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
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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
Yum – National Chili Dog Day
The last Thursday in July is National Chili Dog Day and there are many regional variations here in the United States. In Washington D.C. they serve up Half-Smokes, in Michigan they call it a Coney Island Dog, in Rhode Island it is known as a Hot Weiner, in North Carolina they add slaw (really?) and … Continue reading Yum – National Chili Dog Day
National Wine and Cheese Day
What a delicious national day! When done well the perfect combination of yeast and mold, I mean wine and cheese, can be sublime. You can find much advice online and certainly from your sommelier and cheesemonger. As for me, my brother is something of an expert on wine and I am very cheesy. So be … Continue reading National Wine and Cheese Day
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
National Nude Day
I usually urge experiencing the focus of National Days highlighted here, but if you choose to enjoy, please do so responsibly. And pro tip - bring extra sunscreen for those oft hidden locations. You'll thank me later. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.coma and on Twitter @walterthinnes
Here we go again with another Manhattanhenge
If you happen to be on the island of Manhattan this evening you will see the setting sun framed perfectly in the concrete canyons lining our cross streets. You can find many previous posts on this site explaining the science but the real thrill is the experience. Get to a crosstown street and today you … Continue reading Here we go again with another Manhattanhenge
How to keep all the cookies for yourself
It is no secret that I love cookies. I love making cookies but I especially love eating cookies. Today is National Sugar Cookie day but I am not publishing a recipe today. I have done that in past posts and you can find them scattered around my blog. Instead I am helping you keep them … Continue reading How to keep all the cookies for yourself
Making my birthday cake
Yep, it's that day. Often on this day I enjoy a slice of my favorite, Black Forest Cake from a good bakery. For today, I found a new interesting recipe that I wanted to try. You can find a link to it here. https://bakeitafterall.com/cherry-chocolate-cheesecake-bundt-cake/ This Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake Bundt Cake is a little easier to … Continue reading Making my birthday cake
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
National Ice Cream Cake Day
Summertime is the perfect time for an ice cream cake. And when I think of that I think of Carvel. If you lived in an eastern state you were familiar with the television commercials with founder Tom Carvel. By the time I saw them he was a crusty older guy who was quirky and endearing. … Continue reading National Ice Cream Cake Day
National Pecan Sandies Day and a product endorsement
I do love cookies and most especially the delicious variation called Pecan Sandies. This shortbread goodie with delicious nuts just hits my sweet spot. But my sweet spot is the problem. I have my Type II Diabetes under control but I still love some sugary goodness. Hard to resist. For the most part sugar free … Continue reading National Pecan Sandies Day and a product endorsement
National Rocky Road Day
Rocky Road is definitely one of my favorite flavor combinations bringing together chocolate, marshmallows and nuts, usually almonds. It can be found in candy bars, fudge, other desserts and especially ice cream! I am told that the ice cream was introduced as the Great Depression began and was a commentary on the rough days of … Continue reading National Rocky Road Day
National Olive Day
There are few things more versatile than olives. They come in so many different varieties, colors and flavors. They can be stuffed with so many different fillings. Squeeze them a bit and you get useful oil. But munching on them is the best options. A perfect snacking choice. In my family there used to be … Continue reading National Olive Day
National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
The seminal French dish Coq au Vin (rooster in wine) comes from an old farm house need to soften up an old rooster in a wine stew from whatever was on hand at the farm. Traditionally it includes carrots, pearl onions and mushrooms. Knowing this national day was coming I checked out many recipes. I … Continue reading National Coq au Vin Day and a non-recipe for it
National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Recently Pamela came back from shopping with some of the few meat products available and one was a brisket. It was more than 7 pounds and I immediately knew I wanted to split it in two and make it two different ways. Please pardon the poor photographs because I was so eager to dig in … Continue reading National Brisket Day and I make it two ways
Happy National Solitaire Day
During stay at home orders like we are working through in New York City one is always looking for things to wile away the lonely hours. The card game known as Klondike or any form of playing card Solitaire is one solution. But most people today are more familiar with the version found on your … Continue reading Happy National Solitaire Day
Fortune favors the streaming
If you are looking to find something interesting to stream during the lockdown you may find this interesting. Do you like history? Do you like all things Rome? Do you like quality museum exhibits? Then you will really enjoy the limited time streaming of a tour of the exhibit featuring items from the excavations of … Continue reading Fortune favors the streaming
Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
You may have heard that Broadway has just confirmed that The Great White Way will be closed at least until Labor Day and perhaps longer. While disappointing, it is entirely understandable at this point. Until we get this plague under control few people are clamoring to crowd shoulder to shoulder into a building with strangers. … Continue reading Ramble on New York Theatre in the time of COVID
I tried Mississippi Roast
During these lock down times I am trying recipes I may not have tried in other circumstances. Recently I tried an internet favorite slow cooker recipe called Mississippi Roast. It is simple, delicious and has several variations you can try. Basically you take an inexpensive cut of beef (try chuck roast or sirloin roast) and … Continue reading I tried Mississippi Roast
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