Friends,

Read more (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029?gt1=43001)....

Stijloor.

Certainly one of the more "unusual" characters in my life. However, I will always remember him in Thriller, one of the best music videos ever.

Certainly one of the more "unusual" characters in my life. However, I will always remember him in Thriller, one of the best music videos ever.

The best music video!:yes:

Too bad his life and lifestyle stunk...I hope the people closest to him are satisfied because like Elvis, Tyson and some others they helped create the person he became.

He was so unhappy that it's hard to know how to feel about his dying so young. I hope he's finally at peace, which I suspect he hasn't enjoyed for a very long time.

Friends,

Read more (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029?gt1=43001)....

Stijloor.

I wish my condolences to the family and friends. He was a great entertainer.

This was definitely the shocker of the year. I pretty much grew up listening to the Jackson 5, then the solo Michael. His life was so very strange, but you'd be hard pressed to find a performer of his talent anywhere. And while I've outgrown Pop, Michael Jackson still holds a place on my i-Pod.

Yeah, Thriller was great, and he did have some moments. What, 30 years ago?

While I try not to speak ill of the dead, well....

Well, Craig, even in the "unconstructive" years, he kept us all wondering what would happen next. Maybe it was more well thought out then we knew, but whatever it was it seems as though it was proof that fame and fortune don't necessarily make one happy.

I have found that in the music industry - LONG before Michael Jackson was born until now - it is handy to separate the music from the artist. If you get caught up in deciding whether you like the music based on the artist's lifestyle, you miss out on some good music. Even lip-synced music can be good music.

His catalog is impressive, no matter what his lifestyle was. Trust me...he was not the first eccentric musician.

Well, Craig, even in the "unconstructive" years, he kept us all wondering what would happen next. Maybe it was more well thought out then we knew, but whatever it was it seems as though it was proof that fame and fortune don't necessarily make one happy.

Oh, sure, it was entertaining, and money does not necessarily buy happiness. It can even lead to self destruction.

However... (I tried not to)

I have no room in my heart for child abusers/molesters, wife beaters and such. I don't know if he ever beat his wife, but he did dangle his son from a balcony, and there was a $20 mil settlement for a child sex case. That's just what we know about.

No amount of song and dance excuses that, in my book anyway. He made a deal with the devil at the crossroads, and now he pays the bill.

....but he did dangle his son from a balcony..

A little creepy, yes. But is it significantly off from swinging your kid around, or holding them up/over to see something?


...and there was a $20 mil settlement for a child sex case. That's just what we know about.

No amount of song and dance excuses that, in my book anyway. He made a deal with the devil at the crossroads, and now he pays the bill.

It was a settlement. We still don't know what went on at that ranch. I will submit though, that every male on the Cove would know better than to put themselves in a position where they are alone with a bunch of boys, with no adult supervision.
*****

Truly, I am not defending the man. I'm just saying he exhibited some very odd behavior, but I have seen much worse characters come and go.

Interesting Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Jackson) on his dad. So how much influence would you say his father had on his life?

I will submit though, that every male on the Cove would know better than to put themselves in a position where they are alone with a bunch of boys, with no adult supervision.

There is a little more to it than that - or boy scouts and summer camps would not be considered acceptable (and maybe they are not anymore, thanks to this stuff.) He had issues - plain and simple. The parents involved were either star struck or opportunists.

Oh, sure, it was entertaining, and money does not necessarily buy happiness. It can even lead to self destruction.

However... (I tried not to)

I have no room in my heart for child abusers/molesters, wife beaters and such. I don't know if he ever beat his wife, but he did dangle his son from a balcony, and there was a $20 mil settlement for a child sex case. That's just what we know about.

No amount of song and dance excuses that, in my book anyway. He made a deal with the devil at the crossroads, and now he pays the bill.

What a very constructive thing to say:nope:. Let's not forget about his enormous contribution to motown/disco. Oh, and not forgetting that he may even say he was sorry for his wordly mesdemeaners when he meets his leader....

Lets also not forget that it was probably self inflicted with the assistance of those who "loved" him.

Sorry if I seem hard, but this is like Mickey Mantle...please feel sorry for me and give me a liver because I pickled mine with booze all my life....

