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Ladies, you should be wearing this...
Redbook magazine recently released a list of the top 5 things men wish women would wear more. Do you wear any of these? 1. Jeans and a tank top 2. The "librarian" look 3. Cocktail dresses 4. Sports jerseys 5. Yoga outfits For the full description, click here. Photo credit Elizabeth Kay in her Charles Woodson jersey - is this what men are looking for?

Undercover Boss Interview Kendall Jackson Wine Estates President Rick Tigner.
Rick Tigner serves as the President of Jackson Family Enterprises, the parent company of Kendall-Jackson Winery and joins Van McNeil for a chat about his Undercover Boss experience. Undercover Boss | Sundays | 8p ET / 7p CT | CBS

Facebook Changes
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American Idol Sneak Peek January 25th and 26th.
More auditions are featured on American Idol tonight and tomorrow as the judges try to find the next singing superstar in Aspen, Colorado (Jan. 25th 8pm ET / 7pm CT) and Galveston, Texas (Jan. 26th 8pm ET / 7pm CT). Don’t miss the auditions that everyone will be talking about the next day! American Idol | Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX. www.AmericanIdol.com

Cady Groves Interview and Performance.
RCA Recording Artist Cady Groves stopped by The MIx Studios for a chat w Van McNeil about her soon to be released debut record, how life is on the road and what is Cady obsessed with? You 'll find out in this interview... When Cady Groves was four years old, she woke up on Christmas morning to discover a blue drum set draped with candy canes sitting by the tree. “My step-dad got it for me,” she says. “He was a drummer in a band and had this really cool mullet and used to cut off all the sleeves on his shirts, which not only started my fascination with bands, mullets, and people who don’t wear sleeves, but he also t...aught me how to play. From that minute on, I wanted to be a badass musician. I remember being five years old and asking my mom for leather pants.” She never did get the leathers, but the love of music instilled in her from a young age set Groves on a trajectory that has landed the 21-year-old singer and songwriter a deal with RCA Records, which will release her major-label debut album later this year. www.CadyGroves.com

Ordering New and Inventorying Saved Seeds
As you thumb through catalogues or peruse online seed sources your wish list may be growing. Check your seed inventory before placing your final order. Left over seeds will last for several seasons if stored in a cool dark location. Leave them in their original packet that has all the needed planting information. And for best results store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. Longevity varies with variety, but you may be surprised to find you can get years of planting from that packet of seeds. Onions, parsley, verbena, and salvia usually last about a year. Whereas properly stored Brussels sprouts, cabbage, calendula, and zinnia can last for five years. Trade your extra seeds with gardening friends. Or donate them to schools, community gardens, master gardeners, or other groups that may lack the resources to buy their own seeds. And put the old seeds to use in seed art and other projects you and your family can create. A bit more information: Test your saved seed for viability. Place 10 seeds in a damp paper towel. Fold the towel and place in a plastic bag for several days. Check in a week to see if the seeds have sprouted. For more details, listen to my audio tip on Checking Stored Seeds for Viability. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Wisconsin Humane Society Visit
Look who I met yesterday at The Wisconsin Humane Society visit WIHUMANE.ORG

NEW MUSIC: Beyonce
I love this song...it totally reminds me of a 60/70's R&B song. You have to listen to the entire song because it just keeps getting better.

Caring for Tender Annuals Wintering Indoors
Turn your attention indoors and give those tender annuals overwintering a bit of TLC. The low light and humidity indoors stresses plants, resulting in pale leggy growth. Don’t reach for the fertilizer – instead do a bit of rearranging and grooming. Move leggy plants to a sunnier location or add an artificial light. Consider growing overwintering annuals in a cool location, free of drafts, in your home. The humidity will be higher and the cool temperatures slow growth, helping plants to better adapt. Water thoroughly and only as needed. Plants growing in warm homes will need more frequent watering than those in cooler locations. Pinch back leggy stems to encourage growth. Use scissors or pruners for a cleaner cut. Prune just above a set of leaves and consider starting new plants from these cuttings to enlarge your collection. A bit more information: Wait until plants are actively growing to fertilize with a dilute solution of any flowering houseplant fertilizer. Fertilizing stressed plants can damage roots, discolor leaves, and in severe cases kill plants. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

What does it mean to have a naughty dream?
Have you ever had a naughty dream with a celebrity? Last night I had one with George Clooney. And I'm not even a big George Clooney fan. The dream started off kind of funny. He was sleeping on an air mattress in our guest bedroom LOL! So what does this mean? I looked it up on dreammoods.com and here's what it said: To dream that you are having sex with a celebrity indicates your drive to be successful. You are striving for recognition. Consider what movies you associate this celebrity with for clues as to where and what you want to achieve success in. Photo credit Ed Van-West via Flickr

Post Christmas ? Post Holiday Care for your Poinsettia
Fading poinsettias are often a lingering and not-so-pretty memory of the holidays. It’s ok to give them a second life in the compost pile and eventually your garden as a soil amendment. But if you want to keep them growing and looking good - it’s easier than you think. Remove the poinsettia from its foil wrapper, if you haven’t done so. Set it on a saucer or tray filled with pebbles. Move your poinsettia to a bright location free of hot and cold drafts. Water thoroughly and whenever the top few inches of soil are slightly moist. Allow the excess water to collect in the pebbles below the pot. As it evaporates it increases the humidity around your plant. Fertilize your poinsettia with a dilute solution of flowering houseplant food. Pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching and fuller growth. Then mark October 1st on your calendar if you want to try to rebloom it for next Christmas. A bit more information: Get your poinsettia to bloom for next Christmas by changing its environment. Starting October 1st give your poinsettia 14 hours of total darkness each night. Cooler night temperatures and slightly drier soil will increase your chance of success. For more details, listen here. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Visit Mexico FOR FREE!

Undercover Boss Interview The Dwyer Group CEO Dina Dwyer-Owens
Dina Dwyer-Owens, Chairman and CEO of the Dwyer Group, the parent company for Mr. Rooter and other national repair brands, joins Van McNeil for a chat about her company, what they do and what did she really learn on this undercover experience? Find out all that and more in the interview below. Undercover Boss | Sundays | 8p ET / 7p CT | CBS

30 Rock Sneak Peek - Idiots Are People Two.
Our friends at NBC have sent over another sneak peek of one of my favorite shows 30 Rock! This week... Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) tries to keep her boyfriend's identity a secret from Jack Donagy (Alec Baldwin) while scrambling to fix a publicity mess. Drama erupts at TGS when a cell phone video leaks onto the web with Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) on an offensive rant. Liz tries to do damage control. Meanwhile, Jack’s refusal to approve of Liz’s new boyfriend causes her to question the validity of her relationship. Kenneth (Jack McBrayer) and Jenna Maroney (Jane Krakowski) call on Kelsey Grammer when a problem arises that only the Best Friends Gang can handle. www.nbc.com/30-rock

Jojo in Cancun, Mexico

American Idol Season 11 Sneak Peek.
Television’s No. 1 series returns for its highly anticipated 11th season with brand new contestants, a superstar judging panel and the best and worst of auditions. Host Ryan Seacrest and judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler traveled across the country to Savannah, Aspen, Galveston, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego and St. Louis where the good, the bad and the outrageous auditioned for their shot at stardom. This season promises to deliver the most talented group of singers yet and as always, it’s up to the viewers to root and vote for their favorite contestants, ultimately crowning the next AMERICAN IDOL. Enjoy a sneak peek below. www.AmericanIdol.com

