Michael Jackson's Memorial

[WashingtonBay]

Copying this summary because it seems to have a lot of the details in it... As of right now, people are still filing in, and it looks like the start time will be delayed...

The Jackson family has decided to bring Michael's body to the memorial service being held today at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, putting off the announced plans for a private internment at Forest Lawn cemetery from 8 a.m. PDT to after the service. The 10 a.m. PDT service is being broadcast on all the major American broadcast and cable news networks, as well as in theaters across the country, the Times Square jumbotron in New York City and on TV screens around the world.

From Entertainment Weekly (http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/07/jackson-memorial-service-participants-released.html), performers and friends expected at the service include: Kobe Bryant, Mariah Carey, Berry Gordy, Jennifer Hudson, Shaheen Jafargholi, Magic Johnson, Martin Luther King III, Bernice A. King, John Mayer, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Brooke Shields, Usher and Stevie Wonder.

Michael's Jackson's close friend Elizabeth Taylor (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530302,00.html) declined an invitation to speak at the service, writing in part on Twitter: "I cannot be part of the public whoopla."



In a strange but fitting (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070701088.html) twist of fate, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus elephant parade through the streets of Los Angeles is set to take place this morning with the elephants arriving at the Staples Center just hours before the service for the circus' scheduled run at the arena.

http://media3.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/photo/2009/07/07/PH2009070701090.jpg

FILE - In this July 15, 2008 file photo originally supplied by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, elephants from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, take an early morning stroll en route to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Stefano Paltera, file) (Stefano Paltera - AP)

[Kaitlyn]

I don't blame Elizabeth Taylor...I dunno..they're selling tickets to his memorial? Isnt' that kind of...tacky?

[WashingtonBay]

Heh... Well initially there was a ticket lotto.... now I guess they're just handing them out.

Some talk just now on Fox that there are a lot of empty seats. I think it's possible the news media has misread the amount of actual, hands-on-want-to-be-there interest there really is/was.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

[...]In a strange but fitting (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/07/AR2009070701088.html) twist of fate, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus elephant parade through the streets of Los Angeles is set to take place this morning with the elephants arriving at the Staples Center just hours before the service for the circus' scheduled run at the arena.


Oh, irony... cruel, cruel irony. You just can't make this stuff up.

[WashingtonBay]

It's started now. It's live on almost every major channel. That's what amazes me. Every network, every news channel, probably MTV and VH1 and others.

[WashingtonBay]

Mariah (who I think overdoes most things) Carey is actually singing a very pretty version of "I'll be there", that would be better she wasn't doing so many distracting things with her hands... she looks like she's waving away swarms of invisible bugs. :popcorn:

[WashingtonBay]

Heh... Magic Johnson's story was pretty funny. He said he was over at Michael's home, and the personal chef came out and asked Magic what he'd like to eat. Magic answered that he'd like grilled chicken. OK - so the chef disappears, brings back chilled chicken for Magic, and a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken for Michael. Magic said "You eat Kentucky Fried Chicken"?

It is pretty funny. Anyone else watching this? - or just me? :innocent:

[WashingtonBay]

Oh Lord... Now Al (thank you for letting me ride on your coat-tails) Sharpton. :p

[lacyloo]

Im watching it... Waiting for a riot...Hmmm (i wonder if mj is even in the casket)???

[WashingtonBay]

It is quite the production, and quite the spectacle. ALL these people... are sooo messed up. And yet we watch them. ~shrugs~

[lacyloo]

LOL true...

[WashingtonBay]

Who was that who just sang? With the white sequined glove on? :popcorn:

[HoustonFarrier]

If I was a citizen of California, I'd be PO'd BIG TIME. Here we have a bankrupt state, who is handing out IOU's and dumping welfare recipients left and right, and they are spending literally MILLIONS (IOU's maybe??) on a dead guy. They asked the Jackson family to kick in...no response from them.

Sorry, but that is just irresponsible govt.

Steve

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

It is quite the production, and quite the spectacle. ALL these people... are sooo messed up. And yet we watch them. ~shrugs~

Everybody loves a good train wreck.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

If I was a citizen of California, I'd be PO'd BIG TIME. Here we have a bankrupt state, who is handing out IOU's and dumping welfare recipients left and right, and they are spending literally MILLIONS (IOU's maybe??) on a dead guy. They asked the Jackson family to kick in...no response from them.

Sorry, but that is just irresponsible govt.

Steve

This is a government paid production?

Oh, wow...

[WashingtonBay]

Now Sheila Jackson Lee:








No... there's nothing I can say about her.... I don't even have anything bad to say about her... It think I'm just weirded out. I've reached weirdness overload. My hourglass is just spinning now.:help:

[HoustonFarrier]

This is a government paid production?

Oh, wow...

Oh yeah...closing 2 MAJOR freeways...60% of the LA Police Force is working today....the arena......you betcha !!!!!

