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Van McNeil's Blog




Bruno Mars to premiere 'It Will Rain' from The Twilight Saga: Breaking

Grammy-award winning singer, songwriter, producer and multi-platinum selling artist Bruno Mars will sit down for an exclusive interview and to premiere his new music video “It Will Rain,” the first single from THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack that features a never-before-seen clip from the film, on MTV on Wednesday, October 26th at 7:54pm ET / 6:54pm CT during “MTV First: Bruno Mars.”

After personally introducing the new music video and answering a few fan questions, Bruno will stay on for an additional interview with MTV News’ Sway Calloway on MTV.com. In addition, fans will be treated to a live broadcast from MTV News’ studio, celebrating the upcoming release of THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 soundtrack with special guests, including TWILIGHT soundtrack Music Supervisor Alexandra Patsavas, super fans and more.

Fans can get in on the action immediately by submitting video or text questions beginning today via MTV.com or via Twitter (using @MTVNews / #AskBruno)

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FIRST LISTEN: Bruno Mars featured on Twilight Breaking Dawn Soundtrack...click here.

FIRST LOOK! The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 Trailer…click here.

EXCLUSIVE: Watch the Bruno Mars Radio Takeover…click here.
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Evanescence Amy Lee Interview.

Amy Lee from Evanescence calls in to chat w Van McNeil about their NEW self titled album which just debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Charts, what fans can expect in concert and lots, LOTS more!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:



http://www.Evanescence.com

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V.V. Brown Interview & Performance...click here.
Van McNeil surprises Goo Goo Dolls on stage...click here.
Skylar Grey Interview & Performance...click here.
Goo Goo Dolls Johnny Rzeznik Interview...click here.
Daughtry Interview...click here.
Colbie Caillat Interview...click here.
Gavin DeGraw Interview and Summerfest Block Party Concert.
VIDEO/AUDIO: Bruno Mars Radio Takeover...click here.
VIDEO/AUDIO: Jennifer Lopez Radio Takeover...click here.
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Cee Lo Green, Maroon 5 and Kanye West to perform at Victoria's Secret Fashi

Grammy Award-winning artist Cee Lo Green will join the star-studded musical line-up on THE VICTORIA'S SECRET FASHION SHOW, airing Tuesday, Nov. 29 (10:00PM, ET/ 9:00pm CT) on the CBS. Cee Lo Green joins previously announced artists Kanye West and Maroon 5.

Supermodel Candice Swanepoel will open the lingerie runway show, which will also star supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Erin Heatherton, Lily Aldridge, Lindsey Ellingson and a bevy of other Victoria's Secret Angels, and will also include red carpet interviews, model profiles and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the world's most celebrated fashion show.

The runway looks will include over-the-top lingerie embellished with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, iconic angel wings and the $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure Bra worn by Supermodel Miranda Kerr.

Find out more about Victoria's Secret Fashion Show...click here.
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Goo Goo Dolls kick off North American Tour and get BIG surprise!

The Goo Goo Dolls kicked off their North American tour last night right here in beautiful Milwaukee, WI and got a BIG surprise from one of lead singer Johnny Rzeznik's obsessions, The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages!

Van chats w Johnny Johnny Rzeznik about The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages.
Van chats w Johnny Rzenick about The Klement's Famous Racing Sausages.



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Goo Goo Dolls Interview w Johnny Rzeznik...click here.
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FOX renews The Simpsons.

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
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Footloose Interview w Kenny Wormald.

Kenny Wormald calls in to chat w Van McNeil about starring the in the Footloose movie in theaters THIS FRIDAY, October 14th. Plus, what people are saying about the remake and has he talked to Kevin Bacon about it? All that and lots, lots more!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:


Writer/Director Craig Brewer ("Hustle & Flow," "Black Snake Moan") delivers a new take of the beloved 1984 classic film, "Footloose." Ren MacCormack (played by newcomer Kenny Wormald) is transplanted from Boston to the small southern town of Bomont where he experiences a heavy dose of culture shock. A few years prior, the community was rocked by a tragic accident that killed five teenagers after a night out and Bomont’s local councilmen and the beloved Reverend Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid) responded by implementing ordinances that prohibit loud music and dancing. Not one to bow to the status quo, Ren challenges the ban, revitalizing the town and falling in love with the minister’s troubled daughter Ariel (Julianne Hough) in the process.  http://footloosemovie.com
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Meet Evanescence Txt 2 WIN!

Whip out your cell phones and txt 2 WIN tickets and backstage passes to hang with Evanescence, Friday, October 21st at The Rave / Eagles Club.

Watch the video for further instruction!

Many will enter, only one can win. Winner will be selected and notified the morning of October 17th, 2011. Good luck and thanks for listening to 99.1 The Mix!
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Arrested Development Interview Tony Hale 2004.

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.

CLICK HERE or CLICK ON THE PLAYER TO LISTEN:

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Jazz at Lincoln Center Interview Dan Nimmer.

Milwaukee's very own and pianist for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra w Wynton Marsalis, Dan Nimmer chats w Van McNeil about life on the road, the upcoming hometown show at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall Oct 4th, his first meeting w Wynton Marsails and lots, lots more.

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:


Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis
October 4, 2011 | Uihlein Hall
Tickets on sale at http://www.MarcusCenter.org

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Glee Season 3 Cast In Pictures.

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!

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The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 1 Trailer.



The highly anticipated fourth installment of The Twilight Saga, directed by Academy Award® winner Bill Condon, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1 reveals the mysteries of this romantic epic that has entranced millions.

In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson), plus those they love, must deal with the chain of consequences brought on by a marriage, honeymoon, and the tumultuous birth of a child… which brings an unforeseen and shocking development for Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner).

With more of the romance, passion, intrigue and action that made Twilight, The Twilight Saga: New Moon and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse worldwide blockbusters, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1, based on Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling book series, begins the conclusion of the tale of vampire love, boundless friendship, acceptance, and finding your true self.


http://www.breakingdawn-themovie.com
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2011 MTV Video Music Award Winners!

