I know you are all calm and balanced and just fine today, but just for fun, know that this is National Stress Awareness Day. What in the world would you be stressed about? Maybe a national election? Or maybe a pandemic reaching record levels of infection heading into a winter flu season? If for some … Continue reading Believe it or not, today is National Stress Awareness 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
My newest short play is a finalist in New Jersey
I am thrilled to announce that my (very recently completed) short play 2020 - A PERFECT YEAR FOR MAGICAL THINKING has been selected as a finalist for the Old Library Theatre's 10th Annual One Act Play Festival in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. There were 107 plays submitted and 12 were selected as finalists. By late … Continue reading My newest short play is a finalist in New Jersey
Good and Bad News for the Autumnal Time Change
The end of Daylight Savings Time means you should have set your clocks back one hour last night. The good news is you get an extra hour of sleep. The bad news is the year 2020 just got one hour longer. Good luck to you and stay safe out there. As always you can find … Continue reading Good and Bad News for the Autumnal Time Change
A Pictorial Ramble on Halloween 2020
Traditional Halloween frights don't seem quite as scary or pertinent this year Entirely new frights are in order in 2020. Whole new categories have emerged to fear this year. There is still a "parent tax" from trick or treating and here is a new way to protect your take! The good news is the year … Continue reading A Pictorial Ramble on Halloween 2020
International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
I do not currently have a pet but I have been owned by several cats. Tops among them was my favorite little guy - Macaroon. I have very fond memories of little Mac. An acquaintance had a cat who recently had a large litter and wanted to give most of them away. I was seated … Continue reading International Cat Day on a Throwback Thursday!
In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
Norman Nadel passed away on October 25, 2010 - you read that correctly, a decade ago. But ten years ago I didn't have a blog so I wanted to take this opportunity to memorialize a great guy ten years out. I started work at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts (since renamed Artis-Naples) in 1989, … Continue reading In Memoriam: Norman Nadel
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 1956: Pan Am Flight #6
My brain is full of useless information. Sometimes I find more utterly trivial stories to add to the pile. On October 16, 1956 there was an astounding water landing in the Pacific Ocean that made headlines because it was the first forced water ditching where all crew and passengers survived. It was Pan Am Flight … Continue reading On this Date 1956: Pan Am Flight #6
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!
In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
Big Reds Machine manager Sparky Anderson with second baseman Joe Morgan I grew up idolizing my Cincinnati Reds and through the 1970's they were the greatest team in Major League Baseball. Their amazing second baseman, Joe Morgan, passed away yesterday. He was a powerful hitter for what was a smaller than standard sized player. He … Continue reading In Memoriam – Joe Morgan
What Shall We Call Today?
For a long time the second Monday in October has been celebrated as Columbus Day here in the United States. As we have gained a better understanding of the truth and impact on peoples of the Americas that Columbus "discovered" many states have also incorporated the term Indigenous Peoples Day for the holiday. If, like … Continue reading What Shall We Call Today?
On This Date: The First Saturday Night Live Broadcast
In 1975, 45 years ago, NBC broadcast the first episode of what has become a comedy and music standard - Saturday Night Live. It has been good and it has been bad, it has never stopped experimenting. It has introduced legions of new comedians and showcased classic music groups. It has had iconic moments and … Continue reading On This Date: The First Saturday Night Live Broadcast
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
John Lennon would have been 80 years old today
If he had not been taken from from us senselessly and far too early, John Lennon would today celebrate his 80th birthday. I would love to have heard his take on the last forty years and especially the last four years. When I was growing up we often classified ourselves as either Rolling Stones or … Continue reading John Lennon would have been 80 years old today
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
In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
When I was growing up, my mom was a Detroit Tigers fan because it was the city where she was born and grew up. When I was ten years old they were in the World Series but my mom taught me respect for the dominate opposing pitcher, Bob Gibson of the St. Louis Cardinals. His … Continue reading In Memoriam: Bob Gibson
No Schadenfreude Zone
The news that President and First Lady Trump were infected with the Coronavirus has set the world on its ear. While I am not a fan of Trump's policies or comportment or pronouncements or - just about anything - neither do I feel Schadenfreude. Schadenfreude is one of those wonderfully compound German words that perfectly … Continue reading No Schadenfreude Zone
The Unfortunate End of the 2020 Cincinnati Reds Season
The first Reds postseason in seven years was painfully short. We didn't score a run or win a game. The Atlanta Braves gave us a nasty spanking. But now we Reds fans take up the motto of the last thirty years. "Wait till next year!" Go Reds! Time to put up the 2020 uniforms. As … Continue reading The Unfortunate End of the 2020 Cincinnati Reds Season
October is National Sarcasm Awareness Month. Pay Attention! Be Aware!
Do I really need to say anything further? Really? As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
Let the Playoffs begin!
I've only been publishing this blog for a few years and the Cincinnati Reds have not been in the playoffs since 2013. So this is the first time I can revel in October baseball for my favorite club. They start the series in Atlanta in this compressed oddest of baseball years. Only a three game … Continue reading Let the Playoffs begin!
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?
Cincinnati Reds are in the 2020 Playoffs!
For the first time in 7 years my Cincinnati Reds will be in the post season! Finally! All long suffering Reds fans are thrilled and will take whatever asterisk people want to attach to the 2020 season. After middling play for most of the season the Reds caught fire in the final weeks and this … Continue reading Cincinnati Reds are in the 2020 Playoffs!
