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JWS

07-07-2009, 02:09 PM

^^

arguably, this spec., no matter how awful to some, has brought likely tens of millions in rev to the city, created 100's of jobs, and boosted the income of housands of businesses :shrug: moreover, like in any situation plan ahead and leave early.

Very little...some hotel rooms and restaurants will get a boost. This cost Los Angeles $3-4 million in police and security costs....plus the lost revenue/productivity from freeway closures. The city already has a deficit of $500 million. Hopefully, AEG, owners of Staples and the producers of this memorial will foot the bill.

There was no reason to leave early as the Jacksons were supposed to depart at 7:00 am. and would have been off the freeways before the big rush. They didn't. They also didn't need a parade of over 30 limos and police vehicles that stretched out two miles.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 02:17 PM

All stores, hotel rooms, malls, gas stations, etc. Will see a boost as there are tens of thousands of extra people in town - sort of like the superbowl. The city of LA is begging for money to pay for the extra cost. But, though they may not have the cash now, they will get well over a million in the extra rev from this. Again, people may find it distastful, etc - but that is a sep issue from the money it is bringing in. Personally, I think the MJ money should have to pay for the extra security, etc. That they, and any other event, are not made to is a reason to tar and feather the local gov.

becca

07-07-2009, 02:17 PM

GODDESS6

07-07-2009, 02:58 PM

i watched it~ i thought it was nice & not the circus i was fearing it would be~ i mean for the haters even, you had to expect michael would have some sort of hoopla~ i didn't find it over the top tho, i found it very fitting~ & some did mention that he wasn't perfect & they weren't pretending he was, but this day was about celebrating the man & his music~

i loved how the jackson men were dressed alike & wore the one sequined glove~ the people who spoke who knew michael, like brooke shields, smokey robinson & magic johnson were the sweeter of the stories~ & tho rev al sharpton grates my nerves, i liked the comment he made to michael's children about their daddy not being strange...& then michael's daughter leading a standing ovation~

the saddest part for me was tho when paris spoke, albeit briefly, she is clearly taking this hard no matter who she is surrounded by now~ she broke my heart & made me cry~

Skyveris

07-07-2009, 03:52 PM

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 04:00 PM

Yea - It was rather relatively tasteful. And, I was somewhat surprised given that the leader of the clan is IMO a money hungry grifter. Having said that, that little girl seems so well grounded and centered in that tiny clip. So, that is another IMO bit of evidence and despite his public image as a weirdo, MJ was a good father to those kids.

CelticGypsy

07-07-2009, 04:03 PM

Wonderful ceremony! I cried when Jermaine, Jennifer Hudson and Lionel Ritchie sang. Mariah was good but I think she was emotional and hard for her to sing. That little boy was such a wonderful singer too! I can't remember his name but I am sure we will hear about him for a long time. He was suppose to tour with Michael and he did a GREAT job!!! I thought it was nice that his brothers dressed alike and wore the sequined gloves. It was nice that Marlon and Jermaine talked to everyone about Michael. Great stories to tell. Michael's daughter was so brave too. He has beautiful kids. I hope they realize that their father was one of a kind and talented entertainer someday. He was their Daddy and it was so sad to see Paris crying. I pray that those kids will be well taken care of and guarded from the public so they can have a childhood.

David

07-07-2009, 04:28 PM

arguably, this spec., no matter how awful to some, has brought likely tens of millions in rev to the city,How much money was generated by the festivities? Do you have the figure? How much money did businesses lose with the closure of the freeways?

created 100's of jobs, Jobs? You mean the vendors selling gloves & T-shirts? They ought to bury pop stars every day of the year!

and boosted the income of housands of businesses :shrug: I guess the festivities generated lots of money. But that wasn't my point. I asked how much it cost to close the freeways.

moreover, like in any situation plan ahead and leave early.If you drive from your condo in Downey to your workplace in downtown L.A., what alternative plan might get you to work on time, & how much earlier would you need to leave home?

chiliD

07-07-2009, 04:49 PM

Reminds me of the two guys in the crowd at the Aug. 31, 1980, Hollywood Bowl show, who can be heard on the audio tape:

Guy #1: We want Stevie!
Guy #2: Wonder!

Ok, my memory's fading...that was us, wasn't it? :shrug:

Dreamz19

07-07-2009, 05:31 PM

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 06:02 PM

. . . [QUOTE=David;829869] If you drive from your condo in Downey to your workplace in downtown L.A., what alternative plan might get you to work on time, & how much earlier would you need to leave home?

If it meant putting food on the table, I'd figure it out :shrug:

I suspect most people did.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 06:17 PM

I thought this article from Time.com was interesting:

Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 4:45 pm
One Last Big (Yet Moving) Show for Michael
Posted by James Poniewozik | Comments (5) | Permalink | Trackbacks (0) | Email This

The coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial began early on cable news this morning, with nonstop helicopter video footage from a "private" ceremony for Jackson's family, while commentators vamped for time and guessed at what was going on behind closed doors.

It was symbolically fitting: Jackson, after all, spent most of his life in the public eye while his private life remained mostly a mystery. Fitting too, that his farewell ceremony should be a gaudy public spectacle—with Jackson himself onstage, in a flower-shrouded golden coffin—since he seemed most comfortable engaging the world through spectacle.

Spectacle, though it was, though, the Staples Center memorial ended up being more tasteful, moving and apt than the week and a half's media circus that led up to it.

The farewell began with Smokey Robinson coming onstage early, to read statements from Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela. And then, silence. Possibly not planned silence, as there was a gap of several minutes before the ceremony commenced. But for about a minute, not knowing whether to jump in, the networks fell silent--a blessed rest, as the cameras let the hushed crowd and the blue-tinged darkness tell the story.

Ironically, the cable news networks--whose purpose is to fill airtime relentlessly with talk--did the best job of simply letting the memorial play out, including the silences between speakers. Big-network anchors are usually more driven to justify their presence by talking, and Katie Couric and Charles Gibson, in particular, could not still themselves in between performances and speakers. "I think approaching this microphone is Brooke Shields," Couric would helpfully note, while Gibson observed, "There, a helicopter shot of the Staples Center," over a helicopter shot of the Staples Center.

Appropriately enough, there was music, much of it Michael's (Mariah Carey sang "I'll Be There," with plunging cleavage and hand gestures, and John Mayer played a guitar instrumental of "Human Nature"). The memorial closed with two songs Jackson wrote for charity, "We Are the World" and "Heal the World." But Stevie Wonder gave maybe the day's most moving performance with a serenade of his own "Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer" and "They Won't Go When I Go," ending with a hushed goodbye. In a way, the spectacle--a parade of memories and big-name stars of today and yesteryear--was the sort of thing an American Idol finale aims for, but animated with real emotion.

Meanwhile, a line of famous speakers paid Jackson tribute, not just high-flown words and poetry (Queen Latifah read a Maya Angelou tribute), but quirky reminiscences. (Latifah also remembered trying to do the robot to "Dancing Machine" and Magic Johnson brought the house down with a story of seeing his friend eat Kentucky Fried Chicken--letting KFC give Staples a run for its product-placement money.)

When Berry Gordy recalled hearing Michael audition for the first time--"This little kid had an incredible knowingness about him"--hearing the source tell the story among friends and family beat a previous week's worth of commentators making the same point and paraphrasing similar stories in gauzy primetime TV specials. (Gordy also called Jackson "The greatest entertainer that ever lived." Was there hyperbole? Sure. It was a memorial.)

There were a few interesting themes. The speakers didn't ignore the controversies around Jackson: Gordy alluded to "questionable choices," a clip reel included images of tabloid headlines, and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee vehemently reminded the crowd of his acquittal on child-molestation charges. (It being a memorial, obviously, no one was there to offer a rebuttal.) Placing Jackson's body in front of center stage, in a gaudy if closed coffin, was one last strange, showy public display for the star, but the cameras and staging avoided too many reminders that the casket was there.

And while Jackson made a point throughout his career of being pan-racial in affect, music and appeal--"It don't matter if you're black or white"--the music (beginning with a gospel choir) and several speeches framed him as a more specifically African-American icon than he made himself in life. The Rev. Al Sharpton, besides fervently defending Jackson from allegations of "strangeness," credited him with changing not just music but politics. White kids, Sharpton said, "grew up from being teenage comfortable fans of Michael to being 40 years old and being comfortable to vote for a person of color to be the President of the United States of America." Even the slo-mo funeral procession to Staples, on an L.A. freeway, had unintentional overtones of the O.J. chase.

It was finally not a concert, and not just a memorial for a cultural icon, but a goodbye to a son, brother and father, as we were reminded when Jackson's family took the stage at the end of the event. His daughter, Paris--previously shielded, like all his kids, from the media--had the tremulous last words: "I just wanted to say I love him so much."

It was a poignant, unusually intimate glimpse at a private relationship of a man who was much gazed at but, finally, little known. It was too bad, yet probably inevitable, that he had to die before we could see it.

David

07-07-2009, 06:23 PM

[QUOTE=David;829869] . . .

If it meant putting food on the table, I'd figure it out :shrug:

I suspect most people did.Ever the pragmatist!

This ceremony kind of reminds me of the funeral for Diana. Remember those marvelous moments when the congregants sang "I Vow To Thee, My Country" & "Hymn No. Such-&-Such"? Or when Elton sang "Goodbye, England's Rose"?

The passing of a near-mythic figure. . . .

