Second season of 'The Voice' promises display of vocal talents ...

Courtesy of NBC

Immediately following the Super Bowl on Sunday afternoon, NBC premiered the new season of ?The Voice.? Preceded by many weeks of advertisements for its second season, the vocal show conveyed a wide spectrum of sounds, just as the promotions promised.

The unique premise of this series separates it from many other singing-based talent shows. Superstar coaches act as judges who select team members blindly before they watch them perform live. When the show decides to take a singer under its wing, the judges push a button that lights up a banner that reads, ?I WANT YOU.?

In a situation where more than one judge selects a given singer, the responsibility shifts to the vocalist, and they must then strategically select the coach they wish to work with for the remainder of the show.

Four accomplished artists in the music industry serve as coaches and competitors throughout the series. These featured voice sensationalists include Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton. Based on the the show?s premise, each coach works to accumulate a team full of only the most talented singers available.

In the first season, Levine became the champion judge when his well-coached pupil, Javier Colon, took the grand prize. Levine made sure to mention his successes as the winner of the first season several times during Sunday?s premiere episode ? perhaps in hopes of attaining victory again this season.

Following in similar suit with the inaugural season, the winner of the new season will be awarded a contract with Universal Republic Records.

Differing from the first go-around, teams are set to include twelve team members this season, upping the ante from the eight-membered teams that were constructed in the inaugural round.

To introduce the premiere episode, the judges sat in large, futuristic-looking chairs that dramatically face away from the stage. These intimidating and brightly lit rotating seats created an intense and theatrical atmosphere.

The show focused primarily on six singers during the premiere episode. Five of the six spotlighted singers received at least one turn of approval by a celebrity judge.

Unfortunately, 20-year-old contestant?Daniel Rosa was not selected by any of the judges and walked away from the show with no offers. Before he took the stage, Rosa mentioned to the host he auditioned primarily to gain approval and confirm his talents.

Although it?s expected that some contestants will not proceed onward in the competition, it is undeniably uncomfortable to watch a singer perform on stage to the displeased backs of the four judges. Unlike ?American Idol,? where some acts are hysterically awkward, there is little comedy involved with the denial of those who lack vocal talent by the judiciaries in this show.

In a completely different fashion, one of the six featured contestants in the premiere episode was desired by all four judges. Competition between judges ignited when all four bargained for Tony Lucca?s impressive voice. These types of situations create a dramatic facet that keeps the anticipation level at its maximum.

Drama and anxiety are continuously present throughout the show. Approval and denial by judges and contestants ignite competition and foster inter-team rivalries.

It?s expected that the second season of this hit show will include much rivalry between the newly created and utterly talented teams. Much like a sporting event ? and perhaps very similar to the Super Bowl that preceded it ? ?The Voice? will display fierce competition, dramatic gameplay and eventual victory for one.

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Reach the reporter at ejnicho1@asu.edu

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M.I.A. makes rude gesture in Super Bowl show

Madonna performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Madonna performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Madonna performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Madonna, right, performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Madonna, right, and Nicki Minaj perform during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Madonna performs during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl XLVI football game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

For all the pomp and excess of Madonna's Super Bowl halftime extravaganza a single rude gesture by guest singer M.I.A. is likely to be the most remembered piece of the show.

The gesture, accompanied by a barely disguised expletive, came during a performance of Madonna's new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin.'" At the end of her lines, British singer M.I.A. appeared to sing "I don't give a (expletive)," although it was hard to hear clearly.

The incident was reminiscent of Janet Jackson's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" eight years ago ? a surprise risque moment in front of tens of millions of unsuspecting viewers. The brief exposure of Jackson's nipple during the 2004 halftime show raised a storm of controversy and put then-broadcaster CBS in hot water with the Federal Communications Commission.

The Super Bowl, shown on NBC this year, is routinely viewed by more than 100 million people, the biggest TV event of the year. The screen briefly went blurred after M.I.A.'s gesture in what was a late attempt ? by less than a second ? to cut out the camera shot.