Steve

[Toodlestoo]

That was Jermaine Jackson singing with the white glove.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I'm listening to Michael Medved on the radio... he just played a sound bite of some woman in the crowd who said: "I just had to be here. I sold everything in my house so that I could come here today."

Just wow. One wonders if her husband knows about that yet...

"Honey... where's the refrigerator...?"

[WashingtonBay]

That was Jermaine Jackson singing with the white glove.

Ah - thanks. :coffee:

[WashingtonBay]

Singing 'we are the world' and what's remarkable to me is the absence of any of the big names that made up the first one. I don't know who very many of these people are!

[WashingtonBay]

And then there's the Jackson family... Now the only thing that kept them from riding Michael's coattails is dead.

I heard a Jackson friend speak this last week, about why things were always so strained with his family, and this person said it was because Michael was tired of them always asking him for money. I think they are about as shallow as they come.

[WashingtonBay]

Dang... the oldest MJ kid is speaking, or rather, crying. Poor thing. I'm fairly sure she's never spoken in public before. Then hustled away by the Jackson family.

[Remali]

His kids are just beautiful. What a sad day for them.

[WashingtonBay]

The City of Los Angeles is launching a website to ask fans to help pay for the estimated $5 million in supposed "direct" costs of this event.

[Remali]

Someone here said they were SELLING the tickets.....that is not true.....tickets to his memorial were free.

[WashingtonBay]

I think I said that... Really it was a joke, I was quoting a movie...

"Crazy world..."
"Someone oughta sell tickets"
"Yeah - I'd buy one"

~Raising Arizona.

[Remali]

Oh....I was reading another post by someone else.....sorry.....

[WashingtonBay]

It was me. :o

Fercryin'outloud... they are following the casket with helicopters to whatever private service will now be held for "family". This is supposed to be a closed, private affair now.

Really, could it be any weirder than that? I mean... have we no perspective on where the media, and the public, should be?

[oursarge]

I was watching TNT, I didn't want to watch the media circus. I have mixed feelings as far as privacy and what fans need to see. I feel bad for his kids and the mess that will be happening now and the ones who weren't in the will who want to be what a disaster this whole thing is going to become. They have interviews of the mother saying she has no desire to be their mother and now she wants them, wonder if it has anything to do with the $$$ that goes with them? Guess there is now some guy saying he is their real father so who knows???? I just think it's sad and a mess. It's a shame he died so young and left 3 little kids behind and who knows what will happen to them. I couldn't watch any of it.

[BeachRiding]

I for one thought it was a lovely memorial.

[oursarge]

Now Sheila Jackson Lee:








No... there's nothing I can say about her.... I don't even have anything bad to say about her... It think I'm just weirded out. I've reached weirdness overload. My hourglass is just spinning now.:help:


I'm so out of the loop, who is Sheila Jackson Lee? I know Latoya [Who seems as crazy as a loon but I don't know] and Janet who I always thought was so pretty but she seems to have issues too but when I've seen her on talk shows she seems nice and Michael always seemed nice, it seems he had no childhood and that's why he acted like he did but again I don't know. I just heard today there is a 3rd sister. I don't know alot about the family guess you can tell. Sounds like a real spectacle. I just hope who ever gets the kids will love them for them and not the $$$.

[Reinmaker]

I heard they were taking the body to a plastic factory to be melted down and made in to toys...so that kids could finally play with him for once.

Is that true?

[oursarge]

WB you should be an entertainment reporter!!!!!

[WashingtonBay]

Sheila Jackson Lee is a US Representative from Texas. She's.... well, something of a spectacle herself. And grandstanding.



Oh dear.. i just heard on FoxNews that the hearse the helicopters are following may be a decoy hearse. The actual location of the burial is secret still...

And the Jacksons, are stopping for lunch.

Crazy world... ;)

[BeachRiding]

I heard they were taking the body to a plastic factory to be melted down and made in to toys...so that kids could finally play with him for once.

Is that true?
:rolleyes: Please....

[WashingtonBay]

WB you should be an entertainment reporter!!!!!

:popcorn: People get paid for this? :)

Reinmaker..... ooooh baaaaaad. :doh:

[rocknK]

I heard they were taking the body to a plastic factory to be melted down and made in to toys...so that kids could finally play with him for once.

Is that true?

Now that's hilarious. I thought I'd already heard all the MJ jokes! I just read that Rev. Al told the Jackson kids that there wasn't anything strange about thier dad. Of course he also said that the MJ fans were the ones who elected Obama.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

Now Sheila Jackson Lee:
[...]
I don't even have anything bad to say about her...


I do. ...in case you needed some ideas. :)

[lacyloo]

I heard they were taking the body to a plastic factory to be melted down and made in to toys...so that kids could finally play with him for once.

Is that true?


