THIS WEEK:

Thankful for Special Guests
Posted: November 24, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

All week we're looking back at the special guests that visited with us on the Morning Show this year.  If you'd like to find out more about them, check out their links below.

Christian Music

  Sanctus Real—Chris

  Barlowgirl—Lauren

  Hawk Nelson—Jason

  Mercy Me—Mike

  Kutless—Nick

  Rebecca St. James

Ministries

  One Village Coffee—Scott & Steve

  Life Change Ministries—Sanjay

  Sight and Sound—Brandon (Daniel)

  Mama Project, Cents of Hope—Drs. Benner & Sagastume

  Joni & Friends—Jacob

  Celebrate Recovery—Ken

  Word of Life Czech—Sam & Melissa

  The Seeing Eye—John & Lisa

Helpful Information

  Understanding the other gender—Shaunti Feldhahn

  Serve God, Save the Planet—Dr. Matthew Sleeth

  Motivation to exercise—Lisa Petrizio (Genesis Fitness)

  Dealing with backyard critters—John Hadidian

  Help for marriage—Dave Harvey

  Teaching kids about mental illness—Dr. Richard DeVaul

  Healing from betrayal in marriage—Sam & Toni Gallucci

  Encouraging kids to read—Sigmund Brouwer

  Struggling teens—Mark Gregston

Extras

  Les Stroud (Survivorman)

  Kay Warren

  Brad Lidge

Word FM Cook-Off
Posted: November 19, 2008 | 7:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Congrats to the semi-finalists in our Word FM Cook-Off!

Cajun Chicken Pasta:  Sarah Ervin, Quakertown

Organic Buffalo Taco Soup:  Michelle DiTullio

Haitian chicken: Brian Burdick, Barto

Fire Cracker Salad: Alice Umstead, Elverson

Cheesey  Potato and Sausage Soup: Wendy Hoffman, Zionsville

Pizza Bianco: Kolleen Long, Stroudsburg

Meatball Shepherd's Pie: Deb Rogers, Sellersville

Taco Pie: Lori Leaman, Harleysville

Mother’s Chicken Orzo Soup: Theresa Whinery

Beef Tenderloin in a Port Shiitake Reduction: Jon Detweiler

"Sweet" Chili: Tina McIntyre, Pottstown

GUESTS

The Seeing Eye
Posted: November 10, 2008 | 6:40 AM | Emily Ralph

John Hollenbach and Lisa Radcliff visited from The Seeing Eye, an organization that raises and trains seeing eye dogs.  John has been blind since he was in his 40s and he shared how it felt to lose his sight and how it helps to have his guide dog, Patton, by his side.  If you'd like to help The Seeing Eye raise puppies, check out their website.  And listen again to the interview:

Men vs. Women
Posted: October 17, 2008 | 6:40 AM | Emily Ralph

Shaunti Feldhahn began her career as an analyst on Wall Street and today is a bestselling author, speaker, and nationally-syndicated newspaper columnist. Her recent bestsellers have sold more than one million copies and have been translated into 18 different languages. Books: For Women Only: What You Need to Know About the Inner Lives of Men; For Men Only: A Straightforward Guide to the Inner Lives of Women; For Parents Only; For Young Women Only; and For Young Men Only.  For more info on Shaunti, visit her website!

Shaunti 1                                 Shaunti 5

Shaunti 2                                 Shaunti 6

Shaunti 3                                 Shaunti 7

Shaunti 4                                 Shaunti 8    

Child Literacy--Sigmund Brouwer
Posted: September 29, 2008 | 7:06 AM | Emily Ralph

He's coming to town on October 11, 9am-2pm, at a workshop sponsored by the Bux-Mont Church Librarians.  It's happening at St. Michael's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sellersville.  For more info, call 215-538-7603.

Every year, Sigmund does over 100 workshops at schools around the country, encouraging kids to read and write.  For more information on his books and ministry, check out his website, CoolReading.com.  If you missed part of his interview, listen again:

Sigmund Brouwer 1

Sigmund Brouwer 2

Sigmund Brouwer 3

When your teen is struggling--Mark Gregston
Posted: June 4, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Mark Gregston is author of When Your Teen is Struggling and host of the Word FM feature, Parenting Today's Teens.  For more information, check out his website or re-listen to today's interview.

Mark Gregston 1

Mark Gregston 2

Mark Gregston 3

Mark Gregston 4

Mark Gregston 5

Dangerous Surrender--Kay Warren
Posted: April 25, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Kay Warren wrote a book, Dangerous Surrender: What Happens When You Say "Yes" to God.  Check out her website or listen to her interview again:

     Kay Warren, segment 1
     Kay Warren, segment 2
     Kay Warren, segment 3

Rise Above Debt--Jeff Boulton
Posted: April 16, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Jeff Boulton from RiseAboveDebtRelief.com is our guest this morning, sharing the top reasons we get into credit card debt and ways to get back out.  For more info, check out his website!

Christians Going Green--Matthew & Emma Sleeth
Posted: April 10, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Matthew Sleeth and his 17-year-old daughter, Emma, Christian environmentalists and authors of the books "Serve God, Save the Planet" (Matthew Sleeth) and "It's Easy Being Green" (Emma Sleeth).

Listen to the interviews again:

Matthew Sleeth

Emma Sleeth

What're we in for this winter?--Ed Hanna
Posted: December 6, 2007 | 7:30 PM | Emily Ralph

Dave's so excited to have Ed Hanna, meteorologist at 69 News (in the Lehigh Valley), on our program this morning with his predictions for this winter's weather.  For more info on Ed, or to ask him a weather question, head to his website!

The Real You--Kevin Leman
Posted: October 17, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Kevin Leman, author of the book "The Real You," will be speaking at the Penn Foundation's Autumn Event on Tuesday, October 30, 8pm, at Calvary Church in Souderton.  For more information about the event or their work in the community, check out Penn Foundation's website (or buy tickets).

Help and Hope for Victims of Domestic Abuse--Sarah Kelly
Posted: September 19, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, please get help NOW!  The Family Renewal Shelter can help: 1-888-550-3915

Today's guests are Christian artist, Sarah Kelly, and Christian counselors Fred Jacoby and Don Adams. 

* To listen to Sarah's interview, click here. 
* To visit Sarah's myspace page, click here. 
* To contact Fred at Foundations Christian counseling, check out their website or call 877-414-HOPE.

We also referred to Leslie Vernick's new book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It.  You can order it on her website or call 610-298-2842.

Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
Posted: August 2, 2007 | 11:27 AM | Emily Ralph

Men and women?  Love and respect?  Cracking the communication code?  Breaking the "Crazy Cycle"?  Find out more at http://www.loveandrespect.com/. 

