I've covered Manhattanhenge many times on this blog in the past. You can search the blog to find out the scientific detail but essentially it is the dates where the rising or setting sun perfectly aligns with the cross streets of Manhattan. Tomorrow is a rising sun date so set your alarm to be able … Continue reading First Manhattanhenge of 2021 is tomorrow morning
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One of my short plays is in the 10th Annual Barrington Stage 10×10 Festival
I am thrilled to announce that my short play "Happy Birthday, Leonard" will be included in the Barrington Stage Company 10x10 New Play Festival. Barrington Stage in Pittsfield, Massachusetts is a major regional theatre of great renown. I couldn't be more happy. The festival will be streamed which means even if you are not close … Continue reading One of my short plays is in the 10th Annual Barrington Stage 10×10 Festival
Bacon Day! Bacon Day! Bacon Day!
Today is Bacon Day and I don't mean Kevin. Enjoy your bacon all year long and share it on social media today with the hashtag #BaconDay. Bacon improves anything and is my favorite food group. Some people choose not to eat bacon and I respect that. It just means more bacon left for me! Happy … Continue reading Bacon Day! Bacon Day! Bacon Day!
National Cotton Candy Day
The spun sugar treat we call Cotton Candy was invented centuries ago but was popularized at the 1904 Worlds fair marketed as Fairy Floss. It has been raising glucose levels ever since at carnivals, circuses and ballparks ever since. In the 1950's a home version was introduced to send your children into sugar shock and … Continue reading National Cotton Candy Day
November 22, 1963
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy shocked the nation and quickly led to a conspiracy industry that still thrives today. To mark the occasion I have read three disparate books over the last few months and offer quick mini-reviews of each. Sinatra and the Jack Pack by Michael Sheridan is a breezy read of … Continue reading November 22, 1963
National Princess Day
For decades, nay centuries, little girls have been encouraged to dream of and dress up as little princesses. It was extremely unrealistic that any of them would ever meet a prince, let alone live a storybook life. Along the way it taught them to give up agency and wait to be rescued. Various animation houses … Continue reading National Princess Day
No Knead to celebrate National Home Bread Day
During recent lockdowns some people reveled in discovering sourdough bread and banana bread recipes. You can find many sourdough and banana bread recipes on this blog. But maybe you are one of the many people who find bread too challenging and have no need to knead. Good news, here is a recipe for No-Knead Bread. … Continue reading No Knead to celebrate National Home Bread Day
V O T E
Today, November 3, 2020, is Election Day. If you do not vote you are not permitted to complain about the results for the next four years. If I am not mistaken this is a federal law. Hopefully one day our government will treat this day with the respect it deserves and make it a federal … Continue reading V O T E
How Do You Top Ramen Entry
I love a good cooking challenge and this one is fun! Nissin Foods is asking you how to top their Top Ramen product to celebrate 50 years of their enterprise in the United States. I couldn't resist giving it a try. You can find full information at the URL below and should use the hashtag … Continue reading How Do You Top Ramen Entry
National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Here is a perfect recipe for National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day that would be great for a Halloween Party or Thanksgiving Get-Together. ===============Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Baked in a 9-by-13-inch pan, these are sliced into bars that are easy to serve and eat. If you want to make them a bit fancier, you can reserve some of … Continue reading National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
International Gin and Tonic Day
This is the second best way to consume delicious Gin (a martini up with olive is the best, but that is a whole other day). That is, of course, if you like Gin as much as I do. It is not a taste that everyone appreciates. It has long been my theory that Gin and … Continue reading International Gin and Tonic Day
On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!
On October 14, 1935, a dedication ceremony was held for the brand new Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. It turns 85 years young today and looks amazing for its age! Nestled on a ridge between Inwood and Hudson Heights it has stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It is home … Continue reading On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!
