Book: Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days / Review @pg8

[Petrarose]

Enough!

Stop!

This whole tale convinced me that Michael really was a caveman who lived completely off about what happened in the world. He was illiterate about anything. He was not able to use a computer/internet. Maybe he did not even know what a computer was. He really knew nothing. MJ was completely ignorant about anything/matter. :bugeyed :doh: :smilerolleyes: *joke*

*sarcasm*

^^Very good visual up there, but you should take off the clothes for added effect. Also stick a bone in his mouth. I mean people have gone overboard with this thing now. Personal computers came out really big in the 80s, and Michael would definitely seek them out. He wrote in his book that he likes gadgets and mechanical objects.

Michael is no different from millions of people who make a 6 figure salary but still have bad credit, like Dr. Death. Some of these people have the income but can't get credit to buy a house or rent an apt. That is why you have so much co-signers to rent an apt, at least in the city here where I live. Anyway, while he could not get credit he had assets valued in the millions, so at least he had something.

Ash you have to remember that the bodyguards had to have something like that to get a publisher. Remember how difficult it was for them to get a publisher before? It took them years. I suspect that originally they were not going to write anything like that, but they gave in and decided to give the publisher something juicy that the public will want to hear, but not too horrific that it would alienate the fans, the books main target. They compromised and figured since his finances were all over the place, they could add some details. I get this feeling because when they were answering questions in that very very large thread, there was no hint of material that would cause discord. They were lamenting about how the publishers wanted them to give these negative stories and they refused. They then told us they could not find a publisher. Now out of the clear blue sky they found a small company that would do the job. However, they most likely had to compromise not too much but a little. Even that interview on tv where they had his financial documents shows that the network would not give them the time of day if they did not have something salacious to "tell on the King of Pop." Anyway this is human nature. I guess they feel they did the right thing based on the circumstances. I think they really care about Michael and his family, and no one is perfect.

 

[qbee]

Amazon just named "Michael Jackson, Inc" the Best Book Of The Month in the Business & Leadership category!
http://www.amazon.com

 

[Ashtanga]

^^Very good visual up there, but you should take off the clothes for added effect. Also stick a bone in his mouth.

Ash you have to remember that the bodyguards had to have something like that to get a publisher. Remember how difficult it was for them to get a publisher before? It took them years. I suspect that originally they were not going to write anything like that, but they gave in and decided to give the publisher something juicy that the public will want to hear, but not too horrific that it would alienate the fans, the books main target. They compromised and figured since his finances were all over the place, they could add some details. I get this feeling because when they were answering questions in that very very large thread, there was no hint of material that would cause discord. They were lamenting about how the publishers wanted them to give these negative stories and they refused. They then told us they could not find a publisher. Now out of the clear blue sky they found a small company that would do the job. However, they most likely had to compromise not too much but a little. Even that interview on tv where they had his financial documents shows that the network would not give them the time of day if they did not have something salacious to "tell on the King of Pop." Anyway this is human nature. I guess they feel they did the right thing based on the circumstances. I think they really care about Michael and his family, and no one is perfect.

Exactly! The book had to have something that would arouse the curiosity of people to make them buy the book and of course, draw the attention of the press for the book. If it were not so, the book would not sell, would fail, no one would talk about it and lots of books would be stranded in bookstores. Marketing ploy to sell the book. From what I've seen out there, the impact on the content of the book and voracious discussion, I believe the book should be selling much. Many fans will buy. :fear: The book is selling like Coca-Cola in the desert Sahara. These guys will make good money. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ :fear:


Books like this is dispensable and should not buy them. It is more coherent borrow from someone who bought or just wait for someone to make available online for people to read for free. -_- Spending money to buy it? Give money to these guys/publisher? Never! :nono: The money should be spent on other priorities or with MJ items that worth have. :fear:

 

[Tygger]

The prosecution wanted to put 1,700 images from those computers into evidence, but the defense said its unclear anyone ever accessed them, the judge ruled against the images being added to evidence because there was no proof Michael ever accessed. Again we are assuming because those PC's were connected to the net MJ used them, this is what the prosecution were trying to do, I believe MJ's defense.

