The third season of Glee hits the airwaves Tuesday, September 20th, 8.7c on FOX.
Its fall and that means back to school for the students and faculty at McKinley High. The New Directions clan returns after a devastating loss at Nationals, so Mr. Schuester assigns a project to get them back on track. Meanwhile, Sue Sylvester starts her congressional campaign.
Check out the Season 3 cast in pictures and some scenes from the season premiere!
When the entertainment for prom falls through, Principal Figgins asks New Directions to perform at the dance â much to prom coordinator Sueâs dismay. Things get heated as the competition for prom king and queen draws closer in the all-new âProm Queenâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, May 10 (7pm CT) on FOX. Watch online at http://fox.com/glee
Sue Sylvester revives the school newspaper and decides to print a few inflammatory blind items. The glee club gains a whole new respect for Sam when they discover some interesting new information about his family life. Meanwhile, April Rhodes (guest star Chenoweth) returns to Lima and tries to convince Mr. Schuester to hit the road with her in the all-new âRumoursâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, May 3 8/7CT on FOX
We love them as hoodie-rocking, librarian-sweater-wearing, pom-pom-toting teenagers. So much so that it's hard to picture the Glee girls in anything remotely high fashion. But unlike, say, the ladies of Mad Men â whom fans often prefer in costume than in couture â when Glee stars go glam, their on-air personas are all but forgotten. For the Marie Claire cover shoot, the MC fashion team culled together racks of red-carpet-ready gowns from the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Roland Mouret, and Calvin Klein. Sophisticated, so-hot-for-spring lace separates towed the line between young innocent and dangerous liaison. Topping it all off: '70s-inspired accessoriesâparticularly pleasing to vintage fan Dianna Agron. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, the message was loud and clear: "We're not Gleeks, we just play them on TV."
Are you the biggest GLEEk? Tell us why and you could be named âGLEEk of the Weekâ and see yourself on-air on FOX. Starting tonight and for every new episode of GLEE airing this season, FOX will name one lucky fan of the hit series the âGLEEk of the Week.â Chosen through a fan promotion on Twitter and Facebook®, the âGLEEk of the Weekâ may be identified with their photo and Twitter and/or Facebook username on-air at the end of the episode.
To participate, follow GLEE on Twitter (@GLEEonFOX) and/or Facebook (www.facebook.com/Glee), and follow the instructions to tell us why youâre the showâs biggest fan. The promotion runs tonight through the season finale this May. Full details regarding the promotion can be found on the official GLEE fan page on Facebook.
In the all-new âSexyâ episode airing tonight, Tuesday, March 8 (7:00 CT) on FOX, free-spirited substitute teacher HOLLY HOLLIDAY (guest star Gwyneth Paltrow) fills in for the absent sex-education teacher, and she joins forces with MR. SCHUESTER (Matthew Morrison) to teach the kids of New Directions the facts of life. Meanwhile, EMMA (Jayma Mays) heads up the Celibacy Club, and she and DR. CARL (guest star John Stamos) address some issues in their personal lives.
In the behind the scenes footage below, singer/songwriter Stevie Nicks professes her love for the show, Matthew Morrison, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cory  Monteith return the favor. Her song Landslide is featured in tonight's "Sexy" episode.
Who knew Stevie Nicks was such a BIG GLEEK! Enjoy.
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
THE HIT MUSICAL SERIES NOW HAS MORE HOT 100 CHART ENTRIES THAN ANY OTHER ARTIST, TOPPING ELVIS PRESLEY AND JAMES BROWN!
The cast of pop-culture phenomenon GLEE has broken the music record for the most single entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, claiming the title previously held by the âKing of Rock and Roll,â Elvis Presley. Having covered hit tracks by chart-topping artists including Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Madonna and Journey, GLEE now holds the record for 113 single entries on the Billboard Hot 100 chart â exceeding Elvisâ 108, James Brownâs 91, Ray Charlesâ 74, Aretha Franklinâs 73 and The Beatlesâ 71 entries.
In the short amount of time since GLEE hit the airwaves, the series has racked up two Platinum and two Gold albums, two Grammy Award nominations, more than 16 million song downloads, the No. 1 soundtrack of 2010 (âThe Christmas Albumâ) and an incredible 19 Emmy and 11 Golden Globe nominations, as well as four Emmy Awards and three Golden Globes, including the award for Best Television Series â Comedy or Musical. The critically acclaimed âGlee Live! In Concert!,â starring 13 members of the television showâs cast, will return to North American concert stages this spring.