Green Walls - Vertical/ Wall Gardens
Vertical Wall gardens are all the rage. They green up otherwise unplantable spaces and can even help conserve energy. You can make your own or buy one of the vertical planting systems now on the market. Flexible hanging containers like wooly pockets are designed to mount on walls. Some are designed specifically for indoor use and have built in water barriers to prevent damage to furnishings. Simply fill the bottom of the pocket with a well-drained potting mix. Place transplants inside the planter with roots touching the watering wick. Cover the roots with potting mix and water. Or create a true green wall with a vertical or wall container. Some like grovert wall planters have a watering mat to insure every section is evenly watered. I like to use a variety of drought tolerant, low growing hens and chicks and other succulents for low maintenance. Plus, the variety of color and textures makes a great display. A bit more information: You can make your own vertical planter. Use 2 x 4’s for the frame. Back the planting areas with plywood if it will be placed against a wall. Use landscape fabric under lattice or chicken wire to hold soil and plants in place. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

VIDEO: Hilarious, sad Packers fan
Check out super Packer fan Casey, who cleary had too much to drink during the Packers game. She's a little superstitious and is blaming her sister for the Packers loss to the Giants.

Highlights from 28th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration.
The 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, coordinated by the MLK Steering Committee, was held on Sunday, January 15th, 2012 at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. The program began at 1pm in Uihlein Hall and highlighted our youth who interpreted Dr. Kings's works through art, speech and writing. The theme for this year's program was "Maintain Faith in the Future" which was selected from many of Dr. King's speeches and writings, but most notably from a collection of his works in A testament of Hope, The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jojo on a Funjet Vacation in Mexico

Edible Ornamental Garden
A beautiful landscape can feed your body as well as your mind and spirit, when you include some edible ornamental plants. Keep a few strawberries within reach of your meals by growing them in hanging baskets or containers. Or find a patch of sunny ground and use them as a groundcover. The flowers, fruit, and fall color provide seasons of beauty. Hops will quickly cover a fence or trellis and provide hops for the home brewer. Keep the pruners handy to keep this vigorous grower in check. Or grow your favorite beans and peas or those with colorful flowers and fruit on a fence or trellis. Use raspberries to make an impenetrable hedge and provide screening. Regular pruning will keep these spreaders under control, producing lots of fruit, and usually pest free. Add a bit of edible living art to your landscape with espaliered apples, pears, plums, or cherries. These beauties provide flowers, fruit, and fall color for you to enjoy. A bit more information: Many ornamental plants also provide edible fruits. Serviceberry, elderberry, roses, crabapples, plums, cherries, and mulberries are just a few. Cornelian cherry dogwoods, quince, and chokeberry produce edible fruit that might need a bit, or a lot of sugar to make them edible For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

A vacation is waiting for YOU!
Just got back from a warm weather vacation in Cancun Mexico from Funjet Vacations! I stayed at the Iberostar Cancun with all inclusive accommodations... so, you know lots of drinks were consumed! I will be posting lots of videos and pictures coming soon...

Gardening with your Neighbor ? Shared Gardens
Get rid of the fence dividing you and your neighbors’ yard. Instead create a beautiful garden you both can enjoy. Work with your neighbor to create an attractive garden that spans both landscapes. You can join forces to design, plant and maintain the garden giving both of you more time to enjoy the view. A large bed spanning two properties also makes both yards appear larger. Create a sense of unity by repeating textures and colors throughout. This allows you to blend your styles and preferences, while maintaining your personality through plant selection, arrangements, and design. And make it a green garden by including a compost bin within the bed. Use a simple wire bin tucked amongst the plants, keeping it out of sight but easy to use. Or maintain your boundaries, but position fruit and vegetable gardens nearby. This keeps the functional parts of your landscapes convenient yet in an appropriate space for both of you. A bit more information: And if you lack space for all your gardening desires team up with a friend or neighbor that has too much space and not enough time or physical energy to plant and maintain their landscape. You’ll both benefit while creating fun memories. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

This still gives me goosebumps
I'll never forget watching this in school and even then I knew it was something special. Watching it today I'm still moved by these words. What surprised me though, is that this video is only at 444,000 views. Why do we watch such random videos and they hit 1 million views in 1 day? Shouldn't this have more views?! Just an interesting observation.

NEW MUSIC: 1,000 Ships
Every once in a while I come across a song I just can't get enough of and listen to on repeat....this is one of those songs. I have loved it from the first time I heard it! Take a listen and let me know what you think. This is Rachel Platten with "1,000 Ships".

What your child's name says about you
So many of my friends are having babies and naturally going through the baby name dilemma. Picking a name for a baby really is a big responsibility. Afterall, that little person will have the name their whole life. And I came across an article explaining that a baby's name says more about the parents than it does about the baby. Are you someone that craves attention? Do you want to be different? Or are you conservative? Find out what list you fall under, by clicking here. Photo credit M Glasgow via Flickr

Young Adult Interview w Patton Oswalt.
Actor/Comedian Patton Oswalt joins Van McNeil to chat about, 'Young Adult', in theaters now. In this interview Patton talks about the movie, working with Charlize Theron and all the Academy Awards buzz! Take a listen... www.YoungAdultMovie.com