I loved the music and the "artist", but as a responsible adult....:nope:

What a very constructive thing to say:nope:. Let's not forget about his enormous contribution to motown/disco. Oh, and not forgetting that he may even say he was sorry for his wordly mesdemeaners when he meets his leader....

I guess you have your opinions and values and I have mine.

:rolleyes:

Paul Simon, in his Graceland song "Boy in the Bubble," said "Every generation throws a hero up the pop charts." Amen to that.

I found it interesting in watching the early coverage yesterday that one thirty-something man interviewed on the street in New York said "I'll always remember that I was in Times Square when I heard the news of Michael Jackson's death." As in the Paul Simon lyric, it seems that every generation has one of those too. For me (and most people in the US over the age of fifty) it was the JFK assassination. I was in a sixth-grade math class at Witter elementary school in Brawley, CA. For my parents' generation, the news of FDR's death in 1945 holds a similar time-and-place memory.

I wonder if assigning that sort of reverence to a show biz celebrity means anything in terms of what people consider important these days.

I'm a 30 something and will not remember where I was when I heard MJ died. However, I will remember where I was when

1. Challenger exploded (watched it at school with all my classmates)
2. Re-entry explosion (forgot name of shuttle - was at Walt Disney World wondering why all the flags were at half-mast)
3. Iraq War 1 - (at university with very anti-war roommates)

Sorry, but the death of any star doesn't rank with those.

As sad as MJ's death is, it doesn't rank with a presidential assassination, death, or other major political or international event.

We mustn't forget that Jackson is not the only singer who has been vilified for such behaviour. I seem to remember that Jerry Lee Lewis was scandalized for dating a 13 year old. More recently, 'Boy George', Gary Glitter and George Michael have all been troubled by their sexual proclivities.

You don't have to like them as people - but you might (grudgingly) agree they made their mark on modern music........

Hi Cove
This is my :2cents:

MJ's death made a chock around the world. and as some of you said, no one can be just indifferent about this fact:(

Even it wasn't my most favorite artist but surely i'm enjoying to hear his songs and see his performance as dancer.

For all these issues that he'd faced with the court about child.
I'm not inclined to believe that he did something wrong with child,

when i heard him talking during the interview, i'm more inclined to see an old child which probaly keep his childhood behaviors inside him and his behaviour as well. Basically if we see the problem that he got with his dad and which result it can came from that.

In my modest view, if he's was even slightly guilty , he won't feel bad as he felt even to be declared innocent.
A guilty person will feel relieved and will be more :notme: than to become more sad and to withdraw into himself.

my deepest sympathy to his family and i hope that the inverstigation won't show any conspiration brrrrr:mg: It is just frightened!

Nice starting week to all of you
Selena

I wonder if assigning that sort of reverence to a show biz celebrity means anything in terms of what people consider important these days.

Me too. A lot.

For what it's worth, I remember exactly where I was & what I was doing when I heard the news of JFK's assassination - it was the first time I'd ever seen headlines so big.

1. Challenger exploded (watched it at school with all my classmates) I was on the ground at Edwards AFB as part of the helicopter medivac assigned during all launches and landings.

2. Re-entry explosion (forgot name of shuttle - was at Walt Disney World wondering why all the flags were at half-mast) Columbia

3. Iraq War 1 - (at university with very anti-war roommates) Maybe next time their country will get invaded and we'll see how ani-war they are.

Sorry, but the death of any star doesn't rank with those. Got to agree with ya there...I hope it ends soon and we can get back to minor issues like Global warming, the economy, N Korea and fixing my 'Vette

Yes, I remember the Challenger. Heard about it on the radio on the way to class. Professor said something about us not being meant to go into space. Two quarters later the idiot got busted for playing around with coeds. Cost accounting class. I had job offers from IRS agents...

Columbia? Going out to the hunting camp and trying to call my brother in Texas. He was in north Texas, and did not see it. Sucked. Those are real heros.

Iraq I? Working a picture puzzle in front of the TV in my parents' house.

Sure, Thriller is one of the best, but, people, our attention is being diverted. MJ's life was backward, to be sure. He got famous early, and had to deal with it later. The business decisions made by him or on his behalf were amazing (Beatles book). But, the media has again been successful at diverting our attention from the really important issues.