If I read this post earlier, I would have warned you. There are fans that use those images to support Michael’s heterosexuality and do not appreciate suggestions that others may have used those computers despite his defense successfully stating such. Somehow suggesting others used those computers diminishes Michael’s heterosexuality for some.

That being said, if using a computer primarily to browse internet sites and perform email activities is characterized as “computer illiterate” then, most with computers should be characterized as such as that is what most do.

Why the hell we have to know this? :blink: Why these bodyguards think they had the right to talk about it? :blink: Oh, maybe they're experts on the financial life of Michael because they worked for Michael and so they knew a lot.(?). :smilerolleyes:

Ashtanga, one particular author had access to Michael’s financial information for whatever convenient reason that is acceptable to some. No one questioned what this ex-employee did with those records that were not his to publicize. These authors somewhat satisfy the need of some who view Michael as a spoiled, selfish, millionaire in dire straits because they believe he did not deserve his financial success that he worked hard for.

It also places the authors in the role so many believed they held in Michael’s life; that of a savior who Michael trusted with his intimate thoughts despite being yet another vulture in his life.

Books like this is dispensable and should not buy them. It is more coherent borrow from someone who bought or just wait for someone to make available online for people to read for free. -_- Spending money to buy it? Give money to these guys/publisher? Never! :nono: The money should be spent on other priorities or with MJ items that worth have. :fear:

Interesting because I do not see this book as much different than Sullivan's or Cascio's book. Many panned the former without reading one word. The latter was praised by some while others found major inconsistencies with Cascio portraying himself as yet another savior in Michael's life who knew his most intimate secrets.

 

[krikzil]

Amazon just named "Michael Jackson, Inc" the Best Book Of The Month in the Business & Leadership category!
http://www.amazon.com

I'm about half way through it but stopped to revisit the BGs' book.

 

[GreenEyes]

I just wanted to point out that in the book, Michael is not painted as some naïve person who is unaware of the world and his surroundings.

There is a chapter in there about his time in Virginia. The bodyguards would take him around so he could see the sights and Michael would explain all the Civil War historical areas to his kids. He could explain Bull Run and where the Union Army did such and such. He even knew the location where 5,000 Confederate soldiers were killed.

He also visited the Vietnam War wall and the Washington Monument with Friend. He was aware of all these historical areas.

He knew his stuff. Very few Americans even have a good grasp of that kind of American history, and he knew it like that back of his hand. Impressive and wise.

 

[#MJforever57]

I see today we were into the Michael is computer illiterate or does not know how to use the computer mode. Do people really believe this? I am curious. So we have a man with computers in his home, and I guess he bought them for Show and Tell? Then in addition to this he has a laptop. Whenever I see someone has computer plus a laptop, it says to me that the person REALLY uses the computer. Who taught Prince to use a computer? Who had a computerized list of songs broken down by different statistics so that he could see which songs fans liked, what percentage liked this particular song, etc. Whose computers where confiscated by the police, searched and found internet sites on it? Oh maybe an intruder broke into Michael's home several times, went on the computers and surfed the internet.

Michael most likely was someone like me. You use the internet and the computer but you don't know for example a lot of the sites that most people usually visit, how to put a bug in someone's computer, how to hack into their system, how to remove a bug, how to go searching all over u-tube for different things, and things of that nature. However, turning it on and doing basic internet searches, buying, viewing, e-mailing he knew what to do.

I mean how many developmental/psychological/physical delays do we want to attach to this man anyway--he couldn't have a woman, he couldn't have sex, he didn't know about reality, he couldn't use the computer. What is next, he couldn't wipe himself after he went to the bathroom?

I have been thinking more about this book, and I know they had to give the publisher a good hook so that he would take the project and give an advance. However, did they have to add any new problematic information that people did not know about, so that the creeps could run with it and make a whole article out of it? For instance, why give details about the phone, since most did not know about that? I was going to buy 10 copies of this book, but now I am leaning towards buying 1 copy for someone to read, only because it is not really 100% tabloid, and it is a little different from most of the recent books about Michael. I will then buy 10 copies of Zack's, for going way off the sensationalism angle.

Thank you Petrarose for this post this is how i feel too i agree with you 100% that is why i will not buy this book sorry guys.:no:

 

[#MJforever57]

I left a comment on amazon website about tis book this is what i wrote from a comment that was helful to me.