But what are the names of the musicians who recorded "Billie Jean" & "Off the Wall"? Let us not forget them, dead though some of them might be.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 06:26 PM

^^
Yea - when you grow up in New Orleans and the surrounding area, where Mardi Gras causes traffic hell for about two months out of the year, you learn to plan ahead :cool:

I think Diana's is a good comparison in that both were huge humanitarians, though Diana's was a significantly endearing quality about her - with MJ, it mostly was the music, at least according to a poll I read. And, Diana had a quasi state position, which necessitated in the end, a state funeral.

I have to wonder what MJ would have thought of the show today. I think he would have liked it or at least appreciated the showmanship involved as he lived his life on stage.

Interestingly, Eddie VanHalen did the guitar in Beat It, which significantly helped MJ's already stellar career. Yet, I've seen no comment from him.

JWS

07-07-2009, 06:36 PM

I can't watch any of it, it would just make me angry again. I don't understand these kind of idiots so happy they won tickets to a memorial, especially the people that 'won' who knew they could never go but just wanted to try to 'win' something. Why exactly is this whole thing going on in L.A. anyway? Do they all really live there in Encino or something? Is it because of the hospital? Can we have our regular tv and radio schedules back after this? Closed I-5, how bizarre... maybe he will rise from the grave (seven days?) and lead his followers on a path of flower petals up to a new never never land beyond the smog...

Does who live in Encino? If you mean the Jacksons, they have lived there since moving out in the 70's.

I don't know where else they would hold this "event" other than Los Angeles as the music industry is based here. Perhaps New York. Try closing down mid-town around Madison Square Garden. That's essentially what was done in LA today.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 07:11 PM

. . . I don't know where else they would hold this "event" other than Los Angeles as the music industry is based here. Perhaps New York. Try closing down mid-town around Madison Square Garden. That's essentially what was done in LA today.

They do it monthly for parades, the last of which was gay pride - which ran from 52nd & 5th to Christopher and Greenwhich, which essentially is the heart of the city, for several hours :shrug:

Of course, the comparison is seemingly unfair in that the subway system in NYC seemingly is more efficient than the LA one, though the LA is okay.

Gypsy-Rhiannon

07-07-2009, 07:15 PM

David

07-07-2009, 07:47 PM

Of course, the comparison is seemingly unfair in that the subway system in NYC seemingly is more efficient than the LA one, though the LA is okay.
There's a subway system in Los Angeles? I've lived here all my life, & I never even knew about it.

JWS

07-07-2009, 07:51 PM

They do it monthly for parades, the last of which was gay pride - which ran from 52nd & 5th to Christopher and Greenwhich, which essentially is the heart of the city, for several hours :shrug:

Of course, the comparison is seemingly unfair in that the subway system in NYC seemingly is more efficient than the LA one, though the LA is okay.

At 8:00 am on a business day?

JWS

07-07-2009, 07:57 PM

There's a subway system in Los Angeles? I've lived here all my life, & I never even knew about it.

You live in LA? The subway first opened in c 1990 after years of construction. It now goes north through Hollywood and out to North Hollywood in the SFV. Westward it goes under Wilshire as far as Western Ave. There are plans to extend this line out all the way to Beverly Hills and eventually Santa Monica. Of course, raising the money is the problem.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 07:58 PM

That explains your comment above about being late for work :cool:

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 08:01 PM

At 8:00 am on a business day?

Touche'. However, I still maintain careful planning could have lessened the impact for most.

David

07-07-2009, 08:06 PM

You live in LA? That's what I tell people around the world. So in conversation, I loosely treat "L.A." as "L.A. environs" or "The Basin" or "The Southland." I'm only about 45 miles from the county line.

The subway first opened in c 1990 after years of construction. It now goes north through Hollywood and out to North Hollywood in the SFV. Westward it goes under Wilshire as far as Western Ave. There are plans to extend this line out all the way to Beverly Hills and eventually Santa Monica. Of course, raising the money is the problem.I'll be damned! Is it nice?

The state capital has an above-ground metro system, but people are always getting shot on it.

JWS

07-07-2009, 08:11 PM

Well, it's over now and hopefully we're back to normal tomorrow. I just think it was irresponsible for the Jacksons ( and LA City to consent) to hold this memorial at rush hours on a business day. Thanks to the Jacksons, hundreds of thousands (if not a million) of workers were subjected to freeway closures and severe traffic jams. :mad: and most, imo, not MJ fans.

Think about the downtown couthouses. Trials in session. Jurors and attorneys coming in late. This event could and should have been held this past Sunday. But no, the Jacksons wasted a week trying land the 95,000 seat LA Coliseum...an even worse idea.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 08:13 PM

^^

Plus, Donatella had to design all those gowns.

I agree BTW - I am glad it is over and Sunday would have been better.

David

07-07-2009, 08:15 PM

I agree BTW - I am glad it is over and Sunday would have been better.I can finally get to work! Ok, I'm off!
:wavey:

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 08:21 PM

I can finally get to work! Ok, I'm off!
:wavey:

Don't go overboard! I think you should have a day of rest tomorrow with a water bong close by!

JWS

07-07-2009, 08:27 PM

I'll be damned! Is it nice?

The state capital has an above-ground metro system, but people are always getting shot on it.

The LA system is comparable to San Francisco's BART in "niceness". The stations are clean and air conditioned. Of course, the cars and stations, being new, are much better than in NYC. However, NY's coverage is way more extensive than LA (but New York had a 100 year head start on us).

Unfortunately, LA's subway sysytem is not extensive enough for most people in the suburbs to make use of it. The central and west SFV are not served at all.

Btw, the nicest subway systems I've ever been on are metro Tokyo and Singapore.

vivfox

07-07-2009, 10:26 PM

There's a subway system in Los Angeles? I've lived here all my life, & I never even knew about it.
Sometimes I wonder if you enjoy ****in' with our heads or if you really are serious?;)

estranged4life

07-07-2009, 10:29 PM

Interestingly, Eddie VanHalen did the guitar in Beat It, which significantly helped MJ's already stellar career. Yet, I've seen no comment from him.

Eddie Van Halen: "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 — one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Van Halen guitar legend Eddie Van Halen appeared on MICHAEL JACKSON’s Thriller album for the song, 'Beat It'. Eddie reflects on his experience working with award-winning producer/songwriter QUINCY JONES and Michael Jackson, in the later half of 1982:

“I used to have this old phone system in the studio. Phone rang, I picked it up and there’s this voice saying, ‘Yo, Eddie? That Eddie?’ There was lots of crackling and stuff. And I said, ‘Yeah, who’s this?’ But he obviously couldn’t hear me. So I hung up, figuring it was a fan. Phone rings again, and the same voice says, ‘Hey, Eddie.’ So this time I shout ‘Asshole’ and hang up. Phone rings a third time. ‘Hey, Eddie, Eddie, it’s Quincy Jones.’ Have I ever felt small.

Certain people in the band at that time didn’t like me doing things outside the group. But Roth happened to be in the Amazon or somewhere, and Mike was at Disneyland and Al was up in Canada or something, and I was home alone. So I thought, well, they’ll never know. Seriously: who’s going to know that I played on a black guy’s record? Michael said ‘I love that high fast stuff you do.’ So I played two solos over it and said, ‘You guys pick the one you want.’ It was 20 minutes out of my day. I did it for free and later everybody was telling me, you could have got a royalty point out of that record. But it didn’t matter because Quincy wrote me a letter thanking me, and he signed it ‘The Asshole’. I framed it. Classic.’

'Beat It' hit the charts on March 12th, 1983, lasting 15 weeks and reaching #1 in the US, Netherlands, Spain, #2 in Switzerland and #3 in the UK.

vivfox

07-07-2009, 10:37 PM

“I used to have this old phone system in the studio. Phone rang, I picked it up and there’s this voice saying, ‘Yo, Eddie? That Eddie?’ There was lots of crackling and stuff. And I said, ‘Yeah, who’s this?’ But he obviously couldn’t hear me. So I hung up, figuring it was a fan. Phone rings again, and the same voice says, ‘Hey, Eddie.’ So this time I shout ‘Asshole’ and hang up. Phone rings a third time. ‘Hey, Eddie, Eddie, it’s Quincy Jones.’ Have I ever felt small.

Certain people in the band at that time didn’t like me doing things outside the group. But Roth happened to be in the Amazon or somewhere, and Mike was at Disneyland and Al was up in Canada or something, and I was home alone. So I thought, well, they’ll never know. Seriously: who’s going to know that I played on a black guy’s record? Michael said ‘I love that high fast stuff you do.’ So I played two solos over it and said, ‘You guys pick the one you want.’ It was 20 minutes out of my day. I did it for free and later everybody was telling me, you could have got a royalty point out of that record. But it didn’t matter because Quincy wrote me a letter thanking me, and he signed it ‘The Asshole’. I framed it. Classic.’

Thank you for this. I needed a good laugh today.

strandinthewind

07-07-2009, 11:11 PM

Thanks Brian J.

Zombie

07-08-2009, 05:32 AM

Hopefully, very good things will come their way. Would be very nice if a DVD of the rehearsals with and without Michael are released. They're very talented bunch of kids and deserve to be seen on some kind of tribute show for Michael.

Absolutely agreed.

