Audio Vault

Pruning Trees: Large Branches
Late winter after the coldest weather has passed through early spring before growth begins is a great time to prune trees. Make proper cuts to insure the health and longevity of your plants. Use the three-cut method when removing large branches. This prevents trunk damage caused by the weight of the branch ripping it and the bark off the tree. Make your first cut about one foot away from the trunk. Cut from the bottom of the branch upward about 1/3 of the way through the branch. Next cut downward from the top of the branch several inches beyond the first cut. As the branch starts to fall, it will break away at the first cut. This prevents damage to the trunk. The third and final cut is made flush with the branch bark collar. It’s the swollen area at the base of the branch and acts as a natural barrier to decay-causing organisms. A bit more information: Consider hiring a certified arborist for large tree care. These tree care professionals have the training and equipment to do the job safely and correctly. Visit www.treesaregood.com to find a certified arborist in your area. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Aaron Rodgers ON SNL?
It could happen! According to sportingnews.com Aaron "spoke with some of the show's cast members over the weekend and hopes that something can be worked out." Read more: http://aol.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2012-02-08/aaron-rodgers-says-he-has-received-feelers-about-hosting-saturday-night-live#ixzz1ln9ziDbb

Hotness alert!
I've never been a huge Maroon 5 fan, but since "The Voice" has come back to TV, I'm hooked on Adam Levine. He is HOT! Here's a fun video that he shot on Hollywood Boulevard for a music video. Enjoy (FYI, it's better muted).

Get to know Grammy Nominee Bruno Mars.
In 2011, I had the chance to work w Bruno Mars for a nationwide radio takeover hosted by Kiss Fm's Rahny Taylor. Rahny handled the interview like a pro, while I was behind the camera and we both found out all about Bruno Mars music, videos, life and what he's all about. Very cool dude! Now he's nominated for a 6 Grammy Awards and will be performing at the LIVE broadcast in L.A. on Sunday, February, 12th 8pm et / 7pm ct on CBS. Get the stories behind the music, watch music videos and find out what his plans are for the future! Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 1/3 - Bruno talks about the sturggles of breaking into the music biz and almost quitting. Plus, writing or performing? Which does he perfer? Music Videos: B.O.B - Nutin' On You. Travie McCoy - Billionaire. Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 2/3 - Bruno talks Cee Lo Green, Awards Shows and who was "Just The Way You Are" all about? Music Videos: Cee Lo Green - Forget You. Bruno Mars f/ Cee Lo Green - The Other Side. Bruno Mars - Just The Way You Are. Bruno Mars Radio Takeover 3/3 - Bruno describes his "sound" and how the Lazy Song came to be. Plus he talks family, fashion, music and...is Bruno Mars SINGLE? Music Videos: Bruno Mars - Grenade. Bruno Mars f/ Damian Marley - The Other Side. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... 54th Annual Grammy Awards Nominees, Performers, Presenters, video and more...click here. Pick the Grammy Winners and win a 2012 Grammy Nominees CD...click here for more information.

WIN 2012 Grammy Nominees CD.
Pick the Grammy Winners and you could WIN a copy of the 2012 Grammy Nominees CD featuring music from Katy Perry, Adele, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and more! Ready to make your picks? It's free and easy! Click here to start making picks. The 54th Annual Grammy Awards happen THIS SUNDAY at 7pm on CBS. For a list of nominees, who's performing, video and more...click here.

Press Play If You're Hairy...

Get Your Legs Looking Great Before Spring

How to explain Twitter to Grandma
This awesome picture is circulating around the internet and I absolutely love it! It really dumbs down social media. Grandma can actually follow along now with what's going on. Photo credit DouglasWray via http://instagr.am/p/nm695/

Hosta of the Year
Hostas are great for shade and low maintenance gardens. But with hundreds of choices it can be a bit overwhelming. So the American Hosta Growers Association has stepped in to help. Each year the Hosta Growers select an outstanding hosta suited to gardens in a wide range of growing regions, ones that are widely available and affordable. This year’s winner is Liberty. This hosta can grow up to 39 inches tall and wide. The thick dark green leaves have a wide yellow edge that changes to cream in summer. The variegation helps brighten the shade and the lavender flowers appear in mid-summer to attract hummingbirds. Use hostas in containers or shade gardens with other shade loving plants. Combine Liberty with creamy and yellow flowered plants that echo the creamy variegation. Soften the look and feel of the hosta garden with some fine textured ferns and sedges. Or combine with a lower growing groundcover like golden moneywort. A bit more information: Use Liberty as your start to a patriotic hosta garden. Include others like Revolution, Patriot, Minuteman, Pilgrim, Loyalist, Dawn’s Early Light, Fireworks, American Dream and American Hero. Twenty five cents for each American Hero hosta sold will be donated to Project Evergreen’s Green Care for Troops. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Goose Bumps
Out of all the witty, cute and funny commercials - this one was my favorite. It made me proud to be an American!

