Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
David Cook is set to rock the Turner Hall Ballroom on Monday, November 21st.
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right?
Well, now is your chance to check them out in person at Bradley Center as Cirque Du Soleil Quidam is in town thru this Sunday, October 23rd.
In Cirque Du Soleil Quidam, Young Zoé is bored; her parents, distant and apathetic, ignore her. Her life has lost all meaning. Seeking to fill the void of her existence, she slides into an imaginary world - the world of Quidam - where she meets characters who encourage her to free her soul.
FOX has renewed THE SIMPSONS, the longest-running comedy in television history, for an incredible 24th and 25th season, bringing the series total to an astonishing 559 episodes. THE SIMPSONS airs Sundays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
In the words of Homer Simpson, "Woo Hoo! I outlasted Andy Rooney!"
The longest-running scripted show in television history, THE SIMPSONS exploded into a cultural phenomenon in 1990 and has remained one of the most groundbreaking and innovative entertainment franchises, recognizable throughout the world. Matt Groening created the iconic family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie. In February 2012, THE SIMPSONS will celebrate its historic 500th episode. The series has won 27 Emmy Awards, been the subject of a hit feature film, created “Krustyland” and a revolutionary virtual coaster – The Simpsons Ride – at Universal Studios, received a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame, been honored with five U.S. postal stamps personally designed by Matt Groening, and named the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time Magazine.
Following the MLB American League Championship Series and World Series games on FOX, THE SIMPSONS returns with all-new episodes beginning with “Treehouse of Horrors XXII,” on Sunday, Oct. 30 (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT). In the spooky opener, Homer takes a dangerous dive into an isolated canyon on Candy Peak, but when a crashing boulder traps his arm, he channels Aron Ralston (guest voicing as himself) to save himself. In “The Diving Bell and Butterball,” the first of three hair-raising Halloween tales, a venomous spider bite leaves Homer paralyzed, but when Lisa discovers Homer’s ability to communicate through natural gases, he is able to express his love for Marge. The killer spells continue in “Dial D for Diddly,” when Ned Flanders, devout preacher by day, transforms into a cold-blooded vigilante by night. In the final terrifying tale, “In the Na’Vi,” Bart and Milhouse are assigned on a mission to access a sacred extract on a distant planet. They morph into the land’s indigenous one-eyed avatars, but when Bart finds love and an eternal mate abroad, he is caught in planet warfare.
The Simpsons Ep1 Season 23 Sneak Peek | Full episodes at Fox.com
In Novemeber of 2004, Tony Hale (Buster Bluth) called in to chat with Van McNeil about the second season of Arrested Development. In this interview Tony talks about the cast, what his plan were after the show and much more! ***Creator Mitch Hurwitz announced today that a mini-4th season of nine to ten episodes would air, leading up to a major motion picture. Dates on the return of Arrested Development episodes and the film have yet to be announced.
Thanks to everyone who came up to The Russ Darrow Group in West Bend on Saturday for the 2011 Toyota Prius Giveaway! Many people entered and qualified but only ONE could win and that ONE was Todd from Mequon!
A email from our winner Todd from Mequon:
Hello, I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone from the WMYX staff that was present for the drawing for the car on Saturday. Everyone was so friendly and I could just tell they were rooting for the whole crowd to win. I was lucky enough to be the winner and could not be more thrilled. Special thanks to Kid and Elizabeth for cheering everyone on, to JoJo for being the lucky charm on car winners and Van McNeil for not pulling my number out of the bucket. I am trading my old Honda Civic either back to the dealer or selling it soon and should be picking up the car by next weekend. They were going to let me drive it home that day, but I was still shaking from the adrenaline. Again, thanks to all. I look forward to hitting WMYX on the preset when I drive it home! Â Todd.
Officials at Wisconsin State Fair Park are excited to announce entertainment and activities slated for the 18th annual Harvest Fair, Friday, September 23 through Sunday, September 25 at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Admission is FREE, and hours of operation are Friday 5pm - 11pm, Saturday 9am - 11pm, and Sunday 9am - 5pm. Parking is available for $5 at Gates 1, 4, 6 and 8.
âHarvest Fair marks the beginning of the beautiful fall season in southeastern Wisconsin,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âItâs a wonderful way for families to enjoy activities like pumpkin bowling, hay rides, cookie decorating and scarecrow making, along with great music and food.â
The weekend will feature FREE live entertainment on three stages, lots of activities for the entire family and plenty of shopping at the Farmers Market and Harvest Bazaar. There are also several NEW attractions this year, including Food and Wildlife Demonstrations, activities in the Natural Resources Park and amusement rides for both kids and adults. Many Harvest Fair activities and items for purchase will require the pre-purchase of tickets at one of several ticket booths. Tickets will cost $1 each.
The following activities and attractions will be located throughout Harvest Fair, which spans Central Mall and Central Park, as well as the north terrace of the Exposition Center: Hay Rides (2 tickets), Pumpkin Bowling (4 tickets), Fishing Fountain (1 ticket), Make Your Own Scarecrow (10 tickets), Pig Slide (1 ticket/3 slides), CP Rail Train Rides ($2 per ride - proceeds benefit Hunger Task Force), Petting Zoo (FREE), Pony and Camel Rides ($5 per ride), Farmers Market and Pumpkin Patch (prices vary), Harvest Bazaar in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater & Bazaar (shopping â prices vary).
FREE ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm STEVE AUGERI former lead singer of Journey.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 7pm Sweet Tarts
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 6:30pm The Sociables
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER Nightly entertainment presented by Budweiser 11am Childrenâs Contests presented by Just Between Friends Consignment Sale
Best Turkey Gobble, Cutest Jack-O-Lantern Face, Scariest Sound Effect and
Pumpkin Seed Spitting (Registration begins at 10:30am)
5pm Bluegrass All Stars 9pm GREAT WHITE.
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION -Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast 11am Ryan McIntyre 3pm Boo The Band -Â 7pm The Toys
SAZâS MILLER HIGH LIFE PAVILION -Â 1pm Saddlebrook 6:30pm Crossfire
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 COUSINS SUBS® AMPHITHEATER
10am - Souper Sunday presented by MilwaukeeFood.com Local restaurantsâ signature fall soups will be available for sampling (tickets required).
Noon - Hoop Vibes
BUDWEISER MUSIC PAVILION - Â 9am All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast - 12:30pm JAMIT
New in 2011, a Wisconsin State Fair staple for many years, the beautiful Natural Resources Park on the south end of the Fair Park will be utilized for Harvest Fair on Saturday from 10am â 6pm and Sunday from 10am â 5pm. At the new Pioneer Days Interactive Displays visitors can get photos taken near a covered wagon, play pioneer games, make crafts like dolls out of yarn and even do pioneer chores like rolling biscuits and snapping beans! There will also be a Pioneer Schoolhouse lesson on what school was like pre-Civil War.
Keeping with the historical theme of the area, children can also comb wool using carding combs, look through a stereoscope (19th Century 3D!), try an old-fashioned egg beater, and attempt to figure out what the other artifacts are. All artifacts are part of the teaching collection at the Milwaukee County Historical Society / Trimborn Farms and may be handled by children of all ages.
Visitors can also stop by the Natural Resources Park to see the Model Backyard exhibit and chat with the SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners who will be on-hand to answer all of their gardening questions. And both kids and adults can participate in the National Archery in the Schools Program® hands-on archery demonstrations.
Also new this year, the Family Activity Center located in the Original Cream Puff Pavilion will be buzzing with activity on Friday from 5pm - 9pm, Saturday from 9am - 9pm and Sunday from 9am - 5pm. Kids can get creative at Decorating Stations, including Caramel Apples (3 tickets/apple) and Giant Cookies presented by Golden Guernsey Dairy (4 tickets/cookie or 11 tickets for 3 cookies). They can also âLeaf Their Printâ on the new Harvest Fair Mural and have fun singing, listening, playing instruments and moving to music with staff from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music on Saturday from 2:30 - 6pm and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
New demonstrations will teach the art of cooking and decorating food along with wildlife presentations from the
SouthEast Wisconsin Master Gardeners, Organic Gardening Club, Master Canners, UW-Extension and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Demonstrations will take place Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 6pm.
All kids will want to pick up a FREE Harvest Fair Bingo Board at one of the Fair Information Centers and then travel through Harvest Fair collecting stamps! Across, Up & Down, Diagonal or 4-corners wins a prize! Boards can be redeemed for prizes in the Family Activity Center.
Other new attractions include the Milwaukee Art Museum/Kohlâs Color Wheels exhibit, where kids will not only take part in fun projects, but also grow and learn through art just west of Central Park on Main Street. The Robo Fest and VexBot Demonstrations, which combine sports excitement with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and time limits, teams are challenged to fund, design a brand, exercise teamwork, build and program robots to perform tasks against their fellow competitors. The Robo Fest competition is Saturday from 9am until 6pm and continues with the VexBots on Sunday from 9am until 5pm.
From our smallest guests to veteran thrill seekers, all visitors will want to check out the new Rainbow Amusement Ride Area in front of the Exposition Center. Rainbowâs unmatched collection of Classic and Kiddie Rides will offer BIG fun for all ages. Rides will be three (3) tickets each.
