Noon Years Eve

Join 88.3 WCQR As We Welcome In The NOON YEAR!

Thursday, December 31
The Kingsport Town Center (Formerly Fort Henry Mall)
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Featuring a concert from CBS recording artists J4!
Magician Dave Vaught will be performing a magic show!
WCQR's Danny the Lion along with Mr. Twistee from Auntie Anne's Pretzels
Barry Brickey from the Kingsport Fire Department will talk about fire safety!
There will be prizes and fun as we count to the NOON YEAR!

Admission is FREE!
Look for us in the Sears Court near Piccadilly

This is the FINAL PROJECT 52 EVENT for 2009!
If you would like to make a donation to Second Harvest Food Bank, bring a can of food with you!

Ringing in the NOON Year with your kids!

NOON YEARS EVE with the Kingsport Town Center and 88.3 WCQR!

pictured...J4 and Breakfast Radio

Holiday Traffic Info

Info courtesy of WCYB News 5:


Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has reopened four days after being closed because of heavy snow.

The road, which runs between Gatlinburg, and Cherokee, North Carolina, reopened Tuesday afternoon. It had been closed since Friday. However, park officials closed it again last night because of ice, with plans to reopen it this morning.

Rangers still urge buses to avoid the road because of icy patches even though sand has been put down. Several other roads in the park area remain closed. Accumulation during the storm included 20 inches at Newfound Gap.



Numbers to Call for Holiday Road Conditions


Tennessee:
1-800-342-3258 or 511

Virginia:
1-800-578-4111 or 511

North Carolina:
(919) 733-2522 or 511


Blue Ridge Parkway Closed Because of Bad Weather


Blue Ridge Parkway officials announced today the temporary closing of most sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Due to heavy snowfall along the entire length of the Parkway, travel is not advisable on the recreational road. Although Parkway staff is working to open sections of the road with available equipment, many sections of the Parkway have sufficient snowfall to delay reopening.

This temporary closure is necessary for the safety of visitors and Parkway staff and is in effect during the current period of inclement weather. Parkway officials emphasize that closing the road is the safest and most efficient way to clear fallen trees, plow accessible sections and clear other road hazards. Parkway officials also advise using extreme caution when traversing Parkway roads that are not gated to accommodate private accesses.

Please call the Park Info Line at (828) 298-0398 for updated road closure information for your area

Have a safe and Merry Christmas...brian

Matthew West Refunds

Just got this info yesterday afternoon from Matthew's brother Joel about refunds for Friday's concert.

Here's Joel's email:

For Iticket purchases:

Iticket purchases – please visit itickets.com and they will refund the
money. We are personally taking care of the service charge associated
with the tickets – so people will be refunded the full amount.

For tickets purchased in person: Please email Joel West at joel@matthewwest.com for a full refund.

Have a Merry Christmas!
Joel

Blessings...brian

Abuse Alternatives

Miss Johnson City 2009 Jessica Nixon and Virginia High student Elizabeth Van Nostrand joined me this morning to talk about the pledges area high school students are making. So far over 400 have signed the pledge not to abuse a boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse or family member. The goal of the Bristol Youth Leadership is to get 10,000 teens to sign this pledge.

Jessica is also available to speak to area schools and churches about abuse. To contact her, send an email to jessicalnixon@hotmail.com

Blessings...brian

pictured: Brian and Jessica

Matthew West Interview

***WE JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT THE MATTHEW WEST CONCERT HAS BEEN MOVED TO BOONE'S CREEK CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN GRAY. ALL TICKETS PURCHASED WILL BE HONORED!!!***

This morning I talked to Matthew West about his concert Friday (Dec 18) Here's a link to the podcast page and to the concert info:


http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/matthew-west.shtml

Blessings...brian

Salvation Army Angel Tree

You can be a hero to an angel in need this Christmas! Just a few more days to shop for a child with the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. Click here for more info:


http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/the-angel-tree.shtml

Blessings...brian

278th Home For Christmas

From our friends at WCYB:


278th Fundraiser


A group that just served more than 1,800 Thanksgiving dinners is now raising money to make sure local military members can come home for Christmas.

People Loving People is hoping to raise about $2,000 to bring members of the 278th unit home in December.
The troops will be at Camp Shelby in Mississippi, preparing for their deployment to Iraq.