Do you know a Kevin?
According to a new study he has "The Worst Online Dating Name." Other names on the list include: The worst names for online dating? Kevin Justin Marvin Mandy Celina Chantal And among the best… Jacob Alexander Max Charlotte Emma Hannah Read more: http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20120105/kevin-kevinism-online-dating-names-120105/#ixzz1lnLmrxFD image via flickr alice362b

Win tickets to Ghost Rider Spirit Of Vengeance.
99.1 The Mix gets YOU into the best new movies FIRST! Listen to Van McNeil (Weekdays Noon-4pm) for your cue to call in and win tickets to The Mix Sneak Peek of Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance starring Nicholas Cage. Good luck! (414.799.1099) Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Johnny Blaze in Ghost Rider™ Spirit of Vengeance. In this gritty new vision for the character, directed by Neveldine/Taylor (Crank), Johnny is still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – but he may risk everything as he teams up with the leader of a group of rebel monks (Idris Elba) to save a young boy from the devil… and possibly rid himself of his curse forever. http://www.thespiritofvengeance.com/

Stop and read before you order
A new online article talks about what bartenders are really thinking when it comes to what you order and how your act at a bar. For example, if you order a margarita. Bartenders say they're a pain to make (some even say the blender is broken) and you're either an amatuer or underage. On the other hand, if you order a Gin & Tonic that means you have money. Vodka drinks are respectable and Cosmos mean you're stuck back in time watching Sex & The City. For the full article, click here. Photo credit Anders Ljungberg via Flickr

All things OSCAR...Behind the scenes, nominees and more.
Billy Crystal will serve as host for the 84th Academy Awards. “I’m thrilled to welcome Billy back to the Oscar® stage,” said Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences president Tom Sherak. “He’s a comic legend and Oscar icon, and it feels good to have him back where he belongs.” Producer Brian Grazer commented, “Like so many others, I’ve been eager to see Billy host again. It’s very gratifying that he agreed to do it with Don Mischer and me at the helm.” Said Mischer, "With Billy, we're moving forward with one of the greatest hosts in Oscar history. His return to the Oscars® is, in a sense, a celebration." This will mark Crystal’s ninth time as host. Only Bob Hope has hosted more Academy Awards presentations, with 19 ceremonies between 1940 and 1978. Crystal last hosted the Academy Awards in 2004. “Some of the best moments of my career have happened on the Oscar stage. I am thrilled to be back there. Actually, I am doing this so that the young woman in my pharmacy will stop asking me my name when I pick up my prescriptions,” said Crystal. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2011 will be presented on Sunday, February 26, 2012, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar® presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide. 84th Academy Awards Nominees. Click on nominee for more infomation. Best Picture "The Artist" "The Descendants" "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" "Hugo" "Midnight in Paris" "The Help" "Moneyball" "War Horse" "The Tree of Life" Best Actor Demian Bichir, "A Better Life" George Clooney, "The Descendants" Jean Dujardin, "The Artist" Gary Oldman, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" Brad Pitt, "Moneyball" Best Actress Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs" Viola Davis, "The Help" Rooney Mara, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady" Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn" Best Supporting Actor Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn" Jonah Hill, "Moneyball" Nick Nolte, "Warrior" Christopher Plummer, "Beginners" Max Von Sydow, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" Best Supporting Actress Berenice Bejo, "The Artist" Jessica Chastain, "The Help" Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids" Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs" Octavia Spencer, "The Help" Best Director Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris" Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist" Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life" Alexander Payne, "The Descendants" Martin Scorsese, "Hugo" Best Animated Feature "A Cat In Paris" "Chico & Rita" "Kung Fu Panda 2" "Puss in Boots" "Rango" Best Original Song "Man or Muppet," The Muppets; Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie "Real in Rio," Rio; Music by Sergio Mendes and Carlinhos Brown, Lyric by Siedah Garrett For more visit...www.Oscar.com

American Idol Sneak Peek February 2nd.
In an American Idol exclusive, Madonna will world premiere the video for her new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin,” featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. Plus, more auditions – this time from St. Louis, MO – as the judges resume their search to find the next singing superstar. Take a sneak peek at tonight's episode and check out American Idol Wednesday and Thrusday nights on FOX! www.AmericanIdol.com