A Harvest Fair favorite, the Giant Pumpkin Contest presented by Halloween Express will take place Saturday, September 24 from 11am to 3pm on the Exposition Center North Terrace, and the pumpkins will be on display through the close of Harvest Fair on Sunday, September 25.
Donât forget about the food and beverage! In the Budweiser Pavilion families can enjoy an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast from 9 â 11:30am Saturday and Sunday. Kids (3 & under) eat FREE, children (ages 4-12) are $3.50, and adults (13 & over) are $4.95. The Budweiser Pavilion Patio & Grill will be open throughout Harvest Fair.
Elegant Farmerâs famous pies and dessert breads will be for sale at Harvest Fair in the Family Activity Center and in a tent outside of the north end of the Family Activity Center. Pies will be sold outside until closing time.
Apple Pie Baked in a Bag®: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Pumpkin Pie: 3 tickets/slice or 13 tickets/pie Dessert Breads (pumpkin or apple): 5 tickets/loaf
In addition, Fairgoers can savor tasty âHarvest Fareâ from 3-B Concessions, Bennoâs, Catalanoâs Beer &
Pizza, Catfish Johnnyâs, Charcoal Grill, Cousins Subs®, Firehouse, Jaymeâs Chipstix, Joeyâs Seafood, Krautland, Lemon Chill, Madison SportService, MaMa Maryâs, Mary and Caliâs Sweet Shop, Milleâs Italian Sausage, Mr. Edâs Chuckwagon, Pitchâs/Miss Katieâs Diner, Popcorn Headz, S & J Popcorn, Sazâs High Life Pavilion and Ultimate Confections.
The Wineberry Bar & Lounge in the Cousins Subs® Amphitheater and Bazaar area is a great place to sip and savor wines from Wisconsin and the Midwest, and at The Micro adjacent to Bennoâs visitors can enjoy classic and seasonal microbrews.
There are several other exciting events taking place at the Fair Park at the same time as Harvest Fair. These include the World Beef Expo, Milwaukee County Fair, Just Between Friends Consignment Sale, Great Lakes Hemophilia Foundation Walk, Milwaukee Tattoo Arts Convention, WI Beer Expo and Halloween Express. For more information on Harvest Fair and all events at Wisconsin State Fair Park, please visit WiStateFair.com.
Wisconsin State Fair Park is home to the Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular. The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair will take place August 2 - 12. For more details on Wisconsin State Fair or any of the events at the
The Milwaukee Health Department is reporting another laboratory-confirmed case of measles, bringing our total count to 2 confirmed cases. In its more severe form, measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death. It is a highly contagious disease that can spread via airborne droplets person to person.
In result MHD is extending immunization clinics through the weekend.
As fans prepare for Thursdayâs NFL Kickoff 2011 game featuring the Packers vs. Saints, those planning on going to the game or the concert are encouraged to arrive early due to the larger-than-normal crowds expected near Lambeau Field.
Visitors to the area should allow additional time for traveling, to seek parking, and for walking toward and around the parking lots, concert area and Lambeau Field entry gates. To the east of stadium, Lombardi Avenue and Potts Avenue should be used to reach the stadium as Armed Forces Drive will be the site of the NFL Kickoff concert. The concert also will be broadcast inside the stadium on TundraVision.
Lambeau Field parking lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursdayâs game with normal procedures. Season parking pass holders should park via their normal lot entrances. Fans should be in their seats by 7:15 p.m. as the pregame festivities will get underway at that time.
Thursdayâs special in-stadium card stunt will need participation from ticketed fans seated in the stadium bowl. Fans will turn Lambeau Field into a ring of stars and stripes during the national anthem and help with a special âGo Pack Goâ display in between the first and second quarter.
Game attendees will find a card taped to their seat with directions indicating which side to hold up during each stunt and whether to stand (national anthem) or sit (Go Pack Go). Fans will be prompted by a group from the field holding up cue cards reading, âGet Ready for Stunt #1,â then âGo Stunt #1.â The same will occur during the second stunt. The stunt, sponsored by Penske, is schedule to be broadcast live during the game.
Additionally on Thursday: Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr, with a Packers flag in hand, will lead the team out of the tunnel to the field through the Packers Ambassador Line, which this week will be formed by 31 other NFL alumni, one representing each team in the League. Each of the players will be holding his teamâs respective flag.
The national anthem will be performed by 2007 American Idol winner, Jordin Sparks. The conclusion of the anthem will feature a flyover of four F16s from the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison and a brief fireworks display.
Thursdayâs fan giveaway is a gold towel with the words, âKick It Off Loud.â Among the many other gameday activities taking place are the annual Coats for Kids collection (coats and cash donations accepted) prior to the game in the parking lot and at the gates, Operation Fan Mail, and alumni appearances by Willie Davis and Chris Gizzi.
The Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) released its 2011-12 schedule today, with the action slated to kick off for the 96-game regular season on Thursday, November 3. Opening weekend for North Americaâs most storied professional indoor soccer league will be highlighted by the debuts of the Wichita Wings, Rochester Lancers and Syracuse Silver Knights. Also part of the opening-weekend action is the Milwaukee Wave, who looks to defend their MISL Championship. The Wave opens on Sunday, November 13 when they play host to Wichita at U.S. Cellular Arena.
The MISL has grown from five to eight teams for the 2011-12 season as the Baltimore Blast, Milwaukee Wave and Missouri are joined by a new franchise in Chicago as well as the Norfolk SharX, Rochester, Syracuse and Wichita.
The season is set to wrap up on March 4, with crucial intra-division contests such as Milwaukee at Chicago (Saturday, March 3) and Baltimore at Syracuse (Sunday, March 4) that could have bearing on the 2011-12 MISL playoffs.
The 2011-12 MISL regular season will consist of 24 games, with teams playing 16 games within their division - six games against their nearest geographic rival and five games each against the other two teams. They will face each of the teams from the other division twice, once home and once away.
The MISL playoffs will begin with the semifinals March 9-11, featuring the top two teams from each division meeting in a home-and-home series with a mini game to decide the series following the second game if needed. The championship will follow the same format on March 16-18. The higher seed will choose which game it hosts.
Milwaukee Wave Schedule | Home games are in bold
Saturday November 5, 2011 | 6:00PM | Inter-squad Exhibition
Sunday November 13, 2011 | 3:00PM | Wichita Wings
Tuesday November 15, 2011 | 10:30AM | School Days Game
Saturday November 19, 2011 | 6:00 PM | Chicago
Sunday November 20, 2011 | 3:10PM | Missouri Comets
Saturday November 26, 2011 | 6:00 PM | Chicago
Sunday November 27, 2011 | TBA | Chicago
Friday December 2, 2011 | 7:00 PM | Missouri Comets
Saturday December 10, 2011 | 6:00PM | Rochester Lancers
Friday December 16, 2011 | 7:00PM | Wichita Wings
Friday December 23, 2011 | TBA | Chicago
Saturday December 31, 2011 | 2:00PM | Baltimore Blast
Friday January 6, 2012 | 7:00PM | Norfolk harx
Sunday January 15, 2012 | 7:30PM | Syracuse Silver Knights
Monday January 16, 2012 | 1:00PM | Rochester Lancers
Saturday January 21, 2012 | 7:35PM | Wichita Wings
Thursday January 26, 2012 | 7:05PM | Wichita Wings
Friday January 27, 2012 | 7:35PM | Missouri Comets
Sunday January 29, 2012 | 3:00PM | Syracuse Silver Knights
Saturday February 4, 2012 | 6:00PM | Missouri Comets
Friday February 10, 2012 | 7:00PM | Wichita Wings
Sunday February 12, 2012 | 3:00PM | Chicago
Wednesday February 15, 2012 | 10:30AM | School Day Game
Saturday February 18, 2012 | 7:35PM | Baltimore Blast
Get ready to take flight! Six Flags Great America announces plans to add a state-of-the-art roller coaster for the 2012 season. X-Flight is a ground-breaking wing coaster featuring cutting-edge technology. The Gurnee theme park is the first to announce plans for a wing coaster in the U.S.
X-Flight will take riders on a flight that defies gravity, with no track above or below them. Riders sit in pairs, suspended on either side of the track with their feet dangling, as they begin their climb up a 12-story plunge launching them into speeds of 55mph through 3,000 feet of intense drops and five inversions, including a barrel roll and zero-g roll. One of the most adrenaline-pumping moments on the ride is an extreme fly-through where the coaster speeds straight toward a structure, before making a last-minute vertical flip to fit through a keyhole cut-out.
âSix Flags Great America has a long history of introducing legendary rides and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,â said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America Park President. âWhat makes
X-Flight so unique is soaring through 3,000 feet of high-speed drops, loops and turns, with nothing above or below you. The coasterâs train actually looks like a plane with seats suspended on either side of the track. Itâs like nothing you have ever experienced before. We are thrilled to bring this revolutionary wing coaster to our guests for the 2012 season.â
X-Flight is designed by acclaimed Swiss manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard, who also designed Six Flags Great America favorites: Raging Bull, SUPERMAN: Ultimate Flight and BATMAN: The Ride. The wing coaster will make its home in the County Fair section of the park. Construction begins this Fall. X-Flight is scheduled to open Spring of 2012.
