Three members from the Swedish vocal group Erato sings Call Your Girlfriend. Originally by Robyn, it is now performed by Ebba Lovisa, Amanda Wikström and Petra Brohäll.  I love the original and I REALLY love this version.
Things did not end so well for The Brewers last night, but let us not forget about their wonderful season. They broke a ton of records and even got a "Fair Weather Fan" like me to jump on the bandwagon. I went to games, bought "sports" clothes, and even downloaded the MLB app.  I plan to jump back on the bandwagon next July and hopefully we will be playing baseball in October again next year. Thanks Brew Crew for a great season!
Gavin DeGraw is best known for his hit "I Don't Want to Be" and now he has a new song out "Not Over You" that I personally think is going to be a SMASH HIT! Such a great song and if you're in "one of those" moods (like I was when I first heard it) it may make you cry.  Let me know what you think of the song.
I'm going to brag for a moment about all of my apple products.  Here is the list:
IMac
Mac Book Pro
Ipad
Iphone
Ipod
Apple TV
I love everything Apple.  Steve Jobs created easy to use, dummy free technology and I don't regret a penny spent on any of his products. Thank you Steve, you will be missed.
It's official, I'm addicted to Pumpkin Spice Flavor.  All I need is 2 pumps a day, but a day without those 2 pumps is like a day without sunshine.  Grande Pike, 2 pumps of Pumpkin Spice, splash of 2% and my day is complete. How many pumps do you get?
SNL on Saturday was SUPER funny! And all the credit goes to Melissa McCarty.  She is the SUPERSTAR actress from Mike & Molly and most recently Bridesmaids.  She nailed it on SNL over the weekend and this is just ONE of the MANY funny skits!
I am a big fan of the show!  I think it has a ton of emotion, passion, and energy. I love that auditions take place in front of an audience and I think the judges are great, including my favorite SIMON!  The crew was recently on Ellen chatting about the new season.
I had the opportunity to chat with Brewers GM Doug Melvin about his work for Susan G Koman and his recent Central Division Championship win! You can watch the interview by clicking here.
Congrats to our good friend Todd from Mequon...he won a brand new 2011 Toyota Prius form Russ Darrow Group...his families reaction will make you cry.  Congrats Todd and thanks for listening to 99.1 The Mix
Quidam with Cirque Du Soleil is coming to The Bradley Center and we got a sneak peek of what it takes to put the show on.  visit bradleycenter.com for ticket information.
Live video from your Android device on Ustream
Here is another picture from my trip to Thailand.  It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been and the people were incredible.  I loved finding all the things that they have and we don't, like an elephant crossing sign.  Yep, you have to watch for elephants crossing the street.
Here are the Top 3 things I missed most about America when I was in Thailand.
1. There isn't a Starbucks on every corner and when you order a coffee "To Go" they look at you like you're crazy.
2. Traffic Laws. They don't seem to have ANY traffic laws in Thailand, just look at the picture above.
3. No Football or Baseball. Even I missed talking about the Brewers and Packers.
I had the chance to hang with Wendy Williams last week when she was in Milwaukee promoting season 3 of her hit show "The Wendy Williams Show."  You can watch Wendy weekdays at 10a on Fox 6!
1) Kim Kardashian's Wedding was covered in depth as "breaking news" on CNN...CNN has always been known as the most reliable source for news in the world.
2) Steve Jobs resigned yesterday. He is responsible for creating the most innovative computer products that have changed the way we operate. What will we do without the I-Phone 6, 7 or 8?
3) Finally, The Milwaukee Brewers are on the cover of Sports Illustrated...we love our Brewers, but really...the cover? :-)
Image via flickr by stevecadman
Is it real? Check out the list of sports teams and players that have been jinxed by the cover of Sports Illustrated.
image via flickr.com by mnapoleon
Ryan Seacrest says he likes be "vanilla," he says it goes with everything. He was recently on CBS Sunday Morning talking about how he became so successful.
We have an incredible resource on our lakefront, it is the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center. I recently spent some time with them on WISN 12 News This Morning. Click the link to see the video
Image courtesy of Milwaukee Community Sailing Center
The Milwaukee County Zoo has something new and fun, it's the Zip Line! Find out how you can join in the fun and how much it costs, just click here
Image: milwaukeecountyzoo.com
What's Your Phone Number?