Racine County Crowned 2012 Fairest of the Fairs.
The 2012 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected during the 89th Annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention taking place this week in the Wisconsin Dells. A field of 35 County Fairest of the Fair contestants competed for the coveted Fairest of the Fairs crown. The Fairest of the Fairs was announced on Wednesday evening and provided an exciting conclusion to the annual convention. The Fairest of the Fairs will represent the 76 Wisconsin county, district, and state fairs in 2012. The duties of her one-year term begin immediately with the conclusion of her duties at the end of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in January 2013. Fairest’ s responsibilities include traveling to the county, district and state fairs throughout the state as the spokesperson for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, and she will as serve as the official hostess of the 2012 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular, August 2 through August 12. Throughout her term, the Fairest of the Fairs will make appearances, conduct promotions, work with media and travel to fairs to promote the educational, social and economic importance of Wisconsin’s Fair Industry. Richelle Kastenson, 21, representing the Racine County Fair, was crowned 2012 Fairest of the Fairs. The excitement and pride were clear on her face. Daughter of Rick and Julie Kastenson of Union Grove, Richelle attends the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she is a senior. She is studying elementary education with a minor in special education. Following graduation, she hopes to complete half of her student teaching in Sweden with the goal of it making her a more diverse and well-rounded teacher. She also plans to earn her master’s degree in the future. She has been a member of the Racine County 4-H for 14 years, and during her time as a 4-H intern created a 4-H Roadshow, which was a program teaching different urban youth organizations about 4-H. Her leadership has also been exhibited as the Racine County 4-H Ambassador Advisor through which she mentors a group of 15 youth through monthly meetings, participation in community activities, assisting with a multitude of 4-H programs and hosting a leadership conference for four different counties. Richelle is also familiar with the Wisconsin State Fair where she was an intern for the agriculture department in the summer of 2011. Kastenson was selected as Fairest of the Fairs from a field of impressive young women, and replaces the 2011 Fairest of the Fairs, Alexis Nickelotti of Vernon County. The Fairest of the Fairs was chosen by a panel of three judges representing the fair, media/communications, and agriculture industries. The panel included Ron Oleheiser of Minnesota, a newspaper veteran of 35 years, 25 of which he served as the publisher of the Grand Rapids Herald Review. Oleheiser is also active in the fair industry having served as the Commercial Exhibit Superintendent of the Itasca County Fair, as a board member of the Minnesota Federation of County Fairs, as a Zone 4 Director of the International Association of Fairs for three years and currently serves on the Board of Managers for the Minnesota State Fair. Laura Mihm, the Corporate Communications Manager of Foremost Farms USA, of Baraboo also judged the competition. Mihm got her start in the fair industry at the age of 8 when she joined 4-H. She has a degree in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism and worked in broadcasting and publishing for 12 years as a news anchor, reporter and editor. The final judge on the panel, Michelle Radcliffe, has had a lifelong involvement with 4-H and also operates her own farm. She is a former Miss Wisconsin Co-ed Pageant, and has participated in several other pageants. She has also chaired local rodeo queen contests and aided in queen training seminars. “The dedication and passion for the fair industry was evident among the talented young women who competed, which is important as they are the future of the fair and agriculture industries,” stated Fairest of the Fairs Judge Laura Mihm. “All of the young women were well-spoken, represented diverse talents and interests. Each of their respective counties should be quite proud of their Fairest.” Bethany Rieth, 21, representing Oconto County Fair was named first runner-up. Bethany is the daughter of Jim and Sandy Reith of Oconto Falls. Bethany attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is a sophomore. Jerianne Blau, 20, representing Columbia County Fair was announced as the second runner-up. She is a sophomore at University of Winona State. Blau’s parents, Mary and Randy Blau, reside in Merrimac. Kayla Oberstadt, 21, representing Waupaca County Fair was named as third runner-up and received an additional honor being selected as Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants. Kayla is the daughter of Russ and Marcia Oberstadt of New London and is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Erica Spiegelberg, 19, representing the Waukesha County Fair was named fourth runner-up. The daughter of James and Karen Spiegelberg of New Berlin, Erica attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she is a sophomore. “Each year, the Wisconsin State Fair staff is impressed by the quality of the young women participating in the Fairest of the Fairs competition,” stated Patrice Harris, communications manager of the Wisconsin State Fair. “Fairgoers, exhibitors and the staff are always excited about the opportunity to meet and work with Fairest. The newly crowned Fairest, Richelle Kastenson, interned with the Fair’s agriculture department this past summer, so many of the staff know her and will be very excited to continue contributing to her personal and professional development in her role as Fairest of the Fairs.” Individuals interested in competing in the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs contest may contact their county or district fair board for more information or visit www.wifairs.com. 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 WiStateFair.com

Grammy Awards Performers Announced.
Current GRAMMY® nominees Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift are the first performers announced for the THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS. Jason Aldean and Nicki Minaj will perform on the GRAMMY broadcast for the first time, while Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. The music industry's premier event will take place live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, ET/ 7:00-10:30PM, CT/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. Foo Fighters and Bruno Mars each have six nominations. Six-time GRAMMY-winning Foo Fighters are nominated for Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for Wasting Light, Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “Walk,” Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance for “White Limo” and Best Long Form Music Video for Foo Fighters: Back And Forth. GRAMMY winner Bruno Mars is up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Grenade,” Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for Doo-Wops & Hooligans and Producer of the Year (as a member of The Smeezingtons, along with Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine). Nicki Minaj has four nods: Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance for “Moment 4 Life” (with Drake), Best Rap Album for Pink Friday and Album of the Year (as a featured artist on Rihanna's Loud). Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift each are up for three awards. Jason Aldean has nominations in Best Country Solo Performance for “Dirt Road Anthem,” Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don't You Wanna Stay” (with Kelly Clarkson) and Best Country Album for My Kinda Party. Four-time GRAMMY winner Taylor Swift has nods in Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for “Mean” and Best Country Album for Speak Now. Two-time GRAMMY winner Kelly Clarkson is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “Don't You Wanna Stay” (with Jason Aldean). THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS air Sunday, February 12th, 2012 on CBS...click here for more.

Bridesmaids 2 Trailer
Well not really...but it seems like the entire cast of Bridesmaids is in the new movie "Friends with Kids" ... If you loved Bridesmaids as much as I did, you will for sure LOVE this trailer. Can't wait for the movie!

Nickelback to rock Milwaukee.
Nickelback, one of the biggest rock bands of the past decade known for their extraordinary live performances, have announced their first North American arena tour in two years. The Live Nation-produced tour begins on April 10th in Moline, Illinois at the i wireless Center, making a 39-date trek throughout North America, with dates confirmed through June 26th at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, Canada. Special guests Bush, Seether and My Darkest Days, join Nickelback on all tour dates. Tickets go on sale beginning January 20th at Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Fan Club members will be able to purchase tickets beginning on January 13th. Fan Club details can be found at Nickelback.com. Citi® cardmembers will also have access to presale tickets beginning Monday, January 16th at 10:00 am local time through Citi's Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. Nickelback last toured in 2009 with the extremely successful, “Dark Horse World Tour” where the band performed for nearly 2 million fans with more than 120 shows around the world including stops in Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and North America. With the new tour, Nickelback will perform songs from the recently released seventh studio album, Here And Now, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 following its November 21, 2011 release on Roadrunner Records. Propelling Here and Now into the #2 spot were the two hit singles “When We Stand Together” and "Bottoms Up.” Here and Now is also the biggest international release in Nickelback’s history, including a #1 debut in Canada on Universal Music Canada., Nickelback has achieved a prestigious place in music history having sold nearly 45 million worldwide. Since their 2001 breakthrough hit song “How You Remind Me,” Nickelback has sent 20 singles rocketing onto various Billboard charts. In 2009, Billboard Magazine also named Nickelback “Top Group of the Decade.” Their now classic album All the Right Reasons insured Nickelback an indelible place in rock history, having spent a staggering 112 consecutive weeks in the Top 30 of the Billboard Top 200, certified eight-times platinum in the U.S. and having sold more than 11 million copies worldwide, topping charts in four countries. All the Right Reasons spun off seven multi-format singles and made Nickelback the first band in Nielsen BDS history to send five singles onto the CHR charts. VIP Packages will also be available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit: www.VIPNation.com. NICKELBACK 2012 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES: Date City Venue On Sale Date April 10, 2012 Moline, IL i wireless Center January 21 April 12, 2012 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena January 21 April 14, 2012 Detroit, MI Joe Louis Arena January 21 April 15, 2012 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center January 28 April 19, 2012 New York, NY Madison Square Garden January 21 April 21, 2012 Montreal, PQ Bell Centre January 21 April 22, 2012 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre January 21 April 24, 2012 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center January 21 April 25, 2012 Pittsburgh, PA Consol Energy Center January 21 April 27, 2012 Hartford, Ct XL Center January 20 April 28, 2012 Worcester, MA DCU Center January 21 April 30, 2012 Washington, DC Verizon Center January 20 May 2, 2012 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena January 21 May 4, 2012 Orlando, FL Amway Center January 28 May 5, 2012 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center January 21 May 15, 2012 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place January 21 May 16, 2012 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome January 21 May 18, 2012 Saskatoon, SK Credit Union Centre January 21 May 20, 2012 Fargo, ND Fargodome January 28 May 22, 2012 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center Omaha January 21 May 23, 2012 Minneapolis, MN Target Center January 21 May 25, 2012 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center January 21 May 26, 2012 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center January 21 May 29, 2012 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center January 21 May 30, 2012 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena January 21 June 1, 2012 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center January 21 June 2, 2012 Houston, TX Toyota Center January 21 June 5, 2012 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center January 21 June 7, 2012 Tulsa, OK BOK Center January 21 June 8, 2012 Wichita, KS Intrust Bank Arena January 21 June 10, 2012 Denver, CO Pepsi Center January 21 June 12, 2012 Salt Lake City UT Energy Solutions Arena January 21 June 15, 2012 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center January 21 June 18, 2012 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion January 20 June 20, 2012 Nampa, ID Idaho Center January 21 June 21, 2012 Portland, OR Rose Garden January 21 June 23, 2012 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome January 21 June 24, 2012 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena January 21 June 26, 2012 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena January 21 For more complete ticket and tour information, please visit: Nickelback.com, Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com.