The ladies ruled the kingdom at the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards,†broadcast live this evening from Nokia Theater L.A. Live, as Katy Perry and Adele each took home three VMA Moonmen and Lady Gaga two. Katy Perry won the biggest prize of the night, “Video of the Year,†with her pop anthem, “Fireworks,†as well as honors for “Best Collaboration†and “Best Special Effects†for “E.T.†featuring Kanye West. Adding to her reign atop the album charts, Adele won VMAs for “Best Art Direction,†“Best Cinematography,†and “Best Editing.†Genre and gender-defying Lady Gaga kicked off the night as her alter ego Joe Calderone with a show-stopping performance of “You and I,†and later walked away with two VMAs for “Best Female†and this year’s new category, “Best Video with a Message.â€Â

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:

BEST MALE VIDEO:

BEST FEMALE VIDEO:

BEST POP VIDEO:

BEST ROCK VIDEO:

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO:

BEST COLLABORATION:

BEST NEW ARTIST:

The most explosive moment of the night belonged to hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West and Jay-Z . The duo brought funk, flare and the fireworks to the VMA stage with the worldwide television debut performance of “Otis†from their global number one album, Watch The Throne. The kings of hip-hop playfully commandeered the VMA stage with their usual royal swagger through a steady bombastic beat of flames, smoke and pyrotechnics until the patriotic climax as they proudly stood in front of the red, white and blue of a gigantic American flag in a nod to the single’s cover.

Another high-octane performance came courtesy of Pitbull featuring Ne-Yo and Nayer, who transformed the VMAs into a giant dance party with this summer’s mega hit “Give Me Everything.†The hip-hop trio brought Miami heat to the stage with 60 dancers and a laser light spectacle that brought down the house.
The show took a soulful turn with an unforgettable VMA debut from a hauntingly beautiful Adele who performed the heart-breaking “Someone Like You†with only a piano by her side and the glow of a single spotlight. Introduced by Katy Perry, Adele left the audience breathless as she treated them to one of the most powerful voices of a generation and they responded with a standing ovation.

Chris Brown delivered a show stopper with his high-flying aerial journey through VMA history. It was a visual feast as he few from stage to stage while performing his smash dance hit “Yeah 3X†into Wu-tang Clan’s “Protect Ya Neck†into Nirvana with “Smells Like Teen Spirit†and, finally, “Beautiful People.â€Â

An ogling Joe Calderone returned to the stage to present Britney Spears with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The two together then introduced Beyoncé, who, before starting to sing “Love on Top,†confirmed pregnancy rumors by saying “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me.†She ended the song by rubbing her belly to reveal her baby bump as a proud and expectant father Jay-Z received congratulations from the audience.

In the midst of performances from global superstar artists, the VMAs continued its legacy of introducing emerging talent. This year, the Awards show featured an explosive VMA debut from Young The Giant, who rocked and body surfed the audience with their hit “My Body,†alongside a throng of screaming fans.
The emotional highpoint and poignant moment of the evening was the tribute to the late British songstress Amy Winehouse by the legendary Tony Bennett with a surprise introduction by actor Russell Brand. Bennett unveiled footage of Winehouse’s final performance -- his recent recording session with her of their duet “Body and Soul†for his upcoming Duets II album. The tribute continued with Bruno Mars’s triumphant performance of Winehouse’s hit “Valerie.†With his soaring vocals, horn section harmonies, and smooth and syncopated choreography, Mars and his band’s performance was a joyous celebration of Winehouse’s life and music.

The girls from the “Jersey Shore†presented the “Best Female Video Award†to Lady Gaga and, in an intergenerational twist, was joined by Academy Award®-winning actress Cloris Leachman, who joked that the audience shouldn’t confuse her with Betty White.

Throughout the telecast British pop diva Jesse J commanded the House Artist stage as the VMA House Artist, keeping the crowd moving as she belted out her signature hits as well as a selection of other chart toppers.

Closing out the show, hip hop’s hottest MC and entrepreneurial Young Money Millionaire, Lil Wayne, closed with the seductive “How to Love,†before attacking the stage in full force as the band launched into a Black Sabbath riff and before ripping into “John†from his upcoming album, “The Carter IV,†to be released digitally at midnight tonight.

Presenters at the“2011 MTV Video Music Awards†included Katy Perry, Miley Cirus, Paul Rudd, Shaun White, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas and Jared Leto.

Watch the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards On Demand...click here.
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Colbie Caillat Interview.

I had a great time hanging and chatting w Colbie Caillat (and her new puppy Mahti) before her show at The Pabst Theater.

In this interview Colbie talks about her new record in stores and available for download called, "All Of You", she touches on a few new TV shows you can see her in this fall, how did she end up singing for the President Of The United States and lots, lots more!

http://ColbieCaillat.com

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Beyonce to perform at 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.



MTV announced today the triumphant return of Beyoncé to the VMA stage at the “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†for what promises to be the latest addition to her extraordinary list of unforgettable VMA performances. Nominated for three Moonmen this year including “Best Female Video,†“Best Choreography†and “Best Cinematography,†Beyoncé will add to her remarkable music legacy with a performance for the ages.

Beyoncé joins previously announced 2011 VMA performers Lady Gaga, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, Pitbull, Ne-Yo and Young The Giant.

Additionally, Will Ferrell, Jack Black, Zoe Saldana, Kevin Hart and Victoria Justice join Jonah Hill, Rick Ross, Seth Rogen, Selena Gomez, Kim Kardashian, Odd Future, Nicki Minaj, Taylor Lautner, Drake, Joe Jonas, Jared Leto, and JB Smoove from HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm†as confirmed presenters. Jessie J was also announced as VMA house artist. The “2011 MTV Video Music Awards†will air live from Nokia Theater L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 9PM (Live ET/Tape delayed PT).