People Loving People is hoping to raise enough so the soldiers will have a bus ticket home and some money for food.

Organizer Blaine Jones says, "These guys are leaving this weekend and we're trying to get their money raised to make sure they will be able to come home and be with families for Christmas."

Bus tickets are $65 each.

To make a donation mail checks to:
People Loving People
P.O. Box 91
Rogersville, TN 37857
Write “278th Troops” in the memo

Blessings...brian

What do you want for Christmas?

A survey said most people want $100. We wanted to know what you wanted:

A good relationship between father and son

Everyone to be saved (9 yr old)

Peace in my life

Unity among Christians

A work at home job

Everyone to love well

Uninterrupted time w/ family and lots of food

Safety for our soldiers leaving this weekend (278th)

The last one reminds me to remember ALL the brave men and women protecting our freedom and their families! Please keep them in your prayers!

3 weeks till Christmas Eve...brian

Favorite Christmas Cartoons

Rudolph is on the air tonight and we wondered what is your favorite Christmas cartoons. Here's a list of your favorites:

Charlie Brown
Frosty
Rudolph
Nestor the Long Eared Donkey
Mr Magoo
Little Drummer Boy
The Grinch
Garfield
Sponge Bob
Flintstones
Alvin the Chipmunks
The Year Without Santa
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
Merry Madagascar
Emmit Otter's Jug Band


Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?
Linus Van Pelt: Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.
[moves toward the center of the stage]
Linus Van Pelt: Lights, please.
[a spotlight shines on Linus]
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
[Linus picks up his blanket and walks back towards Charlie Brown]
Linus Van Pelt: That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

well said Linus!

brian

Black Friday at Lifeway

I had a great time hanging out at Lifeway in Johnson City on Black Friday. We had some great deals and lots of freebies. Here's a list of our winners!

Chic-fil-A Holiday Party Platters:

Erwin Holman - Blountville

Sonya Carden - Johnson City

Kim Salisbury - Johnson City

Molly Carpenter - Kingsport

Carolyn Kerr - Johnson City

Dana Jones - Gray

Jonny Diaz Drumstick Winners:

Dakota Simpson - Elizabethton

Gracie Senn - Greeneville

33Miles Drumstick Winners:

Stephanie Boyles - Bluff City

Jeremy Hise

Sidewalk Prophets Drumstick Winners:

Beth Trinkle - Piney Flats

Tara Moore

Aimee Dulaney - Jonesborough

Wesley Tate - Limestone

Summer Hopson - Erwin

Mikey Martinez - Telford

Thanks to Lifeway, Chic-fil-A and YOU for coming out...brian

Project Thanksgiving

Here's a press release from GM Mike Perry:


1,112 Families Fed This Thanksgiving
Thanks to Operation Thanksgiving…….

11/23/09


This Thanksgiving over 1,112 families who didn’t know where their next meal was coming from will sit down to a whole turkey with mashed potatoes, beans, corn, rolls and dessert all because of the generosity of 88.3, WCQR radio listeners.

WCQR, a contemporary Christian radio station in the Tri-Cities, challenged their listeners to purchase a food basket for $25 that would go to Second Harvest Food Bank. The goal was 500 baskets. Mike Perry, General Manger of WCQR said “this was the first time we ever tried something like this and we thought 500 baskets would be great. But we were all overwhelmed when our listeners generously gave over 1,112 baskets to feed the hungry in our community.

Perry said the idea came from all the media reports of families going without food. “We couldn’t stand the thought of that happening so we decided to do something about it.”

Not only will these families receive food for their stomachs, they will also receive food for their souls as Life Way Christian Stores has donated a New Testament Bible to put into each box.

Perry said, “We are so grateful for our listeners who gave so generously and for Life Way’s donation of the Bibles and for 2nd Harvest working so hard to put these boxes together on such short notice.” WCQR will be able to present Second Harvest Food Bank a check for over $27,000 Tuesday on behalf of it’s listeners.