Enter the first 3 digits of your phone number in a calculator (not area code)
Multiply by 80
Add 1
Multiply by 250
Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
Add the last 4 digits of your number again
Subtract 250
Divide by 2
Yesterday I made up a National Holiday "Bring Your Nephew to work Day."  My nephew Jack has been asking to come hangout at the station for a while and now that school is out he was able to get up early and see what I do everyday.  He hung out with Elizabeth and I and even got the chance to talk on the radio.  After his visit, he said he wants to be in radio someday! Is he the next Ryan Seacrest?
My friends at Concours Motors in Glendale have hooked me up with 2011 VW Jetta for a couple of weeks.  I LOVE this car. Super cute, smooth, slick and FAST.  I have been so impressed with this car, the bluetooth may just be my favorite thing.  The second I get in the car my phone syncs up with the sound system which means any phone call I get comes right in over the stereo.  It makes it safe because I no longer have to search for my phone to answer it, I just hit a button the steering wheel and the call is instantly patched in. VERY James Bond-ish.  Visit Concours today and test drive the VW Jetta...they are leasing for $179 a month right now.  I know you will love this car as much as I do...I don't want to give it back.
The Harley-Davidson Roadhouse with Miller Genuine Draft will once again bring a diverse mix of performers to Summerfest. The stage will feature the following headliners:
June 29          10:00 pm Buddy Guy
I love this song.  It is so catchy and upbeat.  Do you think it will be the next big summer hit? Tell me what you think of the song and share your thoughts on new music.
I'm probably late to the party on this song...but I heard it on the way into work today and I LOVE IT...what great lyrics.  I am hoping we will be playing it soon on the mix!
Can't wait to see Third Eye Blind at Summerfest. One of my favorite bands from high school. How's It Going To Be, Jumper, Never Let You Go, Semi-Charmed Life...So many great songs and memories.
SUMMERFEST ANNOUNCES BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD HEADLINERSJune 29       10:00 pm              Meat Loaf
June 30        8:00 pm              George Clinton
Who loves puppies?  These guys are soooo cute.  The Wisconsin Humane Society- Ozaukee Campus has a brand new location with tons of great animals looking for loving homes.
Here is the official trailer for The Hangover part II...I don't normally get excited about movies like this, but I loved the first one sooo much...can't wait to see this one.
Adele has a new album out called "21" with a bunch of great songs. At times you feel like you're listening to album from the 70's.  It is packed full of passion! I'm a big fan.
Remember Robyn from the 90's with her song "Show Me Love?" She has new music now.  Here is one of my favorites from her, it is called "Hang With Me" LOVE IT!
What do we eat in the studio when we're not on the air? What did Elizabeth see in the Packers lockeroom that shocked her? Plus, what new TV show is not getting good reviews from Kidd & Elizabeth?
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After spending the night in a hotel in New Berlin with the hope to get to the radio station this morning, I finally have made it back home. I took 43 all the way from New Berlin and the freeway was in really good shape. The on and off ramps were the bad parts. I hope you enjoy these pictures from my neighborhood in the 3rd/5th Ward.
Who buys these things at the fair? I have hard time believing the seller would keep coming back each year if someone wasn't buying them. But where does something this pretty go? End table, center piece in the dining room?
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Last week I was covering the new sea lion pup Sequoia who is 3 months old and getting to know her way around her giant new home at the Milwaukee County Zo0. If you have seen the show before, it is worth going back to see the new pup when she is still young.  Your heart will melt when you see her interact with the other sea lions as she learns to build confidence and trust. Thanks to Shelley and her great team at Oceans of Fun.
Shows are offered to Milwaukee County Zoo visitors through most of the year. Shows are seasonal and weather dependent.
For show schedule, please call 414-771-3040.
Cost: $2.00 per person (under age 2 free of charge)
Tickets may be purchased outside of the Oceans of Fun Theatre
Schedule: 10:30, Noon, 1:30, 3:00 daily
WATCH: Check out what the new pup did on LIVE TV
Here is an update on my progress with the "Ariat Jumping with the Stars" competition which takes place April 18th in Madison. It is ALL for a good cause as we are raising money for American Family Children's Hospital in Madison.  PLEASE support me and a great organization by clicking here and making a donation. THANK YOU!
Winner: Lady Gaga and Elton John opening the show.
Why: Anytime a new artist teams up with a legend I feel like it is a sign that the music industry is giving that artist their seal of approval.
