Waukesha, Wisconsin's very own Michael Dean Morgan stopped by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about his role of Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins The Musical now on stage at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts thru Sunday.
In this interview Micahel talks about...
His Wisconsin roots,
How he got the part in Mary Poppins,
and what suggestions does he have for young thespians?
Find out in the interview below...just click on the player to listen.
THE X FACTOR is expanding its audition process to reach more singers than any talent show ever before in its search to find the best new solo artists and vocal groups in America. In addition and new for Season Two, artists with pre-existing management contracts can now audition (subject to limited restrictions).
America’s best undiscovered talent can audition for THE X FACTOR Season Two as follows:
-Online auditions open March 1 at www.TheXFactorUSA.com;
-MyStudio HD Recording Studios across America open March 1 (see below for details)
-Open Calls begin March 14 in Kansas City and continue in Austin, TX (March 22); San Francisco (April 20); Greensboro, NC (May 1); and an additional city to be announced.
THE X FACTOR reopens its invitation to ALL of America, ages 12 and over with no upper age limit, to audition for Season Two (subject to full eligibility requirements). This fall’s No. 1 unscripted series discovered such diverse recording artists as winner Melanie Amaro, and finalists Astro, Chris Rene, Josh Krajcik, Marcus Canty and Rachel Crow, who have all signed major deals with Sony Music.
Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid will return as judges to THE X FACTOR this fall on FOX. Additional judges to be announced.
“We wanted to change a few things this year, so starting with the auditions, we’ve torn up the rulebook again. Even if you have management you can still enter, and we are making it easier by extending the online auditions and taking the MyStudio booths to even more cities. You can enter as many times as you want and come to any of the cities, too. We’re here to discover stars from all music styles including groups. I really believe a group can win this show!” – Simon Cowell, judge and mentor, THE X FACTOR.
“In the music industry, when you’re looking for new talent you can discover it anywhere. THE X FACTOR is opening this up to go further than anyone has before, and that’s what it takes, so I can’t wait to see what amazing talent we might find. I urge people to go out and audition, this is the real deal.” – L.A. Reid, judge and mentor, THE X FACTOR.
Sign up now for all audition information and audition details, including rules and eligibility requirements at www.TheXFactorUSA.com. Hopefuls should check back regularly for updated information, rules and registration forms.
Melanie Amaro was crowned THE X FACTOR Season One winner and was awarded the biggest prize in TV history, a $5 million recording contract, as well as her own iconic Pepsi commercial featuring Sir Elton John. Her album is due out later this spring.
Enjoy a sneak peek of tonight's SMASH (10pm ET / 9pm CT) called “Enter Mr. DiMaggio”
The search begins for a Joe DiMaggio to play opposite Marilyn—but everyone’s first choice, Michael (guest star Will Chase), has a secret. Karen (Katharine McPhee) returns to Iowa for a baby shower and must decide what she wants for her future. Eileen (Anjelica Huston) begins rounding up investors—but ex-husband Jerry (guest star Michael Cristofer) may already have poisoned the well. Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Christian Borle, Megan Hilty, Raza Jaffrey and Jaime Cepero also star. Will Chase and Michael Cristofer guest stars.
Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce five of the 11 shows for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage during this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular®. The 2012 Fair will be held Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12 in West Allis.
Back by popular demand, Jeff Dunham and his cast of characters will bring “Controlled Chaos” upon their return to the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage the opening day of the Fair, Thursday, August 2 at 7:30pm. The challenges posed to Dunham by his diverse characters including Walter, Bubba J, Peanut, José Jalapeno and Achmed the Dead Terrorist are among the reasons Dunham’s Comedy Central specials have been some of the most watched in the cable channel’s history. It’s also no wonder that he was named “the most popular comedian in the United States” by Time Magazine. Tickets for Jeff Dunham’s performance will be $49, $39 and $29.