I want to thank you for your giving and prayers! God Bless and have a GREAT Thanksgiving...brian

(pictured Scott Kinney of Second Harvest getting a over $27,000 check from Mike Perry)

WCQR Christmas Express

The WCQR Christmas Express will be reserving seats Monday-Wednesday for our annual trip through Speedway in Lights at BMS. Be caller 8 when you hear the sounder next week to win!
Get all the details at:


http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/wcqr-christmas-express-4.shtml

Blessings...brian

Project Thanksgiving

Today is a special emphasis day on our Project Thanksgiving with Second Harvest. We've asked you to give a gift of $25 to feed a family in need in our area this Thanksgiving. The goal we had was 500, but God is up to something special, as of 10am you had sponsored 672 baskets...WOW!!!

You can continue to give through Monday. Thank you so much for your kindness and remember each basket will contain a New Testament and a letter explaining why they are receiving the basket!

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/family-2-family-thanksgiv.shtml

Thanks so much for your giving,...brian

Special Thanks to Lifeway for donating the Bibles

Proverbs 22:9

Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.

Nathan Cochran of MercyMe

Here's a link to the podcast of today's interview w/ MercyMe bassist Nathan Cochran

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Blessings...brian

Homemade Bread Day

Today is Homemade Bread Day and I asked what's the best thing on Homemade Bread?

Some of your answers included:

Butter

Honey Butter

Strawberry Jam

Apple Butter

PB & J

Apricot Preserves

Blackberry Butter/Jam

Honey

Molasses

Butter, Slice of Cheese, and Slice of Tomato

and the post of the day goes to Susan..."My Lips"

Happy eating...brian

Jeff Owen of Tenth Avenue North

This morning we talked to Jeff Owen of Tenth Avenue North about their concert w/ MercyMe and Jonny Diaz this Sunday at Freedom Hall. Here's a link to the podcast if you missed it:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

More about the concert at http://www.wcqr.org/

The MercyMe song of the day is "God With Us". Mike Riddles will play it back between 4 and 4:30 this afternoon. Caller 8 when it plays wins tickets to the concert!

Blessings...brian

Gavin McCloud interview

This morning we talked to veteran actor and born again Christian Gavin McCloud about his new movie: "The Secrets of Jonathan Speery". Here's a link to the podcast:



http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/




Here's a link to the movie website and trailer:


http://sperrymovie.com/

The movie opens tomorrow at Reel to Reel in Johnson City.

Blessings...brian

Favorite Childhood Toy

The ball, big wheel and gameboy were just inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. This morning we wanted to know your favorite childhood toy and here's what you said:

Skates

Erector Set

Lincoln Logs

Transformers

He-Man

Green Machine

Big Wheel

Barbie

Weebles

Star Wars Action Figures

Hot Wheels

Cabbage Patch Doll

Bless You Baby Tender Love

Easy Bake Oven

Rainbow Bright

Nintendo

Popple

Teddy Ruxbin

Ms. Beasley Doll

Wedding Party Paper Dolls

Ah...memories..brian

National Book Lovers Day

Tomorrow is National Book Lovers Day and you shared what you are currently reading. Here's part of the list:

Les Miserable

Crazy Love

Mad Church Disease

Time Traveler's Wife

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Jan Karon Life in Mitford series

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

Divine

7 Things He'll Never Tell You

7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Enjoy your books and happy reading (pictured is what I'm currently reading)...brian

Jonny Diaz

We talked to Jonny Diaz this morning about his current tour w/ MercyMe, his song "More Beautiful You", baseball and thanksgiving. If you missed the interview here's a link to the podcast:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

We've received several calls about "More Beautiful You" this week, so here's a link to the video:

http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ks3R2BwyO0

Blessings...brian

Project Thanksgiving

This morning we launched "Project Thanksgiving"!!! For just $25, your family can provide a meal for a family in need this Thanksgiving. Click on this link for ALL the details:

www.wcqr.org

We also talked to Elise Allen of hte American Cancer Society about the Sullivan Co Kick Off at TriCities Baptist this Tuesday at 6p. For more call 282-7004.

Blessings...brian

National Sandwich Day

Today is National Sandwich Day and we asked your favorite or unique sandwich combos.