You can watch the performance here.
I have gotten a lot of emails about my nephews Jack and Max when they chimed in about JJ Hardy being moved to AAA.  If you missed it you can hear it again by clicking here.
When is it ok...
Over the weekend I went to a party and Miley Cyrus was there with her mom promoting her new album. I've seen Miley a million times on T.V. or in magazines but meeting her in person made me think...is it ever ok to tell someone they are too skinny? Miley is very nice but my first reaction was "Wow she is way to skinny". Of course I kept my mouth shut but everyone at the party was whispering the same thing. I hope she has success with her new album and comes to Wisconsin soon for cheese and beer! lol!
My recent Hollywood murder mystery adventure! Part 2
It was a beautiful sunny Saturday in Los Angeles, California. I awake from Friday night's TNT catered/planned festivites, where a criminal got shot atop the famous Beverly Wilshire Hotel, tried to figure out who hired the murderer and got ready to interteview the stars of TNT's Monday Night shows Major Crimes and King & Maxwell.
PICTURE: Van McNeil w Jon Tenny / Sean King (King & Maxwell) Mondays, 9pm, TNT.
Jon Tenny / Sean King talks about Milwaukee, his new show King & Maxwell and what it's all about...
So, I finish my interviews and head back to my room to get ready for a cast party at this awesome club called Boulevard 3.
Everything was to the nines and everyone was having a good time! Food, drinks, dancing, the Hollywood stars... and then, THIS happened!
The murder mystery continues...
It almost felt like we were on these TNT shows! Trying to put the peices together, collecting evidence, interviewing suspects, all to figure out whodunnit!
Get your, "crime solving" ON! Monday Nights starting at 8pm on TNT w Major Crimes AND King & Maxwell OR get caught up online at www.TNTDrama.com
Remembering NOLA!
I don't know if you have ever been to Mardi Gras (February/March) in New Orleans, Lousiana but if you get the chance GO!
I got to experience Mardi Gras before Hurricane Katrina hit in 2006 and lemme tell you, it was an experience! From all the parades, colorful costumes, beads and coconuts to the French Quarter and Burbon Street craziness there is NOTHING quite like Mardi Gras!
So, if you've never been or just want to scratch that itch again, our friends at Six Flags Great America will be doing it Mardi Gras style all weekend and I have your FREE tickets to go!
Of course, you can enjoy ALL that Six Flags has to offer, like Batman The Ride Backwards, X-Fight and the NEW Ignite Grand Finale but the streets of Orleans Place will be transformed THIS WEEKEND so you can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Bourbon Street including live music, parades and fireworks, as well as authentic food and drinks from New Orleans.
Want more information? Click here.
Wanna win tickets to go? Listen between Noon-4p ALL WEEK for your chance to win!
Good luck and 414.799.1099
BACON Debate - Best way to cook...
In honor of Father's Day, I thought I would finally settle the age old question...
What is the best/proper way to cook bacon?
To settle such a debate I called the experts! Renowned food writer/author/critic (New York Times), Peter Kaminsky joined me to talk about his new book he wrote alongside Marie Rama called, "Bacon Nation".
In the book you will find 125 different recipies, from breakfest to dessert, that include BACON!!
So... What IS the best/proper way to cook bacon? Find out what Peter says below and don't forget to enjoy some bacon this weekend! :)
More about Bacon Nation...click here.
Eat All Your Vegetables Day – June 17th
Load up your plate with fresh-from-the garden produce as you celebrate Eat All Your Vegetables Day on June 17th.
Use this day to inspire new additions to your vegetable garden while encouraging reluctant veggie eaters to try something new. Once they try some fresh vegetables they may be willing to make them a regular part of their diet. And, if you get them to grow their own, they are even more likely to partake.
Once you're inspired, look for extra space to add more vegetables to the landscape. Start by calculating the number of days left in your growing season. Simply count from the anticipated planting date to the average date of the first fall frost in your area. Check plant tags and seed packets for the number of days needed from planting until harvest. Make a list of these vegetables.
Then look for vacant spaces in flowerbeds, mixed borders and containers. And train vines crops up decorative trellises and fences.
