Anyone else get inundated with political phone calls over the weekend?

The final push being made before tomorrow's election reached a maddening level over the weekend. Supporters and opponents of the various proposals on the ballot made their voice known to me numerous times over the weekend. Of course, the gubernatorial candidates had the loudest voices of all with their automated phone calls. I am sure there must be some legal loophole that allows political phone calls to be made without regard to the Do Not Call List. Apparently political phone call advertisements do not fall under the category of "telemarketers" as they are not technically selling anything to you. But aren't they?

They are trying to "sell" you on the benefits of tossing your vote their way. I don't know, maybe it's just me. I tend to view these calls as sleazier than other telemarketing calls.

I am just thankful that after tomorrow there will be a reprieve from the radio, television, mass mailing, and phone call advertisements from all of these politicians and political organizations. That's an early Thanksgiving gift I guess.

Won't that make you thankful?

Michigan gas prices inch up again

Gas prices across Michigan are averaging $2.269 which is up a couple of cents from last week at this time. One month ago we were paying $2.17 here in Michigan and it appeared that we might even see gas under $2 per gallon. Unfortunately, that did not happen (at least not across the entire state). One year ago we were paying $2.285. Funny how after all of the ups and downs that gas prices have taken that here we are one year later paying roughly the same amount as we did at the same time last year.

Gas price data courtesy of AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

Corn Chowder

This recipe is delicious and perfect for a fall day. What you need:

• 1 can sweet corn
• 1 can creamed corn
• 1 can cream of potato soup
• 1 soup can of milk
• 1 large can chunk chicken

Optional ingredients:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 2 diced potatoes
• 2 large spoonfuls of sour cream
• butter
• more milk
• diced carrots
• ham, diced smokey links, or some other meat

Directions:

• Combine everything and bring to a boil.
• Serve with homemade bread or rolls.

Tasty recipes that will help keep the cold at bay

I thought I would revisit some of the recipes I posted last fall. Most people that visit All Things Michigan merely look at the most recent posts (within the last month or two). With that being the case, a lot of great recipes might be ignored this fall.

• Pumpkin Pie Pudding - If you like pumpkin pie, you will love this. This is just too easy. Throw everything in your slow cooker and let it cook.
• Quick Hearty Soup - Who says you don't have time to cook a tasty meal?
• Savory Skillet Pork Chops - Too cold to grill? This pork chop recipe will do just fine.
• Farmer Jake’s Breakfast Skillet - A great way to start your day.
• Easy Slow-Cooker Bread Pudding - This is very easy to make, which is good since it won't last long. Whenever I make it, it gets gobbled up right away. I like it warm or cold - very tasty. For a different spin try other dried fruits like blueberries or cherries.

Enjoy these great recipes!

More stupid Michigan crooks

I can say with some certainty that this was probably the last thing that Mark Hunter expected when he sat down to watch some television. While sitting in his living room watching television, two thieves entered Hunter's home through a sliding glass door and stole his flat-screen television. Hunter watched, dumbfounded at the thieves boldness, helplessly as he was outnumbered by the brazen duo. The theft was later reported by Hunter when he recognized one of the alleged crooks, Shawn Robert Kimbrough, on the news (presumably on another television he owns).

Don't you love that you must still refer to thieves as "alleged" even though you have eyewitnesses catching them in the act of the theft and matching serial numbers on the "allegedly" stolen television found at the "alleged" thieves' apartment that tie it to the "alleged" crime?

From the Traverse City Record Eagle -

Kimbrough was out on bond for home invasion, felonious assault and possession of a Taser when the second home invasion charge was filed. Kimbrough was charged with the first three felonies when he allegedly broke into his neighbor's apartment on Oct. 12.

Kimbrough is only 19 and did not appear to have a very good October. Hope November turns out better for him.

Yum! Beaner's Gourmet coffee beans are coming to Michigan Meijer stores

Beaner's Gourmet Coffee, a coffeehouse chain that traces its humble beginnings to Lansing, will soon have some of their favorite blends on Michigan (Indiana & Ohio, too) Meijer store shelves. This is great news for me, a former three-year resident of Lansing, as Beaner's coffee has been one of the biggest things I miss about Lansing (in addition to Jersey Giant Subs, but that discussion could fill another post on a different day :) ). As I write this it seems that friends and food are the things I miss most about leaving Lansing. Weird.

Beaner's Gourmet Coffees that will be sold at Meijer -

• Beaner's Best Blend
• Black and Tan
• Mocha Java
• French Blend
• Rwanda
• Creme Brulee
• Hazelnut Cream
• Michigan Cherry

Oh happy day for me! Not sure when Beaner's coffee will make its debut on Meijer shelves, but more information is supposed to be available tomorrow.

Via the Lansing State Journal.

Thank you Meijer for bringing quality gourmet coffee to the masses here in Michigan. :)