Merrill MarkoeMerrill Markoe has created theoretically humorous writing, videos and other stuff in assorted media for (ahem) 40 something years. She has also published 10 books. To see her lengthy resume, check her website. And when I say 'her' I mean 'me'. ncG1vNJzZmirpZfAta3CpGWcp51kja6x0augpaSdlr%2Bsu8Q%3D

“Hello blondie,” Michael Patrick King says as he enters the chat, and with it, launches a metaphorical tennis ball in my direction. “So you accept this as real blond?” I ask, attempting to not miss the volley. “I do,” he replies. “I thought you just stepped off a beach in Norway. It’s so blonde, it’s bordering Nazi.” MPK, as fans call him, is the ideal interview subject for a number of reasons.

Steve Horton has made a living, and a name for himself, building bakeries that turn local grain into baked goods with great appeal. He and life and business partner Jill Colella opened Miller’s Thumb Bakery & Cafe in late 2022 at 258 Highland Ave., Tonawanda. Click here for the introduction video that I biffed playing at the show start. Wonderful Loaf is Horton’s homage to Wonder Bread, once produced in Buffalo for the Northeastern United States.

This is the fifth part in a series about four Christians who did both great and terribile things for God’s Kingdom. I take solace in such examples when I royally screw up. Share Saving Faith Speaking of prejudice, we revere the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his efforts to fight racism and move America toward what he called “the beloved community.” King led the Civil Rights Movement from a place of deep faith and faithfulness.

It’s been a steady cycle of wind, rain and occasional sun here in Palm Beach. The other day was chilly enough I contemplated putting on socks. All the locals swear this is crazy weather and not normal. I refrain from suggesting the new normal may be the abnormal. You know, climate change and all. In any case, enduring the craziness is my own fault. This past week I bailed on a brief weather window to get to the Bahamas, partly because I have been hoping for a lengthier window that will allow me to make a jump south to at least the Berry Islands, or even Georgetown in the Exumas, as opposed to the quick jump to nearby West End on Grand Bahama.