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One Direction Vie For Your Battle Of The Boy Bands Vote

Round one is in full swing. Can these Brits go all the way? By Jocelyn Vena One Direction Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images The Battle of the Boy Bands is on, and that means fans can vote now on which of the 32 contenders can rise to the top and win the honor and distinction of being the fan-voted Best Boy Band of All Time. With so many bands in the running, MTV News caught up with the guys from One Direction, who weighed in on their chances of going all the way. But before the guys explain why you should vote for them, we have some facts about the fivesome that may help you decide if they’re your ultimate boy band in the battle: Highest Chart Achievement The guys broke a record with their debut album, Up All Night, when they released it in the U.S. last month. Selling 176,000 copies, the band became the first British group to have their debut album enter the chart at #1. Standout Video Their sunny, beachy clip for “What Makes You Beautiful” is their biggest entry into the world of music videos so far and certainly sets the tone for the five fun-loving lads. The Brits definitely won over American girls with the video’s SoCal vibe. Defining Tune The guys have won the hearts of teen girls across our great land thanks to the feel-good anthem “What Makes You Beautiful,” about loving a girl who doesn’t know how beautiful she really is. Debut Album Up All Night dropped internationally in November 2011, and just like its chart success here in the States, it sold big, debuting at #2 with 138,631 copies in the U.K., which was enough to give it the highest sales for a #2 album in the U.K. for 2011. Biggest Competition Mostly the guys from the Wanted, who are the bad-boy answer to One Direction group of nice guys. So why do One Direction think they should win our Battle of the Boy Bands? “You should vote for us to be the ultimate boy band if you like us,” Liam Payne said, with Louis Tomlinson adding, “If you like our music, then feel free to vote for us as the ultimate boy band. We’re just us.” Harry Styles had this final bit of advice: “We like to have a lot of fun.” Voting in round one of MTV’s Battle of the Boy Bands is now open and runs until noon ET on Thursday, April 26. Winners are determined by fan votes, so if your favorite band made the cut, make sure you keep voting. Spread the word on Twitter using the hashtag #BBB and like us on Facebook for updates! Related Videos Battle Of The Boy Bands Related Artists One Direction

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One Direction Vie For Your Battle Of The Boy Bands Vote

Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch Are ‘Savages’ In Oliver Stone’s Latest

