Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Keith Urban is eagerly gearing up for his appearance as a celebrity coach on Australia’s version of the hit show ‘The Voice.’ And while he admits he’s looking for someone to really capture his attention, the ‘You’ll Think of Me’ singer says he’s not about putting people down when they don’t make the cut.

“I did a few of these things when I was younger, and I know what it’s like to just be crucified,” he told the Tennessean. Urban says what he truly loves about ‘The Voice’ is the fact that the show is all about looking for the good in people and not just shooting them down for their inabilities. Appearing as a mentor on the show alongside Seal, Joel Madden of Good Charlotte and Australian artist Delta Goodrem, Urban says he understands that criticism has a place but that it’s all about the delivery.

“My want is to help someone realize that, ‘You nailed these things, and any artist has areas they need help with, and I may have these faults myself and that’s why, maybe I’m pointing them out in you,’” he explains. “I look at this as an opportunity to give back and help somebody.” As he gets ready for the show, which will air later in 2012, Urban says he’s listening for authenticity and he’s going to be genuinely working to help those on his team become as good as they possibly can be.

“It’s working with players and trying to have a vision,” he says. “It’s like, ‘If we tweak this and focus this and maybe sing this down here,’ and really play to their strengths.” In a promotional video for the upcoming show, the artist pointed out that he loves the idea of the blind audition since it’s just the same as when he hears a new artist on the radio and can’t see what they look like, adding, “It’s that pure believability that I feel like this person is speaking to me.”

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Sugarland have long been embroiled in a lawsuit surrounding the August 13, 2011 stage collapse at their show at the Indiana State Fair. Now, responding to lawsuits coming at them, they’re claiming one last time that the incident, which left seven dead and more than 40 injured, was not their fault.

As Taste of Country previously reported, the stage collapsed after Sara Bareilles’ performance and just before Sugarland was about to take the stage. Since then, Indiana State Fair Commission executive director Cindy Hoye claimed in an affidavit that she sent the show’s promoter twice to the band and was told twice that they wanted to carry on with the show, making them responsible for negligence in the situation.

In response to the negligence claims, the duo are asserting that the fatal accident was just that – “a true accident, or an act of God,” according to CNN. In a court document, the band responded by saying that they “had nothing to do with the construction of the venue” and that the scaffolding collapse was due to a “gust of wind of unprecedented intensity.”

Responding to the civil lawsuit filed by several victims Nov. 22, the band maintained that they had nothing to do with the construction of the venue itself and that the claims were the result of “an open and obvious danger,” and that some of the plaintiff’s injuries “resulted from their own fault.” When all fingers started pointing at them, Sugarland began pointing at others, suggesting that they shouldn’t be the only ones held accountable for the horrific event. They say others played a part as well, including Indiana State Fair officials, Indiana State Police, member of the labor union who constructed the stage and the entire state of Indiana.

Their claim does seem to be backed by some empirical evidence, as a Feb. 8 report by the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealed that the stage scaffolding was not constructed properly nor properly inspected after it was erected on the site. With all the finger pointing, Sugarland and their fans are left to wait and see where the lines fall in the end.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

photo courtesy of Oneida County Tourism

Whether it’s a day trip or week’s vacation, Oneida County has a number of interesting destinations and attractions to enjoy.  A new Oneida County Travel Guide for 2012 has just been published, listing all that central New York has to offer tourists and locals as well.

According to our sister station, WIBX:

“A new full-color, 50-page guide is helping promote Oneida County.

The Official 2012 Oneida County Travel Guide highlights the people and places that attract visitors. But it’s useful for locals too. Events which take place county-wide are listed along with lots of other useful information.

Businesses that would like to have copies of the Travel Guide on hand should contact Karen Hodge-Ehlinger at (315) 724.7221 or e-mail: info@oneidacountytourism.com.  An electronic version of the guide can be found on Oneida County Tourism’s website: www.OneidaCountyTourism.com.”

For more details, visit wibx950.com

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They may not be the next Tim and Faith, Brad and Carrie or even George and Tammy but Taylor Swift and Zac Efron did make some very sweet music together recently. No, we’re not talking romance, we’re talking about a musical duet on the “Ellen” show. Apparently Taylor had recently given Zac his first guitar lesson and pupil and teacher were anxious to show the results. Check out the video.

Not bad at all!

Clive Rose/Getty Images

The World Wheelchair Curling Championships continue in South Korea, and Team USA, comprised entirely of Sitrin Stars curlers is still tied for first place.

According to our sister station, WIBX:

“Team USA is in a five-way tie for first-place at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in South Korea.

The USA beat Norway(7-3) and lost to Russia (3-2) today.

Team USA, made up entirely of Sitrin STARS athletes, is now 6-and-2 in the competition.

They’ll take on Canada in the final round robin session tomorrow.”

