Michael Jackson’s 1982 Classic Album: Thriller

July 3rd, 2009

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Track 1: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” - In a lot of ways I think this is the ultimate Thriller song. It’s just got so much greatness stuffed into it and I think it may sound the least “dated” of all the material on the album.

Track 2: “Baby Be Mine” - Not as remarkable as some of the other classics on this album but still a really great song with an outstanding performance from MJ (as usual.)

Track 3: “The Girl Is Mine” - This one is just too cute for a lot of people but I enjoy it. To me it just sounds like two of the greatest musical artists of all time (Paul McCartney & Michael Jackson) just having a good time recording a sweet little pop song together.

Track 4: “Thriller” - So much attention is given to the “Thriller” music video (for good reason) that I sometimes feel like the song itself is overlooked. But I guess that’s not really true, is it?

Track 5: “Beat It” - This song greatly expanded the appeal of Michael Jackson. This was MJ at his most “rock n roll” and Eddie Van Halen’s awesome guitar solo didn’t hurt either.

Track 6: “Billie Jean” - The last of four Michael Jackson written songs on Thriller (the first three were “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, “The Girl Is Mine,” & “Beat It.”) This album not only established Michael Jackson as a pop superstar, it also established him as a great songwriter.

Track 7: “Human Nature” - My favorite ballad on Thriller. In fact it may be my favorite Michael Jackson ballad ever.

Track 8: “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” - I think this song has more energy than another on the album (with the possible exception of the opener.) Like “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” it just seems to be overstuffed with awesome ideas.

Track 9: “The Lady In My Life” - This is probably the most forgettable song on the album but it still has some really nice moments. Particularly once it gets going after a somewhat lethargic beginning.


Show In Las Vegas Are a Highlight

June 27th, 2009

When you go to Las Vegas, one of the things you will see everywhere are the shows. Every hotel has a show and some of them are spectacular with big name stars. It is something that you have to see to believe and these expensive shows are one of Las Vegass calling cards.

There are a lot of different choices of shows as you would expect and a wide variety of prices as well. The big name entertainers will cost you the most to see while the lesser-known acts are more reasonable. You have everything to choose from including magicians, hypnotists, singers, comedians and much more.

There are also production shows that you can catch while taking a break from your gambling spree. The percussion-driven Blue Man Group has become prominent figures on the strip. Tourists leave their show exhilarated and ready for another round of game at the casino table. Couples can spend romantic evenings enjoying exquisite dinner while being serenaded by tender ballads. Or you can go to one of the headliner shows, if you want to experience good music in an elegant setting.

One of the most popular and successful shows on the strip is Cirque du Soleil. This started out as one show and due to its tremendous popularity has grown to five different shows all in different hotels. Cirque du Soleil is one of the Las Vegas success stories that is unmatched and just walking into one of their theaters will take your breath away.

If you want light entertainment, there are several comedy shows that can tickle your fancy. You can choose from a number of veteran stand-up comics or you can go to several clubs that host improv comedy.

People go to Las Vegas to have fun and spend money. The spectacular shows are one way that they can have that fun and see things they would never be able to see in their hometowns. Of course, like everything in Las Vegas, they can come with a steep price tag but people still seem willing to pay it.

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The Variety of Filmmaking Schools and Program

June 17th, 2009

When you hear the term “film school” a lot of different things may come to mind. That is because there are lots of kinds of film schools, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. While they all teach the business of film and filmmaking in general some may be better than others for you, your lifestyle and what you’re trying to get out of going to film school. By looking into all your options you can ensure you make the right decision and get the most out of your time and education.

University Education A typical four year course of study in which you major in film but also complete general education at the same time like any other university program major.

Good: These schools have lots of money so they can offer money for you to go to school as well as get the best equipment and offer more courses and instructors than anywhere else. Many of the teachers work part time in the film industry as editors, writer, directors and more so they know what is really going on. They also can bring in industry bigwigs and pros as guest speakers more than other schools plus they get the scoop on the best internships and job offers around.

The Down Side: Since they give you everything to use some schools take partial or full ownership of the work you make for school and you lose the rights to your film.

College Film Schools Smaller schools who have actual film programs that are distinguished from other fields of study.

The Good: The admissions counselors are easier to work with so if you have poorer grades you’ll have a chance at being admitted here where as the bigger schools might pass you up. Since there are less people you get more personal attention.