I stand by my assessment of MJ's recent antics. I do not deny that he had a big impact on pop, for what that's worth. I do have a problem with the seeming public acceptance of those antics.

There are those who do not like my previous comments. So be it. Even better, prove me wrong. Please.

I feel sad at the demise of Micheal jackson. To me it is a big news.

Me too. A lot.

For what it's worth, I remember exactly where I was & what I was doing when I heard the news of JFK's assassination - it was the first time I'd ever seen headlines so big.

I was on Okinawa w/my family, I was 12. At the time dad was in a little known and heard of country called South VietNam helping their Air Force create a marksmanship program.

About 2 or 3 in the morning the entire island went on alert (there were over 50,000 US service people stationed there from what I remember)...every siren and alarm on the island went off and planes were launching from both the Kadena and Naha Air force bases. (We were only 300 miles or so from the Chinese coast)

Of course nothing happened other than our Christmas festivities being cancelled at school and around the island.

I hope it ends soon and we can get back to minor issues like Global warming, the economy, N Korea and fixing my 'Vette

...your 'Vette having the highest probability of getting "fixed" any time soon.:tg:

the best popular singer and dancer, the music and dancing keep forever!

...your 'Vette having the highest probability of getting "fixed" any time soon.:tg:

:topic:Hopefully...the AC is on the blink:(

Great performer of the late 70's and 80's. No one compares. Offstage, it is hard to seperate fact from fiction and the desire to be in the news. If they are talking about you, chances are you are making money. Regardless of the judgment of the courts or people we all answer in the end to the old man above for our doings.

Friends,

No surprise (http://www.theroot.com/views/shameless-joe-jackson?GT1=38002)...

Stijloor.

No surprise (http://www.theroot.com/views/shameless-joe-jackson?GT1=38002)...


Yes, getting Rev. Sharpton involved automatically provides some circus atmosphere. Pitiful.:rolleyes:

Yes, getting Rev. Sharpton involved automatically provides some circus atmosphere. Pitiful.:rolleyes:

It sure does!

I could not help but seeing birds circling... You know what I mean?

Stijloor.

The only black who becomes white.

The only black who becomes white.

:jawdrop:

:uhoh:

You'd get chastised, called ugly names and a whole bunch of stuff would come your way if you said that here in the States:nono:

You'd get chastised, called ugly names and a whole bunch of stuff would come your way if you said that here in the States

Black is not a synonym for ugly

He was very talented, and I will continue to enjoy his work. He was certainly an odd individual, but I don't care to hear about the personal lives of very many celebrities, MJ included.

I will however, always remember June 25th. Mainly because it's my wedding anniversary and my wife wouldn't be too pleased if I forgot... :agree1:

His life was neither an example for the youth nor an example for POP singers.Just a material man.Do we need another MJ?
A great classical musician once said "a music without devotin to the lord is of no use'
V.J.Brahmaiah

He was very talented, and I will continue to enjoy his work. He was certainly an odd individual, but I don't care to hear about the personal lives of very many celebrities, MJ included.

Agree totally.

Black is not a synonym for ugly

Your original comment wasn't in the best of taste though. :nope: Nor funny. :nope:

A great classical musician once said "a music without devotin to the lord is of no use'

Oh, I think s/he enjoys music of all descriptions and hues and types, without insisting that people follow a certain prescribed path....

The footage of the 'mega-fans' in the throes of despair is utterly ludicrous. The growing likelihood of my salary being reduced by 29% in Oct.2011. The health of 2 of my close family members who are undergoing quite major operations over the next month or so. The well-being of my 2 year old daughter. The state of the British (and world) economy. The state of 'modern Britain' in general. Work colleagues who are undergoing wage cuts and will struggle to pay their mortgage. These are things that really matter to me.

Yes, the music world has lost one of its biggest ever artists. However, since the BAD album (1987?), save for about 4 or 5 songs, Jackson hasn't made a decent album of note and his 'legacy' will forever be clouded by the allegations and rumours. An unsavoury ending to the career of an undoubtedly talented artist. But it really rankles me when the press over here are still, almost a week later, filling their front pages (often 6-7 pages) with MJ related stories which I really don't care for. There are far, far more important issues going on which should be headline news.