Billy Currington’s most recent album, Enjoy Yourself, captures what country fans will be doing in the stands on Friday, August 3 when the music kicks off at 8pm. With an impressive ten Top 10 hits, of which six hit number one, combined with Currington’s charm, it is clear why crowds have fallen in love with him. His latest hit, “Like My Dog,” follows other chart-toppers including “Pretty Good at Drinkin’ Beer,” “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” and “People Are Crazy.” Up and comer David Nail will take the stage prior to Billy Currington. Nail’s latest, The Sound of a Million Dreams, is cinematic in its scope, with lyrics and melodies awash in imagery as demonstrated in “Let it Rain,” the album’s first hit single. Tickets for the Billy Currington and David Nail concert will be $35 and $25.
The Happy Together Tour returns to the Fair with an updated lineup for 2012. The show will feature The Turtles with Flo and Eddie, The Monkees lead singer Micky Dolenz, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams. The evening will return fans to the music of the 60s and fond memories from younger days. The Happy Together Tour 2012 wraps up the first weekend of the Fair on Sunday, August 5 at 7pm. Tickets for the concert will be $35 and $25.
Contemporary Christian sensation Chris Tomlin will perform on Wednesday, August 8 at 7:30pm. Tomlin’s 2004 album, Arriving, spawned number one songs “Indescribable,” “Holy Is the Lord,” and “How Great is Our God.” Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship, released in 2009, peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 and at number one for Holiday albums. Tomlin’s release in 2010, And If Our God Is for Us, generated hits “Our God,” “I Will Follow,” and “I Lift My Hands.” Self-taught guitar player, Wisconsinite and Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award winner Chad James will open the show for Tomlin. Tickets for the Chris Tomlin and Chad James concert will be $35 and $25.
It will be all about rock on Saturday, August 11 at 7:30pm when the triple bill of Tesla, Great White, and Slaughter hit the stage. Tesla, who will headline, are best known for hits including the classic 90s power ballad “Love Song,” the cover “Signs,” and “Heaven’s Trail (No Way Out).” Great White launched hits in the 80s including “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” “Face the Day,” and “Save Your Love.” Slaughter, which will be first to take the stage, turned up on the music scene in 1990 and, over the years, have toured with likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Motley Crue and Alice Cooper. Among their popular songs are “Fly to the Angels,” “Up All Night,” and "Stick It to Ya.” Tickets for Tesla, Great White, and Slaughter will be $35 and $25.
All tickets are reserved seating and INCLUDE FAIR ADMISSION when purchased prior to entering the Fair Park.
Tickets for these shows go ON SALE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 at 10AM. Tickets will ONLY be available online at WiStateFair.com. Service fees apply to all online orders and purchasers will have the option for print-at-home or mail order.
The Wisconsin State Fair will continue its policy of Bag Searches upon entry to the Fair Park and the Parental/Guardian Youth Admission Policy will be in effect for the 2012 Fair. Fairgoers entering the Fair after 5pm must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian 21 years of age or older. Proof of age is required.
The 161st Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, will take place Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12, 2012. The Wisconsin State Fair offers an original experience to all that attend and is a phenomenal value with 30 FREE entertainment stages, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, vendors and culinary delights. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.WiStateFair.com
Enjoy a sneak peek of this Sunday's episode of Family Guy and go behind the scenes w the Emmy/Golden Globe Winner, Ricky Gervais.
Get ready for a good laugh!
When Peter and the guys try to salvage a sunken car, Peter half-heartedly promises a favor to a helpful dolphin (guest voice Ricky Gervais). Soon the dolphin moves to Quahog, outstays his welcome at Peter’s and moves into Cleveland’s house across the street. Peter tries to reunite the dolphin with his ex-wife in hopes that he’ll return to the ocean, but his plan backfires and the whole dolphin family moves into Cleveland’s in the all-new “Be Careful What You Fish For” episode of FAMILY GUY airing this Sunday, Feb. 19 (9pm ET/ 8pm CT) on FOX.
Gavin DeGraw is bouncing back from a brutal bar beating and is reportedly joining the new cast of Dancing With The Stars. DeGraw was hospitalized with a concussion and broken nose after a run-in with some thugs in New York last August.