And speaking of tributes, I don't know how many of you saw the little boy from Wales, Shaheen, sing at the memorial, but just in case you didn't, here it is:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tuxdJJb75Cc&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tuxdJJb75Cc&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

I saw him when he auditioned for Britain's Got Talent and thought he was adorable. I guess MJ thought so, too, and invited him to sing with him in London. So, again, I gotta say - poor kid.

Here's his audition: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVU4IkzMNIo

Apparently, all of the videos of this have embedding disabled, so you'll have to do the clicky thing. He starts off with Amy Winehouse, but ends up doing "Who's Lovin' You" - worth a watch for sure.

LukeA

07-08-2009, 11:18 PM

In my opinion, the most underrated Michael Jackson video is the Speed Demon sequence from the movie Moonwalker.

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ED56MXTQ-p8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ED56MXTQ-p8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

Filmed in Portland, no less!

BTFLCHLD

07-09-2009, 09:25 AM

no less!
LukeA!!! Look to your topright for PMs. :lol:

SuzeQuze

07-09-2009, 10:03 AM

Eddie Van Halen: "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 — one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Van Halen guitar legend Eddie Van Halen appeared on MICHAEL JACKSON’s Thriller album for the song, 'Beat It'. Eddie reflects on his experience working with award-winning producer/songwriter QUINCY JONES and Michael Jackson, in the later half of 1982:

“I used to have this old phone system in the studio. Phone rang, I picked it up and there’s this voice saying, ‘Yo, Eddie? That Eddie?’ There was lots of crackling and stuff. And I said, ‘Yeah, who’s this?’ But he obviously couldn’t hear me. So I hung up, figuring it was a fan. Phone rings again, and the same voice says, ‘Hey, Eddie.’ So this time I shout ‘Asshole’ and hang up. Phone rings a third time. ‘Hey, Eddie, Eddie, it’s Quincy Jones.’ Have I ever felt small.

Certain people in the band at that time didn’t like me doing things outside the group. But Roth happened to be in the Amazon or somewhere, and Mike was at Disneyland and Al was up in Canada or something, and I was home alone. So I thought, well, they’ll never know. Seriously: who’s going to know that I played on a black guy’s record? Michael said ‘I love that high fast stuff you do.’ So I played two solos over it and said, ‘You guys pick the one you want.’ It was 20 minutes out of my day. I did it for free and later everybody was telling me, you could have got a royalty point out of that record. But it didn’t matter because Quincy wrote me a letter thanking me, and he signed it ‘The Asshole’. I framed it. Classic.’

'Beat It' hit the charts on March 12th, 1983, lasting 15 weeks and reaching #1 in the US, Netherlands, Spain, #2 in Switzerland and #3 in the UK.

That's a great story. I never would've believed in a million years Eddie would outlive Michael.

gldstwmn

07-11-2009, 01:59 PM

Certain people in the band at that time didn’t like me doing things outside the group. But Roth happened to be in the Amazon or somewhere,
Precious. :laugh:

and Mike was at Disneyland

Hahaha...like the bass player in the movie That Thing You Do? He was off riding the roller coaster with the Marines? :laugh:

and Al was up in Canada or something, and I was home alone. So I thought, well, they’ll never know. Seriously: who’s going to know that I played on a black guy’s record?

As I suspected and stated earlier in this thread, it was a big deal for him to play on this record.

becca

07-11-2009, 04:13 PM

As I suspected and stated earlier in this thread, it was a big deal for him to play on this record.

I don't see how, it would have to be spelled out for me as I could see the Aerosmith-Run DMC thing being ground-breaking but Van Halen was only following in others' footsteps like Mike Bloomfield's not to mention Peter Green. Not being in the U.S. at the time or getting MTV I can't say if they had some no black artists videos policy Billie Jean broke but Canadian tv had black vjs and black artists like Eddy Grant and Joan Armatrading making videos for tv shows. A friend also says he saw James Brown do the Moonwalk in the '70s.

gldstwmn

07-12-2009, 01:08 PM

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1910033,00.html

Joe Jackson Makes Bid for Care of Michael's Kids

While his role as the driving force in the Jackson family success has never been in question, father Joe Jackson's parenting — especially with Michael — has long been a subject of scrutiny and controversy. So it's all the more surprising that the driven patriarch is now working to forge a larger role for himself in the lives of Michael's three children.

In a partial interview released on ABC on Friday, taken from a longer interview to be aired July 14, Joe says that both he and estranged wife Katherine should take on permanent guardianship duties now that Michael has died. "Their grandmother Katherine and I should raise them," Joe said. "Yes there's no one else who can do what we can do for them. We should keep them all together and make them happy. Feed them like they are supposed to be fed."

Previously there had not been a significant "we" in the children equation. As Michael requested in his will, Katherine has been granted legal temporary guardianship of Prince Michael I, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (also known as Blanket), 7. Deborah Rowe, the biological mother of Prince Michael I and Paris Michael Katherine, who had renounced her parental rights years ago, had stated an interest in taking custody of all three children in a recent interview and her lawyer is involved in the guardianship proceedings. A guardianship hearing set for Monday in Los Angeles was postponed until July 20. Katherine's lawyer said in a statement that the week delay would allow the opportunity to "privately and amicably" resolve the issue.

While still legally married, Katherine and Joe have long been separated, even residing in different states for the past few years. Michael was often vocal about his critique of Joe's parenting techniques, telling Oprah Winfrey in 1993 that there was "a lot of sadness" in his childhood. He revealed his father would tease him about his pimples and would even beat him. Jackson said his father was "very hard" and that he was "frightened" of him. In the same interview, he referred to his mother

Jackson biographer and family friend Stacy Brown says Joe's re-emergence is not out of character. "No one can put reins on Joe," Stacy says. "With a potential custody battle and knowing that he would likely be among the negatives discussed [in any court battle], Joe does what Joe wants."

Mark Lester, godparent to Michael's children, says he is not concerned by Joe's statements. "In recent years, Michael and Joe had repaired a lot of the emotional trauma that had gone on before," Lester told TIME. He says that Joe has a different relationship with his grandchildren: "I've seen how Joe reacts with the kids, he's very loving with them."

In the ABC extract, Joe was asked if he felt the Jackson children could go into show business. "I don't know," Joe responded. "I keep watching Paris. She wants to do something." He added that Blanket can "really dance."

Joe more recently drew criticism when he plugged his fledgling recording company project at appearances following Michael's death. The circumstances behind his interview with ABC also raised eyebrows, as unconfirmed word leaked out that Jackson had received $200,000 for the use of family films, which critics have decried as profiteering.

strandinthewind

07-12-2009, 03:12 PM

Athina Onasis should raise them. She is the only other person I can think of that had a similar childhood, a similar parent who died under the same circumstances, and had to learn quickly that even those close to her and sharing the same blood likely wanted her only for her money.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athina_Onassis_Roussel\

In the end, MJ said his mother was to get them and unless there is something wrong with her fitness to be their parent for the ten or so years they have left to 18, she should be the one.

becca

07-12-2009, 06:08 PM

The two oldest kids don't share blood (despite both being named Michael), but Blanket Jackson might, so maybe Joe or whoever will get him to groom into the succesor pop king or whatever plans they might have in mind.

JWS

07-12-2009, 07:58 PM

I don't see how, it would have to be spelled out for me as I could see the Aerosmith-Run DMC thing being ground-breaking but Van Halen was only following in others' footsteps like Mike Bloomfield's not to mention Peter Green. Not being in the U.S. at the time or getting MTV I can't say if they had some no black artists videos policy Billie Jean broke but Canadian tv had black vjs and black artists like Eddy Grant and Joan Armatrading making videos for tv shows. A friend also says he saw James Brown do the Moonwalk in the '70s.

That's right. MJ didn't invent moonwalk. It goes all they way back to the 1930's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonwalk_(dance)

gldstwmn

07-13-2009, 12:26 PM

That's right. MJ didn't invent moonwalk. It goes all they way back to the 1930's.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonwalk_(dance)

Page deleted. :shrug:

strandinthewind

07-13-2009, 12:29 PM

From wiki:

History

The move commonly referred to as the moonwalk was originally known as the backslide, or "walking on your toes." Similar steps are reported as far back as 1932, used by Cab "Minnie the Moocher" Calloway.[4] It was first recorded in 1955 in a performance by tap dancer Bill Bailey.[5] The French mime artist, Marcel Marceau, used it throughout his career (from the 1940s through the 1980s), as part of the drama of his mime routines. Marceau's famous "Walking Against the Wind" routine was the original influence that Jackson drew from, in which Marceau pretends to be pushed backwards by a gust of wind.[6]

Prior to Jackson, James Brown had used the move,[7] for example in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers. David Bowie was probably the first rock musician to perform it, though he remained stationary.[8] An embryonic version of the move appears in Bowie's 1960s mime pieces; he had studied mime under Étienne Decroux, Marceau's teacher,[9] and under Lindsay Kemp, who had trained with Marceau. By the time of his 1974 Diamond Dogs Tour, Michael Jackson was among those attending Bowie's Los Angeles shows, later remarking on Bowie's strange moves.[10] Another early moonwalker was Jeffrey Daniel, who moonwalked in a performance of Shalamar's "A Night To Remember" on Top of the Pops in 1982.[11]

Michael Jackson

The dance was brought to widespread public attention in 1983, when Michael Jackson performed it during a television special, Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever on March 25 that year. Dressed in his signature black pants, silver socks, silver shirt, black-sequinned jacket, white glove, and black fedora, Jackson grabbed his hat, spun around, posed, and started moonwalking. Ian Inglis writes that Jackson encapsulated a long tradition of African-American dance movements in that one performance. The audience gasped when they saw the move. Nelson George said that Jackson's rendition "combined Jackie Wilson's athleticism with James Brown's camel walk."[7]

_______________________________________

So, MJ did a version of it that thrilled. And, I think MJ did it the best. The boy could dance :shrug:

gldstwmn

07-13-2009, 12:33 PM

strandinthewind

07-13-2009, 12:35 PM

The circus has officially commenced:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1199092/La-Toya-Jackson-Michael-murdered--I-felt-start.html

La Toya Jackson: Michael was murdered... I felt it from the start

And - Joe Jackson allegedly wants to make the three kids tour as the Jackson 3 :eek:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,531940,00.html

JWS

07-13-2009, 01:27 PM

The circus has officially commenced:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1199092/La-Toya-Jackson-Michael-murdered--I-felt-start.html

La Toya Jackson: Michael was murdered... I felt it from the start

Another claim:

She also claimed, the newspapers reported, that roughly $2 million (1.23 million pounds) worth of cash and jewelry was taken from Michael Jackson's rented mansion and has not been accounted for.

