Everyone is talking The Hunger Games but YOU haven't the foggiest. That's ok! I'm here to help! :) Let me preface that I am in the middle of the first best selling book and it's hard to put down. Now, it's a worldwide, blockbuster of a movie that without question will be #1 this weekend and probably break some records too.
So, let's start at the back of the book for a brief synopsis...
"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."
Like I said, I'm in the middle of the book and just want to keep reading but things like work and life keep interrupting. Stupid life...
My hope is to finish before the last Sunday night showing. We'll see.
Have you seen OR will you see The Hunger Games?
Let me know in the comments and may the odds be ever in your favor! :)
Don't forget Kidd & Elizabeth have tickets to see The Hunger Games next week...click here for more info.
Our friends at Summerfest have announced partial list of Summerfest 2012 Ground Stage Headliners BUT no dates or stage information has been given...yet!
Here are just a few of my favs. You can check out the list so far...click here.
Our good friend and Dancing With The Stars cast member , Gavin DeGraw returns to rock it out DURING Summerfest this year. If you remember last year he performed at the Summerfest Block Party which you can WATCH here.
I'm also looking forward to the return of Fitz & The Tantrums. Last year, I got to hang with the band backstage and watch them take the crowd that didn't know anything them and win them over with their AWESOME music!
Check out my interview from that day last year and a performance from Rock The Green here.
Others Ground Stage Headliners that I'm excited about are Joss Stone, Cake, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Common, AWOLNATION and The Joy Formidible.
What about you? Who would YOU like to see OR who are looking forward to seeing at Summerfest this year.
Lemme know in the comments. BTW...We are only 96 days away from THE BIG GIG! :)
I purchased The Hunger Games book just a few days ago only to have it hijacked by my daughter last night. Just as I was sitting down to get into it again, poof, there it went!
Sure, I got the book back when she went to bed but I should be able to read the book that I purchased when I want! Grrr...
I'm only to the beginning of Chapter 5 where Katniss is in the Remake Room and getting the hair torn out of her body. OUCH!
I never understood that beauty is pain thing. I got waxed a loong time ago for a Whacked Out Wednesday on 103.7 Kiss Fm and let me just say, after a couple of rips, the pain was intolerable and I couldn't go on.
Anyway, can't wait to get back into the book and finish it! I'd like to see the movie this weekend...we'll see!
When will you be seeing The Hunger Games?
Lemme know in the comments!
Go behind the scenes and take a sneak peek of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks and others from the cast, in action and on set.
Thanks to my friends, I have been a fan of the WWE for a little bit now. They are all hardcore fans and have sucked me right in. I remember getting invited to my first Pay-Per-View at a buds house and not wanting to go becuase I knew nothing about it. Until they pulled me in further and started answering my questions and explaining stuff.
Now, I'm totally into it, have been to a handful of WWE Events at Bradley Center and am looking forward to WrestleMania 28 set for April 1st from Miami, FL on Pay-Per-View.
I'm also honored to give you a behind the scenes look at the two guys who will be "headlining" WrestleMania 28, The Rock and John Cena.
So, tell me in the comments...who is gonna win this showdown?
The Rock? OR John Cena?
Time is a tricky thing! I've started reading The Hunger Games and am still only a few chapters in. Sure, I could keep reading and reading and forget about life til I'm done, but like you I got stuff to do!
It feels like the book is taunting me to read it more. Trust me, I want to but how would I get these sneak peeks to YOU? The person that read the book a loong time about and can't wait for Friday. Hmmm? :)
Today, we go behind the scenes and on set with Josh Hutcherson who plays Peeta Meelark, the Tribute from District 12, who has got a thing for Katniss.
Are you enjoying The Countdown to The Hunger Games? What are you looking most forward to in the movie? Blow it up in the comments and I'll have yet ANOTHER sneak peek for you tomorrow...
Welcome to my basement! Well, the part of it where I put my empty soda and beer cans until I take them to the recycle center and get PAID!