This is why i will not buy this book out of respect for Michael and his childrens. Whatever happen in those last years of Michael lifes with the BG should have remain private and not for the world to read.

 

[Bubs]

I left a comment on amazon website about tis book this is what i wrote from a comment that was helful to me.

This is why i will not buy this book out of respect for Michael and his childrens. Whatever happen in those last years of Michael lifes with the BG should have remain private and not for the world to read.

No fence Pminton but KJ and family kind of already made clear what was Michael up to last years of his life.
There were no ounce of respect towards Michael or his kids since his passing and during the AEG trial. According to them, they spent last years of Michael's life trying to get him to rehab, he was hopeless addict and and was barely able to look after his kids and making kids life miserable by hiding them and protecting their privacy.

Seemingly these bodyguards tells a different story, such as Michael taking kids to the historical places and teaching them history lessons etc. They tells us he spent countless hours with his kids and what a great dad he was. Which one of the "truth" do you want to hear and stay with the public? It is like Yin and Yang or Black and White.
If there is tons of negative books or stories of MJ, there needs to be a counterbalance to even out things, if you know what I mean?

Of course, we can always rely other sources telling us what was Michael up to, such as former "bodyguard" Matt F telling he was Blankets father, or how Michael and Jason went to rodeo drive in the middle of the night hunting for gay people, or similar stuff.

Without these sort of books, Sullivan's, Demon Dimond's of this world would be only ones writing books about Michael, and trust me, there are people who take their stories as truth.

 

[AliCat]

I just wanted to point out that in the book, Michael is not painted as some naïve person who is unaware of the world and his surroundings.

There is a chapter in there about his time in Virginia. The bodyguards would take him around so he could see the sights and Michael would explain all the Civil War historical areas to his kids. He could explain Bull Run and where the Union Army did such and such. He even knew the location where 5,000 Confederate soldiers were killed.

He also visited the Vietnam War wall and the Washington Monument with Friend. He was aware of all these historical areas.

He knew his stuff. Very few Americans even have a good grasp of that kind of American history, and he knew it like that back of his hand. Impressive and wise.

That's a very cool story. My Dad, who happened to work in Washington D.C., when I was in puberty, would take us to the very same battlefields and tell us all about the battles too. I've even watched the Ted Turner production's of the Civil War, because when you attend elementary, junior high and high school, you take field trips into our Nation's Capital and go up to Gettysburg. This is so impressive how knowledgeable Michael was and how he taught his children, too, about the war's that took place in Virginia. The American Revolution has a lot of history in Virginia, too.

Thanks for bringing this out, GreenEyes!

 

[Warszawa320]

I see today we were into the Michael is computer illiterate or does not know how to use the computer mode. Do people really believe this? I am curious. So we have a man with computers in his home, and I guess he bought them for Show and Tell? Then in addition to this he has a laptop. Whenever I see someone has computer plus a laptop, it says to me that the person REALLY uses the computer. Who taught Prince to use a computer? Who had a computerized list of songs broken down by different statistics so that he could see which songs fans liked, what percentage liked this particular song, etc. Whose computers where confiscated by the police, searched and found internet sites on it? Oh maybe an intruder broke into Michael's home several times, went on the computers and surfed the internet.

Michael most likely was someone like me. You use the internet and the computer but you don't know for example a lot of the sites that most people usually visit, how to put a bug in someone's computer, how to hack into their system, how to remove a bug, how to go searching all over u-tube for different things, and things of that nature. However, turning it on and doing basic internet searches, buying, viewing, e-mailing he knew what to do.

I mean how many developmental/psychological/physical delays do we want to attach to this man anyway--he couldn't have a woman, he couldn't have sex, he didn't know about reality, he couldn't use the computer. What is next, he couldn't wipe himself after he went to the bathroom?

I have been thinking more about this book, and I know they had to give the publisher a good hook so that he would take the project and give an advance. However, did they have to add any new problematic information that people did not know about, so that the creeps could run with it and make a whole article out of it? For instance, why give details about the phone, since most did not know about that? I was going to buy 10 copies of this book, but now I am leaning towards buying 1 copy for someone to read, only because it is not really 100% tabloid, and it is a little different from most of the recent books about Michael. I will then buy 10 copies of Zack's, for going way off the sensationalism angle.