Auntie Anne!
Posted: April 20, 2007 | 9:00 AM | Emily Ralph

We were excited to have Anne Beiler, better known as Auntie Anne -- founder of the famous pretzel chain -- in the studio today!  For info on purchasing Anne's book "Auntie Anne: My Story", e-mail shannong@thejoanngroup.com.  Click HERE for info on their current counseling center (info on the Gap Family Center, mentioned on the morning show, is "still under construction").

Oh Baby!--Phyllis Young
Posted: April 18, 2007 | 10:20 AM | Emily Ralph

Phyllis Young -- Coordinator of Birth and Family Education at Grand View Hospital http://www.gvh.org/pages/bfc/index.asp ; (215) 453-4594

For more info: http://www.childbirth.org or http://www.icea.org

Power in Wellness Coach-Terri Rutherford
Posted: April 4, 2007 | 8:50 AM | Dave Baker
 

Dave's wellness coach is Terri Rutherford

         "Power In Wellness" personal wellness coach

          PH: 888-232-4772

          rob.terri@verizon.net; Power In Wellness Info

Suffering for Christ--Tigist
Posted: March 30, 2007 | 5:53 AM | Emily Ralph

Today's guest is a friend of my family's from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Tigist.  She came to Christ out of an Ethiopian Orthodox upbringing and was persecuted for her faith.  She is currently in the states receiving treatments for the burn scars on her face.

Listen again to Tigist's testimony!
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

For more info on suffering Christians around the world, check out:

The Voice of the Martyrs

International Christian Concern

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Eli
Posted: February 13, 2007 | 7:57 AM | Emily Ralph

INFO

Pumpkin-Time!
Posted: October 21, 2008 | 7:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Here are some interesting factoids about pumpkins and some tips on keeping your pumpkin carvings fresh, courtesy of Denni from County Line Nursery in Harleysville:

Don't Know How You'll Vote?
Posted: October 22, 2008 | 12:06 AM | Emily Ralph

Here are some suggested websites to help you identify where candidates stand on issues that matter to you, courtesy of Today's Christian Woman, a magazine published by Christianity Today.

This election, geeks are jamming the web with tools to inform us about the candidates and their positions. Five websites in particular can help even the most undecided voter make a choice. These are nonpartisan resources, and user-friendly for teens and adults alike.

WordFM provides this Non Partisan information as a service to our listeners. The listed websites are not affiliated with any campaign or candidate.

Expert Voter (www.expertvoter.org): Provides a handy-dandy one page matrix of clips with the candidates sharing views on Iraq, immigration, energy, nuclear
proliferation, healthcare, education, social
security, taxes, and campaign 
reform.

Fact Check (www.factcheck.org): Monitors the truth of what is said by major U.S. political players in the form of TV ads, debates, speeches, interviews, and news releases.

Match-O-Matic (http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/page?id=3623346): Developed by ABC and USA Today, this interactive site quizzes you on your views to see how you match up on the hot issues with the candidates.

Ask Your Lawmaker (http://www.askyourlawmaker.com/): Users submit questions and vote on them, and then journalists track down lawmakers in Congress and on the campaign trail to get those questions answered. 

Vote Smart (http://www.vote-smart.org/):  Volunteer citizens provide biographical information, voting records, issue positions, interest group ratings, public statements, and campaign finance information so you can find out who your candidates are really representing.

With a wealth of information a point and click away, and computers in homes, offices, and in almost every public library, American voters have more power than ever before.

This article is located at: http://www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2008/marapr/7.50.html

Looking to work from home?
Posted: September 3, 2008 | 9:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Want to make a little money on the side while still staying home with the kids?  Here are some great suggestions we've dug up from around the web:

10 Work at Home Jobs

http://jobs.aol.com/gallery/10-work-at-home-jobs

10 Legitimate Ways Stay-at-Home Moms Can Make Their Own Money

Are You a Housewife Who's Sick and Tired of Depending on Hubby for Your Weekly Allowance and Desperate to Earn Your Own Cash?

By

Takeaways

Coming home to raise your kids doesn't mean you have to give up all your career aspirations.

You can enjoy a prosperous at-home business and be June Cleaver all in one.

The idealized Proverbs 31 mother was also a successful business woman!

1. Freelance write your heart out. 

Ever since I figured out I could type on the computer while nursing my newborn son as he rested on a couple of breastfeeding pillows encircling my waist, I've literally balanced motherhood and writing.

If you too have a hankering for creating pleasant prose, considered yourself blessed! What better time to be a writer than during the Information Age? Put your gift to work by supplying words wherever they are needed – especially in print and online magazines.

A good place to start is Associated Content, a site where writers (called content producers or "CP" for short) sign up for free and submit non-previously copyrighted works for possible publication. Each article sold nets the writer anywhere from $3 - $40, with the average being around $10. Payments are made via PayPal.

2. Unveil the mystery behind secret shopping 

Remember that rude salesgirl that made you so mad that you stormed out the store without buying anything? Workers like her are the bane of a company's existence, so many service-heavy firms hire inconspicuous shoppers to pose as normal customers and report back to a third-party regarding the type of customer service experience they enjoyed – or suffered through, as the case may be.

Apply to become a mystery shopper with companies like iMyst, Beyond Hello, and ICC Decision Services (all reputable companies that have actually paid me moola in the past to shop for their clients) or seek out other above board firms through search engines. Don't fall for over-hyped and -exclamation-pointed claims that you'll get rich by secret shopping; many gigs only pay around $10 per shop. And don't buy expensive books claiming they contain "everything you need to know about mystery shopping." Stick with reputable sites that allow you to sign up for free.

3. Focus on focus groups 

One fun and interesting way to spend an evening away from the kids, garner some much-needed and stimulation-heavy adult conversation AND get paid to boot is to join a focus group.

I've gotten paid $50 cash to participate in a 2-hour discussion about a compelling topic that interested me. Another focus group paid $25 to discuss a controversial new product on the market. Both provided food - the former, a lovely spread of fresh fruits, sandwich wraps, deserts and drinks.

During the latter I met another mom who gave me a great lead on a different focus group that paid her around $300 to participant in a mock trial. She got to meet a local celebrity and was treated to dinner during the 3 – 4 hour evening experience.
Check out Volition to find a focus group in your area and get started, or use Google to search the term "focus groups" coupled with a nearby major city in your locale.

4. Turn stray coins into cash 

You'd be surprised how much spare change can collect about us and add up to serious money. Scour your closets, the bottom of your purse and your car's cubby holes for those piles of pennies, errant nickels, all the way up to the occasional one dollar coins and cart them down to your local CoinStar machine.

There you'll not only be given the option of receiving cash, but also free giftcards from various retailers like Amazon.com®, Starbucks®, Borders® and more. Check out CoinStar to find a machine nearest you.