‘She is beautiful and she is sexy. She is hot,’ legendary filmmaker says of Lively’s performance in his summer flick, out July 6. By Josh Horowitz Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Johnson in “Savages” Photo: Universal Pictures When Oliver Stone releases a film, you’d better sit up and take notice. Whether he’s tackling the Vietnam War (as he did in a trilogy of films: “Platoon,” “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Heaven & Earth”), presidential scandals (another trilogy: “JFK,” “Nixon” and “W.”) or pulpy genre violence (“Natural Born Killers,” “U-Turn”), you can be sure he’ll give an audience member something to chew on. So when Stone signs on to direct some of the hottest young actors in Hollywood (Taylor Kitsch, Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson) in a tale of sex, drugs and violence, yeah, we’re interested. MTV News caught up with Stone to talk about his first legitimate summer release, “Savages” (set for a July 6 release), as well his distaste for most summer popcorn films, and his upcoming gargantuan take on nothing less than the history of the United States. MTV : The release date of “Savages” was shifted quite a bit. It’s now being released in the middle of a very competitive summer. Were you happy with that decision? Oliver Stone : I’ve never done a summer movie, believe it or not. Except for “Natural Born Killers,” but that was August, late summer. This is my first time out there in the big leagues. So I’m excited in a way. MTV : Do you think “Savages” will play well for that younger summer audience? Stone : I think it plays well. I don’t know that it would play completely to the “Hunger Games” crowd because we have a different kind of sexuality and the take on violence is real for us. It’s fun and exciting. It’s a wild ride. You don’t know what’s going to happen. I think the unpredictability is what makes it work. MTV : Can you give me a sense of the relationship at the heart of the story between the characters played by Blake, Taylor and Aaron. Stone : They are all friends and they believe in free love, and they happen to be growing some grass. One of them [Johnson] is doing good around the world. The other one [Kitsch] is an Afghanistan and Iraq veteran who’s his best buddy from school; they have a partnership. The girl [Lively] is from Laguna. They met on the beach, basically. MTV : It sounds like just about every hot young actor was in the running for these roles. Stone : I met with every pot dealer I could. [ Laughs ] For the girl, I had to meet a few of the younger newcomers because I did not know who they were. I saw [Blake’s] work and I was very impressed with “[The Private Live of] Pippa Lee.” And she was very strong in “The Town.” I think people that know her from “Gossip Girl” will be surprised. She is beautiful and she is sexy. She is hot. That’s what a lot of fans would say about her. MTV : Has “Savages” received a rating yet? Stone : We got a hard R. It’s an intense movie but it’s a different style than “Natural Born Killers.” It has a lush look. It has some of that sun-drenched romanticism that I like. It’s not just action, it is also romantic. MTV : “Savages” will be surrounded by some big summer blockbusters. You’ve managed to avoid tentpole movies, though you did almost direct a “Mission: Impossible” at one point. Stone : Well, we tried to make a “Mission” at that time, which was ahead of its time in terms of the story. I looked at it as a vehicle that was supersmart. [But] they could never pick a script. With “Mission Impossible,” you have to hit these beats all the time. MTV : It sounds like it’s not a regret for you. Stone : It’s all steroids now. I mean “Iron Man 2” is unwatchable, as is “Transformers 2.” It’s not my kind of moviemaking. “Savages” is a different kind of movie. It’s realistic and at the same time it has a bit of that summer pop feel. MTV : What’s the status of your TV series, “The Untold History of the United States”? Stone : That one’s a bitch. It’s a bitch in my butt. MTV : It will begin airing on Showtime in November? Stone : Yeah, we will make that for sure, but there are so many factors and fact checking. It’s a lot of work. It’s 21 hours and each hour has to work like a movie. I’m dealing with an important issue to me. That’s a legacy for me. Something that matters. It may not matter to most people, but it does matter to me. This is a perception of our time that is completely different from what we’re hearing in magazines and in our newspapers. We deal with all types of things, such as the nature of the atomic bomb, why was it used, why it should not have been used. It’s all kinds of stuff. Reagan’s legacy, our national security state, we go after all of it. MTV : Do you narrate it? Stone : Yes, I narrate it as well. Check out Oliver Stone’s “Savages” in theaters July 6, and “The Untold History of the United States” on Showtime in November. It’s Summer Movie Preview Week, and MTV News will be bringing you exclusive interviews, clips and photos for the most anticipated summer movies . Get ready to gorge on inside looks at “The Avengers,” Robert Pattinson’s “Bel Ami,” Kristen Stewart’s “Snow White,” “The Amazing Spider-Man” and more! Related Videos Summer Movie Preview 2012 Related Photos Get Psyched For 2012’s Summer Movies!

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Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch Are ‘Savages’ In Oliver Stone’s Latest

‘Hunger Games’ Training Helped Jennifer Lawrence Become Katniss

Lawrence’s conditioning coach talks about the demanding training schedule that whipped the actress into survival-of-the-fittest shape. By Kara Warner Jennifer Lawrence in “The Hunger Games” Photo: Lionsgate In case you’re not already aware, Jennifer Lawrence put in a lot of extra work in her preparation to play Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games.” Lawrence told us herself about all the time she spent training, but she made it seem like it was no big deal. Don’t let her fool you, though; she worked her butt off in preparation. MTV News recently caught up with strength and conditioning coach Joe Horrigan, who worked specifically with Lawrence on the film and gave us the inside scoop on what the hardworking actress did to get all Katniss-like. “I’ve worked on a number of films before to help actors lose weight or prepare for a particular role or even gain weight, so I was asked to help Jennifer on this,” Horrigan said. “Jennifer and [director]Gary Ross had discussed how they felt that she should look, they thought that she should be a little bit leaner — it is, after all, entitled ‘The Hunger Games’ — but she shouldn’t be gaunt.” During pre-production, Horrigan helped Lawrence perfect her running technique during daily workouts, along with strength and endurance training. “She worked with me usually twice a day, and that could be a combination of work at the track, which included agility drills, sprint work and running work, and she also had to work with an archery coach three or four days a week, and in the evening we would do stationary bike work, a mix of anaerobic and aerobic work,” he explained. “At a certain point she had to start working with the stunt crew. They had their own obstacle course and wanted her to be able to hop over trees and climb trees and that type of thing, so she was very familiar with it.” Through it all, Horrigan said he was most impressed with Lawrence’s dedication to the training, along with her positive attitude and work ethic. “She had a genuine excitement about the character and the role, and her opportunity to do this,” he said. “I don’t think she ever saw this as stressful or hard work, she did everything she was asked to do, and never complained.” Horrigan, who has worked with actors in preparation for a variety of films like “The Matrix,” “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle” and “Savages,” said Lawrence also developed a new perspective on archery. “I think she developed a whole new respect for what elite archers do. I think she started with [shooting] 80 arrows a day. Elite archers shoot about 450 arrows a day,” he said. “That gave her a whole new respect.” And then somewhere along the long road, Lawrence made the transition into her character. “Everything just came together and we all felt that over a period of time she became Katniss.” Do you think you’re in Hunger Games shape? Leave your comment below! Check out everything we’ve got on “The Hunger Games.” For young Hollywood news, fashion and “Twilight” updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com . Related Videos MTV Rough Cut: Jennifer Lawrence MTV Rough Cut: ‘Hunger Games’ Related Photos The Hunger Games ‘Hunger Games’ World Premiere Red Carpet