Realted story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31873824/ns/entertainment-music/

strandinthewind

07-13-2009, 03:10 PM

Oh why not

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KG41k4bocuQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KG41k4bocuQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

:eek: :laugh:

strandinthewind

07-13-2009, 03:17 PM

And - in case anyone wants to learn it or just watch this guy do it - watch this:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1EEynvjfljU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1EEynvjfljU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

gldstwmn

07-13-2009, 03:31 PM

Another claim:

She also claimed, the newspapers reported, that roughly $2 million (1.23 million pounds) worth of cash and jewelry was taken from Michael Jackson's rented mansion and has not been accounted for.

Realted story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31873824/ns/entertainment-music/

I wouldn't be surprised if he had cash stashed around.

gldstwmn

07-13-2009, 03:34 PM

strandinthewind

07-13-2009, 03:40 PM

I think I'll put my Chuck's on and go try it on the kitchen floor. :laugh:

I already did ;)

Zombie

07-13-2009, 04:02 PM

Alas, I can only Moonwalk effectively at the bowling alley. It's a matter of great sorrow to me.

But I can Thriller dance like nobody's business!

becca

07-13-2009, 10:58 PM

If I was right about the moonwalk (although have never heard of the Bowie part in it) maybe I am right about other things? The hype about Jackson's place in music history is like when some kid talks about Avril Lavigne 'changing the world' and not knowing who Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Gale Garnet or Wanda Jackson are. It just seems like everyone is an 'icon' and 'changed the world'.

I'm amazed Joe Jackson is going to help teach 'his' grandchildren about their culture's history... what the? Two of those kids are zero relation to MJ genetically, or are we supposed to not know and mention that? Joe is going to have access (as will their biological mother), whenever he wants folks, at least as long as we pretend they are related to MJ. Knowing how hard it is to adopt in most places I can't imagine if the truth had been investigated that MJ would've been found a fit single parent based on his drug use and supplying of alcohol to minors... this looks like a job for Maury!

It's amazing what got people out in the streets after the flu scare and parting with their money, maybe every town should have a MJ memorial area and the economy will recover much quicker!

gldstwmn

07-14-2009, 12:01 AM

If I was right about the moonwalk (although have never heard of the Bowie part in it) maybe I am right about other things?

Not necessarily.

carrie721

07-14-2009, 04:36 AM

King of pop? Hyperbole. Barry Gibb in terms of songwriting would probably be a fit holder of that title if not Elton John or Paul McCartney. Jackson was no genius, and he took from a lot of people who came before besides James Brown. No James Brown, no Michael to be king of pop, totally impossible. No Smokey Robinson, again no Michael. That is saying a lot. Unless you just don't know who those two people are you can't possibly say otherwise.

you can do this with just about anything - without x there would be no y. everything in art is derivative to a degree.

MJ's immense popularity is undeniable. if nothing else, he should get credit for building on what SR, JB, and others did and taking it to a level they simply couldn't.

Who was bigger than Michael besides them was and is Stevie Wonder. Simply a fact. He didn't make hit videos and have the massive hype machine but aside from that he beats Michael in every way other than sales of one single album. More songs, more albums, more hits over a longer time period, more influential (Erykah Badu, India Aire, Jamiroquai, Angie Stone and other more substantive creative people).

well that is certainly a matter of taste. :lol:

Stevie Wonder stayed in his community,

what, "where he belonged"? :laugh:

I see the fruits of people influenced by them and compare and their fruits are lasting, Michael did not and will not. He made dance music about zombies and people trying to get money from him and his self-absorbed loss of his childhood. He did not overcome, he has not prevailed, except on white bankers pieces of paper.

geez, always so serious. i don't really delineate so heavy-handedly between so-called "high" art and "low" art. just because something is popular doesn't mean it's automatically ****.

and, hang on, side bar for just a second. i'm not even a michael jackson megafan. i would call myself a casual fan at best. i was enthralled with him at age 8 because he did the theme song for that movie free willy but that was basically the beginning and end of my infatuation.

i just want to make it clear that i am not some defensive uberfan. i am just someone who enjoys a handful of his songs and who has seen the michael jackson ****show from the sidelines for the past 18 years or so that i've been aware of popular culture.

but back to the meat of the argument.

yeah, "thriller" may be about zombies and "billie jean" may be about god knows what, but what the hell are "lucy in the sky with diamonds" and "crocodile rock" about?

sometimes good music is just good music.

but if you're interested in music with some more depth, check out "dirty diana" or "black or white" or "man in the mirror," the latter of which he did not write but did interpret it with candor.

the irony of you dissing him for not having "prevailed" when you admit that you get flustered over MJ because of your own experiences with some "attackers" should go without saying.

as for your "self-absorbed loss of his childhood" comment - ouch. where's that empathy that (allegedly) goes hand-in-hand with your beloved socialism? gotta look out for our fellow man and all that.

Thank you for this space and I've said all I want to now. Think about people homeless families on the street of your town or in Tehran fighting for scraps of freedom instead of this entertainer who overdosed and who many that crossed his path in real life have some very bad things to say about.

and there are others who have nothing but good things to say about their experiences. and i'm not talking about employees and people who MJ could have bought off.

have you ever watched the martin bashir ABC special and the re-cut version they aired later? they're real eye-openers.

I don't see how, it would have to be spelled out for me as I could see the Aerosmith-Run DMC thing being ground-breaking but Van Halen was only following in others' footsteps like Mike Bloomfield's not to mention Peter Green. Not being in the U.S. at the time or getting MTV I can't say if they had some no black artists videos policy Billie Jean broke but Canadian tv had black vjs and black artists like Eddy Grant and Joan Armatrading making videos for tv shows. A friend also says he saw James Brown do the Moonwalk in the '70s.

gee, good thing you did your homework before going on this massive diatribe.

from wiki:

It was the first video by a black artist to be played regularly by the channel, as they felt black music was not "rock" enough.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billie_Jean#Music_video

as for james brown doing the moonwalk in the 70's - it's been acknowledged by many people in many places that MJ did not invent it. in fact, anyone with access to youtube can watch a video by the guy who taught MJ how to do it.

The two oldest kids don't share blood (despite both being named Michael), but Blanket Jackson might, so maybe Joe or whoever will get him to groom into the succesor pop king or whatever plans they might have in mind.

i don't know what relevance blood lines have here, since the "king of pop" moniker does not refer to a literal monarchy. i understand the political system in canada is different from the US, but try to keep up.

If I was right about the moonwalk (although have never heard of the Bowie part in it) maybe I am right about other things?

see chris's post.

The hype about Jackson's place in music history is like when some kid talks about Avril Lavigne 'changing the world' and not knowing who Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Gale Garnet or Wanda Jackson are. It just seems like everyone is an 'icon' and 'changed the world'.

yeah, because avril lavigne has been an international superstar for decades now. :rolleyes: honestly, come off it.

I'm amazed Joe Jackson is going to help teach 'his' grandchildren about their culture's history... what the? Two of those kids are zero relation to MJ genetically, or are we supposed to not know and mention that? Joe is going to have access (as will their biological mother), whenever he wants folks, at least as long as we pretend they are related to MJ. Knowing how hard it is to adopt in most places I can't imagine if the truth had been investigated that MJ would've been found a fit single parent based on his drug use and supplying of alcohol to minors... this looks like a job for Maury!

good god. step away from the sauce.

your concern about blood relation is really, really stupid and completely irrelevant. honestly, if you would keep it simple and say something like - MJ behaved inappropriately around kids and that's wrong, and his music holds no interest to me, therefore i feel no loss and find the media hype distracting and ridiculous - who could argue with that?

instead you've been raving and, at times, utterly incoherent. :lol:

It's amazing what got people out in the streets after the flu scare and parting with their money, maybe every town should have a MJ memorial area and the economy will recover much quicker!

actually tens of thousands of people showed up in downtown LA for the lakers parade last month, so MJ's memorial was just sloppy seconds.

btw - for someone who rails on about the evil of the MSM and their lack of "priorities" about what's really important, you sure did find a lot of time between feeding the homeless and supporting the freedom fighters in tehran to post about MJ.

becca

07-14-2009, 06:12 PM

It always seems to come back to reality and truth as it applies to 99.9% of people never applies to Michael Jackson. His not actually fathering the kids would mean that he originally had custody without the scrutiny every adoptive parent has to undergo and was under false pretenses.