For more details, go to wibx950.com

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The Utica College Pioneer hockey team opens up its post-season action tonight with an ECAC first round match up against Neumann College of Aston, PA.  The two teams squared off three times during the regular season and, according to the Pioneers website, Neumann won two of the three with one game ending in a tie. The puck will drop at 7 in the Utica Aud with the winner heading to Elmira on Saturday to take on the top seeded Elmira College Soaring Eagles. Ticket info for tonights game can be found here.

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Keith Urban has done just about everything musical that you can think of but when he was approached to contribute a song for the movie “Act of Valor” it was a totally new experience. Keith had never written a song on demand before but after seeing an early cut of the movie he knew he wanted in. Since he was on a deadline Keith booked a studio and hired some backup musicians before he had even started writing it. The result? Listen to “For You” for yourself.

“Act of Valor” opens this week at local theaters. The soundtrack was released Tuesday.

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Washington D.C has seen the “Million Man March” and the “Million Mom March” but chances are the city has never seen anything quite like the upcoming “Million Mustache March” scheduled for April 1. According to their website The American Mustache Institute is rallying their forces in hopes of passing “The STACHE Act” which would provide an annual tax deduction for mustache grooming expenditures. Think that’s weird? Read on.

The organization has joined with H&R Block to lobby for the following deductions.

# Mustache and beard trimming instruments

# Weightless conditioning agents and wax

# Facial hair coloring products (for men and women over 43 years of age)

# Bacon

# Mustache combs and mirrors

# Burt Reynolds wallet-sized photos

Americanmustacheinstitute.org

One note of caution. Before making you Greyhound arrangements and hotel reservations look closely at the date. April 1. April Fools Day. Proceed carefully. Check out this promotional video for some “indepth” commentary.

This Is My Home from Mark on Vimeo.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

Trace Adkins has been named the spokesman for Pilot Flying J’s soon-to-be-launched loyalty program, which is set to kick off this spring. Pilot Flying J, in case you didn’t know, is the largest operator of travel centers and plazas in North America. Pro drivers, motorists and road warriors like Adkins rely on travel centers to survive while on the road.

Adkins was selected as the face of the program because blue-collar drivers, which the company serves dutifully, relate to him and he has been known as one of the hardest working man in the country genre, which fits Pilot Flying J’s mission and aesthetic as a company. Trucks keep America moving and who better to help relay that image than Adkins, a proud American who spends a lot of time on the wide open road. He knows what life is like on that endless stretch of asphalt.

“As much as I travel, my band, crew and I certainly rely on Pilot Flying J travel centers as we tour the country,” Adkins said, according to Country Music is Love. “I think all the professional drivers, business travelers and motorists on our U.S. highways and interstates would say the same. I’m proud to partner with this driver-driven company as they serve and reward the men and women who are responsible for transporting the products and services of America!”

The feeling is mutual for Pilot Flying J execs. “Trace relates to the hardworking, American professional driver,” said Jimmy Haslam, Pilot Flying J CEO. “As the driver-driven company, we strive to serve our customers with passion, convenience, quality products and fast, friendly service. Trace is a natural match; he’s been called the hardest working man in country music, and that aligns well with our work ethic at Pilot Flying J. We’re very proud to have Trace on board to represent Pilot Flying J.”

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Taco Bell

Food lovers, rejoice! Taco Bell’s ever-popular fourth meal has a highly anticipated upgrade coming out March 8 involving the unholy union of their tasty tacos and a delicious Doritos shell. They’re calling this culinary masterpiece ‘Doritos Locos.’

Taco Bell CEO Greg Creed has high hopes and an optimistic outlook for this new menu item, saying, “This will be the biggest new-product launch Taco Bell has ever had.” Frankly, we’re just as pumped.

But do you may remember last year’s lawsuit with Taco Bell involving the quality of their meat and that strange filler-substance that it is allegedly made of. Well, that led to a 2-percent loss in same-store sales causing Taco Bell to take some drastic measures in improving their image. So, it looks like Doritos might be its savior.

Doritos Locos tacos will hit stores on March 8th and the world is more than ready to give them a try. On the list of things that Americans love, junk food and fast food are ranked pretty high, so it is hard to imagine Doritos Locos failing.

[via Tucson Citizen]

Source: TheFW.com

Courtesy of Monarch Publicity

Bucky Covington has always been known in Nashville as a “good guy,” but now he’s taking that to a whole new level. Covington has joined forces with “Help the Good Guys” — a charitable organization that honors and supports injured fire fighters, police officers and their families.

Over the past several weeks, Covington and the organization have worked closely together to raise funding and awareness for the 130,000-plus fire fighters and law enforcement officers who experience financial crisis due to work related injuries each year.

“’Help The Good Guys’ perform an amazing service for our police officers and fire fighters across the country, and I’m honored to join them in their efforts,” says Covington, who donated a check for $11,607 recently. “It’s rewarding for me to recognize these hard-working men and women and help bring some financial relief to these families in their time of need.”