Your original comment wasn't in the best of taste though. Nor funny.

its always the perception that is right or wrong

He lived his life (perhaps full) and had a great impact all over the world through his music and charity. I think even the taliban:biglaugh: will nod their heads at his beats.
It's a judgmental world and people will question his values and morality....compared to one's self or who? "Man in the Mirror"

Now the media can do some business!

Migre,

In some ways I agree with you that there are 'bigger things' to despair over. But I don't think we can judge for other people what causes them to grieve, nor expect newspapers and magazines to do what sells their product.

Sometimes a particular loss can be the 'trigger' or the external event that enables people to openly express grief which may have more than one cause. Look at the extraordinary outpouring of grief over Princess Diana in Britain, for example.

I am really sorry to hear of what's happening in Britain, and your bad news. Clearly for you, MJ isn't a big event. His death isn't a big event to me, either, but I am sad for him, as he seemed such a 'lost little boy' in so many ways. And undeniably huge talent - such a pity.

Jane,

I guess my post was mainly a personal perspective. I appreciate that the publishers simply want to sell as many newspapers as possible (and the immensely readable Piers Morgan diary books, especially his first one, which also covers the time of Diana's death, confirm that) but I just find it a little frustrating. Same with the people grieving element too - it just seems a little strange to me that people throw themselves into huge pools of despair over people they didn't even truly know. But each to their own I guess and I do appreciate your point about the external event enabling people to openly express grief which may have more than one cause- that's an aspect of it I hadn't considered.

And, when putting it into the context of the music industry losing one of it's greatest talents, then MJ's death is a big event to me - it's just that I won't be losing any sleep over it or spending days in tears. As a musician myself I can appreciate the immense talent he had, as a singer, songwriter and performer. As I said earlier, other than the odd song I don't believe he's done anything of note for the past 20 years, but his output prior to that will be afforded classic status for ever. To me, along with Elvis and Prince, he was the most gifted and influential (solo) male pop star ever. And I prefer to make clear distinctions between the solo artists and the group members (such as Lennon, McCartney, Brian Wilson etc).

And there is a huge element of sadness to all this. Clearly, being thrust into the limelight at such an early age, plus (seemingly) the influence of his father, had a major effect on his life. I guess there's a lot to be said for having a reasonable element of control over your life and career (as in Prince's case) rather than being pushed, pulled, bent into shape and manufactured by others for the vast majority of your life.

Migre

Thanks for taking my post in the spirit it was meant - I wasn't sure I'd expressed myself very well.

I won't be losing any sleep/tears over MJ either, but I do agree with you about the classic status of his earlier stuff and etc. I never quite followed all the fuss about Michael, but he was a consummate and gifted entertainer. Such a pity that his subsequent life turned so weird... I guess a consequence of either not having had a childhood at all or a pretty strange one.

I do send you my very best wishes for the health of your family members (something to care a lot about!) and I know that major operations are incredibly worrying events. And commiserations re. the possible slashing of salary too: that would be hard to contemplate and certainly put any death of a celebrity in the shade, I imagine. As you say, these are all very real and serious things to be worried about. I gather things are pretty tough in the UK right now - in Australia we seem to be managing a bit better (at the moment! touch wood) but there are still plenty of people I feel for, who've either lost their jobs, fear doing so and/or are seriously struggling to make ends meet.

Thanks Jane - much appreciated. I guess we all just have to try and stay positive and weather the storms (note the plural sense there)! I'm sure there's some light at the end of the tunnel somewhere...

We actually know 2 couples (quite close friends actually) who moved to Australia recently (one 4 years ago, the other 2 years ago). They live a few doors apart in Perth and are loving it over there, actually commenting that they can't believe they didn't make the move sooner. If I didn't have such strong ties to friends and family over here, I'd consider it myself, but I could never leave such a valued group of people behind. Though when we speak to them / e-mail them, a little jealousy occurs when they mention that they take their boys for a short walk to the beach each and every day!

Maybe he was really "Dorian Gray"

Despite his merits and demerits discussed here, 'Michael Jackson' will remain a legend, to be remembered for a long time. BTW, has anyone heard of 'NEVERLAND' created by him? It is a 2400 acres of residence, comprising of Mansions, Theme parks, Railways, Zoo, Malls etcetra etcetra. Do not believe it?! Take a deep breath and watch the attachment.

