Yep, time again for an image mashup of three National Days created by Artificial Intelligence (in this case a free version of ChatGPT). June 2 is MLB Lou Gehrig Day, National Rotisserie Chicken Day and National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day. No disrespect to the great Iron Horse but I tend to do these from … Continue reading Another A.I. Mashup of three National Day images
New York City
Musing on NYC Hotel Housekeepers Contract for $100K+ per year.
I just read an interesting article in the New York Times regarding the recent contract extension between the Hotel Association of New York (about 250 top city hotels) and the Hotel and Gaming Council (representing about 27,000 workers). It is an 8 year contract that will see housekeepers earn more than $100,000 per year by … Continue reading Musing on NYC Hotel Housekeepers Contract for $100K+ per year.
International Fact Checking Day
The day after April Fools Day is International Fact Checking Day. Todays media landscape if filled with deliberate lies, falsehoods, exaggerations, and misinformation. Yes, I listen to some social media but always try to back it up with my own research and other reading. I can't tell you who to trust (though I highly recommend … Continue reading International Fact Checking Day
National Puzzle Day
As a writer I love a good word puzzle. It keeps me sharp, entertains me, and I usually learn something. My go-to source for these puzzles is the New York Times. I've written before about my Wordle progress (right now I am at a 806 day uninterrupted successful streak). I also enjoy the Mini-Crossword and … Continue reading National Puzzle Day
Personal reflection on Mamdani Inauguration
Yesterday a great deal was made of the inauguration of Zohran Mamadani as the new Mayor of New York City. I follow it with great interest as I recently lived for a quarter of century in that great city. During my time there I had just one opportunity to attend an inaugurations of a New … Continue reading Personal reflection on Mamdani Inauguration
2024 Baseball Post Season
Well, here we are again. That glorious battle for a World Series trophy. After a disappointing year when my Cincinnati Reds looked so talented but flopped so badly, I am disappointed. Indeed, I now believe in a new rallying cry for Redlegs... But I always enjoy the struggles of the best teams in my favorite … Continue reading 2024 Baseball Post Season
In Memoriam – James Earl Jones
While it is true that people die everyday, it is not everyday that we lose a giant such as James Earl Jones. A great man in size, in voice, in talent, and in our memories. He passed away yesterday at 93 years of age. Of course, I have seen many of his films and reveled … Continue reading In Memoriam – James Earl Jones
Are Tonight’s TONY AWARDS Relevant?
Tonight's broadcast of the TONY Awards on CBS and Paramount + are recognized as the ultimate awards for live theater in the country. But they are limited to about a total of about 40 theaters in a narrow strip of land on a narrow island at the center of New York City. When I lived … Continue reading Are Tonight’s TONY AWARDS Relevant?
Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 3
Finishing up my three day salute to a fantastic theater I once managed - the New York State Theater at Lincoln Center (currently named the David H. Koch Theater). An astounding and beautiful arts space opened this month in 1964 and shown here through original architectural photography. As it happens it will soon be in … Continue reading Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 3
Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 2
And now Part 2 of my salute on the 60th birthday of the New York State Theater (renamed David H. Koch Theater) at Lincoln Center that I managed in the early years of this century. Yesterday we saw a couple of early construction photos from 1964. Above is the architectural photo of the finished building … Continue reading Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 2
Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 1
On this day, April 24, in 1964, a beautiful baby was born. It turns sixty years young today and is a long term favorite of mine. I managed the New York State Theater (since renamed the David H. Koch Theater) from 2000 to 2003 and it was a memorable experience. During these next three days, … Continue reading Special 3 Day Throwback on a 60th Birthday Part 1
In Memoriam – Chita Rivera
The Broadway stage lost one of its greatest stars when Chita Rivera passed away at the age of 91. I was very fortunate to see her in a number of classic Broadway productions. The very first Broadway show I ever saw was the original production of the musical "Chicago" back in 1976 which featured Chita Rivera, Gwen … Continue reading In Memoriam – Chita Rivera
In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
The great actor Michael Gambon passed away recently. Why his stage skills were lauded he was most widely known from the role he took over after the death of the great Richard Harris. The roll was some dude named Dumbledore in the latter Harry Potter movies. I saw none of those movies (sorry) but I'm … Continue reading In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
