It's dark. It's cold. The streets are empty, bathed in the yellow and red glow of blinking traffic lights.

It's time for the Wenck and Biddle Show.

But the dynamic duo of FM in the a.m. doesn't mind the early hours required for the 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. time slot on WQWK-FM (97QWK).

"I love it," Steve Biddle said. "It's the most fun I've had on the radio in years."

Biddle, a 39-year-old radio journeyman, has done everything from straight news to disc jockeying in places as exotic as Hawaii. Biddle was working part time at WQWK-FM's sister station, WRSC-AM, before he filled in on 97QWK's morning show. When Ed Wenck arrived from Syracuse, they seemed to click, and Biddle stayed on as both a sidekick and a news reporter.

"I kind of wing it and react to what he does," Biddle said. "I don't consider myself a broadcast journalist . . . I used to be."

"I ruined that," Wenck said.

On one of their frequent smoke breaks, free from the cramped broadcast booth, Biddle -- between puffs from his Alpine -- said he uses major news stories in news segments, in addition to pieces about unusual topics such as brassiere bridges across the Grand Canyon. Both also like to add their own commentary to the day's headlines.

"The news isn't entirely void of editorial comment," said Biddle, sporting the L.L. Bean mountain man look with a turtleneck and sweater complementing his medium-length locks and brown beard.

Although news may be Biddle's specialty, Wenck is the designated funny man, a seasoned veteran of the stand-up circuit who hasn't forgotten his old tricks. The 30-year-old has a repertoire of characters who make appearances on the show.

During this particular Christmas season show, when, in Wenck's words, the "yuletide's just stickin' with you like a wet pair of shorts," Polly Naugahynde visited. Wenck took on a raspy woman's voice and presented her holiday shopping guide. Her suggestions ranged from fashion tips to gift-gathering in a Best Western.

"Lime green stretch pants will flatter any woman," Naugahynde said.

But not all of the characters appearing on the show are Wenck's. Some listeners have made up their own, such as a veterinarian who plays Homer Bucksnart Yarnell.

As a mysterious top ten list of elf pick-up lines was faxed into the office, both Wenck and Biddle said listener response is an integral part of the show.

"We have quite a number of people who call us up on a regular basis," Wenck said.

"We like regularity in our listeners," Biddle chimed in.

One listener called to thank them for helping him shoot a deer during hunting season because he saw the deer when he turned up the volume.

"This show affects people in ways they don't even know," Wenck said.

"Wait until you see what we can do for you during spring gobbler season," Biddle added.

The show's off-beat style is a welcome change to some who tune in.

"I appreciate their humor," said Scott Slutter of State College.

But one other listener isn't happy about 97QWK's switch to Wenck and Biddle from the old team of Tom Regan and Karen Pingar.

"They're not the same pair as Tom and Karen -- they lack the local flair," said David Letterman of State College. "You don't have much choice with the different radio stations if you like that kind of music."

Listener response aside, the team's good nature carries over into the station. A.J., the graveyard shift disc jockey on 97QWK, said Wenck and Biddle make her life easier.

"I like working with them 'cause they're not stiff, they're not prude," A.J. said. "If there's a problem, they don't get all bent out of shape."

That good nature and humor are not the only ingredients of the duo's morning routine -- Wenck's song parodies are also an integral part of the show. Having developed the skill during his five-year stand-up career, such yuletide tunes as "Cheap Christmas" and "Death Metal Christmas" are bits Wenck develops easily.

"(I) just sit down and fart around with a guitar," Wenck said. "I used a guitar in my act so it's something that comes pretty naturally to me."

Although Wenck -- who pulls his curly black ponytail back under a County Jail baseball cap -- puts in 10 hours a day at the station producing and preparing, he doesn't spend any time deciding the play list, which ranged from "chick rock" such as Journey to the Top 40-minded Gin Blossoms.

"(It) is determined through a long statistical process known as hiring a consultant," he said.

The Wenck and Biddle Show has drummed up a bit of controversy in the age of political correctness, but both deny they are out to offend anyone.

"We have no sacred cows," Wenck said. "If you don't have a sense of humor, you shouldn't listen to our program."

Biddle, who slipped out during the broadcast to wake up his wife, agreed.

"When we make fun of stereotypes, it's not with the intention of hurting anyone," he said.

Both also respect the king of radio controversy, Howard Stern.

"My favorite thing about Howard Stern is his attitude," Wenck said. "He did so much for opening up this medium."

On the air, Wenck embraces the show's reputation.

"Politically incorrect and proud," Wenck said. "Gimme the remote control and a side of beef and I'm a happy man."

Although the show may occasionally insult people, Biddle said the most memorable stunt didn't involve stereotypes -- but it wasn't authorized by the station either.

"The day Ed took off with the van, grabbed those prizes and gave away $1,000," Biddle said. "We had a lot of people with their knickers in a twist about that."

So what is the secret of success for a pair who call "The Simpsons" a "Zen state of mind?"

"Fizzies," Biddle said. "No, they don't make those anymore."

On a more serious note, Biddle said mutual respect and instinct mold their relationship.

"We don't compete with each other," Biddle said. "We balance each other."

But despite all the hassle, both are happy with the results.

"This is our show," Wenck said.

"And nobody can have it," Biddle replied.