HAHAHA thats funny :p

[Remali]

Geez Reinmaker.....remind me when you lose a loved family member to make a snarky post about it....
I've lost many family members....and I do not find anyone's death amusing in the least. You are a crass _____ (fill in the blank).....

[mouse]

Geez Reinmaker.....remind me when you lose a loved family member to make a snarky post about it....
I've lost many family members....and I do not find anyone's death amusing in the least. You are a crass _____ (fill in the blank).....

I tip my hat to you
I couldn't have said it better myself (without posting tons of profanity)

as said at his memorial, "maybe now he can rest in peace."
Please leave him alone, some of us are fans, you know? Seems respect for others and their feelings often seem non existent on this forum.

And whoever said it, you heard wrong. Though I don't care for the Rev. Al, he didn't say MJ fans elected Obama, he and MANY OTHERS at the service pointed out how MJ opened the doors for MANY African American's.

As for the "3rd sister" she is suppose to be a half sister born out of the unfaithfulness of his father.

Say what you will, we will never in our lifetimes see anyone so talented ever again...

http://www1.whdh.com/images/news_articles/389x205/090625_mourning_Michael_jackson.jpg

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

[Redacted]

What's the use...

[Remali]

I just think it is so sad to speak ill of the dead. Obviously some people on here have never been thru the loss of a family member.....

Mouse..... I do agree....we will never see a talent like that again...

[gabhainn]

Now Sheila Jackson Lee:








No... there's nothing I can say about her.... I don't even have anything bad to say about her... It think I'm just weirded out. I've reached weirdness overload. My hourglass is just spinning now.:help: I can say plenty about the heifer if you wanna know

Dang... the oldest MJ kid is speaking, or rather, crying. Poor thing. I'm fairly sure she's never spoken in public before. .
I guess we know who the new dancing chicken in the Jackson clan is going to be....Kevin

[natisha]

I found the memorial surprisingly moving. Yeah, he was freaky but he was still a living being who's life has ended. I feel that way about all living things, except flies, mosquitos & Charles Manson.

[Reinmaker]

Geez Reinmaker.....remind me when you lose a loved family member to make a snarky post about it....
I've lost many family members....and I do not find anyone's death amusing in the least. You are a crass _____ (fill in the blank).....

Guy ADMITTED to sleeping in the same bed with little boys. I think he was a pedophile, which classifies him as the lowest sort of scum. I don't feel slightly remorseful for cracking that joke.

I am sorry for your personal loss(es).

[oursarge]

The sad thing is someone is dead, kids lost their father and people are making jokes about something they don't even know is true. Hopefully nobody here will ever be accused of anything that they didn't do and have people believe they did it just because someone said they did.

Anyone can accuse anyone of anything and just because they do does not make it true. Around here people were saying my husband and our neighbor were having an affair. Luckily I didn't believe it and her husband didn't either but plenty of people did. Just because they said it and they believed it didn't make it true! What started the rumor? They were all teachers at the same school, her husband had to use the car [They only had one at the time] so my husband drove her home because they live 1/4 mile behind us on our private road. It was fall, a local farmer had pumpkins for sale, they both decided to give her some business and buy some pumpkins to decorate our porches. How did she repay them? Spread the rumor that they were running together. Of course they HAD to be having an affair because they stopped and bought pumpkins. Sounds like an affair brewing to me!!!!! We still laugh about it.

My father took my cousin grocery shopping with him, she was 17 and beautiful, my friend saw them and that started a whole rumor he was having an affair with a kid. They could have said he was a pervert. SHE LIVED WITH US AT THE TIME THEY WENT GROCERY SHOPPING! I'm sure there are still people who think my father is a pervert who takes his dates grocery shopping. His comment was if he was having an affair he wouln't be taking her to Waldbaums! I am not saying MJ did or didn't do anything, I don't know but why do people assume he did when nobody really knows? When you are famous you are at the mercy of anyone who wants to say something bad about you, you sort of are when you aren't famous either.

I just think it's sad he's dead, I wasn't even a fan, I hate when someone looses their life and having little kids makes it even sadder. He might have been a little strange but who isn't strange? We're all strange in our own way. I know I am. I can't see anything funny about death.

[Reinmaker]

Umm he ADMITTED to sleeping in the same bed as little boys. If I did that, if Kevin did that, if Ranger did that, if any man on this board or otherwise did that what would that say about him? Sicko. (sorry fellas just using an illustration) We aren't talking about someone with a mental challenge. We are talking about a guy who was just screwed up in the head.

Add in all the allegations and do the math. Guy was a pedophile. FWIW I do think some of the allegations were probably trumped up attempts at money.

[WashingtonBay]

The truth is, no one here, within reach of this thread, lost Michael Jackson. Everything he was to any of us, is no more dead than it was a month ago or a year ago. It's all still on Youtube. It lives on in the only way we ever knew him, his songs, his videos, things that he's done.