Some of your answers include:

Philly Cheese steaks w/ the works

Bologna w/ Miracle Whip

Bologna w/ Mustard, Mayo, tomato and lettuce

Roast Beef and Swiss toasted

Reuben

Ham and Cheese w/ Italian Dressing

Fluffer Nutter (PB and Marshmallow Creme)

Ham and Swiss on Croissant (Heavenly Ham)

Turkey, Ham, Mayo and Hot Sauce

PB and Hot Sauce

Turkey and Bread

I'm hungry...happy eating...brian

Kids and Candy

This morning we wanted to know how much of your kid's Halloween candy you ate and what is your favorite. You made us hungry for candy, your favorites included:

Kit Kats

Reeses

Reeses Pieces

Snickers

Smarties

Dum Dum Suckers

Mr. Goodbar

M&M's

Butterfingers

Tootsie Rolls

Almond Joys

Happy snacking...brian

Stress Relievers

This morning we talked about Tuesdays being the most stressful day of the work week and we wondered what you do to relax. Some of your answers included:

Taking a walk

Humming an old hymn

Listening to WCQR...THANKS!!!

Reading your bible

Sharing your faith in Facebook

Skeet shooting

Playing piano

Pray

Shopping

Chocolate

Hang with friends

Work a puzzle

Hot bubble bath with candles

Watch "Facing the Giants"

Thanks for your posts and calls...brian

Come on Down!

Those were the words I hoped to hear last week on my trip to L.A. for a taping of The Price Is Right...I did not hear the words...but I had a great time.

I met up with some of my radio friends and friends from Tooth and Nail Records for the taping. We had an awesome 3 days in sunny Southern California and as Randy Newman sang many years ago..."I Love L.A."

I also got to hang with Kutless for the entire trip and I was able to secure a few copies of their new worship cd for giveaways.

We will play the Breakfast Radio version of The Price Is Right tomorrow to give away a Kutless cd.

Blessings...brian

RPM's (Righteous Pop Music)

Yesterday we played a song to the tune of "Sweet Home Alabama" called "Sweet Home Up In Heaven". It's from a series called RPM's (Righteous Pop Music), here's a link to the website for more info:

http://http//www.onewaystreet.com/category/righteous_pop_music

Blessings...brian

National Dessert Day

Today is National Dessert Day and we asked you....If you could have only one dessert for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Answers ranged from:

Butterfinger pie

Strawberry Cheesecake

Tiramisu

Pound cake

Banana pudding

Ice Cream

Pecan Pie

Chocolate cake

Pineapple upside down cake

Donuts

Red velvet cake

Brownies

Heath crunch pie

Brownie sundae

Cream horns

Cheesecake

Pumpkin pie

Chocolate lava cake

Bread pudding

Eclairs

Peanut butter pie

Blackberry cobbler w/ ice cream or cool whip

Hot fudge cake

Kentucky silk pie

Coconut cream pie

Apple cake

Cherry cobbler

Tollhouse pie

Key lime pie

Butterscotch pie

Happy desserting everyone...brian

here's the website for Fields of Faith:

http://www.fieldsoffaith.com/

Church and Swine Flu

USA Today ran a story about how some churches are encouraging their members not to shake hands in an effort to cut down on the spread of germs. We asked about your thoughts and WOW, did we hear from you!

We heard and read on Facebook your thoughts and mostly in comes down to common sense. Germs are everywhere, wash your hands...wash your hands, wash your hands!!!

You also talked about:

Using Germ X

Doing Elbow Bumps

Smiling

and you said that the touch is VERY important, BUT if you are sick to refrain from touching! Once again...COMMON SENSE!

Thanks for your comments and like Julia said..."I think common sense is needed but a little faith goes a long way as well".

Blessings...brian

Favorite cooler weather food or drink

This morning we asked your favorite cooler weather food or drink and you can up w/ some great answers, in fact I'm hungry and thirsty!!! Answers included:

16 bean soup

chili

vegetable soup

hot chocolate w/ whipped cream

pumpkin spice latte

peppermint latte

tater soup

chicken and dumplins

peach cobbler

hot tea

taco soup

broccoli cheese soup

hot apple cider

chicken noodle soup

pumpkin pie

grilled cheese

soup and cornbread

Happy eating and drinking!!! brian

Fall Sharaton

Fall Sharathon is this Wed-Fri. Here's a link to General Manager Mike Perry's letter:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/support/wcqr-fall-sharathon-2.shtml

Also, check out this link for a special Sharaton video:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/wcqr-fall-sharathon.shtml

