Michael Jackson Hospitalized - Update: LA Times Reports Jackson Has Died

US News • Views: 2,794

I suppose we need a thread to talk about the breaking news that pop star Michael Jackson was rushed to UCLA Medical Center with “cardiac arrest.” No definitive word on his condition as I write this…

UPDATE at 6/25/09 3:16:04 pm:

TMZ reports that Jackson has died:

We’ve just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We’re told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.

UPDATE at 6/25/09 3:26:12 pm:

The Los Angeles Times reported at 3:15 pm that Michael Jackson is dead:

[Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.]

UPDATE at 6/25/09 3:41:21 pm:

Youtube Video

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539 comments
1 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:14:44pm

I pray his kids will be alright.

2 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:14:55pm

But we were talking about Jim Gilchrist!

3 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:15:03pm

TMZ and Drudge say he is already dead.

4 Killian Bundy  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:15:53pm

re: #3 zombie

TMZ and Drudge say he is already dead.

/he's not dead, he's pining for the fjords

5 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:16:26pm

I remember being 14 and waiting, eagerly for the world premier of Thriller on MTV.

He was handsome then.

6 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:16:38pm

re: #3 zombie

TMZ and Drudge say he is already dead.

LA Times says coma

Updated at 2:46 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson is in a coma and his family is arriving at his bedside, a law enforcement source told The Times.

Jackson was rushed to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center this afternoon by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics.

Fire Capt. Steve Ruda said paramedics responded to a call at Jackson's home at 12:26 p.m. He was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation and took him to the hospital, Ruda told The Times.]

7 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:17:14pm

Maybe waiting for all the family to come to the hospital before making a press release.

8 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:17:16pm

I'm going to try to remember him as the normal michael, and just hope his kids will be alright.

9 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:17:47pm

re: #8 Sharmuta

I'm going to try to remember him as the normal michael, and just hope his kids will be alright.

Jackson 5....what a great sound....all of that Motown stuff

10 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:00pm

Yahoo now reporting the TMZ report

[Link: omg.yahoo.com...]

11 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:12pm

LA times updated, He is dead

[Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.

12 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:16pm

re: #7 snowcrash

Maybe waiting for all the family to come to the hospital before making a press release.

I think that would be the proper and ethical thing for the hospital to do.

13 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:38pm

re: #1 Sharmuta

I pray his kids will be alright.

They're probably safer now.

14 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:40pm

re: #9 Desert Dog

Jackson 5....what a great sound....all of that Motown stuff

Who didn't love the Thriller album?

15 gw  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:49pm

Don't believe my tv is actually tuned to CNN but this deathwatch is as good as the OJ chase 15 years ago.....

16 researchok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:18:58pm

re: #8 Sharmuta

I'm going to try to remember him as the normal michael, and just hope his kids will be alright.

Well said.

He was a troubled soul, to be sure.

I wish his children well.

17 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:00pm

re: #13 Killgore Trout

They're probably safer now.

I hate to say I thought that too.

18 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:19pm

re: #13 Killgore Trout

Can we thrash all that out tomorrow?

19 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:22pm

re: #14 Sharmuta

Who didn't love the Thriller album?

I was a hard rocker by then, but, I still had a copy of that one.

20 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:24pm

re: #11 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

LA times updated, He is dead

[Updated at 3:15 p.m.: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.

Charles -- that deserves an update.

21 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:36pm

Michael Jackson has died, RadarOnline.com has confirmed. The singer passed away Thursday afternoon at UCLA Medical Center.

Don't know who radaronline is.....

22 james37211  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:43pm

......say what you will, Thriller and The Moon Walk ROCKED!

23 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:50pm

re: #14 Sharmuta

Who didn't love the Thriller album?

Me, but I was going through a "phase" right then. Baroque.

24 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:19:52pm

re: #14 Sharmuta

It took me a while. Then again I like Ted Nugent, Black Sabbath, Hank Williams Sr and Jr...

25 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:20:10pm

re: #19 Desert Dog

I was a hard rocker by then, but, I still had a copy of that one.

See? Everyone loved Thriller. I'm going to remember him that way.

26 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:20:32pm

re: #17 Sharmuta

Yeah, I'm trying to be be flip about this. His children will probably be well cared for.

27 nikis-knight  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:20:48pm

He was a strange man, strong evidence that fame is a two-edged sword at best.
RIP

28 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:09pm

re: #25 Sharmuta
Yep. He was the shiznit(?) then. My 15 yr old says that's the term. What do I know?

29 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:19pm

Even as a young boy with the Jackson 5, he had that star quality, a real entertainer.

30 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:28pm

re: #26 Killgore Trout

Yeah, I'm trying to be be flip about this. His children will probably be well cared for.

Actually, I doubt it. Their biological mother is insane too. She may very well get custody. Hundreds of devious sycophants will claw at them for their money.

31 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:34pm

Shocking.............I hate to speculate on the cause.

32 rightside  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:41pm

re: #21 jcm

celeb gossip site

33 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:43pm

re: #26 Killgore Trout

Yeah, I'm trying to be be flip about this. His children will probably be well cared for.

I hope there isn't a drawn out custody fight.

34 K2LAW  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:44pm

What a very strange person he was. I have no idea what happened to him in his childhood that caused him to turn out the way he did -- certainly his siblings had issues as well but nothing like him.

I hope his kids do well also. I wonder if the mother will get custody of the older two now or if she just totally sold them.

35 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:48pm

Poor guy was raised to be a circus freak and the world loved him and then piled on.

Rest his soul.

I have always felt sorry for Michael Jackson.

36 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:21:53pm

CNN latest word is that he's in a coma...

37 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:07pm

re: #30 zombie
Sadly true. Goddamn harpies.

38 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:12pm

re: #31 ted

Shocking.............I hate to speculate on the cause.

News reports say heart attack.

39 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:21pm

re: #30 zombie

Actually, I doubt it. Their biological mother is insane too. She may very well get custody. Hundreds of devious sycophants will claw at them for their money.

It will be an ugly spectacle for sure...

40 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:47pm

What a talent............

41 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:51pm

re: #36 Charles

CNN latest word is that he's in a coma...

LA Times says dead. See comment #11. They're on the scene - -CNN is not.

42 debutaunt  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:22:57pm

re: #23 Dianna

Me, but I was going through a "phase" right then. Baroque.

I missed the thrill as well.

43 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:02pm

A Warning on the Dangers of Fame and fortune and how it can warp a otherwise talented individual

44 Honorary Yooper  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:02pm

re: #14 Sharmuta

Who didn't love the Thriller album?

Thriller was a great album, as was the one before it, Off The Wall. I consider those to be the apex of his career, the best albums he made.

45 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:05pm

re: #36 Charles

CNN latest word is that he's in a coma...

LA Times reported that first as well, but they say Police reported his death at 3:15, see post 11

46 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:26pm

re: #29 snowcrash

Even as a young boy with the Jackson 5, he had that star quality, a real entertainer.

I remember when he was a little tiny kid on the Andy Williams show; he never took his eyes off the camera.

47 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:40pm

CNN's saying 'multiple sources confirm' the coma news...

48 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:23:54pm

re: #45 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
AFAIK, cops don't report deaths.

49 SixDegrees  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:00pm

re: #30 zombie

Actually, I doubt it. Their biological mother is insane too. She may very well get custody. Hundreds of devious sycophants will claw at them for their money.

No doubt. Anna Nicole to the tenth power.

50 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:07pm

re: #46 Dianna

I remember when he was a little tiny kid on the Andy Williams show; he never took his eyes off the camera.

A voice, the dance moves, the smile....the 1970's giganta-fro.....he was so cool.

51 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:26pm

re: #36 Charles

CNN latest word is that he's in a coma...

Schroedinger's Jackson?

52 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:27pm

re: #30 zombie

Actually, I doubt it. Their biological mother is insane too. She may very well get custody. Hundreds of devious sycophants will claw at them for their money.

I suspect there is no money. And no one knows who the mother of the youngest one is. Heck, I'm not convinced MJ was the father of that one.

53 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:28pm

I still enjoy his singing from the time before his voice changed. He could really belt 'em out.

54 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:37pm

re: #33 Sharmuta

He probably had good lawyers and a pretty solid will. There might be court challenges anyways.

55 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:50pm

re: #47 Charles

CNN's saying 'multiple sources confirm' the coma news...

LA Times has reporters at UCLA medical center -- as does TMZ.

CNN is behind the cutting edge on this one. I trust the on-site reporters.

56 oh_dude  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:54pm

I was a club DJ for about 5 years and I always remembered a song that would always get people on the floor even on slow nights, guaranteed.

It was Michael Jackson's "Rock with you"

I wasn't a really fan, but the dude was a hell of an entertainer...

RIP

57 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:56pm

re: #33 Sharmuta

I hope there isn't a drawn out custody fight.

I'm afraid there will be. Those kids are a gold mine, and there's a whole lot of people who will want the rights to them.

58 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:24:59pm

CBS (on the radio) confirmed, dead.

59 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:06pm

re: #49 SixDegrees
It'll make that mess look like a walk in the park.

60 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:13pm

re: #48 pingjockey

AFAIK, cops don't report deaths.

Just going by what LATimes said. "Notified by law enforcement"

61 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:13pm

re: #44 Honorary Yooper

Thriller was a great album, as was the one before it, Off The Wall. I consider those to be the apex of his career, the best albums he made.

I think the kind of stardom that comes with that level of success just ruins people- mentally. I recall George Harrison saying of Elvis that he felt kind of bad for him, because he had three other Beatles to relate with, but Elvis only had himself. Probably true of Michael.

62 danrudy  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:23pm

Possibly overdose of pain meds? I know he was taking those.

Didn't someone named Farrah Fawcett also pass away today?

MJ just took the spotlight away from her.

63 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:36pm

re: #34 K2LAW

What a very strange person he was. I have no idea what happened to him in his childhood that caused him to turn out the way he did -- certainly his siblings had issues as well but nothing like him.

I hope his kids do well also. I wonder if the mother will get custody of the older two now or if she just totally sold them.

Fame happened to him. He was surrounded by people that would not refuse his slightest whim for fear of being kicked off the gravy train. The parasites finally killed their host.

RIP Michael.

64 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:43pm

re: #58 Walter L. Newton

CBS (on the radio) confirmed, dead.

That cinches it.

Charles -- update time?

65 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:44pm

Who knows the true extent of what his body went through all these years.

66 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:25:46pm

re: #44 Honorary Yooper

Thriller was a great album, as was the one before it, Off The Wall. I consider those to be the apex of his career, the best albums he made.

I was a big Jackson 5 fan as a child. Even my dad, who was then in his 40s and usually preferred Broadway show tunes, bought their records and played them all the time.

67 Aye Pod  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:26:08pm

One of his best, IMO

Youtube Video
68 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:26:30pm

Billy Jean was an absolutely brilliant video... Great song... George Carlin said he was the greatest entertainer who ever lived.

I kinda have to agree.

69 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:26:54pm

re: #55 zombie

LA Times has reporters at UCLA medical center -- as does TMZ.

CNN is behind the cutting edge on this one. I trust the on-site reporters.

Got to agree, Most MSM sources are going off the on site reporters and are 20-30 minutes behind the news between posting and submitting thru their editors.

70 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:03pm

re: #67 Jimmah
Packed the dance floors everytime!

71 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:10pm

re: #64 zombie

That cinches it.

Charles -- update time?

But, as the report went on (I have radio on now), they were confirming it from all the sources that have been mentioned here. It's didn't seem like they had a in-hand source.

So, maybe?

72 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:17pm

re: #54 Killgore Trout

He probably had good lawyers and a pretty solid will. There might be court challenges anyways.

From all the news reports over the past few years, he was financially strapped. He left the Gulf and got sued by the Sheik, Neverland Ranch was repossessed. I think most of the Beatles catalog he owned is no longer his.....he was probably in debt up to his fake nose(s).

73 RightOnTheLeftCoast  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:27pm

Such a sad and tragic case of early stardom combined with a bit of insecurity, or possibly instability, ultimately destroying someone. Some can handle it, some can't.

The transition from young, talented superstar with unlimited potential into the reclusive, very strange person he became in adulthood was painful to watch. As others have said, I'll probably try to remember him from those heady early days and his apex with the "Thriller" album.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his kids.

74 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:27pm

I hope his kids are okay. As for him, well IMHO a pedophile can't die too young.

75 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:31pm

Yes, LA Times and CBS now confirming. Updated...

I couldn't get through to the LAT site for a while. Loads of traffic.

76 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:32pm

We all grew up with the Jackson 5.

77 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:27:37pm

re: #66 doppelganglander

I was a big Jackson 5 fan as a child.

"I Want You Back" and "The Love You Save" (both with Michael on vocals) are two of the greatest pop songs of all-time. For that alone he should be remembered.

78 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:28:08pm

LA Times: Michael Jackson dead at 50
msnbc.com - ‎3 minutes ago‎

79 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:28:14pm

re: #75 Charles

But, see my re: #71 Walter L. Newton

CBS was just repeating the other sources, not their own.

80 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:28:19pm

re: #70 snowcrash

Packed the dance floors everytime!

Still does, according to my daughter.

81 SixDegrees  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:28:31pm

re: #63 CyanSnowHawk

Fame happened to him. He was surrounded by people that would not refuse his slightest whim for fear of being kicked off the gravy train. The parasites finally killed their host.

RIP Michael.

To be honest, I'm much more swayed by Fawcett's death. Jackson has been committing a ghastly, public, slow-motion suicide for several years now, and I'm having trouble finding a rat's ass to give about it.

82 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:29:20pm

Didn't prisoners in some Asian jail dance to MJ's Thriller? The man was a global superstar.

83 Idle Drifter  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:29:22pm

If Michael Jackson is dead the probate courts are going to be besieged. Everything he ever had or touched will be seen as a quick rich scheme and I think the rights to the Beetles songs are going to be among the most sought after items. I hope his kids come out this OK.

84 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:29:27pm

re: #81 SixDegrees

To be honest, I'm much more swayed by Fawcett's death. Jackson has been committing a ghastly, public, slow-motion suicide for several years now, and I'm having trouble finding a rat's ass to give about it.

He's dead, that's not good, period.

85 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:29:34pm

FOX now confirming his death as well.

86 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:29:36pm

re: #74 Judith

He was not convicted; I do not know that he was a pedophile. It might be more appropriate to wait to say that sort of thing until tomorrow?

87 Sheila Broflovski  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:07pm

It is always sad news when someone this young passes away.

88 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:17pm

re: #72 Desert Dog

There's a big difference between rich people "broke" and normal people broke. I assume he probably had a couple hundred thousand left. Maybe even a million or so. That's plenty to give the kids a head start in life. He probably also had life insurance.

89 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:31pm

Fox is now reporting that he is dead. RIP. I dare say that Michael Jackson was one of the greatest entertainers of all time. I pray for the kids.

90 midwestgak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:40pm

6:15 EST Michael dead

91 Empire1  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:43pm

Fox just ruported they'd gotten word he's dead -- LATimes says died at 3:15 Pacific.

92 Kenneth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:52pm

A few days ago I read he was working out with Lou Ferengo in preparation for his come back shows in London. Ferengo said Jackson refused to do any weight training.

93 SixDegrees  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:54pm

re: #83 Idle Drifter

If Michael Jackson is dead the probate courts are going to be besieged. Everything he ever had or touched will be seen as a quick rich scheme and I think the rights to the Beetles songs are going to be among the most sought after items. I hope his kids come out this OK.