Even when I really wanted Zack's book be really good, personally I'm disappointed. I red his book first and I saw some errors plus too many people refused to talk on the subjects so he commented on them anyway. Plus too many conversations with the family and too many quotes from Jermaine's book about MJ's business. Just too many quotes from the people who were not involved in MJ's business so they are not credible. Yes, bodyguards book is a lot more interesting and credible. It's very depressing sometimes and there are parts where you would like to kick MJ in the butt at least ( as they wanted too). However you have to admire them that they stayed with him so long ( everybody else would leave and sue him ). Of course from the practical point of view they knew that if they quick they would be the last in line for their money. But they really went through a lot. Only the biggest fans would be able to work in the circumstances they did.

 

[GreenEyes]

No fence Pminton but KJ and family kind of already made clear what was Michael up to last years of his life.
There were no ounce of respect towards Michael or his kids since his passing and during the AEG trial. According to them, they spent last years of Michael's life trying to get him to rehab, he was hopeless addict and and was barely able to look after his kids and making kids life miserable by hiding them and protecting their privacy.

Seemingly these bodyguards tells a different story, such as Michael taking kids to the historical places and teaching them history lessons etc. They tells us he spent countless hours with his kids and what a great dad he was. Which one of the "truth" do you want to hear and stay with the public? It is like Yin and Yang or Black and White.
If there is tons of negative books or stories of MJ, there needs to be a counterbalance to even out things, if you know what I mean?

Of course, we can always rely other sources telling us what was Michael up to, such as former "bodyguard" Matt F telling he was Blankets father, or how Michael and Jason went to rodeo drive in the middle of the night hunting for gay people, or similar stuff.

Without these sort of books, Sullivan's, Demon Dimond's of this world would be only ones writing books about Michael, and trust me, there are people who take their stories as truth.

Exactly. Well said! Most of the general public is under the impression he was spaced out of his mind on drugs when he came back here to the U.S. after Ireland. Turns out that's not true and these guys who were around Michael for those couple of years proves otherwise. And some fans are demanding their silence??

Well, I guess they should have just kept their mouths shut and let the tabloids write Michael's history, according to these fans.{{SMDH}}. Because from where I'm sitting, that's all I've seen so far.:no:

 

[LastTear]

No fence Pminton but KJ and family kind of already made clear what was Michael up to last years of his life.
There were no ounce of respect towards Michael or his kids since his passing and during the AEG trial. According to them, they spent last years of Michael's life trying to get him to rehab, he was hopeless addict and and was barely able to look after his kids and making kids life miserable by hiding them and protecting their privacy.

Seemingly these bodyguards tells a different story, such as Michael taking kids to the historical places and teaching them history lessons etc. They tells us he spent countless hours with his kids and what a great dad he was. Which one of the "truth" do you want to hear and stay with the public? It is like Yin and Yang or Black and White.
If there is tons of negative books or stories of MJ, there needs to be a counterbalance to even out things, if you know what I mean?

Of course, we can always rely other sources telling us what was Michael up to, such as former "bodyguard" Matt F telling he was Blankets father, or how Michael and Jason went to rodeo drive in the middle of the night hunting for gay people, or similar stuff.

Without these sort of books, Sullivan's, Demon Dimond's of this world would be only ones writing books about Michael, and trust me, there are people who take their stories as truth.

^^^^^^ Quoted for the truth.

 

[Victory22]

No fence Pminton but KJ and family kind of already made clear what was Michael up to last years of his life.
There were no ounce of respect towards Michael or his kids since his passing and during the AEG trial. According to them, they spent last years of Michael's life trying to get him to rehab, he was hopeless addict and and was barely able to look after his kids and making kids life miserable by hiding them and protecting their privacy.

Seemingly these bodyguards tells a different story, such as Michael taking kids to the historical places and teaching them history lessons etc. They tells us he spent countless hours with his kids and what a great dad he was. Which one of the "truth" do you want to hear and stay with the public? It is like Yin and Yang or Black and White.
If there is tons of negative books or stories of MJ, there needs to be a counterbalance to even out things, if you know what I mean?

Of course, we can always rely other sources telling us what was Michael up to, such as former "bodyguard" Matt F telling he was Blankets father, or how Michael and Jason went to rodeo drive in the middle of the night hunting for gay people, or similar stuff.

