Stuck inside, one of my obsessions has been reading about the global pandemic to find meaning and thoughtful insights about our future, instead of the noise and conspiracy theories that abound. The New York Times this weekend published a thoughtful and detailed look at next steps. If you are not a subscriber you should still … Continue reading A comprehensive New York Times look at COVID-19 – and a couple of cute takes
Links
National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
Garlic is such an integral part of our cooking it is hard to imagine how we would do without it. But the most useful and delightful way to use it is to simply roast it. You can do a few heads at a time in your toaster oven or a whole sheet pan full in … Continue reading National Garlic Day – now go roast it!
Memes of our times…
Without comment, hope you enjoy some memes found this week regarding our situation. Some seem darker this week than previously... Remember to be kind to each other, to check on your neighbors, friends and family. But most importantly, be kind to yourself. We'll get through this and we need you with us when we do. … Continue reading Memes of our times…
In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
We lost a great actor yesterday. I've seen Brian Dennehy in lots of screen roles but I am blessed also to have seen his Tony winning Broadway performances. In 1999 he led an amazing cast in Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and I also saw him lead an astounding production of one of my … Continue reading In Memoriam – Brian Dennehy
National Eggs Benedict Day
While there are competing stories of who originated Eggs Benedict, it is widely agreed it was here in New York City in the latter half of the 19th Century. Makes sense it was first devised in a city that celebrates a brunch culture. As you know it is an English Muffin, topped with bacon, poached … Continue reading National Eggs Benedict Day
National Titanic Remembrance Day
108 years ago today a really big ship sideswiped an iceberg and an industry was born. Novels, movies, even a Broadway musical were launched and by now everyone knows the story and the plot lines built around it. If you don't, you now have plenty of time to dip into books and movies to catch … Continue reading National Titanic Remembrance Day
National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
Mmmm. I love pecans, in waffles, in gooey pie, in just about any way. As you are sequestered at home it would be nice to have a tasty snack high protein way to enjoy them. Lucky you, here is a simple recipe I have adapted from Southern Living magazine that I know you will enjoy! … Continue reading National Pecan Day and a make at home snack
Easter 2020 in the age of COVID-19
Long before Twitter there was a pithy way to express important sentiments with a limited character set, church signs had limited real estate and they became very adept at getting their point across in few words. And just think, they didn't have the chance to make multiple (1/?) messages. And so it is this interrupted … Continue reading Easter 2020 in the age of COVID-19
National Encourage a Young Writer Day
I've only been writing scripts a relatively short time, less than 15 years. While I played around with the idea when I was younger, I never seriously attacked it. I wish I had started earlier. On this national day I've reached out to a number of young writers to encourage their work. I've been part … Continue reading National Encourage a Young Writer Day
More reflections on New York in Lockdown
New York is downright eerie right about now. Streets are downright empty but the air is filled with the sounds of sirens, echoing off our concrete canyons. In my upper Manhattan neighborhood people are out and walking but keeping respectful distances and most wearing mouth coverings of some kind. Grocery stores limit the number of … Continue reading More reflections on New York in Lockdown
International Beaver Day
I thought you otter gnaw that today is International Beaver Day. It is the best dam day there is. You may not know that a beaver keeps track of how many trees he cuts down by keeping a log. I wood've said more but ran out of puns. As always you can find more at … Continue reading International Beaver Day
Dispatch from the Epicenter
Hope you are well and taking care of yourself and your family. Here in New York we are praying for the week ahead. It will be tough as we approach the predicted apex. We hope it will not be as bad as the experts say but we must be prepared for the potential number of … Continue reading Dispatch from the Epicenter
Footnotes #23 – Arizona Boot
I have tried not to focus on my health issues when my entire city is getting sick around me, but it does go on. As a matter of fact, it has been delayed and detoured as hospitals are turned entirely into COVID-19 treatment centers. But recently I was fitted for something called an Arizona Boot. … Continue reading Footnotes #23 – Arizona Boot
Happy International Pillow Fight Day!
Happy International Pillow Fight Day! While you are locked in a COVID-19 lockdown this is the very best and least dangerous way to take out your frustration. Pillows are the safest weapon to use on your locked up friends! And who knows, maybe the world could adopt such a conflict protocol. At that point we … Continue reading Happy International Pillow Fight Day!
More time at home
Happy April Fool's Day. I understand these measures taken to stop the spread of the virus are deadly serious, but freezing in place sometimes feels like one giant prank. Yes, most of us will be spending more time at home to stop the spread of COVID-19. New York State has extended orders to stay in … Continue reading More time at home
National Tater Day
Today's national day salutes the delicious, flexible potato. So many delicious options - crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside french fries; rich creamy mashed potatoes; loaded baked potatoes and of course irresistible Tater Tots; and so many more ways to make them. But my favorite by far is something I learned in a … Continue reading National Tater Day
National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
Today is National Take a Walk in the Park Day and it is a good way to get out and experience some fresh air as so many of us are asked to stay in place. Even in New York we are allowed that luxury, though many National Parks have been closed down to reduce the … Continue reading National Take a Walk in the Park Day – but with social distancing, please…
A ramble about RNs & PPE
When I was going through my health issues last year I observed that there was a lot of churn in using and dumping plastics and personal protective equipment. Though I am a dedicated recycler, I recognized it to be a necessary precaution to protect everyone involved. Now it is more vital than ever to reduce … Continue reading A ramble about RNs & PPE
Concerns for World Theatre Day
Happy World Theatre Day at a very difficult time for theatre. During the current shutdown Broadway has been closed down, several shows won't reopen, others have been rescheduled for next season, and the Tony Awards have been postponed. But more than that, millions of theatre employees and related workers have been laid off with no … Continue reading Concerns for World Theatre Day
Finally – a crisis suited to my skills
I would be no good in case of a flood as I am not a great swimmer. I can't run that fast, so getting to a shelter when a tornado threatens would be a problem. But the current COVID-19 crisis simply calls for me to stay at home and do nothing. This I can do. … Continue reading Finally – a crisis suited to my skills
In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Playwright Terrence McNally passed away from complications of COVID-19 yesterday in a hospital in Sarasota, Florida. He was in the target danger group as he was 81 and had COPD. He was a prolific writer I admired very much and still actively writing. A great loss to the theatre community. He wrote the book to … Continue reading In Memoriam – Terrence McNally
Patience and Fortitude
Like so much else, the New York Public Library is shut down. I miss going there to do my playwriting, especially the beautiful Rose Reading Room at the main branch. Flanking the entrance to that gorgeous building are two stone lions. During the Great Depression Mayor Fiorello La Guardia gave them names that he felt … Continue reading Patience and Fortitude
National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
With such a tasty national day and time on the hands of many people at home, why not make homemade chips AND a dip! Here's a couple of recipes to give you that option. ===============French Onion Dip INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons olive oil1 medium onion, finely chopped2 cloves of garlic, finely minced2 sprigs of thyme, stripped … Continue reading National Chips and Dip Day and a recipe for each!
What to do in isolation
The city sleeps tonight. We can't go out except for essentials. For me, going out to theater and museums is essential. But Governor Cuomo does not agree. Luckily there are many cultural institutions that are trying to help the shut-ins. They are streaming, usually for free, past performances or tours of their museums. I've listed … Continue reading What to do in isolation
Happy Spring 2020
The Spring Equinox happened last night at ten till midnight. That means that this morning, Friday, March 20, 2020, is the first sunrise of the spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) as this post is published. We need a new season and we need to get outside even as we shelter in place. Keep your social … Continue reading Happy Spring 2020
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