I think the Beatle's rights were sold off to pay debts a few years ago. I'm not sure there's much of an estate left.

94 see bs  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:30:58pm

little ot... While we know he is in serious condition, this is why I despise the MMM instead of reporting facts, we get half truths & speculation.

Anyway, its an end of an era when he is gone

95 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:03pm

re: #77 zombie

"I Want You Back" and "The Love You Save" (both with Michael on vocals) are two of the greatest pop songs of all-time. For that alone he should be remembered.

I was watching "America's Got Talent" last night, and 3 young sisters sang "I Want You Back" brilliantly. The youngest, around 9, sang Michael's part. They were just these sweet, fresh-scrubbed, modestly dressed little girls, and I was thinking about when the Jackson 5 were young and not crazy like that. It made me kind of sad, and I'm a little sad right now thinking about it. We were all a lot younger then.

96 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:10pm

re: #86 Dianna

He was not convicted; I do not know that he was a pedophile. It might be more appropriate to wait to say that sort of thing until tomorrow?

I'm absolutely no fan of his, but I agree 100%.

Let's show some dignity, folks.

97 Aye Pod  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:17pm

re: #70 snowcrash

Packed the dance floors everytime!

Even heavy metal fans may sometimes be discovered to have a copy of that album hidden away somewhere. I remember it was no 1 for what seemed like years here in the UK.

98 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:21pm

re: #90 midwestgak

6:15 EST Michael dead

Now you will admit it's not a publicity stunt? Please?

99 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:40pm

What a statement on the condition of our culture. While Jackson's passing is noteworthy, there are a lot more important things happening on this planet; and right now there is nothing else on the news but Michael Jackson. Prepare for round-the-clock Michael Jackson for the next 2 weeks. Ugh!

100 IslandLibertarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:41pm

Fox TV just said API said Michael Jackson is dead............

.........who knows for whom the bell tolls........

/ready?

101 Silvergirl  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:51pm

re: #84 Walter L. Newton

He's dead, that's not good, period.

Who are we to judge a death's timing in the grand scheme?

102 curt9988  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:31:55pm

Dude was good. Thriller was bada$$ (Eddie Van Halen!). Sorry to see him go.

103 calvin coolidge  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:08pm

On a bigger scale, the Iranian revolution is essentially over because for the next two weeks, every worldwide news agency will cover nothing but the Michael Jackson death and funeral.

104 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:16pm

re: #69 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Got to agree, Most MSM sources are going off the on site reporters and are 20-30 minutes behind the news between posting and submitting thru their editors.

Isn't this just typical of how the modern world has become? We demand the news to be INSTANT -- and mock any site that is 20 minutes behind the times.

In the old days, it took months for even the most important news to percolate through society (best example being in the War of 1812, when major battles continued long after the war was declared over in Washington DC -- it took weeks for the news to reach the battle lines).

105 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:22pm

re: #93 SixDegrees

I think the Beatle's rights were sold off to pay debts a few years ago. I'm not sure there's much of an estate left.

Did he even still own his own music catalog? I thought Paul McCartney bought it.

106 opnion  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:31pm

Michael had his issues. His life turned into a type of freak show & his relationship with children was disturbing.
He was a tortured human being & a huge talent.

107 Empire1  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:33pm

I never particularly liked him, but may he rest in peace, and his family is in my prayers.

108 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:39pm

re: #100 IslandLibertarian

Fox TV just said API said Michael Jackson is dead............

.........who knows for whom the bell tolls........

/ready?

"Send not to ask for whom the bell tolls."

John Donne.

109 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:32:55pm

re: #81 SixDegrees

To be honest, I'm much more swayed by Fawcett's death. Jackson has been committing a ghastly, public, slow-motion suicide for several years now, and I'm having trouble finding a rat's ass to give about it.

Dying is dying.....But, Farrah put up a good fight against a monster. I had a close friend succumb to cancer. Watching her whittle away from a vibrant person full of life to an empty shell was one of the most heart-wrenching things I have ever witnessed. It is not a good way to go. MJ abused his body in a various number of ways....a normal 50 year old does not normally die of a heart attack. Still, I am sad to see both of them go.

110 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:07pm

re: #81 SixDegrees

To be honest, I'm much more swayed by Fawcett's death. Jackson has been committing a ghastly, public, slow-motion suicide for several years now, and I'm having trouble finding a rat's ass to give about it.

Some of the comments from Ryan O'Neil were very moving. I hope God comforts both Ms Fawcett's family and the Jacksons.

Seems celebrity deaths come in twos at times. Jim Henson passed the same day as Sammy Davis Jr. Princess Diana and Mother Theresa were within days of each other. Perhaps it's because Jackson's death was sudden that it's bigger news. We knew Farrah was ill.

111 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:22pm

re: #104 zombie

Isn't this just typical of how the modern world has become? We demand the news to be INSTANT -- and mock any site that is 20 minutes behind the times.

In the old days, it took months for even the most important news to percolate through society (best example being in the War of 1812, when major battles continued long after the war was declared over in Washington DC -- it took weeks for the news to reach the battle lines).

Juneteenth is my favorite example of that.

112 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:24pm

re: #101 Silvergirl

Who are we to judge a death's timing in the grand scheme?

I'm talking about anyone being happy or glad or not giving a shit about him being dead, such as the comment I was replying to. That's just not right.

113 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:35pm

re: #103 calvin coolidge

On a bigger scale, the Iranian revolution is essentially over because for the next two weeks, every worldwide news agency will cover nothing but the Michael Jackson death and funeral.

Nah, it just means the Iranian revolution can proceed in peace.

/ major sarc.

114 midwestgak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:38pm

re: #98 Dianna

Now you will admit it's not a publicity stunt? Please?

Admit. Apologize. Sorry (Dianna).

115 WinterCat  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:48pm

Got to say that Michael's work in the '80s was great. Thriller is just an amazing song as is Man in the Mirror. Who can sit still through that one. As someone said, it is the end of an era.

116 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:51pm

re: #107 Empire1

Well said.

117 Kenneth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:51pm

re: #99 huckfunn

Good point, and so I dedicate this song to Mahmoud Fuckwad Ahmadinejad:

Youtube Video
118 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:33:53pm

re: #93 SixDegrees

I think the Beatle's rights were sold off to pay debts a few years ago. I'm not sure there's much of an estate left.

Oh man- let's not talk about the song book- I'm trying to be nice.

119 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:04pm

I saw his interview where he was asked if he had sex with that boy. He didn't deny it he just said he would never hurt a child. I am convinced he was one because I have dealt with them. He fits the profile too well. Many of them say exactly that, they would never hurt a child and they think kids ask for it. And no pedophile deserves even the tiniest modicum of respect or consideration IMHO.

I will give him that he was a major talent, as great as the Beetles and Elvis, and I loved Thriller, but that doesn't excuse what was happening at Never Land.

120 Desert Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:09pm

re: #88 Killgore Trout

There's a big difference between rich people "broke" and normal people broke. I assume he probably had a couple hundred thousand left. Maybe even a million or so. That's plenty to give the kids a head start in life. He probably also had life insurance.

You are probably right, I am not worried about his kids.....but, at one point, don't you think he was worth a considerable amount of money? 100's of millions of dollars, I would guess.....

121 HelloDare  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:20pm

re: #104 zombie

The war of 1812 is over?! When did that happen?

122 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:24pm

he seemed to be such a troubled person. so unhappy w/ himself.
every new surgery to "fix" his face.
he went from a fresh faced kid to a bizarre looking creature.
it was painful to watch him struggle.
hope he is at peace now. and i pray his children will properly cared for.

123 SummerSong  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:33pm

I walked outside to tell my husband. "Beat It" was playing on the radio. I burst into tears. I'm surprised at my emotions right now.

124 Russkilitlover  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:34:54pm

Le Roi est mort.

RIP, Michael.

125 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:00pm

re: #111 doppelganglander

Juneteenth is my favorite example of that.

I was going to mention that as well!

126 DaddyG  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:19pm

The public death of a public life.

Will he be displayed along side the bones of the elephant man?

Will Janet have a wardrobe malfunction during the eulogy.

/will I survive the whacking I'm about to receive from Dianna?

127 Kenneth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:26pm

re: #108 Dianna

"It tolls for thee."

128 Dianna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:32pm

re: #114 midwestgak

Way cool.

I'm out - heading home and placing my hopes for sustenance in my Male's hands.

129 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:36pm

re: #121 HelloDare

The war of 1812 is over?! When did that happen?

1815 ish. MSM can't even get that timeline right.

/

130 ssn697  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:38pm

I don't think I am going too far out on a limb by surmising they are going to find Elvis level drugs in his system.

The pressures of trying to make a comeback, combined with his already frail health...

131 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:35:48pm

re: #103 calvin coolidge

On a bigger scale, the Iranian revolution is essentially over because for the next two weeks, every worldwide news agency will cover nothing but the Michael Jackson death and funeral.

* * * *
Iranians picked a bad week to fight their oppressors. Better luck next time.

132 pre-Boomer Marine brat  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:15pm

re: #103 calvin coolidge

On a bigger scale, the Iranian revolution is essentially over because for the next two weeks, every worldwide news agency will cover nothing but the Michael Jackson death and funeral.

I understand how you mean that (and agree) but would seriously suggest the use of a /sarc tag next time.

You can also use a tag to insert an editorial comment which defines your comment more precisely ... such as:

/stupid media

133 SixDegrees  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:15pm

re: #118 Sharmuta

Oh man- let's not talk about the song book- I'm trying to be nice.

Beginning a self-imposed boycott of this topic 'til tomorrow, as I have nothing particularly pleasant to say, starting now.

134 Buster  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:34pm

re: #35 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Poor guy was raised to be a circus freak and the world loved him and then piled on.

Rest his soul.

I have always felt sorry for Michael Jackson.

It is sad what can happen to someone when there are no checks and balances. I hope he is at peace

135 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:37pm

re: #121 HelloDare

The war of 1812 is over?! When did that happen?

I know, I was shocked too when I heard the news. Found out just a couple days ago -- apparently, the British gave up and fled New Orleans! Good news!

136 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:57pm

re: #110 Sharmuta

As a young man, Farrah and I were intimate friends *(wink)*. I am saddened by her death.

But, gosh, Michael Jackson was bigger than Elvis. Bigger than Sinatra. He was an American Icon.

I only speak of his performing...many of the other things were rumor-mill fodder... or true... I don't know.

Not gonna judge him. Never did.

137 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:36:57pm

After the death of Farrah Fawcett is on Wikipedia for at least half an hour. They now have also amended the page of Michael Jackson accordingly.

138 Kenneth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:05pm

re: #119 Judith

Michael's father raped and beat him.

139 Silvergirl  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:07pm

re: #112 Walter L. Newton

I'm talking about anyone being happy or glad or not giving a shit about him being dead, such as the comment I was replying to. That's just not right.

Why not? Wasn't the comment about the fact that it's been kind of a slow-mo suicide (something like that), and how miserable he's been for so long? Sometimes people say it's a blessing and a relief to see beloved family members pass on after lengthy suffering--though not often accompanied by "having a hard time giving a rat's ass".

140 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:18pm

re: #124 Russkilitlover

There was only one king of rock and roll, and he died in Memphis nearly 32 years ago......
That said, it is so sad that Michael Jackson has died at such a relatively young age when he was planning a comeback series of concerts. RIP, indeed. He certainly had little of it on this earth.

141 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:28pm

Ben

Youtube Video
142 Jewels (AKA Julian)  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:29pm

again... Farrah Fawcett Dies at 62, Succumbs to Cancer
[Link: abcnews.go.com...]

143 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:37:42pm

re: #103 calvin coolidge

On a bigger scale, the Iranian revolution is essentially over because for the next two weeks, every worldwide news agency will cover nothing but the Michael Jackson death and funeral.

Sad, but true.

144 SummerSong  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:04pm

MTV - The network Michael Jackson built.

145 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:08pm

re: #137 callahan23

After the death of Farrah Fawcett is on Wikipedia for at least half an hour. They now have also amended the page of Michael Jackson accordingly.

It's like the 70s and the 80s died on the same day.

146 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:15pm

re: #138 Kenneth

happens to lots of people who don't become child abusers, no excuses

147 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:21pm

re: #138 Kenneth

Michael's father raped and beat him.

Beat, yes, but I never heard he was sexually abused by his dad. Where did you hear that?

148 Idle Drifter  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:27pm

re: #93 SixDegrees

I think the Beatle's rights were sold off to pay debts a few years ago. I'm not sure there's much of an estate left.

Well what ever is left will be fought over in court.
As for ownership according to Snopes Michael owned about half with Sony/ATV music publishing owning the rest.

149 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:32pm

re: #144 SummerSong
That is one helluva point.

150 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:32pm

re: #135 zombie

I know, I was shocked too when I heard the news. Found out just a couple days ago -- apparently, the British gave up and fled New Orleans! Good news!

Actually, they fled because of Katerina.

/

151 Russkilitlover  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:34pm

re: #140 tradewind

There was only one king of rock and roll, and he died in Memphis nearly 32 years ago......
That said, it is so sad that Michael Jackson has died at such a relatively young age when he was planning a comeback series of concerts. RIP, indeed. He certainly had little of it on this earth.

King of Pop! One and only.

152 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:38pm

re: #33 Sharmuta

Who would fight for their custody against their Mom? Janet?

153 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:38:41pm

re: #140 tradewind

There was only one king of rock and roll, and he died in Memphis nearly 32 years ago......
That said, it is so sad that Michael Jackson has died at such a relatively young age when he was planning a comeback series of concerts. RIP, indeed. He certainly had little of it on this earth.

Elvis was the King of Rock, but Michael was the King of Pop. He never really did rock 'n' roll, just R&B-tinged pop music.

154 Charles Johnson  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:09pm
Youtube Video
155 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:10pm

re: #139 Silvergirl

Why not? Wasn't the comment about the fact that it's been kind of a slow-mo suicide (something like that), and how miserable he's been for so long? Sometimes people say it's a blessing and a relief to see beloved family members pass on after lengthy suffering--though not often accompanied by "having a hard time giving a rat's ass".

It was the "rat's ass" part of the comment that I found offensive. And SixDegrees said in #133..

Beginning a self-imposed boycott of this topic 'til tomorrow, as I have nothing particularly pleasant to say, starting now.

My point is made.

156 Kenneth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:24pm

re: #146 Judith

it's not offered as an excuse.

157 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:31pm

re: #150 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Actually, they fled because of Katerina.

/

That figure skater?

158 RightOnTheLeftCoast  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:37pm

In an eerie bit of coincidence, I just heard The Jackson 5 singing "I'll Be There" with a very young Michael on lead vocal...

... I thought that the station (Spike) had broken in with a news update and a quickie retrospective, but instead it was a State Farm Insurance commercial!

Timing... timing is everything!

159 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:38pm

re: #145 Occasional Reader

It's like the 70s and the 80s died on the same day.

Formative decades of my youth.
Wow. - Very sad wow.

160 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:40pm

re: #152 tradewind
God only knows. That is one very dysfunctional family.

161 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:43pm

My son just texted me...

"he ruled. I am not taking that away from him. But he had nothing left to contribute."

Wow. Hope he isn't near my life-support system at my end...

162 shifty  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:50pm

I wonder what totally effed up way he will be buried/cryoed/creamated.

