The average American drives 70 on the freeway, no matter what the freeway speed limit.  We shared confessions from chronic speeders.  We also chatted about your ideas for solving temper tantrums in toddlers.

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They stretch us out of our comfort zone.  They get us to do things we would never do on our own.  I”m talking about our kids.  Today we shared stories about some of the things we’ve done for the love of our kids.

We talked about six out of 10 Americans can’t tell you the fully story of why we celebrate Easter.

We talked about things we’ve given up, and then it turns out that we don’t miss them at all.  And we talked about an open casting call that’s coming up for a new show where you can own your own restaurant.

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Reality television is all the rage.  From American Idol to Survivor to The Biggest Loser.  You can find a reality show on TV in just about any give time slot.  It’s easy to think there’s nothing new under the sun.  However, if you’ve ever wanted to own a restaurant, you might find this interesting.

NBC is launching a new show called America’s Next Great Restaurant.  They are looking for someone with a unique restaurant idea.  You don’t even have to have any experience or know how to cook.  You just have to have a good idea.  Chef Bobby Flay will host the show and help narrow down the concepts.  The winner of the show gets their restaurant funded in three different cities nationwide, and Bobby Flay will be one of the investors.

If you think you have what it takes to whet America’s appetite, then this could be the show for you.  NBC is even having a casting call in Raleigh next Monday.  Details are below, and you can click on this link to learn more.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA
Monday, March 22
Chipotle
6102 Falls of Neuse Rd.
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

We had an interesting discussion about The Census.  Many people are feeling a little paranoid about taking it.  We dispelled some myths and talked with some people who work for the census about what to expect.  If you’d like to know more about the census, and what the form looks like, just click on this link.  There is also a different survey that is being sent out by the census bureau.  It’s called the American Community Survey, and you can click here to learn more about ACS.

With Spring just days away we also chatted about beating clutter.  With spring comes March Madness and we shared the odds of picking the perfect basketball bracket.   We also chatted about a woman who is trying to set the record for the highest weight.

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We become more compassionate as people when we feel the same pain that others do.  So often things that happen around us are  just news events until they happen to us.  Sadly, that’s often been the case for me.  I’ve said the cursory prayer for the listener who is out of work, and then forgot about that person.

Recently my mother was laid off of her job at a California hospital after 21-years on the job.  I am so proud of my mom.  She is a very special lady.  Almost 22 years ago, my dad passed away from Alzheimer’s disease.  My mom had always been a stay-at-home mom.  She went back to a trade school and then went to work for the hospital.  She’s done the same job cheerfully, for minimal pay for 21 years, until the end of this month.  It turns out her whole department is being fired, and being replaced with an independent contractor.

Obviously, that’s hit close to home for me.  I’m probably more bothered by it than she is.  She is quite the woman of faith. 

Many listeners took the time today to call and offer prayers and words of encouragement for both me and my mom.  I sure do appreciate that.  If you are someone who has been looking for work, please believe me when I say I’ll be praying for you (even if I don’t know your name) with renewed fervor.

I’m reminded of Jesus words from the book of Matthew.  This is taken from the 10th chapter:  “²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. ³⁰And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (NIV)

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I always enjoy our Friday visits.   We started by creating our own list of family friend movies.  Here are a few you’ve mentioned.  Keep in mind I haven’t screened all of these personally:

Miracle at Sage Creek, Cool Runnings, Mary Poppins, Enchanted, Swiss Family Robinson, The Quiet Man and Hatchi.  There’s also a nice list at Gospel Music Channel Right now, just click this link.

We talked about your landscape disasters as we geared up for the Carolina Home and Garden Show.   Then we shared our Friday “I Believe” statements which were very powerful this week.

We wrapped it up by sharing moments when our children say or do something that makes us realize that every once awhile they are actually learning the lessons that we’re trying to teach them.

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Really enjoyed our chat today.  We talked about the new TVs that Panasonic and Samsung are releasing this week that allow you to watch some shows in 3D.  They start at $3,000!  That led to a discussion about old things that you have that you just can’t let go.  And we gave away some tickets to the Carolina Home and Garden Show to a couple lucky listeners to give them ideas for updates.

We shared the story of a new web service that will help you break up with your boyfriend or girlfriend.  Spineless!

Financial expert Dave Ramsey.

I shared some clips from multi-millionaire Dave Ramsey where he talks about how he taught his kids to manage money.  Not only was it great advice, he is also quite the comedian.

BOBBY SANCHEZ/Special to DMN-- Casey Rogers won the essay contest to trigger the Texas Stadium implosion.

We wrapped things up with the story of 11-year-old Casey Rogers.  Rogers started his own charity to feed and cloth the homeless in the Dallas area.  Now he’s been selected as the Kraft Foods winner who gets to blow up the old Texas Stadium where the Cowboys used to play.  It’s quite a story!  If you want to learn more about the charity Casey’s Heart you can call 972-303-0123 or visit www.trinitylifebaptistchurch.org.  His charity also has a fan page on Facebook.

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Today we started off chatting about the passing of Corey Haim.  Then we transitioned to what happens to kids who get everything they want.   Many of you shared ideas on teaching your kids to earn the things they want. 

We talked about how Target is now delivering coupons by text message.  If you want to get coupons from them you can text “COUPONS” to 827438, or you can click on this link to sign-up at the Target website.   They may be the first store to do it, but I’m guessing they won’t be the last. You can sign-up for coupons at m.target.com/cp.

For the first time ever, I shared the story of how my girlfriend dumping me in high school led to my career in Christian radio.  That led to a conversation about how God has used tough times in your life and turned them into good things.

We talked a little about the CBS news anchor who had a colonoscopy live on TV.  By the way if you’re interested, it is Colon Cancer Awareness Month.  If you live in the mountains, here’s the link to the Colon Cancer Awarenss 5K.  All proceeds from the run go towards construction of the new cancer center at Mission Hospital in Asheville.

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Today we talked about how more people are getting prenuptial agreements, and are there ever valid reasons to consider them.  We also unveiled a new feature called “Tattle Tale Tuesday” where you had a chance to tell on someone who was caught doing good.

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When you talk about people and their children, it brings out strong opinions.  That was the case when we talked about a proposal by school districts in 17 states to go to a four-day, school week, next year. 

On a completely different note, scientists tell us the earthquake in Chile was so big that it actually shortened the length of our days.  We need more time not less!  That led to a discussion of what you would do with just an extra 10 minutes a day. 

We also talked about the case of the missing ice cream cone in my wife’s car.

Happy listening!

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