Grow Your Own Fat-free and Flavorful Apples
Apples are the perfect fat free fruit for your diet and garden. Plant just a couple trees or a small orchard so you can harvest an apple-a-day right from your own backyard. You’ll need a sunny location and at least two plants when growing apples. Like many fruit, apples need pollen from another tree to develop fruit. And if your neighbor or a nearby park has a crabapple or apple that blooms at the same time as yours, you can plant just one tree. Select an apple with the desired flavor, adapted to your growing conditions, and the right size for the available space. Use dwarf apple trees to save space and reduce the time between planting and fruit production. Save even more space by espaliering apples flat against a wall, fence, or trellis. With regular pruning you can create living art that adds flowers and fruit to your landscape. Or grow a couple of apples in containers. This is the perfect solution for small spaces. A bit more information: Espalier is a pruning technique used to control plant growth. Plants are pruned flat against a wall, fence, or other support. This saves space while creating a focal point, living fence or art in the garden. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

My Visit to The Wisconsin Humane Society
I post a video every week of my visits to The Wisconsin Humane Society...you have to meet these puppies.

Attracting Hummingbirds to your Landscapes
Bring in the hummingbirds and brighten your landscape with colorful plants. Hedges of weigela, azalea, and flowering quince provide shelter for birds and the nectar filled flowers will attract both hummingbirds and butterflies to your landscape. Use perennial vines like honeysuckle and trumpet for years of hummingbird appeal. Or try annuals like cypress vine and scarlet runner beans for quicker cover. Train them on a trellis to improve the view in narrow spaces. Consider combining annual and perennial vines to quickly cover the support until the perennial vine gets established and starts to bloom. Or plant several equally assertive perennial vines with different bloom times together on the same support to extend your flower display. Annual and perennial phlox and salvia, lantana and Cuphea such as cigar and tiny mice varieties add color to the summer garden with their flowers and hummingbird appeal. A bit more information: Include early bloomers like columbine, bleeding heart, and lungwort (Pulmonaria) to extend the hummingbird season in your landscape. Fall bloomers like bee balm, Rose of Sharon and late blooming hostas will help keep them around in fall. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

What is Clean Eating?
Over the weekend I got to hangout with Sarah from Cafe One24 which is a new restaurant in Brookfield dedicated to "clean" eating. What is "clean" eating? Clean eating pretty much means you are eating food straight from nature. You would be surprised how great food tastes when nothing artificial is being added to it. Check out the menu here.

Elizabeth's Mexican Photo Album Part 2
You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Elizabeth's Mexican Photo Album
You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Elizabeth's massage in Mexico
Do you want a massage on the beach? You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Elizabeth's margarita in Mexico
Wouldn't you like to try a authentic margarita in Mexico? You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Elizabeth on the Mexican beach
How would you like to do something fun in the sun? You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Elizabeth's in Mexico
Want to head on a vacation, like me? You could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

Strawberries for Every Space Garden
Add a bit of nutrition and beauty to your patio, deck, or balcony with a pot of strawberries. It’s a great way to keep a nutritional snack close at hand. The runners, flowers, and fruit on June - also called spring bearing- and the day-neutral strawberries make for an attractive hanging basket. Set the plastic pot inside a decorative container for added beauty. Or use a traditional strawberry pot. Consider growing ever bearing plants that produce several harvests and no runners. Start your traditional strawberry pot by setting a tube or two of perforated PVC down the center of the strawberry pot. As you water, the water travels through the pipe and out the holes providing moisture to all plants from top to bottom. Then place a bit of soil on the bottom of the container. Slide the plants through the hole from the inside of the pot. Fill the remaining space with soil. Gently tamp and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. A bit more information: Or use strawberries as a groundcover. All you need is a little space in a sunny location. Plant in spring, train runners as they develop and enjoy the harvest. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

What's in Elizabeth Kay's Mexican hotel room?
It's always exciting to visit a new place on vacation and to see what surprises will be in your hotel room. When Aaron and I showed up at El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya, Mexico were surprised to see this in our room! Remember, you could be headed somewhere warm too with Funjet Vacations. Just listen to us, Kidd & Elizabeth on 99.1 The Mix when we reveal our next Funjet Vacations Fun Sound of the Day this January weekday mornings at 7:55am!

What NOT to name your baby
Now that we know the name of Beyonce's baby name, Blue Ivy. The reviews are mixed when it comes to how people feel about her name. We found a list of the rules when it comes to what NOT to call your baby. Where the baby was conceived Spell that again Silly sounds Pet names Pick a color Movie/TV trends Cutesy-poo Give me a K For the full list and the explanation of why to NOT name your baby these names, click here. Photo credit The Jordan Collective via Flickr

New Discount Double Check Commercial features Aaron Rodgers and BJ Raji.
The good people at State Farm continue to make me laugh with their, "State Of Imitation" campaign featuring Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Odds are that you've seen the first commercial during a game. If you haven't...click here to check it out. This new "Discount Double Check" not only features Aaron Rodgers but also Green Bay Packers Nose Tackle B.J. Raji shaking his booty! :) Check out the commercial and get ready to laugh! GO PACK GO!

January 15th Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Interview.
The MLK Steering Committee will host the 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on January 15, 2012. Bridgett Gonzalez from the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts joins Leigh McNabb for an interview about the event. Click on the player to listen. Local performing arts groups will also appear in Uihlein Hall as part of the 1:00 p.m. program. Programming in Uihlein Hall will honor those students who will interpret this year's theme "Maintaining Faith in the Future." This year's theme came from many of Dr. King's speeches and writings, but most notably from a collection of his works in A Testament of Hope, The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out the Dec. 14th press conference announcing the 28th annual celebration with Mayor Barrett, Marcus Center President/CEO Paul Matthews and 11th Grade writing Contest Winner Cheyenne Hankins! MILWAUKEE'S Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Maintain Faith in the Future Sunday, January 15, 2012 Presented in Cooperation with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Click here for more information.

