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Fox was the most-watched American network last week, ably assisted by its one-two punch from “American Idol.”
Right behind, CBS was boosted by its scripted shows, seven of which (along with its “Survivor: Micronesia” and “60 Minutes”) landed in the top 20.
But third-place ABC had one of the week’s most unusual hits: the debate between Democratic hopefuls Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama.
For the week, Fox averaged 8.75 million viewers (5.3 rating, 9 share), while CBS had 8.54 million (5.6 rating, 11 share), according to Nielsen Media Research. ABC had 7.91 million viewers (5.2 rating, 9 share), NBC 7.32 million (4.8 rating, 8 share), the CW 2.29 million viewers (1.5 rating, 2 share), My Network TV 1.01 million (0.7 rating, 1 share) and ION Television 400,000 (0.3 rating, 0 share).
Now playing at Belleville’s Famous Players 8 cinemas through April 24: Forgetting Sarah Marshall; 88 Minutes; The Forbidden Kingdom; Prom Night; Street Kings; Leatherheads; Nim’s Island; 21; Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who! Call 613-969-7080 or see cineplex.com for details.
Empire Theatre films: The Other Boleyn Girl April 22. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Info: 613-969-0099.
Next at the Quinte Film Alternative: 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days, April 30. Screenings at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Empire Theatre. Tickets: 613-969-0099. Info: 613-391-4310 or www.quintefilmalternative.ca
The Quinte Arts Council and Jeunesses Musicales of Canada present The Merry Widow, an operetta by Franz Lehar, April 23, 7:30 p.m., (reception at 6:30 p.m.) at the Empire Theatre. Tickets: 613-969-0099 or www.theempiretheatre.com
Interlink, young and old singing together in an intergenerational choir, will perform April 24 at 7 p.m. at Holy Rosary School, Belleville.
The Belleville Art Association presents an art show and sale called Spring Renewal in the gallery-studio at 392 Front St. through May 10. For more info: www.bellevilleart.ca

intelligencer.ca

HOUSTON, April 22 (UPI) — “American Idol” season six winner Jordin Sparks has been sidelined by a vocal chord injury, but anyone can got a voice problem, U.S. experts say.
Experts in the audiology speech pathology department at The Methodist Hospital in Houston say most voice disorders are related to trauma to the vocal folds from excessive or intense voice use and vocal nodules. Vocal nodules, polyps and cysts are common use-related problems that occur in adults — especially for those who use their voice a lot such as lawyers and teachers.
In addition, irritants, such as acid reflux and environmental allergies, also account for many throat and voice complaints and treating reflux or allergies can go a long way in preserving the voice.
To keep the throat in good working order, use a normal voice, avoid throat clearing and don’t whisper.
“Whispering is hard on the voice — as is talking very loudly,” the experts at The Methodist Hospital in Houston says in a statement. “Also, if you feel strain or tension in your throat, neck or shoulders, it means you’re talking too loudly.”
Smoking or drinking alcohol can also irritate the vocal cords.

upi.com