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.

Free Cell phone for low income residents of Michigan

Through a federal program and Assurance Wireless, cellphones and service are now available for low income families in Michigan.  The program applies for those at or below 150 percent of the poverty guidelines.  The program includes a phone, 200 minutes of service, voice mail and caller ID.  The idea behind the program is to allow low income individuals to stay connect to needed services.  The program has just started in Michigan and is not available in all areas.   Find out more at AssuranceWireless.com or by calling 1-888-898-4888.

Free music from Vicky Beeching

Our Friends at NewReleaseTuesday.com are at it again.  They are offering a free song from Vicky Beeching, Salvation Day on their website.  Just register (for free) at NewReleaseTuesday.com and then head to their free download page to recieve your free song from Vicky Beeching.

Learn how to say hard names

I have a very hard time remembering how to say difficult names.  But now I found a website that can help.  It's called HearNames.com and it will help you learn to say those hard names.  Just type the name into the box on the site and it will pronounce the name for you, out loud.  Pretty simple and helpful.  It's at HearNames.com.

Letters To God, The Movie

A new movie called "Letters To God" is opening in Theaters this friday. It is a powerful new movie by one of the producers of Facing The Giants and Fireproof about a young boy with cancer and the letters he writes to God and mails out. Go to LettersToGodTheMovie.com to watch the preview or watch it here.



You can also write your own Letter To God on the site by clicking here.  The movie will be showing in Traverse City and Saginaw here in Northern Michigan.

what to do with all those hard boiled eggs?

Easter typically leaves us with lots of hard boiled eggs.  Here is a very healthy alternative recipe for Deviled Eggs from ThatsFit.com's Recipe Rehab:(click the link to see the whole article)

Ingredients:


1 dozen hard boiled eggs

2 avocados, peeled and pitted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk green onion, minced

1 tablespoon jalapeno pepper, seeds removed, minced (optional)

2 teaspoons lime juice

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions:

1. Peel hard boiled eggs and slice in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and discard (or save for another recipe).

2. In a small bowl mash the avocados. Add the garlic, onion, jalapeno, lime juice and salt. Mix well to combine.

3. Fill the empty egg white halves with about two teaspoons of the avocado mixture. Sprinkle with paprika and chill until serving.

Serves: 12

Nutrition Content (per serving):

73 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g protein, 155 mg sodium

Free Audio Book from ChristianAudio.com

My favorite blogger, Johnathan Acuff, has hs first book out this month called Stuff Christians Like which is a collection of his hilarious yet thought provoking blog posts and new writings that look at Christianity from a whole different perspective.  You can find out more and get the book through his blog StuffChristiansLike.net.  ChristianAudio.com also is offering a free audio download of the book during the month of April.  Just visit ChristianAudio.com and use the code "APR2010" when you check out the get the free download.

Natural Easter Egg coloring

If you are looking for a natural way to color Easter Eggs, I found some great ideas from a blog called My Little Hen. 

Use Beet Juice and White vinegar for a pink color.

Blueberries and hot water will give you a purple color.

Hot water and dandelion heads will make a light golden color (they also recommend using Daffodils but also note that they are toxic so i would stick with dandelions)

Paprika powder, water and a little vinegar make a rusty orange.

Of course, you can also experiment with other items around the kitchen to make a natural dye for your Easter eggs.