163 opnion  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:39:59pm

White Sox defeat the Dodgers 6 to 5 in 13 innings.

164 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:02pm

re: #154 Charles

[Video]

Now that's the Michael Jackson I will always remember!

165 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:14pm

Looking at news footage, he appears almost anorexic..... maybe the same thing that happened to Karen Carpenter? Didn't she have a heart attack?

166 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:16pm

re: #150 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Actually, they fled because of Katerina.

/

The British losing the war of 1812 is Bush's fault!

167 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:30pm

Medical malpractice contributed to Jackson's death.

Jackson's cosmetic plastic surgeons are complicit in his death, taking a handsome young man and turning him into a medical experiment gone wrong.

President Obama ought to "meddle" in this medical crime, and take Jackson's doctors' medical licenses away.

Greedy bastard plastic surgeons ruined this man.

168 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:36pm

re: #157 Occasional Reader

(Witty)

169 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:44pm

re: #99 huckfunn

What a statement on the condition of our culture. While Jackson's passing is noteworthy, there are a lot more important things happening on this planet; and right now there is nothing else on the news but Michael Jackson. Prepare for round-the-clock Michael Jackson for the next 2 weeks. Ugh!

Maybe so...But your comment is uncalled for.......A man just lost his life and the first thing you post is there are more important things to talk about....
You are being disrespectful....
I don't recall you being around here for months saying shit about anything important...Yet you jump in here and render your judgment about the condition of our culture.....
This isn't the time
This isn't the thread

170 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:40:53pm

Farrah and MJ on the same day. I suddenly feel very old.

171 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:41:26pm

re: #162 shifty

What did he end up as, Jehovah's Witness or Muslim?

172 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:41:29pm

re: #161 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Wow. Hope he isn't near my life-support system at my end...

Don't worry, in the finest Eskimo tradition (apocryphally, anyway), your son already has a nice ice floe all picked out for you.

/

173 BignJames  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:41:41pm

Whatever your tastes....the man was a great and innovative musical talent.

174 bbuddha  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:41:41pm

An incredibly gifted performer. It's really tragic that he went so off the rails,

175 Honorary Yooper  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:41:49pm

re: #144 SummerSong

MTV - The network Michael Jackson built.

The irony of that is that MTV would not play videos by Black performers until Jackson's record company threatened to remove all of their videos from MTV unless they played his. You might say that Jackson broke the MTV color barrier.

176 Son of the Black Dog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:42:08pm

re: #120 Desert Dog

You are probably right, I am not worried about his kids.....but, at one point, don't you think he was worth a considerable amount of money? 100's of millions of dollars, I would guess.....

If there's the kind of insurance I'd expect him to have had, he may be worth more dead than he was when alive. But, with the proceeds in trust for his children. That could produce a major custody battle. And don't assume he had his affairs in order. 50 y/o stars frequently leave things in a mess.

177 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:42:36pm

re: #154 Charles

Thanks, Charles. That's how I want to remember him.

178 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:42:39pm

re: #166 jcm

The British losing the war of 1812 is Bush's fault!

Obama would have opened dialog.

Anyone catch the new Transformers yet? They make a dig on that.

179 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:42:43pm

re: #175 Honorary Yooper

What? I never knew that. How the hell could they think they'd get away with that?

180 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:42:49pm

re: #167 alegrias

Medical malpractice contributed to Jackson's death.

Jackson's cosmetic plastic surgeons are complicit in his death, taking a handsome young man and turning him into a medical experiment gone wrong.

President Obama ought to "meddle" in this medical crime, and take Jackson's doctors' medical licenses away.

Greedy bastard plastic surgeons ruined this man.

I think he was 'ruined' at an early age. As I said earlier, he was the Jacksons ticket out of Gary IN. An impossible amount of pressure to put on a 5 year old kid.

181 ryannon  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:43:19pm

One of his best. The words and images say much about the man.

Rest in peace, Michael.

Youtube Video
182 bruxellesblog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:43:38pm

re: #8 Sharmuta

I'm going to try to remember him as the normal michael


You must have an incredible memory to dig that far back...

My first record ever purchased, jackson 5's greatest hits. Still have the record sleeve that explains how I can cut along the dotted line, fill in my address and become Tito or Michale's personal Soul Mate.

183 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:43:38pm

re: #175 Honorary Yooper

The irony of that is that MTV would not play videos by Black performers until Jackson's record company threatened to remove all of their videos from MTV unless they played his. You might say that Jackson broke the MTV color barrier.

Um... you sure about that? I find this very hard to believe. MTV played whatever was popular, right from the outset, AFAIK. It's not like MTV was around during the Jim Crow days.

184 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:43:53pm

re: #178 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
Going this weekend. The 9 yr old has been up in arms for a month!

185 unrealizedviewpoint  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:02pm

re: #138 Kenneth

Michael's father raped and beat him.

I recall Michael claimed beatings, but rape? That's quite a charge.

186 Idle Drifter  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:06pm

Thriller

187 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:11pm

Any chance this is another Heath Ledger-type death by "mis-adventure", i.e.; he took something that caused his cardiac arrest?

188 Buster  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:21pm

re: #165 tradewind

Looking at news footage, he appears almost anorexic..... maybe the same thing that happened to Karen Carpenter? Didn't she have a heart attack?

I heard a comedian once say that id Karen Carpenter and Momma Cass had split a sandwich, they'd both be alive today.

And yes she Karen) died of heart failure.

189 SummerSong  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:31pm

re: #175 Honorary Yooper

The irony of that is that MTV would not play videos by Black performers until Jackson's record company threatened to remove all of their videos from MTV unless they played his. You might say that Jackson broke the MTV color barrier.


I remember.

190 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:33pm

With everything he had done to his body over the years, you've got to imagine what a wreck he was. Of course, according to him, he never had plastic surgery.

191 wrenchwench  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:44:56pm

re: #154 Charles

Thanks! No lip-syncing there!

192 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:45:10pm

re: #154 Charles

[Video]

One forgets that Michael was just TEN years old when he made that song.

Michael Jackson really ranks with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as one of the greatest musical child prodigies who was ever born. Talent like that at such a young age is not learned -- you are born with it.

He was literally a genius. Who was later driven insane by fame. (Similar to Bobby Fisher as well.)

193 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:45:25pm

I remember a video of him dangling his baby over a balcony railing. Just part of the craziness of the later years of MJ. I'll stick to my memories of his younger years when he was probably much happier.

194 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:45:42pm

re: #168 tradewind

(Witty)

If you try to make more figure skating puns, I'll be forced to resort to Tae Kwan Do.

195 Bloodnok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:45:42pm

re: #179 pingjockey

What? I never knew that. How the hell could they think they'd get away with that?

It's true. You wouldn't think that kind of thing would be happening in 1983, but it did. It probably wasn't overt racism, but fear of the network "not playing in Peoria".

196 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:46:01pm

I just pray he has peace now.

197 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:46:09pm

re: #192 zombie

Ugh, Bobby F'in Antisemite.
I had almost forgotten about that creep.

198 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:46:21pm

re: #184 pingjockey

Going this weekend. The 9 yr old has been up in arms for a month!

Took my 7 and 6 year old. They loved it. I thought one or two parts didn't quite fit, but the kids liked them.

199 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:46:39pm

re: #165 tradewind

Looking at news footage, he appears almost anorexic..... maybe the same thing that happened to Karen Carpenter? Didn't she have a heart attack?

that crossed my mind too.
he really looked unhealthy and way too thin.
the heart can only take so much.

200 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:46:59pm

re: #196 pingjockey

I just pray he has peace now.

Unless, of course, he really did abuse those children.

201 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:47:10pm

With Sonny and Cher

Youtube Video
202 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:47:11pm

re: #195 Bloodnok
I had no damn idea. Then again was out of the country for most of 1979 to 1983. Goddamn Iranians and such.

203 pbird  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:47:42pm

re: #30 zombie

Actually, I doubt it. Their biological mother is insane too. She may very well get custody. Hundreds of devious sycophants will claw at them for their money.

The horrible probability is there for sure.

204 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:47:47pm

re: #198 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
Gotta admit the CGI stuff is crazy cool.

205 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:06pm

re: #195 Bloodnok

It's true. You wouldn't think that kind of thing would be happening in 1983, but it did. It probably wasn't overt racism, but fear of the network "not playing in Peoria".

I'm guessing it was more that MTV started out focused on Rock n' Roll; and there just weren't that many black rockers in the early 80s.

206 Honorary Yooper  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:20pm

re: #183 Occasional Reader

Um... you sure about that? I find this very hard to believe. MTV played whatever was popular, right from the outset, AFAIK. It's not like MTV was around during the Jim Crow days.

They played a few such as "Electric Avenue" by Eddie Grant, but they would not play Rick James and others until CBS Records threatened to pull all their songs from MTV unless Michael Jackson's songs (very popular on the radio) were played. MTV would not even play one of Jackson's song until then. The first one was "Billie Jean", and then went on to make MTV what is was for much of the '80s.

207 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:32pm

re: #200 Occasional Reader
There is that. Depends on your beliefs I guess.

208 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:52pm

re: #202 pingjockey

I had no damn idea. Then again was out of the country for most of 1979 to 1983. Goddamn Iranians and such.

How well did the AC work in the sonar compartment while in the Gulf?

;-)

209 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:52pm

re: #187 calcajun

Any chance this is another Heath Ledger-type death by "mis-adventure", i.e.; he took something that caused his cardiac arrest?

I hope it wasn't drug related.

210 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:48:55pm

I liked this one because it was so personal.

211 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:49:12pm

re: #200 Occasional Reader

Regardless of intent, taking those young boys into his bed on sleepovers was certainly abuse, even if there was no actual assault.
I still hope he rests in peace.

212 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:49:16pm
213 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:49:20pm

re: #169 HoosierHoops

Who put you in charge of deciding which comments are called for, or not? There is not one bit of disrespect in that post! I said that his passing is noteworthy. However, we are about to descend into a media frenzy over Michael Jackson that will stifle all other news. Congress is about to tax you out of existence with Cap & Trade and they'll do it under the cover of Michael Jackson hysteria such as you exhibit. And I'll come and go on this thread as I please. Get lost!

214 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:49:28pm

I forgot to acknowledge some of the NON-elective plastic surgery Michael Jackson underwent was for his burns on stage in 1984 when fireworks or something went wrong.

Reconstructive plastic surgery for burns is one thing.

215 midwestgak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:49:51pm

re: #159 callahan23

Formative decades of my youth.
Wow. - Very sad wow.

Farrah and Michael gained our attention. Why? They made a difference when were listening. When we looked and engaged. Like LGF. Imagine LGF without realwest, for example.

216 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:50:33pm

re: #196 pingjockey

amen

217 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:01pm

re: #208 jcm
Froze your ass off. We all had the sniffles the whole time. Go from 65 inside Sonar 1 to 120 outside on deck. Just frackin' viscious.
FNC saying mass hysteria at the hospital. Someone pulled a fire alarm for no reason, crowds of idiots, etc...

218 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:24pm

What a sad and strange life he lived, from growing up with an abusive father, to the obsession with cosmetic surgery and little boys.

219 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:26pm

re: #214 alegrias

He admitted to having two plastic surgeries, and said they were for non cosmetic reasons.
What ev.......
It is a fact that he had a really serious case of vitiligo, and I think he started with the surgeries to attempt to correct it.

220 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:29pm

re: #204 pingjockey

Gotta admit the CGI stuff is crazy cool.

Ravage was my favorite, robotic tiger with dual automatic cannons. There was another cool one, but its a secret.

221 snowcrash  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:35pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog
Aaron please. His conversion is such a tiny portion of his history.

222 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:38pm

re: #215 midwestgak

Lovely, Real is awsome. But there are many, many Lizards that bring much wisdom to LGF.

*blink*

223 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:51:58pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog
Just leave it be. Let well enough alone.

224 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:52:06pm

re: #176 Son of the Black Dog

If there's the kind of insurance I'd expect him to have had, he may be worth more dead than he was when alive. But, with the proceeds in trust for his children. That could produce a major custody battle. And don't assume he had his affairs in order. 50 y/o stars frequently leave things in a mess.

Who would issue life insurance on him? Even if he did have it, I agree his affairs are probably a mess. He seemed blissfully unaware of his own financial state.

225 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:52:37pm

re: #220 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
Yeah, please. The better half is even gonna go!

226 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:52:38pm

re: #206 Honorary Yooper

Thriller redefined music videos. It's was a national event when it debuted. Embedding disabled by request, but here it is in its full length glory:

Thriller

227 mfarmer1  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:52:44pm

Thank you Farrah Fawcett. Thank you Michael Jackson.

-Mark Sanford

228 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:52:47pm

Remember...He was still found innocent.

229 yochanan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:06pm

i don't speak ill of the dead so i will not say anything at all.
over and ....

230 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:06pm

re: #224 doppelganglander

He seemed blissfully unaware of his own financial state.

Micheal Jackson is my wife?

231 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:07pm

I wonder if Jimmy Kimmel will have Dave Berg on his show tonight? He first got hooked up with the show during his vigil outside the Michael Jackson trial.

232 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:10pm

re: #214 alegrias

I forgot to acknowledge some of the NON-elective plastic surgery Michael Jackson underwent was for his burns on stage in 1984 when fireworks or something went wrong.

Reconstructive plastic surgery for burns is one thing.

That's true, it was for that Pepsi commercial, and I believe mostly affected his scalp. He really did have vitiligo, too. Doesn't explain the nose, though.

233 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:11pm

famous people die in three's....I was not a Jackson fan....way to weird for me....his moomn walk was a classic tho

234 horse  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:16pm

His music in the 80's was theme music in high school and college. I can't hear one of his many top performing songs from that time without positive memories bubbling up. The last decade was a real disappointment, but as others have pointed out, that kind of celebrity from childhood forward makes for an unreal life and a confused mind. May he find rest and may his children be protected from the dirty parasites that infected and leached from their father.

235 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:53:46pm

re: #215 midwestgak

Farrah and Michael gained our attention. Why? They made a difference when were listening. When we looked and engaged. Like LGF. Imagine LGF without realwest, for example.

I don't wanna go there.

236 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:09pm
237 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:19pm

re: #217 pingjockey

Froze your ass off. We all had the sniffles the whole time. Go from 65 inside Sonar 1 to 120 outside on deck. Just frackin' viscious.
FNC saying mass hysteria at the hospital. Someone pulled a fire alarm for no reason, crowds of idiots, etc...

LOL! Sounds like AF basic at San Antonio in July.

Why would people even go to the hospital for this?

238 Kragar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:23pm

re: #225 pingjockey

Yeah, please. The better half is even gonna go!

Wife went too, she loved it.

239 Bloodnok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:23pm

re: #205 Occasional Reader

I'm guessing it was more that MTV started out focused on Rock n' Roll; and there just weren't that many black rockers in the early 80s.

True, when they started they only played videos from ANYONE who made them, which happened to be a lot of British New Wave and New Romantic acts. Plus cable networks were trying to sell their product nationally, which probably had some of the say in it. I remember cable being a luxury item until the mid 80's. At least where I was.

240 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:53pm

re: #172 Occasional Reader

Don't worry, in the finest Eskimo tradition (apocryphally, anyway), your son already has a nice ice floe all picked out for you.

/

I dig.

241 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:54:54pm

re: #228 ted

Remember...He was still found innocentnot guilty.