“Beyoncé has delivered some of the most legendary and memorable performances in VMA history, we are so excited she'll be returning to the VMA stage this year." said Amy Doyle, Executive Producer of the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards and EVP, Music & Talent, MTV. “Everyone will be talking about how she set the VMA stage on fire-yet again!â€Â

CHECK OUT THE NOMINEES for The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.















VIDEO: Get to know MTV Video Music Award nominee and performer Bruno Mars...click here.

Legendary Tony Bennett to pay special tribute to the late Amy Winehouse at 2011 MTV Video Music Awards...click here.

Lady Gaga to open 2011 MTV Video Music Awards...click here.
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Transformers Dark Of The Moon 3D returns to IMAX for limited time.



IMAX Corporation and Paramount Pictures announced that Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the third film in the blockbuster Transformers franchise, is returning to 246 IMAX(R) locations for an extended two-week run from Friday, Aug. 26 through Thursday, Sept. 8. During those two weeks, the 3-D film will play simultaneously with other films in the IMAX network.

Since its launch on June 29, Transformers: Dark of the Moon has grossed $1,095 billion globally, with $59.6 million generated from IMAX theatres globally.

Tyrese Gibson joins Van McNeil to chat about Transformers Dark Of The Moon. Plus what happened on set w/ Shia Labeouf and what's next for Tyrese? Find out in this interview.

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:


"The fans have spoken and we are excited to bring Transformers: Dark of the Moon back to IMAX theatres," said Greg Foster, IMAX Chairman and President of Filmed Entertainment. "The film has been a remarkable success and we are thrilled to offer fans in North America another chance to experience the latest chapter in this history making franchise."

Transformers: Dark of the Moon: An IMAX 3D Experience has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R) with proprietary IMAX DMR(R) (Digital Re-mastering) technology for presentation in IMAX 3D. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX's customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique immersive environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.



Shia LaBeouf returns as Sam Witwicky in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the third film in the Transformers franchise and the first shot in 3D. It is directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger and produced by Don Murphy & Tom DeSanto, Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Ian Bryce. The executive producers are Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. The film has been rated PG-13.

(C) 2011 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

HASBRO, TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.

(C) 2011 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
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Jersey Boys Interview.



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!†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 – 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 Don’t Cry, Rag Doll, Oh What a Night and Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

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VIDEO: Jennifer Lopez on Marc Anthony pre-split.

May 3rd, 2011...I had the honor of taking over the nation w People Magazine's Most Beautiful Woman In The World, Jennifer Lopez.

We chated about her new record, LOVE? in stores and available for download on iTunes, American Idol and of course her husband at the time Marc Anthony.

In a statement, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony say, "We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved, and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.".

Relationships are tough. In Hollywood, even more so. Whatever the reason may be for the split, I wish them both the best.

Check out the video of the interview below and re-listen to The Jennifer Lopez Radio Takeover which aired nationwide on May 3rd, 2011. Click here.









Listen to The Jennifer Lopez Radio Takeover...click here.

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Matt Nathanson Interview.

Matt Nathanson joins Van McNeil for a chat about his new record, "Modern Love" in stores and avail at MattNathanson.com.

Matt performs Faster in studio and opens up about the writing process, touring on the road and what is he doing w The Muppets?

Find out in the interview below!
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Donnie Wahlberg Interview



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!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE.


http://zookeeper-movie.com
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SEE IT FIRST! Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2.

We get you into the best new movie FIRST!

Join me for The Mix Sneak Peek of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 Monday, July 11th.

Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) for your cue to call in and WIN! (414.799.1099)

From Warners Brothers and 99,1 The Mix!
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Tyrese Gibson Transformers Dark Of The Moon Interview



Tyrese Gibson joins Van McNeil to chat about Transformers Dark Of The Moon. Plus what happened on set w/ Shia Labeouf and what's next for Tyrese? Find out in this interview.

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:



http://transformersmovie.com
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SEE IT FIRST! Zookeeper Sneak Peek.

Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) has your tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Zookeeper starring Kevin James. Listen for you cue to call next week! (414.799.1099)

A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper (Kevin James) find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious. woman.

Check out the trailer below...
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SEE IT FIRST! Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts in Larry Crowne.



Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) has your tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Larry Crowne. Listen for you cue to call all week! (414.799.1099)

Oscar® winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts reunite for a dramatic comedy about how the hard knocks from today’s recession inspire one everyday guy to undergo a personal reinvention: Larry Crowne.

Until he was downsized, affable, amiable Larry Crowne (Hanks) was a superstar team leader at the big-box company where he’s worked since his time in the Navy. Underwater on his mortgage and unclear on what to do with his suddenly free days, Larry heads to his local college to start over. There he becomes part of a colorful community of outcasts, also-rans and the overlooked all trying to find a better future for themselves…often moving around town in a herd of scooters. In his public-speaking class, Larry develops an unexpected crush on his teacher Mercedes Tainot (Roberts), who has lost as much passion for teaching as she has for her husband.

The simple guy who has every reason to think his life has stalled will come to learn an unexpected lesson: when you think everything worth having has passed you by, you just might discover your reason to live.
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Fiddler On The Roof Kevin Stangler Interview.

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

CLICK HERE or CLICK ON THE PLAYER TO LISTEN:
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Elle Fanning Super 8 Interview

Elle Fanning chats w Van McNeil about 'Super 8' in theaters this weekend.

CLICK HERE or CLICK ON THE PLAYER TO LISTEN:

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Win tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Green Lantern!

99.1 The Mix gets you into the best new movie FIRST!

This time we are getting you into The Mix Sneask Peek of "Green Lantern" next Wednesday, June 15th at AMC Mayfair.

Listen to Van McNeil (Noon-4pm) all this week during the lunch hour for you chance to call in and win tickets. (414.799.1099)

Check out the trailer below.
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Ashton Kutcher to join "Two And A Half Men".



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 threat—film 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.

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/two_and_a_half_men
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The Conspirator Alexis Bledel Interview.