I would even venture to say that few of the thousands in attendance at that event truly 'lost' him in any personal way. Certainly the kids did. No question. I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about everyone else. Most who did know him and were there, were grandstanding on his popularity much like they did in life. I think Michael Jackson knew all about the hangers-on in his life, up to and including those in his own family. Of all the things that were messed up in his head, I think he saw that aspect of his celebrity with remarkable clarity. And he loathed most of them. They'll be fine, because they will redact and whitewash his image and their relationship with him will be perfected in their memory, and ours. Like so many vain, shallow, celebrities we've seen completely self-destruct while living what should have been a fairy tale. His fairy tale was bigger than most, and so, too, was his inexplicable self-destruction.

Just musing....

[lacyloo]

WB you always know the right thing to say. LOL 1+

[cheval]

Geez Reinmaker.....remind me when you lose a loved family member to make a snarky post about it....
I've lost many family members....and I do not find anyone's death amusing in the least. You are a crass _____ (fill in the blank).....

No doubt. Unbelievable.

[cheval]

Just because he wasn't a close personal friend to anyone here doesn't mean the loss isn't felt deeply. Some of the lack of respect/care here is really surprising.

[gabhainn]

. I think Michael Jackson knew all about the hangers-on in his life, up to and including those in his own family. Of all the things that were messed up in his head, I think he saw that aspect of his celebrity with remarkable clarity.
You know I find it interesting, Elizabeth Taylor, who was a longtime friend of MJ's, refused to have anything to do with "the specatcle and hoopla" of the memorial stating " I will quietly mourn my friend" I always thought that "old broad" had some class....Kevin

[cowgirlup@idaho]

Sometimes your insight, WB, really startles me! I mean that in a good way.

[WashingtonBay]

Just because he wasn't a close personal friend to anyone here doesn't mean the loss isn't felt deeply. Some of the lack of respect/care here is really surprising.

It's people being people, Cheval... just yesterday you insulted and were irreverent about someone important to Reinmaker, and both you and Remali thought anyone who took offense at that were "taking it all too seriously".

At least I think it's ironic :D. We're all just spectators, and the commentary is perhaps messy, but it's at least honest. :)

[WashingtonBay]

Sometimes your insight, WB, really startles me! I mean that in a good way.

Garsh :o

[cheval]

Oh please. That wasn't about someone being dead. I find that a bit different than talking about politics. But you know, whatever.

[gabhainn]

Oh please. That wasn't about someone being dead. I find that a bit different than talking about politics. But you know, whatever.
Ah but loss is loss, granted there are levels, but it is still a loss to some....Kevin

[Remali]

Unreal. Some of you on here should be ashamed.... really, how do you sleep at night? I can name a few people on here who are insulting and rude, but Cheval is not one of them.

Reinmaker, get your facts straight.....he never "slept" with boys in the sense you are referring to, and that is all I am going to say any more about it to you, because I really just do not care to even converse with someone like you any more.

[WashingtonBay]

Oh please. That wasn't about someone being dead. I find that a bit different than talking about politics. But you know, whatever.

Dead or not... it's about all of us attaching emotions to our attachment to people we don't even really know. I thought you might appreciate the comparison at least for it's irony. :)

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

The truth is, no one here, within reach of this thread, lost Michael Jackson. Everything he was to any of us, is no more dead than it was a month ago or a year ago. It's all still on Youtube. It lives on in the only way we ever knew him, his songs, his videos, things that he's done.

I would even venture to say that few of the thousands in attendance at that event truly 'lost' him in any personal way. Certainly the kids did. No question. I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about everyone else. Most who did know him and were there, were grandstanding on his popularity much like they did in life. I think Michael Jackson knew all about the hangers-on in his life, up to and including those in his own family. Of all the things that were messed up in his head, I think he saw that aspect of his celebrity with remarkable clarity. And he loathed most of them. They'll be fine, because they will redact and whitewash his image and their relationship with him will be perfected in their memory, and ours. Like so many vain, shallow, celebrities we've seen completely self-destruct while living what should have been a fairy tale. His fairy tale was bigger than most, and so, too, was his inexplicable self-destruction.

Just musing....

Wow. That's worth saying again.

OK... I'll say it... what everybody is thinking... my sister is the smart one in the family. :)

Nicely done.

[natisha]

I've slept with boys.

Seriously, regardless of what MJ did or didn't do in life the thing that strikes me most about his death-is his death. How easily life can end & things that have always been on the outskirts of my own little world -like MJ- can suddenly be......gone.

Perhaps it is because I am older than he was (shhh, don't tell Gabhainn) that his death has caused me to look at my own mortality.

[WashingtonBay]

Not true RD :)

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

I've slept with boys.
[...]

If you're not a 40-something man, that's not necessarily a problem.

