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.