Help support The Salvation Army this year.

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Pastor Appreciation Jerry Jaquish - Manistee United Methodist Church

Pastor Appreciation Jerry Jaquish - Manistee United Methodist Church

ten ways to be a superhero without Supernatural abilities

from Wisebread.com:

10 ways to be a superhero without any supernatural abilities


1.Think not only of your own interests, but also the interests of others.

2.Find satisfaction in service.

3.Determine life's true priorities and fanatically pursue those things.

4.Be a mentor and let someone mentor you.

5.Do what you know is right even when you don't feel like it.

6.Ask people about their lives and be prepared to listen.

7.Clean up the mess. Do what others think is beneath them.

8.Apologize when you make a mistake.

9.Be a principle-based person who does what is right, not just what is expedient or lucrative.

10.Honor those who are older.

Best Bets for Car Seats

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released it's list of recommmended and not recommended booster seats.  They tested 72 boosters seats and found 21 to be best bets, 7 good gets and 8 were not recommended.  Below is the list of top and bottom booster seats:

Click here for the complete study by the IIHS.


BEST BETS
Britax Frontier 85 (combination highback)
Chicco Keyfit Strada (dual highback)

Clek Oobr (dual highback)

Cosco Juvenile Pronto (dual highback)

Cybex Solution X-Fix (highback)

Eddie Bauer Auto Booster (dual highback)

Evenflo Big Kid Amp (backless)

Evenflo Maestro (combination highback)

Graco TurboBooster Crawford (dual highback)

Harmony Baby Armor (dual highback)

Harmony Dreamtime (dual backless)

Harmony Dreamtime (dual highback)

Harmony Secure Comfort Deluxe (backless)

Harmony Youth Booster Seat (backless)

Maxi-Cosi Rodi XR (dual highback)

Recaro ProBOOSTER (highback)

Recaro ProSPORT (combination highback)
Recaro Vivo (highback)
Recaro Young Sport (combination highback)

Safety 1st Boost Air Protect (dual highback)

The First Years Pathway B570 (highback)

GOOD BETS

Britax Parkway SG (dual highback)

Combi Kobuk Air Thru (dual backless)

Combi Kobuk Air Thru (dual highback)

Evenflo Symphony 65 (3-in-1 highback)

Graco TurboBooster Sachi (dual highback)

Graco TurboBooster Wander (dual highback)

Maxi-Cosi Rodi (dual highback)

NOT RECOMMENDED

Eddie Bauer Deluxe (combination highback)

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 (highback)

Evenflo Express (combination highback)

Evenflo Generations 65 (combination highback)

Evenflo Sightseer (highback)

Harmony Baby Armor (dual backless)

Safety 1st All-in-One (3-in-1 highback)

Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite (3-in-1 highback)

Buy One Get One Free Coupon from Bigby Coffee

Get your BOGO Free coupon for a Grande Creme Freeze Smoothie or a Grande Specialty Beverage from Bigby Coffee.  The offer Expires August 29th.  Get your coupon from Bigby.com.

Two Free Magazines

I found two great magazines that are offering a free one year subscription to you:

Click here to get 12 issues of "Everyday with Rachel Ray" for Free!

Click here to recieve 6 issues (1 year) of "Taste Of Home" for Free!

I can't see any strings attached so sign up and enjoy these great magazines.

Free Ginger Millermon Song

The new song "Who He Says He Is" by Ginger Millermon is now being offered for FREE on her website: Ginger Millermon.com.  Enjoy this great new song in your music library and on The Promise FM. The song is only available through August 31st.

fresh Express salad Recall

Fresh Express is recalling some of their Veggie Lover's bagged salad for possible Listeria Monocytogenes.  The recalled salad mix has a product code nubmer of I208 with used by date of August 10th. One package has tested positive for Listeria but not illnesses have been reported.  If you have questions call the Fresh Express Consumer hotline at 1-800-242-5472.

Josh Wilson "Before The Morning" Video and the story behind the song

Story behind the song:

What are you eating?

Read more about this at http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-1198/What-Are-We-Eating-What-the-Average-American-Consumes-in-a-Year-Image.html

Consumer Reports Guide: How to choose a backpack for back-to-school

Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products : How to choose a backpack for back-to-school

Great site for Recalls

Comsumer Reports has a new website to help you with recalls that effect kids of all ages.  Click, Check and Protect pulls together all recalls that are related to products that kids would use.  Find out more and make sure to follow ClickCheckAndProtect.org.

Consumer Reports on Safety: Infant death prompts recall of Nap Nanny baby recliner

Consumer Reports on Safety: Infant death prompts recall of Nap Nanny baby recliner Click this link above to find out more about this important recall.

Consumer Reports on Safety: 1.3 million Smith + Noble roman and roller shades recalled

Consumer Reports on Safety: 1.3 million Smith + Noble roman and roller shades recalled Read more by clicking the link above.

New band, The Museum, has their debut CD, Let Love Win, coming out in stores next week.  I had a chance to talk with Ben Rickter, the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Museum, this morning.  Here is a link to the interview if you missed it.

http://www.thepromisefm.com/audio/themuseum07-23-10.mp3

You can find out more about TheMusem at their website : http://themuseummusic.com/

A Thing A Day

Most of us have things that just clutter up our homes. Sometimes we even have to rent a storage building to keep all our stuff. The website Unclutterer.com wants to help you unclutter your life. They have started a program called "A Thing A Day" that encourages you to get rid of one thing a day to unclutter your life. Read their forum and get started uncluttering your life at Unclutterer.com.