"The NFL hired the talent and produced the halftime show," NBC spokesman Christopher McCloskey said. "Our system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture and we apologize to our viewers,"

The NFL blamed a failure in NBC's delay system for allowing the gesture to be seen. Spokesman Brian McCarthy said M.I.A. did not do anything similar during rehearsals and the league had no reason to believe she would pull something like that during the actual show.

"The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans," McCarthy said.

The British singer M.I.A. is best known for her 2007 hit "Paper Planes," a Grammy nominee for record of the year that memorably features a sample of the Clash song, "Straight to Hell." It was featured on the soundtrack to the movie "Slumdog Millionaire."

Madonna had admittedly been nervous about her performance, hoping to position herself as the queen of a new generation of pop stars with an opulent show and a sharp performance that mixed her new release with more familiar songs. She seemed like Roman royalty when muscle-bound men carried her extravagant throne across the football field to the stage for her opening song, "Vogue."

Guests Cee Lo, Nicki Minaj and dance rockers LMFAO also appeared with Madonna. The singing and dancing on "Vogue" was smartly choreographed, as Madonna moved more deliberately -- she is 53 -- but still adroitly. She briefly appeared to stumble at one point while trying to make a step on the stage set, but recovered in time.

She let a tightrope walker make the more acrobatic moves during a performance of "Music."

Madonna carried gold pompons for a performance of her new single. Twitter was alight with questions about the vocals being lip synched or augmented by tapes, particularly during this song.

The best guest was clearly Cee Lo, who joined Madonna for the final song, "Like a Prayer." They were joined by a robed chorus in the show's most soaring performance. With a puff of white smoke, Madonna disappeared down a trap door in the stage, and lights on the field spelled out "World Peace."

The performance was also carried live on SiriusXM Radio, giving Madonna the biggest single audience of her career. For all the elaborate choreography and flashy effects, the finger incident is the more likely headline from the event.

Earlier, Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert offered some pregame patriotism. Shelton and Lambert did a twangy duet on "America the Beautiful" and Clarkson, in a simple black dress, sang "The Star Spangled Banner" without a hitch after last year's performer, Christina Aguilera, flubbed a line.

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/4e67281c3f754d0696fbfdee0f3f1469/Article_2012-02-06-Super%20Bowl-Music/id-70b2ce43a4af498ea1426a2336e104e4

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Obama: US in 'lockstep' with Israel on Iran nukes (AP)

WASHINGTON ? President Barack Obama says the United States is working in "lockstep" with Israel to solve the brewing crisis over Iran's disputed nuclear program.

Obama said Sunday that the United States does not think Israel has decided whether to attack Iran, and said he hopes the standoff can be resolved diplomatically.

Obama's comments came as Israel's major allies in the West were working hard to talk it out of a unilateral military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, arguing forcefully that an attack ultimately would only strengthen the regime in Tehran. Israel fears Iran is fast approaching a point at which a limited military strike would no longer be enough to head off an Iranian bomb.

"I don't think that Israel has made a decision on what they need to do," Obama said during a pre-Super Bowl interview with NBC. He reiterated that the United States has removed no option from consideration in dealing with Iran ? an allusion to military intervention ? but emphasized that Washington wants a diplomatic solution built around a world coalition.

Iran insists its nuclear pursuits are for peaceful civilian purposes, not a bomb.

After years of worries about Iran's nuclear program, world leaders are now showing real concern that Israel could attack the Islamic republic imminently ? a move that might trigger a broader war and disrupt the international economy.

Iran's regime says it wants to extinguish the Jewish state, and the West accuses it of assembling the material and know-how to build a nuclear bomb. Just last week, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta would not dispute a report that he believes Israel may attack Iran this spring in an attempt to set back its nuclear program.

Obama refused to say whether the United States would get notice from Israel before any potential strike on Iran.

"I will say that we have closer military and intelligence consultation between our two countries than we've ever had," Obama said, adding, "We are going to be sure that we work in lockstep as we proceed to try to solve this ? hopefully diplomatically."

The United States is leading that persuasion initiative, even though Washington largely has concluded that outside argument will have little effect on Israeli decision-making.

"Any kind of additional military activity inside the Gulf is disruptive and has a big effect on us," Obama said. "It could have a big effect on oil prices. We've still got troops in Afghanistan, which borders Iran."

