National Handwriting Day was established way back in 1977 by the "Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association." They wanted to sell more of those pens, pencils and crayons that their members cranked out at a furious rate. Then came the computer and how is it looking now? Lack of cursive writing skills in young 'uns is a … Continue reading National Handwriting Day
Holidays/National Days
January is National Soup Month
Way back in 1986 the Campbell's company named January as National Soup Month. Not surprisingly they were angling to sell more cans of soup during this cold month. But you can cross them up by making your own at home. You can find easier soups but you will never find a tastier, more January appropriate … Continue reading January is National Soup Month
National Cheese Lovers Day
You can count me among the cohort celebrating today as I simply adore cheese. There are more than 1,000 kinds of cheese and I want to taste everyone of them. I will be certain to celebrate today with some lovely cheese. If you come to New York be sure to stop by Murray's Cheese to … Continue reading National Cheese Lovers Day
National Hot Buttered Rum Day
As winter tightens its grip, a Hot Buttered Rum sounds like the perfect drink to warm up your day. But I have never made one so I, of course, turned to the internet and you can find lots of ideas. My favorite site includes a video, how to make a single cup, how to make … Continue reading National Hot Buttered Rum Day
Hats off for National Hats Day
National Hat Day was clearly started by some enterprising haberdasher a long time ago. And I am one of their best customers. I have a large collection of top wear, due to my time in the theater, my use of them in magic shows and just because I love to wear them. Some may say … Continue reading Hats off for National Hats Day
National Pizza Week!
If you follow this blog you know what this means - there are pizza deals to be had. You can find special deals at Domino's, Godfather's, Papa John's, Pizza Hut and much more than I can list here. If interested, check your favorite pizzeria or a new place you've always wanted to check. Or better … Continue reading National Pizza Week!
National English Toffee Day
This National Day celebrates one of my favorite treats. This buttery delight is terrific, often covered in chocolate, sometimes with crushed nuts added. Over the counter applications include the popular Heath Bar. You can also find options at quality confectioners. Or make some at home from the excellent website below: https://www.thespruceeats.com/english-toffee-520453 As always you can … Continue reading National English Toffee Day
First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
Grab your camera or your smart phone and wake up early tomorrow New Yorkers. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:20 AM will be the first Manhattanhenge sunrise of the year, and in some reckoning, the new decade. (for more on that topic stop by https://walterthinnes.blog/2020/01/01/happy-new-year-the-decade-question/) For you Big Apple newbies this is the date (one … Continue reading First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
National Cuddle Up Day
As winter settles over the land, today is the day to cuddle up to your sweetheart and take a selfie. Tag with #NationalCuddleUpDay and post it on social media. Sounds like a nice warm idea. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day
Today is National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day and I think you would agree that nothing goes with chocolate better than cherries. Pamela used to give her boys a box of chocolate covered cherries each Christmas. Well, mint also goes well with chocolate, I mean my mouth waters for Girl Scout Thin Mints each year. Anyway, … Continue reading National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day
Happy New Year – the Decade question
Happy New Year and welcome to 2020. You may have heard some arguing whether it is the start of a new decade or it is not. Here is the simple answer. TECHNICALLY it is not. The system of our year numbering, though imposed retroactively, in a flawed manner and adjusted several times, there was no … Continue reading Happy New Year – the Decade question
Footnotes #20 – what a year it has been…
I am happy to wish 2019 farewell. It has been a tough one for me. Luckily I did not die on the operating table after my body went into Severe Septic Shock back in late August. I emerged from three operations over an eight day period thanks to the prayers and positive thoughts of family … Continue reading Footnotes #20 – what a year it has been…
Happy Kwanzaa
Merry Christmas
National Eggnog Day
Happy Christmas Eve. Don't you love how grocery stores are stocked with eggnog between Thanksgiving and New Years? Ever try to make your own? Well, here are three recipes. First be aware that drinking raw eggs have all kinds of risks so take care if you are pregnant or have auto-immune or other health issues. … Continue reading National Eggnog Day
Happy Hanukkah
Winter Solstice
In the northern hemisphere today is the Winter Solstice. On the dark side it is the longest night and shortest day of the year. On the bright side it only gets sunnier from here through summer with lengths of day steadily increasing. It has been celebrated for many ages and often used for reflection of … Continue reading Winter Solstice
National "Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf" Day
If you call someone today and they respond by answering with "What's your favorite color?" they are honoring the National Day. Clearly a marketing ploy by the producers of that classic 2003 Will Farrell Christmas movie "Elf." Be sure to add it to your list of must see seasonal movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" … Continue reading National "Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf" Day
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
Chocolate is such a malleable material. You can cover nearly everything in chocolate and today is a day to celebrate it. You can cover candy in chocolate. You can cover peanuts in chocolate. You can even cover peanut butter in chocolate. That is especially delicious. You can cover strawberries in chocolate. You can cover ice … Continue reading National Chocolate Covered Anything Day
National Cocoa Day
By which we mean Hot Cocoa! That delicious frothy topped warming beverage so loved as winter settles into the Northern Hemisphere. You could order it from your favorite coffee shop, but that can get expensive and requires a special trip. You can buy pre-packaged brands at the supermarket but it often contains chemical stabilizers, flavors … Continue reading National Cocoa Day
National Gingerbread House Day
Today is National Gingerbread House Day - that wholesome family traditional of assembling a dwelling made of gingerbread, icing, candies and especially gumdrops as part of the seasonal festivities. Much of the time this is assembled from a kit but it is still a lot of fun and creativity to assemble the structures, especially for … Continue reading National Gingerbread House Day
National Noodle Ring Day
Some of you may know of the actual source of this National Day. Apparently there is a tradition of making a casserole that includes egg noodles, sometimes vegetables, sometimes canned tuna, in a round shape like a bundt pan or similar. Sounds, um, interesting, but come on, you also thought of that canned American treat … Continue reading National Noodle Ring Day
National Pastry Day
Today is National Pastry Day and I hope you get the chance to celebrate by partaking in a delicious pastry in celebration. I know I will. Mmmm. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
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
National Cookie Day
As noted earlier this week, I no longer bake masses of Christmas Cookies because of my limited New York City kitchen. That doesn't mean I don't continue to collect interesting cookie recipes. When I did the massive bakeoff I always included my two favorites - Snickerdoodles and Ginger Snaps. What if someone combined those into … Continue reading National Cookie Day