Walmart Chicken Tender Recall

Perdue Farms, Inc., a Perry, Ga. establishment, is recalling approximately 91,872 pounds of frozen chicken nugget products that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.


The products subject to recall include:
•1-pound, 13-ounce bag of “GREAT VALUE Fully Cooked Chicken Nuggets.” Each bag bears the establishment number “P-33944” as well as a case code of “89008 A0160” on the backside of the packaging. There is also a “BEST IF USED BY” date of June 9, 2011.

Each case contains 8 bags and the frozen chicken nugget products were produced on June 9, 2010, and were shipped to a single retail store chain nationwide.

The company discovered small pieces of blue plastic after receiving consumer complaints. FSIS has not received any reports of injury at this time. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of this product should contact a physician.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Perdue Consumer Relations at (877) 727-3447.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at www.AskKaren.gov. "Ask Karen" live chat services are available Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.
 

Two free songs from Caedmon's Call

Caedmon's Call has a new CD coming out later this year.  And if you will share your email address with them, they will give you two FREE songs off the new CD called Raising Up The Dead.  Go to Caedmon'sCall.com, enter your email address and enjoy some new music from Caedmon's Call.  It's that easy.

Teen Chat Decoder

Do you ever wonder what your kids mean when they write "LOL" or "ROTFL"?  Now you can break the chat code of teens with TeenChatDecoder.com!  Teen Chat Decoder helps you as a parent know the meaning of all the acronymns your kids are using.  They also have an extensive listing of the most popular acronyms so you can learn the lingo for yourself.   (WARNING: some acronyms have double meaning so you could find some that have vulgar meanings that your kids are not intending to use).

Another extension of Tylenol Recall

McNeil Consumer Healthcare has added 21 new lots to the recent recall of Tylenol, Motrin and Benedryl products.  Here is a listing of the lot numbers that have been added (or click here for the recall notice from McNeil Consumer Healthcare)  or you can call 1-888-222-6036:

Free music from Laura Story

Our friends at FreeCCM.com have a great song from Laura Story for free this month.  You can download Great God Who Saves for FREE at FreeCCM.com.  Also check out some other great music you can download or listen to for free.

Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products : Recall: 2 million cribs from Delta, Evenflo, Jardine, others

Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products : Recall: 2 million cribs from Delta, Evenflo, Jardine, others

Here is a list of cribs that are being recalled. Click the link above to get further details from Consumer Reports:

Child Craft (now out of business)
50,000 fixed side cribs (four entrapments)
All of the brand's drop-side cribs (one entrapment, one fall)

Delta Enterprise Corp., of New York, N.Y.
747,000 cribs (five entrapments, one fall)

Evenflo, of Miamisburg, Ohio
750,000 cribs (three entrapments, nine falls)

Jardine Enterprises, of Taipei, Taiwan
130,000 cribs (10 entrapments)

LaJobi, of Cranbury, N.J.
306,000 cribs (one fall)

Million Dollar Baby, of Montebello, Calif.
156,000 cribs (eight entrapments, three falls)

Simmons Juvenile Products Inc. (SJP), of New London, Wis.
50,000 cribs (two entrapments, two falls)

Matthew West talks about his new CD Stories Of LIfe that comes out in October

Free music download from I-tickets.com

Our friends at i-tickets.com have a great new FREE song for you from worship artist Joel Auge.  The song is called "Be Lifted" from his new CD Invisible Things.  You can download it for free from I-Tickets.com.

Free song from Newsboys "Build Us Back"

Free Vicky Beeching Song and chord chart

Vicky Beeching is offering a free song from her latest CD "Eternity Invades."  The song is called "Blessing and Honor" and also includes the lyric and chord chart.  This free song is available at FREECCM.COM.

Tralier for the new Voyage of The Dawn Treader Movie

Chronicles Of Narnia 3

The movie comes out in theaters December 10th.  It will also be the first of the Narnia series to be available in 3-D.  Find out more about this movie at Narnia.com.

More Tylenol recalls

McNeil Consumer Health Care is extending it's recall from Janaury to include a new lot of EXTRA STRENGTH TYLENOL® Rapid Release Gels and four lots of BENADRYL® ALLERGY ULTRATAB™ TABLETS.  Visit McNeil's website for details of the lot numbers of the recall or call 1-888-222-6036.

USB Typewriter

Many people grew up learning to type on a typewriter.  If you would love to have that same feel of typing but on your computer, they USB Typewriter might be for you.  You can either buy a USB Typewriter or the equipment to convert your typewriter to USB.  Then you can plug it into you computer and use it.  Find out more and get pricing at USBTypewriter.com.

How to help your daughter with self image issues

Too many girls are struggling with self image issues today.  The Mayo Clinic has released a great article about why girls struggle with self image and how we can help.  Read the complete article at MayoClinic.com.

According to the article, the main reason girls suffer from a negative body image are:

■Having a mother who's overly concerned about her own weight or her daughter's weight or appearance


■Natural weight gain and other changes caused by puberty

■Peer pressure to look a certain way

■Media images that promote the ideal female body as thin

■Being teased about her weight
 
The consequences of a negative body image are:
 
■Low self-esteem


■Depression

■Eating disorders
 
Ways to help girls to have a positive body image:
 
■Explain the effects of puberty and genetics.

■Discuss media messages.
■Discuss self-image.

■Use positive language.
■Team up with your family doctor.
■Help establish healthy-eating habits.

■Counter negative media messages.
■Encourage a positive school environment.
■Praise achievements.
■Encourage physical activity.
■Set a good example.