The Bad: Since they’re smaller they don’t have any much or as up to date and cutting edge equipment or resources.

One Year Programs One year of intensive filmmaking courses although some course are shorter or longer.

Good: It’s quick so you get done right away and can start working after only a year or so of training. A lot of access is available to pros and real life experience as these take place in popular filmmaking locations and on back lots and production studios.

Bad: They will run you quite the tab and you won’t be able to make money while studying because they are full time.

Alternative Filmmaking Programs Some weekend courses are offered as well as small study programs that take place over a couple weeks or more. These are all great but you won’t learn more than the basics because you need lots of time to actually learn the art of filmmaking.

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Comparing Film School and Film Programs

June 16th, 2009

Film school programs are not all alike, sure you learn about filmmaking in the art form, practicality and how to make a movie but the approach, ease of admittance and methods can vary greatly. There are film programs offered by colleges, universities, independent schools, filmmaking academies and more. The more you know about each type of program the better you will informed so you can make the choice that is best for you and your current situation.

University School Film Programs A university that offers a degree in filmmaking and has a separate school where students attend and complete general education as well as film studies. These usually take four years to complete.

Good: These schools have lots of money so they can offer money for you to go to school as well as get the best equipment and offer more courses and instructors than anywhere else. Many of the teachers work part time in the film industry as editors, writer, directors and more so they know what is really going on. They also can bring in industry bigwigs and pros as guest speakers more than other schools plus they get the scoop on the best internships and job offers around.

The Down Side: Since they give you everything to use some schools take partial or full ownership of the work you make for school and you lose the rights to your film.

College Programs Smaller film schools that are part of a smaller college but still offer degrees of some sort in film.

The Good: The admissions counselors are easier to work with so if you have poorer grades you’ll have a chance at being admitted here where as the bigger schools might pass you up. Since there are less people you get more personal attention.

The Down Side: Since they don’t have as much funding they don’t have the same resources of a larger school.

Independent Film Schools One year or so programs that concentrate solely on film.

The Up Side: Since the program is so short you can get done right away and start your new career once you find a job. These programs are almost always in the center of Hollywood and other filmmaking havens where you can be on set and see things happen on the fly. And who knows who you’ll run into or what opportunity will present itself.

The Bad: These are very expensive and all intensive leaving you very little time for work and making any income while studying.

More Filmmaking Programs There are also independent filmmaking course that can range from a weekend course to a couple weeks of study but you won’t be able to learn much more than the basics because filmmaking is a skill and takes time to learn and master.

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What Matters In Choosing The Right Film School

June 14th, 2009

When you hear the term “film school” a lot of different things may come to mind. That is because there are lots of kinds of film schools, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. While they all teach the business of film and filmmaking in general some may be better than others for you, your lifestyle and what you’re trying to get out of going to film school. By looking into all your options you can ensure you make the right decision and get the most out of your time and education.

University Film Schools A normal four year program where you do general education like any other degree but take your specialized degree classes in filmmaking and any specific major within the film program you choose. This usually takes four years but with some extra credits you can do it in less.

Good: These schools have lots of money so they can offer money for you to go to school as well as get the best equipment and offer more courses and instructors than anywhere else. Many of the teachers work part time in the film industry as editors, writer, directors and more so they know what is really going on. They also can bring in industry bigwigs and pros as guest speakers more than other schools plus they get the scoop on the best internships and job offers around.

The Bad: You don’t always get complete control over the rights to your films when you use school equipment and resources so you have to check first if this will be a problem.

College Film Schools Smaller schools who have actual film programs that are distinguished from other fields of study.

Good: Easier to be admitted to because they are less competitive schools. You will also get more attention because there are less people in the program.

The Bad: Since they’re smaller they don’t have any much or as up to date and cutting edge equipment or resources.

One Year Programs One year of intensive filmmaking courses although some course are shorter or longer.

The Good: You won’t be distracted by general education classes and can focus completely on filmmaking. Some classes are on studio lots where you can see the real process as it happens and meet industry professionals.

The Bad: These are very expensive and all intensive leaving you very little time for work and making any income while studying.

More Filmmaking Programs There are also independent filmmaking course that can range from a weekend course to a couple weeks of study but you won’t be able to learn much more than the basics because filmmaking is a skill and takes time to learn and master.

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