{image1} Editor's note: Remember Ginger Jordan? She was one of the hosts on the 103.7-WXSS (KISS-FM) morning show until last September, when she and her two cohorts were unceremoniously dumped without warning. Jordan, who was -- and continues to be -- a Gameday host at Brewers games, headed south of the border to Chicago to find work in the industry. But there's plenty she misses about Brew City. Here are Ginger's top 10, in her own words:
It's funny to me that people still think I'm on the radio. They ask all the time, "Oh, you're the girl from KISS?" Um, well, actually I haven't been at KISS since September. (Don't you ever actually listen to the radio?)
The next question is always, "So, what are you up to?" I'm working at a TV station in Chicago when I'm not hosting activities and roaming the concourses of Miller Park.
Yes, I moved to Chicago. Before you're quick to judge, let me just say I am originally from the Chicagoland area, so it's allowed. I spent 7 years in Milwaukee and will always have a place for it in my heart. There are many things I will miss and many I won't. Here's a few of the things I will miss that make Milwaukee special...
Miller Park: I am sick and tired of all the people whining about the two-cent stadium tax on their phone bill. Is a quarter a year going to kill you? Shut up already and enjoy the gem on the west side. OK, yeah, I am biased since I am still employed by the Brewers. But, it was Miller Park that converted me into a Brewers fan when it opened in 2001. It is so much nicer than any other ballpark. With the towering roof panels and sunshine streaming in through the windows, the place is more like a cathedral of baseball. Milwaukee should be more proud to have such a unique stadium. If you haven't been to a game in awhile, go to one. Chat with all the delightful ushers and souvenir guys. Get to know some of the regulars who are at every game. Appreciate the Park. And, if I happen to be there, say "Hi!"
Marcus Ampitheater: My first job when I was 16 was working at Poplar Creek Music Theater, a place in the Chicago suburbs that was similar to the Marcus. It was a great job, but there were some flaws with the theater. However, the Marcus improved upon all of that. It's my favorite place to see a concert: easily accessible with ample parking, safe and with good sound quality. Plus, you can't beat the view from the top of the lawn: the lake below, the little red lighthouse behind, the skyline in front and the delightful smell of weed wafting through the air. Hopefully, there's good music. The Marcus on a warm summer night is one of my favorite places to be. I thank Bo Black for "wooing" Huey Lewis to get the place built (or however that urban legend goes).
Flashing yellow lights: Since I used to drive to work at 4 a.m., the flashing yellow lights were a fabulous gift. They make perfect sense -- why stop at a red light if there's no traffic? Brilliant!
Red and Fred: Milwaukee's foremost local celebrities since Dick Bacon. If you've ever been to any kind of event resembling a festival, you've seen Red and Fred. They're the older couple who are always dancing in front of the stage. Their moves don't change. It's the same ballroom routine at Jazz in the Park and at Summerfest with the cover band playing Motley Crue. Sometimes Red and Fred wear matching outfits. I want to be like them when I grow up.
Mitchell Airport: I once made it from my former residence in downtown Milwaukee to the remote parking lot, where I hopped the shuttle, chatted with Willy Porter, checked in at the ticket counter, went upstairs, through security and to the gate in under 40 minutes. At some airports, the ticket counter alone will cost you 40 minutes. I'll also miss Midwest Express. Not only did the name sound better than "Midwest Airlines," but you got the free wine or champagne and the good food with the classy linens and the cute little glass salt and pepper shakers. Those were the days. At least they still have the leather seats.
Ted Perry: You've gotta love the guy who was fired as Bucky Badger. He has a wicked dry humor that escapes many people, including Alison (Gilman).
Flavored milk: Herb Kohl's flavored milk stand at State Fair. Not only am I a fan of "Uncle" Herb, but a glass of cherry vanilla milk for just a quarter?! What a deal! And, it's yummy. I don't know which is better: cherry vanilla, root beer or raspberry? Heck, you can try them all for just a buck.
The Gufs on the radio: There was a time, circa 1997, when you couldn't flip on the radio without hearing Milwaukee's own, The Gufs. A little band called Matchbox 20 even opened for them. They were huge. Yes, even bigger than Pat McCurdy. Way bigger than the Lovemonkeys. I befriended Goran and went to many Gufs shows. It's just so refreshing to still hear them on the air every now and then. It makes me "Smile."
El Rey: Shopping at El Rey is like going on vacation. The happy-fun music they play is entirely too loud for a grocery store. It just puts you in a good mood. And, I don't know any other stores where you can get five avocados, four plantains and cilantro for a dollar.
The Weather Flame: Red = warm weather ahead. Blue = no change in view. Gold = cold. Flashing = rain (or snow). It's easy and often more reliable than that guy on Channel 4 who sounds like Grover (Jim Ott). There was talk a few years back about getting rid of the weather flame. Please, please do not take down this landmark. It's bad enough the Happy Barn was moved.
Coming next: The things I don't miss about Milwaukee ...