National Motorcycle Ride Day
Autumn motorcycle riding is exhilarating. For various reasons I have not been able to ride my bike lately. That is unfortunate but I hope to address it soon. Meanwhile, I have some terrific memories of rides past. Riding Sylvia the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway, here at its highest point. Riding Josephine alongside … Continue reading National Motorcycle Ride Day
National Chili Week in National Chili Month
Chili con Carne is a wonderfully warming dish for this weather and celebrating both in this week and this month. There are endless varieties and recipes to be found for this favorite food. Personally, I love Cincinnati Chili but it is certainly an acquired taste. You likely remember the quick weeknight version cooked up with … Continue reading National Chili Week in National Chili Month
National Coffee Day Again Already?
There is nothing better than starting the day with a really fine coffee. My favorite coffee is Cafe du Monde, the chicory laced delight from New Orleans. The very finest. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy it and start your morning right! Happy National Coffee Day! As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter … Continue reading National Coffee Day Again Already?
Autumnal Equinox 2020
This post is being uploaded at the exact moment of the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, Eastern coast of the United States: September 22, 2020 at 9:30 AM. At this moment the sun is directly over the equator. Day and night are the exact same length. Summer departs and fall begins. Life hangs perfectly … Continue reading Autumnal Equinox 2020
International “Talk Like A Pirate” Day
This is the 25th anniversary of Talk Like a Pirate Day so don't be surprised if someone suggests you walk the plank today. Brush up your pirate lingo to fit in with the cool kids (or more likely us aging boomers trying desperately to be cool). Aaaargh Matey! Shiver me timbers, I am no longer … Continue reading International “Talk Like A Pirate” Day
Welcome Krispy Kreme to Times Square
I love standing under a waterfall and letting it stream over me. The doughnut chain Krispy Kreme is scheduled to open a flagship store in Times Square here in New York City today. The shop will feature the world's largest "Hot Now" sign and a giant glaze waterfall in the window. If you see a … Continue reading Welcome Krispy Kreme to Times Square
National Biscuits and Gravy Week
Biscuits and sausage gravy is one of my favorite breakfasts. Eating out I often find it too watery or too gelatinous. I know the exact mouth feel I desire for this dish and so like to prepare it at home. Here is my recipe if you want to try it. I like to use my … Continue reading National Biscuits and Gravy Week
It’s that time again for everything Pumpkin Spice
As fall approaches corporate American puts pumpkin spice flavoring into lattes, donuts, and anything that has no legs to run and hide. Some of us (like me) like those spices in pumpkin pie but in little else. Others can't get enough. To help you get your quota here is a simple recipe you can mix … Continue reading It’s that time again for everything Pumpkin Spice
Recent Sous Vide Recipe Upgrades
If you are serious about food and have not bought a Sous Vide machine, you should really consider it. I use the Joulle brand by ChefSteps (and like it a lot) but there are many on the market. Essentially any Sous Vide device is simply a water recirculator with a precise water heater. You put … Continue reading Recent Sous Vide Recipe Upgrades
Double Whammy Special Day
Today is a very special day - International Bacon Day! But even better - it is the 65th Anniversary of the opening of the very first Waffle House restaurant. What a very special day. Hungry yet? As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
National Sponge Cake Day and a disappointment
Of course, I knew that the sponges used since antiquity were harvested from the sea and had unique properties to absorb and hold water, helping for millennia to clean up around the house. And, of course, I knew that when humans were able to create artificial sponges using polyester and polyurethane, cleaning duties became much … Continue reading National Sponge Cake Day and a disappointment
On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras
Pyotr Tchaikovsky was a talented and innovative composer who looked at the orchestra talent list and said, and I quote, "Hmm, we have strings and woodwinds and brass and percussion. I will add artillery." And so cannons found their way onto stage when he premiered his 1812 Overture on August 20, 1882. It has long … Continue reading On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras
National Fajita Day and a Recipe to try at home!
We often imagine those sizzling fajita platters being carried through your favorite Mexican restaurant but with the limited dining options because of the pandemic, consider serving it at home with the recipe below. I recently tried it out myself and it went really well. ===============BEEF FAJITAS INGREDIENTS: MEAT and MARINADE 1/4 cup fresh lime juice4 … Continue reading National Fajita Day and a Recipe to try at home!