Kids From Wisconsin Auditions.
Applications are now being accepted for positions in the 2012 KIDS FROM WISCONSIN. Completed forms must be received by January 20th to be eligible for live auditions scheduled for February 24th, 25th and 26th, 2012. KIDS FROM WISCONSIN is a summer musical performing troupe that travels throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest. The KIDS program is an excellent learning experience for anyone interested in professional performance in the fields of dance, instrumental and vocal music. Approximately 33 positions are open for dancers, vocalists and band members. Qualified males and females between the ages of 15 and 20, regardless of race, color, handicap or national origin are eligible to apply. Each June, a new and exciting stage performance created by a professional artistic staff is taught during an intense 17-day camp. During the following ten weeks, KIDS FROM WISCONSIN tours the State and Midwest performing nearly 70 fully staged performances to enthusiastic audiences at 45-50 events, including daily appearances at Wisconsin State Fair. The KIDS FROM WISCONSIN was founded in 1969 with the mission to provide a unique performing arts experience for musically talented young people and promote a positive image of Wisconsin’s youth. The KIDS FROM WISCONSIN is the state’s Official Musical Ambassadors of Goodwill. Applications are available from all public and private high school music directors, on the KIDS web site at www.kidsfromwisconsin.org or may be requested by contacting the KIDS office at 414-266-7067.

Cure Your Cold
I have been sick all week with "THE GREAT COLD OF 2012" and I am looking for anything to make me feel better. I came across this video about "curing" the cold in ONE DAY. Do you think this would really work?

The Devil Inside Interview.
If you like scary movies, 'The Devil Inside' may be right up your alley! Brent Bell (Writer/Director) and Matthew Peterman (Writer) join Van McNeil for a chat about the film, what went into making of it and what people can expect! In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own exorcism. www.DevilInsideMovie.com

30 Rock Season 6 Sneak Peek.
One of my favorite shows returns to television NEXT WEEK! The multiple Emmy Award winning, '30 Rock' is back, Thursday, January 12th for a 6th season on NBC! I'm honored to get you ready for season 6 with little sneak peek of things to come. Enjoy! 30 Rock Season 6 Premiere Thursday, January 12th 8pm ET / 7pm CT NBC.

Blue Man Group Interview.
Kirk Massey and Jerry Kops from Blue Man Group visit Van McNeil in The Mix Studio for a chat about the show. The group will be performing at the Marcus Performing Arts Center on January 3-8, 2012. http://wwwMarcusCenter.org

JOIN ME AS WE KICK OFF "DISCOVER HIDDEN TREASURES" GARDEN SERIES AT BOERNER
Back by popular demand, I'll be partnering for a third year with the Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens to present a brand news series of garden walks in 2012. The “Discover Hidden Treasures” series will consist of six in-depth garden walks – four geared toward adults and two to families – and will take place January - October. I look forward to taking you an exploration through the gardens to discover both new and old areas & plantings where we’ll unveil hidden treasures and provide creative ideas and concepts that you can apply right to your own landscapes. The two family walks will offer an equal amount of exploration plus fun activities to stimulate the kids! I'll be sharing the things I've learned and answer your questions along the way! The proceeds from the garden walks support Children’s Plant Science and Environmental Education at Boerner Botanical Gardens. Complete details here. Hope you can join me!

Why you should change your hair color for 2012?
There's a new study out that shows men are starting to prefer brunettes over blondes. Yes, blondes were popular and preferred in the seventies and especially in the eighties. But according to the new study, men are defining brunettes as more attractive and more intelligent than blondes. What do you think? Click here to see the full study. Photo credit: Elizabeth Kay with Miley Cyrus

VIDEO: Packer fan tackled!
Holy cow! Check out this insane fan at the Packers/LionsNew Year's Day game.

How to get your man shopping?
If you want to know the secret to get your man shopping - it's called Playboy magazine! Yes, I enjoy antiquing every now and then. Over the holiday break my husband Aaron and I were up north and we visited this huge antique store. To no surprise, Aaron was less than thrilled with the idea, but he perked up when he saw these. Boxes and boxes of Playboy magazines that date back to the 1950's! And that's where all the men who were dragged antiquing were hanging out.

Easy Tips for Indoor Gardening Success
Increase your indoor gardening success with these simple tips. Select indoor plants that match the growing conditions and your schedule. Cacti and succulents are good choices for busy people with lots of light while pothos and snake plant are perfect for low light situations and people who like to provide minimal care Water thoroughly and as needed for the plants you are growing. Most tropical plants should be watered thoroughly whenever the top few inches of the potting mix is slightly damp. Set plants on pebbles, elevating them above the excess water that collects in the saucer. This helps avoid root rot, increase humidity, and decrease your workload. Group plants together for easier maintenance and increased humidity. As one plant transpires (loses moisture from its leaves) its neighbors will benefit from the increase in humidity. Match the plant with its preferred light conditions. Keep in mind trees, awnings, and sheers decrease the light your plants receive. A bit more information: Consider moving struggling plants to a sunny southern window during the short gray days of winter. Or give your plants a boost by adding a few artificial lights to your indoor garden. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Dealing with Small Seeds
Carrots, lettuce, begonia and other small seeds can be difficult to plant at the proper spacing. Reduce wasting seeds and time spent thinning seedlings. Mix seeds with sand, vermiculite, or other fine material to separate the seeds for proper spacing. Sprinkle the sand and seed mix in a shallow furrow, cover with soil, gently tamp, and water. Or try seed tapes available from garden centers and catalogues. The seeds are glued to a tape that you roll out and plant. Make your own with strips of paper towels and seed glue made of 1 cup of flour or cornstarch and ¼ cup of water. Dab this seed-glue on the paper at the proper spacing for the seeds you select. Place the seeds on the flour glue and allow to dry. Once planted, the glue will dissolve, the paper will decompose and the seeds will sprout at the proper spacing. A bit more information: Or purchase pelletized seeds. The seed company coats the smaller seeds, making them larger and easier to handle. Some companies have started combining several small seeds within the pellet for attractive and tasty garden combinations. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Homegrown Vegetables add Flavor to Gluten Free Diets
Don’t let going gluten-free get you down. Include some fresh-from-the-garden vegetables to add flavor to your gluten-free meals. Start by identifying those vegetables you use most and are best suited to your climate. Greens like lettuce, spinach, mustard and kale perform and taste best when grown in cool temperatures. Plus these vegetables are also more tolerant of shade. Root crops like radishes, beets, and carrots can tolerate half a day of shade, but need well-drained soils for best results. Try growing these in raised beds or containers if your soil is heavy or poorly drained. Tomatoes, peppers, squash, melons, and any plant that you eat the flowers or fruits require the most sunlight. And most of these prefer warm soil and air to grow, flourish, and produce. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are the exception. These vegetables have the best flavor when harvested in cooler temperatures. They even tolerate a light frost that can improve their flavor. A bit more information: And once the harvest begins, try eating them as fresh from the garden as possible. You’ll get the best flavor and nutritional value for all your gardening efforts. And avoid breading and sauces with gluten-containing grains. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