He was basically divorced from any kind of community, and yet strangely the black community always seems to chase after him while he clearly didn't want to be black himself (not black and proud like James Brown at all). Just a negative mixed-up person leaving a trail of messes behind while running to neverlands and drugs. The gushing and ignorance about him should be corrected otherwise any kind of taking music at all seriously is pointless and no chat areas should be bothered with. Music being an important part of my life in many ways I want stuff corrected when it is hype and plain bull****. Same when they market the John Lennon peace guru wrapped in white suits while at the same time he was not acting that way in real life.

Michael Jackson was not anywhere near as genius and innovative as is so often claimed. He was certainly, and still is, a money magnet, but there are many more artistically important people from the same era who have produced a lot of positive real world effect (like "I'm black and I'm proud" and the money went where the mouth was on that one).

strandinthewind

07-14-2009, 06:22 PM

. . . He was basically divorced from any kind of community, and yet strangely the black community always seems to chase after him while he clearly didn't want to be black himself (not black and proud like James Brown at all) . . . .

You keep saying this without anything other than a general statement to support it.

I suppose it could be that he bleached his skin, but he had a disease that caused him to look worse if he did not. No facts I have seen support the speculation that he did it to be white.

He married two white women. But, that hardly means he turned his black on the black community. I mean are blacks who marry whites automatically the proverbial "Uncle Tom?"

Finally, her is a list of some of the charitable donations as of 99 from the man wrote "I'm not gonna spend my life/ being a color/ so if you're thinkin' of being my baby it don't matter/ if you're black or white." - I think he put his money where his mouth was :shrug: And, it certainly does not in any way imply that MJ in any way turned his back on the black community as that term generally defined :shrug:

______________________________________________

Charity Involvement

January 10, 1984: Michael visits the unit for burn victims at Brotman-Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles.

April 9, 1984: David Smithee, a 14-year-old boy who suffers from cystic fibrosis is invited to Michael's home. It was David's last wish to meet Michael. He dies 7 weeks later.

April 14, 1984: Michael equips a 19-bed-unit at Mount Sinai New York Medical Center. This center is part of the T.J. Martell-Foundation for leukemia and cancer research.

July 5, 1984: During the Jackson's press conference at ‘Tavern On The Green’, Michael announces that his part of the earnings from the Victory Tour will be donated to three charitable organizations: The United Negro College Fund, Camp Good Times, and the T.J. Martell-Foundation.

July 14, 1984: After the first concert of the Victory Tour, Michael meets 8 terminally ill children backstage.

December 13, 1984: Michael visits the Brotman Memorial Hospital, where he had been treated when he was burned very badly during the producing of a Pepsi commercial. He donates all the money he receives from Pepsi, $1.5 million, to the Michael Jackson Burn Center for Children.

January 28, 1985: Michael and 44 other artists meet to record "We Are The World", written by Michael and Lionel Ritchie. The proceeds of this record are donated to the starving people in Africa.

1986: Michael set up the "Michael Jackson UNCF Endowed Scholarship Fund". This $1.5 million fund is aimed towards students majoring in performance art and communications, with money given each year to students attending a UNCF member college or university.

February 28, 1986: After having had a heart-transplant, 14-year-old Donna Ashlock from California gets a call from Michael Jackson. He had heard that she is a big fan of his. Michael invites her to his home as soon as she is feeling better. This visit takes place on March 8th. Donna stays for dinner and watches a movie together with Michael.

September 13, 1987: Michael supports a campaign against racism. He supports efforts of the NAACP, to fight prejudices against black artists.

October 1987: At the end of his Bad Tour, Michael donates some personal items to the UNESCO for a charitable auction. The proceeds will be for the education of children in developing countries.

February 1, 1988: The Song "Man In the Mirror" enters the charts. The proceeds from the sales of this record goes to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times, a camp for children who suffer from cancer.

March 1, 1988: At a press conference held by his sponsor Pepsi, Michael presents a $600,000 check to the United Negro College Fund.

April 1988: Free tickets are given away for three concerts in Atlanta, Georgia to the Make A Wish Foundation.

May 22, 1988: Michael visits children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome. He signs autographs and gives away sweets and records to the little patients. He promises a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.

July 16, 1988: Before a concert at Wembley Stadium Michael meets the Prince of Wales and his wife Diana. He hands over a check of 150,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust, and a check of 100,000 pounds for the children's hospital at Great Ormond Street.

July 20, 1988: Michael visits terminally ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital. At a unit for less critical patients he stays a little bit longer and tells a story.

August 29, 1988: At his 30th birthday Michael performs a concert in Leeds, England for the English charity-organization "Give For Life". The goal of this organization is the immunization of children. Michael presents a check for 65,000 pounds.

December 1988: Michael visits 12-year-old David Rothenburg. His father had 5 years earlier burned him very badly in an act of revenge against his former wife.

January 1989: The proceeds of one of Michael's shows in Los Angeles are donated to Childhelp USA, the biggest charity-organization against child-abuse. In appreciation of the contributions of Michael, Childhelp of Southern California is founding the "Michael Jackson International Institute for Research On Child Abuse".

January 10, 1989: The Bad Tour comes to an end. Under-privileged children are donated tickets for each concert and Michael donates money to hospitals, orphanages and charity-organizations.

February 7, 1989: Michael visits the Cleveland Elementary School in Stockton, California. Some weeks earlier a 25-year-old man had fired at the school's playground. 5 children had been killed and 39 had been wounded.

March 5, 1989: Michael invites 200 deprived children of the St. Vincent Institute for handicapped children and of the organization Big Brothers and Big Sisters to the Circus Vargas in Santa Barbara. After this event he invites them to his ranch to introduce his private zoo at his Neverland Ranch to them.

November 13, 1989: The organization "Wishes Granted" helps 4-year-old Darian Pagan, who suffers from leukemia to meet Michael. Michael invites the little boy to a performance of Canadian acrobats.

December 28, 1989: Young Ryan White, who suffers from hemophilia, spends his holidays on Michael's ranch. Ryan had been infected with AIDS by contaminated blood transfusions in 1984. After he was excluded from his school in Kokomo, Ryan fought against the discrimination of AIDS victims.

January 6, 1990: Michael invites 82 abused and neglected children through Childhelp to his Neverland Ranch. There are games, a Barbeque and a movie show provided for them.

July 1990: 45 children from the Project Dream Street, Los Angeles, for children with life-threatening illness are invited to Neverland Valley.

August 18, 1990: Michael invites 130 children of the YMCA summer program of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to his Neverland Ranch.

May 6, 1991: Michael is invited to the Jane Goodall Charity event. Michael supports her, an advocate of behavioral research concerning chimpanzees in Gombe, Nigeria for more than 30 years.

July 26, 1991: Michael pays a visit to the Youth Sports & Art Foundation in Los Angeles. This Foundation supports families of gang members, and helps dealing with drug-abuse. Michael talks to the kids and presents them with a wide-screen TV set and a financial gift.

December 1991: Michael's office MJJ Productions treats needy families in Los Angeles with more than 200 turkey dinners.

February 1992: Within 11 days Michael covers 30,000 miles in Africa, to visit hospitals, orphanages, schools, churches, and institutions for mentally handicapped children.

February 3, 1992: At a press conference at the New York Radio City Music Hall, Michael announces that he is planning a new world tour, to raise funds for his new "Heal The World" Foundation. This Foundation will support the fight against AIDS, Juvenile Diabetes and will support the Camp Ronald McDonald and the Make A Wish Foundation.

May 6, 1992: Michael defrays the funeral-expenses for Ramon Sanchez, who was killed during the Los Angeles riots.

June 23, 1992: At a press conference in London, Michael makes an announcement about his Heal The World Foundation.

June 26, 1992: Michael presents the Mayor of Munich, Mr. Kronawitter, with a 40,000 DM-check for the needy people of the city.

June 29, 1992: Michael visits the Sophia Children's Hospital in Rotterdam and presents a check for 100,000 pounds.

July 1992: Michael donated L. 821,477,296 to La Partita del Cuore (The Heart Match) in Rome and donated 120,000 DM to children's charities in Estonia and Latvia.

July 25, 1992: On the occasion of a concert in Dublin, Ireland, Michael announces that he will give 400,000 pounds of the tour earnings to various charities.

July 29, 1992: Michael visits the Queen Elizabeth Children's Hospital in London. To the surprise the children, he brings Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse from Euro-Disney to the hospital.

July 31, 1992: On the Eve of his second concert at Wembley Stadium, Michael presents Prince Charles with a check of 200,000 pounds for the Prince's Trust.

August 16, 1992: 6 year old Nicholas Killen, who lost his eyesight caused by a life aiding cancer surgery, meets Michael backstage in Leeds, England.

September 1992: Michael donated 1 million pesetas to charity headed by the Queen of Spain.

September 30, 1992: President Iliescu of Romania inaugurates a playground for 500 orphans which Michael has financed. Michael discusses his Heal The World Foundation.

October 1, 1992: Michael chooses a concert in Bucharest, Romania for worldwide television broadcast. Bucharest is a logical choice due to the numerous orphanages the country is known for.