Blessings...brian

The Katinas, Samoa, and Gate City

This morning we gave you info about how you can support the Katinas. Here's a statement from their website:

Devastation {Our beloved island of American Samoa gets hit by tsunami}

As many of you may or may not know, American Samoa and Samoa were devastated by an earthquake and tsunami around 7am local time on September 29, 2009 . Facts are still coming in but there are now reports of over 80 dead and dozens more missing with entire villages flattened. For the past nine months we have been planning our third annual missions trip back to Samoa for this coming November. It is very clear to us now what our mission is.
We have received many calls, texts and emails asking how to help. A relief fund is currently being set up through

http://www.katinamissions.org/

CLICK on “Ways To Give” at the top of this page to donate. All donations small or large, are tax deductible.
Thank you for standing with us. Please continue to pray for Samoa

The Katinas

We also talked to Jeff Deboard of First Baptist in Gate City about how prayer is the biggest topic of conversation in town. Here's a link to the podcast of the interview:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Blessings...brian

National Good Neighbor Day

Today we took your stories of "good neighbors"! We heard from a family whose neighbor took his tractor to help clear up their property after a car hit their house. A single grandmother shared how her neighbors help her care for her 13 month old twin grandsons. Another lady shared how her neighbor fixed a plumbing problem yesterday, when she tried to pay him, he told her I just being a good neighbor. Another man shared how his neighbors helped them with a plumbing problem that involved holding their hands in sewage for 20 minutes. He also shared a great piece of advice given to him. To get good neighbors, be a good neighbor....sounds good to me!

Blessings...brian

SYATP 2009

This morning was exciting! During Breakfast Radio we took calls and heard reports of close to 30 schools in our area and over 2200 students attending "See You At The Pole" at their schools.

One story stuck out...a father called to tell us how his little girl was the ONLY one at her school to go pray. His voice broke as he spoke of how proud he was of her for making a stand for Christ!

Continue to call (888-477-5676), email (breakfastradio@wcqr.org) post of Facebook and tweet on Twitter your results. Let us continue to pray and lift up this generation!

Blessings...brian

Pictured is SYATP at Church Hill Middle. The sun shinning on students as they reflect the SON!

Welcome to Fall

Fall officially begins at 5:18 this evening. This morning we asked you what your favorite thing is about Fall and we got lots of calls and posts on Facebook. Some of your answers included:

Everything

Football

Cooler temps

Beautiful colors

Caramel apples

Apple cider

Sitting by the fireplace

Vegetable soup

Smell and feel in the air

Pumpkins and pumpkin patches

Corn maze

Fall Festivals

Cup of coffee on the deck on a cool morning

God's handiwork on display

Happy fall...brian

FREE Concert TONIGHT!!!

VOTA will be in concert tonight at Discover Life Church in Johnson City. The concert is set for 7p and is free and also features the Curtis Band and Orlando Torres.

For more info check out this link:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/concerts/presee-you-at-the-pole-ra.shtml

We also talked to lead singer Bryan Olesen of VOTA this morning. Here's a link to the podcast:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Blessings...brian

ALS Walk, Diamond Rio, and Gate City prayer.

This morning Joy Eastridge dropped by to talk about the ALS walk next Saturday (9/26) at Warrior's Path State Park beginning at 10a. The goal is to raise $50,000 and also includes an auction with a chance to win dinner with Marty Roe of Diamond Rio. Here's a link to their website:

http://www.alstn.org/

Speaking of Marty Roe, we talked to him about Diamond Rio's new Christian cd, book and their song "God Is There". Here's a link to the podcast if you missed it.

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

We also shared a story about the ACLU and Gate City High School. Here's a link to the story for more info:

http://www.timesnews.net/article.php?id=9016920

Tomorrow morning at 8:10 we'll talk to Bryan Olesen of VOTA.

Blessings...brian

Virtual Ministry 2.0

Milligan College is hosting the Virtual Ministry 2.0 Conference from 1-4 today to help your church learn more about social networking sites and how to use them. The conference will be streamed online beginning at 12:30 this afternoon. Here's a link to the site:

http://www.milligan.edu/socialnetworking/

Blessings...brian

Back from Orlando

I'm back from Orlando and a radio conference. It was great to get together with 400 Christian radio friends and talk about ways to improve what we do, all for God's glory!

