Michigan Sweet Corn Tips and Facts

From the Michigan Dept. of Agriculture website.

Selection and Care:

"When buying corn, choose ears with medium-sized kernels. Very small kernels are immature, and large kernels have a starchy taste, rather than a sweet one. The husk of the corn should be moist and green. Leaving husks on when storing corn preserves the flavor.

At room temperature the glucose in corn will convert to starch in as little as 24 hours. Therefore, refrigeration of this vegetable is critical for maintaining freshness."

Michigan Sweet Corn Facts:

• Michigan produced over 10,000 acres of sweet-corn in the year 2000 for fresh consumption alone
• One ear of corn averages 800 kernels in 16 rows. A pound of corn consists of approximately 1,300 kernels
• An acre of corn yielding 100 bushels has about 7,280,000 kernels
• Sweet corn is rich in vitamin C, iron, thiamine and riboflavin, not to mention fiber

Shipwreck Explorer and State of Michigan in a Standoff

Steve Libert believes he has discovered one of the Great Lakes most coveted shipwrecks. The Griffon is the "holy grail" of Great Lakes shipwrecks. The mystery that surrounds its fate and the fact that it was the first full-sized sailing vessel on the upper Great Lakes make it a much sought after and debated shipwreck. Libert is the explorer who believes he has indeed found the wreck of the Griffon. Apparently, finding it was the easy part. Documenting and exploring it are proving to be quite difficult.

The State of Michigan and Libert have been in court trying to see who gets to do the research. The State of Michigan claims all wrecks within its part of the Great Lakes. Libert will not tell the state where the wreck is as he fears all of his work will be for naught and the state will push him aside.

Does the State of Michigan have the funds available to research and raise what might be the Griffon? Libert believes that he has the funding available and that it will be difficult for the state to find the money necessary for proper research and raising of the vessel.

It is a shame that this wreck was discovered in 2001 and that no one has been able to research and explore the vessel to make a determination if it is indeed the Griffon. Wouldn't it be great if a private individual (or foundation) could work with the State of Michigan and document, preserve, and raise this ship for the entire state to enjoy? I cannot even imagine the money being spent on both sides (Libert and Michigan) in court to continue this fight.

Libert has hired marine archaeologists through his company, Great Lakes Exploration Group, and they will be giving an 11 a.m. press conference in Charlevoix today. They will be presenting their findings on the wreckage of the Griffon.

Via the Detroit Free Press

For more information on the Griffon - http://shipwreck.blogs.com/shipwrecks_historical_tim/griffon/index.html

Update on Gas Price Increase 7/15/06

Yesterday, I wrote about a tip I had that gas prices would increase $.30 by the end of the day. Now, it appears that the increase will be happening as the upcoming week progresses. According to this article in the Detroit Free Press, industry experts are predicting gas to go up to $3.10 next week. Even if it isn't going up $.30 this weekend or this week, it appears that if the conflicts in the Mideast continue that the price of gas will just keep climbing.

Gas Prices Will Reportedly Increase $.30 Today!

WARNING:I just heard from a reputable source through the sheriff's department that gas prices will go up approximately $.30 by the end of the day today, July 15, 2006. A quick glance at MichiganGasPrices.com shows the highest price in Michigan right now of $3.30 at a Marathon station south of Mio.

Evidently with the current state of affairs in the Mideast has bumped the price of a barrel of oil over $78. Yikes!

Blueberry Lemon Pie

This pie is light and refreshing. What you need:

• 1 small pkg. lemon gelatin
• 2/3 c. boiling water
• 1/2 c. cold water
• Ice cubes
• 3 1/2 c. thawed whipped topping
• 1 pint fresh blueberries
• 1 graham cracker crumb crust

Directions:

• Completely dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Combine water and ice cubes to make 1 1/4 cups. Add to gelatin, stirring until slightly thickened. Remove any unmelted ice. using wire whisk, blend in whipped topping. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of blueberries and chill until mixture will mound. Spoon into crust. Chill 2 hours. Garnish with remaining blueberries and additional whipped topping.

This recipe is from Locke's Fruitful Acres in Decatur. Give them a call at (269) 423-6536 to find out how the blueberry picking is going. They are open Monday - Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. Locke's also has a wonderful gift shop with many great country treasures to peruse.

Civil War Reenactment at Walker Tavern

This weekend, July 15-16, the historic Walker Tavern near Brooklyn, MI will be home to over 300 Civil War reenactors. Soldiers from the 4th Texas Co. E (based out of Southeastern Michigan) will be performing drills, camping, participating in skirmishes, and reenacting a battle. As far as I can tell from the 4th Texas Co. E website it appears that they will be reenacting part of the "Seige of Petersburg." Here is a rundown of the events for this weekend's Civil War reenactment -

Saturday, July 15

• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Sutler's Row shopping area open
• 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Skirmish in the woods
• 2 p.m. - Battle reenactment
• 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Candlelight tour

Sunday, July 16

• 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. - Period Church service held at the barn
• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Sutler's Row shopping area open
• 10 a.m. - Speed loading competition on the village green
• 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. - Reenactment of Federal assault

Admission is $3 for Adults and $1 for Children under 12. Walker Tavern is located at the junction of U.S. 12 and M-50.

For more information see michigan.gov and the 4th Texas Co. E website.