November 24, 1992: At Kennedy Airport in New York, Michael supervises the loading of 43 tons of medication, blankets, and winter clothes destined for Sarajevo. The Heal The World Foundation collaborates with AmeriCares to bring resources totaling $2.1 million (47 tons of food, clothing and medical supplies for the children) to Sarajevo. They will be allocated under the supervision of the United Nations. The Heal The World Foundation also partnered with the Gorbachev Foundation, USA to deliver 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to the Republic of Georgia. And twice assisted the U.K. based Operation Christmas Child to airlift supplies and gifts collected by children in the U.K. to give to children in Bosnia.

December 10, 1992: During a press conference at the American Ambassy in Tokyo Michael is presented with a check for $100,000 for the Heal The World Foundation by Tour Sponsor Pepsi.

December 26, 1992: During a broadcast request for donations to the United Negro College Fund, Michael declares: "Black Colleges and Universities are breeding some of the leading personalities of our time. They are on top in business, justice, science and technologies, politics and religion. I am proud, that the Michael Jackson Scholarship Program enabled more than 200 young men and women to get a qualified education."

January 19, 1993: Michael is one of the stars to perform at the Presidential Inauguration of Bill Clinton. Before he sings "Gone Too Soon" he draws the attention to the plights of the victims of AIDS and mentions his friend Ryan White.

January 26, 1993: At a press conference held at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, Michael is presented with a $200,000 donation from the National Football League and the Sponsors of the Super Bowl. He gets another $500,000 from the BEST Foundation for his Heal The World Foundation. At this occasion the foundation of "Heal L.A." is officially announced. Heal L.A. in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School district, California State University, Independent Colleges of Southern California, Learnstar and other local non-profit organizations created the Community School/safe Haven Initiative to provide after-school educational opportunities at two pilot sites where over 300 students per day could have computer instruction, tutoring, homework assistance, math lab, English as a second language and performing arts.

February 1993: In association with Sega, launched an initiative to distribute more than $108,000 of computer games and equipment to children's hospitals, children's homes, and children's charities throughout the U.K.

March 1993: The foundation of an independent film company is announced. They will produce family-oriented movies. A part of the earnings will go to the Heal The World Foundation.

March 27, 1993: At a meeting at Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, Michael gives a 5-minute speech to 1200 teachers and politicians.

April 26, 1993: Within his "Heal LA" tour, Michael visits the Watta Health Foundation, and two schools in Los Angeles South Central.

May 5, 1993: Former President Jimmy Carter and Michael, who are chairmen of the "Heal Our Children/Heal The World" initiative, are in Atlanta to promote their "Atlanta Project Immunization Drive". The Atlanta Project increases the local immunization rate in a single week from the expected 6,000 to more than 17,000 and establishs a follow-up tracking system for family health care.

June 1993: Michael has announced that he will donate $1.25 million for children who have suffered from the riots in Los Angeles.

June 1993: 100 children from the Challengers Boys and Girls Club visit Neverland.

June 10, 1993: Michael promotes the new DARE-program. The purpose of the program is to inform children about the dangers of drug abuse.

June 18, 1993: Michael pays a visit to a hospital in Washington. He spends several hours with the young patients and plays chess with some of them.

August 1993: With Pepsi-Cola Thailand, donated $40,000 to Crown Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's charity, the Rural School Children and Youth Development Fund, in support of school lunch programs in rural villages in Thailand.

August 1993: In conjunction with Pepsi-Cola International, donated new ambulances to the Contacts One Independent Living Center for Children in Moscow, Russia and the Hospital de Ninos Dr. Ricardo Gutierrez in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

October 1993: Donated $100,000 to the Children's Defense Fund, the Children's Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey.

October 22, 1993: Michael visits a hospital in Santiago.

October 28, 1993: Michael makes it possible for 5000 underprivileged children to visit the Reino Aventura Park, where the whale Keiko ("Free Willy") is living.

November 5, 1993: Michael is guest at a children's party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mexico City.

December 1993: With the Gorbachev Foundation, airlifted 60,000 doses of children's vaccines to Tblisi, Georgia.

December 16, 1993: The Heal The World Foundation UK supports "Operation Christmas Child" delivering toys, sweets, gifts and food to children in former Yugoslavia.

1994: Michael donates $500,000 to Elizabeth Taylor's AIDS Foundation.

January 7, 1994: On the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Michael gives a party for more than 100 underprivileged children at his Neverland Ranch.

February 22, 1994: "The Jackson Family Honors" is televised. The earnings of the show are given to their own newly formed charity, "Family Caring for Families".

August 6, 1994: Michael and his wife Lisa Marie are visiting two children's hospitals in Budapest. They distribute toys to the ill children.

1995: Michael wants to free dolphins who have been locked up for years. He believes there should be legal guidelines about the way dolphins have to live in zoos and parks.

March 1995: Little Bela Farkas received a new liver. Michael and Lisa Marie met this 4-year-old boy during their trip to Hungary in 1994. Michael did everything to help Bela, whose only chance to live was getting a new liver. The Heal The World Foundation covered the surgery and the cost for caring.

June 21, 1996: Michael donated a four-times platinum disc of "HIStory" in aid of the Dunblane appeal at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sevenoaks in England.

July 18, 1996: In Soweto, South Africa Michael is laying down a wreath of flowers for youngsters who have been killed during the fights involving Apartheid.

September 1996: The first Sports Festival "Hope" was held for orphans and disadvantaged children. 3000 children and 600 volunteers took part in the Sports Festival and Michael Jackson was a special guest.

September 6, 1996: Michael visits the children's unit of a hospital in Prague.

October 1996: Michael visited a hospital for mentally challenged children in Kaoshiung, Taiwan and offered 2,000 free tickets to the sold out performance in Kaoshiung.

October 1, 1996: Michael donated the proceeds of his Tunisia concert to "The National Solidarity Fund", a charity dedicated to fighting poverty.

October 3, 1996: Michael visits a children's hospital and brings small gifts for the patients during a HIStory tour visit in Amsterdam. A room in the hospital (for parents who want to be with their children) is named after Michael.

November 1, 1996: Michael donates most of the earnings from a HIStory concert in Bombay, India to the poor people of the country.

November 7, 1996: Before his first concert in Auckland, New Zealand, Michael fulfills the wish of little Emely Smith, who is suffering from cancer, who wants to meet Michael.

November 25, 1996: Michael visited the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, delivering toys, signing autographs, and visiting with children.

December 9, 1996: During a HIStory tour visit in Manila, Michael visits a children's hospital. He announces that a part of his concert earnings will be donated to the renovation of the hospital.

January 25, 1997: Michael waved his personal fee for his Bombay appearance and donated $1.1 million to a local charity helping to educate children living in slums.

April 4, 1997: British magazine "OK!" is publishing exclusive photos of Michael's son Prince. The magazine pays about 1 million pounds for the photos. Michael donates the money to charity.

June 18, 1997: Michael signed the "Children in Need" book auctioned by the charity UNESCO.

September 1998: Michael meets 5 year old Aza Woods, who suffers from cancer, at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. Michael introduces Aza to the attraction "Star Trek: The Experience" and spends the rest of the afternoon with the little boy. Finally Michael invites Aza to spend some time with him at his Neverland Ranch.

November 16, 1998: Michael arrives in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is a member of the American Delegation invited by the Minister of Defense. The delegation thanks the government of Zimbabwe for helping to keep the peace in this area.

September 4, 1999: Michael presented Nelson Mandela with a check for 1,000,000 South African rand for the "Nelson Mandela Children's Fund."

JWS

07-14-2009, 06:38 PM

Odd how that list stops ten years ago.:shrug:

strandinthewind

07-14-2009, 06:53 PM

Odd how that list stops ten years ago.:shrug:

I know. That was where it ended on the site I was on. I am sure he did more after that. I was just using these an an example.

He still had a rather large income as of October 30, 2001, when he released Invincible, which went on to sell about 10 million copies worldwide, which is hige by any definition other than that of the relatively few "Thrillers" of the world. Interestingly, although he was allegedly cash poor (which I highly doubt) - his net worth was still $200+ million or more until the day he died and he stood to make tens of million off of those London dates and any tour that followed. His problem was he spent money like crazy. Invincible allegedly took $30 million to make :shrug: So, maybe that spending and the reduced mega sales lessened his ability to donate in the mid 00's.

David

07-14-2009, 10:23 PM

Michael Jackson was not anywhere near as genius and innovative as is so often claimed. He was the Erik Satie of Motown.

JWS

07-14-2009, 10:57 PM

He was the Erik Satie of Motown.

Other than you, I'm maybe the one person on this board that's ever heard of Satie.

I have the CD "3 Gymnopedies". Big play on KUSC classical.

carrie721

07-14-2009, 11:51 PM

He was the Erik Satie of Motown.

LOL.

well played.

David

07-15-2009, 12:10 PM

Other than you, I'm maybe the one person on this board that's ever heard of Satie.But what textural or formalistic similarities do Satie & Michael Jackson share?

Enchanted_Stevi

07-15-2009, 01:42 PM

You keep saying this without anything other than a general statement to support it.

I suppose it could be that he bleached his skin, but he had a disease that caused him to look worse if he did not. No facts I have seen support the speculation that he did it to be white.