All things GRAMMY...Performers, nominees and more.
54th Annual GRAMMY® Nominees. Click on artist to view music video. Album of the Year Adele - 21 Foo Fighters - Wasting Light Lady Gaga - Born This Way Bruno Mars - Doo-Wops & Hooligans Rihanna - Loud Record of the Year Adele - "Rolling In The Deep" Bon Iver - "Holocene" Bruno Mars - "Grenade" Mumford & Sons - "The Cave" Katy Perry - "Firework" Best New Artist The Band Perry Bon Iver J. Cole Nicki Minaj Skrillex Song of the Year Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie - "All of the Lights" Mumford & Sons - "The Cave" Bruno Mars - "Grenade" Bon Iver - "Holocene" Adele - "Rolling In The Deep" Best Pop Solo Performance Adele - "Someone Like You" Lady Gaga - "Yoü and I" Bruno Mars - "Grenade" Katy Perry - "Firework" Pink - "F***in' Perfect" Best Pop Duo/Group Performance Tony Bennett & Amy Winehouse - "Body and Soul" The Black Keys - "Dearest" Coldplay - "Paradise" Foster The People - "Pumped Up Kicks" Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera - "Moves Like Jagger" Best Dance Recording deadmau5 and Greta Svabo Bech - "Raise Your Weapon" Duck Sauce - "Barbra Streisand" David Guetta and Avicii - "Sunshine" Robyn - "Call Your Girlfriend" Skrillex - "Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites" Swedish House Mafia - "Save The World" Best Rock Performance Coldplay - "Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall" The Decemberists - "Down By the Water" Foo Fighters - "Walk" Mumford & Sons - "The Cave" Radiohead - "Lotus Flower" Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Dream Theater - "On The Backs of Angels" Foo Fighters - "White Limo" Mastodon - "Curl of the Burl" Megadeth - "Public Enemy No. 1" Sum 41 - "Blood In My Eyes" Best Rock Album Jeff Beck - Rock 'N' Roll Party Honoring Les Paul Foo Fighters - Wasting Light Kings Of Leon - Come Around Sundown Red Hot Chili Peppers - I'm With You Wilco - The Whole Love Best Alternative Music Album Bon Iver - Bon Iver Death Cab for Cutie - Codes and Keys Foster the People - Torches My Morning Jacket - Circuital Radiohead - The King Of Limbs Best Traditional R&B Performance Eric Benet - "Sometimes I Cry" Cee Lo Green and Melanie Fiona - "Fool for You" R. Kelly - "Radio Message" Raphael Saadiq - "Good Man" Betty Wright and the Roots - "Surrender" Best R&B Album Chris Brown - F.A.M.E. El DeBarge - Second Chance R. Kelly - Love Letter Ledisi - Pieces of Me Kelly Price - Kelly Best Rap Album Jay-Z and Kanye West - Watch the Throne Lil Wayne - Tha Carter IV Lupe Fiasco - Lasers Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Beyoncé and Andre 3000 - "Party" DJ Khaled, Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne - "I'm On One" Dr. Dre, Eminem and Skylar Grey - "I Need a Doctor" Rihanna and Drake - "What's My Name?" Kelly Rowland and Lil Wayne - "Motivation" Kanye West, Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie - "All Of The Lights" Best Rap Performance Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes - "Look at Me Now" Jay-Z and Kanye West - "Otis" Lupe Fiasco - "The Show Goes On" Nicki Minaj and Drake - "Moment 4 Life" Wiz Khalifa - "Black And Yellow" Best Country Solo Performance Jason Aldean - "Dirt Road Anthem" Martina McBride - "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" Blake Shelton - "Honey Bee" Taylor Swift - "Mean" Carrie Underwood - "Mama's Song" Best Country Song Thompson Square - "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" Blake Shelton - "God Gave Me You" Trace Adkins - "Just Fishin' " Taylor Swift - "Mean" Vince Gill - "Threaten Me With Heaven" Kenny Chesney (featuring Grace Potter) - "You and Tequila" Best Americana Album Linda Chorney - Emotional Jukebox Ry Cooder - Pull Up Some Dust And Sit Down Emmylou Harris - Hard Bargain Levon Helm - Ramble At The Ryman Lucinda Williams - Blessed Best Blues Album Gregg Allman - Low Country Blues Marcia Ball - Roadside Attractions Warren Haynes - Man In Motion Keb' Mo' - The Reflection Tedeschi Trucks Band - Revelator Best Folk Album The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow Steve Earle - I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues Eddie Vedder - Ukulele Songs Gillian Welch - The Harrow & The Harvest 54tn Annual GRAMMY® performers and presenters. Current GRAMMY® nominee Chris Brown; nominees Tony Bennett and Carrie Underwood, who will perform together; and 14-time GRAMMY winner Alicia Keys and nine-time GRAMMY winner Bonnie Raitt, who will remember Etta James, have been added to the stellar lineup for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Two-time GRAMMY and three-time Latin GRAMMY® winner Marc Anthony, six-time GRAMMY winners and current nominees Lady Antebellum, and television and radio host/producer Ryan Seacrest will appear as presenters. Music's Biggest Night® — hosted by two-time GRAMMY winner LL COOL J — takes place live on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast in high definition and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show will also be covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/thegrammys. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon. Brown has three nominations: Best R&B Album for F.A.M.E., and Best Rap Performance (with Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes) and Best Rap Song for "Look At Me Now." Fourteen-time GRAMMY Winner and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Bennett has two nods: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for "Body And Soul" (with Amy Winehouse), and Best Traditional Pop Album for Duets II (with Various Artists). Five-time GRAMMY winner Underwood is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for "Mama's Song." Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Adele (in her first live performance since undergoing vocal cord surgery last fall); Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars; Paul McCartney; Nicki Minaj; Katy Perry; Bruce Springsteen And The E Street Band; and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time. Previously announced presenters are Dierks Bentley, Jack Black, Drake, Fergie, Miranda Lambert, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson, and Ringo Starr. LL COOL J has hosted "The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music's Biggest Night" since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... Pick the Grammy Winners and win a 2012 Grammy Nominees CD...click here for more information.

