Month: March 2011

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Is Facebook Good For Promoting Your Music?

It’s what people wonder no matter what type of business they’re into: how to get facebook fans. We all know that we’re meant to get a load of Facebook fans to make our marketing campaign that bit easier, but not every one knows how to use or interact with these fans. In some industries, for example the music industry, not everyone is even sure if more Facebook fans would benefit them.

Being involved in the music business myself, I can tell you right now that getting Facebook fans is a important role in your promotion. I know many musicians find it hard to get Facebook fans, but that’s only because you’re used to the mass following of the MySpace days. The thing is, on Facebook people won’t add you unless they’re generally interested in what you have to say or offer. With MySpace you could get an add of any random person and it wouldn’t be an issue.

The good thing about Facebook is the people that add you will be genuinely interested in what you’re offering. That means you have a chance to turn them into life long fans with some follow up relationship building. I’d sooner take 200 friends on FB then I would 2000 ‘friends’ on MySpace. The quality of the interaction is so much better, and these people will intentionally listen to your music rather then just have it automatically play when you go onto their page.

So, now you know you need to promote your music with Facebook, what is the best way about doing that? Well, from what I’ve seen it’s a good idea to create a Band Page tab for your Facebook fan page. If you’re not sure how to do this, check out this article on how to create a band page on facebook. This will allow you to stream your music directly on Facebook, let people buy your music and more.

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Video Games vs Traditional Games

Most people born in the nineties or after won’t be able to conceive of a time before personal computers and video game consoles were mainstays in homes. But those of us who are a little older can remember the fun we used to have before the digital world took over – playing games that may be primitive compared to the titles available on the Xbox 360 or PS3, but somehow provided endless hours of fun all the same.

That’s not to say traditional games have all gone the way of the dinosaur though, and anyone who’s spent any time with a toddler will know that peek-a-boo is still a winner. But it seems to be increasingly the case that imaginative games like hide and seek or I-spy are relegated to times and places when video games are unavailable, like visiting grandparents or travelling in the car. But with many cars now featuring game consoles to entertain younger passengers, these places are getting scarcer.

But are video games really that damaging to children’s development? The format has been criticised for its vegetative effects since the early days of the Atari and Commodore 64 (in many cases, correctly so!) But it can be argued that playing video games in sensible moderation can actually improve certain skills, such as hand-eye coordination and problem solving. They can also be a highly effective way of keeping kids quiet and entertained for an afternoon, and surely more rewarding than sticking kids in front of the TV?

While some traditional kid’s games manage to peacefully coexist with modern-day video games, some genres seem to have become relics of the retro age, particularly board games. Eighties kids may have been satisfied throwing dice and moving coloured counters around a board, but of all the boxed games we had piled high in our wardrobes, few of these could really be considered classics.

And what of those that were? Well, firm favourites like Scrabble have now been expertly transferred to video game form themselves, where players have the opportunity to compete against friends or other people around the world, either through dedicated gaming sites or social networks like Facebook. Some games that can be intolerably frustrating in the slow-paced home environment can actually be improved by the digital transition, like Monopoly in particular.

There’s a place for all kinds of games in the modern world, even if the omnipresence of video games can make this hard to see sometimes. While video games certainly aren’t just for kids, I’ve noticed that the older people get, the less interest they tend to have in the sort of titles commonly available on game consoles – like shoot-em-ups or time-consuming role-playing games – but will usually be up for a play if board games and other party games are brought out at family events.

Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at getyourblogsout.com who work with brands like Woolworths. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in entertainment news, check out my posts at getyourblogsout.com or visit my Twitter account, @BlogsOut

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Movies: Top 5 Sequels

Sequels are often panned for being lazy and derivative excuses to pinch more pennies out of an already exhausted idea. No matter how atrocious the predecessor is, if the cash is rolling in, a sequel even more disastrous is probably in the pipeline. However on a rare occasion a sequel will outstrip its predecessor; faith is restored. A brief respite when cineastes everywhere rejoice and acclaim the brilliance of narrative continuation. So here are 10 movies that were better than their predecessors

The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

This gripping follow-up laid claim that a sequel should be darker than the predecessor. The Empire Strikes Back is constructed of scenes awash with Lucas’s unworldly imagination consisting of immense screen battles none more memorable than the Hoth Battle as well as new characters including Yoda, Land and Boba Fett. Of course there’s also shock revelations (“I am your father”). A touchstone for a generation.

Toy Story 2 (1999)

Remarkably, originally intended as a straight to DVD movie. But Toy Story 2 hit all the right buttons and asserts itself as the greatest animated sequel to have graced the big screen; a truly uplifting family movie that grips the audience from start to finish. As all good sequels should,  fresh new characters are introduced as well taking old ones into new territory. In some ways, it’s a tragic tale of a child growing out of toys, old-fashioned cowboy Woody is told to forget about being loved by kids forever and embrace his role in a retro toy collection.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan’s re-imagining of the Batman lore is simply tenacious and arguably the greatest comic-book movie ever made. This enthralling sequel is all the more haunting as we witness Heath Ledger, in his penultimate movie; give the performance of a lifetime, exquisitely portraying the psychotic Joker. Nolan’s rumination on the aftershocks of Batman’s origin belongs on the list of the greatest films of all time.

Godfather II (1974)

Opinions are divided whether this sprawling epic outstrips its predecessor, what is undoubted is that both definitely outdo the overrated Godfather 3.   Coppola’s disinclined return sees him delivering a damning picture which captures the intensity of Al Pacino’s Michael Corleone in the a way that The Godfather simply couldn’t. Michael emerges from teh shadows to assert a stranglehold over his empire. The effectiveness of the two intertwining tales is sheer brilliance, following the rise of Pacino’s mobster as he gains the world but loses his soul whilst simultaneously exploring the founding of the Corleone crime empire by Vito Corleone, played by De Niro.