Alexis Bledel joins Van McNeil to chat about her new film, "The Conspirator", which is currently in theaters. In this interview Alexis talks about...what you can expect in the movie, her most recent airport incident, what she did after Gilmore Girls and lots more!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:




http://theconspiratorthemovie.com
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WIN! Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 BluRay Combo Pack!

Listen to Van all week at about 3:30pm for your chance to win, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1" on BluRay Combo Pack.

Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction – the Horcruxes. On their own and on the run, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever…but Dark Forces in their midst threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile the wizarding world has become a dangerous place. The long-feared war has begun and the Dark Lord has seized control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting all who might oppose him. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive.
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Chaos Interview Kurtwood Smith.

Wisconsin's very own Kurtwood Smith chats with Van about...the new CBS show he is a part of Chaos, what he did the last time he was in Milwaukee, will there be a "That 70's Show" reunion and lots, lots more!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:


http://www.cbs.com/chaos
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Wayne Brady Interview.



Actor and comedian Wayne Brady joins me for a chat about co-hosting the 42ND NAACP IMAGE AWARDS, broadcast live from Los Angeles’ historic Shrine Auditorium, this Friday, March 4 (7pm/CT) on FOX.

He talks about Co-hosting w Holly Robinson Peete, who will be perfoming on the show, what his plans are for the future and more!
CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:

The NAACP IMAGE AWARDS celebrates the accomplishments of people of color working in the fields of literature, music, television and film. The awards also honor individuals or groups who promote social justice through creative endeavors.

“This year more than ever we need to celebrate the achievements of minorties in the arts,†said NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck, who serves as executive producer of the awards telecast. “Inclusive and multicultural, the NAACP IMAGE AWARDS is truly a diverse American awards show. It showcases the hottest names in television, film and music. You couldn’t ask for better hosts than Wayne and Holly to lead us in this celebration.â€Â

42nd NAACP Image Awards Official Website.
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Jersey Boys coming to Milwaukee!

Join me THIS THURSDAY at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts to be one of the first people to purchase YOUR Jersey Boys tickets!

Joseph Leo Bwarie (Frankie Valli) chats w Van about Jersey Boys and what you can expect.

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE to LISTEN.


-Jersey Boys tickets on sale AT THE MARCUS CENTER BOX OFFICE ONLY Thursday, March 3rd 5-9pm.
-That's the only way you can get tickets on Thursday... on sale to general public on Friday morning.
-Enjoy refreshments, cash bar, games, trivia and prizes, and join in on a WII bowling tournament at the Four Seasons Lanes.
-The first 100 ticket buyers will receive a free Jersey Boys gift.
-Make sure to watch an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Jersey Boys 30 minute TV special Saturday March 5th at 6:30pm on WISN-TV 12.


Get even more information about the show at...www.MarcusCenter.org
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SEE IT FIRST! Red Riding Hood - The Mix SNEAK PEEK.

Listen to Van McNeil during the lunch hour to win tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek, Tuesday, March 8th at AMC Mayfair Cinemas.

Red Riding Hood is is set in the medieval village of Daggerhorn, where a young woman named Valerie (Amanda Seyfried) plans to run away with her boyfriend, a brooding outsider named Peter (Shiloh Fernandez), in order to avoid marriage with Henry Lazar (Max Irons), with whom her parents have arranged to marry, so that they can repay their debts to Henry's wealthy father. Their plan to run off with each other is forestalled when Valerie's older sister is found slaughtered by the mysterious werewolf that has been terrorizing their village for years. The people of Daggerhorn have maintained an uneasy truce with the beast, offering the creature a monthly animal sacrifice. But under a blood-red moon, the werewolf has upped the stakes by taking a human life. Hungry for revenge, the people summoned a famed Witchfinder General, Father Solomon (Gary Oldman), to help them track down and kill the beast. But Solomon’s arrival brings unintended consequences, as he warns that the werewolf, who takes human form by day, could be any one of them. As the death toll rises with each moon and panic grips the town, Valerie discovers she has a unique connection to the beast – one that inexorably draws them together, making her both suspect and bait.
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Hair The Musical Josh Lamon Interview.

Tribe Member Josh Lamon joins Van for a chat about what fans can expect at Hair The Musical, his roles in the show, gives some good advice to young actors and lots more!

Check out Hair - The Musical | Marcus Center For The Performing Arts | thur Sunday 2/27

www.MarcusCenter.org

CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.


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WIN! DVD|BluRay Combo Pack of You Again.



Listen for your chance to win all this week b/t Noon-4pm. (414.799.1099)

Become a fan of 99.1 The Mix on Facebook to find out exact times!

Courtesy of Touchstone Pictures!
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Win Movie Tickets - THE EAGLE.



Listen all week to win tickets to see The Eagle while in theaters.

Become a friend on facebook to find out exact times, get exclusive video, interviews and more!

THE EAGLE:
In 140 AD, two men -- master and slave -- venture beyond the edge of the known world on a dangerous and obsessive quest that will push them beyond the boundaries of loyalty and betrayal, friendship and hatred, deceit and heroism...The Roman epic adventure THE EAGLE stars Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell and is directed by Academy Award winner Kevin Macdonald. 20 years earlier, Rome's 5,000-strong Ninth Legion, under the command of Flavius Aquila, marched north carrying their treasured golden Eagle emblem. They never returned; Legion and Eagle simply vanished into the mists. Hearing a rumor that the Eagle has been seen in a tribal temple in the far north, Flavius' son Marcus (Tatum), determined to restore the tarnished reputation of his father, is galvanized into action. Accompanied only by his slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out into the vast and dangerous highlands of Scotland -- to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father's memory, and retrieve the hallowed Eagle. Along the way Marcus realizes that the mystery of his father's disappearance may well be linked to the secret of his own slave's identity and loyalty -- a secret all the more pressing when the two come face-to-face with the warriors of the fearsome Seal Prince (Tahar Rahim). Produced by Duncan Kenworthy and also co-starring Donald Sutherland, THE EAGLE's screenplay is adapted by Jeremy Brock from Rosemary Sutcliff's classic novel "The Eagle of the Ninth".
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Barbra Streisand to perform on the 53rd annual Grammy Awards.