[there is no such thing as being "found innocent" under the US legal system, technically speaking]

242 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:55:22pm

re: #237 jcm
They need a life I guess. Want to somehow be a part of history.

243 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:55:26pm
244 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:55:44pm

re: #239 Bloodnok

True, when they started they only played videos from ANYONE who made them, which happened to be a lot of British New Wave and New Romantic acts.

And of course the very first video played on MTV was.... [NO GOOGLING/YAHOOING/ETC.]

245 Mad Mullah  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:06pm

Wow, shocking news!

Michael Jackson was the most famous and recognizable person in the world. I've never seen crowds and fans go as ballistic as they did when Michael Jackson would show up somewhere. I saw him live in concert about 20 years ago.

Musically speaking, I wasn't that into his recent records, but he's made some great records and classics before that. RIP

246 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:14pm

re: #243 ted
58 posts

247 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:14pm

re: #213 huckfunn

Who put you in charge of deciding which comments are called for, or not? There is not one bit of disrespect in that post! I said that his passing is noteworthy. However, we are about to descend into a media frenzy over Michael Jackson that will stifle all other news. Congress is about to tax you out of existence with Cap & Trade and they'll do it under the cover of Michael Jackson hysteria such as you exhibit. And I'll come and go on this thread as I please. Get lost!


You equate the death of a pop star with cap and trade politics....
This isn't the thread for that... If I misinterpreted your post I am sorry...
I won't get lost....I have the same right to opinion as you....
I try to respect a man when he dies... you asshole this is his thread..
See you on the private threads if you can't hang with a little respect for a dead man...
Cap and trade...F U...

248 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:18pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog

Stow it for another time.

249 Russkilitlover  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:18pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog

FOAD, bigot!

250 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:18pm

Wow-the icons from my childhood/ adolescence took a beating today. Now I know how my parents felt when Elvis died.

251 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:20pm

re: #244 Occasional Reader

And of course the very first video played on MTV was.... [NO GOOGLING/YAHOOING/ETC.]

Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles

252 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:23pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog

We all have flaws. Have some class.

253 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:26pm

re: #183 Occasional Reader

I heard the same thing...

254 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:28pm

re: #241 Occasional Reader

[there is no such thing as being "found innocent" under the US legal system, technically speaking]

I stand corrected.

255 Bloodnok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:31pm

re: #244 Occasional Reader

And of course the very first video played on MTV was.... [NO GOOGLING/YAHOOING/ETC.]

Buggles. VKTRS

256 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:33pm

re: #244 Occasional Reader

And of course the very first video played on MTV was.... [NO GOOGLING/YAHOOING/ETC.]

Video killed the radio star, by the ...something with "oogles"

257 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:44pm

re: #244 Occasional Reader
Hah! Video killed the radio star, the buggles!

258 SFGoth  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:48pm

He finally got the message and beat it.

259 RightOnTheLeftCoast  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:55pm

re: #205 Occasional Reader

I'm guessing it was more that MTV started out focused on Rock n' Roll; and there just weren't that many black rockers in the early 80s.

The first video I remember seeing on MTV was Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing"... it had been around before then, but I hadn't watched it much.

260 RexMundi  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:56:57pm

How soon before the conspiracy theorists start talking about his death being faked, like Elvis and Tupac? What a shame.

261 Dar ul Harb  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:57:05pm

I imagine that Elvis will be greeting MJ with a few karate moves.

262 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:57:05pm

re: #248 jcm

Stow it for another time.

Sorry. Had to do it.

263 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:58:23pm

My claim to 80s/MTV fame: I met Martha Quinn.

264 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:58:37pm

re: #262 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Sorry. Had to do it.

Thought that after I clicked post........

265 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:58:52pm

re: #259 RightOnTheLeftCoast

The first video I remember seeing on MTV was Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing"... it had been around before then, but I hadn't watched it much.

Earliest one I have a clear memory of seeing was Wall of Voodoo's "Mexican Radio".

266 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:58:58pm

re: #196 pingjockey

I just pray he has peace now.

...and gets his original face back?///

Sorry, could not resist.

267 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:58:59pm

re: #244 Occasional Reader

And of course the very first video played on MTV was.... [NO GOOGLING/YAHOOING/ETC.]

Video killed the radio star
by the Buggles

268 Idle Drifter  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:59:18pm

re: #261 Dar ul Harb

I imagine that Elvis will be greeting MJ with a few karate moves.

How long before the tabloids start posting Michael Jackson sightings.
Yes, I'm serious.

269 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 3:59:27pm

where did all his money go?....that must be a hell of a celebrity story

270 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:06pm

re: #269 albusteve

where did all his money go?....that must be a hell of a celebrity story

Lawsuit settlements.

271 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:06pm

re: #227 mfarmer1

That is stone cold...
(and oh so true)....

272 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:12pm

re: #247 HoosierHoops

You equate the death of a pop star with cap and trade politics....
This isn't the thread for that... If I misinterpreted your post I am sorry...
I won't get lost....I have the same right to opinion as you....
I try to respect a man when he dies... you asshole this is his thread..
See you on the private threads if you can't hang with a little respect for a dead man...
Cap and trade...F U...

Thanks, Hoop. You've illustrated my point as eloquently as you possibly can.

273 irongrampa  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:17pm

re: #219 tradewind

What on earth is vitiligo?

274 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:25pm

Okay. Who takes up the mantle?

I'm guessing Prince is the closest living thing to the best entertainer in the world who used to really be somebody and now is just a fantastic memory?

275 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:31pm

re: #251 doppelganglander

Video Killed the Radio Star by the Buggles

I was first, OR, what do I win?

276 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:47pm

re: #212 aaron's rantblog

if you cannot say something nice...

277 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:51pm

re: #269 albusteve

where did all his money go?....that must be a hell of a celebrity story

It's pretty apparent he spent money like our congress without the ability to tax or print money. Not a very good combination.

278 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:57pm

How sadly ironic that Michael Jackson died before his closest friend, Elizabeth Taylor.

279 bbuddha  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:00:59pm

re: #218 Ward Cleaver

I always wondered if the obsession with little boys was about him basically losing his own childhood. Behavior wasn't acceptable but may not have been sexual at all.

280 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:05pm

re: #237 jcm

LOL! Sounds like AF basic at San Antonio in July.

Why would people even go to the hospital for this?

I guess after they suffer from seizures caused by hysteria they can get treatment?

/

281 yochanan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:12pm

if your rich they say you are eccentric and if your are poor they say you are crazy.

282 Killgore Trout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:19pm

re: #269 albusteve

I think he paid a lot of money out to his child "friends" to keep them out of court. He probably also made bad investments and had crooked money managers.

283 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:34pm

re: #276 calcajun

/...then make damn sure it's funny.../

284 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:37pm

They're saying heart attack. This isn't surprising he passed. The majority of men don't survive their first heart attack. Terrible way to go. So sudden.

285 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:45pm

re: #273 irongrampa

What on earth is vitiligo?

Loss of skin pigmentation.

286 BignJames  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:46pm

re: #265 Occasional Reader

Earliest one I have a clear memory of seeing was Wall of Voodoo's "Mexican Radio".

Too old for MTV.....but I did watch "100 Greatest Rock Songs" on MTV/VH1.....never seen so many Hair/Metal bands.

287 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:47pm

re: #261 Dar ul Harb

I imagine that Elvis will be greeting MJ with a few karate moves.

Let he who is without sin, Elvis...

288 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:01:53pm

re: #273 irongrampa

What on earth is vitiligo?

it's a splotchy depigmentation of the skin. Found in all races, but obviously more noticeable on a black person. I worked with a woman who had it, and it's quite disfiguring and can really harm your personal life.

289 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:01pm

re: #270 Sharmuta

Lawsuit settlements.


that and a lavish lifestyle....who will play him in the movie?

290 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:02pm
291 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:03pm

re: #275 doppelganglander

I was first, OR, what do I win?

A controlling equity interest in General Motors! Shared with 300 million of your closest friends.

292 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:10pm

Just did a quickie lit review and there is one small study that found an association with having vitiligo and sudden death due to heart blockage but given what else went on in that man's life it may or may not be related.

293 yochanan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:32pm

cap and trade could lead to a depression

294 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:39pm

re: #278 tradewind

How sadly ironic that Michael Jackson died before his closest friend, Elizabeth Taylor.

She's close to the top of the celebrity "death watch" isn't she? I heard that she is in failing health, too.

295 Mich-again  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:46pm

I was a huge fan of the J-5 when I was a little kid. They put out some of the very best of all the Motown songs, with the amazing little kid Michael as a 12 year old front man with his four older brothers backing him up. (I can remember Tito and Germaine, forgot the others' names.) I remember the pop music rivalry with the Osmonds and even their competing Saturday morning cartoon shows. You had to pick your favorite. There was no doubt for me. Michael J was cool. Donny? Not a chance.

Michael turned out to be a strange bird for sure, but he was an amazing talent and I still like listening to anything he did with the J-5 and even some of the music he made later on as the King of Pop. Its a shame he's gone. He was far too young.

May he rest in peace, but may his music live on.

296 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:52pm

re: #272 huckfunn

Thanks, Hoop. You've illustrated my point as eloquently as you possibly can.

"Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot." Mark Twain

And may I add... persons trying to find any intelligence in it...

Jerk.

297 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:02:52pm

re: #274 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Okay. Who takes up the mantle?

I'm guessing Prince is the closest living thing to the best entertainer in the world who used to really be somebody and now is just a fantastic memory?

* * * *
Different strokes for different folks.
Not everyone agrees with what constitutes the "best entertainer in the world."

298 IslandLibertarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:05pm

California, here we come......................

299 doppelganglander  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:13pm

re: #291 Occasional Reader

A controlling equity interest in General Motors! Shared with 300 million of your closest friends.

Deal! And now, I'm off to dinner. Later, lizards.

300 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:16pm

re: #292 Judith

Just did a quickie lit review and there is one small study that found an association with having vitiligo and sudden death due to heart blockage but given what else went on in that man's life it may or may not be related.

Link please.

301 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:19pm

re: #283 tradewind

Amen to that.

302 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:29pm

re: #272 huckfunn

Thanks, Hoop. You've illustrated my point as eloquently as you possibly can.

Hey huck...Didn't want to get in a pissing match with you....I didn't think it was the right thread tonight...
Sorry dude..Let's drop it ok?
Hope you are doing ok...

303 midwestgak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:37pm

re: #222 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Lovely, Real is awsome. But there are many, many Lizards that bring much wisdom to LGF.

*blink*

Sweet one {Fat Bastard Vegetarian} You are so correct. Didn't mean to minimize anyone here. All you lizards out there . . . Thank you for your updings and responses to my comments. Thank you for your contributions.

When I am here, I read all your comments. Some of you have given me help that no upding will replace. Keep giving them, of course. /

To end this I will give a wise quote, "But there are many, many Lizards that bring much wisdom to LFG."

304 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:40pm
305 Opilio  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:48pm

re: #273 irongrampa

What on earth is vitiligo?

Viliglio is a chronic relatively common dermatologic disorder that causes depigmentation in patches of skin. It occurs when the melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. The most notable symptom of vitiligo is the depigmentation of patches of skin that occurs on the extremities. Although patches are initially small in size, they can often start to enlarge and change shape. ...

306 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:59pm

re: #274 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Okay. Who takes up the mantle?

I'm guessing Prince is the closest living thing to the best entertainer in the world who used to really be somebody and now is just a fantastic memory?

Yes Prince used to be fantastic he still is good though.
At least he didn't completely go off the rails. (Except his rather in your face religiosity of late).

307 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:03:59pm

re: #293 yochanan

cap and trade could lead to a depression

I'm depressed about it. Get ready for a bumpy ride.

308 Arby Dwiar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:04:17pm

re: #56 oh_dude

I was a club DJ for about 5 years and I always remembered a song that would always get people on the floor even on slow nights, guaranteed.

It was Michael Jackson's "Rock with you"

I wasn't a really fan, but the dude was a hell of an entertainer...

RIP

That was back in the day when I met my wife-to-be...I couldn't dance...yet that song, played loud in a dance club, was such a great tune to dance to with my lovely lady...I bought the album the very next day.

May he rest in peace; let us all now focus on the positive aspects of his life.

309 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:04:24pm

re: #279 bbuddha

I always wondered if the obsession with little boys was about him basically losing his own childhood. Behavior wasn't acceptable but may not have been sexual at all.

Maybe he never got to live his own, so had to live a better one vicariously, through other kids.

310 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:04:25pm

re: #285 Truck Monkey

itiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a pigmentation disorder in which melanocytes (the cells that make pigment) in the skin, the mucous membranes (tissues that line the inside of the mouth and nose and genital and rectal areas), and the retina (inner layer of the eyeball) are destroyed. As a result, white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. The hair that grows in areas affected by vitiligo usually turns white.

The cause of vitiligo is not known, but doctors and researchers have several different theories. One theory is that people develop antibodies that destroy the melanocytes in their own bodies. Another theory is that melanocytes destroy themselves. Finally, some people have reported that a single event such as sunburn or emotional distress triggered vitiligo; however, these events have not been scientifically proven to cause vitiligo.

from [Link: www.wrongdiagnosis.com...]

311 ted  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:04pm

re: #297 alegrias

* * * *
Different strokes for different folks.
Not everyone agrees with what constitutes the "best entertainer in the world."

Bon Jovi?

JUST KIDDING!

312 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:14pm

re: #300 ted

[Link: www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov...]

313 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:18pm

Yeesh. It just occurred to me that we're likely to see at least a handful of "I can't live in a world without Michael!"-related suicides. Gah.

314 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:40pm

re: #282 Killgore Trout

I think he paid a lot of money out to his child "friends" to keep them out of court. He probably also made bad investments and had crooked money managers.

Lawyers aren't cheap either.

315 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:41pm

re: #294 calcajun

Just know that she is pretty up there in years, and has been clinically dead once or twice.
She's taken a lickin', and kept on tickin'. Strong stock, those Welsh.
She's still very beautiful as well.

316 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:05:54pm

re: #297 alegrias

* * * *
Different strokes for different folks.
Not everyone agrees with what constitutes the "best entertainer in the world."

include me there....maximum hype...he was okay for a while for his fans....that's about it

317 unrealizedviewpoint  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:00pm

Michael Jackson
Farrah Fawcett
Ed McMahon

3 Greats!

318 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:00pm

re: #201 Sharmuta

With Sonny and Cher


[Video]

he was so cute there.
(cher was awesome. how abt. that dress?)

319 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:01pm

I suppose the blessing, such as it is, is that he is gone now and there is no chance for him to turn into a full-fledged loony like Phil Spector. The best of him is with us still.

320 Mostly sane, most of the time.  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:03pm

Does anybody know what the record for the fastest shoot to #1 on the Bottom 10 is? Just wondering.

321 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:15pm

re: #313 Occasional Reader

Yeesh. It just occurred to me that we're likely to see at least a handful of "I can't live in a world without Michael!"-related suicides. Gah.

Please OR, don't do anything rash. Call me first.

322 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:25pm

re: #293 yochanan

cap and trade could will lead to a depression


FIFY

323 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:36pm

re: #304 buzzsawmonkey

That

is why I come to LGF. Thanks Buzz.

Well, that and the cake.

324 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:06:47pm

re: #313 Occasional Reader

Yeesh. It just occurred to me that we're likely to see at least a handful of "I can't live in a world without Michael!"-related suicides. Gah.