5. Transform old bills into new money 

Remember that pile of $2 bills your grandma passed down to you for a rainy day that you thought you couldn't do anything with? Well, break out the bank envelopes, because it's stormin', baby! Still in circulation and accepted by most banks (check with your favorite one with the highest yield and no fees), these old bills are a great way to let hidden cash increase your account balance.

6. Sell stuff on e-Bay 

Plenty of moms have perfected the art of selling stuff electronically using eBay. Whether it's that specific printer cartridge or unused videotape you bought in error and never used, or that knock-out designer LA dress that you know would make killing in Poughkeepsie, items laying about your own home can make great grist for the online selling mill.

Visit eBay to set up your account a pay a small fee to list one or hundreds of items, then watch the bidding war begin! Who knows, you may be on your way to becoming a power seller.

7. Get a night job 

When you need a more dependable stream of income but still want to be available to your brood during the day, consider taking on employment during the hours opposite of your mates' job. Whether it's a "Mommy job" at the local mall or night-shift work for your local newspaper, off-hour careers can provide a steady source of funds in your own name.

8. Create an online business 

Take advantage of free offers to obtain your own website, such as Microsoft Office Live, which offers free domain names and additional options during its beta testing period.

I set up a website for free called Real Moms magazine, linked it through to both my Real Moms' and personal blogs using the free Blogger website and linked that to PayPal to take subscription orders.

No matter what you've created – be it an eBook, painting, or event-planning service – in this computer-driven world you can find a plethora of ways to set up and promote your business online and begin taking orders right away!

9. Open a "Mommy Daycare"

If you have the patience of Mother Teresa and can stand having additional children in your home, by all means offer to watch someone else's child for money. With the great demand for quality childcare, it shouldn't be too difficult to find a mom-in-need through word of mouth.

If it is, you can always place an ad in your local paper for childcare situations wanted. Ensure that the terms are spelled out clearly beforehand, and don't overwhelm yourself with a houseful of kids that you can't handle.

10. Follow your bliss and the money will come.

All in all, if you pursue your passion, you will find prosperity. Sell your talents and don't sell yourself short. Get moving in the direction of your dreams. If you're a singer, create brochures and book some shows. A seamstress? Create your best work and offer to sell it in local boutiques on consignment. Do anything smart to get your name out there and your talent seen. Then you'll not only be rich in dollars, but in spirit, too.

Paula Mooney is the editor-in-chief of Real Momsmagazine.

2008 © Associated Content, All rights reserved.
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Five Best Work-From-Home Jobs

The Best Office Job Might Be Closer Than You Think

By TORY JOHNSON

Aug. 6, 2008 —

Thousands of "Good Morning America" viewers have said our reports helped them reach their goals of making extra money while working at home. If you're one of the success stories, I invite you to visit my Web site to tell me your story.

For those of you who haven't yet made the leap, I've co-authored a new book, "Will Work From Home: Earn the Cash Without the Commute," which is filled with resources and ideas to help you get going on this path too.

Click here to read an excerpt from the book.

Here's a look at just a few of my favorite resources:

Turn your crafts into cash. Many people get rave reviews for their handmade wares from family and friends, but most have no idea how to make money from their stuff. If you specialize in jewelry, pottery, clothing, illustrations, bath products, edibles and more, you should be selling today on Etsy.

In July alone, the company says 487,000 items were sold, totaling $7 million. Etsy charges just 20 cents to list an item and takes 3.5 percent of each sale. For that, your wares reach a global audience.

Answer the call. Virtual customer service -- answering in-bound customer calls for big brands from your own home -- has proven to be one of the most popular segments I've reported on GMA. Agents earn an average of $8 to $15 an hour and many also receive incentives and commission, too.

The field is growing: Four companies: Arise, Alpine Access, Working Solutions and LiveOps say they'll add more 7,000 new agents to their rosters by the end of this year.

To fill those positions, they'll receive a combined total of 90,000 applications, which means the competition is super steep. This work isn't for everyone, but if you want to give it a shot click here for advice on how to excel during that interview process.

Connect with a global marketplace. Businesses are increasingly hiring home-based freelancers to perform tasks ranging from software development to writing press materials.

Two sites, Elance and oDesk, serve as middlemen between job seekers and businesses eager to contract with them. They handle the whole process from hiring to payment. Together the sites have 20,000 open projects -- ranging from $20 to $80,000 -- at any one time. Post your profile and take optional assessment tests to measure your skill level. Then search the job postings and place bids on the opportunities that work for you. Many people start low -- very low -- with their rates to get their foot in the door to build a following. Your rate is determined by you.

Tutor students. Now is a good time to start thinking about tutoring both online and off. The Web site Tutor.com operates an online classroom allowing each student to connect with a tutor for one-to-one help using instant messaging, file sharing -- even an interactive whiteboard.

The site pays $10-$15 an hour and is looking to bring on 900 new tutors through the fall as students head back to school. Math and science tutors are in great demand. You don't need a teaching certificate, but you do need a college degree to get through the thorough application process.

Guide Web users online. If you've ever tried to find the answer to a question online, you've probably found yourself on About.com, which hires guides to create regular content based on a proven expertise in a specific topic. Find the current recruitment categories and an online application process on the site.

Guides are paid monthly and are compensated based on page views and section growth. The average rate is $1,500 a month for about 15 hours a week, which means the average annual compensation for a guide is $18,000. (The company says some guides rake in more than $100,000.) Great money for sharing information on something you love.

Beyond these resources, I have many others, along with some of the challenges and triumphs, on a specially created section of my Web site on working from home.

There are hundreds of legitimate companies that use home-based workers -- some as employees, others as independent contractors -- so explore what's available before settling on something specific. You must be able to articulate what specific skills you offer and how you want to put them to work. Just saying "I want to work from home" won't land you the opportunities you likely seek.

Tory Johnson is the workplace contributor on Good Morning America and the CEO of Women For Hire. Visit her Web site at www.womenforhire.com.

Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

SCC on TV
Posted: September, 2008 | 7:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Steven Curtis Chapman appeared on The CBS Early Show recently.  In August, he was also on Good Morning America and Larry King Live (Part 1 2 3 4 5 6) Thursday.  Check out his website for more info.

Lost & Found
Posted: August 26, 2008 | 7:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Ready to tell your kids what to do if they get lost in a store or the mall but need a little refresher?  Officer Kurt Scherzberg from the Souderton Police Department popped in this morning to share some basic safety tips for your kids.  Listen

Remembering Keith Green
Posted: July 28, 2008 | 6:35 AM | Emily Ralph

All morning, we're remembering the music and ministry of Christian music icon, Keith Green, who passed away on this day in 1982.  To find out more about Keith, check out the biography his wife wrote, No Compromise, or the biographic film narrated by TobyMac, Your Love Broke Through.

