Michael Jackson's Latest Album Has Flopped

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One month after being cleared of sex assault charges, Michael Jackson's latest album, The Essential Michael Jackson, has flopped. In the first week of its release only 8000 copies were sold. At this pace it will take nearly one hundred years to equal his most popular album, Thriller, which has sold 40 million copies. Jackson may have been cleared of all charges, but his fans aren't buying his product. Is this a portent of things to come? Let's look at some of the reasons why Michael Jackson may be long "past peak" when it comes to entertaining in the US.

The Michael Jackson Trial got the attention of Americans in the first half of 2005 as the drama was played out nightly on cable news shows. Indeed, it seemed as if CNN and Fox News were battling to be the first one to bring the latest and greatest information to viewers. Finally, in June, the verdict was in: not guilty. The Jackson legal team breathed a sigh of relief and pundits predicted that Jackson would recover over the next year.

So, why has The Essential Michael Jackson flopped? Certainly it isn't because of the quality of the songs which include Jackson 5 favorites: "Rockin' Robin", "Ben", and "ABC" as well as "The Girl is Mine" recorded with Paul McCartney and and "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" with Seidah Garrett. True, it does not contain new material, but the song list should be popular enough to grab the attention of Jackson devotees. It hasn't. More than likely there are other reasons why it is a slow seller including:

1. The Trial. Jackson may have been cleared of all charges, but this is the second time he has been raked through the coals over alleged behavior. Whether you believe him to be guilty or not, all the publicity did nothing but hurt Jackson. Additionally, the trial just got over...why didn't record producers wait six months or more to release this album? Oh yeah, someone has to pay his legal bills!

2. Changing Tastes. American music tastes change quickly. What was acceptable a few years ago is not necessarily acceptable today. In Europe, Jackson's music is still widely accepted. Hmmm... me thinks that Germany or France may put up with him.

3. The Weird Factor. Okay, I have to mention it. Jackson just looks weird. Compared to when he was a kid and also a young adult, Jackson looks nothing like he used to look. Is he white? Is he black? Is he male? Is he female? These are some of the questions asked by fans and followers. Weirdness sells...to a point. Track the career of Boy George for comparison purposes.

Personally, I think Jackson was guilty of at least some of the charges and I believe that many fans think the same way. You can be a very good singer, but after awhile fans will tire of all the negative attention and go elsewhere. Witness O.J. Simpon's life post trial and you can expect Jackson to have a similar fate.

Unless, of course, Michael Jackson moves to Europe.

Banksy Graffiti - Is it Art Or Vandalism?

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The bonding between Banksy and graffiti or/and street art is not to be denied, particularly where The Bristol graffiti movement and industry is involved. His popularity and success today is due to his symbolic graffiti, portraits and also his true identity which remains a well-kept secret from the public at large. Even after 20 plus years of producing attention-grabbing graffiti and art, his identity including his actual looks and name is still a huge mystery. Banksy Graffiti is an excellent choice for both art collectors and investors with the majority of the artist's works commanding rocket high prices. Still, there is huge controversy surrounding the artist and the question "Banksy Graffiti - Is It Art or Vandalism?"

There is a strong correlation between Banksy and Bristol graffiti with the two entities being synonymous to each other. Banksy's career as a graffiti and street artist is also largely boosted by the aerosol boom in Bristol some time in the 1980s. He was active in Bristol's underground movement whereby street artists and musicians worked together on numerous projects. He soon developed a trademark technique in producing his works by using a combination of stenciling similar to Frenchman Blek le Rat and also graffiti writing.

Banksy Graffiti and the graffiti scene in Bristol, UK is but one of the many worldwide graffiti locations. The list of extensive popular worldwide graffiti locations include London, New York, Berlin, Melbourne and the likes. These graffiti locations are acknowledged as tourist attractions with huge potential in them.

Banksy's graffiti pictures are known to be available to collectors, dealers and investors both through online and offline venues. A browse on the Internet has revealed stunning collections of these graffiti pictures.

Ardent fans of Banky would most definitely want to get their hands on "Wall and Piece". The book has an extensive collection of photographs, illustrations and witty captions that go along with them. The book is a much sought after merchandise among his fans and art lovers in general.

Regardless of this, Banksy has a history of getting on the wrong side of the books for those in establishments and authority. Due to this, there is controversy surrounding his works which is sometimes thought to be vandalism instead of works of art.