Added incentives to upgrade your water heater or furnace

Michigan Energy Options has been authorized by the State of Michigan to offer higher rebates through the Michigan Appliance Rebate Program.  Only about 5% of federal funds set aside for rebate in Michigan for new water heaters and furnaces have been used.  So the state is increasing the rebate amounts.  For a new Propane Water Heater the rebate has increased from $100 to $300.  For a oil or propane furnace the rebate is now $500 compared to $300.  And the state has also authorized a 25% rebate on solar water heaters not to exceed $2500.
Find out more about these rebates as well as rebates for energy efficient appliances at MichiganEnergyOptions.org.

Guys design your own dress shirt

I would never have the fashion sense to do this, but Blank Label is a new webservice that allows you to design your own dress shirts.  You can chose the fabric, colors, design, everything in the making of a shirt.  The cost is a little high as prices start at $45 a shirt but for a custom designed and fitted shirt, that is probably not too bad.  And it looks like Blank Label is a huge success, according to their website, as they can't keep up with the mass of orders coming in.  Check out Blank-label.com to design your very own shirt.

Free music from ITickets.com

I tickets has two songs available as free downloads this week.  The first is a traditional spritual from The Acapella Company called "Take the Lord with You".  The second song is by INO artist Joy Whitlock called "Testify".  You can download both of these songs for free at ITickets.com.

For those without a green thumb!

Sprout Robot is a cool new service for those who want to garden but are not really sure how to do it.  They offer two services: a free email service to tell you what to plant when in your garden and a paid service where they will mail you the seeds to plant when you need to plant them.  Sprout Robot also will email when to water and care for your garden.  I like this site because it's for those of us who don't know too much about gardening but still want to try.  Find out more at SproutRobot.com.

Find out how well you can mutlitask and handle distractions

The New York Times is offering two tests to see how good you are at focusing despite distractions and multitasking.  These tests were developed from research that show that some people who multitask actually are more distracted and are less productive.  Scientist even have shown that multitasking can change how we think and behave.  You can "Test Your Focus" and "Test How Fast You Juggle Tasks" at NYTimes.com.

Question: over a million of these will be bought this year but half will go unused?

Answer: swimsuits.

Congratulations to Joan Bellinger of Manistee, today's winner.

Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products : Tiny batteries in remotes, toys, musical cards can be lethal if ingested

Consumer Reports Guide to Baby Products : Tiny batteries in remotes, toys, musical cards can be lethal if ingested According to this article from Consumer Reports, 68% of battery ingestion cases involve kids 6 and younger. And while kids toys and books that have batteries are required to have a screw on the battery compartment those items that are for adults, like remote controls do not. It is very important that you keep an eye on kids when they are using items that have batteries in them. It can be a very major health hazard for them if they ingest a battery, especially the newer lithium batteries.

DailyTech - Nokia Offers Bicycle-powered Phone Charger

DailyTech - Nokia Offers Bicycle-powered Phone Charger
Do you remember when they had lights on bicycles that were powered by the front wheel? I remember riding my dad's bike that had one. I remember the "whirling" sound of the generator as I sped up or slowed down. And when you slowed down the light would go out. Well, Nokia is taking that technology and making a great new product that will charge your cell phone while you ride your bike. This product is intended for countries where bicycling is a major source of transportation but should eventually trickle down to the US and Canada. If you ride your bicycle to work or school, this would be a great tool to keep your cell phone charged while saving on electricity.

Maytag Dishwasher recall

Maytag is recalling 1.7 million dishwashers that were sold between February 2006 and April 2010.  The dishwashers heating element can fail causing a serious fire hazard.  The recall includes the following brands: Maytag, Amana, Jenn-air, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand dishwasher with plastic tubs.  Find out more about the recall and which serial numbers are included at Repair.Maytag.org or by calling 1-800-544-5513.  The company is offering to repair or offer rebates to replace the dishwashers effected.

Make your own ketchup

Here are the ingredients you will need to make your own home made ketchup (from Instructables.com)

* 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste


* 1/2 cup white vinegar

* 4 tablespoons brown sugar

* 1 tablespoon garlic powder

* 1 tablespoon onion powder

* 1/4 teaspoon allspice

* 1 teaspoon salt

* 1 teaspoon molasses

* 1 teaspoon agave nectar

* 2 1/2 cups water


Ketchup (Catsup) Recipe - More DIY How To Projects

Three free songs for you today

Click the link or title to download these great new songs (some require a free login to enter.)

"Love Like You Loved" by Jonny Diaz from FreeCCM.com.

"The Secret" by Hearts of Saints from HeartsOfSaints.com.

"The Apple" by Carolina Story from iTickets.com.

Consumer Reports Health Blog: Indoor tanning booths can quadruple your skin cancer risk

Consumer Reports Health Blog: Indoor tanning booths can quadruple your skin cancer risk

The most impactful quote from this article:

"Eager to soak up the sun, or at least look like they have, some folks are getting their bronze on early—indoors. But indoor tanning beds can increase the risk of melanoma up to four times, according to a new study released by the American Association for Cancer Research. The bottom line: Melanoma risk goes up with frequent indoor tanning, regardless of how old people are when they start using tanning beds.
According to the report, the pursuit of a bronzed body has become so popular that the indoor tanning industry estimates that some 30 million Americans visit tanning salons each year. That figure is nearly double that of the early 1980s. Last year the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified tanning devices as carcinogenic."

The real bottom line is that in a pursuit of a "perfect" tan, we are increasing our risk of skin cancer and premature death. All just to look good.