At last summerâs conference in Miami, Bango took home the honor of NBA Mascot of the Year, which was voted on by his fellow mascots. Bango added another title during the 2010-11 season as he received the âMost Awesome Mascotâ award at the Cartoon Networkâs Hall of Game Awards in February. This year, Bango passed on the torch to the 2011 NBA Mascot of the Year, Grizz from the Memphis Grizzlies.
Bango has been a very busy Buck in the offseason with more than 80 appearances since May 1. Last week, Bango, along with Bucks and GE staff, volunteered at GE Day of Caring at Burbank Elementary School. He also made appearances at the annual Milwaukee Juneteenth Day celebration parade; the Badger Mutual Insurance Boys and Girls Club Tailgate Party at Miller Park; the Pewaukee Clean Water Festival at Pewaukee Lake and four Fourth of July Parades throughout the community. Bango also volunteered his time by distributing school supplies at the House of Peace Back to School Drive and helped serve breakfast and supper along with The Gathering of Southeastern Wisconsin at two Milwaukee locations. All of Bangoâs volunteer efforts and appearances listed above are part of the Milwaukee Bucks Community Caravan, which spans throughout the summer and through June 2012.
Bango begins his 34th season with the Bucks and he has been energizing and entertaining Bucks fans with his high flying dunks, acrobatic moves and crazy shenanigans. The ageless Bango has brought smiles and thrills to Bucks fans at home games, appearances, parades, school assemblies, hospital visits and everywhere Bucks fans celebrate since 1977. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada and in China and will be back at the Bradley Center for the 2011-12 Milwaukee Bucks season.
The Green Bay Packers today announced expansion plans for Lambeau Field, a project that will include approximately 6,600 new seats in the south end zone and a new gate and rooftop viewing platform in the north end zone.
The project, with a projected cost of approximately $130 million, will get underway with a Sept. 1 groundbreaking, and be complete for the 2013 season. The Packers will fund the project, with no involvement of public tax money, including general and sales taxes.
âWeâre excited to begin work on the expansion of Lambeau Field,â said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. âThis project will benefit the Packers and our fans through two new gates for better stadium entry and exit, additional seats and updated amenities, as well as more gameday crowd noise focused on our opponents. It also will benefit our community, initially through construction jobs, but also in the long term through the increased economic impact of additional fans coming to Packers games each year.â
In the south end zone, the new seats, all with seatbacks, will be added in four levels. General seating will be featured, in addition to themed areas with some indoor concession environments. A new south gate will include four elevators and escalators to efficiently move fans in and out of the stadium.
The north end zone will include a new stadium gate, with six elevators, that will enable club-seat and suite holders to enter and exit the stadium more efficiently and provide an additional ADA entrance and exit point. The project will include construction of a rooftop viewing terrace for use by club-seat holders on gameday, and will be available for special events on other days. Both new gates will lessen the traffic at other gates throughout Lambeau Field and improve the stadiumâs overall entrance and exit patterns.
The Packers are arranging to finance all the costs of the expansion, with funding components to include traditional borrowing. A stock sale is being considered, and the team will seek NFL approval for what would be the fifth such offering. With regard to a user fee, the team anticipates a program similar to what was used for the Lambeau Field redevelopment (1999-2003). Additional funding options from the NFL will be explored.
The ticket-pricing structure for the new seating area s is still being established, with the price for seats expected to range between current bowl seat (top price $87) and current club-seat prices (top price $313). A Green and Gold package will be used for most of the new seats, similar to current stadium bowl seats. Some seats will be considered premium and be sold as a 10-game package. Final details of seating sections, including pricing and amenities offered, are expected to be announced after the 2011 season.
Seats will be made available initially to current season-ticket holders, with priority given to those who have held tickets the longest. The number of new seats available will be equal to the number currently held. Those opting for new seats will relinquish their current seats. After that process, members of the waiting list will be approached to purchase any seats remaining in the new sections or seats that have become available in the stadium bowl.
Miron Construction, of Neenah, Wis., has been selected as the general contractor for the project. The company served as the major subcontractor on the Lambeau Field redevelopment project and has thorough experience with the Packers. Hammes Company Sports Development Inc., of Madison, Wis., will serve as project manager and Elkus Manfredi is the projectâs design architect.
As an economic impact and benefit to the community, the project is expected to employ approximately 1,600 workers over the next two years and provide more than $70 million in wages. Long term, the additional 6,600 seats will potentially generate approximately $11 million annually in new spending impacts in Brown County from non-residents, according to a study by AECOM released in September 2010 by the Green Bay/Brown County Professional Football Stadium District that projected the impact of additional seating at the stadium.
Previously, the team announced the plan to install new Mitsubishi Diamond Vision video boards, with the new boards to be ready for the 2012 season. This project, with a cost of approximately $12 million, is being funding jointly by the Packers and the Stadium District, through team funding as well as the districtâs capital improvement fund consisting of user-fee money. The two parties also funded the new distributed audio system which debuted at Packers Family Night, Aug. 6.
All told, the projects represent more than $143 million of Lambeau Field enhancements and improvements, all funded without public tax money.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Officials are pleased to announce that the 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, ended on a high note this evening at 10pm.
Hundreds of thousands of loyal Fairgoers came out to celebrate during the Fairâs annual 11-day run and take advantage of family-friendly pricing, diverse entertainment and fair traditions. Mother Nature was âfairlyâ kind this year, offering a few hot, humid days and a couple days of light rain, but mostly beautiful blue skies and light breezes, providing Fairgoers the opportunity to enjoy all that the Fair has to offer.
âIt was a tremendous Fair despite the tough start,â stated Chief Executive Officer of Wisconsin State Fair Park Rick Frenette. âWe are appreciative of the collaboration and efforts of the State Patrol, West Allis Police Department, and Milwaukee Police Department to assure our Fairgoers that the Fair is a safe, fun experience for our guests. We look forward to continuing to work with them for the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair and beyond.â
âThe attendance this year shows, that more than ever our Fairgoers are passionate about the Wisconsin State Fair, and they showed amazing support for us this year,â stated Patrice Harris, communications manager. âWe are thrilled that each year they come out to enjoy the new things we have to offer and the traditions of the Fair â the agriculture, food, music, attractions, contests and activities.â
In addition to a four percent increase in attendance, initial revenue reports reflect a significant increase of 5.6%.
2011 ATTENDANCE 911,231
ADMISSION PROMOTIONS
AUGUST 4 HUNGER TASK FORCE DAY 45,133
149,500 pounds of food donated to Hunger Task Force
AUGUST 5 DISCOVERWISCONSIN.COM DAY 5,145
AUGUST 8 SPRECHER BREWING CO. $6 BEFORE 6PM 10,047
AUGUST 9 KOHLâS FAMILY VALUE DAY 27,559 Adults
13,073 Youth
AUGUST 11 U.S.CELLULAR $5 after 5pm 4,214
AUGUST 14 MILITARY & VETERANS RECOGNITION DAY
COURTESY OF BUDWEISER 2,162
FOOD STATISTICS
Wisconsin Bakers Association Original Cream Puffs 355,478
Artic Glacier Pounds of Ice 550,425
Real Wisconsin Cheese Grill Grilled Cheese Sandwiches 52,143
The 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place August 2 â 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
Fairgoers, participants and spectators always look forward to the annual Cream Puff Eating Contests on Golden Guernsey Dairy Day and today was no exception. The contests, held earlier today on the stage in Central Park did not disappoint! This yearâs judges included Master Baker Dave Schmidt of the Wisconsin Bakers Association and Rick Wisconsin State Fair Park Board members Rebecca Wickhem House, State Representative Keith Ripp, West Allis Mayor Dan Devine and Aldo Madrigrano. The Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, continues through Sunday, August 15 in West Allis, Wisconsin.
Competitors in the celebrity Cream Puff eating contest were served up an extra-large Cream Puff by Master Baker Dave Schmidt and members of Team Cream Puff. Contestants were allowed to touch the plate and lift it however, their hands were not allowed to touch the Cream Puff itself.
The Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Contest commenced shortly after 11:45am on the stage at Central Park. Participants included Van "The Man" McNeil from 99.1 The Mix and Milwaukee Wave Professional Soccer Team, Stan Atkinson from B93.3 FM, Alexis Nickelotti, Fairest of the Fair, Katie Wirkus, Alice in Dairyland, Danielle Dale, Wisconsin Honey Queen, Heather Wojciehowski from the Milwaukee Admirals, Trenni Kusnierek from AM620 WTMJ, Curtis McSchmurtis from 97.3 Radio Now (2010 Champion), Dave Murphy from Oldies 95.7, Kyle Lance #16 of the Milwaukee Wave, Ryan Miller of FM102/1, Tony Clark from FOX 6, Rigs from Radio Now 97.3, Renee Lorenz from OnMilwaukee.com, and Tony âRadarâ Hess from FM106.1.
Contestants taunted each other in good fun prior to the start of the competition and were all business once things got underway. Things wrapped up in just one minute and fifteen seconds with 2009 Champion Dave Murphy of WRIT Oldies 95.7 declared the winner. Murphy was awarded with a plaque and the traveling Cream Puff Trophy, a Cream Puff topped milk bottle that will be inscribed with his name.
