On this day in 1933 the very first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. In the early 1950's there were more than 4,000 across America. That has steadily decreased since then until they are an oddity today. But they are enjoying a bit of a resurgence in interest as COVID-19 has closed indoor … Continue reading National Drive-In Movie Theater Day
Holidays/National Days
National Rocky Road Day
Rocky Road is definitely one of my favorite flavor combinations bringing together chocolate, marshmallows and nuts, usually almonds. It can be found in candy bars, fudge, other desserts and especially ice cream! I am told that the ice cream was introduced as the Great Depression began and was a commentary on the rough days of … Continue reading National Rocky Road Day
National Olive Day
There are few things more versatile than olives. They come in so many different varieties, colors and flavors. They can be stuffed with so many different fillings. Squeeze them a bit and you get useful oil. But munching on them is the best options. A perfect snacking choice. In my family there used to be … Continue reading National Olive Day
National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
The seminal French dish Coq au Vin (rooster in wine) comes from an old farm house need to soften up an old rooster in a wine stew from whatever was on hand at the farm. Traditionally it includes carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms. Knowing this national day was coming I checked out many recipes. I … Continue reading National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Recently Pamela came back from shopping with some of the few meat products available and one was a brisket. It was more than 7 pounds and I immediately knew I wanted to split it in two and make it two different ways. Please pardon the poor photographs because I was so eager to dig in … Continue reading National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
It is here again, (tomorrow, Thursday, May 28, 2020) that date when the setting sun aligns exactly with the east-west streets of the main grid in Manhattan. It has to do with the tilting of the earth on its axis that create our seasons. I've written about this before and you are welcome to look … Continue reading Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
Celebrate Memorial Day
To all the service men and women who have given their last full measure of service to our nation. To all their families who grieved them. To all the service men and women who have served and who serve today. To all their families who support and miss them. Thank you. As always you can … Continue reading Celebrate Memorial Day
Happy National Solitaire Day
During stay at home orders like we are working through in New York City one is always looking for things to wile away the lonely hours. The card game known as Klondike or any form of playing card Solitaire is one solution. But most people today are more familiar with the version found on your … Continue reading Happy National Solitaire Day
National Emergency Medical Services Week
Emergency Medical Services are more important than ever during this pandemic. Here in New York, where commerce and entertainment are still silenced, the empty street canyons echo with ambulance sirens. Less lately, but regularly. It is haunting. During my recent health problems I was transported by emergency medical teams, always professionally, ultimately to save my … Continue reading National Emergency Medical Services Week
Happy Social Distancing Mothers Day
Currently I live about 1,000 miles away from my mother so I can't just pop down to see here, especially in these pandemic days of states stopping New York license plates at the border. So I hope she got the card I sent in the mail. I sure hope she has a great Mother's Day … Continue reading Happy Social Distancing Mothers Day
National Hospital Week
This year National Hospital Week comes at a particularly appropriate time. The real battle ground against COVID-19 is in the world's hospitals where a daily war is fought to save people from this rapacious virus. Time to salute and thank all the hospital workers who are fighting valiantly to save lives and help families. Help … Continue reading National Hospital Week
National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
As warm weather returns, May is designated National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. If you are out and about on the roads, please watch out for motorcycles and let them ride safely. I wish I could get out but cannot currently. Ironic as it is one of my favorite ways to socially distance myself. While still … Continue reading National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Two National Days that go well together with a recipe that blends them!
Today is both National Oatmeal Cookie Day and National Raisin Day. You can already see where I'm going with this. Put them together and bake up a great batch of soft gooey oatmeal raisin cookies. Try the recipe link below for a terrific option. And send me a few by mail if you do. Yummy! … Continue reading Two National Days that go well together with a recipe that blends them!
National Superhero Day in the Age of Pandemic
National Superhero Day was actually founded by Marvel Comics but today it has an entirely new cast. Our superheroes today are our doctors, hospital staff, nurses, first responders, pharmacists, police, fire fighters, EMTs, delivery drivers, restaurant workers, grocery store workers, and truck drivers. They are saving our butts today. Thank you. As always you can … Continue reading National Superhero Day in the Age of Pandemic
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 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Today is National Take Our - and whoops - what bad timing. With schools and many jobs shut down everyone is in the same place already - home! Need to rethink this one and see if the home school monitor will write an excuse letter to let the kids move from the kitchen table to … Continue reading National Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Happy Odd Earth Day
Happy 50th anniversary of Earth Day in a most unusual time. With much of the world on stay at home orders for the last month research shows marked reductions in pollution all around the globe. We've always known that Earth's real problem is people. It took the current pandemic to make it demonstrably apparent. How … Continue reading Happy Odd Earth Day
National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
Garlic is such an integral part of our cooking it is hard to imagine how we would do without it. But the most useful and delightful way to use it is to simply roast it. You can do a few heads at a time in your toaster oven or a whole sheet pan full in … Continue reading National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
National Eggs Benedict Day
While there are competing stories of who originated Eggs Benedict, it is widely agreed it was here in New York City in the latter half of the 19th Century. Makes sense it was first devised in a city that celebrates a brunch culture. As you know it is an English Muffin, topped with bacon, poached … Continue reading National Eggs Benedict Day
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
National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
Mmmm. I love pecans, in waffles, in gooey pie, in just about any way. As you are sequestered at home it would be nice to have a tasty snack high protein way to enjoy them. Lucky you, here is a simple recipe I have adapted from Southern Living magazine that I know you will enjoy! … Continue reading National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
Easter 2020 in the age of COVID-19
Long before Twitter there was a pithy way to express important sentiments with a limited character set, church signs had limited real estate and they became very adept at getting their point across in few words. And just think, they didn't have the chance to make multiple (1/?) messages. And so it is this interrupted … Continue reading Easter 2020 in the age of COVID-19
National Encourage a Young Writer Day
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
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
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!
Walter Thinnes 
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