October 4, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Amanda DeBeck, Owner, House of Chimney Cakes Cafe in downtown Ann Arbor as well as Ashley Schafer, MSAA Executive Director. House of Chimney Cakes Cafe, located in downtown Ann Arbor, offers a unique and visually appealing experience centered around Hungarian chimney cakes. These pastries, which resemble a combination of churros and croissants, are made by wrapping dough around wooden dowels and baking them fresh each morning. Available in both sweet and savory varieties, the cakes can be coated with toppings like mocha and cinnamon sugar or filled with ingredients such as pepperoni and cheese. The café also incorporates Lebanese flavors into its menu, offering items like za’atar and a Royal Platter featuring Lebny Gems.

October 3, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance check in with Michael Bright, Assistant Calendar Editor at the Ann Arbor Observer, who details various weekend events in the area. This weekend in Ann Arbor and Dexter offers a variety of events, including music performances, theater, and family activities. Highlights include a free jazz concert featuring the Brandy Younger Trio and Michelle Coltrane at the Residential College Keene Theater on Friday night, celebrating Alice Coltrane’s music with Eastern-inspired jazz. The Ann Arbor Civic Theater will present Sam Shepard’s black comedy “Curse of the Starving Class” throughout the weekend. In Dexter, the Apple Days event will feature a classic car show, craft booths, and hay rides to the cider mill. Additionally, the Lions Club’s annual family event includes another classic car show. The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor is hosting a Remodelers Home Tour for $10, allowing attendees to explore different homes. On Saturday night, local singer-guitarist Laith Alsadi, known from The Voice, will perform a solo show at The Arc for $30. A new event, the A2 Jazz Fest, will take place on Sunday at Kerrytown Concert House, offering free jazz performances from noon to 6 p.m., showcasing young ensembles and talented students from local high schools. More details about these events can be found in The Ann Arbor Observer.

October 3, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann talks with Nick Nerbonne, Media/Digital/Industry Relations Director at Pure Michigan for this week's Pure Michigan Moment. October is celebrated as Michigan Agritourism Month, underscoring the integration of tourism and agriculture in the state. Nick Nerbonne from Travel Michigan highlights that while the automotive industry leads, tourism and agriculture follow as top industries. Agritourism has notably evolved over the past 10 to 20 years, with farms now offering experiences like hayrides, corn mazes, and family activities alongside traditional produce sales. Examples include McIntosh Orchards, Uncle John’s Cider Mill, and Gallagher’s Orchards, which have diversified their attractions.

October 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance is joined by business partner Dean Erskine, Co-Owner, Lance & Erskine Communications and Producer Derek Laughlin for the new segment "Dive In With The Dean." They discuss a range of topics, beginning with the recent vice presidential debate. They critique the Commission on Presidential Debates’ minimal involvement and the perceived bias of moderators, noting Jake Tapper’s nonpartisan approach but criticizing the ABC debate for one-sided fact-checking.

They discuss the game of tiddlywinks, invented by Parker Brothers in 1888 and still popular, especially in England.

They also address a local issue in Saline football, where improper registration led to game forfeitures, raising questions about school choice policies and accountability. Concerns are discussed about whether the athletic director and coach were aware of enrollment issues and the broader need for oversight within athletic programs, calling for further scrutiny from the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

October 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Aaron Kall, Director, University of Michigan Debate. They discuss the recent U.S. vice presidential debate, focusing on the performances of the candidates and their potential impact on their campaigns. Aaron commended both candidates for enhancing their political brands in a more respectful and issue-focused atmosphere compared to previous debates. The debate was expected to avoid fact-checking but saw a tense exchange involving J.D. Vance and CBS News’ Margaret Brennan over immigration processes. Brennan faced criticism for allegedly violating CBS’s rules by attempting to fact-check, which some believed detracted from the candidates’ performances.

October 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Psychotherapist Frank Rubino for this week's On The Couch. Frank attributes road rage to a perceived violation of personal space and emphasizes the role of fear in these reactions. The discussion contrasts this with more patient approaches to cautious drivers, highlighting the impact of personality differences and increasing traffic. Aggressive responses such as yelling or honking are linked to frustration, particularly when running late, suggesting that deeper issues like underlying unhappiness may influence such behavior. The text also considers reckless driving among younger individuals, pointing to immature risk assessment and narcissism. Practical advice includes leaving early to reduce stress, practicing deep breathing, being considerate, and slowing down to acknowledge shared road rights.

October 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Shanthi Appelö, Registered Dietitian and Health and Wellness Spokesperson Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. A study from University College London involving 312,000 participants over 11 years has linked ultra-processed foods to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The research found that savory snacks, processed meats, ready-to-eat meals, and sugary or artificially sweetened beverages were particularly associated with this increased risk. In the U.S., where about 70% of the food supply is ultra-processed, a 10% increase in consumption correlated with a 17% rise in diabetes risk. These foods are believed to cause inflammation and contain high levels of saturated fats, sugars, and additives contributing to chronic illnesses like diabetes. To reduce the intake of ultra-processed foods, it is recommended to choose items with fewer ingredients and read labels carefully, opting for alternatives like sliced boiled eggs, flavored tuna packets, and pre-prepared grilled meats. Key lifestyle and dietary factors influencing type 2 diabetes include body weight, physical activity, smoking, and high blood pressure. Losing 5 to 10% of body weight and engaging in regular physical activity, such as brisk 30-minute walks five times a week or short walks after meals, can significantly lower diabetes risk.

October 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Karen Carrigan, Owner, Carrigan Cafe for this week's Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Report. Karen has decided not to sell her café after initially considering it due to staffing challenges and relocating to Georgia for her husband’s job. Upon returning to Michigan and finding a nearby house, she was heartened by community support and is now committed to running the café. With a culinary background from Washtenaw Community College and a degree in hotel restaurant management from Eastern Michigan University, Karen opened Kerrigan Cafe using funds inherited from her husband Jason’s late parents, who had supported her educational pursuits. The café, named in their honor, features menu items like “The Harold” pastrami Reuben and “The Ruth” turkey Reuben, reflecting family connections.

October 1, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Dr. Jason Miller, Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management / Interim Chairperson for the Department of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University's Eli Broad College of Business. 45,000 unionized port workers in the eastern U.S., from Maine to Texas, went on strike for the first time in 47 years. What impact will it have on our economy?

October 1, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Dan Chlebos, Asst. Professor of Justice & Public Policy / Former Police Chief and Steve Ashley, Founder, CIRMAT. Hurricane Helene has devastated the southeastern United States, causing 120 fatalities and an estimated $34 billion in damages, with Asheville, North Carolina, reporting 35 deaths. In a discussion on risk management they cover their experiences and the challenges of responding to severe weather, emphasizing the importance of regional preparedness. They stress the need for effective communication during emergencies, citing incidents like a man and his dog needing Coast Guard rescue after a boat breakdown. The conversation highlights issues emergency responders face, particularly when cell towers fail, and the decline of reliable landline usage. Coordination among response teams from different states can be problematic due to unfamiliarity with the area and non-functional GPS systems.