I also flew, which I do not like, but my beautiful wife gave me a piece of paper with several scriptures about fear that really helped!

Tomorrow morning we'll talk to a new friend I met in Orlando. Her name is Erica and although she was there for another conference, the music really impacted her!

Blessings..brian (pictured w/ Mark Hall of Casting Crowns)

MercyMe tickets on sale!

WCQR welcomes Mercy Me, with special guest Tenth Avenue North and Jonny Diaz, to Freedom Hall in Johnson City, Sunday, November 22nd at 6:00pm. Doors open at 5:00pm.Get your tickets NOW before they go on sale to the general public next Friday, September 11th. Phone 423-461-4884 or fax 423-975-2559.

Advance Tickets: $24Artist Circle: $35 (Limited seating / No discounts)Groups of 15 or more $18 (advance tickets only - Get two free tickets when buying 15 or more)GROUP TICKETS MUST BE ORDERED BY PHONE, FAX, THROUGH MAIL ORDER OR AT FREEDOM HALL BOX OFFICE(A convenience fee will be applied.)
Mail Order Tickets: Make checks payable and mail to: Freedom Hall, Attn: Box Office, 1320 Pactolas Rd., Johnson City, TN 37604Charge by phone 423-461-4884 (Monday-Friday 8:30am - 6:30pm ET. A non-refundable convenience fee will apply. (Visa/MasterCard/Discover)
Ticket prices will increase at the door!

Info we shared this morning on MercyMe concert...brian

Cheryl McGuinness

Celebration Church is hosting a Ladies Night Out with Cheryl McGuinness on September 8th at 6:30pm. Cheryl is the wife of Tom McGuinness, pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 on September 11th, 2001.

Cheryl was out guest this morning on Breakfast Radio, here's a link to the podcast and one to her website:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

http://www.beautybeyondtheashes.com/default.aspx

GOOD NEWS!!!! Mike Perry will be back tomorrow on Breakfast Radio following 3 stints in his heart!

Blessings...brian

pictured (Tom and Cheryl McGuinness)

Steve Saint interview

This morning we talked to Steve Saint, the subject of the movie "End of the Spear". Steve is coming to Doe River Gorge for 2 Father/Son Weekend Retreats, one in September and the other one in October.

Here's a link to the podcast of the interview:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

Here's a link for more info on the weekends:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/family-weekends-at-doe-ri.shtml

Blessings...brian

Pulled over by Homeland Security...AKA My Bristol Weekend

Saturday I attended the NASCAR Sprint cup race at the Bristol Motor Speedway and my wife was thrilled, her driver (Kyle Busch) won the race.

Heading to the track Saturday afternoon with my wife, her brother and his son, I noticed a TN Highway Patrol vehicle on the right hand shoulder. Traffic was bumper to bumper, but after we passed them, they proceeded to pull up beside us. This happened a couple of more times till they ordered us off the road in front of them. At this point, we didn't know what was up, possibly a random DUI checkpoint? The officer approached my window and asked if anyone in the vehicle had recently had a medical procedure. At this point we are all confused, wondering what was going on. My brother-in -law Scott had just been released from the hospital the day before and he said he had. By this time a guy with a small hand held detector came up to Scott's window and asked him what he had been in the hospital for. Scott told him he had a stress test, at this point the guy goes that explains it. Explains what we are wondering and what's with the machine in his hand. The machine had picked up the radiation in the dye they shot into Scott prior to his stress test. Homeland Security was on the lookout for anyone trying to smuggle any kind of radiation into the track. The machine even told us what they used in the dye...WOW!!!

Let me say this, I'm thankful that they are looking out for anyone trying to smuggle radiation into the track and I'm thankful my brother-in-law isn't a terrorist, although I already knew that!!! We were also stopped once more at the track by officers and we enjoyed a good laugh after explaining to them our earlier stop. The officers in both situations were very nice and I salute them for the work the are doing.

Feeling safe at BMS...brian

Bristol Race Weekend

This is a big weekend for our area. NASCAR and 160,000 people are visiting Bristol Motor Speedway.