Tony Bennett, dead at 96
One of my favorite singers, Anthony Dominick Benedetto (better known as Tony Bennett), passed away yesterday after a seven decade career. He was on the right side of history (he participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 and other progressive causes), and the right side of music (his skills with jazz vocals and the … Continue reading Tony Bennett, dead at 96
Results of The Reluctant Prophet Reading
Sorry to be so delayed. I've been exhausted since returning from both Richmond and New York. Not exactly sure why but there you have it. The reading went very well, was well received and yet gave good leads to continue to edit and refine. That is rare in a public reading. I credit it to … Continue reading Results of The Reluctant Prophet Reading
National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
I've spoken before about how much I enjoy the French dish of Escargot. Some people simply can't wrap their head around the fact that it is based on snails as food. But I can assure you that it is actually a handy platform on which to serve butter and garlic. As luck would have it … Continue reading National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
Tonight at 7:00 PM in NYC: The first public reading of THE RELUCTANT PROPHET
The title says it all. This evening at the Polaris North Studio we will have the first public reading of my newest full length play THE RELUCTANT PROPHET at their very first Talkback Tuesday event so I will get feedback from the audience. I can't wait. If you are in The Big Apple I hope … Continue reading Tonight at 7:00 PM in NYC: The first public reading of THE RELUCTANT PROPHET
Remembering Mother’s Day
This is the first Mother's Day since mine passed away last year. Wanting to think happy thoughts took me back to 2009. Mom had just fought and won a hard battle with Lupus. Her doctor was proud of her changes in diet and exercise that helped the medical treatments she received. Her doctor recommended that … Continue reading Remembering Mother’s Day
Reading Coming up in New York
I am very happy to announce that my new full length script THE RELUCTANT PROPHET will get a public reading at the Polaris North Theatre Co-operative in New York City on May 23 at 7:00 PM. I've posted the flier below for general information and I will follow up with more details in the coming … Continue reading Reading Coming up in New York
Quick Ramble on Polar Vortexes and Florida Ryding
Way back in 2018 I rambled on about bomb cyclones and polar vortexes when I lived back in New York City. Pre-war buildings and steam heat worked wonders. NYC this weekend is about to get another severe winter freeze getting down to below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. For my friends there please stay inside and stay … Continue reading Quick Ramble on Polar Vortexes and Florida Ryding
I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
When I moved from New York City about 18 months ago I seriously missed the many ethnic food shops that Central Florida simply does not have in abundance. Sure, after a few months here I came across an authentic French Bakery that I adored. However they soon closed after the landlord booted them out to … Continue reading I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
The news of the passing of Stephen Sondheim filled me with joy. Not because he died, I'm sorry the world is without him. But because the great joy he gave me as the greatest composer and lyricist of the American stage. He constantly expanded and challenged the music theater art form and we are forever … Continue reading In Memoriam – Stephen Sondheim
Follow-up Review to items from VikingBags.com and VikingCycle.com
It is always fun to unwrap and admired new motorcycle gear out of the box. But check back in a few months after the items have been rigorously road tested on both long and short trips. The real value is how they last and serve your purposes. That is exactly what I did. You may … Continue reading Follow-up Review to items from VikingBags.com and VikingCycle.com
Throwback Thursday – Happy Birthday to the Boss
This Throwback Thursday started in 1949 and continued until last June. Today is the 72nd Birthday of Bruce Springsteen and last June we attended his "Springsteen on Broadway" performance at the St. James Theater. It was the most recent show we saw in New York and it may be some time before we see another. … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Happy Birthday to the Boss
Broadway takes a big step forward to returning
The pandemic shutdown of theater in New York was very hard to take for those of us who love the art form. While performers took to streaming, I never warmed to the platform. For some odd reason I enjoy sitting shoulder to shoulder with strangers to watch live performers. Not the best pastime during a … Continue reading Broadway takes a big step forward to returning
Walter Thinnes 
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