The â5 and underâ age category featured a number of excited young Fairgoers! The winner was Jeremy Conley of Richfield, WI.
The 6 to 9-year-olds took the stage next and Mykala Anchondo of Milwaukee took the top spot.
The 10 to 12-year-old heat was won by Ryan Caflisch of Sauk City.
There were two heats for the 13 to 17-year-old age group. In one, Matthew Misiewicz of New Berlin walked away the winner and the other heat produced Tyler Foster of Milwaukee as the winner.
The reigning champion in the 18 to 29-year-old category, Dom Singleton from New Berlin, claimed victory yet again dominating the competition!
There were three rounds in the 30 to 59-year-old division, including heat winners Thomas Hernandez of Milwaukee, Paul Stelter of Greendale, and Dave Zabler of Franklin.
The 160th Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 4 through Sunday, August 14, 2011. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit WiStateFair.com
My family and I had a great time at the 2011 Milwaukee Air & Water Show over the weekend. I even got on the mic and had some fun w legendary Air & Water Show announcer, Herb Henry.
If you've never been to a Milwaukee Air & Water Show, make it a point to check it out in 2012.
The cast of Jersey Boys stopped by The Mix Studios for a chat about the show. Now on stage at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts thru August 14th. Get more info and tickets at http://www.marcuscenter.org/
"TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!â raves the New York Post for JERSEY BOYS, the 2006 Tony® Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi.
This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide â all before they were 30! JERSEY BOYS, winner of the 2006 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Show Album and most recently, the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, features their hit songs Sherry, Big Girls Donât Cry, Rag Doll, Oh What a Night and Canât Take My Eyes Off You.
Donnie Wahlberg joins Van McNeil to chat about the NKOTBSB Tour, his role in the new Kevin James movie, 'Zookeeper', the new Jordan Knight song that features him, "Stingy"and lots more!
The cast of Church Basement Ladies joins Van McNeil to chat about the show now on stage at the Marcus Center for The Performing Arts, Vogel Hall thur August 7!
This musical comedy celebrates the church basement and the women who work there. The musical is funny, down to earth and youâll laugh until your side dish hurts!
Joining Van in this interview are local Milwaukee cast members...Beth Mulkerron, Rhonda Rae Busch, Norman Moses, Kay Stiefel and Jenny Wanasek!
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details of their partnership with Kohlâs Department Stores through its Kohlâs Cares® program to present the Kohlâs Captivation Station, a new area that will feature kid-friendly performances and educational experiences during Summerfest. Sponsored by Kohlâs Cares, Kohlâs philanthropic program that sells special merchandise and donates 100 percent of the net profits to childrenâs health and education initiatives nationwide, the Kohlâs Captivation Station is located on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park and will be open from Noon â 8:00 pm, every day of Summerfest.
Children will be able to participate in hands-on musical experiences, mini-clinics, art projects and educational demonstrations each day. Theyâll get to explore the different sounds of drums and guitars while learning tips from instructors during free clinics presented by Cascio Interstate Music, after which they can be a rock star for the day and show what theyâve learned. The Kohlâs Captivation Station is targeted for kids 12 and older but also offers programs for the whole family including the Kohlâs Color Wheels mobile unit, an art experience in partnership with the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Kohlâs Design It! Mobile Lab, an interactive experience with Discovery World where kids can learn more about design. New interactive games, art projects and activities are offered each day.
Throughout the festival, the Kohlâs Captivation Station will showcase entertaining performances from magicians, comic jugglers and bands including Radio Disney Beach Party, Marcus Monroe, Tonyâs Creepy Crawly Zoo, Sir Pinkerton and the Magnificents, Comedy Sportz and more!
âAs a family-focused retailer, Kohlâs is committed to kids health and education initiatives in the communities we serve,â said Julie Gardner, Kohlâs Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. âWe are pleased to bring this new program to Summerfest as an exciting opportunity for families to learn while having fun at one of Milwaukeeâs premier summer events.â
In addition to the Kohlâs Captivation Station, Summerfest and Kohlâs are proud to announce that Sunday, July 3 is Kohlâs Family Day, where from Noon â 3:00 pm, the first 1,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE Summerfest admission ticket. All food items benefit Hunger Task Force.
Schedules for the Kohlâs Captivation Station and information about Kohlâs Family Day can be found at Henry Maier Festival Park during Summerfest and online at Summerfest.com. Since 2000, Kohlâs and the Kohlâs Cares program have combined to give approximately $38 million to support charitable initiatives in the metro-Milwaukee area. For more information on Kohlâs philanthropic efforts or to purchase Kohlâs Cares cause merchandise, visit www.Kohls.com/Cares
Watertown, Wisconsin's very own Kevin Stangler joins me to chat about his role in the touring production of Fiddler On The Roof now on stage at Marcus Center for the Perfoming Arts. Get tickets at http://marcuscenter.org
Summerfest officials have announced Admission Promotions for 2011, providing low or no-cost alternatives to paying the full gate price at this yearâs festival. All exchanges, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth located across the street from the Summerfest Mid Gate. All Admission Promotions start at Noon and run while ticket supplies last OR through 3:00 pm, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted. Patrons can also visit Summerfest.com for complete details on all Admission Promotions.
The first 5,000 patrons who enter the Summerfest gates on select dates will receive a complimentary item as an added value. All Gate Giveaway items are while supplies last.
ADMISSION PROMOTIONS FOR SUMMERFEST 2011:
Wednesday, June 29 is Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX 6. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid Gate Promotions Booth as well as the North Gate. All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.
On Wednesday, June 29, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Uline Live from Darylâs House (Hall & Oates) Reusable Tote Bag compliments of Uline, Livefromdarylshouse.com and Summerfest. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Thursday, June 30 is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel âShow Your Smileâ Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. The first 4,400 patrons who present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon between Noon â 3:00 pm will receive FREE admission compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The coupon will be available in the Sunday, June 26 edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. No copies will be accepted.
Friday, July 1 is Miller High Life â Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. The first 2,000 patrons, 21 and older, who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Visit Millerhighlife.com for details on the National âGive a Veteran a Piece of the High Lifeâ Program.
On Friday, July 1, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) U.S. Cellular®/Summerfest Bandana. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Saturday, July 2 is Goodwill Industries Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 â July 2, 2011 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. One (1) admission ticket per person for each donation receipt. Only original receipts received at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center dated June 1 â July 2, 2011 will be accepted.
Sunday, July 3 is Kohlâs Family Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate three (3) non-perishable food items for kids will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Suggested items include peanut butter, canned fruit and macaroni and cheese. All donations to benefit Hunger Task Force.
Tuesday, July 5 is Sentry Foods and Deanâs Milk & Ice Cream Childrenâs Fest Day with TODAYâS TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Childrenâs Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaways. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.
Wednesday, July 6 is Klementâs Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when they provide a Klementâs product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item.
On Wednesday, July 6, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Hooters/Summerfest Cup Koozie. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Thursday, July 7 is Northwestern Mutual âMake a Child Smile Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor childrenâs toy, art supplies or childrenâs G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Childrenâs Hospital of Wisconsin system. All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.
Thursday, July 7 is H.O.G.® Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. Patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card. One admission per card. In addition, H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage between the hours of 4:00 â 9:00 pm on July 7. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a âone out, one inâ basis.
On Thursday, July 7 the first 10,000 patrons will receive one (1) coupon valid for a special offer on Brewers tickets for select games during the 2011 season. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Friday, July 8 is Malt-O-Meal Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals (10 oz. or larger). Receipt must be dated between June 29 and July 8, 2011. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted. To find the store nearest you visit Maltomeal.com.
Saturday, July 9 is CBS 58 Milwaukee / MDA Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket.
Saturday, July 9 is Scout Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in uniform will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the South Gate Promotions Booth, valid from Noon â 3:00 pm.
Sunday, July 10 is Have a NYCE Day! from Noon â 3:00 pm. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted for FREEâ¦compliments of NYCE and Summerfest!
Yabba dabba doo! FOX has picked up THE FLINTSTONES, a 21st century version of the classic animated comedy from executive producer Seth MacFarlane. In a cross-studio collaboration, THE FLINTSTONES will be produced jointly by 20th Century Fox Television and Warner Bros. Television. Warner Bros. is home to THE FLINTSTONES via its ownership of the Hanna-Barbera collection of animated titles. Dan Palladino (âGilmore Girlsâ) and Kara Vallow (FAMILY GUY) will also serve as executive producers. THE FLINTSTONES will begin production in fall 2011 and will be set in stone on the FOX schedule in 2013.