[gabhainn]

his death has caused me to look at my own mortality.
Working in the healthcare field, esp in long term care, like I do. My own mortality is something that I come up against daily. The thing I find repugnant is the circus that is attached to his death because of his celebrity status. He was no more important to the grand scheme of things than the guy down the street ( and no less important), none of us are promised tomorrow, its what we do today that counts. The things I have learned with death so near daily is take no one for granted, tell those who mean something to you how much they mean... often. Remember that every morning you have to look in the mirror at yourself, so be the kind of person that the man in the mirror (thanks MJ) would be proud to call a friend, and laugh .....Kevin
p.s. Natisha, my darling, its ok I like older women

[Reinmaker]

Reinmaker, get your facts straight.....he never "slept" with boys in the sense you are referring to, and that is all I am going to say any more about it to you, because I really just do not care to even converse with someone like you any more.

I didn't refer to anything. I very clearly stated what he admitted to, SLEEPING IN THE SAME BED as little boys. No implication other than what he said himself. My facts are fine.;)

If by someone like me you mean someone who does not dignify a pedophile with respect and admiration then more power to ya.

I don't relish his death, quite the contrary, but I am not going to act like he was a great loss to society or placate your delicate sensibilities by refraining from what was a quite funny joke at his expense.

[mouse]

Umm he ADMITTED to sleeping in the same bed as little boys. If I did that, if Kevin did that, if Ranger did that, if any man on this board or otherwise did that what would that say about him? Sicko. (sorry fellas just using an illustration) We aren't talking about someone with a mental challenge. We are talking about a guy who was just screwed up in the head.

Add in all the allegations and do the math. Guy was a pedophile. FWIW I do think some of the allegations were probably trumped up attempts at money.

I truly hope someone accuses you of something you didn't do and I hope you get a different jury. He was never found guilty of those crimes. Yes, his ex-wife Debbie is a weird one but even she said he is NOT a pedophile. You're right, he SLEPT as in a slumber party...... he never admitted to MOLESTING anyone.

Is everyone here really that blind that it has never occurred to you that the parents of those kids hatched this plan. I mean, come on! There are TONS of scum bag sue happy people. I think the parents of those kids saw their kids friendship with Michael as one big huge lottery or paycheck!

So I guess that everyone who shares a bed is having sex!?!? I've shared a bed with several humans whom I did not have sex with.

[WashingtonBay]

Mouse, I'm not going to argue it one way or the other, because I just really don't know, and neither do you, and it seems foolish to pretend we do. But the rumors will probably be remembered, as part of his story... Because of the allegations, and because of his inexplicably bizarre behavior and overall weirdness. He's just not a guy I would stake my reputation on testing out normal on anything.

[Remali]

That is true....it was proven that the mother of one child who had tried to accuse Michael, had tried to pull a similar thing previously, and she was found to have lied on both occasions. And, just because kids were sleeping in his bed doesn't mean he was doing anything nasty or even in the bed all night with them. I guess Mr Rogers and Captain Kangaroo are "weird" too then, seeing as they like to be with kids and do things for kids..... :rolleyes:

Only thing "foolish" is how mean and nasty some people have to be....

Oh well. I am done here.....you can defend the nastiness all you like....

[WashingtonBay]

Remali... is there another man on this planet you would make these kinds excuses for? I mean really. If someone came on this forum and described a neighbor with half of the weird behaviors MJ is well known for, and said "and he wants to have sleepovers with my kids" is there anyone on this forum who would say "sounds innocent enough to me!"?

I do think it's possible he never really had sexual anything with them. But there was something very not right with him.

[mouse]

Mouse, I'm not going to argue it one way or the other, because I just really don't know, and neither do you, and it seems foolish to pretend we do. But the rumors will probably be remembered, as part of his story... Because of the allegations, and because of his inexplicably bizarre behavior and overall weirdness. He's just not a guy I would stake my reputation on testing out normal on anything.

Just because someone is "different" or "weird" (in your opinion) doesn't make them guilty.

All that aside, knowing some of us are fans (I repeat myself) why do the nasty comments continue to fly? Isn't that just flat out disrespectful to other forum members?

[WashingtonBay]

Just because someone is "different" or "weird" (in your opinion) doesn't make them guilty.

You're right, but it does make them much talked about.

I'm not going to censor this forum from talk that is going on all over the country. Like it or not, it's part of the story, much as some of his fans are trying to erase it from the public memory. On every single forum I've seen, Democrat, Republican, music, celebrity, THIS is the conversation and argument that is taking place. Really, it shouldn't surprise anyone.

[WashingtonBay]

I just copied this from a thread on DU (democratic underground). It's a good one.

You never met Jackson, never had any dealings with him, and the only things you'll ever know about him is what you'll read or hear on TV about him.

He was an entertainer. He wasn't your family member or friend. Now he's dead, and it means nothing in your own life.

Hold close to the ones you love and work to know them. That's what matters.......................

