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
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
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
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
National Sisters’ Day
Today is a special day for every sister. I can't directly understand the special bond that sisters have as I am not a sister. But I have a sister and she's pretty special. And the wonderful thing is that a sister's bond is forever. So if you are a sister, especially a sister with a … Continue reading National Sisters’ Day
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
National Talk in an Elevator Day
National Talk in an Elevator Day was established in a simpler era to encourage strangers riding in a vertical travel metal box to stop ignoring your compatriots and chatter a bit. In most cases this was met with stony silence or renewed focus on the smartphones held in front of us. This is what elevator … Continue reading National Talk in an Elevator Day
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
Monday
Monday Monday As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
National Aunts and Uncles Day
The timing of this national day should not come as a surprise as yesterday was National Cousins Day. After all, without aunts and uncles you couldn't have cousins. See how I went all profound there? I didn't do a post on cousins day yesterday, but did a year ago. You can find that here... https://walterthinnes.blog/2019/07/24/national-cousins-day/ … Continue reading National Aunts and Uncles 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
National Drive Thru Day
Today's National Day is very much based in the motor age and Drive Thru windows have been around for less than a century. I imagine a horse and buggy pulling up and yelling into a speaking tube to order. "Aye sir," he is told, "trot up to the first window and pay the maiden there … Continue reading National Drive Thru Day
Baseball 2020 Style is Here!
I'm old-fashioned. I love baseball. I have missed it so. Tonight is a long delayed Opening Day because of the Coronavirus Crisis. The season is trimmed from 162 games to only 60. Teams will play in empty stadiums and only regional teams and with special rules. This season will certainly carry an asterisk. No problem. … Continue reading Baseball 2020 Style is Here!
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
World Emoji Day
Isn't it amazing? After four millennia of civilized progress we have evolved into extraordinary sophistication and language progress. Or maybe not... As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
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
Footnotes #24 – Getting around and about
It's been several months since I posted a health update. Partly because my recovery seems insignificant in context of the global pandemic and partly because I am in a stage of incremental improvement and hopefully final stages. My ankle is essentially locked forever due to the rod holding it together. I am finally acclimating to … Continue reading Footnotes #24 – Getting around and about
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
When will theater return?
When New York and the the world went into shutdown in mid-March, it seemed impossible that live theater could resume anytime soon. Broadway will certainly not be back very soon as 2021 is the earliest projected date and many shows are setting March and April openings, though these are still subject to change. There is … Continue reading When will theater return?