Also check out Last Days Ministries, the organization Keith started with his wife, Melody, and this YouTube of Keith on "I've Got a Secret" at 11 years old.

Road Trip Tips
Posted: July 23, 2008 | 8:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Going on a road trip?  Thanks to Good Housekeeping for these 5 websites that will help the trip go smoother!

            www.momsminivan.com: Find more than 100 games and activity ideas, using basics like string, aluminum foil, and paper, to keep kids occupied.

www.roadsideamerica.com: One-stop shopping for offbeat attractions — the world’s largest ball of stamps! a history-of-cheese-making mural! — along your route.

www.roadtripamerica.com: Use the calculator to estimate your gas costs based on current prices and your car’s average fuel efficiency.

www.thebathroomdiaries.com: Locate safe, clean restrooms beyond the highway — at a local college, in a bookstore, etc.

www.weather.com: Plan your driving around what the weather has in store.

MSNBC's travel editor suggests creating a family contract to help avoid squabbles on the road.  Think about including these elements, have everyone sign it, then keep a copy on hand for reference:

·  Who will control the ‘cabin’ temperature?

·  What time will we be ready to hit the road each day and what time will we call it quits?

·  How many miles must we travel each day?

·  Will we take major highways or travel the side roads?

·  Will every passenger get a chance to choose a restaurant, or is it Denny’s and McDonald’s all the way?

·  What will the seating assignments be? If they change, what is the schedule?

·  Who gets to choose the music?

·  Who knows how to change a flat tire?

·  Will eating, smoking, singing, whistling, humming, gum chewing, nail clipping and other potentially distracting and irritating activities be allowed inside the car?

On the Homefront
Posted: July 11, 2008 | 7:35 AM | Emily Ralph

Toni Gallucci, married to Sam (see below), visited with us this morning, sharing her perspective as the wife left home while her husband was on the road for business.  She also offers hope to women whose husbands are addicted to pornography. Check out their website to see Sam & Toni's video testimony.

Listen to Toni again:

    Toni Gallucci 1

    Toni Gallucci 2

    Toni Gallucci 3

Road Warrior
Posted: July 10, 2008 | 7:55 AM | Emily Ralph

Sam Gallucci and Steve Arterburn wrote Road Warrior: How to keep your faith, relationships, and integrity when away from home for people who travel a lot for business.  Sam's wife, Toni, will be on the program tomorrow to share about how this affected her and their family and to share where she found hope as she and her husband healed from the sin of pornography.  Check out their website to see Sam & Toni's video testimony and find other resources.

Listen to Sam again:

      Sam Gallucci 1

     Sam Gallucci 2

     Sam Gallucci 3

     Sam Gallucci 4

     Sam Gallucci 5

Update on Rush of Fools
Posted: July 10, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Below is a letter that Rush Of Fools posted online tonight to share the amazing news!

Many words would go into this letter, but we want to Thank Jesus for helping us recover our "stuff."  You have been so faithful to pray, and financially support us during the past 6 days as we have walked through a scary and uncertain situation with the theft of our trailer and gear.  We are so excited to report that at 1am on Tuesday morning, we received a call that our trailer and gear had been found by the Montgomery Police Department.  While this investigation is ongoing, we want to respect the job that the local police are currently doing to find the people responsible for this crime, we did want to pass along the news to you.  As of the writing of this blog, we have personally not seen the trailer yet (other than on the news - Thanks to our AMAZING friends at WSFA NBC Montgomery), nor any of our gear.  We are told that the police feel about 90% of the stuff is still inside the trailer.  

We do know, and have confirmed that it was the story that aired on WSFA that broke the case.  We are thankful to whoever made that call into the tip line.  Thank you for doing the brave thing. We hope we can repay you one day.

To the Montgomery Police Department and Sheriffs office, thank you for working so hard for the past 6 days to find our gear. We appreciate you not just treating this as another stolen property case, but going above and beyond.

To the folks at WSFA TV, thanks for taking a few minutes over the past few days to share our story with your viewers.  You made a huge difference.

And finally, to the many friends and fans who have been praying and sending in your support. We are so grateful to you. We will be using the funds to replace any gear that was stolen, and we will be back on tour starting Sunday!

Many verses in scripture talk about us relying on God for our needs.  Our story is a life story of asking Him to meet us where we are. And this case is no different.  Please don't view the TV coverage, national radio coverage, and web blogs to be about us. It's all about our Great God who loves and cares for us. This is just another one of His amazing life moments. To that we are humbled.

Rush Of Fools
Wes, Kevin, JD, Jamie, and Jacob

**Below is the actual news story that was featured last night on WSFA TV**

Montgomery, Al. (WSFA) -- Members of the Christian band "Rush of Fools" asked for prayer from fans after it was learned all their equipment was stolen last week.

Now, it looks as though their prayers have been answered.

After seeing coverage of the band's plight on WSFA 12 News Monday evening, someone called the Montgomery County Sheriff's office Secret Witness Line to say they knew where the shiney black cargo trailer was located.

Sure enough, Montgomery police spokesman Captain Huey Thornton says the trailer was right were it had been reported.

A search warrant was executed at the residence were the trailer was located and many items belonging to ROF were recovered.

Investigators later moved the trailer to a city lot off Ripley Street for processing.

Thornton says approximately 90% of the band's belongings were still inside.

Thornton says an investigation is ongoing and no suspects have been arrested at this time.

The cargo trailer will be returned to the band's Product Manager, Drew Aspinwall from whose home in the Woodmere Community it was taken last Thursday.

WSFA 12 News will have reaction from members of the band as soon as it becomes available.

God as the center of your marriage
Posted: June 10, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dave Harvey is a pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, PA, and author of When Sinners Say, "I Do".  He will be a speaker at the "Marriage and the Mercy of God" conference next January 15-17 in Hershey, PA--they are already accepting early registrations, so find out more info at mercy4marriage.org.  Re-listen to the interview:

Dave Harvey 1

Dave Harvey 2

Dave Harvey 3

Dave Harvey 4

And don't forget, if you are struggling in marriage, there is Christian counseling available in Brodheadsville, Nazareth, Palmerton, Hamlin, & Allentown at Foundations Christian Counseling (877-414-HOPE).

Help Rush of Fools
Posted: July 7, 2008 | 8:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Last week, this came from Rush of Fools:

We need your prayers! Early this morning, Rush of Fools' trailer was stolen out of our driveway in Alabama.  The band has lost everything they own including all merchandise, guitars, cases, amps....anything you would see them play with at a show is gone.  Insurance will cover some of the costs, but due to recent purchases and additions to the gear, the value lost is over $60,000.  This, as you know, is a major loss for a young band. We know that God has plans in the midst of this.  While we look for answers, please pray that our trailer and gear will be found quickly and unharmed.  We are all off on vacation this week, and Wes gets married on Saturday.  Not exactly the kind of stress you need before your wedding.

