Cake and Punk

CAKING IT: Between classes and a couple of errands, we managed to bake a cake today. Actually, four layers of cake. A Mexican chocolate vegan cake, to be more precise. That, and a small bucket full of crunchy peanut butter filling. 

It was a first time recipe for us. It definitely smelled good. It's for a family friend - a teenager having a pandemic birthday, which is a little bit (or kind of a lot bit) sad, since you can't really go much of anywhere or do much of anything. We though a custom cake might be a bright spot, and offered to make one for the family.

Since it was a first time test-driving this recipe, and it was vegan (no eggs, no butter!), I wasn't sure how it would turn out, height wise. The recipe was for one 9-inch layer, so I doubled the recipe. Twice. Making four layers in all.

After the first double batch, I learned the recipe produced a *beautiful* layer of cake, with a nice rise. It is really moist (sorry - that word!), and just the right amount of density. I ended up only using three of the four layers I baked, so the bonus layer went onto its own plate and I topped it with leftover filling and some chopped up peanuts. Then I sent Kennedy a photo and told him to come and get it. No surprise, he said he'd be happy to do so. (Now I know how to get him to visit, ha ha.)

ROCKUMENTARY: We here at MPA are certainly enjoying CJ's Rock History class. I knew we would. When the kids were much younger, we took a couple of rock history classes on Coursera and learned so much. Interestingly enough, the professor for those courses, John Covach, literally wrote the book that is being used for CJ's current class. The text is "What's That Sound: ."

One of CJ's assignments this week was to watch and review a documentary about a rock band. He had a list to choose from, but immediately honed in on "A Band Called Death." This proto-punk trio from Detroit was composed of a trio of African American brothers. Making music in the early '70s,  the band never caught on back in the day, due to a number of reasons. For starters, the band's polarizing name didn't help, and their unexpected sound raised eyebrows, and not in a good way. As was told in the movie, people expected young black men in Detroit to be playing rhythm and blues or Motown music, not hardcore, in-your-face rock. 

Here's a trailer for the movie ...


The three brothers' bond knows no bounds. Their music is entirely original, if not downright visionary. Their story is remarkable. As CJ told his classmates, "I would strongly recommend A Band Called Death to classmates. The documentary provides fascinating insight into the best 70s punk band you’ve never heard of." Honestly, even if their type of music is totally not your cup of tea, the trials and travails of the brothers is enough to draw most any viewer in. 

You can watch the movie for free on Amazon Prime Video, on tubi (which was free via our Roku stick plugged into the back of the TV), and Vudu. it's like $3 on iTunes and Google Play. 

Here's one of their tunes if you care to take a listen.


BE STILL:  Annabelle had an Art to Go session midday, thanks to Gage . Today's lesson was still life. 

CASE CLOSED: Have you ever wondered what your "reward" is for finding a beetle in a bag of Frito Lay peanuts is?

Below, you have your answer. 

Answer: You get three coupons for free Frito Lay products (hopefully beetle free this go round).