Anyway, this morning before coming in to the studio, I was scouring the internet, drinking a soda and stumbled upon an intresting story about soda sales being down because of healthier options. I immediately thought, soda sales aren't down for me! I've noticed the price of soda go up as of late and it hasn't stopped me from stocking up!
For some of you it's coffee. Others, those energy drinks. For me, it's soda! Perhaps a little too much soda?
Maybe I should cut back...
How much soda are YOU drinking these days? Lemme know in the comments!
So, I'm just a few pages in on The Huger Games which I purchased yesterday and can't wait to get to more. As soon as I finish this blog, I'm back to it! Can't type fast enough!
Today we take you behind the scenes with Lenny Kravitz who plays Cinna, Katniss’ personal Stylist for the Games who becomes her unexpected confidante and supporter.
Find out how he got the job and take a sneak peek at a scene with him and Jennifer Lawrence.
The weather has been SO NICE lately, I kinda wish Six Flags was open right now!
But it's not...The official open for the 2012 season is set for May 5th.
So, with thoughts of coasters on my mind, I thought, why not check out Six Flags Great America's Facebook Page just to see what was going on and much to excitement I found the picture above.
An aerial shot of the ground-breaking, cutting edge, X-Flight coaster still under construction.
I can't wait to ride it but I'm trying to figure out where it is in the park. Any guesses?
Holla in the comments!
I know you're a busy person, me too! :) Don't worry... I got your back if you missed the season 14 premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night on ABC.
Here's the only thing you need to know about last night's show. My two favorites Donald Driver and Gavin DeGraw GOT ROBBED by the judges!
Thank goodness no one goes home this week! BUT if YOU we're to send someone home who would it be? Let me know in the comments below.
Voting begins next week!
Check out the recap of all the dances and if you just wanna focus on some "FULL IMPACT", you'll find it 1:35 in. Happy replay! GO PACK GO! GO GAVIN GO!
I did it! Ran to the grocery store, got a few things and FINALLY picked up The Hunger Games. Just $13! Not bad. Thought it was gonna be more! Sure, i could of downloaded it but I like to turn the page. Call me old school.
I'm gonna get into this book because it's been killing me to figure out what you guys have been talking about! District 12 and Panem and The Capitol and Tributes! Ahhhhhh.
So, while I get my read on, go behind the scenes and on the set with Elizabeth Banks and find out about her character Effie Trinket.
The party was crazy, in a GOOD way, St. Patrick's Day at Mo's Irish Pub, Downtown Milwaukee.
Lots of good clean fun, yummy food and green beer of course.
A very big thank you to all that came out and a very nice attempt to all the listeners that tried to get me tipsy! Y'all are CRAZY!
We opened the joint at 6am with a long line of people going down Wisconsin Ave and I personally lasted til about 2pm, just after YouTube sensation Karmin performed.
Speaking of, you can check out their performance just below.
Again, thanks to all that came out to Mo's Irish Pub on St. Patrick's Day and celebrated SAFELY with us!
Want more Karmin from St. Patrick's Day? www.1037kissfm.com
I've had the honor of working w both Gavin DeGraw and Donald Driver throughout the years and TONIGHT, they both get their booty shakin' on, on a new season of Dancing With The Stars on ABC.
Ok! Ok! I know I missed a day 5 on my countdown to The Hunger Games! Thank you for the emails and text messages for letting me know. Y'all are HARDCORE! So, in lieu of missing a day, I'll hook you up w TWO sneak peeks today! Ok?...We cool again? :)
I'm a busy guy and so is Woody Harrelson who just happens to be in the movie. First thing that comes to mind when I hear the name Woody Harrelson is all those great movies he's been in like, "White Men Can't Jump", "Kingpin" and one of my favorites, "Zombieland". Like I said before, I haven't read any of the books but Woody has and it only took him about a week, so I'm thinking about getting into the books before the movie. I don't know if I can knock them out before Friday, unless the books are THAT good? How long did it take YOU to read the books? Am I even allowed to READ these books? I'm not a Young Adult anymore!
