PicoBlog

In yesterday’s regular release of opinions, the Florida Supreme Court issued its decision in Markeith D. Loyd’s direct appeal, affirming Loyd’s convictions and sentence of death. Loyd was convicted of first-degree murder, among other charges, for killing Orlando police officer Lieutenant Debra Clayton in January 2017. The jury unanimously recommended a sentence of death on first-degree murder, and the judge sentenced Loyd to death. Loyd raised thirteen claims on direct appeal.

Casey Benjamin, who died last Saturday at 45, was the sort of musician whose impact can’t be assessed by the usual metrics — not awards and accolades, though he racked up a few, nor even a discography, though he leaves behind a heavy track record. He was the keeper of a sound. Or rather, a small confab of sounds, jangling as if on a keychain. His alto sa… ncG1vNJzZmismJq0qrONrKybq6SWsKx6wqikaKhfm7mww8Srqmaen6d6pK3SnrBmmpWjt6K5yKc%3D

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 8x8 metal pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add both sugars and beat on med-high until pale and fluffy (approx. 2-3mins). Reduce speed and add the egg and vanilla. Beat until combined. Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.

A small gang lives in my Seattle neighborhood. Like most gangs, the members look alike; slate, gray, and green dominate the color scheme. They like to hang out by the corner telephone pole. Sometimes they burst into one of my neighbor's yards and harass them. They don't hurt anyone, but they can be troublesome. I am not bothered by this gang. I am in the minority; most people dislike these pigeons.

FLYING SOLO charts and celebrates what we can do by our SELVES. From travel and adventure, to running and fitness, mental health to personal challenges and growth, it charts the struggles and triumphs of Self, towards personal freedom 💛 By Liz Fraser · Over 1,000 subscribersNo thanksncG1vNJzZmikma%2Bzs63Snqlnq6WXwLWtwqRlnKedZA%3D%3D

Dubbed an “Ice House for the Arts,” La Zona Rosa was a special Austin restaurant/club, opened by musician Marcia Ball and husband Gordon Fowler of 2-Alarm Chili in late ‘89. Located on Fourth at Rio Grande, an area that looked like where the mob dumped bodies, LZR was inspired by crazy cafe/bars in bordertown red light districts, with decor (black velvet paintings, bright colors, weird rectangle cutaways) that made someone dub it “PeeWee’s Whorehouse.

I just made an appointment to get tattoo number three. This tattoo, which will be of a blue and white can with the word “FOOD” emblazoned across it, is inspired by a scene in one of my favorite movies. So to celebrate, I think it’s time to do some very self-indulgent foodie literary analysis. We’re talking about Repo Man. You probably haven’t seen this movie, but even if you haven’t, watching it will feel familiar.

Welcome to Saving Money with Andrew! I don’t like Venmo—I think it’s way too easy to send funds to the wrong person, and you may have limited recourse if someone hacks your account. But unfortunately it’s essential, so I use it grudgingly. But I try not to link our bank accounts to anything, so we’ve historically used it with a credit card. Three years ago, I told a cautionary tale in Caveat Venmo of Citi charging us extra fees for using Venmo.

Today I’m chatting with Jackie Nguyen, owner of Cafe Cà Phê in Kansas City. Jackie was a Broadway performer before COVID-19 shut down her tour and she found herself rooted in Kansas City while she waited things out. Eventually, she opened Cafe Cà Phê, which is the city’s first Vietnamese-owned coffee shop—and one of only a handful of Vietnamese-owned specialty coffee shops in the nation. Jackie was moved to open Cafe Cà Phê because of the lack of Asian representation she noticed in her new city.