Without these sort of books, Sullivan's, Demon Dimond's of this world would be only ones writing books about Michael, and trust me, there are people who take their stories as truth.

So very true! For this reason alone I will support this book.

 

[pollys2]

[ROZ & MOCHA INTERVIEW] Michael Jackson’s Former Bodyguards Talk About New Book


http://soundcloud.com/kiss925/michael-jacksons-former-bodyguards-on-kiss-925

 

[Warszawa320]

I see today we were into the Michael is computer illiterate or does not know how to use the computer mode. Do people really believe this? I am curious. So we have a man with computers in his home, and I guess he bought them for Show and Tell? Then in addition to this he has a laptop. Whenever I see someone has computer plus a laptop, it says to me that the person REALLY uses the computer. Who taught Prince to use a computer? Who had a computerized list of songs broken down by different statistics so that he could see which songs fans liked, what percentage liked this particular song, etc. Whose computers where confiscated by the police, searched and found internet sites on it? Oh maybe an intruder broke into Michael's home several times, went on the computers and surfed the internet.

Michael most likely was someone like me. You use the internet and the computer but you don't know for example a lot of the sites that most people usually visit, how to put a bug in someone's computer, how to hack into their system, how to remove a bug, how to go searching all over u-tube for different things, and things of that nature. However, turning it on and doing basic internet searches, buying, viewing, e-mailing he knew what to do.

I mean how many developmental/psychological/physical delays do we want to attach to this man anyway--he couldn't have a woman, he couldn't have sex, he didn't know about reality, he couldn't use the computer. What is next, he couldn't wipe himself after he went to the bathroom?

I have been thinking more about this book, and I know they had to give the publisher a good hook so that he would take the project and give an advance. However, did they have to add any new problematic information that people did not know about, so that the creeps could run with it and make a whole article out of it? For instance, why give details about the phone, since most did not know about that? I was going to buy 10 copies of this book, but now I am leaning towards buying 1 copy for someone to read, only because it is not really 100% tabloid, and it is a little different from most of the recent books about Michael. I will then buy 10 copies of Zack's, for going way off the sensationalism angle.

Enough!

Stop!

This whole tale convinced me that Michael really was a caveman who lived completely off about what happened in the world. He was illiterate about anything. He was not able to use a computer/internet. Maybe he did not even know what a computer was. He really knew nothing. MJ was completely ignorant about anything/matter. :bugeyed :doh: :smilerolleyes: *joke*

*sarcasm*


Sorry! :fear: But I can only look at it and give lots of laughs! :hysterical: :smilerolleyes: Oh God.... :sigh:










Love sex is one thing ..... Talk/discuss/dissect every detail or just gossiping about the sex life of another person is another thing entirely. This is gossip, exceed the limit line and invade the privacy of another (in this case > MJ). Sorry, but I'm not able to look at it another way. -_-

You were there with Michael 24 hours a day? You talked to the manager of the bank/lawyers and they gave you all the timeline of the financial situation of Michael? All people have small debts and this is normal. But blindly believe that Michael was on the verge of bankruptcy is surreal for me. He could have some small debts, but be going bankruptcy? Even that is not nobody's business to know the financial situation of Michael, as in and out of money. Why the hell we have to know this? :blink: Why these bodyguards think they had the right to talk about it? :blink: Oh, maybe they're experts on the financial life of Michael because they worked for Michael and so they knew a lot.(?). :smilerolleyes: Sorry -_- ...I am not able to take as truth certain things being said by the mouth of others :nono: ... would be to believe that Santa Claus exists.