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‘Hunger Games’ Training Helped Jennifer Lawrence Become Katniss

Florence And The Machine Talk Kanye West-Approved ‘Unplugged’ Album

MTV Unplugged – A Live Album, due April 9, captures every intimate moment of band’s stripped-back set. By James Montgomery Florence Welch Photo: Harry Herd/ WireImage Back in December, Florence and the Machine stripped down for a taping of MTV’s venerable “Unplugged” series. And not surprisingly, this presented a rather unique set of difficulties for the usually voluminous band — though not the kind you’d expect. “It’s such a huge thing, and it was so intimate, and I really enjoy doing things stripped back and having the strings and the choir, it was really wonderful,” Florence Welch told MTV News. “But, what to say in between? I got so bashful. I was so grateful to be there, and I was trying to express that, and it just went into this weird, stilted speech. … It ended up with me trying to talk but not saying any words. … Singing is fine; talking, not so much.” Then again, we suspect Welch is just being modest, because April 9, Florence and the Machine will release MTV Unplugged – A Live Album, which captures every intimate moment of their performance (“I genuinely hope they don’t include my talking,” Welch admitted, laughing), including stirring takes on their hits “Dog Days Are Over,” “Shake It Out” and “Cosmic Love,” plus a pair of covers: “Try a Little Tenderness” and “Jackson” (with guest vocals by Queens of the Stone Age mastermind Josh Homme). Judging from the list of songs, you’d think the “Unplugged” taping was well-rehearsed. But as Welch explained, nothing could be further from the truth. “We kind of winged it. I felt really comfortable: I’m kind of in my element in that environment, when you’re able to really play ,” she said. “The thing I don’t enjoy about TV performances is that I have to sing live to a backing track, because most times they can’t afford to mic up the whole band, so you have to sing to something that’s just going to keep going, with or without you. And performing in a stripped-back sense, with a band that’s playing around you? It’s so organic, and there’s so much freedom to it.” Of course, her “Unplugged” performance also earned rave reviews from one very prominent guest: Kanye West, who was front and center for the taping, and made his approval known from the get-go. “He was dancing and really going for it in the front row; it was amazing,” Welch said. “At award shows, you can’t really see anyone, because there’s lights, and they’re kind of far away, but for this, it was just like Kanye was just there. And I covered ‘Try a Little Tenderness,’ and he’d just sampled that for the Watch the Throne album, so I was like, ‘Um, Hi … you kind of got there before me, but I’m going to do this now, and it’s kind of for you …’ He was smiling the whole way through, and I think he’s a total genius, so to have him there was really incredible.” Related Artists Florence + the Machine Kanye West

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Florence And The Machine Talk Kanye West-Approved ‘Unplugged’ Album

