Agatha Christie's classic mystery play "The Mousetrap" was first performed in London on October 6, 1952. It has become a staple of family friendly theatre ever since. I performed in it during a 1980 summer stock performance back in 1980, at the Highlands Playhouse some 52 years ago. I played Giles Ralston, the husband of … Continue reading Happy 71st Birthday to “The Mousetrap”
Artificial Intelligence Poetry about Random Acts of Poetry Day
Random Acts of Poetry Day on the first Wednesday in October encourages outbursts of poetry. The day for poets and poet wannabes spreads random poetry through art, the written word, and voice. As I am not much of a poet myself I turned to my favorite AI program, Bard by Google, to write some poetry … Continue reading Artificial Intelligence Poetry about Random Acts of Poetry Day
Just wait until next season…
The MLB Post Season opens today and if you look for my beloved Cincinnati Reds you will notice...they're not in the playoffs this year. But they provided a thrilling ride missing the wild card by just two lost games. That is a big turnaround from last season when they dropped 100 in the season - … Continue reading Just wait until next season…
In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
The great actor Michael Gambon passed away recently. Why his stage skills were lauded he was most widely known from the role he took over after the death of the great Richard Harris. The roll was some dude named Dumbledore in the latter Harry Potter movies. I saw none of those movies (sorry) but I'm … Continue reading In Memoriam – Michael Gambon
Sorry but I’m a Baaaaaaaaad Blogger
Yes, I know I have challenges trying to work this blog. First, my topics are often lame and my humor punny. Sorry, that is me. Second, I don't keep up a regular flow of blog posts. I know people seem to prefer a regular schedule and I will often have a flurry of activity then … Continue reading Sorry but I’m a Baaaaaaaaad Blogger
In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Woke up this morning to read that Jimmy Buffett had passed away. While I was never a Parrothead, I certainly enjoyed his music. It was so easy going and so evocative of the lifestyle he had built. And he had built an empire on his albums, restaurants, hotels, and even a Florida retirement village dedicated … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Throwback Thursday – One year since Mom’s passing
Today marks one year since my mom's passing and therefore about two years since I arrived to live in Florida again. I am happy I had the chance to be with her so close in her last year and sorry we weren't granted more time. But now I celebrate her life and all the impacts … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – One year since Mom’s passing
Throwback Thursday – However did my Reds lose to Fish this week?
Rough stretch for my Cincinnati Reds. We've lost eight of our last nine and we are skidding south. Yesterday we lost the rubber match of a series with the Miami Marlins. Ouch. We'd better show back up to form or the season will slide away from us with just under 60 games left. It did … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – However did my Reds lose to Fish this week?
Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
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 Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
Today is my first overseas performance
This evening at 7:00 PM (London time) my play HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEONARD will be performed by Rebound Productions at The Hens & Chickens Theatre. While I have had a number of finalist selections outside the US this is the first time one of my scripts will be mounted overseas. I am thrilled. Break a leg … Continue reading Today is my first overseas performance
Happy Gorgeous Grandma Day
July 23rd is Gorgeous Grandma Day and I found an old photo to celebrate it. The Gorgeous Grandma in question is my paternal grandmother Lillian Thinnes. It would have been in the 1990's which was my bow-tie decade and features my brother and sister there to celebrate. It would have been a big party at … Continue reading Happy Gorgeous Grandma Day
Tony Bennett, dead at 96
One of my favorite singers, Anthony Dominick Benedetto (better known as Tony Bennett), passed away yesterday after a seven decade career. He was on the right side of history (he participated in the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965 and other progressive causes), and the right side of music (his skills with jazz vocals and the … Continue reading Tony Bennett, dead at 96
Throwback Thursday – A Random 1970’s Tuxedo Picture
Sometimes I try to tie Throwback Thursday pictures to a National Day or event in the news. Other times I find random pictures with little explanation. Today is the latter. Here I am in front of our front porch in Cincinnati, either freshman or sophomore year of high school. No idea what the event was … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – A Random 1970’s Tuxedo Picture
National Eat Your Jello Day. Really?