I know some folks don't like the intrusion, but think of the economic boom this creates. Bristol is the only track a lot of fans WANT to go to and they've made the hard economic choice to come to our backyard. Please pray for the race fans and also those in ministry, directly or indirectly, because of the race weekend!

I'll admit, I'm a race fan. I'll also admit that I think my wife is a bigger fan, so you know where we'll be this weekend.

See ya at the track, or look for me on TV! brian

Prayer in school story

This morning we shared the story of 2 Florida school officials who are facing 6 months in jail for praying. The school district also stopped the Senior Class President from speaking at graduation because she was a "Christian" and may say something religious. Here's a link to the story.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/?feat=home_headlines

Here's a link to the Liberty Counsel and things we can do:

http://lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=1020

Here's a link to a defense fund set up for the officials:

http://layfreemandefense.com/

Please be praying...brian

pictured are t-shirts being sold to support the officials

Sharpie 500 Winner

Congratulations to Becky Earp of Johnson City, winner of a pair of tickets to the sold-out Sharpie 500 this Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Thanks to everyone who visited our Food Drives last week! You helped us cross the finish line in the Food City 2500 Cans with 2,561 cans!!! Food City added another 2500 and the BIG winner is Second Harvest Food Bank and our neighbors in need!!!

Thanks again to Bristol Motor Speedway, Food City and YOU!!!

brian

Misc....

It's been a busy week with the Food Drives....thanks for your help. We are in Piney Flats today and Bristol tomorrow!

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/wcqr-food-city-500-cans.shtml

Ben Spencer stopped by yesterday from Tri-Cities Lifestyle Center to talk about their 30 day free Stay Fit Membership. Here's a link to their website.

http://www.tricitieslifestyle.com/

I got an email about my wife's chicken salad and as promised, here's the recipe:

Lorren's Chicken Salad

4 Boneless Chicken Breasts

1 small onion chopped

Dill Relish

Mayo

I chop the chicken in a food processor, but not with the onions, it makes them bitter.

Add Dill Relish 3-4 heaping tbls or to your taste.

Stir in Mayo - I usually add to consistency that I like. Less for drier chicken salad, more for moist. I prefer moist

Eat alone or on any type of bread. My favorite is School House Yeast Rolls from Food City Bakery.

Blessings...brian

ps...Lots of great stories on your favorite school cafeteria foods...Thanks!

Randy Phillips Interview

This morning we talked to Randy Phillips of Phillips, Craig and Dean. Randy talked about the guys and their full time jobs....Senior Pastors. He also talked about "Revelation Song", the current #1 song in America.

Here's a link to the interview:

http://883wcqr.podomatic.com/

We are also continuing our Food City 2500 Cans this afternoon. Here's a link to the schedule!

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/wcqr-food-city-500-cans.shtml

Blessings...brian

Romantic Restaurants

This morning I asked about some romantic spots I could take my wife for dinner. Today is our 21st wedding anniversary. I got some great calls, including one that peaked my interest, the Brooklyn Grill in Bristol.

Mike also learned that Skoobys is closed in Kingsport, it bummed him out!

Have a blessed day...brian

(pictured a year ago today at Spirit FM in Lynchburg VA, renewing our wedding vows)

Summer Friendraiser

Thank you so much for your support of WCQR! Tuesday we kicked off a Summer Friendraiser looking for new friends to support us. The goal of the Friendraiser was $34,000 and when we closed down right after 10 yesterday morning....an incredible $36,445 had been donated to WCQR!!!

In case you missed it, or want more info check out the link:

http://www.wcqr.org/pages/events/wcqr-friend-day.shtml

Thanks again!!!

Blessings...brian

Biggest Loser is the Biggest Winner for Big Daddy Weave

Win a family 4 pack of tickets for Big Daddy Weave at Highlands Fellowship in Abingdon on Saturday August 1st.

Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave is on a quest to loose 90 pounds in 09. We are looking for 2 big losers, people who started the year out to loose weight.

The 2 biggest losers will be big winners to see Big Daddy Weave next Saturday! Email us your name, address, phone number and how much you've lost to breakfastradio@wcqr.org

The 2 winners will be announced on Thursday morning at 7:20.

Mike also shared a speech Bill Gates gave at a high school:

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2 : The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3 : You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4 : If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5 : Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Have a great weekend...brian