Super Tuesday Isn’t All About Voting At Ohio State

But MTV News did find one bachelor pad tuned in to the primary. By Andrew Jenks Andrew Jenks at Ohio State University Photo: MTV News COLUMBUS, Ohio — After spending the morning not finding many young people heading to vote (maybe they were waiting for later), I took to the streets to find out what people were up to on Super Tuesday in the most scrutinized swing state in the 2012 election . “What are you doing today?” I asked young people on the Ohio State University campus on a day when their state was offering up the second-biggest delegate prize of all 10 Super Tuesday contests. But, as an experiment, I didn’t bring up the primary, because I wanted to see if they would. Victoria Aeling: “I plan on painting.” Shane Wiegerig: “Volunteering.” Zach Gray: “Class and going to the bank.” Clearly, some had no plans. Many admitted they had no idea today was the day that could turn the tide in the long, bitter scramble to finally find a solid GOP front-runner to take on President Obama in November. But it wasn’t long before I landed at an all-guys apartment, which they referred to as their “trashed pad.” There was a beat-up pool table, dirty kitchen and holes in the wall. You would think this was strictly “Animal House,” but they were watching CNN and, yes, following Super Tuesday results. I quickly realized there weren’t any generalizations to be made in this crash pad. Joe Doll was a simple guy. He shrugged his shoulders. “If they are a cool guy and they are realistic about things then I’ll vote for them,” he said of GOP hopefuls such as Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum. “People don’t see the candidates as serious, so they aren’t taking it serious.” Brian Bode spoke with conviction. “I am voting, but I don’t think it will make a difference, because our Congress is controlled by lobbyists,” he said. He wasn’t happy, and it was easy to tell. If Libertarian pot-stirrer Ron Paul wasn’t in the running, Brian wasn’t planning on voting. Then there was the incredibly outspoken Mark Jepsen. “I went to rivalry class today,” he said. OK, fair enough, I thought. Guy has a hobby, maybe doesn’t care for — wait, he continued … “I registered to vote … not far away from here. Not sure if I am going to do it. … Probably will work out later. … Other than that, not too much. Maybe see a movie, may go out and drink. I think of politics as poli-tricks.” In Ohio, it was clear that everyone I spoke to looks at government in a very different way. I can see that this certainly is a swing state. Some have no idea it’s Super Tuesday, others have been waiting for this day for a long time, and then there are the ones who feel so totally disconnected from the current political discourse that they won’t even bother. Whoever ends up winning the nomination certainly has work cut out for them. MTV has Super Tuesday covered, with reporters on the scene in Georgia, Ohio and Massachusetts! Check back for up-to-the-minute coverage on all the primaries, and stick with Power Of 12 throughout the presidential election season. Related Videos Super Tuesday: MTV News Is On The Ground!

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Super Tuesday Isn’t All About Voting At Ohio State

Oscars 2012 Belong To ‘The Artist,’ ‘Hugo,’ Meryl Streep

French silent film takes home three major prizes, for Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. By Gil Kaufman Meryl Streep wins Best Actress at the 2012 Oscars Photo: Getty Images The early word on the 84th annual Academy Awards was that silent movie “The Artist” was going to run the board. Then there were five early wins by Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” in technical awards, and it seemed as if it would be a night of upsets. But, like an old movie serial that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end, the throwback to another era in film came on strong and swept three of the four biggies: Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Director. The wins capped a night of celebrating the history of cinema, with the final act providing a perfect topper, as “The Artist” became only the second silent movie in Oscar history to snag the night’s top prize and the first black-and-white one to win Best Picture since “Schindler’s List” in 1994. Joining it in the winner’s circle with five wins was another loving tribute to the wonder of film, Scorsese’s “Hugo.” After the crash-and-burn that was last year’s younger-demo-seeking combo of James Franco and Anne Hathaway , nine-time emcee Billy Crystal provided some of that same kind of warm-and-fuzzy feeling to his hosting duties as well. After the tumult that resulted in Eddie Murphy dropping out of the gig in November, the veteran comedian did exactly what everyone wanted him to: he sang, he danced, he made bar mitzvah and Hitler jokes, he spoofed the year’s biggest movies and took a lifetime’s worth of shots at Kodak. Michel Hazanavicius bested Scorsese for Best Director for his work on “The Artist.” Though he claimed to have forgotten his speech, Hazanavicius proclaimed himself the “happiest director in the world” for taking home such a prestigious honor for his anachronistic feature about the culture clash between the old and new when talkies supplanted silent films in the late 1920s. In addition to shouting out the film’s famous pooch, Uggie , Hazanavicius gave props to the movie itself, saying, “Since this movie has been made, its life is full of grace and it brings to us joy and happiness. Sometimes life is wonderful, and today is one of these days.” He was joined a short time later by his leading man, Jean Dujardin, who beat out the likes of three-time Best Actor nominee George Clooney, his bromantic pal Brad Pitt and fellow first-time nominees Gary Oldman and Demian Bichir for Best Actor. For a guy who spent an entire movie not talking, Dujardin had a simple message for his legion of new American fans: “I love your country!” The most nominated actor in Oscar history waited an interminable 30 years between awards, but the 17th time was the charm for Meryl Streep, who snagged her third golden man for disappearing into the role of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady.” The always entertaining actress moaned, “Oh my God, oh come on!” at the standing ovation, saying she feared that when her name was read, half of America groaned, “Oh no! Her! Again!” The night’s first Oscar, for Cinematography, suggested that perhaps “The Artist” would not run the board, as it went to Scorsese’s “Hugo.” As did the second, for Art Direction, which went to the husband-and-wife team that made “Hugo” such a rich visual feast for the eyes. Along the way, the movie also picked up the Oscars for Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and Visual Effects . Best Supporting Actress went to first-time nominee Octavia Spencer for her role in “The Help,” which garnered a standing ovation from the crowd as she struggled to overcome tears in accepting the award for her work as headstrong maid Minny Jackson. The big night for “The Artist” began with a win for Original Score for untrained composer Ludovic Bource, but it was the cymbal-crashing entrance by Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis that helped make the two-song race in the Best Original Song category a memorable one. “Flight of the Concords” star Bret McKenzie won the marathon for “Man or Muppet,” noting that it was his lifelong dream to meet Kermit the Frog and, like many leading men in Hollywood, he noted that the fuzzy Muppet is “a lot shorter in real life.” After seven decades in the business, a lithe Christopher Plummer became the oldest actor to ever win an Oscar when he accepted the Supporting Actor statue for his work as a father who comes out to his son after the death of his wife in “Beginners.” Holding up the golden statue, Plummer said, “You’re only two years older than me — where have you been all my life?” joking that he emerged from the womb practicing his thank-you speech. Though it wasn’t in the running for the biggies, “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” didn’t go home empty-handed, as it snagged the Best Editing prize for the same duo who took it home last year for “The Social Network.” The award for Animated Feature went to director Gore Verbinski, who took home his first Oscar for “Rango.” Director Alexander Payne took home his second Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for his collaboration on the script to “The Descendants,” while a typically absent Woody Allen will get his Original Screenplay statue in the mail for “Midnight in Paris.” The MTV Movies team has the 2012 Oscars covered! Keep it locked at MTV.com all night and beyond for updates on the night’s big winners and the best red-carpet fashion . Join the live conversation by tweeting @MTVNews with the hashtag #Oscars. Related Videos Oscars 2012: Red Carpet Highlights Oscars 2012: Show Highlights Related Photos Oscars 2012: Parties Oscars 2012: The Main Show