Anyhoo, in part one of behind the scenes fun today, Woody Harrelson explains his character Haymitch Abernathy. From what I can gather he won a previous Hunger Games and is helping Katniss and Peeta through their journey.
If you wanna explain his character a little more, go for it in the comments OR maybe I should just start reading? Should I? If Woody can knock out the books in a week, maybe I can. Hmmm.
See you later for part two of behind the scenes fun.
Happy Monday and Happy Hunger Games!
COUNTDOWN TO...THE HUNGER GAMES
Jennifer Lawrence talks Katniss Everdeen...click here.
Taylor Swift f The Civil Wars - Safe & Sound Music Video...click here.
Ask and you shall receive! So, if you're in the dark, like me, on The Hunger Games here is how it was explained to me from an anonymous commenter from yesterday's post, 7 Days til The Hunger Games.
Here is what he or she said...
"Alright, so THG is set in the future and is in the ruins of North America, now called Panem. Originally there were 13 districts ruled by the Capitol, but the 13th rebelled and a war began. District 13 was destroyed and the Capitol won. So to pay for the rebellion, each year they have this live TV event called the Hunger Games, in which two teens, boy & girl ages 12-18, from each district fight to the death in the arena, which is always a different kind of setting manipulated with high technology from the Capitol. That's the main basis for the first book, but things that happen in it lead up to a war/rebellion story in the next two. Conditions are very harsh in the districts, especially Katniss' district, 12. Overall, it's about a corrupt society in which certain people live in absolute comfort while others starve, and the power that the seemingly small actions of a young girl can start a spark. Not the easiest to explain, but it's amazing."
Thanks for the explanation anonymous commenter! For that, I give you a little music for your Saturday night.
Enjoy Taylor Swift ft The Civil Wars - Safe & Sound from The Hunger Games Soundtrack and don't forget to check out yesterday's post w Katniss Evendeen / Jennifer Lawrence.
Another sneak peek for y'all tomorrow! Until then...
Happy Hunger Games!
Just so we are clear, I haven't read any of the books but I'm guessing maybe YOU have?
Care explaining it to me in a nutshell?
Comment below...
From what I've only seen it looks like an updated "The Running Man" but w kids?
Is that even correct? Again comment below and fill me in PLEASE!
SO...we are 7 days away from The Hunger Games opening worldwide in theaters and for the next 7 days I will get you ready for the madness with behind the scenes footage, sneak peeks, music videos and more.
Today, Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) tell you what her character is all about.
Check out today's video and check back Saturday afternoon for more behind the scenes action!
I have had the honor and pleasure of being your Public Address announcer for your 5-time Champion Milwaukee Wave Professional Indoor Soccer team for the past 14 years. I've seen alot of amazing soccer and have been there for all 5 titles. I've even got dragged into the action from time to time...click here.
THIS WEEKEND we go for Championship #6 vs the Baltimore Blast. The two teams met in the MISL Championship last year with the Wave winning the hardware.
As I say in the highlights below...this will be an EPIC rematch and if you've never been to a Milwaukee Wave game before, now is the time!
The action is fast paced, atmosphere high energy and we're always about a good time for you and your family!
See YOU this Sunday at U.S. Cellular Arena? Be there and LET's GO WAVE!
It’s hard for me to pick a favorite Will Ferrell movie. I have just a few in my collection...”A Night at The Roxbury”, “Austin Powers”, “Talladega Nights”, “Step Brothers”, “Kicking and Screaming”, “Megamind” and “Old School”.
I think I gotta go with Old School as my favorite only because Frank The Tank lands that radio job at the end of the movie. Classic!
â¨We’ll see if his new movie “Casa de me Padre” is just as good. It’s in theaters this weekend and I think I’m gonna give it a go.
What about you? You gonna spend your $$$ on it this weekend or wait for DVD?
