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
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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
National Peanut Butter Cookie and a recipe…
Today's National Day recognizes a popular cookie with unique attributes. It is generally accepted that the cookie is baked only after using a fork to crisscross the top of the cookie ball. One assumes it was always thus. Apparently not. I happened upon this reference lately: The early peanut butter cookies were rolled thin and … Continue reading National Peanut Butter Cookie and a recipe…
National Corn on the Cob Day Redux
Today is National Corn on the Cob Day, the way God intended you to eat it, not creamed or mixed in succotash. One of my favorite memories is our family visits to the Ohio State Fair when I was young. Demolition Derby is a really cool concept when your age is in single digits. I … Continue reading National Corn on the Cob Day Redux
My first London Production
I am thrilled to announce my short play HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LEONARD has been selected by Rebound Productions to be part of their New Writing Showcase. The production will be on July 26th at the Hen & Chickens Theatre in London, England. (I don't name the theaters folks, I just write the scripts.) This has special … Continue reading My first London Production
Elly’s first Series
You may not have heard about it but I am following it closely. A highly regarded Cincinnati Red's prospect has finally climbed the minor league ladder to make it to The Show. The first series of Elly de la Cruz in the Big Leagues was against the despised Dodgers and he has lived up to … Continue reading Elly’s first Series
Results of The Reluctant Prophet Reading
Sorry to be so delayed. I've been exhausted since returning from both Richmond and New York. Not exactly sure why but there you have it. The reading went very well, was well received and yet gave good leads to continue to edit and refine. That is rare in a public reading. I credit it to … Continue reading Results of The Reluctant Prophet Reading
National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
I've spoken before about how much I enjoy the French dish of Escargot. Some people simply can't wrap their head around the fact that it is based on snails as food. But I can assure you that it is actually a handy platform on which to serve butter and garlic. As luck would have it … Continue reading National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
Tonight at 7:00 PM in NYC: The first public reading of THE RELUCTANT PROPHET
The title says it all. This evening at the Polaris North Studio we will have the first public reading of my newest full length play THE RELUCTANT PROPHET at their very first Talkback Tuesday event so I will get feedback from the audience. I can't wait. If you are in The Big Apple I hope … Continue reading Tonight at 7:00 PM in NYC: The first public reading of THE RELUCTANT PROPHET
National Pizza Party Day
The third Friday in May is National Pizza Party Day. Apparently this is an end of work week suggestion for dinner plans when you are exhausted. Sounds good to me. Everyone can join in. There is not much easier in today's casual food culture than pizza delivered in a box. And easily one of the … Continue reading National Pizza Party Day
Throwback Thursday – A Long Ago Graduate
Now that Mother's Day has passed all the card shops and candy shops are focused on gifts for graduates. Yep, late May and early June is all about pomp and circumstance. So get out your mortar boards and begin the procession. Below is yours truly bonding out of high school. What dweeb! Grow a beard … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – A Long Ago Graduate
National Cherry Cobbler Day Redux
Today is National Cherry Cobbler Day. I have always marveled at these craftsmen and worry that automation will make them obsolete. You have heard the stories of the cobbler's kid who have no cherries? That's the pits. Okay, I know when I've worn out my welcome and driven this topic into the ground. Have a … Continue reading National Cherry Cobbler Day Redux
Walter Thinnes 
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