When I was growing up Jello was not my favorite dessert. It seemed so simple and well, not sure how to say this, but watery. It was after all gelatin set in water. I preferred richer and more complex desserts. It was a little better when set with marshmallows and fruit. There was after more … Continue reading National Eat Your Jello Day. Really?
My Reds Ahead at the All Star Break
2023 is the first time since 1995 that my Cincinnati Reds have led their division since 1995. It has been a long, long wait for this Faithful Redlegs Fan. The team is clearly having a lot of fun with great performances from spirited rookies to talented veterans. The electric Elly de la Cruz is breaking … Continue reading My Reds Ahead at the All Star Break
What is the coverage for Skinny Dippers? Nothing really!
The second Saturday of July is National Skinny Dipping Day so it falls today! There are several advantages to skinny dipping, including the fact that more of your skin is exposed so that you absorb more Vitamin D! Also you dry off faster than with a cloth bathing suit. The best reason I have to … Continue reading What is the coverage for Skinny Dippers? Nothing really!
Throwback Thursday on National Handshake Day
National Handshake Day celebrates one of the most common and ancient means of greeting another person. It is theorized that shaking hands started by opponents grasping each other's wrist to mutually confirm they were not armed. In today's world there are strict rules of the handshake, not too limp, not overenthusiastic or lengthy. And definitely … Continue reading Throwback Thursday on National Handshake Day
An Artificial Intelligence take on National Strawberry Parfait Day
I have made no secret about how I love summer strawberry desserts but oddly I have had little interaction with Strawberry Parfaits. So when today's National Day came up, I had no real inspiration. So I decided to put Artificial Intelligence to work. I have been fiddling with both ChatGPT and the Google program Bard. … Continue reading An Artificial Intelligence take on National Strawberry Parfait Day
Are you watching my Rally Reds?
Did you see the game last night? The Atlanta Braves, with the very best record in the National League and an eight game winning streak rolled into Great American Ballpark to take on my Cincinnati Reds. My Rally Reds are an upstart bunch with the most comeback wins this year and an amazing eleven game … Continue reading Are you watching my Rally Reds?
Throwback Thursday – to the year before I was born in Reds History
Quick check in on my Cincinnati Reds' season. Much to the surprise of the baseball world (and the delight of me) they are in first place in the NL Central Division. Woo-hoo! They have been playing great baseball for the last several weeks and routinely stage comebacks and walk-offs to win games. In fact, they … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – to the year before I was born in Reds History
Summer Solstice 2023 – gonna be a hot summer
Summer Solstice occurs today at 10:57 AM. Get ready for a long hot summer thanks to the ravages of global warming. Here in Florida, it almost never hits 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the month of May but this year it is a harbinger of things to some. If you are familiar with our usual climate … Continue reading Summer Solstice 2023 – gonna be a hot summer
Happy Fathers Day with a mysterious picture in his early youth
If your father is still alive, cherish him and make his day special. For the rest of us (my dad passed three decades ago) I continue to riffle through old photos from his past. Here is a scan from an unmarked photo so there are some minor mysteries. A couple of things can be posited … Continue reading Happy Fathers Day with a mysterious picture in his early youth
Bon Appétit Magazine chooses their five best Barbecue Sauces and guess what?
The eminent magazine of culinary good taste polled their editors for the very best recommendations for barbecue sauce and guess what? Cincinnati's very own Montgomery Inn was one of the top five! The taste I have loved my whole life was selected and the entire Queen City can feel vindicated and rightly proud. Here's how … Continue reading Bon Appétit Magazine chooses their five best Barbecue Sauces and guess what?
Throwback Thursday – My Dad and Two Uncles
Looking ahead to Father's Day this weekend, an old photo from 1939. From left to right are the three brothers - my Uncle Reed, my Father Todd and my Uncle Jack playing in the Florida surf. Looks like they are having lots of fun!
National Strawberry Shortcake and a recipe, of sorts
Summer desserts are my favorite and of all those Strawberry Shortcake is my favorite. I have several fancy, involved recipes in my files, but honestly I do something simple. You likely do as well. Cut up some strawberries, sprinkle over some sugar to release juices and put back in the fridge. Get your handy Bisquick … Continue reading National Strawberry Shortcake and a recipe, of sorts
Walter Thinnes 
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