I'm sure you've heard by now that legendary actor Kirk Douglas passed away this week at age 103. You can find plenty of obituaries recounting his storied career, including "Paths of Glory" and the amazing "Spartacus." But I will always remember a personal chance encounter. In May 2001 I purchased tickets to a Broadway revival … Continue reading In Memoriam – Kirk Douglas
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February is Great American Pie Month
...and I do love me some pie. So see the recipe and picture below, and set it aside for this summer's Independence Day celebration. You won't regret it... ===============American Berry PieSUMMARY: Fresh summer berries and a flaky butter and almond crust create a delicious patriotic pie. INGREDIENTS: CRUST2 cups all-purpose flour1/4 cup finely chopped almonds1/4 … Continue reading February is Great American Pie Month
National Homemade Soup Day
I've said it before - make soup at home instead of opening a can. Here's a great soup recipe for cold winter days. Pair it with a grilled cheese and slice some basil to flavor it. And unlike other tomato soup recipes this is easy to reheat because there is no dairy. Give it a … Continue reading National Homemade Soup Day
National Football Hangover Day
Okay, everyone who didn't watch the big game last night, raise your hand. Hmmm. Thought so. What I love is that TiVO has a feature where the DVR will play back the recording skipping the game and letting you watch just the commercials. Though generally, I thought they were a deeply mixed group (except for … Continue reading National Football Hangover Day
National Tater Tot Day
As you know, I celebrate National Food Days and have never mentioned National Tater Tots Day. It was not because I don't like them, I do. It is not because they are not interesting, they are. According to Wikipedia: "The product was created in 1953 when Ore-Ida founders F. Nephi Grigg and Golden Grigg[1][2][3] were trying to figure … Continue reading National Tater Tot Day
Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
The new play by George Eastman is about growing older and the consequences thereof. Harry Townsend (Len Cariou) is widowed, in his eighties and still living in the lake house he treasures. A visit from his son Alan Townsend (Craig Bierko) slowly wends its way to the easily anticipated question - shouldn't dad move somewhere … Continue reading Review – Harry Townsend’s Last Stand
Return of the sourdough
It's Alive! I mean literally a living thing! For many years I maintained a sourdough starter with which I made bread, biscuits, waffles, pancakes and more. During my recent health issues I reluctantly got rid of it as it requires daily feeding and maintenance and I was simply not able to tend to it. As … Continue reading Return of the sourdough
We will miss the Train Daddy
If you don't live in New York City you may not have heard what nearly everyone here is mourning. The MTA boss Andy Byford has resigned after only two years on the job. I have complained about the failings of mass transit in the city. Mr. Byford was turning it around, improving on-time subway train … Continue reading We will miss the Train Daddy
National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
The last Monday in January is National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day and there are good reasons (pop) to celebrate. The product was developed in the late 1950's (pop) by two inventors who sealed two shower curtains together incorporating air bubbles. Their intent (pop) was to create a three dimensional wallpaper (pop) but that didn't sell … Continue reading National Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
In Memoriam – Terry Jones
I became a fan of Monty Python's Flying Circus back in the 1970's when they were rebroadcast in America on Public Television (my father leaned more toward Benny Hill and The Two Ronnies, but I was solidly Monty Python). A few days ago we lost one of the founders, Terry Jones, and he will be … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terry Jones
National Handwriting Day
National Handwriting Day was established way back in 1977 by the "Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association." They wanted to sell more of those pens, pencils and crayons that their members cranked out at a furious rate. Then came the computer and how is it looking now? Lack of cursive writing skills in young 'uns is a … Continue reading National Handwriting Day
January is National Soup Month
Way back in 1986 the Campbell's company named January as National Soup Month. Not surprisingly they were angling to sell more cans of soup during this cold month. But you can cross them up by making your own at home. You can find easier soups but you will never find a tastier, more January appropriate … Continue reading January is National Soup Month
Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
This weekend (Friday, January 24 @ 7 PM; Saturday, January 25 @ 7 PM and Sunday, January 26 @ 2 PM) you should stop by the Polaris North Studio (245 West 29th Street, 4th floor) here in New York. There you will find a very talented cast led by a very talented director and assisted … Continue reading Come see Driving Miss Daisy this weekend at Polaris North
National Cheese Lovers Day
You can count me among the cohort celebrating today as I simply adore cheese. There are more than 1,000 kinds of cheese and I want to taste everyone of them. I will be certain to celebrate today with some lovely cheese. If you come to New York be sure to stop by Murray's Cheese to … Continue reading National Cheese Lovers Day
National Hot Buttered Rum Day
As winter tightens its grip, a Hot Buttered Rum sounds like the perfect drink to warm up your day. But I have never made one so I, of course, turned to the internet and you can find lots of ideas. My favorite site includes a video, how to make a single cup, how to make … Continue reading National Hot Buttered Rum Day
Footnotes #21 – Cane I get there?
