Today is Halloween, a holiday initially signaling the end of harvest and approach of winter that goes back to Roman times. Eventually it evolved into the eve before the Christian All Saint's Day on November 1 or All Hallow's Eve - now Halloween. Banned by the Puritans but steadily rehabilitated in the Victorian era, it … Continue reading HALLOWEEN!
Holidays/National Days
National Candy Corn Day
Today is National Candy Corn Day. This is one of my favorite national days as it combines vegetables and candy. I am most thrilled that there are three flavors in every kernel. These treats are rather tasteless but then so am I. Perfect. Don't know why, but they remind me more of teeth than corn, … Continue reading National Candy Corn Day
National Pumpkin Day
Today is National Pumpkin Day. Obviously this is tied to nearby Halloween and the whole harvest autumn thing. Two notes. Celebrating a holiday in which we carve up the guest of honor into funny or scary forms is kind of weird. And now-a-days you only use pumpkin flavor from a can. When was the last … Continue reading National Pumpkin Day
Happy Birthday, John Lennon
Today in the United States is Columbus Day - a rather controversial national holiday. As I have complicated opinions of the man I will skip it and celebrate a day that happens to coincide this year. John Lennon's birthday. My favorite Beatle and one of the greatest musicians of all time. I still remember exactly … Continue reading Happy Birthday, John Lennon
National Coffee Day
Today is National Coffee Day and for me that means another cup of Café du Monde, coffee blended with ground chicory from New Orleans. Chicory is the root of the endive plant which is roasted and ground up and blended with ground coffee. For me it provides a perfect blend of a black cup of … Continue reading National Coffee Day
This weekend: The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park
On Sunday, October 1, come to Fort Tryon Park, near the top of Manhattan (and right next door to me) to enjoy the annual Medieval Festival. Take the A Train to 190th Street stop, take the elevator up to Fort Washington Avenue and turn right. There will be jousting, falconry demonstrations, medieval weaponry, people in … Continue reading This weekend: The Medieval Festival at Fort Tryon Park
National Pancake Day
Today is National Pancake Day. Many cultures around the world have their own versions from crepes to blinis, from sweet to savory, filled and flat but they are all delicious. I am particularly fond of the good old American version which needs a hot griddle, butter and syrup. At home I use a sourdough batter … Continue reading National Pancake Day
Hobbit Day
September 22 was named Hobbit Day by the American Tolkien Society as it is the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in the novels of J.R.R. Tolkien. Nowadays most people know of the excellent Peter Jackson movies. When I was in high school and college I read the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings … Continue reading Hobbit Day
End of Summer
Today is officially the last day of summer. It has been a nice summer and relatively mild in New York. With the multiple fires in the west, hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it has been tough across the country. Autumn is my favorite season and it always lovely in New York. I'm looking forward to the … Continue reading End of Summer
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Today is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Unlike many national days the source of this one is well known. It was founded by John Baur and Mark Summers (aka Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy) in 1995. Click here for the entire story! In theory you are supposed to speak pirate slang with lots of Aaar's … Continue reading International Talk Like a Pirate Day
National Cream Filled Donut Day
Today is National Cream Filled Donut Day. Deep Breath. I love Cream Filled Donuts but I avoid them at all costs. Slight tremor of my right hand. They are so delicious as to be unable to be resisted. A glistening dribble of drool escapes from the edge of my lip. A Boston Creme Donut is … Continue reading National Cream Filled Donut Day
September 11 Anniversary
That Tuesday in 2001 was a clear and beautiful day. I had voted in the mayoral primary and was at my desk as Managing Director of the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center. My assistant let me know that a plane had hit one of the towers of … Continue reading September 11 Anniversary
National Stand Up To Cancer Day
The second Friday in September is National Stand Up To Cancer Day. I am a cancer survivor and grateful to be around to talk about it. Cancer is something many people don't want to even whisper about but it has far reaching consequences for many people. Mine was excised, removed, cut out and not returned … Continue reading National Stand Up To Cancer Day
Update your resumé month
September is Update Your Resumé Month. It is a good time to annually review and freshen up your resumé. When I was an actor, a long time ago, I would freshen my resumé on a regular basis as I was always adding shows and prioritizing which shows I wanted seen by those holding an audition (there was only … Continue reading Update your resumé month
Happy Labor Day
Today is celebrated as Labor Day in the US, honoring workers and the trade union movement. The date was chosen as an alternative to May 1 (still International Workers Day) which was too closely associated with the socialist movement for the late 19th century establishment. While there are always parades and rallies it serves more … Continue reading Happy Labor Day
Walter Thinnes 
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