THE CAST OF FOXâS SMASH SHOW âGLEEâ TO RETURN TO CONCERT STAGES IN THE U.S. AND CANADA THIS MAY FOR BLOCKBUSTER CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR PRIOR TO PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED EUROPEAN ENGAGEMENT!
Special Presale to American Express Cardmembers Starts February 11; Tickets Go on Sale to General Public Saturday, February 19.
On the heels of blockbuster ratings for the post-Super Bowl episode Sunday night, Twentieth Century Fox Television and âGleeâ co-creator Ryan Murphy are pleased to announce that the critically acclaimed âGlee Live! In Concert!,â starring 13 members of the television showâs cast, will return to North American concert stages this spring.
Beginning Friday, May 21 at the Mandalay Bay Event Center in Las Vegas, âGleeâ stars Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Darren Criss (Blaine) will perform in an all-new singing and dancing celebration of the Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning show.
The North American engagement of âGlee Live! In Concert!,â is a unique concert experience once again conceived by Murphy that will include live performances of some of the showâs most memorable musical numbers from Seasons One and Two, including âEmpire State of Mind,â âToxic,â âMy Life Would Suck Without You,â âItâs My Life,â and of course, the showâs anthem, âDonât Stop Believinâ.â Described by the Los Angeles Times as âtriumphant,â USA Today called last yearâs concerts âequal parts musical theater, giddy pop culture phenomenon and Journey-loving rock show.â
âThe cast and I were so moved by the love and enthusiasm of our fans at last yearâs concerts that we knew we had to do it again,â said Murphy. âThere is something magical about thousands of âGleeksâ coming together to share a special night with our cast, and this tour is one way we can thank them for their unbelievable support from the beginning.â
âJoining the cast this year has been like hopping on a fast-moving train,â commented Overstreet. âI have already had so many incredible experiences, but the chance to perform live on stages across the U.S., Canada and Europe takes the cake. This is too cool.â
âJoining the cast of âGleeâ has been an amazing, rewarding and humbling experience all at once,â added Criss. âOn top of all of that, Iâm fortunate to play such a strong and interesting character like Blaine that speaks volumes to fans. Now I have the chance to perform for thousands of them this summer, and I couldnât be more excited!â
2011 Glee Live! In Concert! Dates:
May 21 Las Vegas, NV Mandalay Bay Event Center
May 22 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena
May 24 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
May 27 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
May 28 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
May 29 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
June 1 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
June 2 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
June 3 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
June 6 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 8 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
June 11 Toronto, Canada Air Canada Centre
June 13 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
June 14 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
June 16 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
June 18 Uniondale, NY Nassau Colliseum
Select tickets will be available to American Express cardholders in an exclusive presale beginning Friday, Feb. 11; tickets go on sale to the general public for most cities on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 10:00 a.m. (Tickets for the Boston concert go on sale Friday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 a.m.; Toronto goes on sale Friday, Feb. 18 at noon and Sacramento Saturday, Feb. 19 at noon.) Tickets will be available via www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (800) 745-3000 or at any Ticketmaster Outlet. Tickets will be available at the arena box offices as well. âGlee Live! In Concert!â has also teamed with I Love All Access to provide a variety of fan ticket packages for the show, including premium seats, parties and more. For more information, please visit âGleeâ at www.gleetour.com.
Love is in the air at McKinley High when the glee club sets up a kissing booth for Valentineâs Day. Things donât go as planned, however, and hearts end up getting broken in the all-new âSilly Love Songsâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Feb. 8 (7:00 CT) on FOX.
Mr. Schuester and Coach Beiste devise a plot to bring together the warring glee club and football team factions. Meanwhile, Sue, desperate to win cheerleading Nationals, launches a dangerous plan to bring home a trophy, and the kids of New Directions tackle Michael Jacksonâs iconic hit âThrillerâ in an all-new special episode of GLEE airing Sunday, Feb. 6 (Approx. 9:30-10:30 PM CT) on FOX.
Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch, Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and Matthew Morrison (GLEE)and Wilmer Valderrama (âThat 70âs Showâ) Make Guest Voice Appearances.
After Roberta stands Donna up at the school carnival, Donna is hurt when she realizes how much they have grown apart. Donna tries to explain to Cleveland how she feels for support, but Cleveland instead criticizes her parenting skills. Cleveland seems to think heâs such a good parent, so Donna decides to let him test his parenting skills on a teenage girl and leaves him to deal with Roberta by himself. In an attempt to win Robertaâs approval, Cleveland lets her throw a house party, which ends up causing her to run off with her new boyfriend, Diego (guest voice Valderrama), and leading Cleveland, Federline and Raymond on a wild goose chase to save her in the all-new âHow Do You Solve a Problem Like Roberta?â episode of THE CLEVELAND SHOW airing Sunday, Jan. 16 (9:30-8:30c) on FOX.