Our next set of concerts begin on July 14th, and our management company is working now to help find solutions so we can continue to play concerts and share our music with hurting people who need to hear it.

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  This verse is where we all live and breathe. We trust God in all things, even when we don't have the answers to why someone would do this. It's our prayer that whoever took the gear and trailer would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through our stuff.  Yes, literally, our “stuff” would be the catalyst to their introduction to Christ.

So, we need your immediate help in two ways.  First, if you can pray, please stop right now and ask God to intervene and find our trailer.  Second, if you are able to help financially, we would love that support.  You can mail checks to Rush of Fools, Inc at the address below.  All money received will go towards being able to replace our gear.
 
You not only are the best fans in the world, but you are our friends too. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us, our band, and our families.

Rush Of Fools
PO Box 963
Nolensville, TN 37135

Rush Of Fools

Feeling stressed?
Posted: June 19, 2008 | 5:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Today I'm sharing some tips on controlling the stress levels in your life.  Some of these tips are just secular management techniques, others are Christ-based heart changes.  To read them in full, check out these files:

Stress Tips

Psalm 131

How to clean your home in 19 minutes
Posted: May 28, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

(RealSimple.com) -- With these room-by-room checklists, you can maintain a sparkling house in just 19 minutes a day, giving you more time for family, friends and you.

Kitchen, 4 ½ minutes daily
Always start with the sink. "Keep it empty and shining," says Marla Cilley, author of Sink Reflections (Bantam, $15) and creator of www.FlyLady.net, a housekeeping Web site. A sparkling sink becomes your kitchen's benchmark for hygiene and tidiness, inspiring you to load the dishwasher immediately and keep counters, refrigerator doors, and the stovetop spick-and-span, too.

• Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).
• Wipe down the stove top (one minute).
• Wipe down the counters (one minute).
• Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).

Bathroom, 2 minutes daily
Make cleaning the basin as routine as washing your hands. But don't stop there. Get the most out of your premoistened wipe by using it to clean around the edges of the tub and then the toilet before tossing it.

• Wipe out the sink (30 seconds). Wipe the toilet seat and rim (15 seconds).
• Swoosh the toilet bowl with a brush (15 seconds).
• Wipe the mirror and faucet (15 seconds).
• Squeegee the shower door (30 seconds).
• Spray the entire shower and the curtain liner with shower mist after every use (15 seconds).

Bedroom, 6 ½ minutes daily
Make your bed right before or after your morning shower. A neat bed will inspire you to deal with other messes immediately. Although smoothing sheets and plumping pillows might not seen like a high priority as you're rushing to work, the payoff comes at the end of the day, when you slip back under the unruffled covers.

• Make the bed (two minutes).
• Fold or hang clothing and put away jewelry (four minutes).
• Straighten out the night-table surface (30 seconds).

Family room, living room, foyer, 6 minutes daily
Start with the sofa -- as long as it's in disarray, your living room will never look tidy. Once you've fluffed the pillows and folded the throws, you're halfway home. If you pop in a CD while you dust, you should be able cover the whole room by the end of the third track.

• Pick up crumbs and dust bunnies with a handheld vacuum (one minute).
• Fluff the cushions and fold throws after use (two minutes).
• Wipe tabletops and spot-clean cabinets when you see fingerprints (one minute).
• Straighten coffee-table books and magazines, throw out newspapers, put away CDs and videos (two minutes.)

May is Mental Health Month
Posted: May 27, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Dr. Richard DeVaul is a professor of psychiatry at Texas A & M and shared some insights into understanding and supporting those with mental illness.  Listen again:

Dr. DeVaul 1

Dr. DeVaul 2

Dr. DeVaul 3

Dr. DeVaul 4

Supporting Steven Curtis Chapman
Posted: May 22, 2008 | 5:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Yesterday afternoon, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman's 5-year-old daughter, Maria, was struck in their driveway by an SUV driven by their teenage son.  After the accident, Maria was rushed to the hospital where she later passed away.

Maria was one of three children Steven and Mary Beth adopted from China (the other two are Shaohannah and Stevey Joy).  They also have three biological children, Emily, Caleb, and Will Franklin.

It's hard to know how to help someone in a situation like this, but if your heart is going out to this family, please consider helping in one of the following ways:

PRAY:

• For their marriage, that Steven Curtis and Mary Beth would stay strong as they grieve together
• For peace and healing from the guilt, both for the brother who was driving the car as well as for other family members who may feel like they should have done something to prevent it (even if they couldn't)
• For the images in their minds to be erased (members of the family witnessed it)
• For comfort and wisdom in helping their other two young daughters understand and heal from this
• For their physical needs: that the entire family would get restful sleep, be able to eat, and that their bodies would fight off any illness

GIVE IN MARIA'S HONOR:

Steven and his wife run the non-profit organization, Shaohannah's Hope, which helps Christian families with resources for adopting.  To give in Maria's honor, click here.

CONSIDER ADOPTION:

Maria was adopted from China and given the chance to know Jesus through her time with the Chapman family.  What better way to honor her and his family than by bringing a child into your family through the miracle of adoption?  For more information, click here.

(Left to right Will Franklin, Maria, Steven, Shaoey, Mary Beth, Stevey Joy, Caleb and Emily)

Understanding your emotions
Posted: May 21, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Matthew Elliott, author of Feel: The Power of Listening to Your Heart, is with us this morning, helping us to understand why God gave us emotions--they are actually a tool for making good decisions and growing in our relationship with God and others!  Check out his website for more info!

Help victims of the Chinese Earthquake
Posted: May 16, 2008 | 8:30 AM | Emily Ralph

So you're hearing about the disaster in China--so many people killed or devastated by the recent earthquake.  Well, you can help!  Check out this adoption agency that is working to raise support for orphanages in China that were affected by the earthquake.  Or give them a call--talk to Karen at 888-886-8086.  Thanks for making a difference!

Backyard Wildlife
Posted: April 30, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Dave Baker

John Hadidian from the Humane Society shared some info on how to deal with wildlife in your backyard, especially during baby season.  For more info, check out his book, Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife.

Cultivating a Healthy Weight and Lifestyle
Posted: April 23, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

We're so glad that you are looking for more information on cultivating a healthy weight and lifestyle!  We have some great guests on the show who want to help you--and we want to know if you've made a decision to try something new as a result of their visits.  Please send us an e-mail or give us a call (877-WORDFM1) with a sentence or two about the first step you've decided to take.  We're all in this together!  We'd love for our prayer warriors in our prayer center to pray for you as you pursue a healthy lifestyle--we'll forward your e-mail or you can submit your request to them directly.