IMO, his abode is tiny in comparison of his ART.

RIP King of pop.

Is the fiasco and nonsense over yet? Is it safe to come out of the bunker?

Wayne

Yeah, this is getting too old, too fast and in the end what does it all really matter anyway?

There are alot more pressing issues than a dead 50 year old man that slept with little boys.

Randy, I couldn't agree more!

Don't get me wrong, as an entertainer he was at the top for a good deal of his life, but as a responsible adult he was a miserable failure.

People seem to have a hard time understanding the difference.

I agree that the whole thing was excessive. I was very surprised when he died, and his music did make up a large part of the music of my youth. His life as a whole was not something I would want my children to aspire to though.

That being said, I am just tired of the media period. MJ not the only topic on that list. If I hear one more time how President Obama thinks his little girl is the next Agent 99 I will scream, or how much Michelle paid for their coats. Lordy! Just let those poor children enjoy this opportunity of a lifetime and stop with the stupid stuff. The older I get the less I respect the media.

He was very talented, and I will continue to enjoy his work. He was certainly an odd individual, but I don't care to hear about the personal lives of very many celebrities, MJ included.

I will however, always remember June 25th. Mainly because it's my wedding anniversary and my wife wouldn't be too pleased if I forgot... :agree1:


Every great person in the histry of mankind is odd!! correct me if i am wrong.

I'm a 30 something and will not remember where I was when I heard MJ died. However, I will remember where I was when

1. Challenger exploded (watched it at school with all my classmates)
2. Re-entry explosion (forgot name of shuttle - was at Walt Disney World wondering why all the flags were at half-mast)
3. Iraq War 1 - (at university with very anti-war roommates)

Sorry, but the death of any star doesn't rank with those.

As sad as MJ's death is, it doesn't rank with a presidential assassination, death, or other major political or international event.

You don't know where you have been on 9/11?

I think your are right, but MJ has influenced me directly, I heard his music as a teen, I danced to that music, so his death brings up those memories (my personal ones), I thinks that is it was all these people bring together.


TamTom

He was a damn PEDOPHILE. No one settles out of court for 20 million dollars unless they are guilty. He settled out of court twice. I am sick of all the "poor mike" crap in the media. He deserves no honors, or media hype of what a wonderful person/performer he was, if it was you or me that did what he did and got away with it we would be cell mates with "Bubba" . Hate is a strong word and I use it very rarely but I hate Michael Jackson. May he burn in he!! 4 ever. I am sorry if this offends anybody but if you think about it there are very few people more offensive than michael jackson.:2cents:

He was a damn PEDOPHILE. No one settles out of court for 20 million dollars unless they are guilty. He settled out of court twice. I am sick of all the "poor mike" crap in the media. He deserves no honors, or media hype of what a wonderful person/performer he was, if it was you or me that did what he did and got away with it we would be cell mates with "Bubba" . Hate is a strong word and I use it very rarely but I hate Michael Jackson. May he burn in he!! 4 ever. I am sorry if this offends anybody but if you think about it there are very few people more offensive than michael jackson.:2cents:

Money and fame removes Lady Justice's blindfold....

Stijloor.

Money and fame removes Lady Justice's blindfold....

Stijloor.

Now that is something to really lament.....

Wayne

Money and fame removes Lady Justice's blindfold....

Stijloor.

Not always.

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz17/jim_wynne/phil-spector-frizz.jpg

Not always.

True, although it took six years and a retrial.

Stijloor.

Now he's been murdered!

The drama just keeps building:frust:

Not to my knowledge (I'm obviously better informed, Randy). MY sources tell me he's been picked up by a spacecraft and is on his way to Alpha Centauri...

Now he's been murdered!

The drama just keeps building:frust:

Has anyone started a poll yet on where the first joint sighting of Elvis and Michael Jackson will take place?

Wayne

Not always.

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz17/jim_wynne/phil-spector-frizz.jpg

Who/what is that??!?

Who/what is that??!?

An older "Yahoo Serious"??? Remember the movie "Young Einstein"?

Wayne

Our Governor was glad for all the media hype dwelling on MJ and not him