A good example of Banksy's controversial graffiti and street art is one in particular which portrays two policemen kissing affectionately. Due to its provocative nature, it was labelled as vandalism. There were also numerous occasions which saw the removal of Banksy's graffiti. A good example of this was the one that was painted on Tate Britain's steps with the provocative slogan "Mind The Crap." Who would dare to forget the £300,000 mural by Banksy which depicted Samuel Jackson and John Travolta from the film Pulp Fiction with bananas in their hands in place of guns. This particular mural was subsequently painted over by London transport workers..

To conclude this, the question of "Banksy Graffiti - Is It Art or Vandalism?" really depends on individual perceptions. For those that work with him and adore his art and other works, Banksy is their idol and hero. On the contrary, those in authority and establishments such as the police force, underground workers and such, his graffiti are all nothing other than acts of vandalism.

Futurism Art Represents the Machine Age

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If you do vast study in the sphere of modern and contemporary art and literature, you will definitely find that the impact of the futurism art is massive and in 1909, futurist art work became enriched and heightened to its climax of elegance. In 1909, an Italian artist named Filipo Tommaso Marinetti explained vividly about the Futurism philosophy in his article Manifesto of Futurism. Futurism is an artistic revolution which opposes the conventional painting and the importance of institutional force.

The futurist artists deny the significant role of the churches, shrines, education and religious dogmas in the society. It invites the ultra modern world which is based on the strong platform of technological upgradation, speed, dynamism and the velocity. We will all live in machine age and we will have no educational training to update our knowledge bank. They believe in the ultramodern and highly sophisticated lifestyle which will be more mechanical and dynamic in nature. This 20th century artistic revolution left huge impression on the then artistic guild or association to show their tendency to accept the futurism philosophy.

However, as it supports violence, vandalism and the destruction of moral high ground, it is also known to be fascist. In the meantime, there were few Russian Futuristic artists who emulated the Futurism art due to its strong inclination towards the speed and dynamism in life. They supported the philosophical viewpoints of Futurism and they also mocked the conventional art through their several paintings. However, on the other hand, the Futurism artists have also followed the principles of Cubism.

Especially, the Cubism art has utilized the modern technique to bring the modification to the pattern of design and art. Cuban art represents the fragmentation of art which can be viewed in different ways. The Cuban artists prefer the usage of newspapers, matchbox and other wastage materials to paint the picture. Kazimir Malevich has punched the Cuban concept in his created Futurist paintings.

The superimposition is the feature of Cuban art and Kazimir imitated the Cuban art in painting the picture. You should keep in mind that Marinetti established the Futurist Political Party in the year of 1918 and later this party was recognized to be National fascist Part of Benito Mussolini. To be frank, the Futurism has smoothed the easy entry of the movies and cinemas into the commercial world. In this connection the role of Neo-Futurism is also important to form a new opera and theater. To end, the influence of Pablo Picasso and Cezanne on the Futurism art can't be denied.

Michael Jackson Websites

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As with any celebrity, there are always a number of websites commemorating them and celebrating their achievements. Michael Jackson is without doubt one of the biggest stars ever and arguably has no equal. It is not too astonishing then he has over a thousand websites dedicated to him in one way or another.

The official website of Michael Jackson is at the time of writing dedicated to leaving messages honoring his memory, without doubt his life and career will be remembered forever. It is after all not every other day that you have an artist who has the kind of influence that Michael had on the world. He captured true spirit in all of his songs, and fans would say he always made music for the love of making it, not for the money or the glory was to follow.

The official website has content dedicated exclusively to Michael Jackson. There are songs and videos of the superstar, with other options like going through his discography as well as any recent updates. Like any good celebrity website, there used to be links to subscribe to his updates. With the passing away of the star, this feature seems to have been removed, perhaps temporarily.

As of today, the website's front page has become a wall to post condolences. There are currently nearly 400,000 posts on the wall. The numbers are sure to swell. It is common for people to react when something this big happens. After all, it is not every day that someone who from the age of about 11 years old (possibly younger) rose to fame and remained a superstar for the next 40 years.

As mentioned, there are other too. Most of them have turned into tribute sites, and indeed why not, Michael was huge, a massive icon, and there are lots of interesting Michael Jackson stuff to read, and even perhaps albums or videos you had always promised to buy, but never got round to it.