[mouse]

I just copied this from a thread on DU (democratic underground). It's a good one.
You never met Jackson, never had any dealings with him, and the only things you'll ever know about him is what you'll read or hear on TV about him.

He was an entertainer. He wasn't your family member or friend. Now he's dead, and it means nothing in your own life.

Hold close to the ones you love and work to know them. That's what matters.......................

go ahead and tell that to Elvis and John Lennon fans too

he WAS a part of everyone's lives. How many of us don't know his music? How many of us didn't watch him grow up on tv? If you think you can't care about someone or something that you haven't met then I guess we all who work in volunteerism as I do should just give up, for the ones I help I never get to see except in photos...............

[WashingtonBay]

go ahead and tell that to Elvis and John Lennon fans too

OK - No problem. They were what they were. Neither Elvis nor John Lennon were choir boys, they both had their share of issues. They aren't idols or saints.

I actually am a fan of MJ, moreso John Lennon than Elvis, but I can sing along with any of them. Doesn't mean I have to accept their whole lifestyle as stainless. They all abused drugs, Lennon had some pretty weird ideas, and I don't need to forget those, or whitewash them, or make everyone shut up about them, or even buy into the politic to think Imagine is a pretty cool song. Same with Billy Jean.

These people are entertainers. They are what they are. Usually narcissistic, shallow, deeply flawed people. We can't control anything about them and we definitely shouldn't wrap up our own egos in them. Not their behavior, not their memory.

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

[...] And, just because kids were sleeping in his bed doesn't mean he was doing anything nasty or even in the bed all night with them. [...]

Oh good grief. And I thought denial was just a big river in Egypt.

If you had a 40-something neighbor that was having these kind of sleepovers with neighborhood kids, that would be OK? Nobody would think twice about it, really? Of course not.

Look.... nobody denies that MJ was a singular talent. Of course he was. But he was also a total and complete freak.

[sigh] What is it about the obvious that makes it so hard to see?

[oursarge]

I think I am really weird because I don't get caught up in the lives of famous people too much. I can enjoy their work but mostly I don't know much about them [I watch NCIS every week, I like the show, I can't tell you the real name of anyone on there but Mark Harmon, I can't even remember the guy who was on The Man from UNCLE and he was real famous!] and if they die I might feel bad but that's the extent of it. The quote WB put up is how I have always felt.

You can tell the difference from a fan and a friend if you look at Rick Danko's blog. I was and am a fan, I miss him alot, he seemed like the nicest guy even with the drug use [he died clean] and everything else he seemed like a person I'd enjoy being with. I think if I knew him I would have gotten along great with him. His sense of humor the best. The girl who writes his blog was a real friend. You can tell the love she had for him [friend love] when you read what she writes her loss and mine are totally different. She lost a friend she loved, I lost someone I grew up with and enjoyed. I read her blog all the time and I do cry but for her and for him, not for me. I've been in touch with her since we're from the same place and she's shared things about Rick and I know I would have liked him if I knew him but I didn't know him, she did and her pain is deep, mine is I'm sad I wish Rick was still with us saying "Hey ya got a minute?" Rick Danko was a member of The Band for those who don't know.

Then there is John Denver. When he was popular he was what I thought I could love, that whole country boy/horse loving mountain loving thing. I thought most men were jerks but I really enjoyed him, he loved the things I always loved. My husband's friend sang "Follow Me" at our wedding. When I worked at Met Life I had his pictures on my microfilm machine, I was a huge fan who thought I had to know so much about him. When I read his book I found out I knew nothing about him, he was one thing in public, another in private. He died, I cried for about a second and went on. I felt so bad for him and his family but for me it was just the loss of someone famous that loved the mountains. I remember when he died my aunt calling to see if I was OK, guess she thought I'd be suicidal. I told her I was fine, I felt bad but it wasn't like he was my family. I felt really bad for his family and when they did the Behind the Music about him and I saw his mother then I cried, I felt so bad for her. She lost a son.

I understand that people are upset that he died, I don't like the negative comments about someone we don't know and is dead, it is very sad he is dead. Things he did were odd but then none of us were there to know what went on. Personally I think he was innocent of all charges, I don't think his choices were real smart even though in my family we'd all sleep together on the floor [kids, dogs, aunts] and nothing evil ever entered our heads. I feel bad he's dead, I'd feel worse if he was my family. His family is who I feel sorry for especially his kids. That little girl at the microphone [Just saw it on GMA] is heartbreaking. They lost a father, everyone else who wasn't family lost someone they grew up with or liked his talent or whatever but they didn't know him like I didn't know Rick Danko as much as I wish I did. Through Carol's Blog I can feel like I knew him but I didn't. Reading about when she found out he died will rip your heart out and that's when you know friend vs fan.

