Day and this calls for a Grumpy Old Man Rant. In ancient civilizations mankind used cave paintings, pictograms and hieroglyphics to express ourselves. About three millennia ago we created the alphabet and our ability to express ourselves soared and expanded with many different languages to choose from. However, with the growth … Continue reading World Emoji Day
Wishing you a very happy American Independence Day
Review – Hillary and Clinton
Playwright Lucas Hnath is on a bit of a "what if" kick lately, following his recent "A Doll's House, Part 2" with a look into two of our most famous political figures. While I shied from his multiple universe framing device, he nails the insight inside one of the most famous marriages of all time. … Continue reading Review – Hillary and Clinton
Review – Jack of Cups
Unlike the folks doing this work, I am old enough to have seen and worked around Experimental Theatre back in the 1970's and 1980's. Inevitable components included earnest monologues on how we need to come together, interpretive dance, and sounds and music made from unusual items and innovative instruments. Turtleneck shirts were optional but recommended. … Continue reading Review – Jack of Cups
National Oreo Cookie Day
I write today about Oreo's who have their own national day, today. Not really about the cookie but about where they were founded, right here in New York City. Yep, I'm talking about Chelsea Market. Back in 1912 in a Nabisco bakery Oreos were first baked here. Eventually a number of buildings took up an … Continue reading National Oreo Cookie Day
Review – The Ferryman
English playwright Jez Butterworth has created an amazing tale of an Irish family in the midst of the 1980's Troubles that is full and vital and fascinating. This is not a documentary of the struggles between the IRA and the British. This is a compelling family tale the will break your heart and confirm your … Continue reading Review – The Ferryman
10th Anniversary of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s famous Miracle on the Hudson Flight
Today is the tenth anniversary of the "Miracle on the Hudson." The day when pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger and First Officer Jeffrey Skiles lost both engines to bird strikes shortly after take-off from La Guardia Airport and safely landed their passenger jet in the Hudson River, saving the lives of all 155 people aboard the … Continue reading 10th Anniversary of Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s famous Miracle on the Hudson Flight
National Oysters Rockefeller Day
As I have said previously on this blog, there seems to be a National Day for nearly everything and today's version is Oysters Rockefeller. This dish was famously created by Antionne's restaurant in New Orleans in the late 1800's. It was named as so rich it was fit for a Rockefeller but that was before … Continue reading National Oysters Rockefeller Day
Review – The Storm Before The Storm & Mike Duncan
I actually finished reading this book some time ago but just getting around to reviewing it. Been busy, you know. I am a long time Roman History aficionado and all you need to do is whisper Gracchi Brothers or Marius & Sulla and I will come running. "The Storm Before The Storm" covers the start … Continue reading Review – The Storm Before The Storm & Mike Duncan
