I'm usually a big fan of National Days but this one makes me queasy. When was this created - in the Mad Men era? I mean, this is just creepy and I recommend for once you do not embrace this National Day or your Boss for that matter. Especially if your Boss is Harvey Weinstein. … Continue reading National Hug Your Boss Day
Politics
National Presidential Joke Day
Today's National Day is celebrated because of President Ronald Reagan's joke during a sound check (on August 11, 1984) when he said “My fellow Americans, I’m pleased to tell you today that I’ve signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.” Some were amused, others were outraged but sound check chatter … Continue reading National Presidential Joke Day
National Veep Day
We mark National Veep Day today as we observe the anniversary in 1974 when the last time a US Vice President got promoted because of Article II, Section 1, Clause 6 of the Constitution. Yes, when Gerald Ford took over after Richard Nixon resigned. It was the ninth time it has happened in our country, … Continue reading National Veep Day
International Peace Month
August is International Peace Month. I think we can all get behind this. I mean, who doesn't wish for World Peace? Or, however you spell it, I call for World Peas. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
International Clown Week
Today is the first day of International Clown Week. First, there were circus clowns, and then kiddie clowns, and then television kiddie clowns, and then fast food clowns, and then scary movie clowns, and then just weird clowns and eventually a whole posse of them. I don't know about you but I've been seeing more … Continue reading International Clown Week
In Memoriam – John Lewis
It was a great loss to the world when Civil Rights Icon John Lewis passed away Friday night. He was called to the movement early in life and accomplished more than nearly any other man in that pursuit during his 80 year lifespan. He was the youngest speaker at the March on Washington and the … Continue reading In Memoriam – John Lewis
Book Review – The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
As my quarantine beard hews closer to that of James A. Garfield's, it is only fitting that my most recent read was this excellent book by Candice Millard. She fills out a fascinating story of our 20th president who only served for about half a year before being shot by Charles Guiteau. I had a … Continue reading Book Review – The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President
Ramble on Independence Day
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
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
Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
I've never tried to pitch an idea for a new play on my blog. So I'm hoping that lots of my readers are theatre or film producers. You are, right? I'm guessing this would work better as a cinema release than a theater script. The setup: Imagine a time when a populist politician has won … Continue reading Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
A change is gonna come
It's been too hard living, oh myAnd I'm afraid to dieI don't know what's up thereBeyond the cloudsIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know, but I know a change is gotta comeSam Cooke This is different. And that's a good thing. There are many factors that have made the current activism to address … Continue reading A change is gonna come
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
I needed to stand up and be counted
I went down to the demonstrationTo get my fair share of abuseSinging, "We're gonna vent our frustrationIf we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse""You Can't Always Get What You Want" - The Rolling Stones Because of my health issues, I have avoided crowds up until this point. After Monday's threat (or promise) to unleash … Continue reading I needed to stand up and be counted
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
Wear a Mask PSA competition
Here in the state of New York we are required to wear a mask in public to stop the spread and protect other people. Governor Cuomo established a competition for New Yorkers to create a public service announcement to get the message across. More than 600 videos were submitted and the public gets to choose … Continue reading Wear a Mask PSA competition
Trying to keep our sense of humor
You may have heard that here in New York City all restaurants and bars are shut for dining in and only open for take-out and delivery. This action was chosen because too many New Yorkers ignored social distancing and crowded bars and restaurants all weekend. All evidence shows that this distancing and staying away from … Continue reading Trying to keep our sense of humor
New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
I was born in Florida and raised in Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio. I discovered New York City in my teens and fell in love right away. However, I did not move here until 1998. I discovered that native New Yorkers were disdainful of transplants like me. However, they reluctantly allowed us to call ourselves "New … Continue reading New York Pandemic Shut Down Extra Credit
A whole new world
Exactly a week ago I fretted about what would happen if the spreading COVID19 infection hit the theatre industry. Yesterday it came true. Broadway has been shut down for at least a month. But it is much worse than that. Professional basketball and hockey have been suspended. College basketball playoffs, which at first was going … Continue reading A whole new world
National Tater Tot Day
As you know, I celebrate National Food Days and have never mentioned National Tater Tots Day. It was not because I don't like them, I do. It is not because they are not interesting, they are. According to Wikipedia: "The product was created in 1953 when Ore-Ida founders F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg[1][2][3] were trying to figure … Continue reading National Tater Tot Day
I want my symbols back
Sometimes it is easiest to use a shortcut hand symbol to react to something. The good old thumbs down or thumbs up sign is reputed to go all the way back to the Roman Empire in gladiator contests. Thus it is recognized universally. After Trump used it reflexively during his campaign it became inextricably tied … Continue reading I want my symbols back
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
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
Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
Last Wednesday I attended a live taping of KCRW's Left, Right & Center post election special edition at The Town Hall here in New York. It is a radio show but I consume it as a podcast. It was up within 12 hours and is on their feed now if you wanted to listen to … Continue reading Live Podcast taping and my favorite political podcasts
VOTE
In the United States we have federal elections every two years and today is that day for 2018. I work hard to keep my political beliefs out of this blog. I respect every belief that is based on careful consideration of the facts. It can seem daunting to be a single citizen with a single … Continue reading VOTE