That is quite the list!!! Go Michael! Thanks for posting that!
I believe that Michael DOES/did have vitiligo. My friend Katie told me she saw an interview where he said that he had the glove on because thats where it was the worst when it first started. If I was Michael and in the spotlight like that I know I wouldnt want to be a spotted leopard looking person and I would cover up by using make up and clothes and whatever I can. I'm sure if people saw him with the spots he would be more mad fun of then he already was. =\

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LukeA

07-15-2009, 07:09 PM

strandinthewind

07-15-2009, 07:20 PM

OMG - I was JUST about to post that -- it is horrifying. His head is completely on fire and he is bald after.

I wonder if he was wearing a wig or extensions to begin with. Seemingly, a wig may have protected his scalp a for a few seconds and could have been ripped off of his head.

Just horrifying!

JWS

07-15-2009, 08:07 PM

strandinthewind

07-15-2009, 08:17 PM

I never saw this before. Shocking. But, did MJ's hair grow back over time?

I don't know. He allegedly wore wigs and had little hair.

MacMan

07-15-2009, 08:18 PM

Oh wow! I didn't realize it was that bad.. Wow... Have the burns as extensive as they were, I bet his hair didn't grow back in the same way if at all on those spots.

strandinthewind

07-15-2009, 08:20 PM

Oh wow! I didn't realize it was that bad.. Wow... Have the burns as extensive as they were, I bet his hair didn't grow back in the same way if at all on those spots.

Yea - you can see a clear bald spot on the top of his head when he is walking away at the end. And that appears to be his scalp and not some wig.

Also, the flame appears to go out and turn into white smoke right before the people mob him. It is almost as if someone sprayed him with a fire exting.

JWS

07-15-2009, 08:23 PM

Did Pepsi ever air this commercial? They did five takes before the fire...there should have been something usable.

LukeA

07-15-2009, 11:48 PM

Did Pepsi ever air this commercial? They did five takes before the fire...there should have been something usable.

Yes- they used an earlier take.

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Enchanted_Stevi

07-16-2009, 01:28 AM

BTFLCHLD

07-16-2009, 01:34 AM

didn't that derm doctor state on LK Live that Michael underwent treatments that involved balloons placed underneath his skin to stetch his scalp whereby they then cutoff the excess skin gained and the newly stretched skin now covers the area with hair...or err whatever? :o I think this is a common treatment for burn victims.

http://www.turningwhite.com/

I am of the opinion that while Michael was undergoing years of ridicule for 'bleaching himself white' and he choose to remain silent for so long, he could have taken another route by educating others of this skin disorder. I recall when 'news' broke of the disorder it wasn't of his own volition but rather that of 'inquiring minds want to know' and when he finally said 'yes', well, sadly, the vast were and remained non-believers.

anyways...my belief then and now is that there is only so much one man can do and Michael did a hella f'kin lot.

BTFLCHLD

07-16-2009, 01:54 AM

I know.

One would think that $300 million to charities would be quite well enough...given he obviously did what he could when he could and how he wanted. I'd say what he did is pretty incredible...and I hope he felt pretty incredible about it. Sheesh, I know I am pleased to offer what I can when I can to ASPCA. :o

I find interesting how news of his philanthropy now spreads as internet wildfire posthumously.

Enchanted_Stevi

07-16-2009, 02:05 AM

Oh I was watching EXTRA tonight and they said that there might be a video of Michael's death!

http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2009/07/jacksons_death_caught_on_tape.php
Jackson's Death Caught on Tape?!
Posted by ExtraTV Staff on July 15, 2009 10:23 AM

It's been reported that a home security camera captured Michael Jackson's final moments in the bedroom of his rented L.A. mansion.

The secret video had mysteriously vanished before investigators obtained their first search warrant, according to the National Enquirer.

The video may show his inner circle "sanitizing" the death scene -- 30 minutes before 911 was called.

BTFLCHLD

07-16-2009, 03:34 AM

National Enquirer
nauseating.

chits going to hit the fan here shortly
and I hope the hammer comes down hard :wavey:

vivfox

07-16-2009, 08:35 AM

Honestly, I dont really care if he wears a wig or not because like Dolly Parton and Tina Turner wear wigs and god only knows who else does.

Vivica A. Fox

Enchanted_Stevi

07-16-2009, 09:54 AM

nauseating.

chits going to hit the fan here shortly
and I hope the hammer comes down hard :wavey:

Yea the national eqnuirer sucks. It always makes me more depressed then I am about MJ...lol

I really wish they would just let Michael be =\ Like he's been dead for what 4 weeks? God only knows what kind of condition is body is in and what the coroner has done to the body =(

jannieC

07-16-2009, 11:18 AM

I find interesting how news of his philanthropy now spreads as internet wildfire posthumously.

Death has a way of putting folks into the realm of sainthood (famous of not).

I like to believe that the true givers of this world care nothing for recognition of their giving.

BTFLCHLD

07-16-2009, 11:35 AM

Death has a way of putting folks into the realm of sainthood (famous of not).

I like to believe that the true givers of this world care nothing for recognition of their giving. yep. when one is a celebrity, even while trying to remain as anony as possible, when it comes to going to a location to present or making that gifting phone call, I imagine that is how word leaks and the flashbulbs go off...I am not so sure one can really know their true true intention unless they're a personal friend or they were to cut a money order or hand cash...then again everything has a papertrail. I like to believe that everyone does good because they truly want to. :o

For devil sake, private medical records are accessible nowawdays. Then there is the A-HOLE taking photos and/or leaking photos of deathbed captures, morgue shots and open caskets.

omg I'm starting to sound like a george clooney impersonator.
:sorry: but it makes me sick.

jannieC

07-16-2009, 01:27 PM

yep. when one is a celebrity, even while trying to remain as anony as possible, when it comes to going to a location to present or making that gifting phone call, I imagine that is how word leaks and the flashbulbs go off...I am not so sure one can really know their true true intention unless they're a personal friend or they were to cut a money order or hand cash...then again everything has a papertrail. I like to believe that everyone does good because they truly want to. :o

For devil sake, private medical records are accessible nowawdays. Then there is the A-HOLE taking photos and/or leaking photos of deathbed captures, morgue shots and open caskets.

omg I'm starting to sound like a george clooney impersonator.
:sorry: but it makes me sick.

And sometimes the press coverage of a celeb's philathropism can be a positive thing. It can put the spotlight on a charity and make others interested in it.

Can you imagine the mindset of a person who is busily takng photos while someone is dying, or lying there dead? :shocked:

estranged4life

07-16-2009, 01:52 PM

For devil sake, private medical records are accessible nowawdays. Then there is the A-HOLE taking photos and/or leaking photos of deathbed captures, morgue shots and open caskets.

Can you imagine the mindset of a person who is busily takng photos while someone is dying, or lying there dead? :shocked:

fathom or understand those who seem to enjoy the morbid displaying of someone's departed loved one.

If I had to see a picture of what happened to Debbie on that night in October (Believe me, OHP & the Asst. Chief of Police in Verden have those photos - and have offered them to me IF I want to view 'em) I can guarantee you one thing: You will find me dead in my bathroom because suicide would be the only way for me to get that image out of my head.

jannieC

07-16-2009, 01:56 PM

fathom or understand those who seem to enjoy the morbid displaying of someone's departed loved one.

If I had to see a picture of what happened to Debbie on that night in October (Believe me, OHP & the Asst. Chief of Police in Verden have those photos - and have offered them to me IF I want to view 'em) I can guarantee you one thing: You will find me dead in my bathroom because suicide would be the only way for me to get that image out of my head.

I don't think that loved ones are who are clamouring for these photos. No one would want to see someone they loved in that way.

:xoxo: to you Brianj and hope you're doing well.

becca

07-16-2009, 10:37 PM

Some trickle down photo-op stuff while f-ing McCartney out of the Beatles catalog, plus more complicated excuses and footage of a minor burn for his drug use and whitening of his skin. Whatever, you have your hero to worship and he can't do any more embarassing weird stuff now. Skim milk masquerades as cream. I sure don't know who Erik Satie was, duh, nosiree... ha, most people on here are only obsessives for Stevie Nicks and don't even bother to look at most of the Fleetwood Mac albums. Do I have to post photos of my fiancee dying in hospital, or maybe dozens of receipts for what counselling at the women's assualt center cost me over the years for a fraction of the sympathy going out to poor victim Michael? But I'll go back to being totally silent again lest I pass on some fact that some fanatic dislikes. You live here, I don't, so of course it's all yours for cutesy single sentence posts and youtube videos you just have to share year after year (not to mention gradeschool hissy spazzes over people you've never met).

I apologize for wasting anyone's time here. It comes down to me not being a fan and never understanding fans or those who pander to them/try to create them. Fan is short for fanatic. If you are a fanatic of any kind I won't like you. The internet seems to mostly reinforce those tendencies is such people.

I don't know where some preposterous figures to charity came from but they are wacko. Al Capone gave to the poor in his day which proves nothing about the person. Most of what I might say can't be understood by celebrity-struck people so I won't try any further. I'm glad if I never ever have fans (the ones I have started to have in the past worried me anyhow).

