Come on, get happy

Things lately that made me laugh, smile, chortle, smirk, clap or nod approvingly:

"Pen15": Friends have been telling me to watch this Hulu show for years, eons, centuries, and I've been all, "Yeah!" Then I never do. In the category of better late than never, I finally cranked it up and fell immediately in love, swept away by the concept, hilarity and authenticity. Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle play versions of themselves circa 2000, middle schoolers loaded up on butterfly clips and angst. Actual kid actors play the other teens, a brilliant touch. The show captures the BIGNESS of every feeling and experience at that age, deploying satire perfectly (think a comically large tampon). I'm sorry for reviewing a show that's been out for years like it's new, but ... no, I'm not. It's pronounced "pen fifteen," btw, but I'm sure you get the gag.

This FAQ on potato salad: Speaking of gags, it made me gag, then laugh, then gag, then laugh, then gag.

These perfect impressions of butt-rock singers: What is butt rock? You will know when you click the Reel.

Atomic Cat: I checked out this new coffee shop on Gandy Boulevard in St. Pete last week, a gem tucked in a plaza with vintage stores from the same owners (and a strip club between it all). The vibe is 1970s. The matcha is delicious. The conditions are cozy. I predict working there all the time.

Jazz: Jazz! I recently attended the 2026 Al Downing Honors ceremony at the Palladium's Side Door. My friend Warren Buchholz was honored as jazz supporter of the year (wooooo!). It was a treat to sit at cozy cabaret tables and soak up performances from John Lamb, Allison Nash and other phenomenal talents. Why am I not always at a jazz show? Paying one more visit to the beautiful Palladium before it closes for renovations was a bonus.

Cats: Cats! I popped into the Suncoast Animal League's Catty Shack Lounge and Adoption Center in Palm Harbor. My Pomeranian, Rocket, is a Suncoast rescue, and the organization keeps expanding its efforts for critters in need. It's free to enter the cafe (drinks and snacks are available via donation), and the place is crawling with adoptable kitties. I fell for a big guy named Laurel, but I did not bring him home. Sadly, litter boxes do not make me smile.

What's making you happy?

Me stifling my rage by eating contaminated lettuce. [JEFFEREE WOO | Times]

Come on, get sad

I had to kick off the newsletter with smiles and lightness, because last week's column fodder was scarier than a novelty tampon.

The government really said, "Go to hell, manatees!" with more changes to the Endangered Species Act. I would love to observe meetings in which this administration is like, "Everyone is broke, we're stuck in a war we can't end, the lettuce is poisoned. What should we do next for public relations? I know. Kill manatees, birds and turtles."

Read it: Florida manatees are so sorry to be an inconvenience

Locally, the buzz was all about a viral video of a man confronting three young entrepreneurs of color who were in a neighborhood near Gulfport trying to wash cars. Of course, the aggressor didn't just ask questions. He pulled a gun on them like a settler seeking westward expansion. Bafflingly, the cops decided he did nothing wrong. It's incredible that no one got hurt, and it's incredibly indicative of Florida's "whatever" approach to regulating firearms. Also: obvious racism alert.

Read it: In viral gun video, Tampa Bay is the Wild West

And another thing!

Special hello to the tired mom in Barnes & Noble, where I am writing this, who told her child, "You're going to drive me to drink." We love an honest queen. Hang in there, parents. School is back soon.

Contact Stephanie Hayes at shayes@tampabay.com. Follow @stephrhayes on Instagram.

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