Eight-time GRAMMY winner, current nominee and 2011 MusiCares® Person of the Year Barbra Streisand will appear in a rare performance on the "THE 53rd ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS" live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011 (7:00-10:30 PM, CT) on the CBS Television Network. Three-time GRAMMY winner Kris Kristofferson will introduce Streisand's performance.

Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award and GRAMMY Legend Award recipient Streisand is up for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album for Love Is The Answer.

Pop singer and actress Miley Cyrus, two-time Emmy Award-winner Neil Patrick Harris, Kristofferson, six-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee John Legend, current nominee Paramore and actor Seth Rogen have been added to the superstar lineup of presenters for the GRAMMY'S. They join current three-time GRAMMY nominee Dierks Bentley, nine-time GRAMMY winner and current nominee Norah Jones, singer/actor Selena Gomez, two-time GRAMMY winner and actor LL COOL J, current nominee Nicki Minaj and current nominee Blake Shelton as presenters.

Streisand joins previously announced performers and nominees Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Muse and Katy Perry; nominees Justin Bieber and Usher, with Jaden Smith; nominees B.o.B, Bruno Mars and Janelle Monáe; nominees Drake and Rihanna; nominee Cee Lo Green with Gwyneth Paltrow and the Jim Henson Company Puppets; and Mick Jagger with Raphael Saadiq.

Arcade Fire, Bieber, B.o.B, Jagger, Lambert, Mars, Monáe, Muse, Paltrow and Smith will be performing on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, and all five Album of the Year nominees will perform on Music's Biggest Night®: Arcade Fire, Eminem, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga and Perry.

Additionally, the 53rd Annual GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast ceremony will take place from 1:00-4:00 PM, PT, at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will be streamed live internationally on www.grammy.com and on www.youtube.com beginning at 1:00 PM, PT. Current GRAMMY nominees Bobby McFerrin and Esperanza Spalding will co-host the star-studded ceremony, which will feature performances by current nominees, including Afro-Colombian hip-hop trio and Latin GRAMMY® winner ChocQuibTown; blues musician and five-time GRAMMY winner Buddy Guy; singer/songwriter and GRAMMY winner Cyndi Lauper; American roots musician Maria Muldaur; contemporary blues artist Kenny Wayne Shepherd; trombone and trumpet player Trombone Shorty; legendary gospel and soul singer Mavis Staples; jazz musician Kirk Whalum; and R&B singer/songwriter and GRAMMY winner Betty Wright.

Presenting the first GRAMMY Awards of the night in approximately 98 categories will be current nominees performance artist Laurie Anderson, pop singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles, electronic/dance music artist and remixer BT, actor/comedian Kathy Griffin and Latin Jazz musician Wayne Wallace. The live stream of the Pre-Telecast will remain on GRAMMY.com as video on demand for 30 days following the event.
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New Angry Birds Game RIO coming in March.

ANGRY BIRDS, Rovio’s blockbuster smart phone and tablet game that has become a global cultural sensation, and RIO, one of the year’s most anticipated motion picture events, are joining forces to create a new game, ANGRY BIRDS RIO – representing a first-of-its-kind game development partnership between Rovio and Twentieth Century Fox.

"ANGRY BIRDS RIO is a match made in heaven for a mobile application and a major motion picture, and this collaboration with Fox is definitely one the most exciting partnerships we have entered into with the ANGRY BIRDS brand to date," said Mr. Mikael Hed, CEO at Rovio Mobile. "In addition to expanding the horizons of two fantastic entertainment brands and creating a great new gaming experience, we have also taken the concept of combining a mobile application and motion picture promotion to an entirely new level."

In ANGRY BIRDS RIO, the original Angry Birds are kidnapped and taken to the magical city of Rio, where they eventually escape their captors and set out to to save their friends, Blu and Jewel – two rare macaws and the stars of the upcoming Fox motion picture, RIO. Like the incredibly-popular original edition, ANGRY BIRDS RIO will feature hours of gameplay, physics-based demolition challenges and loads of replay value – all with unique twists based on the highly-anticipated film.

ANGRY BIRDS RIO will launch with 45 dedicated levels and will regularly add new levels via app updates. The game will be available for download on smart phones and tablets worldwide.

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Kevin Pollak Interview



In this interview Kevin Pollak chats about...
-Hosting Million Dollar Money Drop on FOX & the controversy around the show,
-His upcoming movies w Steve Martin & Kevin Smith,
-His fascination w Larry King and more!

CLICK ON THE PLAYER TO LISTEN


MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP: Actor/comedian Kevin Pollak hosts the ultimate high-stakes game show that gives contestants $1 million cash as soon as they start playing, and all they have to do to hold on to it is correctly answer seven multiple-choice questions. MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP SEASON FINALE TONIGHT 9/8c on FOX.
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Angry Birds...Birthday Cake?!? MUST SEE!

My addiction w Angry Birds came just hours after downloading the app. Many levels have been played but still far from beating both the original and seasons. I can only take so much frustration!

So far I've read about a full-length feature film, an animated series, plush toys and now a retail line of cakes?!? Ok, not really...thought I'm sure there is much more to come from the Angry Birds franchise.

This is a HOMEMADE Angry Birds cake made from Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Are you salavating yet?

It was made for blogger Adam Riggins by his lovely girlfriend, Melanie. Simply AMAMZING!

Check out more pictures of the Angry Brids cake...click here.

I may have a problem finishing all the levels, but this cake? I could do it in one sitting. I want one!
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Meet the newest CARS 2 characters.

Cars 2 is in theaters June 24th.