Thus proving that Darwin was right.//

325 itellu3times  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:07:42pm

Ed McMahon
Michael Jackson
(another icon)

/cuz everything comes in threes

//sez itellu3times

326 irongrampa  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:07:42pm

re: #317 unrealizedviewpoint

Don't these events usually happen in three's? If so, we're okay for a bit, then.

Aside--thanks to each of you who replied to my question--that was appreciated.

327 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:07:44pm

re: #295 Mich-again

I was a huge fan of the J-5 when I was a little kid. They put out some of the very best of all the Motown songs, with the amazing little kid Michael as a 12 year old front man with his four older brothers backing him up. (I can remember Tito and Germaine, forgot the others' names.) I remember the pop music rivalry with the Osmonds and even their competing Saturday morning cartoon shows. You had to pick your favorite. There was no doubt for me. Michael J was cool. Donny? Not a chance.

Michael turned out to be a strange bird for sure, but he was an amazing talent and I still like listening to anything he did with the J-5 and even some of the music he made later on as the King of Pop. Its a shame he's gone. He was far too young.

May he rest in peace, but may his music live on.

* * * *
That was fun rivalry, Osmonds versus Jacksons. Sonny & Cher. Carol Burnett Shows.
Innocent tv times, despite the crazy culture wars and Vietnam War protests raging outside.

328 RexMundi  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:07:47pm

re: #9 Desert Dog

Jackson 5....what a great sound....all of that Motown stuff


Definitely! I was pleasantly reminded of just how upbeat, funky, and talented they were when I was watching the hilarious dance sequence of Clerks II and they played "ABC".

329 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:07:50pm
330 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:14pm

re: #302 HoosierHoops

Hoop: All is well. We're done. Here's a beer to you, me and MJ.

331 Judith  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:18pm

FOX is doing an obituary thing. They must have a big file of these things ready to go on all famous people.

332 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:28pm

re: #314 Sharmuta

Lawyers aren't cheap either.

[lights cigar with $100 bill]

What's that now?

333 zombie  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:28pm

re: #325 itellu3times

Ed McMahon
Michael Jackson
(another icon)

/cuz everything comes in threes

//sez itellu3times

Farrah Fawcett is the third.

334 lawhawk  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:39pm

Wow. Just heard about this. Don't quite know what to think. He was a musical genius but his personal life was a mess. RIP and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

335 Truck Monkey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:08:44pm

re: #320 EmmmieG

Does anybody know what the record for the fastest shoot to #1 on the Bottom 10 is? Just wondering.

Hasselhoff?

336 unrealizedviewpoint  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:05pm

re: #293 yochanan

cap and trade could lead to a depression

Ø-care will help it along.

337 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:15pm

re: #319 calcajun

THE time you won your town the race
We chaired you through the market-place;
Man and boy stood cheering by,
And home we brought you shoulder-high.

To-day, the road all runners come,
Shoulder-high we bring you home,
And set you at your threshold down,
Townsman of a stiller town.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away
From fields where glory does not stay,
And early though the laurel grows
It withers quicker than the rose.

Eyes the shady night has shut
Cannot see the record cut,
And silence sounds no worse than cheers
After earth has stopped the ears:

Now you will not swell the rout
Of lads that wore their honours out,
Runners whom renown outran
And the name died before the man.

So set, before its echoes fade,
The fleet foot on the sill of shade,
And hold to the low lintel up
The still-defended challenge-cup.

And round that early-laurelled head
Will flock to gaze the strengthless dead,
And find unwithered on its curls
The garland briefer than a girl's.

338 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:27pm

re: #318 nyc redneck

he was so cute there.
(cher was awesome. how abt. that dress?)

I loved the dress! And Michael was very cute there.

339 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:42pm

re: #325 itellu3times

Ed McMahon
Michael Jackson
(another icon)

/cuz everything comes in threes

//sez itellu3times

Cripes--it does sound like a guest list from the Carson show from the late 70's..."Tonight, Johnny's guests are Farrah Fawcett (Majors) and Michal Jackson, with Doc Severinsen and Tommy Newsome and the Tonight Show Band, and now..."

340 CyanSnowHawk  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:54pm

re: #333 zombie

Farrah Fawcett is the third.

Farrah was second. She died this morning.

341 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:09:57pm
342 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:10:00pm

re: #330 huckfunn

Hoop: All is well. We're done. Here's a beer to you, me and MJ.


Poor man...
I never even ever liked him....
How about a bud light bro?
I like blues and rock mostly

343 yochanan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:10:03pm

re: #317 unrealizedviewpoint

ed was the only one of the three that i liked and ed was a military vet.

a b- movie actress and a child singer sorry not great to me.

344 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:10:32pm

re: #337 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Fitting words

345 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:10:48pm

re: #339 calcajun

I wouldn't be surprised if that lineup was on Carson!

346 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:10:52pm

re: #337 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

It's always a good time for AEH. Nicely done.

347 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:11:12pm

A stunning career, a troubled life both come to an end.
Rest in peace M.J.

348 Dar ul Harb  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:11:36pm

re: #287 livefreeor die

I was mostly referring to Jackson's brief marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie.

349 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:12:03pm

re: #340 CyanSnowHawk

Farrah was second. She died this morning.


I'd put her at #1, She aged graciously and fought her illness bravely. A sad loss.

350 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:12:05pm

re: #343 yochanan
I had Farrahs poster!

351 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:12:06pm

re: #332 Occasional Reader

[lights cigar with $100 bill]

What's that now?

Need some Mouton-Rothschild with that?

352 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:12:28pm

re: #350 pingjockey

I had Farrahs poster!

So did I, grrrrrrr.

353 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:12:29pm

re: #347 DEZes

A stunning career, a troubled life both come to an end.
Rest in peace M.J.


wasted talent wasted money....the Orson Wells of popdom

354 Bloodnok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:01pm

re: #348 Dar ul Harb

I was mostly referring to Jackson's brief marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie.

How sad that because of what followed we think of that bizarre period as relatively "normal" for him.

355 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:10pm

re: #348 Dar ul Harb

I was mostly referring to Jackson's brief marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie.

A sham, a publicity stunt at best.

356 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:14pm

re: #341 buzzsawmonkey

"To an Athlete Dying Young" --AE Houseman

Upding!

Except you misspelled "Housman". Buzzsaw, this is stupid stuff.

/

357 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:20pm

re: #348 Dar ul Harb

I was mostly referring to Jackson's brief marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie.

Perhaps Elvis' karate moves won't be for show--Michael took Elvis' crown AND Daughter. Will be an interesting day in pop-music heaven.

358 bbuddha  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:22pm

re: #304 buzzsawmonkey

Thank you, well said.
the heavenly choir is being augmented by another voice. We laid my mother in law to rest today. she loved to sing, brought tears to my eyes.

359 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:32pm

re: #350 pingjockey

I had Farrahs poster!


You lucky bastard!

360 Dar ul Harb  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:33pm

re: #347 DEZes

No denying the talent ...or the weirdness.

361 pbird  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:40pm

re: #297 alegrias

* * * *
Different strokes for different folks.
Not everyone agrees with what constitutes the "best entertainer in the world."

Very true. Never understood why he was liked so much musically. Very hohum to me.

362 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:41pm

re: #348 Dar ul Harb

I was mostly referring to Jackson's brief marriage to Elvis' daughter Lisa Marie.

Sorry-I was thinking about their relationships (whatever the nature of them were) with people much younger than themselves.

363 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:49pm

re: #332 Occasional Reader

Don't know about lighting cigars, but I have seen more than one lawyer use dollar bills in equally creative ways.

364 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:13:49pm

re: #352 DEZes
Was looking at some old high school annuals. It is amazing how long that Farrah hair kept showing up. From 1977 till well into the 80s.

365 Sharmuta  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:21pm

re: #354 Bloodnok

How sad that because of what followed we think of that bizarre period as relatively "normal" for him.

The poor guy never really did know what a "normal" life was. Always in the spotlight. I hope he's at peace.

366 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:28pm

re: #350 pingjockey

I had Farrahs poster!

Define what you mean by "had".

/shudder

367 LGoPs  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:30pm

re: #329 buzzsawmonkey

You're welcome, but I dint do nothin'.

You're little eulogy was elegant in it's brevity and clarity.
I enjoyed it too.

368 soxfan4life  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:31pm

re: #343 yochanan

ed was the only one of the three that i liked and ed was a military vet.

a b- movie actress and a child singer sorry not great to me.


He was huge in the raising of money for Ethiopian Famine victims. He and Lionel Ritchie wrote We are the World which raised millions.

369 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:39pm

re: #359 A Kiwi Infidel
Wish I had one in mint condition!

370 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:39pm

re: #358 bbuddha

Thank you, well said.
the heavenly choir is being augmented by another voice. We laid my mother in law to rest today. she loved to sing, brought tears to my eyes.

{bbuddha}
I'm sorry for your loss.

371 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:47pm
372 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:14:54pm

re: #364 pingjockey

Was looking at some old high school annuals. It is amazing how long that Farrah hair kept showing up. From 1977 till well into the 80s.

We must be around the same age, I graduated H.S. in 78.

373 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:12pm

those kids will need some therapy.

374 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:18pm

re: #358 bbuddha

Thank you, well said.
the heavenly choir is being augmented by another voice. We laid my mother in law to rest today. she loved to sing, brought tears to my eyes.

(((bbuddha)))

375 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:22pm

re: #351 Sharmuta

Need some Mouton-Rothschild with that?

Please. I just used the last of my own stock to wash the Maserati.

376 NonNativeTexan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:29pm

Love MJ. My sons we young in the 80s early 90s,
we always enjoyed listening to Michael. Man in the mirror
is greatness.

377 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:39pm

re: #366 Occasional Reader
Get yer mind out of the gutter. It was in my room on the wall along with SI swimsuit models!

378 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:42pm

Battery is dying...using neighbor-net in my car... probably need to go. See y'all in a bit.

379 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:45pm

re: #360 Dar ul Harb

No denying the talent ...or the weirdness.

True.

380 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:15:51pm

re: #369 pingjockey

Wish I had one in mint condition!


I wasnt going to go there............

381 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:00pm

re: #349 A Kiwi Infidel

I'd put her at #1, She aged graciously and fought her illness bravely. A sad loss.

My Mother died of Anal Cancer.. The pain she endured is beyond words...
It is inhuman for anyone to die a slow painful death for 2 years....
I hope when I face death I can show the bravery of my mother...

382 NonNativeTexan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:12pm

re: #378 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Battery is dying...using neighbor-net in my car... probably need to go. See y'all in a bit.

You're so baaaddddd.

383 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:14pm

re: #366 Occasional Reader

Define what you mean by "had".

/shudder

Eww. So much for the collectability of that one.//

384 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:14pm

re: #373 nyc redneck

those kids will need some therapy.

How old are they? The oldest must be at least a teenager by now.

385 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:54pm
386 yochanan  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:16:57pm

the j-5 was a great act, some of the later stuff really creeped me out big time.

ed M. service to his country should be honored mostly i am not sure people even know about it.
he was in ww2 and korea

387 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:17:00pm

re: #364 pingjockey

The most traumatic thing about flight attendant training was being informed that we'd have to shear off our shags. .....in the late seventies, your hair had to be shorter than shoulder length.
A bunch of us nearly rethought the whole damn thing.

388 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:17:07pm

re: #372 DEZes
Yep. 1977 for me. I still don't believe it, then again my mom has her 50th reunion this year, and mom and dads 50th wedding anniversary was last year!

389 albusteve  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:17:31pm

re: #357 calcajun

Perhaps Elvis' karate moves won't be for show--Michael took Elvis' crown AND Daughter. Will be an interesting day in pop-music heaven.

took Elvis's crown?....that's not even debatable....read some history

390 midwestgak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:17:54pm

re: #381 HoosierHoops

My Mother died of Anal Cancer.. The pain she endured is beyond words...
It is inhuman for anyone to die a slow painful death for 2 years....
I hope when I face death I can show the bravery of my mother...

oh (Hoosier) {} {}

391 Occasional Reader  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:12pm

re: #385 buzzsawmonkey

The "e" is for email.

No, the extra "e" is for extra pee.

/speaking of cable t.v. in the 80s... let's see if anyone remember this incredibly obscure reference.

Later.

392 jamgarr  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:13pm

RIP Michael

393 alegrias  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:20pm

On the eve of President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, Michael Jackson performed on the Washington Mall--you could see him on Jumbotron screens placed around the area.

My Iranian friend and I wandered around listening to Jackson's music in the background on that beautiful afternoon, with our small nieces & nephews who were more interested in pointing at the big rats running around Washington DC at dusk.

394 itellu3times  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:25pm

re: #333 zombie

doh!

ok then I guess we're done

395 Bloodnok  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:26pm

I remember not really understanding just how famous he was until the time where he was accidentally burned while taping the Pepsi commercial. I was 8 or 9 and I still remember being amazed at how big the story was.

396 pbird  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:36pm

re: #361 pbird

Very true. Never understood why he was liked so much musically. Very hohum to me.

Um, was talking about MJ.

397 Edgesitter  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:41pm

I'll have to turn off my radio for two weeks, I don't want to hear Rockin Robin ever again.

398 unrealizedviewpoint  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:48pm

Lounge Open
Drinkin' Time
------------->

399 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:50pm

re: #381 HoosierHoops

My Mother died of Anal Cancer.. The pain she endured is beyond words...
It is inhuman for anyone to die a slow painful death for 2 years....
I hope when I face death I can show the bravery of my mother...

{ { {Hoosier} } }

400 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:18:51pm

re: #387 tradewind
Oh wow. My step aunt was a stewardess for United from mid 60s till 1978. Wondered why she cut her hair.

401 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:19:18pm

re: #393 alegrias

On the eve of President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, Michael Jackson performed on the Washington Mall--you could see him on Jumbotron screens placed around the area.

My Iranian friend and I wandered around listening to Jackson's music in the background on that beautiful afternoon, with our small nieces & nephews who were more interested in pointing at the big rats running around Washington DC at dusk.

Were the rats all running from the direction of the Capitol?

402 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:19:27pm

re: #381 HoosierHoops

My Mother died of Anal Cancer.. The pain she endured is beyond words...
It is inhuman for anyone to die a slow painful death for 2 years....
I hope when I face death I can show the bravery of my mother...

Terrible, I know. Its a prick of a disease. My dad it and overcame it. My Aunt had liver cancer and suffered miserably, as did my uncle with prostate cancer.

403 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:19:31pm

re: #388 pingjockey

Yep. 1977 for me. I still don't believe it, then again my mom has her 50th reunion this year, and mom and dads 50th wedding anniversary was last year!

The time sure flew by, Farrah,s hair, black Trans Ams and the dreaded disco,s.

404 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:20:17pm

re: #381 HoosierHoops
Oh my. {Hoosier}

405 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:20:55pm

re: #402 A Kiwi Infidel

Terrible, I know. Its a prick of a disease. My dad had it and overcame it. My Aunt had liver cancer and suffered miserably, as did my uncle with prostate cancer.

PIMF (dont you hate it when you preview, then hit "post comment" just as you spot the error and/or ommission?)

406 pingjockey  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:04pm

re: #403 DEZes
No frackin' disco/BeeGees! Evah!