âThe very first cartoon character I drew at age two was Fred Flintstone,â said MacFarlane. âSo itâs appropriate that events have come full circle, allowing me to produce the newest incarnation of this great franchise. Plus, I think America is finally ready for an animated sitcom about a fat, stupid guy with a wife whoâs too good for him.â
âThe Flintstones are among the funniest and most beloved characters in television history, and we canât wait to introduce them to a whole new generation on FOX,â said Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. âFOX has long been home to iconic families like the Simpsons and the Griffins, so I have no doubt that the Flintstones and the Rubbles are going to fit right in on our air.â
The (pre)historic return of THE FLINTSTONES will feature MacFarlaneâs modern-day take on the lives of the Flintstones and the Rubbles, two hard-working middle-class families living with contemporary conveniences in the dinosaur-era town of Bedrock. The series centers on hard-headed patriarch FRED FLINTSTONE and best friend and sidekick BARNEY RUBBLE. Fredâs Stone-Age clan includes wife WILMA, daughter PEBBLES and pet dinosaur DINO, while Barneyâs brood consists of wife BETTY and son BAMM-BAMM.
MacFarlaneâs lineup of animated series continues to dominate Sunday nights. Everyoneâs favorite families from Quahog, Langley Falls and Stoolbend will be back for more laughs as FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD and THE CLEVELAND SHOW were recently renewed for a 10th, seventh and fourth seasons, respectively.
CBS and Warner Bros. Television announced today that Ashton Kutcher will join the cast of the hit comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN.
The multi-talented Kutcher, whose success spans film, television and social media, will join Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones, Holland Taylor, Marin Hinkle and Conchata Ferrell on the top-rated series. Production on the ninth season of the Emmy Award-nominated TWO AND A HALF MEN will begin this summer for broadcast on the CBS Television Network in the fall.
"I can't wait to get to work with this ridiculously talented 2.5 team and I believe we can fill the stage with laughter that will echo in viewers' homes," said Kutcher. "I can't replace Charlie Sheen but I'm going to work my ass off to entertain the hell out of people!"
"We are so lucky to have someone as talented, joyful and just plain remarkable as Ashton joining our family," said Chuck Lorre, creator and executive producer of TWO AND A HALF MEN. "Added to that is the deep sigh of relief knowing that our family stays together. If I was any happier, it'd be illegal."
"Ashton is a pop culture triple threatâfilm star, cutting-edge producer and a social media pioneer," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "He brings creativity, energy and personality to everything he touches. We are thrilled to have him, and excited beyond words for what he brings to the next season of TWO AND A HALF MEN."
"Ashton Kutcher brings a new and distinctive comedic flavor to 'Two and a Half Men,'" said Peter Roth, President, Warner Bros. Television. "He is a big-time talent whose unique style will blend seamlessly with Jon Cryer, Angus T. Jones and the rest of this terrific ensemble. We look forward to a great future for this revamped and reenergized show, helmed as always by the extraordinary Chuck Lorre, whose creative skills and consummate professionalism make him the best in the business."
Ashton Kutcher is an actor/producer and co-founder of Katalyst, a new breed of media company that creates original digital media, television and film properties. Katalyst film credits include The Butterfly Effect, Guess Who, Spread and Killers. For television, Kutcher has served as co-creator and producer of MTV's hit series Punk'd, and The CW's reality series Beauty and the Geek and True Beauty.
Kutcher first gained recognition as Michael Kelso on the Fox/Carsey Werner hit comedy series, "That 70's Show," which aired for eight seasons. Kutcher went on to star in a variety of box office hits on the big screen, including What Happens In Vegas with Cameron Diaz, A Lot Like Love with Amanda Peet, Valentine's Day, No Strings Attached with Natalie Portman, The Guardian with Kevin Costner, and the cult hit, Dude, Where's My Car. Kutcher stars next in Garry Marshall's film, New Year's Eve, out in December 2011.
Oh, and BTW...Text MELT to 30543Â from your mobile devices for your chance to win a $50 Gift Card to check out The Melting Pot in Brookfield for yourself. Deadline 5/6/11 5pm CT. Good luck!
Kohlâs Art Generation is a joint effort between Kohlâs Department Stores and the Milwaukee Art Museum (through Kohlâs Cares) to bring art and creativity to area kids and their families.
The program includes the Kohlâs Art Generation Gallery and a Kohlâs Art Generation Studio onsite at the Milwaukee Art Museum, where kids participate in exciting and creative projectsâall while seeing some of their best work showcased exclusively at the Museum.
Find out all about the Kohl's Art Generation visit: http://mam.org/artgeneration
Summerfest officials announced the first list of stage headlining entertainment for Summerfest 2011 at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Headliner Release Party tonight. The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee is once again proud to showcase a diverse selection of artists and music genres.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee will feature the following headlining performers:
June 29 | 10:00 pm | Meat Loaf
June 30 | 8:00 pm | George Clinton
July 1 | 10:00 pm | Third Eye Blind
July 2 | 10:00 pm | Phil Vassar
July 3 | 6:00 pm | Ike Reilly
July 3 | 8:00 pm | Alejandro Escovedo
July 3 | 10:00 pm | Jayhawks
July 5 | 10:00 pm | The Wailers
July 6 | 10:00 pm | Danny Gokey
July 7 | 10:00 pm | Raphael Saadiq
July 8 | 10:00 pm | TBA
July 9 | 7:30 pm | Pat McCurdy
July 9 | 10:00 pm | The BoDeans
July 10 | 8:00 pm | Willy Porter
July 10 | 9:30 pm | Amos Lee
The headliner for July 8 will be announced in the near future. Please check Summerfest.com for updates. All performers and show times are subject to change.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Headliner Release Party took place today from 4:00 â 6:00 PM. If you missed this event, you missed a live surprise appearance by Phil Vassar, video messages from Meat Loaf and Ike Reilly, autographed merchandise and Marcus Amphitheater ticket giveaways and more!
The next Headliner Release Party for the Miller Lite Oasis will be held Thursday, April 14 from 5:00 â 7:00 PM at the Miller Tour Center, 4251 W. State St., Milwaukee. Fest-fans, ages 21 and older, will get 3 free samples of beer (must present ID) and the first 300 people (21+) to arrive will receive a Miller Valley Mini Mug. There will also be live music, appetizers and raffle drawings that include General Admission Summerfest tickets, Miller Lite Oasis Stage Right Deck Passes, Marcus Amphitheater tickets to see Jason Aldean on Friday, July 8, $100 Gift Certificate to the Miller Tour Center Gift Shop, band merchandise and more!
Dates for the remainder of the Headliner Release Parties are listed below. Details will be released weekly.
Tuesday, April 19 M&I Classic Rock Stage
Thursday, April 21 Potawatomi Bingo Casino Stage & Pavilion
Tuesday, April 26 U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
Thursday, April 28 Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
Tuesday, May 3 Rock Stage
Wednesday, May 4 Jo Joâs Martini Lounge
Thursday, May 5 Cascio Interstate Music Groove Garage
In conjunction with its Big Backyard Stage at Summerfest, Briggs & Stratton is hosting a âBattle of the Bandsâ site on Facebook and encouraging music enthusiasts from around the world to enter the competition. The winning band will perform live at Summerfest at the Big Backyard Stage on Saturday, July 2. Music lovers are encouraged to log on to www.briggsbattleofthebands.com from May 13 â May 27 to vote for your favorite band.
The Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard with Coors Light and Tap Milwaukee is just one example of how Briggs & Stratton continually demonstrates its commitment to the community. Briggs & Stratton continues its longstanding commitment of supporting the arts and Summerfest, health and wellness initiatives like Briggs and Alâs Run & Walk and various youth education programs. Briggs & Stratton contributes year round to improve lives in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin communities.
Summerfest 2011 will take place June 29 â July 3 and July 5 â 10, from Noon until Midnight daily. Summerfest will be closed Monday. The Worldâs Largest Music Festival and Milwaukeeâs cornerstone summer celebration attracts the music industryâs hottest stars, emerging talent and local favorites. The Marcus Amphitheater and 10 additional stages, along with a diverse selection of food and beverage vendors, marketplaces and interactive exhibits, are set against the Lake Michigan and downtown backdrops, creating a festival experience like no other. Patrons can also enjoy Miller Lite, the Official Beer of Summerfest. For more details visit Summerfest.com
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2011 Man Of The Year Nominee Tony Goff, TTTF Founder Cory Zimmerman and host Van McNeil join Leigh McNabb for a chat about This Time Tomorrow Foundation's A Night At The Calatrava Presented by The Milwaukee Wave Professional Soccer Team and Z2 Marketing.
A Benefit Concert for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Saturday April 9th, 2011.
The Milwaukee Art Museum
700 N Art Museum Dr Milwaukee, WI
Doors open at 7pm.
Noel V. Ginnity, universally recognized as Ireland's greatest comedian, has been delighting audiences at his own show in Dublin for the past 30 years and chats w Van about Dublin's Traditional Irish Cabaret.
Many who have seen his show in Dublin have come to see him time and time again, not only in Ireland but all over the U.S. Together with choreographer/producer Stuart O'Connor and musical director/pianist Pat Marnane, Ginnity has chosen a talented group of Irish entertainers to bring a taste of Ireland to American audiences.
Get more information and your tickets...www.marcuscenter.org
Comedian Steve Solomon chats w Van about, My Mother's Italian, My Father's Jewish and I'm In Therapy. This award winning show wraps this weekend at Vogel Hall at Marcus Center For The Performing Arts. This is a âdonât missâ evening of hilarious comedy at its very best. Spend an evening with Steve in his quest to defend himself against those people whose sole purpose in life is to add chaos to his. CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:
Join Steve in an evening of hysterical comedy topped off with the voices of almost 30 of the most hilarious characters and situations youâve ever seen. All this brought to life by the comic genius of master dialectician and comedian, Steve Solomon. Over 450,000 have seen and loved this show. This is a âdonât miss evening of side-splitting laughter.