SNEAK PEEK The Price Is Right Celebrity Week.
Enjoy a sneak peek of The Price Is Right's FIRST EVER Celebrity Week! THE PRICE IS RIGHT, television's longest-running game show, hosted by Drew Carey, says "Come on Down" to rapper Snoop Dogg, actress Jenny McCarthy, actor Neil Patrick Harris, musician Chris Daughtry and supermodel Heidi Klum, when the show presents its first-ever Celebrity Week to ring in the new year. The special week of shows airs Monday, Jan. 2 – Friday, Jan. 6 (11:00 AM-12:00 Noon, ET; 10:00-11:00 AM, CT) on the CBS Television Network. THE PRICE IS RIGHT BY THE NUMBERS… $250,000,000 The estimated total value of cash and prizes given away on the show. $2,000,000 The # of audience members who have been to the studio to see a taping in person. $1,153,908 The largest amount of money a contestant has won in the prime time special in cash and prizes. $147,517 The largest amount of money a contestant has one on the daytime version of the show. $112,845 The worth of the most expensive single prize ever offered, a Telsa Roadster. 100,000 The estimated total # of prizes given away. 65,000 The total # of contestants that have been told to “Come On Down.” 60,000 The total # of times the big wheel has been spun. 15,000 The number of showcases presented so far. 8,000 Total # of cars given away on the show. 7,500 The total # of episodes for a total of 7,000 hours of programming on CBS. 3,600 The estimated total of pinko chips that have been dropped. $2,746 The price of a Chevrolet Vega, the first car ever given away on the show. 1972 The year the first episode of the current version of the show aired back on September 4th. 700 The # of times the yodeler has attempted to climb up the mountain of the Cliff Hangers game. Poor guy has gone over the edge 282 times. 105 The # of pricing games played over the history of the show, 70 of which are still in active rotation today. 99 The age of two of the oldest contestants who were told to “come on down.” All contestants must be at least 18 years old and numerous contestants are tied for that record, having come on down on the day of their 18th Birthday. 33 The stage # for every taped episode of THE PRICE IS RIGHT, with the exception of the Las Vegas based 30th season prime time special 30 The # of minutes the show was when it first premiered in 1972. The show didn’t expand to an hour until 1975 when the Showcase Showdown was first introduced. For more visit...www.PriceIsRight.com

Seven Green Bay Packers Earn Pro Bowl Selections.
Represented by seven members of the team, the Green Bay Packers learned Tuesday that wide receiver Greg Jennings, fullback John Kuhn, linebacker Clay Matthews, quarterback Aaron Rodgers, nose tackle B.J. Raji, center Scott Wells and cornerback Charles Woodson were named Pro Bowl selections by the National Football League. Additionally, Kuhn, Matthews, Rodgers and Woodson were named starters for the NFC squad. The seven players are the most the Packers have had voted into the Pro Bowl since 1967. Kicker Mason Crosby was named first alternate. Jennings earns his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection, the first Green Bay wide receiver to be honored in back-to-back seasons since Donald Driver in 2006-07. Jennings leads the team in receptions (67) and ranks No. 2 on the squad in both receiving yards (949) and receiving TDs (nine) despite missing the last two contests with a knee injury. For Kuhn, it marks the first Pro Bowl selection of his career as he becomes the first Packer fullback to be honored since William Henderson in 2004. Kuhn has accounted for six touchdowns this season (four rushing, two receiving), his second straight season with six total TDs. He has rushed for 73 yards on 28 carries (2.6 avg.) along with 13 receptions for 67 yards (5.2 avg.) this season. Kuhn quotes on... (how it feels to be recognized like this) “It’s just really an honor, because it means that the fans out there really appreciate you, it means your peers, your players, appreciate you, and it means that your coaches, the people that are directly involved in game plans, appreciate you. That’s very special to me. Some awards out there are voted on in all different kinds of ways, but the fact that I can say my peers, my coaches and the fans all really appreciate me, that means more than anything.” (why he feels he received the honor and what his biggest contributions to the team are) “I think it’s the fact that I’m versatile at fullback. I can play the traditional fullback role and lead-block, and the coaches also entrust the ball-carrying opportunities that I have. I think the combination of the two of those really gets my name out there.” (whether the chanting of his name at Lambeau Field will get louder now) “I can imagine. The fans, they are truly football fans here in Wisconsin. They won’t let this one slide by.” Matthews earns his third career selection as he becomes the first Packer since RB John Brockington (1971-73) to earn Pro Bowl recognition in each of his first three seasons in the league. Matthews leads the team with six sacks, along with 69 tackles (49 solo), and has posted career highs in interceptions (three), forced fumbles (three) and passes defensed (nine). Raji, a first-round draft choice by the Packers along with Matthews in 2009, earns his first career selection. He is the first Green Bay defensive tackle to be selected to the Pro Bowl since Bob Brown in 1972. Raji is tied for the team lead among defensive linemen with three sacks this season, while adding 40 tackles (18 solo), three passes defensed and a fumble recovery. Raji quotes on... (his reaction to being named to the team) “I was pretty excited. It’s one of those things with the position that I play, a lot of times you kind of feel like your contributions go unnoticed, but this is just confirmation that somebody out there is noticing the work I’ve put in and some of the plays I make, and I’m appreciative for that.” (on getting voted in despite playing a less glamorous position in the 3-4 defense) “Like I said, it just shows me that the real football minds and the people that understand the game are able to make decisions based off of the film and not necessarily just off of popularity and things like that. It’s good to know that it’s a balanced process.” For Rodgers, it marks the second Pro Bowl selection of his career (2009) and the first time he has been named the starter for the NFC squad. The seventh-year pro leads the league this season in passer rating (122.5), touchdowns (45) and yards per attempt (9.25), while ranking No. 2 in completion percentage (68.3) and No. 3 in passing yards (4,643). His 45 passing TDs are a single-season franchise record and rank No. 4 in NFL history, while his yardage total ranks No. 1 in team annals. Wells, a seventh-round draft pick by the Packers in 2004, has earned his first career selection. He is the first Green Bay center to be named to the Pro Bowl since Mike Flanagan in 2003. Wells has started every game for an offense that ranks No. 1 in the league in points scored (34.3), No. 3 in passing yards (297.0) and No. 5 in total yards (395.5). Rodgers quotes on... (what the recognition means to him) “I think it’s the culmination of a solid, successful season. I think it’s an award that is personified by consistent play, but also by a supporting group that has done their job as well. I’m very honored by the recognition, and very thankful for my teammates, the way they’ve conducted themselves and prepared and played, and for my coaching staff, particularly my individual position coach, Tom Clements, and I’m also very thankful to the fans for them voting me in as well.” (whether being named the starter adds to the honor) “It does have special significance, because when I was voted in in 2009, I was the third guy and I was very thankful to be voted in, and got the opportunity to start because of some injuries and guys not going. But it’s great to be voted in as a starter, that means a lot to me and it’s a special honor.” Woodson has earned his eighth career Pro Bowl bid and fourth straight as a member of the Packers (also four straight years as a starter). He is the first Green Bay cornerback since Herb Adderley (1963-67) to be selected to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons. Woodson is tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions this season and ranks second on the team with 20 passes defensed. The 14th-year pro also has 83 tackles (68 solo), two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Other alternates include linebacker Desmond Bishop, returner Randall Cobb, tight end Jermichael Finley, wide receiver Jordy Nelson, guard Josh Sitton and cornerback Tramon Williams.