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 “Cars 2†when they head overseas to compete in the first-ever World Grand Prix to determine the world’s 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, Mater’s 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. 

Click on thumbnail to enlarge and get description.


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The Green Hornet...REVIEW!

The Green Hornet is in theaters this weekend! How is it? I can't tell you but my friend Justin can! Click to listen.


Britt Reid (Rogen) is the son of LA’s most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene – until his father (Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father’s more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. To get close to the criminals, they come up with the perfect cover: they’ll pose as criminals themselves. Protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets. Using all his ingenuity and skill, Kato builds the ultimate in advanced retro weaponry, Black Beauty, an indestructible car equal parts firepower and horsepower. Rolling in a mobile fortress on wheels and striking the bad guys with Kato’s clever gadgets, The Green Hornet and Kato quickly start making a name for themselves, and with the help of Britt’s new secretary, Lenore Case (Diaz), they begin hunting down the man who controls LA’s gritty underworld: Benjamin Chudnofsky (Waltz). But Chudnofsky has plans of his own: to swat down The Green Hornet once and for all.
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Win Country Strong movie tickets!

I've got your tickets to check out Gweneth Paltrow in Country Strong.

Country Strong is a drama centered on a rising country-music songwriter (Hedlund) who sparks with a fallen star (Paltrow). Together, they mount his ascent and her comeback, which leads to romantic complications involving her husband/manager (McGraw) and a beauty queen-turned-singer (Meester).

Listen for your chance to win and check out the trailer below!
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Mamma Mia Interview w/ Chloe Tucker



MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Now it’s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,†“S.O.S.,†“Super Trouper,†“Take A Chance on Me†and “The Winner Takes It All,†with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, see the show that has the whole world coming back for more, because every time feels like the first time at MAMMA MIA!

I had the chance to chat w Chloe Tucker, she plays Sophie Sheridan in the touring production of Mamma Mia at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts thru this Sunday, Jan 9th.

Find out more at: www.marcuscenter.org.

 In this interview, Chloe talks about the show, audition process and has advice for young actors.
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Young Frankenstein The Musical Interview.



The classic Mel Brooks movie is ALIVE... and it's HERE IN MILWAUKEE at Marcus Center For The Performing Arts, November 2-7!

I had the chance to chat with Preston Truman Boyd, who plays the famous, "Monster" character in the center of it all.

You'll have a monstrously good time at this spectacular new production, winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for BEST MUSICAL!

Don't miss the sensational cast delivering all your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including "Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and “Puttin' on the Ritz."

This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster--but not without scary and hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter is mad genius and three- time Tony© winner Mel Brooks himself--who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book- along with his record-breaking team fromThe Producers: five-time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony-winning writer, Thomas Meehan.
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SNEAK PEEK: The Simpsons Treehouse Of Horror XXI.



One last little bit of Halloween hits the TV this Sunday as the 21st installment of The Simpsons Treehouse Of Horror airs @8/7c on FOX.

Beware of ouija boards, vampires and unexpected guests in the 21st annual installment of the “Treehouse of Horror.†In “War and Pieces,†the first of three spine-tingling tales, Marge, worried about the effects of excessively violent video games, encourages Bart and Milhouse (Pamela Hayden) to give wholesome, classic board games a shot. The best friends discover that board games aren’t boring after all when they find themselves playing a real-life game. The supernatural spells continue in “Tweenlight,†when Lisa becomes smitten with a mysterious new student, Edmund (guest voice Daniel Radcliffe), who also happens to be a vampire. When a romance blossoms, the young lovers run away to Dracula-la Land, leaving Homer to come to Lisa’s rescue. In the final frightening fable, “Master and Cadaver,†Homer and Marge set sail on a romantic second honeymoon, but are interrupted when they rescue Roger (guest voice Hugh Laurie), a castaway who escaped an attempted poisoning on his ship.


You may also like:
Van talks to The Simpsons Executive Producer Al Jean about season 22. Click here.
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Glee Sneak Peek: The Time Warp - The Rocky Horror Glee Show.



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,  "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 “The Rocky Horror GLEE Show†for the annual school musical after learning of Emma’s newfound love for the cult classic. Despite Sue’s usual scheming, the members of New Directions inject their distinctive style to the show’s timeless tracks in the all-new “The Rocky Horror GLEE Show†episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Oct. 26 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
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Stars Align For Historic STAND UP TO CANCER Event!

An extraordinary line-up of actors, musicians, athletes and journalists have banded together for Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), the groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising funds to accelerate innovative cancer research bringing new therapies to patients quickly that will saves lives now.

Stand Up To Cancer returns to primetime TV September 10, 2010, at 8PM EST & PST / 7PM CT.

The one-hour fundraising event will be simulcast live and commercial-free on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, Bio, Discovery Health, E!, G4, HBO, HBO Latino, MLB Network, mun2, Showtime, Smithsonian Channel, The Style Network, TV One, and VH1.

Cat Deeley of FOX’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE will host the pre-show promotion to kick off the evening as the celebrity phone bank opens at 7:30 PM EST / 4:30 PM PST.

A 30-minute online “after hours†extended play featuring jams with musical guests...
Fitz and the Tantrums, Orianthi, Natasha Bedingfield and Heart will conclude the night’s events.

The pre-show and extended play will be featured on numerous online portals and destination sites (which will all also stream the one-hour special online) including: ABC, ABC News, AOL, Bing, CBS, CBS News, Crackle, Discovery Health, E! Online, FOX, G4, Hulu, Livestream, MLB Network, MSN, mun2, NBC, Style Network, TV Guide, TV One, Ustream, VEVO, VH1, Wonderwall.MSN.com, omg.yahoo.com and YouTube.