Here is the info on the resources our guests mentioned:

Dr. Doug Pfeiffer (e-mail) from the Center for Nutrition and Wellness referred to several websites:

Raw milk: www.westonaprice.org

Glycemic Index: www.mendosa.com

Listen to his interview again:
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 1
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 2
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 3
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 4
   Dr. Pfeiffer, segment 5

Claire Landes (e-mail) works here at the station and shared her story of fighting a food addiction and compulsive overeating.  If you would like to learn more, she recommends the following resources:

12-Step Programs (such as Overeaters Anon. or Celebrate Recovery)

Books by Robert McGee
       Search for Significance
       Conquering Eating Disorders

First Place: The Bible's Way to Weight Loss 

Anatomy of a Food Addiction by Anne Katherine

Food Addiction: The Body Knows by Kay Shepherd

Listen to her interview again:
   Claire, segment 1
   Claire, segment 2
   Claire, segment 3
   Claire, segment 4
   Claire, segment 5

Fred Jacoby from Foundations Christian Counseling is available to talk with you if you need help overcoming the spiritual or emotional obstacles of obesity.  He's in the studio from 7-9am today (April 23) at 877-WORDFM1 or can be reached at his office at other times at 877-414-HOPE.  He recommends the book Love to Eat, Hate to Eat: Breaking the Bondage of Destructive Eating Habits by Elyse Fitzpatrick.

Lisa Petrizio is the Director of Sales and Weight Loss at Genesis Fitness Centres in Harleysville and Souderton.  She encouraged us to take "Small Steps" toward an active lifestyle, whether parking farther from the store, playing with our kids, or grabbing a friend and heading to the gym.

Listen to her interview again:
   Lisa, segment 1
   Lisa, segment 2
   Lisa, segment 3
   Lisa, segment 4
   Lisa, segment 5

Carry your cross
Posted: April 25, 2008 | 7:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Mike Malpass is carrying his cross from NE to NC--literally!  He'll be in Philly tomorrow (4/26). . . for more information, head to his website: forhisnamesake.com.

Organ Donation
Posted: February 12, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Gift of Life Website

Today's guest is Holly Post, one of our volunteers.  She is a heart-transplant survivor, cherishing every moment God has given her!

Think you might be pregnant?
Posted: January 22, 2008 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you think you might be pregnant (or know you are) and don't know what to do or where to turn, we want to help!  Whether you need to find resources on how you can afford to give birth to or raise your baby, find a loving home for your unborn child, or even recover from past decisions, caring and experienced women are waiting for your call.  To find a center near you, check out these links:

Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos 

Chester County Women’s Services 

Morningstar Maternity Home (Lansdale) 

Care Net Pregnancy Centers of the Lehigh Valley

Crossroads Pregnancy Care (Quakertown)

PA Pregnancy Help Centers 

WV Pregnancy Help Centers

MD Pregnancy Help Centers 

National Lists of Pregnancy Centers 

Bethany Christian Services (adoption) 

COBYS Family Services (adoption and foster care) 

Foundations Christian Counseling
 

Candy Time!
Posted: December 18, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Debbie Lutz is with us this morning, teaching us how to make candy for the holidays.  Click here for pictures.  Here are some resources she brought along:

Supplies

Recipes

Peanut Butter Filling

1 cup peanut butter any style (not natural)

4 Tbsp. butter or margarine (soft)

2 cups powdered sugar

Mix peanut butter and butter together until well blended.  Add powdered sugar gradually.  Mix well by kneading with hands.  Store in air-tight container in refrigerator.

Coconut Mounds Filling

2 1/2 cups desiccated or macaroon* coconut

1 cup light corn syrup heated

Mix well, cover and let sit for 1 hour and use.  May be stored in refrigerator in air-tight container.

*Some locations where I've found the coconut are:  Chocolate Belles (Brick, NJ) or The Corner Cupboard (Quakertown Farmer's Market)

Peppermint Filling

2/3 cup dry fondant

1 Tbsp water

1 drop peppermint oil

Mix fondant and water to a thick, smooth paste.  (More water may be added, a drop at a time, if you desire a creamier center).  Add peppermint oil and mix well.

Board Games
Posted: November 27, 2007 | 10:54 AM | Emily Ralph

Dave and I played Monopoly this morning on the show (I'm winning at this point!) and talked to John Ortberg, author of the book When the Game is Over, it all Goes Back in the Box.  We might have to continue the game tomorrow (Cue: Lamb Chop, "This is the game that never ends. . . .")

We also talked to Scott Nicholson, who runs the website, Board Games with Scott, which is an online video series that introduces how to play new games.  He gave some recommendations of great games to give this Christmas.  To watch his videos or find out more about his recommendations, check out his site!  He also suggested heading to Boardgamegeek.com to chat with other board game fanatics about great games out there.

Including those with Special Needs
Posted: November 12, 2007 | 1:52 PM | Emily Ralph

This morning's show was about helping individuals and congregations welcome and include people with special needs.  To learn more, check out the following organizations:

Peaceful Living (Joe Landis, founder & director)

Joni and Friends (Jerry & Joan Borton, Philadelphia chapter)

Quakertown Christian School (Phil Swartley, principal)

Thanks to our guests this morning!  Please contact Joni & Friends for a free DVD on ways to include those with disabilities at your church.  And come join us this Thursday, November 15 at 7pm for a special Talent Show, featuring the students of Quakertown Christian School and friends from Joni and Friends--I'll be MCing and hope to see you there!

Sleep out. . . so others can sleep in
Posted: October 23, 2007 | 1:14 PM | Emily Ralph

The Indian Valley Housing Corporation along with Bridge of Hope BuxMont, are sponsoring a sleep out on October 27 (call 215-723-8750 ext. 108 for more information), and last night, Dave and I -- along with some friends of the station -- had our own preview Sleep Out!  Check out the pictures HERE.

Church Sound Systems
Posted: October 16, 2007 | 12:20 PM | Emily Ralph

This morning's guest was Steve from Omega Media, a company that specializes in installing sound and projector systems for churches and ministries.  Feel free to give him a call to find out more or to ask questions about your church's sound system (240.420.3877 or e-mail).

Credit scores
Posted: October 11, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Suzanne Fleischmann, vice president of retail lending from Univest Corporation
* 1-800-660-4276
* customersupport@univest.net
* Univest Plaza
   14 N. Main St.
   P.O. Box 64197
   Souderton, PA 18964

Annual Credit Report -- CLICK HERE
4 Credit Scoring Myths -- CLICK HERE

Fire Prevention Week!
Posted: October 9, 2007 | 11:31 AM | Emily Ralph

Thanks to Angela Kelly and Leif Loheide, firefighters from the Perkasie Fire Department, for sharing fire prevention and education tips this morning!  You can find out more about Fire Prevention Week from the National Fire Protection Association--and check out the Perkasie Fire Department and find out more about their Open House (coming this Thursday at 6pm).

