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
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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!
National Frozen Custard Day
For those unaware, Frozen Custard is enhanced soft serve ice cream. By adding egg yolks to the recipe it becomes smoother, keeps colder, and for my money is far tastier. Today's national day comes with a dollop of an embarrassing story about me. I lived in Pittsburgh for just two years, but enjoyed it very … Continue reading National Frozen Custard Day
National Fresh Breath Day
Today's national day highlighting oral hygiene takes on an entirely different focus since we are all adorned with masks to battle the coronavirus. All of you are finally trapped into smelling the bad breath you formerly shared with all of us. Hopefully you will learn your lesson by the time we can ditch the masks … Continue reading National Fresh Breath Day
National Underwear Day
Let me say right away that I am in favor of underwear. You should also remember what your mother often told you. Always wear clean underwear in case you are in an accident. This is because of triage (from the Latin for "look under the toga"). Emergency Room personnel will always confirm the cleanliness of … Continue reading National Underwear Day
National Farmer’s Market Week
The first full week of August is National Farmer's Market Week. If you have one in your area it is a good idea to shop there. The produce is locally produced, fresh, often organic and pesticide free. You are helping to support your local economy instead of big agribusiness and you reduce your carbon footprint … Continue reading National Farmer’s Market Week