WizNicks

07-17-2009, 06:25 AM

The German album charts (included are music DVDs too) were published today and this is how it looks like:

1 Michael Jackson King Of Pop
2 Michael Jackson Number Ones
3 Michael Jackson Thriller
4 Michael Jackson History - Past, Present And Future
5 Michael Jackson Dangerous
6 Michael Jackson Bad
7 A-ha Foot Of The Mountain
8 Michael Jackson Live In Bucharest: The Dangerous Tour
9 Michael Jackson The Collection
10 Peter Fox Stadtaffe

The funny thing is that it isn't a special section like Pop Albums or Contemporery Albums, it is the actual number of sales from ALL albums.

becca

07-17-2009, 09:14 AM

jannieC

07-17-2009, 10:34 AM

It's amazing the strange way a fanatic for something thinks. They can't think straight, everything becomes an eleaborate tangle of justifying and excusing. Thus one of the most extravagant spenders the planet has ever seen with giant statues to himself and more closet space than Imelda Marcos becomes some paragon of charity. Thus obscure skin conditions that have never involved a gradual fadingh from brown to white are implausably invoked. How dare anyone attack the idol of millions of unknowing uncritical children who respond to flash and swagger. The military uniforms and crotch-grabbing mean nothing negative, why this was an angel sent by a good god to help the world! And you wonder why I'm bothered? Blech. Money talks is all I can figure on beyond frothing mass delusions.

There are many people who never believed any of the negative press, who worshipped him for his music, talents, and what they perceived to be a generous and caring spirit. To be honest, I don't really see how *anyone's* reaction to his death (on this board and elsewhere) is relevant in the big scheme of life. There are people who think Stevie Nicks is repulsive. Who cares? There are people who will mourn Michael Jackson's passing and there are people who will celebrate it. And there are folks who ultimately don't give a **** about any of it and remain in wonder at the arguing and debating.

HejiraNYC

07-17-2009, 12:42 PM

wondergirl9847

07-17-2009, 02:12 PM

7 A-ha Foot Of The Mountain

I need to get this album! I'll bet they would have been #1.

I just can't believe A-ha is still around!!

They are big overseas, but never made it in America, unfortunately. A-ha is one of my fave bands. They are WAY more than just Take On Me. :)

Enchanted_Stevi

07-17-2009, 02:43 PM

I need to get this album! I'll bet they would have been #1.

They are big overseas, but never made it in America, unfortunately. A-ha is one of my fave bands. They are WAY more than just Take On Me. :)

Oh see I only know "Take On Me" :laugh: LOVE that song!

goldustsongbird

07-17-2009, 05:10 PM

fathom or understand those who seem to enjoy the morbid displaying of someone's departed loved one.

If I had to see a picture of what happened to Debbie on that night in October (Believe me, OHP & the Asst. Chief of Police in Verden have those photos - and have offered them to me IF I want to view 'em) I can guarantee you one thing: You will find me dead in my bathroom because suicide would be the only way for me to get that image out of my head.

I agree that it is tacky as hell, but you seem to like to talk about death and tragedy a lot, so your POV surprises me a little. :shrug:

carrie721

07-17-2009, 06:42 PM

It's amazing the strange way a fanatic for something thinks. They can't think straight, everything becomes an eleaborate tangle of justifying and excusing. Thus one of the most extravagant spenders the planet has ever seen with giant statues to himself and more closet space than Imelda Marcos becomes some paragon of charity. Thus obscure skin conditions that have never involved a gradual fadingh from brown to white are implausably invoked. How dare anyone attack the idol of millions of unknowing uncritical children who respond to flash and swagger. The military uniforms and crotch-grabbing mean nothing negative, why this was an angel sent by a good god to help the world! And you wonder why I'm bothered? Blech. Money talks is all I can figure on beyond frothing mass delusions.

you do realize that you are a member of a fleetwood mac fan message board, right? and that your repeated posts (many of which are nonsequiturs) are in and of themselves fanatical?

you are one of the most confused people i have ever encountered.

estranged4life

07-17-2009, 08:32 PM

I agree that it is tacky as hell, but you seem to like to talk about death and tragedy a lot, so your POV surprises me a little. :shrug:

most of my life has been about, death/tragedy/abandonment...and music (Well, At least 25% of my life has been enjoyable :D )

goldustsongbird

07-18-2009, 03:54 PM

most of my life has been about, death/tragedy/abandonment...and music (Well, At least 25% of my life has been enjoyable :D )

Oh. Well. As long as you keep on the sunny side.

daniellaaarisen

07-18-2009, 04:27 PM

I visited Neverland a few days ago and took pictures. I'll post them once I'm home.

JWS

07-18-2009, 06:51 PM

I visited Neverland a few days ago and took pictures. I'll post them once I'm home.

I didn't know you could go on the property?

daniellaaarisen

07-18-2009, 08:12 PM

I was at the gate. It's INSANE-- boquets everywhere, a giant painting of Michael depicted as an angel, flags from all over the world scribbled with goodbyes. I'm not a big MJ person but I definitely left with my stomach uprooted a little.

becca

07-20-2009, 12:43 AM

I've been letting some stupid e-mails from this wind me up, sorry.

Enchanted_Stevi

07-20-2009, 01:25 PM

GODDESS6

07-20-2009, 02:25 PM

WOW! I cant wait to see your pictures!

i can't wait to see them either~

i was in vegas in '03 to see the mac right after the sigfreid (*sp) & roy accident~ & my mom's bfriend's house where we stayed was in the same gated communtiy where they lived & we saw all the memorials in front of their home, it was amazing to see all the stuff that was left~ i couldn't imagine how awesome the display would be for MJ~

vivfox

07-22-2009, 07:51 PM

The BET Awards last weekend were basically a three-and-a-half-hour tribute to Michael Jackson, as totally expected. But the celebration of his life kept going long after the show was over. All the award-goers drove out to Beverly Hills for the post-BET fete at Mr. Chow (sponsored by Heineken) to dish about their experiences working with or just dancing to M.J.'s tunes over the years.

Appropriately, the party only played Michael's music, since that's all anybody wanted to hear!

We spoke to Vivica A. Fox, who made a cameo in M.J.'s "Remember the Time" vid, still a classic today. "I miss his smile," was how VAF told us how she felt about the departed King of Pop, but didn't stop there:

How will you best remember M.J.?
That's a wonderful question to ask because there is so much to remember. For me, it's still the Motown 25th when he came out as a solo artist and did the moonwalk. There was no YouTube back then, but if there was, it would've gotten millions of hits.

Did you plan to see him perform in London?
I'm sure I would have. I was happy to hear he was ready to come back and that they embraced him. I thought it was really unfortunate that he had to go so far away to be appreciated.

Do you think the tour was too much pressure?
There's always been pressure to be Michael Jackson. Unfortunately that may have been one of the things that led to his demise. But we know Michael loved to entertain, and he always wanted to make everyone happy. Personally he may not have been as happy, but on that stage, that's when Michael experienced pure happiness and joy.

Should the more questionable parts of Michael Jackson's life—the molestation accusations, the eccentric behavior, the plastic surgeries—no longer be discussed?
It's over. We can no longer retry him. We can no more hurt him about it. We can no more belittle him. He's a legend. We should celebrate him. It is was it is. We all make mistakes.
http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b131817_celebs_raving_mad_remembering_jackson.html

vivfox

07-22-2009, 09:45 PM

Wed., July 22, 2009
Omer Bhatti, Michael Jackson’s alleged “secret son,” sat in the front row at the pop star’s memorial, alongside the Jackson family.

Omer Bhatti, the young man being referred to as Michael Jackson’s “secret son” by the British press, was no secret to the pop star’s family. Sources close to the Jacksons say that Bhatti, who often went by Michael J, was introduced to the Jackson family as early as 1992.

“One day at the (Neverland) ranch, Michael’s nephew Austin, (Jackson’s sister) Rebbie’s son, told his mom he just met a kid who called himself Michael J, but his name was Omer, and he was saying that Uncle Michael was his father. It was just that out of the blue,” said one Jackson family friend. “This was news to Rebbie, and she turned around and called (Jackson’s mother) Katherine, who had no knowledge of it either.”

From that point forward, Bhatti was “running around Neverland all the time,” and lived there until “around 2000, or 2001,” according to a family friend close to Rebbie Jackson.

“The family has been wondering how long it would take for this to get out,” the friend said.

Is he really Michael’s biological son?
Although Bhatti appeared mysteriously and without explanation years before Jackson and Debbie Rowe had son Prince Michael, several family friends who protected the pop star’s privacy through the years say they accepted the idea Bhatti was a biological son.

“He looked so much like Michael, especially when he was younger. We have every reason to believe it’s his son,” said another family friend who met Bhatti.

As for how he’s being protected after Jackson’s death, all the family friends who spoke of Bhatti agree that part of the reason Katherine Jackson got such a large percentage of the estate was because she’d be providing for Bhatti as well.

Who is the mother?
Bhatti’s mother remains a mystery to the family. But one famous friend may know her identity.

“Elizabeth Taylor introduced Michael to the mother. That’s all anyone knows about her,” said a source who didn’t know Bhatti personally, but is close to Taylor.

The late singer had eight siblings, three children and two ex-wives, plus numerous doctors, advisers, and famous friends. Here's a look at who's who.

Taylor’s rep wouldn’t comment, and said only that if Taylor felt like addressing anything related to Michael Jackson, she would only do so via her Twitter feed.

“The one woman who knows everything there is to know about Michael Jackson and where his children came from is Elizabeth Taylor,” said a Jackson family friend of more than two decades. “But even though the mother isn’t clear, we all have every reason to believe Michael J is his son.”

If true, isn’t it odd that Jackson would keep the identity of his son secret for so long, and not tell other family members details of his birth? Perhaps not. Janet Jackson kept her nearly 10-year marriage to Rene Elizondo secret until divorce papers were filed.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32060738/