407 ArmyWife  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:08pm

Good evening. I heard this news on my way home from work. MJ was an interesting individual, a study in who being a child star can wreck you mentally and physically. I worry about his children that, from the outside, seemed to be treated as objects and play things. I hope I am wrong about that, and they end up in as close to normal a home as is possible in the land of weird.

I was also saddened about Farrah, especially after hearing she and Ryan were to marry. That is something to think about for all those who felt marriage is simply a piece of paper - at the final moment, that paper meant something. Even if they were unable to exchange vows, the desire to do so speaks volumes. My heart goes out to Ryan, and their troubled son.

408 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:17pm

I was in high school when Thriller came out. It was the keystone of every school dance and a mainstay (along with J-5) of college parties.

409 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:32pm

re: #406 pingjockey

No frackin' disco/BeeGees! Evah!

I went where the ladies went. ;)

410 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:40pm

Sorry Hoops, big hug from Kiwi

(((((((((((Hoops)))))))))))

411 Dar ul Harb  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:21:59pm

re: #393 alegrias

On the eve of President Bill Clinton's inauguration in 1993, Michael Jackson performed on the Washington Mall--you could see him on Jumbotron screens placed around the area.

My Iranian friend and I wandered around listening to Jackson's music in the background on that beautiful afternoon, with our small nieces & nephews who were more interested in pointing at the big rats running around Washington DC at dusk.

The Pied Piper of Neverland?

412 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:22:07pm

re: #384 livefreeor die

How old are they? The oldest must be at least a teenager by now.

i'm not sure. i think there are 3 children.
2 boys and 1 girl.
apparently 2 were born to his "wife" ( his former dental assistant).
i've always suspected she was not their biological mother but a surrogate.
she relinquished her rights to all visitation so quickly i found it difficult to believe she was their real mother.
i saw a photo of his kids once and their hair had been dyed blonde.
you could see the roots.
very strange.

413 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:22:33pm

re: #398 unrealizedviewpoint

Lounge Open
Drinkin' Time
------------->


Friday morning here, bar doesnt open for another 6 hours (gasp)

414 callahan23  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:22:56pm

Lounge is awaiting ---------->

415 DEZes  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:23:08pm

The lounge is open, and I want a cold one. ;)

416 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:23:27pm

re: #412 nyc redneck

i'm not sure. i think there are 3 children.
2 boys and 1 girl.
apparently 2 were born to his "wife" ( his former dental assistant).
i've always suspected she was not their biological mother but a surrogate.
she relinquished her rights to all visitation so quickly i found it difficult to believe she was their real mother.
i saw a photo of his kids once and their hair had been dyed blonde.
you could see the roots.
very strange.

And they had to wear those masks all the time. I think his third son was "Blanket", the one who was dangled over the edge of the hotel balcony.

417 Digital Display  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:23:48pm

re: #413 A Kiwi Infidel

Friday morning here, bar doesnt open for another 6 hours (gasp)

I am so there...Don't forget it's thursday night and royal pains is on tonight...
Not to self: Be a doctor!

418 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:24:18pm

re: #417 HoosierHoops

I am so there...Don't forget it's thursday night and royal pains is on tonight...
Not to self: Be a doctor!


You didnt PIMF that, did you?

419 Yashmak  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:24:42pm

Here's hoping the worst said about him was wrong, and acknowledgement of the amazing impact he made on pop culture, regardless of the troubles he had later in life.

420 redc1c4  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:25:40pm

my MJ memory was going into OSUT @ Benning with him being a musical has bee, and coming out 4 months later with him being a superstar.....

in the mildly weird coincidence news, i was over by the UCLA hospital earlier today, and also actually drove by what i believe was Farrah's building: every news truck in town was there, which likely made covering the other story easier.

421 reine.de.tout  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:25:52pm

re: #407 ArmyWife

Good evening. I heard this news on my way home from work. MJ was an interesting individual, a study in who being a child star can wreck you mentally and physically. I worry about his children that, from the outside, seemed to be treated as objects and play things. I hope I am wrong about that, and they end up in as close to normal a home as is possible in the land of weird.

I was also saddened about Farrah, especially after hearing she and Ryan were to marry. That is something to think about for all those who felt marriage is simply a piece of paper - at the final moment, that paper meant something. Even if they were unable to exchange vows, the desire to do so speaks volumes. My heart goes out to Ryan, and their troubled son.

I saw that too, ArmyWife, about them wanting to go ahead and get married, and it touched me deeply, after all their ups and down through many years, addictions, Farrah's illness . . .

422 A Kiwi Infidel  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:26:20pm

re: #419 Yashmak

Here's hoping the worst said about him was wrong, and acknowledgement of the amazing impact he made on pop culture, regardless of the troubles he had later in life.


Dead right, even so I was told by my mum never to speak ill of the dead. As I said earlier, there are some very nasty comments at the TMZ site where they first broke the news.

423 Ward Cleaver  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:26:48pm

re: #406 pingjockey

No frackin' disco/BeeGees! Evah!

Remember in the movie Airplane!, when the plane picks off the radio antenna on the skyscraper, as the stations' announcer says, "Where disco will live forever!"? And the cheers of the crowd in the theater? Classic moment.

I was never so happy as when disco died.

424 nyc redneck  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:26:54pm

re: #416 livefreeor die

And they had to wear those masks all the time. I think his third son was "Blanket", the one who was dangled over the edge of the hotel balcony.

how could anyone name their child blanket?
i remember the balcony dangling.
you would not see that behavior in a parent w/ normal protective instincts.

425 Dar ul Harb  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:27:16pm

re: #411 Dar ul Harb

Recall that when the piper wasn't paid for driving out the rats, he took the children away...

426 redc1c4  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:27:41pm

re: #398 unrealizedviewpoint

Lounge Open
Drinkin' Time
------------->

it's *always* drinking time....

427 bbuddha  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:30:18pm

re: #426 redc1c4

It's 5 o clock somewhere

428 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:30:50pm

What a day.
Farrah - High school eye candy
Michael Jackson - my pop soundtrack from elementary school through college
Sky Evans - from the '60s band Seed

429 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:31:00pm

re: #342 HoosierHoops

Poor man...
I never even ever liked him....
How about a bud light bro?
I like blues and rock mostly

Shiner Bock is on the table. Here's some John Hiatt, Ry Cooder and Nick Lowe for ya... The CD is "Little Village" and its great!

Youtube Video
430 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:31:05pm
431 bbuddha  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:33:58pm

re: #430 Iron Fist

The circle of life. Sometimes it just sucks.
Then, you see a baby born and it heals your heart a little.

432 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:36:10pm

OK Everyone -

My thoughts:

1. Michael Jackson in his time was a Musical Genius.

2. Michael Jackson on many levels became a controversial person.

3. For Tonight - Remember and Cherish the Genius, there will be plenty of time to resolve the controversies.

-S-

433 Who Watches the Watchmen?  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:36:56pm

re: #428 Who Watches the Watchmen?


Sky Evans - from the '60s band Seed


PIMF
Sky "Sunlight" Saxon

434 Bullskin  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:42:17pm

re: #13 Killgore Trout

They're probably safer now.

He acted as if he was a child and thought children were his equals. I doubt there ever was nothing evil in his thoughts.

435 formercorpsman  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:43:23pm

I'm sad his legacy will be tainted by his other baggage. I'm sad he fell from grace, and has to depart with the asterisk next to his name for eternity.

I will spare him criticism, (that is coming for sure) but I can say I feel fortunate for getting to see that moonwalk live on those awards back when.

It blew my mind.

436 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:46:34pm

Now there are rumors Jeff Goldblum died in an accident on a set... and other rumors that the first rumor is a hoax.

437 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:46:50pm

Abe Vigoda still survives!

438 arizona9  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:48:04pm

re: #23 Dianna

re: #23 Dianna

Me too. Overrated. Off the Wall was better. I nearly played that record to death as a kid. One of the first albums I ever owned.

Still, Michael Jackson- his insane out of control ego, painfully tired lame old dance moves, creepy god complex-floating that giant MJ statue down a river and running with phony army behind him-skin bleached white over a barely recognizable face-a pedophile and antisemite-this is the man I will remember, unfortunatley.

439 aboo-Hoo-Hoo  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:49:24pm

From the anal cavity located under Supreme Fubar’s nose, Kayhan:

And we thought the world had seen the last of slimy, underhand British attempted takeovers of other nations’ resources be they called color, velvet or just plain coups.
On the other side of the pond from Britain promising signs have appeared of a young leader who is wise beyond his years.
President Barack Hussein Obama of the United States of America was speaking before reporters on Tuesday. The US President maintained that he did not wish to interfere in Iran's presidential election.
He said "I've been very clear, ultimately this is up to the Iranian people to decide who their leadership is going to be and the structure of their government."
We cannot be in greater agreement with the US President.
Obama continued the "international community has been appalled and outraged by reports of violence within post election Iran…I strongly condemn these unjust actions, and I join with the American people in mourning each and every innocent life that is lost.”
An absolute “double plus good” to President Obama, as the Islamic Republic of Iran nods in total agreement.

Beg, Obama. You can do it.

They're waiting and your expected, any time.

440 aaron's rantblog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:50:12pm

All those who are defending Mikaeel and gave me negatives in #212 should look in the eyes of the parents of the children he molested.

Talent isn't EVER excuse for immorality.

Think his new faith is insignificant? Some reading: [Link: tinyurl.com...] Sorry, but he joined a faith where his predilections were hardly out of favor and they'd be catered to in Saudi Arabia, as were Idi Amin's.

Rule #1 in journalism... follow the money.

Who was the big investor in his upcoming tour?

Lebanese real estate mogul Tom Barrack. "Colony capital, the real estate investment company he founded in 1991, married with the Kingdom of the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed". Did deals with "Baby Doc" Duvalier
[Link: www.colonyinc.com...]

Ethical people don't do deals with Al Waleed, the guy who gave a check to NYC for $10M that Giuliani rejected and Cynthia McKinney wanted.

If you wanted the pedophile to succeed, it would have enriched exactly the WRONG people.

Reconsider your memories about this ugly soul. My descriptions are far from baseless.

441 aaron's rantblog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:51:35pm

re: #236 Occasional Reader

I suggest you see my follow-up #440 where there IS an Islamic angle.

442 realwest  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:51:41pm

I was saddened to hear of both Farrah and MJ's deaths today.
May they each Rest In Peace.

443 ryannon  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:54:12pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

All those who are defending Mikaeel and gave me negatives in #212 should look in the eyes of the parents of the children he molested.

Talent isn't EVER excuse for immorality.

Think his new faith is insignificant? Some reading: [Link: tinyurl.com...] Sorry, but he joined a faith where his predilections were hardly out of favor and they'd be catered to in Saudi Arabia, as were Idi Amin's.

Rule #1 in journalism... follow the money.

Who was the big investor in his upcoming tour?

Lebanese real estate mogul Tom Barrack. "Colony capital, the real estate investment company he founded in 1991, married with the Kingdom of the Saudi Prince Al-Waleed". Did deals with "Baby Doc" Duvalier
[Link: www.colonyinc.com...]

Ethical people don't do deals with Al Waleed, the guy who gave a check to NYC for $10M that Giuliani rejected and Cynthia McKinney wanted.

If you wanted the pedophile to succeed, it would have enriched exactly the WRONG people.

Reconsider your memories about this ugly soul. My descriptions are far from baseless.


It would be nice if you had the decency to stow it for another thread.

Or even better, another blog.

444 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:56:22pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

With rare exceptions, which Michael Jackson is not one of, celebrating death at this point in time is not appropriate.

445 unrealizedviewpoint  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 4:58:35pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

Aaron, this is not the place, nor time. Save it.

446 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:15:36pm
447 jzm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:21:03pm

Is Paul McCartney going to get his early Beatles songs back?

448 Render  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:22:47pm

I worked on the Jacksons Victory Tour, building stages. I was the skinny little Jewish kid climbing to the top of each tower.

"STANDARDS UP!"

===

I agree with Aaron and I have nothing else good to say about MJ, ever.

BURN,
R

449 Wendya  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:23:07pm

re: #446 aaron's rantblog

Celebrating? No, I'm trying to put some perspective on the "irrational exuberance" and misplaced fond memories about his life.

You know, I've felt sorry for him for a number of years. He found fame as a child and never had a normal adult life or a normal adult relationship. He was surrounded by "yes men" and no one cared enough about him to sit him down and tell him to knock off the self indulgent bullshit.

450 kynna  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:24:20pm

re: #442 realwest

I was saddened to hear of both Farrah and MJ's deaths today.
May they each Rest In Peace.

I agree. Two icons in one day. Very shocking.

Michael Jackson's life should serve to repel parents from involving their kids on show business. Sadly, all they see is the money and not the tragedy and insanity that surrounds that kind of fame.

451 happycamper  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:25:47pm

Both Farrah and Michael have certainly influenced the world. However, as a teenage boy in the 70's, I would say Farrah had a much...um...bigger influence on me.

452 Marcus Dracon  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:25:56pm

The tabloid journos will be frothing at the mouth. Chequebooks at the ready.

453 sngnsgt  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:26:38pm

Although I was never a big fan of Michael Jackson's style of music, there's no disputing he was a very talented performer. Michael Jackson left a mark on the music world that noone will ever forget. One of the greatest ever, RIP Michael.

454 atwood  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:27:18pm

Talent isn't EVER excuse for immorality.

You got that right. I won't miss him at all

455 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:32:34pm

re: #446 aaron's rantblog
The custom not to speak ill of the dead is attributed to Spartan ephor Chilon 2600 years ago. It's a pagan notion -- not from my moral compass. Lovely slave-loving culture, Sparta.

Actually it was credited to Chilon, by Diogenes Laertius, at least 700 years after Chilon lived.re: #446 aaron's rantblog

Celebrating? No, I'm trying to put some perspective on the "irrational exuberance" and misplaced fond memories about his life.

The custom not to speak ill of the dead is attributed to Spartan ephor Chilon 2600 years ago. It's a pagan notion -- not from my moral compass. Lovely slave-loving culture, Sparta.

Re-examine the sources of your moral foundations.

Looking up Chillon on Wikipedia, I find the following quotes also credited to him:

# "Honor old age."
# "Prefer punishment to disgraceful gain; for the one is painful but once, but the other for one's whole life."
# "Do not laugh at a person in misfortune."
# "If one is strong be also merciful, so that one's neighbors may respect one rather than fear one."
# "Learn how to regulate one's own house well."
# "Do not let one's tongue outrun one's sense."
# "Restrain anger."
# "Do not dislike divination."
# "Do not desire what is impossible."
# "Do not make too much haste on one's road."
# "Obey the laws."
# "Nothing in excess."

Not that I follow all of them, but should I ignore all of those too? Or, if I'm to avoid the wisdom of slave-owning cultures, should I ignore, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson?

Then there is also John Donne's, "The death of any man diminishes me." Again, there are exceptions....

All that said, there will be time and place to speak ill of Michael Jackson in the future. This is not the time.

456 iceman1960  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:33:53pm

MJ was one of those tragic figures that had it all but was still missing something.

457 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:34:12pm

Otto von Bismarck once said that laws are like sausages; if you like them, it's better if you do not know what goes into them. The lives of celebrities are the same way; we enjoy their work but we'd be happier if we did not know about their personal life. Jackson is the embodiment of this principle. His was a towering talent, but forged in a crucible few of us can imagine. By all accounts, Joe Jackson was a tyrannical father who drove his kids and forced them to abandon any semblance of a childhood.