You can laugh about his financial situation as much as you want. It doesn't change the fact that what they wrote about is true. We know that from especially Katherine Jackson's lawsuit against AEG and some other lawsuits court documentation. It look very clearly that they made a research for the book on some issues. They write mostly about their experience with MJ during this time but they also use publicly known facts. Still the book is a lot more discreet about Michael life than Katherine Jackson's lawsuit.
Also if you read the book you would know why they have to write this book. They definitely went through the difficult situation and they had to vent. They were often extremely frustrated with him, still they always were looking for an excuses for his actions. They for sure were bigger fans than you (who doesn't want to know the real person and his struggles) and some others. I'm a big fan too and I spent a lot of money for my fandom, still I admire them for their loyalty and sticking to him in this financially difficult time without payment for their services. They were hungry, they paid for some business staff with they own money and used their credit cards to max, etc.
They washed their suits in the bathroom and dried it with hair dryer because they could not effort the dry cleaner. And they stayed honest even when they saw how much private cash Michael had. They never asked him to borrow any money because they knew how he felt about those money. And he did not offer ever to lend them some money but he spent so much for stupid things. They were on call 24/7 and it would be hard for anybody to be woken up in the middle of the night for little things. They could quit, get a lot easier job and sue him for the payment. They didn't do it. They were his fans and they loved his children. They knew he needed them.

 

[HIStory]

^ Let's never forget that this is just their side of the story, not neccessarily the absolute truth. Before we go into a Michael bashing mode for being such a horrible boss...

 

[Justthefacts]

So did these guys ever get paid? Loyalty or not it seems a little silly to work for a person who buys things while you don't get paid at all

 

[ivy]

I'm going to add a little more to the abpve

But blindly believe that Michael was on the verge of bankruptcy is surreal for me. He could have some small debts, but be going bankruptcy? Even that is not nobody's business to know the financial situation of Michael, as in and out of money. Why the hell we have to know this? :blink:

first of all it's not a "blind" belief and I also think that you cannot blame bodyguards for Michael's financial situation becoming public because we knew it long before they wrote a book.

- Starting from mid 2000's Michael's debts have been mentioned in multiple mediums : 2005 trial, Friedman articles and multiple lawsuits filed against Michael.
- With Michael's death, his assets and debts became public record through probate of his Estate
- AEG trial covered Michael's financial extensively.

Don't get me wrong, all of this debt talk is annoying to me as much as it annoys you but we cannot change reality and how that information because public knowledge.

 

[Tygger]

When in doubt, some consistently blame any available Jackson for others’ actions.

^ Let's never forget that this is just their side of the story, not neccessarily the absolute truth. Before we go into a Michael bashing mode for being such a horrible boss...

Michael has been portrayed as a selfish, spoiled, clueless millionaire who needed their parental guidance at times. No one is expected to have compassion for someone portrayed in that manner. To ignore that portrayal is to conveniently ignore a number of their tales.

They were not employed to be fans. They were employed to protect Michael and his children. Of course they would have resentment for not receiving payment for their services. However, it was their choice to remain in their non-paying positions. Like so many others in Michael’s life, they have successfully orchestrated a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to receive monies only because they knew Michael for a moment in time. If they sued for back payments, they would most likely not receive the notoriety and additional monies they sought and have received from some in the public that include some fans.

first of all it's not a "blind" belief and I also think that you cannot blame bodyguards for Michael's financial situation becoming public because we knew it long before they wrote a book.

The financials they have discussed in interviews, etc. was not public knowledge. If they simply repeated what was already known, no one would be interested.

 

[ivy]

The financials they have discussed in interviews, etc. was not public knowledge. If they simply repeated what was already known, no one would be interested.

I recommend reading old Friedman articles. While certain specifics are written in this book, the general situation was very well known for quite some time. Similarly 2006 Prescient lawsuit included Michael's loans amounts and multiple lawsuits filed against Michael for unpaid debt was also pretty common knowledge.

also the book is and could raise interest due to the all Michael Jackson stories, exchanges. It's not a book solely about Michael's financials.

 

[Lisha]

I recommend reading old Friedman articles. While certain specifics are written in this book, the general situation was very well known for quite some time.

Which now in retrospect, who actually was this guy's source for all that info on MJ's financial situation back then? While reading this book and remembering his articles, I was taken aback.

 

[Tygger]

Ivy, the public did not know Michael could not afford to attend Jesse Jackson's birthday party until after the interview these bodyguards gave after he passed. What did anyone learn about Michael, the person, from that tale?

This book is not a selfless act; all monies are not going to charities. There is no disclaimer stating to bypass the demeaning tales to favor only the tales of Michael as a father. I do not want to be rude, however; even Bashir and Michael's killer stated Michael was a good father.

