There aren't too many hip-hop artists left that I really respect, but Mos Def is definitely one of the few.  His lyrics are meaningful and chosen well, while his flow is like ice cold water from the tap.

Regarded as one of the most insightful artists of our time, musician,
activist and actor Mos Def has captured the attention of critics and
audiences alike with a celebrated body of work that has crossed all
artistic genresfrom music to the Broadway stage, film and television.

The Ecstatic is Mos Def's fourth solo album. Featuring tracks
produced by Mad Lib, Oh No and the late J. Dillay, as well as
collaborations with Slick Rick, Black Thought and Jay Electronica.

Buy Mos Def - The Ecstatic on CD

The secret is out and the news is good.  Three Olives has done it again with their new flavor "BUBBLE" and it is DELICIOUS!

The flavor is incredible (think Joe Blow Bubble Gum) and whether this is good or bad, it doesn't taste much like vodka!  We only got to sample a bit today (out of a generic glass flask - so top secret of them).  I am going to try my first glass on the rocks.  My second will be with grape soda.  Mmmmmm.  I think it's going to make a mean martini too...

What are your ideas for concoctions?

Looking for something to do in the Neenah/Menasha area for the 4th of July weekend?  Check out CommunityFest 2009! This FREE event has tons of things to do for all ages.  Here are some highlights: 

Friday, July 3rd:

Parade of Lights starts at 9:15 p.m
Route starts at Riverside Park, travels west on Wisconsin Avenue, north on Commercial Street, north on Washington Street, east on Main Street and ends on Milwaukee Street in Menasha.

Live music by Haze, 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Naut's Landing, Menasha.

Saturday, July 4th: Jefferson Park, Menasha

Petting zoo 4-7 p.m.
Rondini Magic Show 5:30 p.m.
Webfooters Water Ski Show 6-7 p.m.
Doc Rons’ Weird Science Show, presented by Rondini, 7 p.m.
Music by Andy’s Automatics 5:30- 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks 9:30 p.m.

Check out CommunityFest 09 for more info and more events.

It's almost time for some good music, some so-so food, some colds sodas and beers and lots of ooo's and ahh's!

It's the 2009 US Bank Fireworks at the Memorial Park Pavillion in Appleton.  With live music by Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons, followed by Boogie and The Yo Yo’z (wow, we haven't heard that band before - let's get creative guys...)

Friday July 3, 2009
Gates open at 4:00 PM
Cory Chisel and the Wandering Sons  5:15 PM
Boogie and The Yo Yo’z  7:30 PM
Fireworks at dusk

Admission is FREE as usual and it promises to be a good time for everyone.

2009 album from the French Electro-Rockers.
Born out of restlessness and a steady hunt for inspiration, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is a career-defining album filled with the band's signature melding of synthetics and organics, sharp, danceable rhythms, infectious choruses with a considerable dose of aural panache and candy-colored pop sensibilities.

Buy it from Amazon.

I began Fox Valley Fun with two friends back in 2006.  We were constantly bored in Appleton and decided to do something about it.  Since then, there have been countless re-designs and the battle to keep the site up to date has been a tough one!

We actually shut the site down twice because to be honest, we were annoyed that nobody took the time to post their events.  This was especially bothersome because in 2008, we actually had a milestone and ended the month with over 99,000 page hits!

So now Fox Valley Fun is back for the third time.  You may have noticed that I changed the design (once again) and the focus this time around is simplicity.  I am no longer trying to fill the site with "fluff."  I am sacrificing the trendy website technology for up-to-date content.

My co-workers and I are going to be signing up our accounts (we sell wine and spirits for Wirtz Beverage Group) and encourage them to take advantage of this fantastic resource.  Todd Holmes has been a huge help this time around (since the original two other partners aren't involved anymore).