Michael's later "eccentricities" were tolerated because of his huge talent and a sense we all had that this was a kid robbed of his youth trying to reclaim what was lost. I do not doubt that some of the more lurid allegations have more than a grain of truth to them. But this was a man who's life was, despite the opulent trappings, was a train wreck. I hope he is at peace at last.

458 SpaceJesus  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:36:07pm

dibs on his carousel

459 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:36:30pm

re: #454 atwood

Talent isn't EVER excuse for immorality.

You got that right. I won't miss him at all

Talent is no excuse for anything, let alone Jackson's sick and twisted personal behaviour.
Talent is talent, a gift, an art, a great humanizing influence.
Jackson had loads of it like virtually noone else in pop music since the Beatles.
His iconic musical accomplishments will be remembered by all, and for that alone he will be missed.

460 shinkman  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:39:07pm

Kind of eerie how the King of Rock and the King of Pop went out in a similar manner. Fame so often cuts sharply the other way. Bill Murray, always told people who dreamed of being rich and famous, "Try just being rich first and see if that doesn't cover it for you".

461 iceman1960  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:41:02pm

re: #460 shinkman

Kind of eerie how the King of Rock and the King of Pop went out in a similar manner. Fame so often cuts sharply the other way. Bill Murray, always told people who dreamed of being rich and famous, "Try just being rich first and see if that doesn't cover it for you".

I guess Mel Brookes was wrong.

462 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:42:11pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

SO not the point.
Garcon, le clue stick s'il vous plait....

463 aaron's rantblog  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:43:13pm

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

MJ did considerably less good in the world than Farrah Fawcett, who was very active in charities. Her work in The Burning Bed did more good than ANYTHING MJ ever achieved.

Shame on the parents whose kids are now weeping, "I don't want to live in a world without Michael Jackson." If you've raised your kids to idolize talent, you've raised your kids to idolize. It's that simple.

464 ryannon  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:45:27pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

MJ did considerably less good in the world than Farrah Fawcett, who was very active in charities. Her work in The Burning Bed did more good than ANYTHING MJ ever achieved.

Shame on the parents whose kids are now weeping, "I don't want to live in a world without Michael Jackson." If you've raised your kids to idolize talent, you've raised your kids to idolize. It's that simple.

Aside from that, have you considered pissing up a rope?

465 tradewind  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:45:32pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

Somehow, I don't think you'll find a single Lizard moaning that their lives are now empty without Michael.
Why not take your disgust to a place where it will be put to good use?
Hint: that'd be somewhere else.

466 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:46:44pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

I feel nothing in particular for Michael Jackson, one way or another. However, I do know there is a time for respectful silence, if nothing else. This is the time.

467 Wendya  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:47:17pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

The guy is dead, okay? It's time to let go of the hostility.

468 iceman1960  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:47:34pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

MJ did considerably less good in the world than Farrah Fawcett, who was very active in charities. Her work in The Burning Bed did more good than ANYTHING MJ ever achieved.

Shame on the parents whose kids are now weeping, "I don't want to live in a world without Michael Jackson." If you've raised your kids to idolize talent, you've raised your kids to idolize. It's that simple.

Who said they were an MJ fan? Loosen up those undies.

469 Bagua  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:48:45pm

re: #446 aaron's rantblog

Celebrating? No, I'm trying to put some perspective on the "irrational exuberance" and misplaced fond memories about his life.


Your “perspective” is un-healthy, and indicates fixations, something MJ also clearly struggled with.

The passing of a pop culture icon and tabloid perenial is big news on a cultural level, while his personal life was curious and controversial, his public life demonstrated a remarkable and successful dedication to charity.

470 3 Sigma E  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:52:52pm

Actually, I do have one good thing to say about Michael Jackson. Without Michael Jackson, "Weird Al" Yankovic probably would never have achieved the level of fame he reached. For that, I thank MJ.

471 Spare O'Lake  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 5:53:35pm

re: #469 Bagua

Your “perspective” is un-healthy, and indicates fixations, something MJ also clearly struggled with.

The passing of a pop culture icon and tabloid perenial is big news on a cultural level, while his personal life was curious and controversial, his public life demonstrated a remarkable and successful dedication to charity.

Jackson wrote "We are the World", which alone raised untold amounts for charity.

472 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:01:04pm

re: #446 aaron's rantblog

The custom not to speak ill of the dead is attributed to Spartan ephor Chilon 2600 years ago. It's a pagan notion -- not from my moral compass. Lovely slave-loving culture, Sparta.

Christianity had no problem with slave ownership for most of its history, either. Ever read Philemon?

And if you dismiss anything "pagan" for that reason alone, you automatically deprive yourself of the greater portion of humanity's wit, wisdom and art. Almost as silly as rejecting something just because it's Muslim.

As for "It seems that those who emphasize not speaking ill of the dead may have most to fear about their own ugly truths emerging": de mortuis nil nisi bene can also be seen as fulfilling Christ's commandment to judge not lest you be judged. Michael is beyond the reach of our judgments now.

And for the sake of honesty I have to say I never cared for his style of music, from the Jackson Five on up. But anyone growing up with Papa Jackson holding the whip hand surely had more than the ordinary share of twisting to deal with.

473 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:01:59pm

re: #296 Walter L. Newton

"Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot." Mark Twain

And may I add... persons trying to find any intelligence in it...

Jerk.

Walter J. Newton -

...Will be Hanged, Drawn and Quartered. That is all.

-S-

474 Ackomanyuki  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:02:17pm

R.I.P Mr. Jackson

Two major icons in one day, the stars are falling.

475 Bagua  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:04:08pm

re: #471 Spare O'Lake

One would imagine a great deal of money led to food being delivered to starving children and such, add some medical aid to dying chilren and so forth and this one entertainer may have saved or draticaly improved many children's lives.

476 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:05:46pm

And as for Fawcett: RIP.

But I was a Kate Jackson boy all the way.

477 tokyobk  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:07:07pm

re: #476 Cato the Elder

Yes! I fell in love with my wife who, though Japanese, resembled her, also my favorite Angel.

478 wee fury  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:08:57pm

Michael Jackson was a son, brother and father. My sincere sympathy to his family.

479 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:09:03pm

re: #293 yochanan

cap and trade could lead to a depression

yochanon -

Besides being a SCAM? Before they went under, Enron was for it. It created a new DERIVATIVES MARKET. Still would. That's quite enough, I could say much more, and CHOOSE not to.

-S-

480 jcm  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:09:20pm

re: #472 Cato the Elder

Never was a MJ fan, not my type of music.

Watching him grow up and his career felt mostly pity for him.

Now 2 young children are without their father.
That is always a tragedy.

481 tokyobk  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:10:23pm

I hope all the stars crying for Michael actually help his kids since their father is dying 400 million in debt and he was the only earner.

I hope he had insurance on his tour and on his life.

482 calcajun  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:13:33pm

re: #476 Cato the Elder

And as for Fawcett: RIP.

But I was a Kate Jackson boy all the way.

I liked her way better than Farrah. Sigh.

483 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:15:13pm

re: #476 Cato the Elder

And as for Fawcett: RIP.

But I was a Kate Jackson boy all the way.

Cato -

Kate Jackson is alive and well, Jacklyn Smith is also alive, well, very slightly wider and selling a ton of stuff for K-Mart.

-S-

484 Cato the Elder  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:16:10pm

re: #459 Spare O'Lake

Talent is talent, a gift, an art, a great humanizing influence.

You got the first two right.

But anyone who thinks talent by itself has anything more than an accidental connection to any other good quality has never spent any time around Spitney Brears.

485 American Sabra  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:17:10pm

re: #295 Mich-again

I was a huge fan of the J-5 when I was a little kid. They put out some of the very best of all the Motown songs, with the amazing little kid Michael as a 12 year old front man with his four older brothers backing him up. (I can remember Tito and Germaine, forgot the others' names.) I remember the pop music rivalry with the Osmonds and even their competing Saturday morning cartoon shows. You had to pick your favorite. There was no doubt for me. Michael J was cool. Donny? Not a chance.

Michael turned out to be a strange bird for sure, but he was an amazing talent and I still like listening to anything he did with the J-5 and even some of the music he made later on as the King of Pop. Its a shame he's gone. He was far too young.

May he rest in peace, but may his music live on.

Indeed! I was so in love with MJ as a kid. He's just a couple years my senior. David Cassidy too, but he was a little older. But it was Teen Beat Michael on the bedroom walls. The cartoons were the worst, but I watched because they played 2 songs each episode if you remember. It was great.

I saw the Jackson 5 at their last show at the Orange Bowl in Miami in 1980-something. We had 5th row seats lol They were old, but it was fun and he's something to watch.

A sad fellow for sure, but a legend never to be forgotten.

486 J.S.  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:19:10pm

re: #480 jcm

I believe Michael Jackson had 3 children...(the youngest child he dangled out of a window in Berlin -- the child known as "blanket")..

487 Dom  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:22:20pm

Baruch dayan emet, RIP Michael Jackson.

488 Dr. Shalit  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:24:23pm

WOW -

MJ's Lawyer says "...holding my toungue pending toxicology..." on Fox News.

-S-

489 [deleted]  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:29:05pm
490 kilroy  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:38:28pm

Iron Fist--It's all about a "Golden Calf".

491 Cygnus  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:43:56pm

re: #350 pingjockey

I had Farrahs poster!

Do you still have it? It could be worth some money today./

Goodbye to 3 great performers: Michael, Ed, and Farrah.

492 Hawaii69  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:48:48pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

MJ did considerably less good in the world than Farrah Fawcett, who was very active in charities. Her work in The Burning Bed did more good than ANYTHING MJ ever achieved.

Shame on the parents whose kids are now weeping, "I don't want to live in a world without Michael Jackson." If you've raised your kids to idolize talent, you've raised your kids to idolize. It's that simple.

Hmmmm....I'm having a hard time figuring out the "rant" part of your nickname. It's baffling.

493 Cygnus  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 6:49:47pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

STFU

494 DeeAitch  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 7:11:40pm

When a person is newly dead it's a good time to exercise some charity. MJ may have damaged some children with his indulgences, not a petty thing, but there is doubt. So regretting his early death is appropriate even if you don't admire him.

495 Pawn of the Oppressor  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 7:35:18pm

I remember him as something of a Cold War icon. Even the Russians thought he was cool.

496 Mich-again  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 7:54:42pm

re: #485 American Sabra

The cartoons were the worst, but I watched because they played 2 songs each episode if you remember.

Good call. You jogged my memory there.

497 livefreeor die  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:04:34pm

MJ was the ultimate psychological puzzle. My students (in graduate psychology) would periodically bring him up, wondering what could be behind his descent into such bizarre and disturbing behavior. It always drove me up the wall that out of all those people mooching off him, no one seemed to push really hard to get him the help he needed or to set limits on his behavior and children were harmed as a result.

498 Macker  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:14:46pm

All I'm gonna say about Michael Jackson is this. He was musically brilliant. He was also an eccentric person to say the least, and that's the nice word for his antics. He also escaped the Long Arm of The Law.

That is all.

499 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:19:36pm

re: #296 Walter L. Newton

"Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot." Mark Twain

And may I add... persons trying to find any intelligence in it...

Jerk.

Whoa, Walt; I missed that one. And I'm a jerk for what reason? Your post makes no sense.

500 Tully  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:23:40pm

re: #497 livefreeor die

MJ was the ultimate psychological puzzle. My students (in graduate psychology) would periodically bring him up, wondering what could be behind his descent into such bizarre and disturbing behavior.

Total lack of anything even resembling a childhood?

501 Sheepdogess  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:39:02pm

On a lighter note, RIP Michael...
[Link: www.cynical-c.com...]

502 BaseballMom57  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:39:08pm

re: #358 bbuddha

My sincere condolences, Bbuddha.

503 Shug  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:40:36pm

Late to the thread.


Earlier tonight
I feel the way I felt when Challenger exploded.
When Reagan was shot.
When John Lennon Died.
When Elvis Died


Jackson was not an Icon. He was the living icon of music.

504 Shug  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:49:30pm
Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We’re told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived. Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive

Gonna speculate in a healthy aduist cardiac arrest is a secondary event, not a primary event.

secondary to respiratory arrest, most likely due to drug ( opiate plus help ) overdose.

probably used Anna Nicoles Doctor.

the kid hd such talent, even if he was a pervert.
what a shame. we were looking forward to him taking over Vegas

505 Mad Mullah  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:52:17pm

re: #463 aaron's rantblog

I am enraged by the fawning tears of hysterical ignorant Mikaeel fans when it's nearly certain that none of them have or will mourn Neda Agha Soltan, a real hero.

Get real, comparing the two is absolutely ridiculous. One was a world famous artist for decades with millions and millions of fans across the globe and the other could have been any random person that was shot down by the Iranian fascist thug government.

506 Shug  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:53:06pm

re: #440 aaron's rantblog

STFU.
your 212 was deleted so GFY

507 Sheepdogess  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:53:19pm

re: #360 Dar ul Harb

No denying the talent ...or the weirdness.

Or the sickness. He was a deviant man.

508 huckfunn  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:58:23pm

re: #473 Dr. Shalit

Walter J. Newton -

...Will be Hanged, Drawn and Quartered. That is all.

-S-

Thanks, Doc. I'm feeling magnanimous tonight so I'll allow him to confess.... before he's Hanged, Drawn and Quartered.

509 Ann Nonymous  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 8:58:35pm

In my mind, Micheal Jackson died about 15 years ago. Thriller was an icon of my childhood, and it's hard to think of a song of his from that period that I didn't love. Then...he got weird. He obviously had tons of plastic surgery even though he denied it; the odd way in which he lived his life and the fantasy world that he seemed to immerse himself in.... I liked to think that that couldn't be the same guy that made all that great music, and his face certainly validated that fantasy.

Upon hearing about his death, I can't say I was sad...I was done mourning Micheal a long time ago. Hopefully he's at peace now.

510 Flavia  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:03:48pm

re: #16 researchok

re: #8 Sharmuta

I'm going to try to remember him as the normal michael, and just hope his kids will be alright.

Well said.

He was a troubled soul, to be sure.

I wish his children well.

I agree with you, of course, but I have my doubts as to whether they are really his. How long will it be before that comes out...? Sigh.

I am surprisingly upset. Possibly because I remember him from when he was so little, and he was always such a sweet-looking boy - and then all the craziness set in, and grew... Such a tragic waste of such amazing talent!

511 Sheepdogess  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:05:21pm

re: #503 Shug

Bach was an icon.

512 Flavia  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:11:58pm

re: #114 midwestgak

Now you will admit it's not a publicity stunt? Please?

Admit. Apologize. Sorry (Dianna).

Don't beat yourself up too badly - that was one of the first thoughts I had. He had just announced a tour. Also, I have to admit - I was hoping it was a stunt.

513 SoSilent  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:15:21pm

Peter Pan has returned to Never Never land.

514 Baelzar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:31:05pm

I guess the 11-year old couldn't work the defibrillator?

515 Alberta Oil Peon  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:37:15pm

Having never been a fan of MJ, I can honestly say I won't miss him. My condolences to his family.

516 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:43:30pm

re: #5 EmmmieG

I remember being 14 and waiting, eagerly for the world premier of Thriller on MTV.

He was handsome then.

He really was. I wonder what he would have looked like as a grown-up if he hadn't destroyed his face.