Check out Dave trying on the fireman's hat. . . .

Tomorrow we continue Fire Prevention Week with a visit from Nick Rafferty, the Bucks County Fire Marshall!

Thank you, Billy Graham!
Posted: October 5, 2007 | 11:47 AM | Emily Ralph

Boz Tchividjian, grandson to Billy & Ruth Graham, was on the program this morning to tell us about the new website, www.thankyoubilly.com, a site dedicated to sharing stories of how God used Billy Graham’s ministry to touch people all over our country and the world.  Head to the website to share your story, read other testimonies, or watch the music video tribute.

Help and Hope for Victims of Domestic Abuse
Posted: September 19, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you or someone you love is in an abusive relationship, please get help NOW!  The Family Renewal Shelter can help: 1-888-550-3915

Today's guests are Christian artist, Sarah Kelly, and Christian counselors Fred Jacoby and Don Adams. 

* To listen to Sarah's interview, click here. 
* To visit Sarah's myspace page, click here. 
* To contact Fred at Foundations Christian counseling, check out their website or call 877-414-HOPE.

We also referred to Leslie Vernick's new book, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It.  You can order it on her website or call 610-298-2842.

Toy Recall
Posted: August 15, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

To find out which toys have been recalled by Mattel/Fisher Price, check out this article at MSNBC.

A Harry Potter alternative
Posted: July 26, 2007 | 11:33 AM | Emily Ralph

www.shadowmancer.com

"You" want a free mp3?
Posted: July 25, 2007 | 9:44 AM | Emily Ralph

Britt Nicole's hit single, "You" is available as a FREE MP3 download until August 7! Check out http://www.brittnicole.com/free .  iTunes has named Britt Nicole one of their "Next Big Thing" artists. As a result, you can download her debut album, "Say It" from iTunes or purchase the physical cd from Amazon for only $5.99!

Sleeping positions
Posted: July 6, 2007 | 9:34 AM | Emily Ralph

Find out more about how your sleep position reflects your character with info from Good Housekeeping.

Screen your sunscreen
Posted: June 20, 2007 | 5:55 AM | Dave Baker

How does your sunscreen rate?  Click here to find out!

Pass the popcorn!
Posted: June 18, 2007 | 12:07 PM | Emily Ralph

* Regal Cinema’s Free Family Film Festival - Tuesday and Wednesdays at 10am
Schedule and participating theaters: http://www.regalcinemas.com/freefamilyflicks/ffffresults.jsp

* Websites for family-friendly movie reviews:
www.crosswalk.com/movies
www.screenit.com

* Praying for Hollywood:
www.hollywoodprayernetwork.org
www.mastermediaintl.org

Gifts for Dad
Posted: June 14, 2007 | 9:00 AM | Emily Ralph

Unique Father's Day Gifts (for the guy who has everything)

Shop by Personality

Hi-tech gifts

It's just common sense!
Posted: June 12, 2007 | 6:00 AM | Emily Ralph

If you have some common sense to share, check out Scott's Common Sense Contest and you could win $25,000!  It's also a great website for tips and advice.

10 Foods You Should Never Eat!
Posted: June 11, 2007 | 9:39 AM | Emily Ralph

This morning we were talking about the 10 foods you should never eat, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest.  I don't know--I'm not sure it's in the public interest when they're making me avoid foods I like!

Here they are:

1.  Pepperidge Farm Original Flaky Crust Roasted Chicken Pot Pie
2.  McDonald's Chicken Selects Premium Breast Chicken Strips
3.  The Cheesecake Factory's 6-Carb Cheesecake
4.  Dove Ice Cream
5.  Mrs. Field's Milk Chocolate & Walnuts Cookie
6.  Starbucks (Venti) Caffe Mocha with whip cream
7.  Burger King Quad Stacker
8.  Campbell's Chunky, Select, or regular condensed soups
9.  Chipotle Chicken Burrito
10.  Haagen-Daz' Mint Chip Dazzler

For more info on why and what foods they recommend eating instead, click here.

CONTESTS

Super-Mom
Posted: May 5, 2008 | Deadline: May 9, 2008

Tune into the Morning Show this Friday for your chance to win our Super-Mom contest. . . you can nominate yourself or someone else you know who you think is the ultimate Super-Mom.  Give us a call on Friday morning to describe your Super-Mom's typical day and win her fuel for herself (a gift card to Applebees Meals on the Go!) and fuel for her car.  But you have to call to win!

Lights, Camera, Creation!
Posted: April 14, 2008 | Deadline: May 14, 2008

So, you want to go to Creation 2008 for free?  You could win tickets for you, your family, or even your youth group by creating a music video featuring a song by a Creation artist and starring. . . you!  Details

EVENTS

UPPEN Prayer Walk
Date: July 27, 2008 | Location: Pennsburg/Red Hill

Dave and Emily were at the UPPEN Prayer walk on July 27.  About 200 people came out to pray through the Upper Perkiomen valley--including teens and kids!  Thanks to everyone who made this a successful event!

SILLY STUFF

An Aunt Again!
Posted: September 29, 2008 | 6:06 AM | Emily Ralph

Welcome, Cadi Joy!  My sister gave birth to my new niece on Thursday.  Cadi (pronounced "Kay-dee") is a peanut--7 lbs, 1 oz, and 19 inches long.  She has a cute little grumpy face and already has her daddy wrapped around her little finger.  Mommy, Daddy, and big brother, Logan, are doing fine, although a little sleep deprived!

These pictures are: my sister Lauren and her husband, Jesse, with Cadi on the day she was born; our new bundle of joy; Jesse's dad, "Pop," with Logan and Cadi; Logan trying to decide whether to give Cadi her pacifier or suck on it himself; and me walking my new niece.

Giraffes!
Posted: July 14, 2008 | 8:35 AM | Dave Baker

The escape-artist giraffe in Amsterdam reminded us of our visit to feed the giraffes during our Kenya mission trip.  Here are a couple pictures of Emily's brother, Zach, visiting the same giraffe park during his visit to Kenya in May, me feeding the giraffes, and another tightly-guarded picture of Emily getting cozy with her new buddy.

Totally Terrific Treehouses!
Posted: May 19, 2008 | 5:30 AM | Emily Ralph

Next week, Tyler Arboretum in Media, PA, will be opening a new display of extravagant treehouses.  Check out their website for more info.