Ok Gleeks, now that baseball is over with, Glee is back with a new episode tonight 8/7c on FOX6.
After Finn and Sam find an unconventional way of controlling their urges, a few glee club members pick up on the strategy and start using it too. But when Coach Beiste gets wind of what they are up to, the glee club has some explaining to do in the all-new âNever Been Kissedâ
Enjoy a sneak peek of what's to come tonight and check out the pictures too!
I was a theatre geek back in the day, a thespian if you will so tonight's episode of, "Glee" strikes a cord. Many cast parties ended and continued in a viewing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
You may even catch me dancing in the living room tonight.
Dammit Janet!
BTW, Â "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"is playing THIS SATURDAY at The Landmark Oriental btw! Let loose, dress up and check it out! :)
On tonight's episode, Meatloaf and Barry Bostwick Guest-Star! Will decides to have the glee club perform âThe Rocky Horror GLEE Showâ for the annual school musical after learning of Emmaâs newfound love for the cult classic. Despite Sueâs usual scheming, the members of New Directions inject their distinctive style to the showâs timeless tracks in the all-new âThe Rocky Horror GLEE Showâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Oct. 26 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Just a few episodes into its second season, GLEE has broken the record for the most titles on the Billboard Hot 100 by a non-solo act. With six new entries this week alone, the cast of the pop-culture phenomenon has claimed the title previously held by The Beatles.Â
Having covered classic tracks by artists including Britney Spears, Madonna, Journey and Queen, GLEE has a record 75 singles on the Hot 100 chart, exceeding the Fab Fourâs 71. The GLEE cast also makes the third-most appearances on the charts among all acts (since the launch of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1958) with only Elvis Presley and James Brown having more.Â
Since the series premiere, GLEE has sold 11.5 million downloads and 2.8 million albums, including âGlee: The Music, The Power of Madonna,â âGlee: The Music, Volume 3: Showstoppersâ and âGlee: The Music, Journey to Regionals.âÂ
In the next all-new episode, airing Tuesday, Oct. 12 (7:00-8:00 PM CT/ET) on FOX6, the glee clubbers are assigned to sing duets, and FINN (Cory Monteith) and RACHEL (Lea Michele) plan to throw the competition so that SAM (Chord Overstreet) can have a shot at winning. Meanwhile, a love triangle develops between MIKE (Harry Shum Jr.), TINA (Jenna Ushkowitz) and ARTIE (Kevin McHale).
Here is a sneak peek.
New Directions performs Britney Spearsâ most iconic and memorable songs, including âToxic,â ââ¦Baby One More Timeâ and âMe Against The Music,â and the pop princess herself makes a special cameo appearance on an all-new, sure-to-be-fan-favorite episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Sept. 28 7:00c 8:00e 9:00p on FOX.
âWorking on GLEE was an amazing experience,â said Spears. âThe cast is so talented, and I really had an incredible time working with Ryan Murphy.â
In the âBritney/Brittanyâ episode, MR. SCHUESTER (Matthew Morrison) insists that the glee club perform adult contemporary music at the school assembly, but the kids have other plans. As New Directions mounts its campaign to perform Britney Spearsâ greatest hits, they learn that their own BRITTANY (Heather Morris) has a connection to the famous performer. Meanwhile, Will meets EMMAâs (Jayma Mays) new love interest, DR. CARL (John Stamos), who sparks a rivalry between the two men as they vie for her attention.
This is the best time of year for me, the kids are back in school, the leaves are turning and another season of The Simpsons is about to hit the airwaves this Sunday night @ 8/7c on FOX.
I am honored to again this year, bring you an exclusive sneak peek at the 22nd season along with Executive Producer of The Simpsons, Al Jean!
In this interview:
-Who guest stars on Season 22?
-Behind the scenes w/ Flight Of The Concords & Cory Monteith from Glee.
-A look back to Season 3.
-How long did this season premiere epsiode take to finish from the idea to completion.
-3 clips from the premiere episode.
-The Simpsons and Family Guy unite?
All of that and lots more!
TUESDAY NIGHTS: GLEE - 8/7c on FOX
Entering its second season, GLEE is a biting musical comedy that has quickly become a pop-culture phenomenon. The highest-rated new scripted series of the season boasts critical acclaim, a loyal fan base of âGLEEks,â two certified Gold albums, more than 10 million song downloads and an incredible 19 Emmy nominations â earning it the distinction of being the most-nominated series of the year. To top it off, the genre-defying, award-winning series has been picked up through its third season.