Lemme know in the comments and tell me what your favorite Will Ferrell movie is.
Go behind the scenes and enjoy a sneak peek of, “Casa de mi Padre” below.
Don't get me wrong, I'm excited that Wisconsin and Marquette are getting their college basketball dance on, BUT, I LOVE MUSIC and THIS bracket is right up my alley.
Billboard.com has the Hot 100 March Madness Bracket that you can still fill out by clicking here.
I have LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem going up again Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger in the finals with Maroon 5 and X-tina taking the whole thing.
Who do YOU have winning? Let me know in the comments.
Jamie Bell, who plays Tintin in The Adventures of Tintin calls in to chat with Van McNeil about the movie out on Blu-Ray/DVD TODAY!
In this interview Jamie talks about...
-Working w Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson,
-What it was like on set with Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost and Andy Serkis.
-Plus, what movie scared him as a kid and much, much more.
Maxime Charboneau calls in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil which will be at Bradley Center this weekend, March 16th and 17th.
In this interview Maxime talks about...
-How the show came to be.
-Wisconsin's very own Jamie King.
-What fans can expect at the show.
-Madonna to get Cirque show next?
Find out about that and lots, lots more.
Eugene Mirman (Gene) of Bob's Burgers calls in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about the second season of Bob's Burgers (Sundays | 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT) on FOX.
In this interview Eugene talks about...
-This seasons guest stars,
-What he's doing at SXSW in Austin, Texax
-Another stand-up comedy record?
Find out about that and lots more!
Paul DeLisle call in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about the Grand Slam Charity Jam which they headline Saturday night at Potowatomi Bingo Casino.
In this interview Paul talks about...
-A new Smash Mouth record.
-A new Smash Mouth cookbook biography
-Headlining the Grad Slam Charity Jam and lots more!
Click on the player to listen to the interview.
The Grand Slam Charity Jam will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Potawatomi’s Expo Center and beautiful Northern Lights Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This is a “can’t miss,” high energy, visually stunning and extremely fun annual event. The headliner will be SMASH MOUTH–famous for a number of hit songs including All Star, Walkin’ on the Sun, I’m a Believer, I Can’t Get Enough of You Baby, and Then the Morning Comes. The event will feature a number of celebrities and special guests including Packer Super Bowl Champion LeRoy Butler, American Idol star Naima Adedapo, singer/songwriter Grace Weber and Broadway Star & former Miss America Kate Shindle. You never know what star or VIP guest will be sitting next to you at this great party! This type of high profile celebrity event is rare in Milwaukee.
Kerry Washington calls in to chat w Van McNeil about A Thousand Words in theaters this weekend!
In this interview Kerry talks about...
-Working alongside Eddie Murphy,
-How she got the part,
-Her new ABC show Scandal,
and
Why is she working with Quentin Tarantino?
The lovely and talented Katy Perry will guest-star in the time period premiere of RAISING HOPE airing Tuesday, March 6 (8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT) on FOX. In the “Single White Female Role Model” episode, Perry will play RIKKI, a prison attendant who claims to be a friend from Sabrina’s (Shannon Woodward) past.
“Shannon Woodward told me that her friend Katy was interested in doing an episode and I thought, ‘Why not? Let's do your friend Katy a favor,’” said executive producer Greg Garcia. “Then she came in and did a terrific job. She was hilarious. And now people are telling me that Katy is also a singer. I sincerely hope that her appearance on the show helps her get her singing career off the ground. It's a tough business.”
“Shannon Woodward is my best friend,” said Perry. “A couple weeks ago, I was home, just toasting up a frozen chicken fillet when she called me up and asked if I wanted to do something ‘fun’ for a change and try out a guest role on her TV show. I thought, ‘Sure, I have nothing else to do, and I like chillin’ with my best friend.’ Greg was nice, but I hope he’s not secretly sabotaging my potential future career by type-casting me in the role of just a looker, so that I would never be able to play anything more challenging.”