A bit more information: Here are a few short season crops you may want to consider. Plant seeds and be ready to harvest radishes, leaf lettuce, spinach and chard in 40 days. Beets, bush snap beans, cucumbers and kohlrabi are ready to harvest in 50 to 60 days. Carrots, Chinese cabbage, and turnips take about 10 days longer.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
My recent Hollywood murder mystery adventure!
Every now and then, "work" takes me out to the West Coast but THIS trip was a little different. Lemme explain...
This adventure begins at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, (Pretty Woman, Bevery Hills Cop) where I was put up for the weekend for a TNT event! If you're are asking what TNT is, you probably already know, it's the TV channel... the one that is so familiar with drama, it's in their slogan... TNT - We Know Drama.
Anyway, me and my buddy check in, go up to our respective rooms and get ready for a gatering on the roof of the hotel later that night. Little did we know we would witness a "shootout" between police and a hired killer! It was up to everyone in attendence to figure out who at the party was responsible, by the end of the weekend.
There were clues... LOTS of clues!
Text messages, twitter accounts, pictures and more!
Plus a whole cast of characters from detectives, forensic lab technicinans, suspects and even a special appearance from the Los Angeles Department of Corner office!
If you're a murder myster junkie, even if you're not, this is kind of stuff you will encounter if you're watching TNT on Monday Nights! And let me be the first to warn you, IT SUCKS YOU RIGHT IN!
Let's begin with, "Major Crimes" who's first season I missed despite rave reviews from critics and fans. This show gives you all the tools to figure out WHO killed, in this first episode it's the BIG TIME film-producers wife. It's a great show that will leave you wanting more! BTW you can catch up on Season One by visiting TNTDrama.com or take a sneak peek of Season Two, which premeieres tonight at 8pm on TNT..click here.
PICTURE: Van McNeil w Major Crimes cast members, L, Tony Dension (Lt. Andy Flynn), C, Mary McDonnell (Capt. Sharon Raydor), R, G.W. Bailey (Lt. Provenza).
TO BE CONTINUED...STAY TUNED FOR MORE!
Visit a Farmer’s Market and Plan Your Garden
Farmers Markets are on the rise as more and more of us are looking for locally grown fresh produce. You may be surprised to find one or more popping up near your home.
Get the most out of your visit with a little advance planning.
Check out the internet for a list of farmer's markets in your area. Confirm the dates and hours of operation. Many include a list of vendors with links to their website and the week's featured produce.
Gather those cloth bags used when buying groceries. It makes managing all the produce easier and you will reduce the number of plastic bags headed to recycling or the garbage.
Take cash and lots of small bills. This makes it easier for the farmer and speeds up shopping. And you'll have more time to visit every single booth.
Look for and try new and different vegetables. It will help you plan future additions to your edible garden.
A bit more information: Eat first so you buy less or go hungry and plan on staying for a meal or snack. Many markets serve coffee and pastries or tasty meals. And take the whole family to enjoy this shopping experience. Many have kids' activities and music for all to enjoy.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Weed Your Garden Day – June 13th
Break out the cupcakes and balloons and get ready to celebrate Weed Your Garden Day on June 13th.
The thrill of the party may wane a bit when family and friends discover your true motivation. But, adding a festive spirit to garden tasks can make it more fun and you're more likely to make them happen.
Try a round robin of eating and weeding with friends. It is a great way to work in some social time and help each other tackle the weeds in the garden.
Barter a bit of weeding for a home cooked meal, pie, photography or other hobby or skill you prefer over weeding.
Hire some help – it's ok to admit the weeds won this round. Once under control, it will be easier for you to keep up with weeding and other garden care.
Once the garden is weeded, mulch it to reduce future weed infestations. Shredded leaves and evergreen needles are perfect for flowerbeds and vegetable gardens.
A bit more information: Woodchips and shredded bark make nice mulch around trees, shrubs and pathways. Do not put fabric weed barrier beneath these and other organic mulch. As the mulch decomposes it provides a great environment for weed seeds to sprout and grow through.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Nudge Your Bougainvillea Into Bloom
Nudge your potted bougainvillea into bloom with proper growing conditions and proper care.
Grow these blooming beauties in full sun. You'll get the best flower display during the shorter days of early spring and early fall. Plus the cooler night temperatures of 60 degrees or cooler will also promote bloom.
Keep your bougainvillea potbound to further encourage bloom. Repotting too soon results in lots of leaves and stems and delays flowering. During the growing season, allow the plants to dry slightly before watering again.