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Oscars 2012 Belong To ‘The Artist,’ ‘Hugo,’ Meryl Streep

Adele Wins Album of the Year, Owns 2012 Grammys

Singer makes victorious return to the spotlight after throat surgery, earning a standing ovation and six Grammys. By John Mitchell Adele wins Album of the Year at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards Photo: Robyn Beck/ AFP/ Getty Images The five records vying for Album of the Year couldn’t have been more different, leaving Grammy voters with a tough decision to make. From the soulful heartbreak of Adele’s 21, the power rock of the Foo Fighters’ Wasting Away and the retro reggae-pop of Bruno Mars’ Doo-Wops & Hooligans to the anthemic four-on-the-floor dance-stompers of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way and the sexy R&B beats of Rihanna’s Loud, each and every record brought something new to the table. But in the end, there could only be one — and the winner wasn’t exactly a surprise. As expected Adele’s 21 took home the Album of the Year trophy, putting the cap on an excellent night that saw the British superstar earn a minutes-long standing ovation for her performance of “Rolling in the Deep” and sweep through many of the major categories, winning Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You,” and Song of the Year and Record of the Year for “Rolling in the Deep.” Music legend Diana Ross presented Adele with the award, and the pop powerhouse first thanked her mother, declaring, “Mum, girl did good.” Adele could not contain her excitement and became emotional during her acceptance speech. With an ear-to-ear smile and tears in her eyes, she thanked her record company, producers and band. “This record is inspired by something that is really normal and everyone’s been through it, [that’s] a rubbish relationship,” Adele told the audience. “And it’s gone on to do things … I can’t tell you how I feel about it. It’s been the most life-changing year.” The singer then earned a laugh from the audience when she had to stop mid-speech to wipe her running nose. Video: Watch Highlights From The 2012 Grammy Awards Much of 21 was inspired by Adele’s failed relationship with a man 10 years her senior. Following the success of her moody, ballad-heavy debut, the singer hoped to make a more-upbeat and contemporary-sounding record, but the sessions went nowhere, resulting in just one completed track, “Take It All.” The song was written after a fight with her boyfriend, and when Adele played him the song, it instigated a heated argument that ended their relationship. Heartbroken but musically reinvigorated, Adele immediately hit the studio and began channeling her heartbreak into lyrics, working with veteran producers Ryan Tedder (Beyonc