In the all-new episode, Sabrina is arrested after participating in an Occupy Natesville protest and is sentenced to two weeks in prison. Rikki (Perry), the prison attendant, will stop at nothing to make Sabrina’s stay in the slammer as dreadful as possible, until she remembers their childhood friendship. Meanwhile, the mayor of Natesville (guest star Mary Birdsong) grants Virginia (Martha Plimpton) three wishes after she helps the town’s top official avoid a public scandal.
Kenny Wormald calls in to chat w Van McNeil about starring in Footloose on BluRay/DVD Tuesday, March 6th. 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 to listent to the interview...
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.
Take a sneak peek of tonight's all new The Voice. It's Battle Round time and members from Team Adam, Blake, Christina and Cee-Lo go at each other to see who will move on in the competition.
Find out more about the "Battle Round" Proccess...click here.
Enjoy a sneak peek of tonight's The Voice below featuring some great music and mentors Lionell Richie and Miranda Lambert.
The Chief Talent Officer of Popeye's Louisiana Chicken, Lynne Zeppone joins Van McNeil to chat about her Undercover Boss experience and everything she whet through.
Click on the player to listen to the interview and catch an all new... Undercover Boss | Friday 8pm ET / 7pm CT | CBS.
Get ready for a fun night of music! The Official Blues Brothers Revue stops by the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Vogel Hall, March 2nd thur 4th and producer Judith Belushi called in to chat w Van McNeil all about it!
In this interview Judy talks about...
how the show came to be,
what fans can expect,
and she remebers her late great husband John Belushi PLUS another Blues Brothers movie?
Find out about that and so much more!
Click on the the player to listen...
Get tickets and more information about The Official Blues Brothers Revue at...MarcusCenter.org
In 2011, I had the honor of helping Jennifer Lopez takeover the nation with an hour long radio special. We talked about her new new record at the time, "L.O.V.E.?", her Kohl's clothing line AND she also mentioned a television show with her then husband Marc Anthony. The name of the show? Q'Viva! and it premiere's Saturday, March 3rd on FOX.
Enjoy a sneak peek below!
Q’VIVA! THE CHOSEN, the first-of-its-kind docu-journey series showcasing Latin music and dance, and featuring entertainment icon Jennifer Lopez, international music star Marc Anthony and world-renowned concert director Jamie King, will premiere Saturday, March 3 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/ 7:00-9:00 PM CT) on FOX, and will continue with two-hour episodes for five weeks until its grand finale Saturday, April 7th.
In Q’VIVA! THE CHOSEN, Lopez, Anthony and King will travel through 20 countries to find and showcase the most outstanding Latin singers, dancers, musicians and other amazing performers. The transcontinental journey, which includes stops in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela and the United States will also feature the incredible stories and personal journeys of the performers they discover.
After travelling the globe, and reviewing talent, Lopez, Anthony and King will bring the chosen ones to the U.S. to prepare for what is sure to be the most important performance of their lives in a spectacular show that will be the greatest celebration of Latin music and performance arts ever produced.
“Q’VIVA is a passion project on so many levels,” said Lopez. “It’s really our dream to see it come together. This is about creating a live visual experience about Latin culture, rhythm and dance. I believe that people will be so enlightened, so enriched by this experience.”
“I am thrilled about our new association with FOX and to have their support in introducing Q'VIVA to a global audience,” Anthony added.
“The beauty of Q’VIVA is that talent and artistry transcend language,” King remarked. “We’ve found some of the most captivating performers from all over the region and just as I’ve experienced, despite not speaking Spanish or Portuguese, their stories will resonate with everyone.”
“Q’VIVA is a celebration of the Americas, the diversity, the optimism and the extraordinary richness of the culture,” executive producer Simon Fuller noted. “It’s an incredibly ambitious and challenging undertaking. Searching out exceptional talent from every country in the region took months of planning and preparation. Every time I have travelled in the region, I have been blown away by its beauty and the potential of the people. Music and dance runs through the veins of everyone. Q’VIVA will reveal to the world just how much exquisite and pure talent exists in every corner of every country.”