PARTICIPANTS CONFIRMED TO DATE FOR THE SEPTEMBER 10TH BROADCAST INCLUDE:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Derek Fisher, Seth MacFarlane, Diane Sawyer, Tatyana Ali, Delta Goodrem, Martina McBride, The Simpsons, Dave Annable, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Mandy Moore, Dave Stewart, Christina Applegate, Michael C. Hall, Aaron Neville, Eric Stonestreet, Lance Armstrong, Alyson Hannigan, Apolo Anton Ohno, Marcia Strassman, Natasha Bedingfield, Tony Hawk, Sharon Osbourne, Alison Sweeney, David Boreanaz, Jon Heder, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Maura Tierney, Abigail Breslin, Marg Helgenberger, Jim Parsons, Gabrielle Union, Chiquis, Terrence Howard, Aubrey Plaza, Sofia Vassilieva, Katie Couric, Ken Jeong, Dr. Ana Maria Polo, Sofia Vergara, Cindy Crawford, Rashida Jones ,Queen Latifah, Brian Williams, Fran Drescher, Minka Kelly, Yarel Ramos, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Elizabeth Edwards, Laura Linney, Naya Rivera, Reese Witherspoon, Donald Faison, Zachary Levi, Robin Roberts, Stevie Wonder, Sally Field, Ray Liotta, Seth Rogen, Ethan Zohn.

The broadcast is dedicated to the 12 million U.S. cancer survivors, illustrating how groundbreaking research can change the tide in the fight against the disease. Updates will be provided on the work of the five Stand Up To Cancer Dream Teams, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent, will report on other new medical developments.

SU2C’s star-studded television special builds continuing public support and donations for cutting-edge cancer research that translates at a rapid pace from the laboratory to treatments and technologies benefitting patients. One-hundred percent of all donations received from the public will go directly to cancer research. Viewers will have the ability to donate via a dedicated phone line, the web, or through text.

Find out more at: www.standuptocancer.org
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All about...Twilight: Eclipse

In Eclipse, Bella (Stewart) once again finds herself surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward (Pattinson) and her friendship with Jacob (Lautner) -- knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella is confronted with the most important decision of her life.



Kristen Stewart: On how Bella's different in this film.



Robert Pattinson: On Edward in the film.



Taylor Lautner: On Bella and Jacob's relationship in Eclipse.



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Toy Story 3 cast talks movie.


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 it’s all for one and one for all as plans for the great escape get underway. A few new faces—some plastic, some plush—join the adventure, including iconic swinging bachelor and Barbie’s counterpart Ken (Micahel Keaton), a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants (Timothy Dalton) and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o’-Huggin’ 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:



Bonnie Hunt on her character:



Jeff Garland on film:



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Golden Girl Rue McClanahan passes away at 76.



Rue McClanahan, played Southern belle Blanche Devereaux on the hit TV series "The Golden Girls," has died. She was 76.

Read more from People.com...click here.

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THIS JUST IN: Actor Dennis Hopper dead at 74



Actor Dennis Hopper, whose five decades in film were highlighted by his starring and directing in "Easy Rider," has died at his home in Venice after a battle with prostate cancer. He was 74.

He died last night at his home surrounded by family and friends, according to a family friend.

More from Fox News...click here.
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Russel Crowe and cast talk Robin Hood.

Robin Hood chronicles the life of an expert archer, previously interested only in self-preservation, from his service in King Richard's (Huston) army against the French. Upon Richard's death, Robin (Crowe) travels to Nottingham, a town suffering from the corruption of a despotic sheriff and crippling taxation, where he falls for the spirited widow Lady Marion (Blanchett), a woman skeptical of the identity and motivations of this crusader from the forest. Hoping to earn the hand of Maid Marion and salvage the village, Robin assembles a gang whose lethal mercenary skills are matched only by its appetite for life. Together, they begin preying on the indulgent upper class to correct injustices under the sheriff.

RUSSELL CROWE (ROBIN HOOD)
On what audiences will like about the film.


On learning to shoot a bow and arrow for the film.


CATE BLANCHETT (LADY MARION)
On the relevance of the Robin Hood story.


WILLIAM HURT (WILLIAM MARSHALL)
On Robin Hood.


RIDLEY SCOTT (DIRECTOR)
On the popularity of the Robin Hood tale.



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Iron Man 2 cast talks.


The world is aware that billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Downey, Jr.) is the armored super hero Iron Man. Under pressure from the government, the press and the public to share his technology with the military, Tony is unwilling to divulge the secrets behind the Iron Man armor because he fears the information will slip into the wrong hands. With Pepper Potts (Paltrow), and James "Rhodey" Rhodes (Cheadle) at his side, Tony forges new alliances and confronts powerful new forces.
 



ROBERT DOWNEY, JR.
On the decision to out Tony Stark as Iron Man at the end of the first film.


GWYNETH PALTROW
On how Pepper has changed in the sequel.


MICKEY ROURKE
On what attracted him to the film and on developing the character.


SCARLETT JOHANSSON
On what she knew about the Iron Man comics, and on her interpretation of the character.


DON CHEADLE
On being introduced to the Iron Man comics.


JON FAVREAU
On Scarlett Johansson joining the cast.



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Tyler Hilton Live @ WMYX Studios

Tyler Hilton is a singer-songwriter and actor. Hilton began his professional career in music in 2000. Rolling Stone Magazine compared him to his contemporary, Howie Day, while others have compared Hilton to Elton John, both vocally and instrumentally. Since the release of his debut album in 2000, Hilton has ventured into acting, guest starring on The WB's One Tree Hill as the talented but somewhat arrogant Chris Keller, and playing the role of Elvis Presley in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line. He also appeared in Taylor Swift's music video "Teardrops on My Guitar".

After a short hiatus Tyler has returned in 2010 with a brand new EP, 'Ladies & Gentlemen', available for download now on iTunes. Before kicking off his tour and on the day his new EP was released, he stopped by the WMYX Studios for a chat w Van McNeil and to perform songs from said EP.
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At the movies this weekend...

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is based on the series of books by Jeff Kinney, chronicles the adventures of wise-cracking middle school student Greg Heffley, who must somehow survive the scariest time of anyone’s life: middle school.
Starring, Steve Zahn, Rachael Harris and Zachary Gordon.  Diary of a Wimpy Kid is rated PG. 