10 deadliest fast food meals

ThatsFit.com list of 10 worst fast food meals

The top 10 deadliest fast food meals:

1. Wendy's Baconator Triple, 1330 calories and 38 grams of saturated fat
2. Sonic's SuperSonic Cheeseburger, 980 calories and 24 grams of saturated fat
3. Burger King's BK Quad Stacker, 930 calories and 28 grams of saturated fat
4. Domino's Bread Bowl Pizza, 670 calories and 22 grams of saturated fat
5. In & Out Burger's Double Double With Onion, 670 calories and 18 grams of saturated fat
6. Arby's Large Beef n' Cheddar, 650 calories and 11 grams of saturated fat
7. Popeye's Breast-Leg-Biscuit, 640 calories and 15.5 grams of saturated fat
8. Taco Bell's Chipotle Steak Taco Salad, 900 calories and 11 grams of saturated fat
9. White Castle's Sack of 4 Cheeseburgers, 680 calories and 16 grams of saturated fat
10. Jack in the Box's Jumbo Jack With Cheese, 620 calories, 15 grams of fat

I love it when you find unusual uses for common items.  The folks at Gomestic.com have put together a top 10 most unusual ways to use soap.  Read more on each of these uses at Gomestic.com:
1. Fish With It

2. Unscrew A Light Bulb With It

3. Keep Pest Away From Garden

4. Keep Pest Off Flowers

5. Deodorize Your Space

6. Clean Someone Else With Your Soap - donate soap to needy around the world

7. Fingernail Guard

8. Flea Trap

9. Remove Wallpaper

10. Detect Gas Leaks

Video Fireflight "For Those Who Wait"

Video: Stephanie Smith "Back To Innocence"

Clean your tub with grapefruit and salt

Here is a great tip from Re-Nest.com to clean your bath tub with nothing more than salt and two halves of a grapefruit.  Read the entire article at Re-nest.com.


Materials
1 Grapefruit
1/4 cup kosher salt

Instructions

1. Halve Grapefruit: 1 medium to large grapefruit will clean your entire bath or shower from top to bottom, including all the fixtures. Simply cut it in half with a knife and you'll be all set.

2. Sprinkle With Salt: Using 1 grapefruit half at a time, sprinkle liberally with salt. Wet your bathtub and sprinkle the remaining salt around the bottom.

3. Scrub your grapefruit around your shower or tub, making sure to slightly "juice" the citrus over each fixture and lifting it every few seconds to pick up fresh salt from around the tub instead of just pushing it around.

4. Rinse: When all is said and done, simply rinse away the pulpy bits and the salt and your shower is as good as new. 

National Bike To Work Day

Today, May 21st, is National Bike To Work Day.  Use this link to find out how much you can save by Biking over driving to work from Klippinger.com.

Walmart recalling coffee makers

Walmart is recalling over 900,000 General Electric coffee makers that have the potential to overheat, smoke, melt, burn and catch fire.  Three incidents reported caused minor burns.  The coffee makers were sold at Walmart stores in the US from march 2008 to January 2010 for about $30.  You can return the coffee maker to any Walmart for a full refund.  Call Walmart with questions at 1-800-925-6278 or visit Walmart.com for details of the recall.

A safe way for your young kids to use the computer

Zoodles is a new Kid friendly way to introduce kids 2 to 8 to using the computer. It is a free browser that runs on Mac and Windows computers that allows parents to scale the computer for each age group.  For kids who can't read yet, there is a picture based interface and the parent can increase the word use based on the childs abilities.  And it does a great job of filtering what you don't want the little eyes to see.  The basic version is free and a premium version is available for $7.95 a month.  Get details at Zoodles.com.

Look for a doctor based on reviews

With Doctor Finder, you can search for doctors and dentists in your area and read other peoples reviews.  This can be a great way to find out about a doctor or dentist before you see them.  And you can add your reviews too.  Find the Doctor Finder at Insidepages.com.

Free song from Tenth Avenue North

Tenth Avenue North has come out with a new CD called "The Light Meets The Dark" and our friends over at ITickets.com have a free song from the CD for you.  You can get your free download of Healing Begins at ITickets.com.

Children's Bracelets recalled

This "best friends" charm bracelet set from Claire's Boutiques is being recalled because of high levels of cadmium. Cadmium is toxic if ingested by children and can cause adverse health effects.  For additional information, contact Claire's toll-free at (866) 859-9281 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at http://www.claires.com/.  Click here to read the recall from the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Web site.

How much sugar is in that?

Ever wonder how much sugar is in the things you eat.  SugarStacks.com is a great site to show you.  Did you know that 20 oz Coke has the equivilent of 16 1/2 in it?  Wow.  Plus check out how much sugar your other favorite foods have in them at SugarStacks.com.

Another Crib Recall

C & T International is recalling more than 170,000 cribs because faulty hardware could allow the drop side to disconnect from the crib.  104 incidents have been reported.  The do have repair kit that is available.  The cribs were sold under than C&T International name as well as Sorelle and Golden Baby.  They were sold over the past 10 years.  You can call 1-877-791-9398 to receive the repair kit or go to their website: http://www.candtinternational.net/.

How Rich are you?

Every years we see lists of the "richest" people in the world.  And we might think we don't make much and may even consider ourselves "poor".  But how does what you earn compare to what other people make in the world?  Go to GlobalRichList.com, type in your income and see where you fall on the Global Rich List.  It may shock you how "rich" you are.