He is putting the street attack behind him and according to One Republic's Ryan Tedder, he's going to dance. Tedder spread the rumor to The Hollywood Reporter, "Gavin DeGraw is doing Dancing With The Stars, I heard. He's amazing. He's one of my favorite male singers alive."
DeGraw hasn't officially inked a deal to appear on the show, but the official cast of the 14th season of Dancing With The Stars is scheduled to be announced February 28th on ABC.
Gavin DeGraw Backstage Interview...click here.
OneRepublic Backstage Interview...click here.
Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating, & Marriage stops by Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Vogel Hall THIS THURSDAY February 16th - 19th and star Laurie Birmingham joins me to chat all about the show!
MISS ABIGAIL’S GUIDE TO DATING, MATING, & MARRIAGE is the story of Miss Abigail, the most sought-after relationship expert to the stars (think Dr. Ruth meets Emily Post), and her sexy sidekick Paco, as they travel the world teaching Miss Abigail’s outrageously funny "how-to's" on dating, mating and marriage!
During this 90-minute comedy, you’re guaranteed to laugh-out-loud and learn a thing or two . . . like how to have a perfect kiss (it’s all about lip position) . . . what you should and should not talk about on a date (don’t mention your troll doll collection) . . . and how to let a man think he wears the pants.
Inside Edition Anchor Deborah Norville calls in to chat w Van McNeil about last night's Grammy Awards, the latest on the death of Whitney Houston and lots, lots more!
Catch Inside Edition Weekdays at 12:30am after The Late Late Show w Craig Fergeson on CBS 58.
It's my Superbowl. I loves me some GRAMMYs!
Come on, it's "Music's Biggest Night" and I just happen to work in the industry and LOVE IT!
That's why I'm breaking it down for you and taking you backstage!
To absolutely no one’s surprise, the night belonged to UK songstress Adele, who swept all six categories she was nominated in, including Album of the Year (21) and Record and Song of the Year for “Rolling in the Deep.
The Foo Fighters walked away with five Grammy Awards last night including Best Rock Album for Wasting Light, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for “Walk,” Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “White Limo” and Best Long Form Music Video for Foo Fighters: Back and Forth.
Eau Claire, WI's very own Bon Iver surprised many by winning the Best New Artist award and capped the night by taking home the Best Alternative Music Album category for Bon Iver.
The night included performances by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band (“We Take Care of Our Own”), Bruno Mars ("Runaway Baby"), the Foo Fighters (“Walk”), Coldplay (“Princess of China” featuring Rihanna and “Paradise”), Taylor Swift ("Mean"), Jennifer Hudson remembered Whitney Houston, ("I Will Always Love You") and Paul McCartney who closed the night with the classic Beatles medley “Golden Slumbers”/”Carry That Weight”/”The End” with a little help from Springsteen and Dave Grohl, among others.
Executive Producer Al Jean of The Simpsons joins Van McNeil for a chat about the upcoming 500th episode Sunday, February 19th 8/7c on FOX.
In this interview Al Jean also talks about...
The 500th Episiode Marathon Challenge (happening right now in Hollywood, CA,)
Will there be another movie anytime soon?
What about new DVD's?
Find out all about that and lots more in this interview.
Singer Says a Phone App Talked and Swore for Her While Her Throat Healed.
She couldn’t talk, but she could still curse a blue streak. Chart-topping singer Adele, under orders to be silent for weeks after throat surgery, found an app that would allow her phone to voice the spicy language she typed into it. That’s one of the stories the British singer, who is up for six Grammys Sunday night, tells Anderson Cooper in her first interview since that surgery, which she discusses for the first time. Adele will also sing for Cooper in her first public performance since the operation in a 60 MINUTES profile to be broadcast Sunday, Feb. 12 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
“[Not speaking] was really hard,” says Adele. “I love talking.” So she began writing on a pad to communicate after her operation but also found a phone app she was especially pleased with. “I also had an application on my phone that you type the words into it and then it speaks it,” she tells Cooper. “But the great thing is I love to swear. “Most of [the apps] you can’t swear on, but I found this one app where you can swear, so I’m still really getting my point across.”