Get ready for Season 11 of American Idol!
Get ready for the craziness that is American Idol! Ryan, Randy, Jennifer and Steven are back for an 11th season which is set to kick-off with a two-night premiere Wednesday, January 18th & 19th on FOX. Enjoy a behind the scenes look at the Season 11 Judges Photo Shoot and more! http://www.AmericanIdol.com YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... Best Of 2011 Van in Chicago for The X Factor Auditions...click here.

Win Opening Night Blue Man Group Tickets!
Get ready to experience the Blue Man Group January 3rd - January 8th at the Marcus Center For The Performing Arts! I'll have your tickets to check out opening night January 3rd, 2012. Experience the Phenomenon. BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as “One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged.” E! Entertainment News exclaims, “BLUE MAN GROUP is what every live performance aspires to be.” The Baltimore Sun raves, “Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It’s a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!” Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that BLUE MAN GROUP is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, BLUE MAN GROUP is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. BLUE MAN GROUP is now on the road for its first U.S. theatrical tour. This unique experience is a form of entertainment like nothing else; guaranteed to be an outing you will never forget. Performance Length: 1 Hour 30 Minutes, No Intermission, Age Appropriateness 5 and above. Click here for tickets or call Marcus Center Box Office: 414.273.7206 / 1.888.612.3500

See Adele LIVE for $14
She is one of the most talented singers of our time and one of the hardest to see live in concert, but if you buy here new DVD "Adele Live At The Royal Albert Hall" you will get the chance to see how amazing Adele is LIVE. This was one of my favorite Christmas presents this year and it comes with a DVD and CD of the live concert. She tells great stories about all the songs and why she wrote them. I highly recommend this DVD/CD combo...you'll love it!

Never Too Late!
I FINALLY put my tree up this week and I am really happy I did. I will be traveling over New Years and I was thinking maybe I would just leave it down in the storage unit this year. It only took a few minutes to dust it off, find the ornaments and plug it in. It may not be the prettiest tree, but it's mine and it's Christmas! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

My kid needs this!
I was visiting my friend Alley's new baby boy and she showed me this onesie that a friend bought her. Let me just say, that as a stock owner, I'm buying one of these for my kid when that time comes.

A sleepy puppy
Check out what I woke up to this morning - a snoring little puppy under the Christmas tree. This is Gus' first Christmas and he loves sleeping under the tree.

Tony Bennett coming to Milwaukee!
The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is proud to announce Tony Bennett: Live In Concert as part of the continuing series Marcus Center Presents. The 15-time Grammy Award winning singer will be at the Marcus Center's Uihlein Hall for one night only on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Monday, January 9 at 12:00 p.m. at the Marcus Center Box Office. Tony Bennett is a legendary artist who moves the hearts and touches the souls of audiences. He's not just the singer's singer but also an international treasure honored by the United Nations with its Citizen of the World award, which aptly describes the scope of his accomplishments. The son of a grocer and Italian-born immigrant, Anthony Dominick Benedetto sang while waiting tables as a teenager then performed with military bands during World War II. His big break came in 1949 when comedian Bob Hope noticed him working in Greenwich Village. It was Hope who came up with the name Tony Bennett. His classic, "I left my Heart in San Francisco," is known worldwide. TONY BENNETT celebrated his 85th birthday this year with a new CD, "Duets II" which was released on September 20th on RPM/Columbia Records and made music history by making Tony the oldest artist to ever have a #1 CD on the Billboard album charts. Bennett began the recording process with several artists during Grammy week in February at LA's famed Capitol Studios. Subsequent recording sessions in New York, Nashville and Italy rounded out the completion of the CD. Featured on Duets II are Lady Gaga, Michael Buble, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and the late Amy Winehouse, whose last recording session was for this project. "Duets II," produced by Phil Ramone follows up "Tony Bennett Duets: An American Classic" CD, the 2006 Grammy winning best selling CD which became the singer's best selling CD to date. DUETS II was recently nominated for three Grammy Awards. Mr. Bennett is also a serious and accomplished painter, creating works under the name Benedetto that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is also the founder of Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens. Bennett is one of only a handful of artists to have new albums chart in each decade through the new millennium and is recognized for having bridged and even "demolished" the generation gap (The New York Times). Tony Bennett has introduced dozens of pop standards to the Great American Songbook and continues to tour the world to sold out audiences, winning rave reviews whenever he performs. Tony Bennett: Live In Concert will be at the Marcus Center on Tuesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Uihlein Hall. Tickets start at $65 and vary depending on seat location. Special Gold Circle VIP seating is also available and $1 will be added to each ticket to support Exploring the Arts Inc. which is a non-profit organization founded by Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto to transform the lives of young people through arts education. Tickets go on sale on Monday, January 9 at 12:00 p.m. and are available at the Marcus Center Box Office at 929 N. Water Street Downtown Milwaukee, by calling 414-273-7206, online at Ticketmaster.com or at Marcus Center.org. For more information, please visit www.MarcusCenter.org. Groups 10 or more call 414-273-7121 ext. 210.

Area Students Break Guinness World Record!
I had the honor of hosting the, "Read It To Beat It Winterfest Reading Challenge" yesterday at U.S. Cellular Arena in hopes of breaking a Guinness World Record...and we did! 4, 586 students from area schools joined Green Bay Packer Ryan Grant, Milwaukee Brewer Craig Counsell, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel President/Publisher Betsy Brenner to read together, out loud for 30 minutes to break the current world record of 4,222 students held in Nigeria (September 8, 2011). Check out video from the, "Read It To Beat It" event below, courtesy of our friends at Fox 6. Learn more about the family fun that Winterfest has to offer. Listen to my interview with Wnterfest's Jean Lynch. http://www.MilwaukeeWinterFest.com

Should this guy be fired?
If this was your delivery, how would you feel? I'd be pretty upset, especially when I've recieved deliveries in the mail that are all shaken up. Photo credit VFS digital Design via Flickr

What's the most annoying of 2011?
The latest "best/worst of 2011" list is pretty funny. It's the "Most annoying word or phrase of 2011." What's yours? Here's the top 3: 1. Whatever 2. Like 3. You know For the full story, click here. Photo credit stockphoto.com/marekuliaz

Go to Disneyland without leaving your humble abode!
Yes, it's TRUE! You CAN go to Disneyland with leaving your house w Kinect Disneyland Adventures on Kinect for Xbox 360! You can step into many of your favorite Disneyland park attractions, explore the worlds as you go on fantastic adventures like... Flying through Neverland at Peter Pan's side, taking on Captin Hook in a sword fight, battling your way to the island in Pirates of the Caribbean, check out the fascinating world of Alice in Wonderland and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Plus, with the controller free power of Kinect, families and Disney fans of all ages can interact with beloved Disney Characters using your full body and voice commands! Take a preview of what I'm talking about and enjoy Disneyland from the comfort of your living room. http://www.xbox.com/KinectDisneyland YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Kinectimals Now w/ Bears on Kinect for Xbox 360 Preview...click here. Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster on Kinect for Xbox 360 preview...click here.

I LOVE this dog!
Every Tuesday I feature a new pet from the Wisconsin Humane Society and this week Barbie is looking for a loving home...you will love her after you see this video!