Weâll meet: Uncle Willie, Stuttering Cousin Bob, Demented Cousin Kenny, Steveâs new therapist Cousin Sal (and Salâs parole officer) and a myriad of astounding characters we know, love and tolerate from our own families; each one brought to life on stage by Steve Solomon using his gift for creating voices dialects & wacky sound effects that only add to the hilarity of each story.
Variety says âSteve is Alan King, Billy Crystal, a smidgen of Don Rickles and George Carlin all thrown in,â while WOR Radio calls the show âan hour and a half of laughter, hysterically funny!â Having headlined throughout the United States and Europe for over twenty years, Steveâs stories relate to the wacky side of the human condition.
Sneak outta work a little early, pick up the kids and join me tonight at U.S. Cellular Arena for the Tripoli Shrine Circus! Not only will we have tons of prizes to give away, I'll be hosting your Pre-Party! We open the doors at 6pm so you and the fam can meet the performers, step into the circus rings, ride an elephant or pony, have your face painted or your picture taken with a giant snake!
Admission to Pre-Party is free with your valid ticket to the circus though additional fees can apply. (i.e. Elephant Rides, Face Painting, Bouncy House, etc.)
Learn more about what the Tripoli Shrine Circus has to offer and check out my interview w Cindy The Elelphant & Nina or just click here...www.MilwaukeeCircus.com
If you've never taken the family to a Milwaukee Wave game before, this Saturday is a great opportunity. We offer an exciting soccer atmosphere at a great value!
The Feb. 19 Milwaukee Wave game against the Chicago Riot at U.S. Cellular Arena will be at 6:00 p.m. and not only the Go Pink! game with appearances by LeRoy Butler, William Henderson, Rob Davis, Dorsey Levens and Antonio Freeman, but is also Brad Beachâs Mascot Game.
Milwaukee Wave Head Coach Keith Tozer chats w Van about this Saturday's game, his thoughts on the retiring Ronaldo and more!
TRAFFIC LIGHT is a relationship comedy that reveals how friendships and romances both enhance and complicate the lives of the men and women in them.
TRAFFIC LIGHT's Nelson Franklin joins Van for a chat about the show, his role in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and surprises some fans for Valentine's Day.
Traffic Light | Tuesdays | 8:30pm | FOX. Get a video sneak peek of Traffic Light below.
Click on the player to listen to the interview.
I had the chance over the weekend to learn more about K12. I know what you're saying...What the heck is K12?!? Â Well, let me tell you...
K¹² is the leader in online learning for grades K through 12 for two fundamental reasons: we develop our own curriculum, widely regarded as the highest quality available online, and we are devoted to fulfilling the promise of education for every child. In that spirit, we invite you to discover who we are and how we inspire learning.
Meet the newest characters and check out the trailer below!
Star racecar Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and the incomparable tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) take their friendship to exciting new places in âCars 2â when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the worldâs fastest car. But the road to the championship is filled with plenty of potholes, detours and hilarious surprises when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage. Torn between assisting Lightning McQueen in the high-profile race and towing the line in a top-secret spy mission, Materâs action-packed journey leads him on an explosive chase through the streets of Japan and Europe, trailed by his friends and watched by the whole world. Adding to the fast-paced fun is a colorful new all-car cast that includes secret agents, menacing villains and international racing competitors.Â
Click on thumbnail to enlarge and get description.
Enjoy a sampler of BOBâS BURGERS, the new animated series about a man, his family and a burger joint, opens this Sunday on FOX.
The newest member to join the Sunday âAnimation Dominationâ lineup, BOBâS BURGERS follows a third-generation restaurateur, BOB (H. Jon Benjamin, âArcherâ), as he runs Bobâs Burgers with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves.
Even though business is slow, Bob gets to work with his family. His wife, LINDA (John Roberts, âThe Treeâ), supports Bobâs dream through thick and thin (but truth be told, sheâs getting a little sick of the thin). Their eldest daughter, TINA (Dan Mintz, âImportant Things with Demetri Martinâ), is a 13-year-old hopeless romantic with minimal social skills. Middle child GENE (Eugene Mirman, âAqua Teen Hunger Forceâ) is an aspiring musician and a prankster who serves up more jokes than burgers. Their youngest, LOUISE (Kristen Schaal, âFlight of the Conchordsâ), is the most enthusiastic about her dadâs business, but an off-balance sense of humor makes her somewhat of a liability in the kitchen.
Beyond the restaurant is a city rich with character. Right next door to Bobâs is Itâs Your Funeral Home and Crematorium; down the street is Wonder Wharf, the oceanside amusement pier; and a few blocks away is Wagstaff Middle School, where Bob and Lindaâs kids go to school. And across the street is Jimmy Pestoâs Pizzeria, Bobâs Burgersâ main competition and the thorn in Bobâs side.
The brand new 2011 Ford Fiesta is in town for the next couple of weeks and you can be one of the first people to check it out. Join the Ford Fiesta at Bradford Beach Jam Sports and Music Festival July 23-25 at Bradford Beach w games and fun, plus check out the 15 features that you WON'T find on any other vehicle in its class. The 2011 Ford Fiesta. It's A Pretty Big Deal!
Find out more: www.FordFiestaBigDeal.com
There are a ton of different ways to save yourself some $$$ and get into Summerfest for FREE! But you gotta know whats going on, that's why I'm here. The following is a list of all the Admission Promotions that Summerfest offers.
Please know that all promotions, unless otherwise stated, will take place at the Mid-Gate promotions tent located across the street from the Summerfest Mid-Gate. All Admission Promotions start at Noon and run while ticket supplies last OR through 3:00 pm, whichever comes first, unless otherwise noted.
Ready for the madness? Here we go...
Thursday, June 24 is Johnson Controls Stomp Out Hunger Day with FOX 6. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm who donate three (3) non-perishable food items will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Donations will be accepted at the Mid-Gate promotions tent as well as the North Gate. All donations will benefit the Hunger Task Force.
Thursday, June 24 is Miller High Life â Give a Veteran a Piece of the High Life Day from 5:00 â 7:00 pm. The first 2,000 patrons, 21 and older, who bring six (6) Miller High Life or Miller High Life Light bottle caps will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket! Visit Millerhighlife.com for details on the National âGive a Veteran a Piece of the High Lifeâ Program.
Friday, June 25 is Cedar Crest âFlip Your Lid at Summerfestâ Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they turn in a lid and receipt dated June 1 â June 25, for the purchase of one (1) 48 oz. Cedar Crest ice cream. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted.
On Friday, June 25, the first 5,000 patrons will receive two (2) U.S. Cellular®/Summerfest Gadget Grips with a special accessory offer compliments of U.S. Cellular® and Summerfest. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Saturday, June 26 is Goodwill Industries Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who make a donation to a Goodwill Store & Donation Center between June 1 â June 26, 2010 and bring in their original donation receipt will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. One (1) admission ticket per person for each donation receipt. Only original receipts received at a Goodwill Store & Donation Center dated June 1 â June 26, 2010 will be accepted.
On Saturday, June 26, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) $15 Marcus Restaurant Group Gift Card redeemable at Mason Street Grill, Kil@wat and Milwaukee Chophouse. The giveaway starts at 5:00 pm while supplies last.
Sunday, June 27 is Jockey Family Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,000 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket and a Jockey Being Family® Bear.
Sunday, June 27 is Scout Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. All Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast in uniform will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the South Gate promotion booth and will enjoy a scout scavenger hunt.
Monday, June 28 is Sentry Foods and Deanâs Milk & Ice Cream Childrenâs Fest Day with TODAYâS TMJ4. All patrons arriving between Noon and 3:00 pm will be admitted FREE! Spend a fun-filled day with the family enjoying free Childrenâs Fest activities including the Map of Fun and Family Ticket Package giveaways. Select food vendors will offer discounts on food & beverage items.
On Monday, June 28, the first 5,000 patrons will receive one (1) Free Chips and Guacamole Card compliments of Chipotle Mexican Grill and Summerfest. Offer not valid on the Summerfest grounds. The giveaway starts at Noon while supplies last.
Tuesday, June 29 is Kapcoâs 2 Buck Tuesday at Summerfest from Noon â 6:30 pm. All Patrons attending Summerfest on Tuesday, June 29 between Noon and 6:30 pm can purchase an admission ticket for only $2 compliments of Kapco! Purchase tickets now at Summerfest.com.
Wednesday, June 30 is Klementâs Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket at the Mid-Gate promotions tent when they provide a Klementâs product label (8 oz. or larger) and a non-perishable food item. Donations benefit the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.
Wednesday, June 30 is Milwaukee Journal Sentinel âShow Your Smileâ Day from 4:00 â 7:00 pm. All patrons who arrive at the Summerfest Mid-Gate between 4:00 â 7:00 pm wearing a shirt with the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on and present the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coupon will receive $7 off their $15 admission. Patrons who present only the coupon between 4:00 â 7:00 pm, but are not wearing the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on will receive $5 off their $15 admission compliments of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Both the coupon and the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on are available in the Sunday, June 20, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Be spotted wearing the âShow Your Smileâ iron-on, on your shirt June 30 and win great prizes.