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
Last week, I gave you a FIRST LOOK at The Twilight Saga Breaking Dawn Part 2 with a 
Everyone is talking The Hunger Games but YOU haven't the foggiest. That's ok! I'm here to help! :) Let me preface that I am in the middle of the first best selling book and it's hard to put down. Now, it's a worldwide, blockbuster of a movie that without question will be #1 this weekend and probably break some records too.
Our friends at Summerfest have announced partial list of Summerfest 2012 Ground Stage Headliners BUT no dates or stage information has been given...yet!
I purchased The Hunger Games book just a few days ago only to have it hijacked by my daughter last night. Just as I was sitting down to get into it again, poof, there it went!
Where do I begin on this one...
So, I'm just a few pages in on The Huger Games which I purchased yesterday and can't wait to get to more. As soon as I finish this blog, I'm back to it! Can't type fast enough!
I know you're a busy person, me too! :) Don't worry... I got your back if you missed the season 14 premiere of Dancing With The Stars last night on ABC.
The party was crazy, in a GOOD way, St. Patrick's Day at 
I've had the honor of working w both Gavin DeGraw and Donald Driver throughout the years and TONIGHT, they both get their booty shakin' on, on a new season of Dancing With The Stars on ABC. 
Ok! Ok! I know I missed a day 5 on my countdown to The Hunger Games! Thank you for the emails and text messages for letting me know. Y'all are HARDCORE! So, in lieu of missing a day, I'll hook you up w TWO sneak peeks today! Ok?...We cool again? :) 
Ask and you shall receive! So, if you're in the dark, like me, on The Hunger Games here is how it was explained to me from an anonymous commenter from yesterday's post, 
I have had the honor and pleasure of being your Public Address announcer for your 5-time Champion 
Jamie Bell, who plays Tintin in The Adventures of Tintin calls in to chat with Van McNeil about the movie out on Blu-Ray/DVD TODAY!
Maxime Charboneau calls in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil which will be at Bradley Center this weekend, March 16th and 17th.
Eugene Mirman (Gene) of Bob's Burgers calls in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about the second season of Bob's Burgers (Sundays | 8:30pm ET / 7:30pm CT) on FOX.
Paul DeLisle call in to The Mix Studios to chat w Van McNeil about the Grand Slam Charity Jam which they headline Saturday night at Potowatomi Bingo Casino.
Kerry Washington calls in to chat w Van McNeil about A Thousand Words in theaters this weekend!
The lovely and talented Katy Perry will guest-star in the time period premiere of RAISING HOPE airing Tuesday, March 6 (8:00 PM ET/7:00 PM CT) on FOX. In the “Single White Female Role Model” episode, Perry will play RIKKI, a prison attendant who claims to be a friend from Sabrina’s (Shannon Woodward) past.
Kenny Wormald calls in to chat w Van McNeil about starring in Footloose on BluRay/DVD Tuesday, March 6th. Plus, what people are saying about the remake and has he talked to Kevin Bacon about it? All that and lots, lots more!
Take a sneak peek of tonight's all new The Voice. It's Battle Round time and members from Team Adam, Blake, Christina and Cee-Lo go at each other to see who will move on in the competition.
The Chief Talent Officer of Popeye's Louisiana Chicken, Lynne Zeppone joins Van McNeil to chat about her Undercover Boss experience and everything she whet through.
Get ready for a fun night of music! The Official Blues Brothers Revue stops by the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Vogel Hall, March 2nd thur 4th and producer Judith Belushi called in to chat w Van McNeil all about it!
In 2011, I had the honor of helping Jennifer Lopez takeover the nation with an hour long radio special. We talked about her new new record at the time, "L.O.V.E.?", her Kohl's clothing line AND she also mentioned a television show with her then husband Marc Anthony. The name of the show? Q'Viva! and it premiere's Saturday, March 3rd on FOX.