Spicing up your burger can make it healthier

With spring upon us, who doesn't like a juicy hamburger?  New research shows that the way you season your burgers can help make it healthier for you.  A recent study compared a burger seasoned with just salt and a burger that was seasoned with a variety of seasoning.  The one with the variety of seasoning had 70% less "Lipid Peroxidation products".  These "products" are thought to play a role in heart disease and cancer.  Read the entire article at Nutriondata.com.  Here is the recipe for the "healthy burgers" from the article:

Add this amount per pound of ground beef:
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Listen to "The Generous Mr. Lovewell" by Mercy Me

"classic" Petra reunion

I came to Christ as a teen in the mid 80's.  The first Christian Concert I went to was Petra on the Beat The System tour and saw these 5 guys place Christian music that rocked.  They were unashamed of their faith.  So, it makes me excited to hear that the Petra of the 80's is getting back together.  Hey if groups like the Rolling Stones and other can still do it why can't Petra.  They are working on re-recording some of their hits of the 70's and 80's along with new music.  A tour is also planned.  you can read more at their website: ClassicPetra.com.

Childrens medicine recall

McNeil Products is recalling several childrens over the counter medications including childrens Motrin, Tylenol, Zyrtec and Benedryl.  The products are being recalled because they don't meet the necessary quality standards.   Some of the products may contain more of the active ingredient than listed.  Here is a list of all the products involved in the recall:

You can get more details on the recall at McNeilProductRecall.com or by calling 1-888-222-6036.

Home made pop tarts

used to love Pop tarts! But with the cost and how much preservatives and sugar they put in them, I have been reluctant to give them to my kids (too often). But today I found a recipe for making your own home made pop tarts. This recipe is from SmittenKitchens.com where you can find the complete article.


Here is the basic recipe from their site:

Pastry

2 cups (8 1/2 ounces) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 large egg
2 tablespoons (1 ounce) milk

1 additional large egg (to brush on pastry)

Cinnamon Filling (enough for 9 tarts)
1/2 cup (3 3/4 ounces) brown sugar
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, to taste
4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 large egg, to brush on pastry before filling

Jam Filling
3/4 cup (8 ounces) jam
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water

Alternate fillings: 9 tablespoons chocolate chips, 9 tablespoons Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut paste or 9 tablespoons of a delight of your choice, such as salted caramel or a nut paste

To make cinnamon filling: Whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and flour.

To make jam filling: Mix the jam with the cornstarch/water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, and simmer, stirring, for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, and set aside to cool. Use to fill the pastry tarts.

Make the dough: Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Work in the butter with your fingers, pastry blender or food processor until pea-sized lumps of butter are still visible, and the mixture holds together when you squeeze it. If you’ve used a food processor, transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Whisk the first egg and milk together and stir them into the dough, mixing just until everything is cohesive, kneading briefly on a well-floured counter if necessary.

Divide the dough in half (approximately 8 1/4 ounces each), shape each half into a smooth rectangle, about 3×5 inches. You can roll this out immediately (see Warm Kitchen note below) or wrap each half in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Assemble the tarts: If the dough has been chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and allow it to soften and become workable, about 15 to 30 minutes. Place one piece on a lightly floured work surface, and roll it into a rectangle about 1/8″ thick, large enough that you can trim it to an even 9″ x 12″. [You can use a 9" x 13" pan, laid on top, as guidance.] Repeat with the second piece of dough. Set trimmings aside. Cut each piece of dough into thirds – you’ll form nine 3″ x 4″ rectangles.

Beat the additional egg and brush it over the entire surface of the first dough. This will be the “inside” of the tart; the egg is to help glue the lid on. Place a heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of each rectangle, keeping a bare 1/2-inch perimeter around it. Place a second rectangle of dough atop the first, using your fingertips to press firmly around the pocket of filling, sealing the dough well on all sides. Press the tines of a fork all around the edge of the rectangle. Repeat with remaining tarts.

Gently place the tarts on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Prick the top of each tart multiple times with a fork; you want to make sure steam can escape, or the tarts will become billowy pillows rather than flat toaster pastries. Refrigerate the tarts (they don’t need to be covered) for 30 minutes, while you preheat your oven to 350°F.

Bake the tarts: Remove the tarts form the fridge, and bake them for 20 to 25 minutes, until they’re a light golden brown. Cool in pan on rack.

X Prize Auto update

The testing phase is continuing at Michigan International Speedway for cars that will get 100 miles per gallon or higher.  Watch this educational video about the X Prize and how some of the cars are doing.  This could be the future of automobiles as we know them.

The Rend Collective Experiment video and free song

The Rend Collective Experiment is a great new worship group out of England.  After watching their video for their song Movements, you can download the song for Free from their website: http://www.rendcollectiveexperiment.com/

Crib Recall

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is recalling over 200,000 Graco-branded drop side cribs made by LaJobi.  The drop side hardware can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop side and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing a risk of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall from the cribs when the drop side detaches or fails to lock.  Read the entire report from the CPSC which includes all the models involved at CPSC.gov.  For questions call LaJobi toll-free at (888) 842-2215 anytime or visit their website at LaJobi.com.

How to use worn out Nylons

I know at our house, there is always an abundant supply of nylons with holes in them that can be used for their original purpose any more.  So what do you do with them?  They aren't recyclable but they can be used for other purposes.  Here is a list of 20 ideas that I found at TheDailyGreen.com (you can read the whole article by clicking this link):

•Gift wrap storage: Keep rolls of gift paper neat and tatter-free by storing them in old pantyhose -- one roll per leg -- and hanging them in the closet.

•Green Cheapskate soap on a rope: Put bath soap slivers in the foot of a pair of pantyhose to get every last bit of suds out of them in the shower. Rub-a-dub-dub, there's a cheapskate in my tub. (See more "Recycling Oddities.")

•Plant ties: Use lengths of pantyhose to stake up tomatoes and other plants in the garden; because of its elasticity, it's easier on tender plants than string.