Adele’s second album, “21,” has not only sold nearly 17 million copies worldwide, but stayed atop the charts for longer than any album has for almost 20 years. She was at the beginning of what could be a fantastic career, until her voice just “went” while she was singing live on French radio. “Like someone put a curtain over my throat… and I could feel it. It felt like something popped in my throat,” says Adele.
She found out she had a polyp on her vocal chord that had hemorrhaged. “I had laser surgery. [They] put lasers down your throat, cut off the polyp, and kind of laser your hemorrhage back together and fix it,” says the singer.
Now she says she has never felt more confident in her singing and she demonstrates her voice for 60 MINUTES cameras — the first time since the surgery last November that she has sung for an audience. But she realizes now her voice has its limits and she could re-injure her vocal chords again through overuse. “If I decide to go on a 200-date world tour, it would happen again," Adele says. Adele on throat surgery...
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE...
Pick the Grammy Winners and win a 2012 Grammy Nominees CD...click here for more information.
Get to know Grammy Nominee Bruno Mars...Watch The Bruno Mars Radio Takeover...click here.
Valentine's Day fever hits TGS and Mary Steenburgen guest stars in the 30 Rock Episode Hey, Baby, What's Wrong? TONIGHT at 8/7c on NBC!
Criss (James Marsden) and Liz (Tina Fey) decide to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but they need to buy a dining room table first. Jack (Alec Baldwin) entertains his mother-in-law, Diana (Mary Steenburgen), as Jenna (Jane Krakowski) frantically looks to Pete (Scott Adsit) to fill in last-minute as the producer of her first live performance on “America’s Kidz Got Singing.” Back at the office, Tracy (Tracy Morgan) and Frank (Judah Friedlander) try to help Lutz (John Lutz) find someone to spend Valentine's with.
In 2011, I had the chance to work w Bruno Mars for a nationwide radio takeover hosted by Kiss Fm's Rahny Taylor. Rahny handled the interview like a pro, while I was behind the camera and we both found out all about Bruno Mars music, videos, life and what he's all about. Very cool dude! Now he's nominated for a 6 Grammy Awards and will be performing at the LIVE broadcast in L.A. on Sunday, February, 12th 8pm et / 7pm ct on CBS. Get the stories behind the music, watch music videos and find out what his plans are for the future!
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 1/3 - Bruno talks about the sturggles of breaking into the music biz and almost quitting. Plus, writing or performing? Which does he perfer? Music Videos: B.O.B - Nutin' On You. Travie McCoy - Billionaire. Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 2/3 - Bruno talks Cee Lo Green, Awards Shows and who was "Just The Way You Are" all about? Music Videos: Cee Lo Green - Forget You. Bruno Mars f/ Cee Lo Green - The Other Side. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are.
Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 3/3 - Bruno describes his "sound" and how the Lazy Song came to be. Plus he talks family, fashion, music and...is Bruno Mars SINGLE? Music Videos: Bruno Mars - Grenade. Bruno Mars f/ Damian Marley - The Other Side.
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54th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees, Performers, Presenters, video and more...click here.
Pick the Grammy Winners and win a 2012 Grammy Nominees CD...click here for more information.
Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. “I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”
Producer Brian Grazer commented, “Like so many others, I’ve been eager to see Billy host again. It’s very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don Mischer and me at the helm.”
Said Mischer, "With Billy, we're moving forward with one of the greatest hosts in Oscar history. His return to the Oscars® is, in a sense, a celebration."
This will mark Crystal’s ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope has hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004.
“Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there. Actually, I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” said Crystal.
Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.
84th Academy Awards Nominees. Click on nominee for more infomation.
In an American Idol exclusive, Madonna will world premiere the video for her new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin,” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Plus, more auditions – this time from St. Louis, MO – as the judges resume their search to find the next singing superstar.