Steve Zahn on why the Wimpy Kid books are popular:





In The Bounty Hunter (PG-13), Milo Boyd (Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, gets his dream job when he is assigned to track down his bail-jumping ex-wife, reporter Nicole Hurly (Aniston). He thinks all that’s ahead is an easy payday, but when Nicole gives him the slip so she can chase a lead on a murder cover-up, Milo realizes that nothing ever goes simply with him and Nicole. The exes continually one-up each other – until they find themselves on the run for their lives. They thought their promise to love, honor and obey was tough – staying alive is going to be a whole lot tougher.

Jennifer Aniston on the relationship between Milo and Nicole:

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Star Wars Hits The Road. Coming To Milwaukee!


Star Wars In Concert coming to Bradley Center July 10th! Here is a sneak peek.



Get more info. Click here and may the force be with you! :)

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Corey Feldman talks Corey Haim.

"I was awakened at 8:30 this morning by my brother and sister knocking on my bedroom door. They informed me of the loss of my brother Corey Haim. My eyes weren't even open all the way when the tears started streaming down my face," Feldman said in a statement. "I am so sorry for Corey, his mother Judy, his family, my family, all of our fans, and of course my son who I will have to find a way to explain this to when he gets home from school. This is a tragic loss of a wonderful, beautiful, tormented soul, who will always be my brother, family, and best friend. We must all take this as a lesson in how we treat the people we share this world with while they are still here to make a difference. Please respect our families as we struggle and grieve through this difficult time. I hope the art Corey has left behind will be remembered as the passion of that for which he truly lived."
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82nd Academy Awards Wrap Up.


The 82nd Annual Academy Awards were handed out last night and in this year’s David vs. Goliath competition, it was David that walked away the winner, with the low budget Iraq war film The Hurt Locker beating blockbuster Avatar for Best Picture.

In total, Hurt Locker took home six awards, including Best Director for Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman ever to win in that category, and Best Original Screenplay. Hurt Locker and Avatar each came into the Oscars with nine nominations. Avatar had to settle for three wins, for art direction, cinematography and visual effects.

There were no surprises in the acting categories, with all the favorites going home with trophies. After five nominations, Jeff Bridges finally nabbed the Best Actor Oscar for Crazy Heart, while Sandra Bullock won Best Actress for The Blind Side.

Meanwhile, Precious’ Mo’Nique and Inglourious Basterds’ Christoph Waltz continued their award show sweep, with wins for Best Supporting Actress and Actor, respectively.

Other winners included: Precious, for Best Adapted Screenplay and Up for Best Animated Feature.

LISTEN NOW:
Best Supporting Actor Christoph Waltz backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.
Best Supporting Actress Mo’Nique Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.
Best Director Kathryn Bigelow Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.
Best Actor Jeff Bridges Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.
Best Actress Sandra Bullock Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.
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Best Actress Sandra Bullock Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.

Sandra Annette Bullock (pronounced /ˈbʊlək/; born July 26, 1964) is an American actress who came to fame in the 1990s, after roles in successful films such as Speed and While You Were Sleeping. She has since established her career with films such as Miss Congeniality and Crash, which received critical acclaim. In 2007, she was ranked as the 14th richest female celebrity with an estimated fortune of $85 million. In 2009, Bullock starred in the most financially successful films of her career, The Proposal and The Blind Side. Bullock was awarded a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress, a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role, and the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Leigh Anne Tuohy in The Blind Side.



Where she's going to put her Oscar and her Razzie Awards?

She didn't expect to win.


Advice for young actors?
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Best Director Kathryn Bigelow Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.

Kathryn Ann Bigelow (born November 27, 1951) is an American film director. Her best-known films are the horror film Near Dark (1987), Point Break (1991), and the six-time Academy Award-winning The Hurt Locker (2008). With The Hurt Locker she became the first woman to win the Directors Guild of America award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures and Academy Award for Best Director. The film also won her the Academy Award for Best Picture, the Best Film and Best Director at the 2010 British Academy Film Awards and was nominated for a Golden Globe.



Never hoped to win, but gives critics props for backing film.


Advice for young filmmakers?
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Best Actor Jeff Bridges Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.

Jeffrey Leon "Jeff" Bridges (born December 4, 1949) is an American actor and musician. His most notable films include K-PAX, The Last Picture Show, Thunderbolt and Lightfoot, Tron, Starman, The Fabulous Baker Boys, The Fisher King, Fearless, The Big Lebowski, The Contender, The Mirror Has Two Faces, Iron Man, and Crazy Heart, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role at the 82nd Academy Awards.



What he most identified with in his character Bad Blake, and would he form a country band with his co-stars?


How will he use this win to do other projects?
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Best Supporting Actress Mo'Nique Backstage at 82nd Academy Awards.

Mo'Nique, is an American comedienne and actress. In 2009, she received critical praise for her role in the film Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire. She has won numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Golden Globe Award, and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for her performance in Precious. She is the 16th African American actress to receive a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and the 4th to win. She hosts The Mo'Nique Show, a late night talk show that premiered in 2009 on BET.



How will playing this character affect her career?


How did she get out of her character after shooting tough scenes?
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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
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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
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Best Photo BOMB!
This was the best photo bomb from Saturday night at Kenny Chesney!
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The Best Reality Show EVER!
If you're a fan of "The Bachelor" like I am, then you will get a kick out of this new reality TV show idea.
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The Best Reality Show EVER!
If you're a fan of "The Bachelor" like I am, then you will get a kick out of this new reality TV show idea.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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NEW MUSIC: Safe & Sound
This song is currently in my Top 5. Capital Cities is the group and the song is "Safe & Sound". Let me know what you tihnk.
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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?
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This Is The Spring I Have Been Waiting For
Fnally, the Milwaukee we love. Sunny and 70.
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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.
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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
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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
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