GLEE follows a group of eager and ambitious students as they strive to outshine their singing competition to win Nationals while navigating the cruel halls of McKinley High. Although New Directions lost at Regionals, they now have their sights set on making it to Nationals and defeating their arch rivals, Vocal Adrenaline.
The Biggest Loser - 8/7c on NBC
This 10th season has adopted a theme, called Paying It Forward, which means that the trainers won't only motivate contestants, but whole communities. 21 are selected to compete on the ranch, while others will be brought back during the season, which could lead to a pool of contestants bigger than 21. The trainers traveled to seven cities.
NEW! Running Wilde - 9:30/8:30c on FOX.
RUNNING WILDE is the new romantic comedy series centering on a spoiled, filthy rich playboy who desperately tries to win the heart of his humanitarian childhood sweetheart by helping raise her 12-year-old daughter. The series stars Will Arnett, Keri Russell, Stefania Owen, Peter Serafinowicz, Robert Michael Morris and Mel Rodriguez.
âHOMEâ IS WHERE THE HEART IS ON AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF âGLEEâ TUESDAY, APRIL 27, ON FOX.
Guest Star Kristin Chenoweth Returns!
When Kurt sets his dad, Burt (guest star Mike OâMalley), up with an unexpected partner his plan for a nuclear family may backfire. Sue demands that the Cheerios! go on a crazy diet in preparation for a big interview with âSplitsâ magazine and April Rhodes (guest star Kristin Chenoweth) returns to save Will and the glee club in the all-new âHomeâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, April 27 on FOX6.
GLEE pays homage to Madonna and the power of her music with a full episode devoted to one of the most revered and iconic musicians of this generation. The sure-to-be-fan-favorite installment of televisionâs most-loved new series will air in its regular time period Tuesday, April 20 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.Â
In âThe Power of Madonnaâ episode, MR. SCHUESTER (Matthew Morrison) is concerned that the girls in the glee club are being disrespected and bullied by the male members. Looking to Madonna and her musical message of equality as inspiration, he challenges the entire team to choose Madonna songs as their next assignment in the hopes that the girls embrace Madonnaâs strength, independence and confidence so that the guys will see the errors of their misogynistic ways. The glee club takes the assignment to heart and performs some of Madonnaâs greatest hits, including âExpress Yourselfâ and âLike a Prayer.â Meanwhile, KURT (Chris Colfer) and MERCEDES (Amber Riley) give SUE (Jane Lynch) a vote of confidence with a Madonna makeover that is definitely in âVogue.âÂ
Madonna commenting on the episode said, âI think Mr. Schuester is very cute, and Iâm glad heâs doing such a good job empowering all the girls.âÂ
âThis episode is our love letter to Madonna, an artist who has inspired me all my life. The hardest part was having to choose which songs to include from her incredible catalogue, as there were so many we wanted to do,â said GLEE executive producer and co-creator Ryan Murphy. âWe send her our thanks for her generosity with her music.â
Take a first look at the Spring Premiere Episode of, 'Glee' which returns Tuesday night April 13th on Fox at a special time (8:28p - 9:30p after American Idol.)
Want more behind the scenes action from Glee?
Find out the what the cast has to say about the return of, 'Glee', watch video and more.
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
How To Help Tornado Victims
The tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma, as well the twisters as Kansas and Texas, have killed dozens and left thousands homeless. Officials expect the death toll to rise.
Relief efforts are underway. Right now, the best way to help the victims is a donation to major relief organizations.
Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations:
American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund: Click HERE to donate online. You can also text REDCROSS to 909999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.
Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief: The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters." For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website by clicking HERE.
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.
Salvation Army - The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day. Click HERE to donate via their website. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.
You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check: Put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK. 73157.
Phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).
Feeding America - Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies. Click HERE for their website.
Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma - Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Low Maintenance – Big Impact Perennials
Don't let a lack of time, energy or space stop you from growing perennials. Instead select and grow low maintenance plants with big impact.
Start with your design. Once you develop your plan, cut the number of different perennials in half and double the number of each. You will have fewer perennials to identify as they emerge in spring, less maintenance to learn and bigger impact.
Edge your beds to keep unwanted grass out of the bed and make managing the surrounding lawn much easier. I dig a small trench around the edge of my gardens and fill with woodchips.
Always select plants suited to your climate, soil and natural rainfall. You'll have healthier and more beautiful plants with much less work.