Take a sneak peek at tonight's episode and check out American Idol Wednesday and Thrusday nights on FOX!
54tn Annual GRAMMY® performers and presenters.
Current GRAMMY® nominee Chris Brown; nominees Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood, who will perform together; and 14-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys and nine-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt, who will remember Etta James, have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Two-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Marc Anthony, six-time GRAMMY winners and current nominees Lady Antebellum, and television and radio host/producer Ryan Seacrest will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show will also be covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys.
Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.
Brown has three nominations: Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E., and Best Rap Performance (with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and Best Rap Song for "Look At Me Now."
Fourteen-time GRAMMY Winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bennett has two nods: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Body And Soul" (with Amy Winehouse), and Best Traditional Pop Album for Duets II (with Various Artists).
Five-time GRAMMY winner Underwood is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for "Mama's Song."
Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time.
Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, and Ringo Starr. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.
"The Voice" returns (The Voice Mondays on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET / 7-9pm CT) beginning February 6; Season premiere: Sunday, February 5 (10-11 p.m. ET / 9-10 p.m.) - time approximate following Super Bowl) with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show's second season.
Celebrity musician coaches Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton return along with Carson Daly as host. Christina Milian joins as Social Media Correspondent.
The show’s innovative format features three stages of competition: the first begins with the blind audition, then the competition enters into a battle phase, and finally, the live performance shows.
During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them -- thanks to rotating chairs.
If a coach is impressed by the artist’s voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team. At this point, the coach’s chair will swivel so that he/she can face the artist he/she has selected.
Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their singers, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success. During the battle rounds the coaches will pit two of their own team members against each other to sing the same song together in front of a studio audience.
After the vocal face-off, the coach must choose which of his/her singers will advance. At the end of the battle episodes, only the strongest members of each coach's roster remain and proceed to the live stage shows.
In this final performance phase of the competition, the top artists from each team will compete against each other during a live broadcast.
The television audience will vote to save their favorite talent, leaving the coach to decide live who they want to save and who will not move on. In the end, each coach will have one star artist left ready to compete against the other teams’ finalists to be named “The Voice” – the winner will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.
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
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
Waukesha, Wisconsin's very own Michael Dean Morgan stopped by The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about his role of Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins The Musical now on stage at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts thru Sunday.
THE X FACTOR is expanding its audition process to reach more singers than any talent show ever before in its search to find the best new solo artists and vocal groups in America. In addition and new for Season Two, artists with pre-existing management contracts can now audition (subject to limited restrictions).
Enjoy a sneak peek of tonight's SMASH (10pm ET / 9pm CT) called “Enter Mr. DiMaggio”
Wisconsin State Fair officials are excited to announce five of the 11 shows for the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Main Stage during this year’s Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular®. The 2012 Fair will be held Thursday, August 2 through Sunday, August 12 in West Allis.
Enjoy a sneak peek of this Sunday's episode of Family Guy and go behind the scenes w the Emmy/Golden Globe Winner, Ricky Gervais.
Gavin DeGraw is bouncing back from a brutal bar beating and is reportedly joining the new cast of Dancing With The Stars. DeGraw was hospitalized with a concussion and broken nose after a run-in with some thugs in New York last August.
Miss Abigail's Guide to Dating, Mating, & Marriage stops by Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Vogel Hall THIS THURSDAY February 16th - 19th and star Laurie Birmingham joins me to chat all about the show!
It's my Superbowl. I loves me some GRAMMYs!
Singer Says a Phone App Talked and Swore for Her While Her Throat Healed.
In 2011, I had the chance to work w Bruno Mars for a nationwide radio takeover hosted by 
Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. “I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.”
"The Voice" returns (The Voice Mondays on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET / 7-9pm CT) beginning February 6; Season premiere: Sunday, February 5 (10-11 p.m. ET / 9-10 p.m.) - time approximate following Super Bowl) with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show's second season.