•Mold and mildew stoppers: Partially fill pantyhose with kitty litter and place in shoes, luggage, closets, dressers, etc. to absorb moisture and reduce mold and mildew.

•Panty-pantry storage: Store onions, potatoes and garlic in pantyhose and hang them in the pantry to promote good air circulation and keep them from rotting.

•Sweet smelling sachets: Fill lengths of pantyhose with potpourri, tie off at both ends, and use to keep closets and dressers smelling sweat. They also work well when filled with cedar shavings or moth-repelling herbs to prevent damage to clothing in storage.

•Pillow stuffing: Cut pantyhose into strips and use to stuff throw pillows or toys.

•Repair torn pair in a pinch: If she has a run in the left leg and a matching pair with a run in the right, my wife sometimes cuts off her bad legs (so to speak) and doubles up, wearing two layers of panties with a good leg attached to each. (God I love that frugal woman.)

•Packing peanut storage: Store menacing foam packing peanuts in a pair of pantyhose to keep them from invading the house until you're ready to reuse them. Cut a hole in the toe and tie it off with a twisty seal for easy peanut dispensing.

•Homemade Bungee cords: The elasticity of pantyhose make them perfect all-purpose tie down straps, or tie a metal "S" hook from the hardware store on each end for a homemade Bungee cord.

•Lint mitt: Use like a mitten to remove lint and pet hair from clothing and upholstery rather than a lint brush. The mitt will also remove deodorant residue from clothing.

•Scratch-less scrubbers: Try pantyhose to scrub tile and other surfaces where you're afraid of scratches. Also good for applying polishes to silver, brass, gold and other easily scratched metals.

•Protect prized veggies: Put pantyhose over vegetables like squash and melons while they're still growing in the garden to protect against pest damage without using chemical pesticides. Is that a zucchini in your pantyhose, or are you just happy to see me?

•Flower bulb storage: Store seasonal bulbs in pantyhose and hang them up in a dry place to promote good air circulation.

•Shoe shine buffer: Old pantyhose are perfect for putting the spit-shine on shoes.

•Wear them outdoors: Guys, don't be shy about sporting a pair of worn out pantyhose next time you go camping or work in the yard. Real outdoorsmen (and outdoorswomen) have known for years that they prevent chigger and other insect bites and minimize foot blister.

•Draft dodgers: Partially fill pantyhose with kitty litter to seal off cold drafts from under doors and windows.

•Fishing trick: When I wasn't wearing my Granny's worn out stockings over my head, my Gramps was using them to catch catfish. He'd wrap a piece of chicken liver bait in a section of nylon stocking to keep it on the hook; the fish would still bite, and he'd still have his bait.

•Paint/stain/plaster applicator: Use pantyhose to add interesting texture and designs when applying and/or finishing paint and plaster.

•Special photo effects: Stretch pantyhose over your camera lens to give photos a muted or starburst effect. (NOTE: It's best to have her take them off before you try this.)

Interview with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns

Right click to download and listen to this interview with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns that air April 29th at 6:15 AM.

Casting Crowns Interview 4 -29

How much oil do you use?

How much oil is used per person in each state?  This is a graph that looks at the per capita use of oil.  Michigan is a moderate user at about 11 barrels of oil per person each year (close to the national average).  Go to Infrastructurist.com to see the full size chart and read more.  Interesting, New York had the lowest per capita use while Wyoming had the highest.

X-Prize Competition

Progressive Auto Insurance is the main sponsor for the Automotive X-prize, an event looking to develop vehicles that get over 100 miles per gallon.  The competition gets started this week at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.  Find out more about the teams competing and how they can win a $10 million prize at ProgressiveAutoXPrize.org.  they have images of the vehicles and the timeline for the competition.

Download Born Again from The Newsboys for FREE on their website

Check out their video for Born Again, see where they are touring, prebuy the new Born Again CD and download Born Again for FREE.

http://www.newsboys.com/bornagain

Home Made Snicker Bars

I think it is always better when you can make a treat at home rather than buy it off the shelf at the store.  This morning I found a great recipe and instructions for making your own "Snickers bars" at home.  This sounds like fun and very tasty.  You can get the recipe at Instructables.com.

Getting crayon off of stuff

DIYLife.com is a great website for the do-it-yourselfer.  If you have young aspiring artist in your home you will more than likely have to deal with an occasional crayon masterpiece where you don't want it.  DIYLife.com has some great tips to get that crayon off of many different things in your home.  (read the entire article at DIYLife.com.)

THE WALL


Materials

Hairdryer
Thin knife or razor blade
Cloth
Cold water
Baking soda

Directions

1. Hold the hairdryer about one foot from the wall and blow-dry on medium heat for about one minute to heat the wax.

2. Once the wax softens, gently scrape it off the wall with a thin knife or blade. It should lift easily. If it doesn't, apply heat again to melt the wax further.

3. Wipe the excess crayon away with cold water and a rag. In most cases, this should finish the job. But for textured walls, the wax might be stuck in the indentations and be harder to remove. If there is leftover residue, continue to step 4.

4. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water and work the solution over the stain with a cloth. The grit of the baking soda will work into the textured surface, scouring away the remaining stain.

THE CARPET

Materials
Ice
Zipper-locking bag
Iron
Old towel or paper towel
Knife with thin blade

Directions

1. Fill a zipper-locking bag with ice and place the bag over the crayon stain. Hold it for about two minutes, or until the area is frozen (this time will depend on the length of your carpet fibers; short fibers will freeze faster).

2. Carefully chip away any wax with a knife.

2. Lay an old towel that you don't mind staining or a very absorbent paper towel over the stain. Apply a hot iron to the towel and hold it for about one minute. The heat and steam should bring up most of the stain, transferring it to the towel.