Better every day. If you have followed this series you know I have made continuing progress as I recuperate from the broken ankle and resulting complications. At first it was a wheelchair, then hopping with a walker, then clumsily on crutches. Now I am taking physical therapy and working to get more movement back and … Continue reading Footnotes #21 – Cane I get there?
Hats off for National Hats Day
National Hat Day was clearly started by some enterprising haberdasher a long time ago. And I am one of their best customers. I have a large collection of top wear, due to my time in the theater, my use of them in magic shows and just because I love to wear them. Some may say … Continue reading Hats off for National Hats Day
Manhattan wildlife
Our fair island is not well known for for four legged furry creatures unless you consider the countless dogs people own and the occasional Pizza Rat ™. But our neighborhood (Hudson Heights) is high atop a ridge and surrounded on three sides by forest (or for what passes as forest in New York City). So … Continue reading Manhattan wildlife
National Pizza Week!
If you follow this blog you know what this means - there are pizza deals to be had. You can find special deals at Domino's, Godfather's, Papa John's, Pizza Hut and much more than I can list here. If interested, check your favorite pizzeria or a new place you've always wanted to check. Or better … Continue reading National Pizza Week!
In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The great Buck Henry died this week and he will be sorely missed. I saw him perform on Broadway earlier this century in a remounting of "Mornings at Seven" and he was terrific. But I will miss him for all that he created. He was the primary screenwriter for "The Graduate." He teamed with Mel … Continue reading In Memoriam – Buck Henry
The Great New York Subway Seating Debate
If you regularly ride the New York City Subway this is a very important topic. As I depend on the A Train, this is essential. Since the following was posted on Twitter on New Year's Eve day ... ...I have seen lots of discussion but I am mystified. The only acceptable answer is #1. It … Continue reading The Great New York Subway Seating Debate
National English Toffee Day
This National Day celebrates one of my favorite treats. This buttery delight is terrific, often covered in chocolate, sometimes with crushed nuts added. Over the counter applications include the popular Heath Bar. You can also find options at quality confectioners. Or make some at home from the excellent website below: https://www.thespruceeats.com/english-toffee-520453 As always you can … Continue reading National English Toffee Day
First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
Grab your camera or your smart phone and wake up early tomorrow New Yorkers. Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 7:20 AM will be the first Manhattanhenge sunrise of the year, and in some reckoning, the new decade. (for more on that topic stop by https://walterthinnes.blog/2020/01/01/happy-new-year-the-decade-question/) For you Big Apple newbies this is the date (one … Continue reading First MANHATTANHENGE of the new decade
National Cuddle Up Day
As winter settles over the land, today is the day to cuddle up to your sweetheart and take a selfie. Tag with #NationalCuddleUpDay and post it on social media. Sounds like a nice warm idea. As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter @walterthinnes
National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day
Today is National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day and I think you would agree that nothing goes with chocolate better than cherries. Pamela used to give her boys a box of chocolate covered cherries each Christmas. Well, mint also goes well with chocolate, I mean my mouth waters for Girl Scout Thin Mints each year. Anyway, … Continue reading National Chocolate Covered Cherries Day
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