Let it burn, baby!
Posted: May 8, 2008 | 8:00 AM | Dave Baker

It's the longest-burning light bulb in the world!  107 years old and still working as a nightlight for firefighters in a small California town.  For more info or to watch it on the 24/7 webcam, head to their website!

Sleeping on the Job?
Posted: May 6, 2008 | 6:32 AM | Emily Ralph

FIVE BEST THINGS TO SAY IF YOU GET CAUGHT SLEEPING AT YOUR DESK:

NUMBER 5: "They told me at the Blood Bank this might happen."

NUMBER 4 : "This is just a 15 minute power nap they raved about in the time-management course you sent me to."

NUMBER 3 : "Whew!? Guess I left the top off the White-out. You probably got here just in time!"

NUMBER 2: "Did you ever notice sound coming out of these keyboards when you put your ear down real close?"

And the NUMBER ONE best thing to say if you get caught sleeping at your desk: (Raising your head slowly) "... in Jesus' name, Amen

Christmas Gifts for Men
Posted: December 13, 2007 | 10:12 AM | Emily Ralph

Here's the "help" I found for picking gifts for guys--and, according to Dave, it's right on target!

Christmas is just around the corner so here are some gift ideas for those special men in your life!

Buying gifts for men is not nearly as complicated as it is for women. Follow these rules and you should have no problems.

Rule #1:
When in doubt - buy him a cordless drill. It does not matter if he already has one. I have a friend who owns 17 and he has yet to complain. As a man, you can never have too many cordless drills. No one knows why.

Rule #2:
If you cannot afford a cordless drill, buy him anything with the word ratchet or socket in it. Men love saying those two words. "Hey George, can I borrow your ratchet?" "OK. Bye-the-way, are you through with my 3/8-inch socket yet?" Again, no one knows why.

Rule #3:
If you are really, really broke, buy him anything for his car. A 99-cent ice scraper, a small bottle of deicer or something to hang from his rear view mirror. Men love gifts for their cars. No one knows why.

Rule #4:
Do not buy men socks. Do not buy men ties. And never buy men bathrobes. I was told that if God had wanted men to wear bathrobes, he wouldn't have invented Jockey shorts.

Rule #5:
You can buy men new remote controls to replace the ones they have worn out. If you have a lot of money buy your man a big-screen TV with the little picture in the corner. Watch him go wild as he flips, and flips, and flips.

Rule #6:
Do not buy any man industrial-sized canisters of aftershave or deodorant. I'm told they do not stink - they are earthy.

Rule #7:
Buy men label makers. Almost as good as cordless drills. Within a couple of weeks there will be labels absolutely everywhere. "Socks. Shorts. Cups. Saucers. Door. Lock. Sink." You get the idea. No one knows why.

Rule #8:
Never buy a man anything that says "some assembly required" on thebox. It will ruin his Special Day and he will always have parts left over.

Rule #9:
Good places to shop for men include Northwest Iron Works, Parr Lumber, Home Depot, John Deere, Valley RV Center, and Les Schwab Tire. (NAPA Auto Parts and Sears Clearance Centers are also excellent men's stores. It doesn't matter if he doesn't know what it is. "From NAPA Auto, eh? Must be something I need. Hey! Isn't this a starter for a '68 Ford Fairlane? Wow! Thanks.")

Rule #10:
Men enjoy danger. That's why they never cook - but they will barbecue. Get him a monster barbecue with a 100-pound propane tank. Tell him the gas line leaks. "Oh the thrill! The challenge! Who wants a hamburger?"

Rule #11:
Tickets to a football game are a smart gift. However, he will not appreciate tickets to "A Retrospective of 19th Century Quilts." Everyone knows why.

Rule #12:
Men love chainsaws. Never, ever, buy a man you love a chainsaw. If you don't know why - please refer to Rule #7 and what happens when he gets a label maker.

Rule #13:
It's hard to beat a really good wheelbarrow or an aluminum extension ladder. Never buy a real man a stepladder. It must be an extension ladder. No one knows why.

Rule #14:
Rope. Men love rope. It takes us back to our cowboy origins, or at least The Boy Scouts. Nothing says love like a hundred feet of 3/8" manilla rope. No one knows why.

Christmas Trees
Posted: December 12, 2007 | 12:12 PM | Emily Ralph

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on picking a tree.  We had someone call in to tell us about a guy in Telford who sells trees and gives the proceeds to missions--but in the flurry of the show, we lost the contact info.  So, if you know who this person is, could you send me an e-mail to let me know?  Thanks!

So you think you're a grinch?
Posted: December 6, 2007 | 6:54 AM | Emily Ralph

Here's the test we found to determine how "grinch-like" you are!

TEST TO SEE IF YOU'RE A GRINCH

1. You reuse last year's Christmas cards and send them out under your own name. (5 points)

2. You steal light bulbs from you neighbor's outdoor display to replenish your own supply. (5 points; 10 if neighbor's whole light sets or lighted Santa goes out)

3. You have dressed a dog or cat as Santa Claus, elf helper, or reindeer. (10 points for each; if you dressed an endangered species, 5 extra points)

4. You put out last year's stale candy canes for children. (1 point for each piece of sticky candy; if you also put out a chocolate or marzipan Santa, add 10 points)

5. You enclose a shoddy and inferior gift from Target, Wal-Mart, or K-Mart in a Bloomingdale's or other prestige store's box to impress your friends. (5 points for each infraction)

6. You make collect long distance phone calls to your family on Christmas day (5 points; 10 if from a cell phone claiming you are stuck in a phone booth)

7. At the office Christmas party, you horde huge stockpiles of goodies for later consumption at home. (5 points; 15 points if you use this stuff for your own party)

8. You steal the wreath from a parked car to use on your own. (Southern California & Florida only, others ignore: 5 points)

9. After an invitation to a friend's house, you bring a commercially-produced fruitcake and try to pass it off as homemade. (5 points; 15 points if the fruitcake is from last year)

10. Taking toys from the Toys-for-Tots collection bins is a definite no-no. (20 points)

Evaluate your score on the "Grinch Scale" from 20 to 100:

20-30: You're just a cheeseball.
30-50: You're an apprentice in Yuletide larceny and are probably wanted for overdue parking tickets.
50-100: Grinch, move over!

Think you have what it takes?
Posted: August 17, 2007 | 12:42 PM | Emily Ralph

You've got 2 weeks left this summer ... if you're heading for the shore, see if you can match the artistry in THESE sand castles!

Dave in the news
Posted: June 21, 2007 | 8:32 AM | Emily Ralph

Want to take a break at work today?  Create your own newspaper clipping about your life or workplace at GetClippings.com and then send it to your coworkers. Check out our article about Dave's gullibility!

Happy Recess at Work Day!

Last Year's New Thing Every Day

Morning Show Archives