Thank You!
Thank you so much for your generosity and willingness to give to our 99 Kids this year. What a huge success! We had people calling in, begging to help. Thank you! And let me tell you, these 99 Kids are going to open some amazing gifts this holiday! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

The Adventures of Tintin Jamie Bell Interview.
Jamie Bell, who plays Tintin in The Adventures of Tintin calls in to chat with Van McNeil about the movie, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, what it was like on set with Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost plus, what movie scared him as a kid and much more. http://www.us.movie.tintin.com/ CLICK ON THE PLAYER or CLICK HERE TO LISTEN:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Press Conference.
The MLK Steering Committee will host the 28th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on January 15, 2012. Local performing arts groups will also appear in Uihlein Hall as part of the 1:00 p.m. program. Programming in Uihlein Hall will honor those students who will interpret this year's theme "Maintaining Faith in the Future." This year's theme came from many of Dr. King's speeches and writings, but most notably from a collection of his works in A Testament of Hope, The Essential Writings and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. Check out the Dec. 14th press conference announcing the 28th annual celebration with Mayor Barrett, Marcus Center President/CEO Paul Matthews and 11th Grade writing Contest Winner Cheyenne Hankins! MILWAUKEE'S Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Maintain Faith in the Future Sunday, January 15, 2012 Presented in Cooperation with the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Click here for more information.

New Year's Eve...

Thank YOU!
Thank you for supporting 99 KIDS again this year...look at ALL the presents you dropped off! We have the BEST listeners! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Check out our Christmas Card
Here's our 2011 Christmas card!

Merry & Bright
Check out our holiday card! Stationery card View the entire collection of cards.

Elf on the Shelf
Do you want your kids to behave this holiday season? Maybe you need Elf on the Shelf. Have you heard about this yet? It's all the rage. It's a book and you get a little Elf to put anywhere in your house. You can even name your elf and login on their website to personalize your elf even more. Every night the elf will report back to Santa. For details and where to get your own elf, click here. Photo credit fieldtripswithsue.com

Too Late For A Tree?
Is it too late to get a real tree? I helped my parents put their tree up a few weeks ago and I can't get the smell of a real tree out of my mind. Here is my question, if I put up a real tree now...how long can it stay up for? Also, how long do the real trees live for? Any REAL TREE advice would be very helpful!

God Bless America (and the Packers)
Check out this photograph I received from my father in-law. It was taken on Monday Night Football for Veterans Day. It's pretty sweet. One of my favorite parts of a Packer game is the fly over.

How about a pet Tiger or Bear for Christmas?
Before you shatter your kids hopes and dreams for a pet this Christmas, consider, "Kinectimals Now with Bears", exclusively on Kinect for Xbox 360! Yes, I'm talking video games! Hear me out... Let's say you do cave and get a real pet this year, remember it's gonna be YOU, Mom and Dad, that's gonna feed the pet AND clean up it's messes AND take it out at 5 in the morning under a foot of snow! Because no matter how much you stress the real pet is your kids responsibilty, you're gonna have pick up the slack. Sounds like fun doesn't it? :) With, "Kinectimals Now with Bears" on Kinect for Xbox 360 it's like having a real pet but without the frustration and hassle AND no surprises on the ground. Plus, with Kinect for Xbox 360 YOU are the controller! Using full-body movements, gestures and voice commands to interact with your pet in a natural way. It's a really fun game and my daughter is really enjoying it because Pigs are gonna have to fly first before a REAL pet steps in this house. Check out the preview below and Merry Christmas! Join me on Xbox LIVE! Gamertag - VanMcNeil991 www.Xbox.com/Kinectimals YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... Kinect for Xbox 360 - Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster Preview...click here.

VIDEO: Cutting down our tree
We did it! We cut down our Christmas tree in the woods outside of Oshkosh. But my husband Aaron does all of the "cutting down" part. It smells so good in our house

Merry Christmas from Glee!
Our friends at FOX have given us the gift of a sneak peek! Enjoy a preview of the Christmas episode of GLEE! When New Directions is asked to perform at two different events – on the same day, at the same time – they have a tough decision to make. Will they choose correctly and spread Christmas cheer, or will their ambition get the best of them? All this and more in the all-new “Extraordinary Merry Christmas” episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Dec. 13th (9pm et / 8pm ct) on FOX. www.fox.com/glee

Are gift cards really "gifts?"
When it comes to gifts, do you give people gift cards? Is it considered thoughtful or an easy way to cross someone off of your list? An article on MSN.com talked about the lack of thoughtfulness when it comes to giving loved ones a gift card. What do you think? We feel like if someone can use it and save them the hassle of returning a gift, then why not? To read the full article, click here. Photo credit riddle_ via Flickr

What do you return?
A new list is out for the holiday season with the top 3 items people return. Clothes - forget buying her the sweater that doesn't fit Appliances (don't buy her the toaster, even though you think she wants it) Toys (the kids already have enough toys) Does that change what you might be buying this year? Photo credit jimmiehomeschoolmom via Flickr

VIDEO: LOL, this baby is funny!
Are you a dog lover? When a baby laughs, do you laugh too? If you're a sucker for both of these, then you'll love this video. We have two Bernese Mountain Dogs so this video made me laugh even harder (that's the kind of dog in the video).

Sign & Drive 2012 VW
My friends at Concours Motors have asked me to test drive a new 2012 VW Passat and share with you what I liked. Let me start with the heated seats, they are so nice with this cold Wisconsin mornings. The stereo system is AWESOME! I love the blue tooth system that syncs with my I-Phone and makes it easy to listen to my music and talk hands-free. Concours has great lease offers until January 3, 2012 so make sure to take adavantage of them! Visit Concours Motors today!

What did you say to S. Nick?
My Dad showed up to my house yesteday with this letter he found. It's my note to St. Nick that I wrote when I was seven years old. What I think is funny is how many times I told him I "loved him." It was four times! That sounds a little desperate, if you ask me LOL.

Tinker The Bell Ringing Horse
Find where Tinker will be next by clcking here

Christmas Requests/Shout Outs from 12/3/2011
Thanks for all the love today! You can reach us at 414.799.1099 or you can shoot an email to vmcneil@991wmyx.com Call from Texas... Call from Hailey... Call from Carolyn... Call from Ken... Call from Amy... Thanks again for all the calls and for listening! Have a Merry Christmas! :) -Van

Do you really know Twilight's "Breaking Dawn?"
I'm such a fan of the Twilight Saga and I've seen "Breaking Dawn Part1" four times in the theater. But how well do you know the story? Sometimes the movie is different than the book and in this case there were some differences. Click here to take this quiz to test your knowledge. Photo credit - Kidd & Elizabeth as Edward and Bella

Video games are a changing...for the good!
So, the family and I have been enjoying our new Kinect for Xbox 360 and let me just say this system is a, "game changer"! Gone are the days of holding a controller because w Kinect for Xbox 360, YOU are the controller! One of the games we've been playing is Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster and it's a ton of fun! Not just for the little ones but mom and dad too! This game is a living storybook adventure where you help your new monster friends with problems, all while engaging in fun and physcial activites! Don't believe me? Take a look for yourself in the video preview below and get ready to break a sweat w Sesame Street Once Upon A Monster available EXCLUSIVELY on Kinect for Xbox 360. www.OnceUponAMonsterGame.com www.Xbox.com Join me on Xbox LIVE! Gamertag - VanMcNeil991

LOL - watch out Santa!
Every Christmas this video will pop up online and I have to watch it because it's so funny! The best part is the kids cheering for Santa. Click here to see it.

Savion Glover Interview.

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