R.I.P.: 21-Tear-Old Louisiana Tech Running Back Tyrone Duplessis Found Dead After Having Chest Pains

So sad: Louisiana Tech running back Tyrone Duplessis died Thursday morning after medics responded to an emergency call at his off-campus apartment. Hazel Woods, the chief investigator for the Lincoln Parish coroner’s office, said the cause of death was not yet known and an autopsy is pending. Ruston police Lt. Tim Parker said authorities are not investigating at this time and are awaiting the coroner’s report. “Tyrone was a valuable part of this football family,” Bulldogs coach Sonny Dykes said. “This is a tragic, senseless loss, but he made a lasting impact on this team, university and everyone that knew him.” A roommate of Duplessis made the emergency call after the running back woke up with chest pain, Louisiana Tech spokesman Patrick Walsh said. The 21-year-old Duplessis, a third-year student from New Orleans, recently completed his sophomore season of eligibility. Dykes has informed his players of Duplessis’ death and the team held a meeting to discuss it. The university has also made grief counselors available to the team. “We were deeply saddened,” Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau said. “Tyrone was not only a valuable member of our football program, but much more importantly, he was a valued member of the Tech Family. This is a painful loss for our campus community and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.” “Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tyrone and his family,” Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde said. “Tyrone was a special young man who was loved and respected by the Tech Family. He will be dearly missed, but I am sure his teammates and friends will honor and remember him through their commitment to fulfilling their potential.” Duplessis was recognized as an all-state running back at O.P. Walker High School, where he won a state championship in 2007. He is survived by his parents, George and Mary, and two siblings, George III and Levoneshia Dixon. R.I.P. Source More On Bossip! Ladies, Can We Watch?: RihRih Asks Ochocinco’s Permission To Get In Evelyn Lozada’s Panties Lady Lovin’: The 10 Most “Lesbihonest” Cities in America (Part 2) Wait, There’s More! A History Of Slore-y “Journalists” That Showed Off Their Cakes At Super Bowl Media Day For The Ladies: The Best Super Bowl Bangin’ Baller BAWWWWDIES!!! [Photos]

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R.I.P.: 21-Tear-Old Louisiana Tech Running Back Tyrone Duplessis Found Dead After Having Chest Pains

State of the Union Fallout: Will Populist Message Help Obama?

Aside from the optimistic platitudes, soaring rhetoric and feel-good proposals, President Barack Obama’s 2012 State of the Union address was overtly populist and unquestionably combative as he maps a path to a second term in 2013. Obama’s speech included no shortage of appeals to unity, bipartisanship and overriding American purpose, and he articulated plenty of vague, popular-sounding policy goals, similarly to how Bill Clinton kicked off his 1996 campaign. His central message, though, stressed a sharp and basic philosophical contrast with his ideological opponents, clearly forming the centerpiece of his reelection effort. While Obama prevailed in 2008 as a change agent – a more progressive implementer of American ideals than his GOP opponents, certainly, but still a post-partisan uniter – he appears to be taking a dramatically different tack in 2012. Can this new, 2012 version of Obama recapture the same campaign magic, however? Will independent voters return to him over the Republican alternative? With approval ratings in the mid-40s, he’s clearly banking on it, since this seemed in many respects a speech designed to align him with the “99 percent.” You tell us: President Obama in 2012?

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State of the Union Fallout: Will Populist Message Help Obama?

Report: Demi Moore Hospitalized for Nitrious Oxide Inhalation

More information is leaking out regarding the hospitalization of Demi Moore last night. According to TMZ sources, a friend of the actress’ called 911 because Moore fell into a semi-conscious state due to nitrous oxide inhalation. She was, oddly enough, apparently taking part in what’s known as “whip-its,” the name teenagers have given to this cheap, easy process of getting high. Where is Moore at the moment? Under doctor’s care at a Los Angeles hospital, and Radar Online claims to know why. That site reports that while the star may have been taken away in an ambulance due to the abuse of a substance, the real issue at hand here applies to her dramatic weight loss (depicted in the photos above). “Demi is in getting treated for anorexia, as well as other issues that caused her seizure,” an insider says . “She has not taken care of her health at all lately and has lost a ton of weight.” Regardless of whatever else is going on with Moore, that much is undeniable. We’ll continue to wish the actress a full recovery and will keep readers apprised of her progress along the way.

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Report: Demi Moore Hospitalized for Nitrious Oxide Inhalation