Don't hug the groundhog
Today is Groundhog Day! I think groundhogs are so cute! Except, I read this about groundhogs and it kind of changed my idea of whether or not I should hug one. By nature, groundhogs are aggressive creatures. They can be socialized if raised with lots of human contact in captivity, but still retain their full wild memories. Doug Schwartz, a zookeeper and groundhog trainer at the Staten Island Zoo, had this to say to the New York Times about groundhogs "They're known for their aggression, so you're starting from a hard place. Their natural impulse is to kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out. You have to work to produce the sweet and cuddly." Photo - Wynter, the groundhog at the Milwaukee County Zoo http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/news/

The Voice Season 2 Sneak Peek.
"The Voice" returns (The Voice Mondays on NBC (8-10 p.m. ET / 7-9pm CT) beginning February 6; Season premiere: Sunday, February 5 (10-11 p.m. ET / 9-10 p.m.) - time approximate following Super Bowl) with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the blockbuster vocal competition show's second season. Celebrity musician coaches Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton return along with Carson Daly as host. Christina Milian joins as Social Media Correspondent. The show’s innovative format features three stages of competition: the first begins with the blind audition, then the competition enters into a battle phase, and finally, the live performance shows. During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don't get to see them -- thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist’s voice, he/she pushes a button to select the artist for his/her team. At this point, the coach’s chair will swivel so that he/she can face the artist he/she has selected. Once the teams are set, the battle is on. Coaches will dedicate themselves to developing their singers, giving them advice, and sharing the secrets of their success. During the battle rounds the coaches will pit two of their own team members against each other to sing the same song together in front of a studio audience. After the vocal face-off, the coach must choose which of his/her singers will advance. At the end of the battle episodes, only the strongest members of each coach's roster remain and proceed to the live stage shows. In this final performance phase of the competition, the top artists from each team will compete against each other during a live broadcast. The television audience will vote to save their favorite talent, leaving the coach to decide live who they want to save and who will not move on. In the end, each coach will have one star artist left ready to compete against the other teams’ finalists to be named “The Voice” – the winner will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.

Don?t Top that Tree
Stop – don’t top that tree. Instead, make sure it is properly pruned for years of health, beauty, and enjoyment in your landscape. Many gardeners top trees to drastically reduce their size. They worry that trees are too big for their property, are a hazard, or just too big to support themselves. Topping, indiscriminately removes large branches and as much as 50 to 100% of the leaves, making it the most harmful tree pruning practice. Instead of fixing the problem it actually creates hazardous, ugly trees and increases your tree care costs. A certified arborist can help you reduce large trees and eliminate hazards when needed. They’ll remove diseased, damaged and dead branches to reduce hazards. Then they can reduce the tree size by removing larger branches to an adjoining shorter branch. This improves the tree’s health and preserves its natural form and structure. A bit more information: Hazardous trees and those that have greatly outgrown their location may need to be removed. Be sure to replace it with a tree suited to the available space and growing conditions. For more information on tree care and to find a certified arborist visit Trees are Good For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Have you had an oops baby?
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer announced a recall of a million packs of birth control pills in the U.S. on Thursday after discovering that they might not prevent pregnancy. The company recalled three different generic brands (Lo/Ovral-28, Norgestrel, and Ethinyl Estradiol) after an investigation found some packs might contain incorrect daily dosages. While the pills pose no health risks to women,Pfizer issued a statement urging consumers to “begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately.” For the full story, click here.