Use a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer with phosphorous, like Milorganite, to meet most of your plants season-long needs. Or apply a soluble flowering plant fertilizer to moist soil once a month.
Prune away any unwanted growth throughout the summer. And occasionally pinch out the growing tips to encourage more compact growth. Wear gloves and long sleeves to minimize direct contact with the thorns.
A bit more information: Start new plants from 4 to 6 inch long cuttings. Stick the cut end into a moist well-drained potting mix or mix of peatmoss and perlite. Roots should appear in 4 to 6 weeks. Repot if needed in a slightly larger container.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Heaven on Earth!
Sun, snow, rivers, streams and...the mountains! That's what I saw while I was vacationing over the weekend in Denver and Vail, Colorado.
It's always been one of my favorite places to visit because the mountain views, in my opinion, are a glimpse of heaven on earth.
I was able to sit on a few rooftop patios downtown, I went horseback riding in the Rockies in Beaver Creek and then I was able to sit in a hot tub in Vail while sipping my morning coffee (this photo is my view from the hot tub). Yes, I fell back in love with Colorado during my visit and I hope to be back there sometime soon!
Heaven on Earth!
Sun, snow, rivers, streams and...the mountains! That's what I saw while I was vacationing over the weekend in Denver and Vail, Colorado.
It's always been one of my favorite places to visit because the mountain views, in my opinion, are a glimpse of heaven on earth.
I was able to sit on a few rooftop patios downtown, I went horseback riding in the Rockies in Beaver Creek and then I was able to sit in a hot tub in Vail while sipping my morning coffee (this photo is my view from the hot tub). Yes, I fell back in love with Colorado during my visit and I hope to be back there sometime soon!
PIC: Cool Clouds
I took this picture from the rooftop of a friends condo in Chicago. We were having cocktails tonight when the storm was rolling in. Super cool clouds!
Shade Combinations for Attracting Hummingbirds
Don't let shade stop you from attracting hummingbirds to your garden. Include a few hummingbird favorites in the garden or container plantings.
Fuchsia is a favorite of shade gardeners and hummingbirds. Try using one of the upright types like Thalia, Gartenmeister or Firecracker with its variegated leaves. Add a fern for texture and wire vine as a groundcover in the garden or spiller in the container.
Consider adding a few or quite a few Dragon wing begonias to the garden. The large plants put on a show all summer long with the red and pink flowers. They combine nicely with impatiens, another hummingbird favorite. And surround this combination with a groundcover or trailer of Silver Falls Dichondra.
Include a backdrop of summer long bloom you and the hummingbirds will enjoy. Train a honeysuckle vine onto a fence or decorative trellis for screening and hummingbird appeal. Try the mildew resistant Major Wheeler.
A bit more information: For more ideas on attracting birds and butterflies to your garden visit www.birdsandblooms.com . See projects and ideas on attracting wildlife to the garden and you'll find my answers to common garden questions. Also, be sure to look for my article "Make Room for Hummingbirds and Butterflies" in the June/July 2013 issue of Birds & Blooms magazine.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Buttered Rum, Southern Comfort - Colorful Perennials for the Garden
How about a bit of Buttered Rum or Southern Comfort in the garden? No, I am not talking about a drink, but rather a few colorful perennials.
Heucherella 'Buttered Rum' is a hybrid with coral bells, known as Heuchera. And foamflower, called Tiarella as its parents. The maple shaped leaves have a caramel edge and are topped with white flowers in spring.
Southern Comfort coral bells have cinnamon peach leaves that mature to amber. The white flowers on this plant appear in summer.
Finish off your planting with a little dessert. Peach Flambe coral bells have bright peach leaves in the cooler months of spring and fall. The leaves turn a softer peach in summer and plum purple for winter.
Use a combination of these and other coral bells and foamflowers to create a tapestry of color in your partial shade to full sun gardens. Be sure to keep the soil slightly moist throughout the season.
A bit more information: Add some Dolce® Key Lime Pie to the dessert buffet. This coral bell has chartreuse foliage all season long. The heart shaped leaves are mottled with lime green. Mix a few with dark green or blue-green hostas for an eye-catching combination.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Winner: Lady Gaga and Elton John opening the show.
Why: Anytime a new artist teams up with a legend I feel like it is a sign that the music industry is giving that artist their seal of approval.
You can watch the performance here.