Thursday, July 1 is Northwestern Mutual âMake a Child Smile Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons who donate any new, indoor childrenâs toy, art supplies or childrenâs G or PG rated DVD movie with a $5 minimum value will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket. All items collected will be used throughout the Childrenâs Hospital of Wisconsin system. All items must be new with original tags attached and/or original packaging.
Thursday, July 1 is H.O.G.® Day from Noon â 3:00 pm. Patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting a valid H.O.G.® (Harley Owners Group®) card at the tent located on the northwest corner of Chicago Street and Harbor Drive. One admission ticket per card. NEW this year: H.O.G.® members will have exclusive access to the Harley-Davidson Hospitality Deck located at the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage between the hours of 4:00 â 9:00 pm on July 1. Limited space; first come, first served. Once the deck reaches capacity, access will be on a âone out, one inâ basis.
Friday, July 2 is Malt-O-Meal Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket when presenting an original receipt from any Wisconsin grocer that specifies the purchase of any two (2) Malt-O-Meal Bag Cereals 10 oz. or larger. Receipt must be dated between June 24 and July 2, 2010. No copies or handwritten receipts will be accepted. To find the store nearest you go to Maltomeal.com.
Saturday, July 3 is CBS 58 Milwaukee / MDA Day from Noon â 3:00 pm or while supplies last. The first 1,500 patrons contributing $10 or more to the Muscular Dystrophy Association will receive one (1) FREE admission ticket.
Sunday, July 4 is Summerfest âFree âtil Three Dayâ from Noon â 3:00 pm. All patrons attending Summerfest on the final Sunday (July 4) will be admitted for FREEâ¦compliments of Summerfest!
Whew! There you go. All the different ways you can into Summerfest for free. Now you can use all that money you saved for more...(beer, sour cream & chive fries, corn, whatever!) :)
Be safe, drink lots of water and we'll see you at Summerfest, The World's Largest Music Festival!
I'm aware that everyone has Summerfest on the brain, but if you act fast and do some planning, you can save some big dollars for the great Wisconsin State Fair.
State Fair Offical Patrice Harris has all the details in this interview:
Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the whole gang are back on the big screen as Andy prepares to depart for college and his loyal toys find themselves in⦠day care! These untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice, so itâs all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new facesâsome plastic, some plushâjoin the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbieâs counterpart Ken (Micahel Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-oâ-Hugginâ Bear (Ned Beatty). Toy Story 3, opens Friday and is rated G.
Tom Hanks on the relationship between Woody and Buzz:
Tim Allen on the story:
John Ratzenberger on the themes of the film:
Don Rickles on why he loves being a part of these films:
All this week during the lunch hour, listen to Van McNeil to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Edwardo's Natural Pizza.
Never been there before? They've got some good stuff. Take a video preview below.
If you are not able to win, you can still save $$$. On Friday we post $50 Gift Certificates for sale, but you only pay $25. It's all part of my Milwaukee Perk this week. Get all the details...click here.
Hi Mom's and Dad's. Thank you for stopping by. Now, if you are looking to get the kids/family outta the house may I suggest to you a visit to the Milwaukee Art Museum for the Kohl's Art Generation Program. I know what you're asking, "What is the Kohl's Art Generation Program?" Lemme tell you...
Kohlâs Art Generation is comprised of four educational programs which seek not only to inform kids about art and its value, but also to involve them in hands-on, creative art experiences that whet their appetites for more.
The Kohlâs Art Generation Gallery takes kids and families on a journey to discover specific aspects of art.
The Kohlâs Art Generation Studio for all new creative activities inspired by the Kohlâs Art Generation. The studio features projects for kids and families to create together.
Take a video preview and learn more by watching the video below.
We get your letters...
What an amazing weekend!
First of all, a very big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to Grafton and Mukwonago and waited in line amid cold, windy and rainy conditions for those Wisconsin Dells Season Opener Cards.
For me, it is a chance to meet / hang out with YOU the listener and give you goodies!
Second, got this letter from our 99.1 The Mix Contact Us forum, from the Dawson family of Port Washington and was truly surprised that my "simple gesture" warranted the following...
Question: Your Name:
Answer: Michelle
Question: Your City:
Answer: Port Washington
Comments:
Yesterday I took my parents to Grafton to wait for season opener cards. It was quite a cold morning. We arrived at 10 because in the past there have been huge lines. My mother is recovering from a recent open-heart surgery. She is a very petite older woman.
Van McNeil was interacting with people people in line and I asked him if it would be possible for my mom to going to the bank to warm up. He unexpectedly took my mom's hand and escorted her into the building. He was so kind to her and gave her a hug. He made sure she was warm and dry and took very good care of her.
My mom and dad are thrilled to be going to the Dells. Unknown to Van my dad just got out of The hospital last Friday after 4 1/2 weeks of being in. It's been a very rough couple of months for my parents and their health. My mother was just beaming about how nice Van was.
I wanted to thank you for the season opener cards which will allow my parents and my family to enjoy a vacation in Wisconsin this summer, and send a special thank you to Van for being so wonderful to my parents.
You're welcome and THANK YOU Michelle!
Just doing what I do because that's how my mama raised me!
Enjoy the Dells!
-Van
#everylistenermatters
Perennial Garden Renovations
Give your tired perennial garden a boost without a total renovation. Topdressing your garden with compost every year or two provides most if not all the nutrients your perennials need.
Pull back the mulch if needed. Then spread an inch of compost over the soil surface. You can buy a quality compost or make your own.
Leave the compost on the surface or lightly mix it into the soil. The earthworms, ground beetles, and other organisms will take it from there – moving the compost into the soil and around the plant roots where it is needed.
Or, do a bit of vertical mulching. Use an auger bit on your cordless drill. Simply drill holes into the soil between plants. Then fill the holes with compost. This gets the compost closer to the plant roots and soil organisms that will help mix it into and improve the soil.
Soil preparation and repair will help transform your garden.
A bit more information: Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ spray to increase plant vigor and their natural ability to tolerate environmental stresses, insect attacks, and disease problems. These natural products aren't fertilizers or pesticides. They can be applied to established plants at the beginning of the season to boost their ability to deal with stress or as soon as problems arise.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Growing Banana Plants Indoors or Out
Add a bit of the tropics indoors or out with a banana plant.
The large leaves are great for screening views and creating a bit of privacy on a balcony, patio or in the yard. Add a wicker planter or chair and you have your own tropical get-away.
The fiber banana (Musa basjoo) is hardy in zones 5 to 11. It grows in full sun. It will die back to the ground and benefit from winter mulch in northern areas of its hardiness zone.
Less hardy and smaller, the blood banana (Musa acuminata 'Zebrina'), has large leaves with red markings on 6 to 8 foot plants. It's only hardy in zones 10 to 11, but can be overwintered as a houseplant or allowed to go dormant in other areas.
Combine these tropical beauties with palms, ginger and bird-of-paradise. Or add some hardy tropical look-alikes such as Japanese forest grass, large leaf hostas and trumpet vines.
A bit more information: Push the limits of your growing region with special wintering techniques developed by Dr. David Francko, author of Palms Won't Grow Here and Other Myths: Warm-Climate Plants for Cooler Areas. And for those in warmer regions check out Creating the Tropical Look.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Preserving the Asparagus Harvest
Preserve the flavor and nutrition of asparagus to enjoy year round.
This flavorful vegetable is low in calories and high in Vitamins A and C as well as fiber. Unfortunately, it is most readily available and at the best price in the spring.
Insure the best flavor with proper harvesting. Select young tender spears 8 to 10 inches tall. Wash, remove the ends, and then cut to fit the freezer bag or container.
Blanch the asparagus before freezing to lock in flavor, color and texture. Dip the asparagus into boiling water. You'll need a large pan with a lid. Blanch small spears for 2 minutes, medium spears for 3 minutes and large spears for 4 minutes.
Remove and immediately set the blanched spears in ice water for 5 minutes to cool. Drain and freeze.
And, if you don't have an asparagus patch, you may want to consider planting one this year.
A bit more information: May is National Asparagus Month. For tips on planting and harvesting asparagus listen to my audio tip. And check out the National Center for Home Food Preservation website for helpful tips and guidelines for preserving your harvest.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
Add a little color and flavor to your garden and salads with Mexican tarragon.
This subtle beauty is really a type of marigold, but the leaves and flowers have a tarragon fragrance and flavor.
Wait until after the danger of frost has passed to plant this zone 8 to 10 hardy plant. Grow it in full sun to part shade and well-drained soils. It is somewhat drought tolerant. Northern gardeners can treat it like an annual and those in the northern range of its hardiness zone may see it die back to the ground in a hard freeze. But don't worry its root hardy.
The yellow flowers appear in late summer and persist through fall. The 14 to 20 inch tall plants make a nice addition to herb gardens and flowerbeds.
Harvest the new growth to use fresh. Preserve the flavor by freezing the leaves or storing in vinegar. They tend to lose their flavor when dried.