Covington’s acts of kindness have exceeded the monetary donation, however. The star has also lent his singing talents to several events that have also benefited the cause, including shows in Birmingham, Ala. and Detroit, Mich. to support the injured heroes in their local communities. Then, on April 21, Covington will hist a special motorcycle ride and concert in Chattanooga, Tenn., which will also benefit injured fire fighters and police officers.

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

Blake Shelton fans will be excited to learn that on Season 3 of NBC’s ‘The Voice,’ when one of those iconic red chairs swivels around, their favorite country papa bear will still be sitting in it. The Wrap is reporting that Shelton has signed on for another season of the show, along with all three of the other celebrity coaches — Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine.

While the coaches seem to enjoy their time on the show, they’re certainly not lending their musical expertise for free, or anything even remotely close to the vicinity of free. The Wrap reports that Aguilera will receive $10 million for returning, while the other three judges will each see their current pay doubled to $6 million.

The show, which is currently in its second season, is gearing up for a third season in the fall. When asked to confirm that the lineup of celebrity coaches will remain the same, a spokeswoman from NBC contended that no final decisions have been made and that there’s still room to see different judges enter the mix.

On the current season of the show, Shelton and the other coaches are still trying to craft their perfect teams, listening to each performer during the blind auditions and only hitting that giant button to turn around when someone truly wows them. So far, Shelton has six of his 12 slots filled with hopefuls, including Brian Fuente, Erin Willitt, Gwen Sebastian, Jermaine Paul, Jordis Unga and RaeLynn.

Tune in Mondays at 8 PM ET on NBC to see how this season plays out. And rest assured knowing that, regardless of which contestants are voted off and have to leave, the coaches aren’t going anywhere. For those salaries, we don’t blame them!

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Team USA , which is composed of the Sitrin Stars wheelchair curlers continues to stay on top, tied for first place. So, our local and national pride is showing!

According to our sister station, WIBX:

“Team USA is tied for first-place after day three of competition at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in South Korea.

They suffered their first loss of the tournament today to China, but beat Scotland to up their record to 5-1.

Team USA, which is made up entirely of Sitrin STARS athletes, is tied for first with Slovakia.”

According to Sitrin Stars:

“The USA Curling 2012 National Champion Team is comprised of Patrick McDonald of Madison, WI; David Palmer of Mashpee, MA; Jim Joseph of New Hartford, NY; Penny Greely of Green Bay, WI; and Tim Kelly of Rockford, IL.”

For info, go to wibx950.c0m

Children's Museum/facebook

So, here are some suggestions for those of you home with the kids this week:

1. Take them to the libary (it’s free, and there’s a lot more than books there).

2. Visit the Children’s Museum, downtown Utica (There is an admission charge).

3. Visit the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum Of Science And Technology (M.O.S.T.) in Syracuse (Yeh, there’s an admission charge but there’s also an IMAX movie theater).

4. How about ice skating? (Some of the area rec centers have various times for public skating).

5. Bowling anyone?

6. Visit the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, Downtown Utica – (I used to take my kids there on vacations, and they loved it. And, no admission price).

7. Movies – (Usually the food concessions will cost you more than the movie).

And, when all else fails, there’s Grandma’s!

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If you or someone you know spends an inordinate amount of time texting be advised that it could be hazardous to your health. Chiropractors across the country are reporting an increasing number of people are seeking treatment for neck and back pain associated with constant texting.  One chiropractor, Dean L. Fishman has even opened up a Text Neck Institute to provide more detailed info on the condition. What are the specific effects of “text neck”?

When someone has their head flexed forward while looking down at the screen on their hand held mobile device for long periods of time, the bones and muscles of the spine adapt to that posture and postural change ensues. This will cause changes in the curve, supporting ligaments, tendons, and musculature, as well as the bony segments. Eventually there may be nerve involvement, muscle spasms and pain.

via Young people seeking evalutation and treatment of headaches, neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, etc. from texting.

What are the signs to look for?   Shooting pains down your neck and arm, as well as numbness or tingling in your fingers and hand.  Check out the video for more information.

Vevo

Thompson Square made quite a splash with their hit “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”. Their follow up, “I Got You” did nearly as well and now Kiefer and Shauna are back with their latest release off of the “Thompson Square” CD called “Glass. Check out Shauna in particular as she is wearing her wedding dress, the same one she wore 12 years ago when she and Kiefer were married.

Nola.com

Today is Mardi Gras, the last day for a big blowout before the start of Lent tomorrow. The celebrations have been going on all week in New Orleans including the big “Krewe of Bacchus” parade Sunday with Will Ferrell serving as the grand marshall or “Bacchus XLIV”. Here is a list of Mardi Gras events being held in the “Big Easy”, New Orleans. And don’t forget the big Townsquare Media Mardi Gras party at the Hotel Utica. Details can be found here.