As for the danger of retaliation by Iran against the United States, Obama said, "We don't see any evidence that they have those intentions or capabilities right now."

Obama said Iran is feeling the pinch of sanctions but Israel is rightfully worried about its security.

On the economy, Obama was pressed about a prediction he made three years ago on Super Bowl Sunday: "If I don't have this done in three years, then there's gonna be a one-term proposition." Republican leaders, including Mitt Romney, the frontrunner for the GOP presidential nomination, have seized on that remark as millions of people are still hurting economically.

Obama said Sunday, "I deserve a second term, but we're not done."

He said the direction of the economy has turned around significantly since three years ago, pointing to a new job report last week that showed a surge in hiring.

The president, meanwhile, refused repeatedly to take a position on which team would win the big game itself: New York Giants or New England Patriots?

"You're not going to get me," Obama told NBC's Matt Lauer. "I'm going to look for a great game."

The president watched the game ? which the Giants won, 21-17 ? at the White House with his family.

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/us/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120206/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama

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Love Overlow: Support Unstoppable Mother/Daughter Relationships ...

?When you first realize your blood has come, smile an honest smile, for you are about to have an intense union with your magic.? -from Marvelous Menstruating Moments (as told by Indigo to her dolls?) in Ntozake Shange?s Sassafrass, Cypress and Indigo

On March 3rd 2012 my mother and I (also known as the Thicker Than Whatever Unstoppable Mother/Daughter Team) will be be co-facilitating a special love-filled workshop for kids who might be about to menstruate or who have started recently and for their mamas/main supporters called Love Overflow: Marvelous Menstruating Moment.? This will be a daylong intergenerational workshop at the new Eternal Summer space (aka the Greenhouse?where we grow!) with play, affirmation, storysharing and special spaces just for mamas and just for young folks to process their relationship to the physical, spiritual and social transformations going on at the ever-exciting time of puberty.

My mom is traveling from Atlanta in Durham to be my partner in this endeavor and we are so excited! We wanted to invite ourentire community to support this project right here:

http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/ec4fd46978f5651a

We especially invite those of you (of any gender or identification) who have ever had an experience menstruating to add to our wisdom overflow by sharing a piece of wisdom you learned from your own experience menstruating as a note with your paypal donation below. Or just email your wisdom to me at brokenbeautifulpress@gmail.com!

Love,
Lex (and Pauline)

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Source: http://indigodays.wordpress.com/2012/02/06/love-overlow-support-unstoppable-motherdaughter-relationships/

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Get A Take A Look At These Real Estate Buying Suggestions ...

Posted on February 4, 2012 by Ray

It?s your first-time buying a household. Your household and buddies are encouraging you and you also know in your personal mind, just what you want, but how do you go about purchasing your primary piece of real estate. What need to you be looking for? What do the contract terms indicate? What steps are taken from the moment of signing contract for the time of settlement? Following are a few helpful hints and tactics to guide you around the journey. Think About homes for sale in Utah for instance.

When purchasing a residence, respect the seller?s priorities. Doing this will help you to negotiate a deal that works for everyone. A seller may not be willing to budge on cost, but may assistance with closing costs or settle on the various closing date. Working in concert could be advantageous for everyone.

In no way place in the full cost provide over a house. Costs often start huge and are then reduced to as much as 40 percent off the original cost. In the event you locate a house when it is first listed and you also pay full price, you will probably miss out on significant savings. Appear up the value from the house and find out what other homes have sold for inside the region prior to putting in an supply.

Don?t get yourself a piece of real estate as being a rental home based solely about the tax advantages. The tax code is constantly in flux, along with a tax benefit this year could be a tax burden five many years from now. Pick an investment property based on inquiring value, financing terms, and rental prices, not tax benefits.

Most from the apartments are designed with particular appliances. Make sure they are contemporary and energy star compliant, as with most instances you need to pay for your gas or electricity to operate them. Old, outdated appliances are not just hard to use, but they consume significantly much more energy than their contemporary types.