Does It Get Worse?
Check out this video...you will have to watch it at least 3 times, not because it is hard to see what happened..but because it is hard BELIEVE what happened. I sure hope that lady decided to hand the shirt over to the girl. What would you have done? You can check out the full story here.

Adele to make much-anticapted return at 54th Grammy Awards
Current GRAMMY® nominee Adele will make her much-anticipated return to live performances on THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS. This will be her first time performing live anywhere in nearly five months since being forced to cancel a sold-out U.S. tour to undergo surgery on her vocal cords. Music's Biggest Night,® hosted by two-time GRAMMY® Award winner and NCIS: LOS ANGELES star LL COOL J, takes place live from the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 (8:00-11:30 PM, live ET/ 7:00-10:30PM CT/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network. "I'm immensely proud to have been asked to perform at this year's GRAMMY Awards," said Adele. "It's an absolute honor to be included in such a night and for it to be my first performance in months is very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all." Two-time GRAMMY winner Adele has six nominations: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video for "Rolling In The Deep"; Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for 21; and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You.” Previously announced performers for THE 54th ANNUAL GRAMMY® AWARDS include Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton, Coldplay and Rihanna, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY broadcast for the first time, while Adele, Campbell, Clarkson, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mars, McCartney, Rihanna and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. LL COOL J has hosted THE GRAMMY NOMINATIONS CONCERT LIVE! — COUNTDOWN TO MUSIC'S BIGGEST NIGHT® since its inception in December 2008. This is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards broadcast. Additional performers, presenters and special segments will be announced soon.

Glee Michael Jackson Sneak Peek.
In a special episode celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, the rivalry between New Directions and the Warblers intensifies en route to Regionals. Meanwhile, Kurt and Rachel receive news regarding their admissions process at NYADA, and things continue to heat up between Sam and Mercedes in the all-new “Michael” episode of GLEE airing Tuesday, Jan. 31 (8:00pm ET / 7pm CT) on FOX. http://www.fox.com/glee

Kitchen Scrap Gardening
Have a bit of fun and stretch your gardening muscles with kitchen scrap gardening. Take a look in the pantry for a bit of inspiration and free resources. Those baking potatoes and sweet potatoes starting to sprout are a good source of gardening fun. The irish potatoes are tubers and the sprouts or eyes are the beginning of new plants. Cut the potato into several pieces with one or two eyes per section. Plant the potato in a well-drained potting mix. Sweet potatoes are tuberous roots with the new growth coming from buds (eyes) at the top of the fleshy root. Plant the whole tuberous root or just the top few inches with the growing point intact in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist for both baking and sweet potatoes. Once rooted, grow in a sunny window and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. Then wait for the leaves to appear. A bit more information: Once your sweet potato starts to grow you can take cuttings and start new plants. Remove 3 to 4 inch pieces of the stem. Remove the lowest leaf and stick the cut end in a well-drained potting mix. Place cuttings in a warm bright location and keep the potting mix moist. Once rooted, move to a sunny window and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Caring for and Blooming Potted Clivia
Add a bit of color to your garden with potted Clivia (Clivia miniata). These South African natives are easier to grow and flower than you may think. Grow these in a shaded location outdoors and in bright indirect light indoors. Hardy in zones 9 to 11 you can move these plants indoors and out as needed. Grow in a well-drained organic potting mix. Avoid waterlogged soil that can lead to root rot. Water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil just slightly moist during the summer season. Consider using distilled or rainwater as these plants prefer acid soil. Give the plant a rest for about three months over winter. Keep the plant in a cool, light location. Only water it if the plant begins to wilt. In 6 to 12 weeks you will be rewarded with beautiful blooms. Water more frequently when the plant is flowering and starting to grow. Fertilize with a dilute solution of flowering plant fertilizer after the flowers fade. A bit more information: Clivia came into popularity in the 1800’s when the first plant was sent to England from southern Africa. It was popular as an indoor plant in England and Europe during the Victorian era. For more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and more, visit www.melindamyers.com

Win every game!
I was talking this morning about how I'm addicted to the app "Words with Friends." My husband clearly has a bigger vocabulary than I do and I keep losing to him. Until now! A Facebook friend sent me a link to wineverygame.com and it's true, you really will win. Yes, it's cheating, but I swear I only used this strategy one time and it felt great to beat him. Try it, you'll love it! Photo credit radiosophie.radio.com

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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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

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