Look for perennials that require no staking and little or no deadheading. Avoid those that reseed, are aggressive and do not plant perennials that tend to escape the garden and invade our natural spaces.
A bit more information: Use color to help increase the impact without increasing the number of plants. Warm colors of red, orange and yellow grab your attention. Repeat colors, known as color echoing, from one plant to another to provide unity and balance. Use complementary colors, those across from each other on the artist color wheel, like red and green and blue and yellow to create a focal point.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Grow Your Own Pickles & Celebrate National Pickle Week
Celebrate National Pickle Week by growing a few of your own cucumbers for pickling.
All you need are a few seeds, a sunny location and a bit of garden space or a large container. Train these large vining plants up a fence, trellis or decorative obelisk to save space.
Consider planting National Pickling Cucumber Seeds developed by the National Pickle Packers Association and Michigan Agriculture Experiment station. These were bred for their versatility and perfect pickle shape. You'll be harvesting cucumbers in about 52 days after planting.
Or save some space with Bush pickle. This cucumber forms a 3 to 4 foot wide mound and produces an abundance of 4-inch fruit. It's a perfect size for containers. And save even more space and grow straighter fruit by training these smaller plants up a cage or trellis. Cucumbers are ready to pick in about 45 days.
A bit more information: Cucumbers are generally ready to harvest in 45 to 60 days after planting. This makes them a great option for mid and late season plantings. Just calculate the number of frost-free days left in the growing season to see how late you can plant. And further extend the season by using floating row covers like ReeMay, Harvest Guard, and Frost Covers to protect plants from frosty weather.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
Celebrate Clean Air Month – Grow Some Air-Purifying Houseplants
Celebrate National Clean Air Month by growing a few houseplants to improve your indoor air quality.
NASA teamed up with PLANET (Professional Landcare Network, formerly ALCA) and found adding 15 to 18, 6 to 8 inch diameter container houseplants will improve the air quality in an 1800 square foot house. Keeping them healthy will increase their beauty and ability to cleanse the air.
Consider adding a bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii). Use this large houseplant to create a warm welcome for guests, dress up a blank wall or mix in with other houseplants for an impressive indoor garden.
This palm is an understory plant in Central America. It is hardy in zones 10 to 11 and adapted to the lower light conditions indoors. Grow it in a brightly lit location and keep the soil slightly moist.
Cut off fronds as they die, leaving the leafy stem covering intact. Once it is fully dried, remove to expose the attractive stems.
A bit more information: Start new plants by division. Remove suckers and offshoots that form at the base of the plant. Slide the bamboo palm out of its pot. Use a sharp knife or drywall saw to separate the offshoots from the main plant. Repot the parent plant and offshoots in a container slightly larger than the remaining root ball.
For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com
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
The third season of Glee hits the airwaves Tuesday, September 20th, 8.7c on FOX.
When the entertainment for prom falls through, Principal Figgins asks New Directions to perform at the dance â much to prom coordinator Sueâs dismay. Things get heated as the competition for prom king and queen draws closer in the all-new âProm Queenâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, May 10 (7pm CT) on FOX. Watch online at 
Sue Sylvester revives the school newspaper and decides to print a few inflammatory blind items. The glee club gains a whole new respect for Sam when they discover some interesting new information about his family life. Meanwhile, April Rhodes (guest star Chenoweth) returns to Lima and tries to convince Mr. Schuester to hit the road with her in the all-new âRumoursâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, May 3 8/7CT on FOX
THE HIT MUSICAL SERIES NOW HAS MORE HOT 100 CHART ENTRIES THAN ANY OTHER ARTIST, TOPPING ELVIS PRESLEY AND JAMES BROWN!
Love is in the air at McKinley High when the glee club sets up a kissing booth for Valentineâs Day. Things donât go as planned, however, and hearts end up getting broken in the all-new âSilly Love Songsâ episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Feb. 8 (7:00 CT) on FOX.
Mr. Schuester and Coach Beiste devise a plot to bring together the warring glee club and football team factions. Meanwhile, Sue, desperate to win cheerleading Nationals, launches a dangerous plan to bring home a trophy, and the kids of New Directions tackle Michael Jacksonâs iconic hit âThrillerâ in an all-new special episode of GLEE airing Sunday, Feb. 6 (Approx. 9:30-10:30 PM CT) on FOX.
This is the best time of year for me, the kids are back in school, the leaves are turning and another season of The Simpsons is about to hit the airwaves this Sunday night @ 8/7c on FOX.
âHOMEâ IS WHERE THE HEART IS ON AN ALL-NEW EPISODE OF âGLEEâ TUESDAY, APRIL 27, ON FOX.