A bit more information: You can find this plant listed under several common names including Mexican tarragon, Texas tarragon, pericon, and sweet mace. No matter the common name you can use the leaves and blossoms in soups, sauces and chicken dishes as well as salads. Some gardeners even seep it for tea. Visit Bonnie Plants for more information and gardeners ideas for growing and using this plant in the garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Year of the Watermelon
Year of the Watermelon
The National Garden Bureau has declared 2013 the Year of the Watermelon. Be part of the celebration and consider planting watermelon in this year's garden.
Don't let the sweet flavor deceive you – these are nutritious as well as delicious. High in Vitamin C, low in fat and calories - it is a great way to boost your energy. Plus, all parts are edible.
You can pickle the rind, eat the fleshy portion fresh or roast or grind the seeds for flavoring. In china they stir fry watermelon while the Russians often pickle it before eating. You may want to try some new ways of enjoying this tasty summer treat.
Grow watermelon in full sun and well-drained soils. Save space by growing these plants on a trellis or decorative obelisk. Just secure the heavy fruit to the support with a cloth or macramé sling. Or plant a few seeds in a container and let the vines wander over your balcony or trellis.
A bit more information: Try planting one of the large picnic-type watermelons that can weigh 15 to 50 pounds. These are sure to get everyone in the family excited about growing and eating this, the largest edible fruit in the United States. Or perhaps you want to try one of the icebox melons that is much smaller at 5 to 15 pounds and easier to squeeze into the fridge. And don't forget about those with unique colored rinds and flesh and of course those that lack seeds.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Clematis Stem Wilt
Clematis Stem Wilt
Your clematis looks beautiful until suddenly the stems and leaves start turning black. Though it looks bad your clematis will survive.
The fungus that causes this disease enters your plant through wounds and cracks in the stem near ground level. Fortunately new growth arising below this point will be disease free.
Reduce future problems by pruning out and destroying infested stems. Disinfect tools between cuts to reduce the risk of spreading this disease.
As new growth emerges from the soil carefully secure it to the support to reduce the risk of cracking and damage. Eliminating the entryways for the fungus will reduce the risk of disease.
In the future consider planting the crown of the clematis below the soil surface. This allows the plant to produce new shoots below the point of infection.
Try growing small flowered clematis that tend to resist this disease. Alpina, macropetala and the viticella types are a few to consider.
A bit more information: For a disease to occur you must have the causal organism (fungus, bacteria, virus) present, disease-promoting weather and susceptible plants. Remove one of these factors and you eliminate the disease. Keep this in mind when managing clematis stem wilt and other plant diseases in your garden.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
I'm a fan, are you?
Who doesn't LOVE a good Roller Coaster? Am I right?! I've been so very lucky to been have rasied in the Midwest, a stones throw away from Six Flags Great America, where I practicaly spent my summers as kid with my best bud Edgar!
Mom and dad would drop us off at open and pick us up at close. 10a-10p. Don't think I could handle that now. Heck, I could barley make it on one run of Batman The Ride Backwards!
Yes, that's right, for a limited time this season, (BTW... I tried to find out when from officials, they wouldn't budge, so get there soon!) Batman The Ride will be running BACKWARDS!!
MOBILE USERS: Click here to WATCH Van rides Batman: The Ride Backwards!
www.SixFlags.com
My Lucky Brewers Socks
I've been wearing these sock to the last few games I have attended at Miller Park and the crew always wins when I have them on. Do you think my socks lucky?
Matt Nathanson AND Plain White T's coming to Festa!
YES! That headline is correct...Matt Nathanson AND the Plain White T's will be performing at Festa Italiana, Saturday night, July 20th and I have the honor of being your ON STAGE HOST!!
I'm super stoked and looking forward to hanging with Platinum-selling singer-song writer Matt Nathanson, and Grammy-nominated Chicago-bred Plain White T's again!
Check out the videos from both groups last visit to The Mix Studios:
WATCH Matt Nathanson Interview and Performance.
WATCH Plain White T's Interview and Performance.
Watch for and Prevent Borers on Trees and Shrubs
Extreme heat and cold, droughts and floods can leave our plants stressed and more susceptible to damaging borers.
These insects are the immature stage of moths and beetles that feed under the bark and inside the stems of plants. Their feeding weakens and in some cases kills the plant.
Many borers are opportunists, attacking already stressed trees. We can't control the weather but we can help reduce stress on our plants. Start by growing plants suited to the climate and growing conditions in your landscape.
Mulch the area under and around the base of trees and shrubs. Organic mulches like wood chips keep the roots cool and moist and reduce competition from grass and weeds.
Be sure to water new plantings thoroughly and as needed the first few years. And do the same for established trees and shrubs during extended drought. This will keep them healthy and help ward off borers.
A bit more information: Incorporate trees and shrubs into perennial planting beds. You will create an attractive garden and better environment for the plants. Plus, planting beds as well as mulching will reduce the need for hand trimming and will keep weed whips and mowers away from the trunks of the trees. And don't pile soil or mulch over the stems of shrubs and the trunks of trees. These practices create entryways for pests and encourage disease problems.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Lawn Revival
If sparse, bare spots or lots of weeds describe your lawn, it is time for a little lawn revival.
Start by evaluating the current state of your lawn. If more than 60% is bare or filled with weeds, it is time to start over. Look at this as an opportunity to properly prepare the soil, select a more drought tolerant lawn or convert it into a no mow or low maintenance lawn or planting bed.
Overseed thin sparse lawns. Core aerate first or use a slit seeder to insure good seed-to-soil contact. For small bare spots use a lawn patch kit or make your own. Mix a handful of quality grass seed into a bucket of topsoil. Remove any dead grass and roughen the soil surface. Then sprinkle the commercial or homemade lawn patch over the prepared bare spot.
Keep the soil moist until the grass seed begins to grow.
A bit more information: Larger areas will benefit from the addition of organic matter into the top 6 inches of soil before sowing the grass seed or laying sod. Keep the soil moist until the sod has rooted into the soil below and the grass seed begins to grow. Consider overseeding the lawn to help create a more uniform appearance in the lawn. For more information, click here.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Over the last few years, David Cook’s life has been punctuated by extraordinary highs and devastating lows. In short order, the 28-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician won the seventh season of America’s most popular television show, American Idol, rewrote chart history with a record-breaking 14 debuts on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, released his self-titled major-label debut album in November 2008, watched it debut at No. 3 on the Billboard album chart, spawn two Top 20 singles (the platinum “Light On” and “Come Back To Me”), and sell more than a million copies, reaching platinum status.
You've heard, maybe even read or saw something about Cirque Du Soleil before, right? 
FOX has renewed THE SIMPSONS, the longest-running comedy in television history, for an incredible 24th and 25th season, bringing the series total to an astonishing 559 episodes. THE SIMPSONS airs Sundays (8:00-8:30 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
In Novemeber of 2004, Tony Hale (Buster Bluth) called in to chat with Van McNeil about the second season of Arrested Development. In this interview Tony talks about the cast, what his plan were after the show and much more! ***Creator Mitch Hurwitz announced today that a mini-4th season of nine to ten episodes would air, leading up to a major motion picture. Dates on the return of Arrested Development episodes and the film have yet to be announced.
The Milwaukee Health Department is reporting another laboratory-confirmed case of measles, bringing our total count to 2 confirmed cases. In its more severe form, measles can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death. It is a highly contagious disease that can spread via airborne droplets person to person.
My family and I had a great time at the 2011 Milwaukee Air & Water Show over the weekend. I even got on the mic and had some fun w legendary Air & Water Show announcer, Herb Henry.
Summerfest officials are excited to announce details of their partnership with Kohlâs Department Stores through its Kohlâs Cares® program to present the Kohlâs Captivation Station, a new area that will feature kid-friendly performances and educational experiences during Summerfest. Sponsored by Kohlâs Cares, Kohlâs philanthropic program that sells special merchandise and donates 100 percent of the net profits to childrenâs health and education initiatives nationwide, the Kohlâs Captivation Station is located on the south end of Henry Maier Festival Park and will be open from Noon â 8:00 pm, every day of Summerfest.
Watertown, Wisconsin's very own Kevin Stangler joins me to chat about his role in the touring production of Fiddler On The Roof now on stage at Marcus Center for the Perfoming Arts. Get tickets at 
Noel V. Ginnity, universally recognized as Ireland's greatest comedian, has been delighting audiences at his own show in Dublin for the past 30 years and chats w Van about Dublin's Traditional Irish Cabaret.
I had the chance over the weekend to learn more about K12. I know what you're saying...What the heck is K12?!? Â Well, let me tell you...
Cars 2 is in theaters June 24th.
Enjoy a sampler of BOBâS BURGERS, the new animated series about a man, his family and a burger joint, opens this Sunday on FOX.
The brand new 2011 Ford Fiesta is in town for the next couple of weeks and you can be one of the first people to check it out. Join the Ford Fiesta at Bradford Beach Jam Sports and Music Festival July 23-25 at Bradford Beach w games and fun, plus check out the 15 features that you WON'T find on any other vehicle in its class.
I'm aware that everyone has Summerfest on the brain, but if you act fast and do some planning, you can save some big dollars for the great Wisconsin State Fair.
