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
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Results and Future of the Quarantine Beard
As New York City moves into Phase 2 of reopening, barber shops finally got back to business. About time. I'd gone three months without a beard trim (as an experiment) and it was bad. It started off as a trim goatee but as time went on, I decided to let it go, because, hey, very … Continue reading Results and Future of the Quarantine Beard
Global Beatles Day
When I was growing up people often split into two camps, either The Rolling Stones or The Beatles. I liked both but if forced to choose one, it would be The Beatles. The global sensation that was The Beatles is hard to imagine today and those Lads from Liverpool truly changed music as we know … Continue reading Global Beatles Day
Fireworks of the New New York
Who knew I would be nostalgic for the overnight wail of ambulance sirens through the empty streets of New York during the height of the pandemic. In those days it was predictable and, while spooky, became almost soothing as it was predictable over time. Those sounds have faded away as we as a city finally … Continue reading Fireworks of the New New York
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
In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
My cousin Kim Mahoney lost her valiant battle with cancer last week and she is very dearly missed. She was a wonderful cousin and an amazing daughter. She was a valued and loving wife. She had beautiful children and (I think I am allowed to say this here) even more adorable grandchildren. I spend time … Continue reading In Memoriam – My Dear Cousin Kim
Welcome Summer Solstice
This post is being published at the exact moment of the 2020 northern hemisphere summer solstice. Welcome to a new season and a new tilt on the old earth. May it bring good fortune, new outlooks and better times. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
155 years ago today, on June 19th, 1865, a contingent of Union soldiers landed in Galveston, Texas and advised local enslaved African Americans that they were free. This was a year and a half after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued and almost two months after the surrender of Lee's army, effectively ending the American Civil … Continue reading Happy Juneteenth and a note about Federal Holidays
A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
I have found it difficult to blithely post National Food Day entries lately with all that is going on. There will be more, but the gravity of issues before us will keep me distracted from time to time. It is wonderful that protests continue and that the pressure for reform is finally being felt across … Continue reading A Ramble on protests, expectations and reactions
Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
I've never tried to pitch an idea for a new play on my blog. So I'm hoping that lots of my readers are theatre or film producers. You are, right? I'm guessing this would work better as a cinema release than a theater script. The setup: Imagine a time when a populist politician has won … Continue reading Playwright pitch for “The Rally”
Manhattanhenge Marching
On this blog I have featured Manhattanhenge many times. How the New York City cross street grid perfectly frames the rising or setting sun four times a year because of the axial tilt of the earth. How the great Neil DeGrasse Tyson named it as a hat tip to the great Stonehenge of antiquity. The … Continue reading Manhattanhenge Marching
A change is gonna come
It's been too hard living, oh myAnd I'm afraid to dieI don't know what's up thereBeyond the cloudsIt's been a long, long time comingBut I know, but I know a change is gotta comeSam Cooke This is different. And that's a good thing. There are many factors that have made the current activism to address … Continue reading A change is gonna come
National Ballpoint Pen Day
National Ballpoint Pen Day is celebrated today to mark the filing of the patent for the revolutionary new device on June 10, 1943. We take it for granted today but before then you had to use a pencil or fountain pen. And that spotty device only came about in the 1800's. Before that came the … Continue reading National Ballpoint Pen Day
A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
New York City today begins phase one of the re-opening after three months of stay at home orders. It will be a slow process with only a few people going back to work and very limited businesses starting up again. We are eager to get moving but it will be tense judging how mass transit … Continue reading A Ramble on re-opening, protests and the steps forward
National Drive-In Movie Theater Day
On this day in 1933 the very first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. In the early 1950's there were more than 4,000 across America. That has steadily decreased since then until they are an oddity today. But they are enjoying a bit of a resurgence in interest as COVID-19 has closed indoor … Continue reading National Drive-In Movie Theater Day
I needed to stand up and be counted
I went down to the demonstrationTo get my fair share of abuseSinging, "We're gonna vent our frustrationIf we don't we're gonna blow a fifty-amp fuse""You Can't Always Get What You Want" - The Rolling Stones Because of my health issues, I have avoided crowds up until this point. After Monday's threat (or promise) to unleash … Continue reading I needed to stand up and be counted
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
An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
I usually pursue trivial topics in this silly blog. National Days. Food. National Food Days. That sort of things. Sorry to digress but I must address what is happening now. Mob violence has been a threat to the authorities throughout time. The Romans famously used "Bread and Circuses" to keep the peace. Since the 1960's … Continue reading An ancient curse: May you live in interesting times
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
Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
It is here again, (tomorrow, Thursday, May 28, 2020) that date when the setting sun aligns exactly with the east-west streets of the main grid in Manhattan. It has to do with the tilting of the earth on its axis that create our seasons. I've written about this before and you are welcome to look … Continue reading Social Distancing Sunset Manhattanhenge tomorrow
Celebrate Memorial Day
To all the service men and women who have given their last full measure of service to our nation. To all their families who grieved them. To all the service men and women who have served and who serve today. To all their families who support and miss them. Thank you. As always you can … Continue reading Celebrate Memorial Day
Wear a Mask PSA competition
Here in the state of New York we are required to wear a mask in public to stop the spread and protect other people. Governor Cuomo established a competition for New Yorkers to create a public service announcement to get the message across. More than 600 videos were submitted and the public gets to choose … Continue reading Wear a Mask PSA competition
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
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