Evil Dead 2 (1987)

Sam Raimi’s low budget cult film is essentially a B-movie come good. Evil Dead 2 made zilch when it opened in 1987, but has built up a diehard fan base due to its downright ridiculous and incomprehensible narrative. So why is it placed? For one it’s hilarious gory. Also, star Bruce Campbell’s chainsaw/shotgun combo is outlandishly genius. But mainly, to witness a young Raimi demonstrate his undoubted potential with manic montages and mastermind camera work.

Aidan Donovan is a copywriter for an electrical company that deal in a selection of electrical appliances from cheap washer dryers to washing machines.

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The Best Romantic Movies Ever

Even if you are feeling down in the dumps and completely cynical about life, a great romantic movie can turn things around instantly. It can be just the thing to renew your hope in the human spirit while reminding you of why people fall in love in the first place. After all, who doesn’t have relationships or dating on their mind at all times? Great romantic movies can be the perfect distraction while you search for your own true love in real life. Sometimes they can be wickedly realistic, or other times they might feature more make-believe elements like magic love spells or fairytale endings. But whatever specific formula a romantic movie follows, the best ones are able to cut to our soul by the time the final credits roll. Here are some of the best romantic movies that you can rent if you need a quick boost of true love.

Sleepless in Seattle – no one could have predicted that this movie would have become as huge as it did. Even though it would be considered old by some standards today, it can still hold its own against any romantic movie that Hollywood turns out now. It’s interesting to remember that the two characters don’t even meet until the very end of the movie. How magical is that?

Wall-E – this movie makes the list because of the unusual fact that the two main characters aren’t human at all. But when everything is said and done this movie features one of the greatest love stories of all time between two lovable robots. And along the way, we get messages about the importance of preserving the environment, protecting the earth, and how love is the most essential thing of all.

Titanic – if you have three hours to kill that it might be time to revisit this instant classic. A lot of people forget that the filming of Titanic was plagued with numerous problems and an overinflated budget. As it turns out, none of that matters today because all we think of when we think of this movie is one of the best romantic films of all time.

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Movies Made Better by Wireless Headphones for TV

There is no denying that sound is one of the key components that allows people to enjoy their favorite movies even more. If you are watching a romantic comedy then sound might not be a huge factor, but the circumstances are much different for a sci-fi thriller or even a horror movie. Sometimes quality sound can take you to another level of enjoyment that you would not be able to get otherwise. This is where a set of wireless headphones for TV comes into the picture, because they are a one product that can certainly provide you better sound performance rather than using your basic stereo system. Here is a quick list of movies that you are sure to enjoy like never before with new wireless headphones.

Saving Pvrivate Ryan – the opening sequence of this film is a dazzling monument to the chaos of war. Just speaking from a visual perspective, there is still no movie about war that compares to the first 20 minutes of this film. And in terms of sound, you will really take it to the next level if you find a way to hear all of the little details contained within the first few scenes of the movie.

Star Wars – it’s a rather amazing how well this movie holds up especially compared to the prequels that have all lost a touch of the magic. Star Wars remains visually impressive today, and the sound is surprisingly fresh and vibrant as well. They didn’t have the technology that we do now, but back then they found a way to create some of the best sound effects that we still recognize today. There are also ways to enjoy Star Wars through numerous video games these days and a wireless gaming headset would maximize the sound for those.

Avatar – this movie is a feast for the senses no matter how you look at it. A lot of people focus on the visual aspects of this film when it first came out for obvious reasons, but the sound production in this movie was unparalleled as well. Try enjoying it again with a set of wireless headphones and see what huge difference it makes.

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Heavenly Instruments – Pedal Harps

An ancient Egyptian harp on display in some UK...
Image via Wikipedia

When world renowned harpist Peter Sterling floats a chord, it is like listening to the whisper of the wind among the trees. The harp instrument creates such magical and angelic music that it fills your body, mind and spirit. The ethereal music that can be created using a harp can touch one’s heart and soul. With the endearing quality of harp music to be soothing and unobtrusive, the demand for harp music for relaxation and sense of tranquility has increased. Harp music is commonly used in dinners, receptions, or parties as a pleasant background without interfering with quiet conversation.

The harp instrument has been used for centuries. It is one of our most ancient musical instruments. It is a multi-stringed instrument and generally categorized as chordophones. It is roughly triangular in shape and primarily made of wood. Individuals who plays the harp is either called a “harpist” or a “harper”. The term “harper” is usually used by Folk musicians whereas “harpist” is used for classical musicians. The harp instrument has been used for ages. It was thought to have originated from plucking the string of a hunter’s bow. The harp and the closely related lyre, has been part of almost all culture predominantly used in the olden times by medieval bards, troubadours and minnesingers.

Through time, the design and improvements of the harp instrument gained popularity in the 20th century. Before, the orchestra composers were unable to use the harp extensively because it cannot keep up with the other orchestra instruments due to many key changes and accidental passages found in most orchestral music. With the advent of pedals added to the harp instrument, the limitations were removed. Currently, the pedal harp is among the most popular type of harp instrument commonly used by harpists. This modernized type of harp is also known as a concert harp and is primarily designed for classical music. It can primarily be played solo, as a part or member of an orchestra, or a part of chamber ensembles. Pedal harps are diatonic instruments which are fitted with the double-action pedal mechanism. The pedal mechanism, allow chromatic alterations and key changes. It raises the pitch of given strings by a semitone or by both the semitone and the whole note.

You can purchase harps cheaply by buying a used pedal harp online. There are many used harp for sale online that are of high quality and made by some of the most distinguished brands in harp making so you get a huge bargain if you know how to look for them on the internet.

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