I forgot to say I think I lost a friend because I didn't say that when John Kennedy Jr died it was like loosing a brother. I worked with a girl who I remained friends with since I left back in 1977. She has had some mental issues and maybe that's why she doesn't write anymore or we don't see each other but the last letter I got from her was right after JK Jr died. A very sad event for sure but as sad as it was I didn't know him. I got a long letter from her saying how depressed she was and that he was like a brother to her and on and on. I thought OKAAAAY. I tried to sympathize with her as much as I could without saying I thought of him as a brother, I didn't know the man. I think people thought they knew him because everyone watched him grow up but fact is we didn't know him and it's sad he died but he wasn't like my brother. My brother died before I was born and that has had an effect on me I'm sure but JK Jr wasn't my brother and I think she got mad at me for not saying it because I never heard from her since. OH WELL.

I'm not sure if MJ had peace in life, I hope he has it in death.

[HoustonFarrier]

Mr Rogers and Captain Kangaroo are "weird" too then, seeing as they like to be with kids and do things for kids..

Well, I would NEVER let any of my kids alone with either of those 2 :D

Steve

[rocknK]

For all those folks who think that MJ was so "innocent" I ask these two questions. 1-How did a 13 yrs old boy get detailed info about MJ's genitalia?? 2-Why did MJ fork over over 20 million bucks to shut the kid up??:nono:

[elevenelevenxo]

Regarding selling of tickets - it's happening. They had a man on The Today Show who had won one and had it on Ebay for something like $1500...

You know, at first I thought, "how said....people are selling tickets to a funeral." But then the thought occurred to me that maybe MJ wouldn't have wanted anything less....

[natisha]

Omg- Elvis is dead?????

[HoustonFarrier]

Omg- Elvis is dead?????

Lies...all lies I tell you..... :D:D

Steve

[elevenelevenxo]

Omg- Elvis is dead?????

Just like Tupac...

[Reinmaker]

For all those folks who think that MJ was so "innocent" I ask these two questions. 1-How did a 13 yrs old boy get detailed info about MJ's genitalia?? 2-Why did MJ fork over over 20 million bucks to shut the kid up??:nono:

But he was so darn talented and I liked his music so much and I grew up watching him on TV, so he has to be innocent.:hysterical:

Oh good grief. And I thought denial was just a big river in Egypt.

If you had a 40-something neighbor that was having these kind of sleepovers with neighborhood kids, that would be OK? Nobody would think twice about it, really?

I am going to need to know how musically talented this neighbor is before I can answer that. ;)

[elevenelevenxo]

Hey Reinmaker, I like your John Wayne quote. Too bad you don't really seem to understand it. ;)

[Tatesgram]

Hey Reinmaker, I like your John Wayne quote. Too bad you don't really seem to understand it. ;)

Eleven, I just love your smileys attached to your snarky remarks, reminds me of here in the south:

"my goodness, what an ugly baby you have...bless his heart" :hysterical:

[Reinmaker]

Hey Reinmaker, I like your John Wayne quote. Too bad you don't really seem to understand it. ;)

I think I understand it just fine. Maybe you would like to quantify that statement with an actual reason as to why you think I don't get it. Then maybe we could come to an understanding, or possibly I could be enlightened. Or is your intellecual capacity such that you are relegated to resorting to ad hominem attacks when some disagrees with your viewpoint on a certain subject?

[elevenelevenxo]

I think I understand it just fine. Maybe you would like to quantify that statement with an actual reason as to why you think I don't get it. Then maybe we could come to an understanding, or possibly I could be enlightened. Or is your intellecual capacity such that you are relegated to resorting to ad hominem attacks when some disagrees with your viewpoint on a certain subject?

Oh, no problem.

I think you don't get it because every single one of your posts regarding the whole Michael Jackson fiasco is in complete contrary to it.

"I define manhood simply: men should be tough, fair, and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either." -John Wayne

I believe you are being petty in the manner in which you speak of someone who was ill and is now deceased.

I believe you are not being fair in your judgement of him or the lack of respect you show towards those who share a different opinion of the matter.

And I fully believe the only reason you continue to carry on and say many of the statements you have posted is because you have nothing better to do than look for an argument.

Next?

[elevenelevenxo]

Eleven, I just love your smileys attached to your snarky remarks, reminds me of here in the south:

"my goodness, what an ugly baby you have...bless his heart" :hysterical:

Sounds like something I would say...yes...

[Reinmaker]

Oh, no problem.

I think you don't get it because every single one of your posts regarding the whole Michael Jackson fiasco is in complete contrary to it.

"I define manhood simply: men should be tough, fair, and courageous, never petty, never looking for a fight, but never backing down from one either." -John Wayne

I believe you are being petty in the manner in which you speak of someone who was ill and is now deceased.

I believe you are not being fair in your judgement of him or the lack of respect you show towards those who share a different opinion of the matter.