517 Yankee Division Son  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:45:09pm

Don't know if this is true, I always reserve judgment. Interesting tho...

A Jacko source said: “Shortly after taking the Demerol he started to experience slow shallow breathing...." "Family lawyer Brian Oxman said the star collapsed at his rented home in LA’s Holmby Hills area while brother Randy was present..."

There is an endless array of things that could be said about MJ, some good, some bad. But even though his music was never really my "cup of tea", one has to admit that back in the day he was an incredible artist and performer. RIP Michael.

518 Baelzar  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 9:58:02pm

But seriously, folks...

We're talking about a man who sold somewhere in the neighborhood of 750 MILLION RECORDS and has left his family in a bottomless pit of debt.

750 million records. That's.....1500 Gold Records, or 750 Platinum. Penniless and demented.

It boggles the mind.

519 Sergeant Major  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 10:17:46pm

re: #86 Dianna

He was not convicted; I do not know that he was a pedophile. It might be more appropriate to wait to say that sort of thing until tomorrow?

Although he was never convicted I have a hard time feeling badly about his death. I have small children and I NEVER hung them over a balcony....

520 leftover54  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 10:21:51pm

Nobody said it better than Anderson Cooper:
"So much achieved, so much left undone."
What a load this guy is...
I'm reminded of the 1st time I ever saw Jackson perform - I believe it was in the early/mid 60's on the NYC area kids TV show 'Wonderama' (sp?)
Either Sonny Fox or Bob McCalister (sp?) was the host - he picked Micael up and stood him on a table to sing/dance 'cause he was just a little kid - you could only see everyone elses knees when he stood next to his siblings in the spotlit area ! It really was something to watch him dance as he sang !
I wish I could remember the year/host better - any NYC boomers here remember this ? Wonderama was amazing - started mid Sunday mornings and went through until 1pm ! I argued every week with my mother because me and my younger bro hated being dragged away from the screen to go to Sunday School !
"It will still be on when you get home !" LOL !
Anyway, I had the Farrah fawcett poster above my headboard, not his.... Jackson was ever present throughout my life (or anyone born in the 50's or later). Never owned any of his records but I'll never forget the 'stir' whenever the 'Thriller' video came on at the local club I used to hang at - people went nuts !
One had to watch though - the entire crowd was just mesmerized watching him do his 'moonwalk' (plus there was a monitor every 20 feet !). I didn't hate the guy, just thought he was 'odd'. Nuthin' wrong with wishing him a "RIP', he did make pop history, entertained millions as well as generated tons of controversy. All that money and fame generated and its all over for him at 50.
And Farrah Fawcett... you were 'there' for me sweety (with all due respect). What ...? Hey, she made the poster...
She also got serious and tried her best to bring attention to the problem of 'spousal abuse'. There's only so much one can accomplish in life and she did more with her's than many of the 'rich & famous (and idle)' do - that's sayin' something, right ?
RIP Ms. Fawcett
... RIP to all the poor, unknown everyday folks out there that passed away today and whose story we will never hear...

Farrah Fawcett

521 Spartacus50  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 10:53:55pm

Such a sad day. Its beyond words what Michael Jackson meant to the world. Some of my lasting childhood memories involved Michael Jackson and his incredible celebrity. Who doesn't remember where they were when we heard his hair caught fire while filming the Pepsi commercial? The first time I saw the video for Billie Jean was a revelation. The opening notes to Beat It still gives me chills. His performance in The Wiz. When he met the Reagans at the White House. I could go on and on.

What a loss.

522 leftover54  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 11:24:48pm

This getting old thing is for the birds - posted above that I never bought any of his records... then thought 'or did I ?' . Can not trust the memory anymore... I had to go through my collection of 45's that I started in1964. I'll be dang - I have a MJ 45 - 'Billie Jean'. Totally forgot I bought it. It was for 'entertaining', not for me - ya had to have a good 'mix' tape when throwing a party back in the 80's and his jams were in demand. They did get 'the party started' as it were. 'Good beat, ya can dance to it'. Man, so long ago now it seems. No interviews with Dick Clark - 'the worlds oldest teenager' yet ? I believe they were close at one time.
** My entry here is for my own benefit - its already a dead thread (no pun intended). I heard an interview by Larry King and some female pop star about an hour ago (C.Dion ?) She says 'this is like when Kennedy died or Elvis' and King says 'you always remember where you were'. Since I can't depend on my memory, this will help to remind me some day of where I was when I learned 'The King of Pop' died. And why the hell do I still have CNN on ?

523 leftover54  Thu, Jun 25, 2009 11:42:27pm

Spartacus50

The opening notes to Beat It still gives me chills.

Although it didn't give me chills, I know what you're sayin'. Similar songs that 'got my attention' were 'Satisfaction', 'Get Off My Cloud'
and 'I should Have known Better". I guess this 'dates' me !
Again, while out in the clubs in '82/'83, the opening to both 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It' created a palpable electricity through out the club.The mark of a great/destined to be a 'classic' pop/rock song.
I remember being surprised t hearing he and Eddie VanHallen had collaborated in the studio together. Just saw that 'moon walk' again - yeah, that was a pretty cool move - gotta give him that.
Jeeeeeezzzzzzzzzzz...... Anderson Cooper just said 'we have a picture here - it's pretty disturbing - probably the last picture to be taken of Michael - caution you, it is disturbing..." So of course I turn to the TV - I figured it was going to be a publicity photo or some amateur snap shot. It was him on the damn stretcher with the O2 mask on while paramedics were working on him ! That was not right...damn. What is with these people ?

524 leftover54  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 12:03:21am

Cooper talking with Sharpton - Cooper said 'It was Michael who was responsible for getting black music played on MTV, right ?'.
Rev. Al said 'yes, he participated in a march on one of the record companies too".
I mention this because of the mention of it a few hundred posts ago
and some questioning its validity. Wonder if it led to one of the early "VJ's" Randy Jackson (?) getting his job ?

525 zoidberg  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 12:41:30am

MJ - RIP.

526 ryannon  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 1:22:52am

re: #507 Sheepdogess

Or the sickness. He was a deviant man.


He was the man in the mirror

in a deviant world

Youtube Video
527 zulubaby  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 3:23:15am

He was a true artist and genius, complete with tortured soul. May he rest in peace.

528 American Sabra  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 7:07:28am

At the news of his death, I felt nostalgic for the little boy I grew up idolizing. Then I watched a few specials last night and remembered the darker side. Particularly when they showed the first jury acquit him and then months later, they interviewed two jurors who said exactly, "We knew the boy was telling the truth and Jackson molested that child." What the hell was that? And those jurors weren't arrested on the spot?

The man was a pedophile. People don't want to believe it, but it's true. The sad, horrible fact is that we very rarely put our idols in jail, no matter what they do. How Phil Spector got convicted is beyond me... maybe it was the crazy do. Anyway, I loved Jackon's music, but I didn't love the man.

529 Land Shark  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 7:07:33am

RIP Michael. I was never a fan of his music (the only album I have by him is an LP of Thriller the girl I dated back then gave me, it's still un-played in my vinyl collection) but there's no denying he was as big in the pop music as there's ever been. Sinatra, Elvis, The Beatles, you name it.

He was also as weird as any pop music star has been. Just look at the dramatic difference in his appearance from the when he started, he went from being a rather handsome black man to, well, someone who looked like a specter out of a zombie movie or something. Then there's the child abuse allegations.

God have mercy on his soul.

530 sffilk  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 7:46:27am

re: #81 SixDegrees

To be honest, I'm much more swayed by Fawcett's death. Jackson has been committing a ghastly, public, slow-motion suicide for several years now, and I'm having trouble finding a rat's ass to give about it.

Honestly, I don't really care about his death either. I am one of those who didn't enjoy his music and would turn off the TV when his events of the last 15 years would come on the news. I had artists I enjoyed, and he wasn't one of them. But that's my opinion.

531 Nemesis6  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 8:35:51am

Copyright restrictions :(

532 Proud to be an Infidel  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 8:51:31am

Michael Jackson may have had a weakness for young boys but you certainly cannot put him in the same category as a John Cewy or those degenerate pedophiles who murdered Carla Brushki and Polly Klass. Regardless that still is an aspect of his life that cannot be condoned. BUT he was a talented musician and a very charismatic figure. Besides, with all his crazy fetishes aside, I do think he genuinely helped children. I did like his music and was really pulling for him in his comeback. Unfortunately, it just wasn't meant to be. And I do think, to his credit, that he did distance himself from young boys during the past few years of his life, so he did learn some valuable lessons from his misjudgments. Not everybody can say that!

533 proud to be an infidel  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 9:27:39am

re: #74 Judith

I hope his kids are okay. As for him, well IMHO a pedophile can't die too young.

Well, as far as I'm concerned Judith, a person who bludgeons a little old lady on the street and steals her welfare check also can't die too young. As far as I'm concerned, a person who steals your credit cards and runs up charges in excess of $10,000 completely ruining your credit in the process also cannot die too young. Neither can a crooked investor who steals the entire life's savings of people who worked hard their whole lives only to find out that instead of retiring in a beautiful home in Sun City, Arizona, they have to settle for a cheap but filthy rooming house on 29th street.

Personally, I think what Bernard Maddof did was far, far worse than anything Michael Jackson was ever accused of doing. In fact, I'm willing to bet you that that boy or boys whom Michael Jackson was accused of molesting back in 93 are MUCH better off today (even without the 25 million dollar settlement) than those older couples whom Maddof swindled.

Like I say, there were things in Michael Jackson's life that I cannot condone BUT I'm just trying to put things in their proper perspective.

534 anova  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 9:38:45am

May both Michael Jackson and Farah Fawcett Rest In Peace

535 American Sabra  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 10:52:40am

re: #532 Proud to be an Infidel

re: #533 Proud to be an Infidel

And John Wayne Gacy was a clown who entertained children before molesting, torturing and burying them under the house.

I'm not comfortable comparing degrees of pedophilia and making the insinuation that even "small" amounts of it is somehow ok if he balances it with other good deeds. Jackson didn't murder anyone, but we have no idea of the depth of the molestation or how many children were effected.

Jackson admitted he slept with boys. He said there was nothing wrong with sharing your bed with children. The second boy described his genitals in court. He got acquitted, but it doesn't mean he was innocent. Sometimes the justice system fails us. I will never believe that OJ, Robert Blake or MJ are innocent of their crimes.

I was a huge fan of Michael at one time. I was a huge fan of Cat Stevens too, another of life's major disappointments. Maybe there's a way of separating the Star from the (wo)Man. I'm working on it.

536 SecondComing  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 11:13:59am

In honor of Michael:

MP3

537 leftover54  Fri, Jun 26, 2009 3:04:32pm

Please, NEVER underestimate the damage sexual molestation has on a child. And the damage is not easily reversed - if ever. Personally, I'd rather be flat broke than spend the first 25 years of my life dealing with the effects of molestation as I did. Money can be recouped. Happiness can't. I know your post was made because you obviously haven't suffered these effects and therefore you are ignorant of them but you don't know what you're talking about. I've been in both situations - no comparison.
I use the words 'damage' and 'pain' to make a quick and easy reference to a whole host of 'issues' too complicated and uncomfortable for me to try to describe here. They don't do the 'effects' justice. And for any of you guys out there that think 'if I had a HOT teacher like her, I wouldn't mind it at all' (referring to the teacher/child raper) please think again. Innocence lost is innocence stolen, never to be recovered. I've often wondered if MJ wasn't severely abused.His life was consumed with trying to recover the time taken from him. Without coming to terms with the issue many in turn become the thief/abuser themselves.The worst thing the 'abused' can do is hide it and keep it inside. Due to his living in the 'spot light', he may very well have kept it his most closely guarded secrets. That tends to happen especially with kids born prior to the 80's when the public 'dialogue' of the issue began. Keep in mind that the kid you feel so sorry for may in fact grow up to repeat the very crime visited on him/her ! Fortunately we haven't become so freaking lunatic lib that we pity the abused and not condemn the abuser. There's no excuse for abuse - no matter what happened to you in your childhood ! If you were abused, get help asap - you will never regret it.
/PSA

538 Proud to be an Infidel  Sat, Jun 27, 2009 7:27:20am

Leftover54, you say "money can be recouped. Happiness can't" Oh really? Then please explain to me HOW a retired 85-year-old couple can get 2 million dollars back that was stolen from them. I'm sure they'd like to know too. Obviously you went thru some horrible sexual abuse as a child, so much so that you'd feel better off being broke and on the street rather than having went thru what you did. For that, I am truly sorry, it must have been awful for you, BUT neither can you overestimate the damage sexual molestation has on a child because putting a "ruined for life" stigmatization on a person based on assumptions can also do a great deal of damage. The fact is, there are varying degrees of sexual assault and you cannot project YOUR experience onto everybody else who also experienced some form of sexual abuse as a child. Every case is different in severity and on the impact it will have on the victim.

A sexual molestation can range anywhere from an adult placing their hand on the minor's genital over their clothing which, BTW, is still a crime, to long term forcible anal and/or oral sodomy of the child. Now, I am certainly NOT saying that the former is OK, it obviously is not and American Sabra, you need to read my posts closer because I NEVER insinuated "that even small amounts" of pedophilia was OK. BUT it does not compare to the later as to the degree of psychological AND physical damage it will cause. That should be obvious just as is the comparison between the impact of stealing a piece of candy from Wal*Mart to grand theft auto from a car dealership.

As a 16-year-old, I was also sexually molested (by legal definition) which involved an adult fondling me. Even though it was a very awkward and uncomfortable feeling at the time, it's preposterous to say that the experience scarred and ruined me for life. It did NOT! Therefore, I would never, NEVER trade places with those poor elderly people who had their entire life's savings stolen from some greedy asshole! But yet EVERYBODY is accusing MJ of ruining kids FOR LIFE and doing much worse.

The accusation against MJ in the early 90s involved open mouth kissing of a 13-year-old boy along with some genital fondling. Extremely disgusting and deviant behavior I will admit BUT as bad as that was, it is not comparable to the crimes of the more sadistic pedophiles who actually PHYSICALLY harm children, but yet people are putting MJ into the same class as them!

This is why I say there are people who did much worse than MJ did but yet were vilified far less so and unless you really know MJ's victim and the circumstances of the crime, you cannot assume that the kid, or person, is now "ruined for life". My GUT feeling is that the kid, who is now a man, is doing just fine today and is probably leading a normal heterosexual life, 25 million dollars or not. And with that said, I do give MJ some credit for learning from his mistakes and distancing himself from young boys these last few years of his life.

Just my humble opinion.

539 Daisy  Sat, Jun 27, 2009 9:19:18am

re: #538 Proud to be an Infidel

I agree. The stigmatization for life of any sort of victim can be worse than the original victimization - and this is especially true in cases of sexual exploitation. Personally, I think the greater crimes were committed by parents who - I believe - deliberately sent their children for 'over-nights' in the hopes of suing for their own financial gain. Women were willing to provide him children via giving birth for profit, which is more than disgusting - and social workers and judges awarded him custody of children who should not have been under his roof.

The other immoral action - not criminal - nevertheless, immoral - is the exploitation by the media of yet another sick alcoholic/drug addict - which MJ clearly was - as 'weird' or "glamorous" in order to sell papers. So, one more addict dies, aided and abetted by the media and their willing to remain ignorant paying audience.

RIP Michael Jackson.


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