With all of that in mind, it is possible to go forward together with your obtain, confident that you have the knowledge you require in order to make the right decisions. No matter if it?s in finance, contracts or negotiations, you should be covered. Just keep all of these suggestions in mind and you?ll be great.

Source: http://www.gxdqz2005.com/2012/02/04/get-a-take-a-look-at-these-real-estate-buying-suggestions/

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Browse Articles ? Why Do You Need To Join The Debt Management ...

You will find a lot of people in the world who are in serious debts. It is not easy to manage your debts. Those who do not care much about their finances may get lots of debts. Once you get too many debts, you will find it difficult to pay them. There is a large number of things that you need to do if you want a debt free life. You can enroll in Debt Management Program. The Debt Management Program will help you in many ways. Read this article if you would like to know everything about Debt Management Program.

You will get to know many people who are members of Debt Management Program. You will find that the Debt Management Program has helped many people. After you join the Debt Management Program, you will get freedom from the debts. You will never regret your decision of joining the Debt Management Program. Your mind will no longer have financial problems. You will never face financial troubles.

The process in which you combine your debts is known as Debt Management Program. There will be only one creditor to whom you have to pay after you join the Debt Management Program. You will not come across any problems after joining your debts. There will never be a day of missed payments. Debt Management Program will provide you with many advantages. You will receive many benefits.

You have to look for many things if you are planning to get enroll in Debt Management Program. It will be advisable for you if you purchase the one that comes with reasonable interest rate. Also find a good institution from where you can get the Debt Management Program. Debt Management Program are of various types and kinds. You should buy the one that is good.

There are many sources from where you can get the Debt Management Program. You will also find many websites that offers Debt Management Program to different customers. You have to search for a trustworthy site from where you will get the Debt Management Program. After buying the Debt Management Program, you can relax.

Looking to find the best deal on Debt Management Program, then visit my site to find the best advice on Debt Management Programs for you.

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Survey: Kindle Fire owners like cost, but have gripes

Amazon.com

By Athima Chansanchai

A new survey shows that Kindle Fire owners are happiest with the low cost of their devices, but among their gripes are a lack of volume buttons and a camera as well as a short battery life.

ChangeWave Research polled 254 new Kindle Fire owners about their overall satisfaction with the device, as well as key likes and dislikes, and found that their experience with the tablet is far less positive than that of iPad owners ? but it still ranks above other tablets.

The survey asked the owners how satisfied they were with their new Kindle Fire, and 54 percent responded "Very Satisfied," while?38 percent gave a "Somewhat Satisfied" rating.

A ChangeWave survey of iPad owners in November revealed a much higher percentage of "Very Satisfied" in that crowd: 74 percent.

ChangeWave Research

The survey highlights some aspects of the device that might have contributed to that lower percentage of satisfaction amongst Kindle Fire owners. No volume up/down button seemed to annoy them the most, with 27 percent responding that this was what they disliked most about the device. (It happens to be what we disliked most about it, right at launch.) The absence of a camera also ranked high (21 percent), as did a perceived shortness in battery life (15 percent).

Despite those shortcomings, Kindle Fire owners did like some things very much: the $199 price tag (59 percent made this the top "like" for the device), the color screen (31 percent) and how easy it is to use (27 percent).

ChangeWave Research

AllThingsD reported that one analyst?estimated 5.5 million Kindle Fires sold last quarter, up from a previous estimates of 4.5 million. His prediction was that Amazon would sell 18.4 million this year. (Another analyst has much higher expectations of the iPad, predicting 48 million will sell this year.)?GeekWire reported that Seattle, where Amazon itself is based, ranks first in Kindle Fire ownership: 1 in 124 residents use it.

Perhaps the key takeaway of the ChangeWave survey is not how people like the device, but how they relate to the retailer who provided it: Tellingly, ChangeWave found that 29 percent of Kindle Fire owners will spend more money at the giant online store in the next 90 days, vs. 19 percent of non-owners. With results like that, it's clear why Amazon sells the $199 Kindle Fire at a loss.

More stories:

On Twitter, follow?Athima Chansanchai, who is also trying to keep her head above water in the?Google+?stream.

Source: http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/03/10310171-survey-kindle-fire-owners-like-cost-but-have-gripes

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