3. There will be some trace stains left over. Many people suggest using WD-40, but one Frugal Life reader suggests a product called Simple Green if you want a natural cleaning solution.

CLOTHES

Materials
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup of OxiClean cleaning agent
1 cup of Shout stain remover
1 cup of laundry detergent
Goo Gone household cleaner (about 6 sprays worth)

Directions

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a hot water cycle and run the clothes through the washing machine.

2. Check that the stains are gone before putting the clothes in the dryer. Repeat if necessary.

THE FLAT-SCREEN TV

Materials
WD-40 or rubbing alcohol
Microfiber or 100% cotton cloth (they won't leave lint on the screen)

Directions

1. Apply WD-40 or alcohol solution and let it sit.

2. Gently wipe it off with a microfiber cloth.

LEATHER SURFACES

Materials
Thin knife
Fuller's Earth (you'll find it at beauty supply stores and craft shops)
Cloth
Leather conditioner

Directions

1. Scrape off as much wax as you can.

2. Mix two parts water and one part Fuller's Earth. Apply the solution to the stain and wait for it to dry.

3. The Fuller's Earth will have lifted the stain. Gently brush it away. If necessary, repeat.

4. Apply leather conditioner. This helps blend the color and makes sure that the texture stays even.

5. As with any of these methods, make sure you test a small, hidden area first to make sure it's color safe and won't damage the leather.

Design for new $100 bill revealed

This is a look at the new $100 bill that will be entering into circulation next year.  There are many high tech new features on the bill.  In fact you can learn about the new currency at a very educational website Newmoney.gov.  There are videos and interactive features to learn about the new $100 bill.

Win the new Natalie Grant CD

41st Annual Dove Award Winners

Here is a complete list of Dove award winners from last night.  The Dove Awards will air on The Gospel Music Channel Sunday night at 8pm.

The following is a complete list of winners:


ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Casting Crowns

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Sidewalk Prophets

SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR

Jennie Lee Riddle

SONG OF THE YEAR (song title; writer; publisher - award goes to the writer and publisher)

“By Your Side”; Mike Donehey, Philip LaRue, Jason Ingram; Essential Publishing

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Brandon Heath

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Francesca Battistelli

GROUP OF THE YEAR

Needtobreathe

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

Jason Ingram

RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG

“”Movin”; Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Group 1 Crew, Jeremy James, Byron Chambers, Christopher Stevens; Fervent Records

ROCK RECORDED SONG

“Mess Of Me”; Hello Hurricane; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Tim Foreman; Credential Recordings

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG

“Lay ‘Em Down”; The Outsiders; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records

POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG

“City On Our Knees”; Tonight; TobyMac; Toby McKeehan, Jamie Moore, Cary Barlowe; Forefront Records

INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG

“The Only Hope”; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; BEC Recordings

SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG

“Born To Climb”; Expecting Good Things; Jeff & Sheri Easter; Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey; She Loves Music

BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG

“When We Fly”; Breaking Like Dawn; Little Roy Lewis & Lizzy Long; Joel Lindsay, Wayne Haun, Ty Herndon

COUNTRY RECORDED SONG

“Somebody Like Me”; Jason Crabb; Jason Crabb; Neil Thrasher, Michael Boggs; Spring Hill Music Group

URBAN RECORDED SONG (tie)

“Close To You”; Still; BeBe & CeCe Winans; BeBe Winans; B & C Records, Malaco

and

“Just Wanna Say”; The Power of One; Israel Houghton; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton, Tommy Sims; Integrity

tRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG

“Justified”; Smokie Norful Live; Smokie Norful; Smokie Norful; EMI Gospel, TreMyles Music

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG

“The Power of One”; The Power of One; Israel Houghton; Israel Houghton, Ricardo Sanchez; Intergrity Music

WORSHIP SONG (award given to writer and publisher)

“Revelation Song”; Jennie Lee Riddle, Gateway Create Publishing, Integrity’s Praise Music

RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM (album; artist; producer; label)

Five Two Television; KJ-52; KJ-52; BEC Recordings

ROCK ALBUM

Innocence and Instinct; Red; Rob Graves; Essential

ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM

The Outsiders; NEEDTOBREATHE; Rick Beato, NEEDTOBREATHE, Jim Scott, John Alagia; Atlantic Records

POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM

The Long Fall Back To Earth; Jars of Clay, Ron Aniello, Essential Records, Gray Matters

INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM

Fearless; Phillips, Craig & Dean; Bernie Herms; INO Records

SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM

Gaither Vocal Band Reunited; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, David Phelps; Gaither Music Group

BLUEGRASS ALBUM

The Isaacs…Naturally; The Isaacs; Bill Gaither, Ben Isaacs; Gaither Music Group

COUNTRY ALBUM

The Reason; Diamond Rio; Michael D. Clute, Jimmy Olander; Word Records

TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM

Shout! Live; Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue; Mike Farris, Joe McMahan; INO Records

CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM

Love Unstoppable; Fred Hammond; Fred Hammond; Verity

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM

Joy Comes In The Morning; Stan Whitmire; Stan Whitmire; Spring Hill Music Group

CHILDREN’S MUSIC ALBUM

Veggie Tales: Here I Am To Worship; Featuring Natalie Grant & Aaron Shust; Steven V. Taylor; Big Idea

SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM

Le Canto; Kari Jobe; Ed Cash; Integrity Music Latin

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM

Glory Revealed II: The Word of God In Worship; Mac Powell, Shane Everett, Jonathan Shelton, Brian Littrell, Trevor Morgan, Mark Hall, Jason Crabb, Bear Rinehart, Matt Maher, Amy Grant, Ed Cash, Geoff Moore, Natalie Grant, Laura Story, Brandon Heath, Mike Donehey, Aaron Shust, Shawn Lewis, Sara Evans, Bethany Dicks Olds, Shane & Shane, Bethany Dillon, Kari Jobe; Mac Powell, David Nasser; Reunion

CHRISTMAS ALBUM

Christ Has Come; Big Daddy Weave; Jeremy Redmond; Fervent Records

PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM

Church Music; David Crowder*Band; David Crowder*Band; Sparrow Records/sixsteps Records

MUSICAL

A Baby Changes Everything; Deborah Craig-Claar, David T. Clydesdale; Word Music

YOUTH/CHILDREN’S MUSICAL

Christmas Hang-ups; Dennis and Nan Allen; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

CHORAL COLLECTION

Travis Cottrell-Jesus Saves Live; Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing

RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING (product; art director; graphic artist; illustrator/photographer; label)

Long Fall Back To Earth (Limited Edition); Jars of Clay; Tim Parker, Jars of Clay; Tim Parker; Kharyn Hill; Gray Matters, Essential

SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO (title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)

“Free To Be Me”; Francesca Battistelli; Andy & John Erwin; Dan Atchison; Alabama Production Group; Fervent Records

LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO (title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)

A Gospel Journey; Oak Ridge Boys; Doug Stuckey; Bill Gaither, Barry Jennings, Bill Carter; Gaither Television Productions; Gaither Music Group

Dove Awards are tonight/ on TV Sunday

The Dove Awards, Christian Music's annual awards show, will be tonight in Nashville.  The Gospel Music Channel, which will air the awards show on Sunday night at 8pm, will have have live blog and video feeds from the awards tonight on their website so you can get the scoop on what happens tonight and watch the show on Sunday.  Go to GospelMusicChannel.com to see all that happens tonight.

make your own laundry soap

Do you want to save money on doing the laundry?  Here is a recipe to make your own laundry soap from Money Talk News on Yahoo.com:

• 4 cups of water.


• 1/3 bar of cheap soap, grated.

• 1/2 cup washing soda (not baking soda).

• 1/2 cup of Borax (20 Mule Team).

• 5-gallon bucket for mixing.

• 3 gallons of water.

First, mix the grated soap in a saucepan with 4 cups of water, and heat on low until the soap is completely dissolved. Add hot water/soap mixture to 3 gallons of water in the 5-gallon bucket, stir in the washing soda and Borax, and continue stirring until thickened. Let the mix sit for 24 hours, and voila! Homemade laundry detergent.

The cost is about 2 cents per load compared to about 20 cents per load for store bought detergent.

Secrets of the Mountain Trailer

This family friendly 2 hour movie is showing on NBC tonight at 8pm. It was the topic of discussion on Focus On The Family yesterday. And while it is not a "Christian" movie it is clean and fun with no ads that you wouldn't want your family to see.

Win a free concert for your Church with Pocket Full of Rocks

Dove award nominated Pocket Full Of Rocks has a fun contest going on to bring a free concert a church.  You can register your church at WoshipLeader.com. They will provide everything for the evening for FREE.

Jeremy Horn, an up and coming Worship artist who has performed in Northern Michigan several times, has recently signed with Ardent/INO records.  With the signing, Jeremy is offering a live worship project called "We Welcome You In" for FREE.  You can download the songs from SongDiscovery.com.

First it was duct tape and now gum wrapper prom dresses

First there were duct tape prom dresses.  Now a high school junior in Iowa has made a dress from Five brand gum wrappers.  Click here to read the story and watch a video of this rather stunning dress from KIMT.com.

Free coffee at Starbucks today

Today,April 15th, Starbucks is offering free coffee to anyone who brings in a reusable mug.  This international effort is to help save trees and forests.  Our it could be just to celebrate Tax Day.  Your choice.  Click here for more details at Starbucks.com. 

Free download of There Is A Way by NewWorldSon

This week i-Tunes is offering the new song from NewWorldSon called "There Is A Way" as it's free Discovery Download.  You do need to have i-Tunes on you computer to download the song.  Find out more by visiting iTunes.apple.com.

new Skillet "Awake and Alive" video

Skillet - Awake and Alive from Ransom TV on Vimeo.

Clips of our first day of broadcasting back in 1985

On April 7th, 1985, Northern Christian Radio came on the air as WPHN in Gaylord.  Below are 5 clips of the first hour on the air.

(right click on the link to download or left click to listen)
WPHN Sign On

Manager Dave Malin intro and prayer

Introducing Brian Harcey, Staff Announcer

Some of the history of Northern Christian Radio's beginnings

First Caller on the air Sue from Pellston

I hope you enjoy this look back at the start of this ministry.

National Start Walking Day

The American Heart Association is calling today National Start Walking Day.  Here is a quote from their website about this special day:

"You can support the fight against heart disease by participating in National Start! Walking Day on Wednesday, April 7. This is the day that adults nationwide can make the pledge to Start! walking and to become active and heart healthy, especially in the workplace."

Visit AmericanHeart.org to find out more and download a starter packet.  Start Walking today: it is good for your health and may help you live longer.

Sequel to The Passion Of The Christ coming

As a follow up to The Passion Of The Christ, a new movie is in the works called "Thirty Three: The story of Hope".  The movie will feature Jim Caviezel reprising his role as Jesus and will  take the story from the tomb to the resurrection and the start of the Church.  Read more about this new movie endeavor at 33Hope.com.