And I fully believe the only reason you continue to carry on and say many of the statements you have posted is because you have nothing better to do than look for an argument.

Next?

Now that wasn't that hard was it? Isn't that so much better than just insulting the person you don't agree with?

I don't think it is petty to call a spade a spade. I have been very clear about my feelings of Michael Jackson as a man. I am entitled to that opinion and those feelings as much as you are to yours of him.

As for fairness, I have given logical reasoning for my judgement in the matter. Because you disagree doesn't mean I am not being fair. We have just come to different conclusions based on the evidence before us. It isn't a question of fairness. I have shown no lack of respect for others who don't hold the same opinion. If you will notice I have been insulted numerous times for my opinion, including by YOU.

You would be wrong. I just don't think it neccessary to couch my opinions or cower away because a vocal minority has deemed my opinion invalid.

[rocknK]

Just like Tupac...

But Tupac died from lead poisoning!

[HoustonFarrier]

[...]I just don't think it neccessary to couch my opinions or cower away because a vocal minority has deemed my opinion invalid.

See...that's where you went astray.....the vocal minority is ALWAYS right :p ... the silent majority is ALWAYS wrong :D

Steve

[HoustonFarrier]

But Tupac died from lead poisoning!

I believe it was more along the lines of multiple, high speed lead infusions..leading the achievment of room temperature :D:D

Steve

[rocknK]

HF, you do have a way with words!

[Ragnar Danneskjold]

[...].

...Which brings us to the most important thing about all this...

When does the new season of South Park start? :)

[elevenelevenxo]

...Which brings us to the most important thing about all this...

When does the new season of South Park start? :)

BAHAAHHAHAHA!!! Yes! Kudos Ragnar. And that's not sarcasm. :)

[elevenelevenxo]

Now that wasn't that hard was it? Isn't that so much better than just insulting the person you don't agree with?


Meh. It was an awful lot of effort....

[WashingtonBay]

October I think... or whenever they decide to got back to work a little ;)

[pandorasmom]

I'm jumping in on this late because we've been doing things to get ready for hay Friday, but all I'll say is I think having his memorial on over 13 channels is completely and udderly ridiculous!

I don't care what kinda celebrity you are! Ronald Reagan's death didn't get half of that coverage, and I wasn't around when Elvis died, so I don't know what he got. lol :p
We have people dieing for this country that don't get a kudos half the time, and when they do it's a little fine printed blurb in the corner of some newspaper or a small picture scrolled across the news. Now that person died for my freedom and he/she gets nothing really. MJ dies and because he's a famous person get's so much publicity it's not funny.
Don't understand me wrong, I'm not wishing MJ was dead or saying ignore the fact he is dead. I'm saying the news media should've never ever publicised (if that's a word) it this much.

I hope that wherever he is now he gets justice for whatever stuff he did do, and if he did nothing then there's nothing to worry about there either and he doesn't deserve justice for that. Regardless I do feel bad for his family and the fact he was a human life who had people who loved him ( in a family kinda way not just loving him because you were a fan) and now they are without a dad, brother, etc. I don't wish anyone ( well I may have a few,lol:p but he wasn't one) dead.

[elevenelevenxo]

I'm jumping in on this late because we've been doing things to get ready for hay Friday, but all I'll say is I think having his memorial on over 13 channels is completely and udderly ridiculous!

I don't care what kinda celebrity you are! Ronald Reagan's death didn't get half of that coverage, and I wasn't around when Elvis died, so I don't know what he got. lol :p
We have people dieing for this country that don't get a kudos half the time, and when they do it's a little fine printed blurb in the corner of some newspaper or a small picture scrolled across the news. Now that person died for my freedom and he/she gets nothing really. MJ dies and because he's a famous person get's so much publicity it's not funny.
Don't understand me wrong, I'm not wishing MJ was dead or saying ignore the fact he is dead. I'm saying the news media should've never ever publicised (if that's a word) it this much.

I hope that wherever he is now he gets justice for whatever stuff he did do, and if he did nothing then there's nothing to worry about there either and he doesn't deserve justice for that. Regardless I do feel bad for his family and the fact he was a human life who had people who loved him ( in a family kinda way not just loving him because you were a fan) and now they are without a dad, brother, etc. I don't wish anyone ( well I may have a few,lol:p but he wasn't one) dead.

Nice post, Pandora. I agree. Especially regarding the coverage of his death vs the deaths of how many hundreds/thousands of soldiers or other innocent people.

Wow, have we ever agreed in this section before? :eek:

[pandorasmom]

Nice post, Pandora. I agree. Especially regarding the coverage of his death vs the deaths of how many hundreds/thousands of soldiers or other innocent people.

Wow, have we ever agreed in this section before? :eek:


Wow, I think I just hit the floor. lol :p J/K *picks self off floor and resituates in chair* Nope, I don't think we have. But there's a first for everything, isn't there?

:D :D