Even if the book was only tales of Michael as a father, it would still be an intrusion to publish those private memories. For this not to be an intrusion, these authors would need permission from Michael's children and I seriously doubt that was granted. I previously read these authors were seeking Katherine's approval however; I do not know the validity of that claim and I seriously doubt she approved this either.

I understand some fans are being optimistic about this book. The hope is others will be more compassionate towards Michael however; no book about Michael will teach another to be compassionate towards him.

 

[Lisha]

Well, Tygger, I must say that the book made me feel sorry for Michael in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. That's where some of the sadness came into play for me after reading the book. I was touched by several stories regarding the children, and the book was escapism, too, in the way it took me/us into another world...MJ's world of having to do so many things differently because of who he was as a celebrity. While reading, I truly felt like I was visiting a very different world.

 

[Tygger]

Well, Tygger, I must say that the book made me feel sorry for Michael in a way that made me feel uncomfortable.

Please explain, I do not understand.

I can understand the book as escapism. Art is a form of escapism and Michael provided that for so many through his art but, not through his private life and that of his children. Is this what you meant?

 

[Lisha]

I think I already explained how it was escapism for me, in that it took me into another world. It's not a world I have ever known or experienced; it was Michael's unique world, but during a time where there was isolation and it would seem abandonment from a lot of people.

Not everyone; some very good friends of his are mentioned as coming around and although there was not much mention of this, it seems from what we have already known of MJ...he kept in touch A LOT with people via phone...long phone calls and just was one who was very comfortable talking on the phone. I think it was his life line. I'm sure he must have been keeping in touch with a lot of people that way.

More than once in this book it is mentioned how MJ would refer to the public, those in a shop, or pub/bar, or park, in this way: "those people in there won't let me," meaning they won't let him just be invisible and just "be" among them doing his own thing so he can enjoy those things like they were. One example they gave was that he had to watch his three children playing in the park from behind his darkened window in his vehicle. I'm sure he would have liked to join those other parents staying close to their kids, enjoying them, and be near Prince, Paris and Blanket in that same way.

How did it make me feel uncomfortable? Because while their hope was to humanize him, the whole feel was that MJ had to some degree "given up," that his past inner "fight" had somehow left him. No one should be expected to be up all the time or even strong all the time, we live lives that are not always easy and why wouldn't that be the case for MJ, too? But it felt at times so, well...frustrating and maybe even hopeless or certainly at times unreasonable and ... unhealthy, as far as the communication between people was at times. That was disappointing. They made it seem that MJ was under something he could not get out from under; as if he was trapped and his being able to be in control of all things in his life had gone out from under him as well. I just was left feeling down about it all.

Also in the end they rehash the time of This is It and his dying. It leaves the reader with that, pretty much.

I'm still glad I read it, though, and gave it a chance. There are parts I liked...I enjoyed the ride...for the most part.

 

[ivy]

Which now in retrospect, who actually was this guy's source for all that info on MJ's financial situation back then? While reading this book and remembering his articles, I was taken aback.

rumor was it was the people who had problems with Michael talking to him. Apparently he had inside sources.

What did anyone learn about Michael, the person, from that tale?

empathy. Life isn't always filled with positive things, everyone experiences negative events. Knowing what Michael had to endure can result in people appreciating his strength, understand his struggles and even have empathy towards him. Or at least that's what I'm feeling after reading such stuff.

 

[Tygger]

Lisha, I truly appreciate your response and the honesty in it.

Michael always said he had rhinoceros skin and I understood why he stated such. I spoke about this with others after Michael's passing and we correctly predicted that there would be countless tales from those who knew him that would negate what Michael always said.

As a fellow human being, I know the man was wounded as it happens to many for various reasons. The difference for Michael is many saw him go through those rough times and still somehow believed he was unscathed mostly because some felt he was somehow super human or such. Regardless it was their own reasoning. Michael was not super human; he was a man with pride and I feel he is not allowed that oftentimes.

Ivy, I understand you view as well however, it is not a promised response; it is a hope, optimism. I do not remember any empathy for Michael after that tale. I remember ridicule that someone who presented himself a certain way was not all he seemed. I did not understand the need to embarrass him in that manner if the tale is indeed true.

As I said to Lisha above, Michael deserved to at least maintain his pride and he is not allowed that. A fellow human being would know he hurt; it is not necessary to have proof to give him that empathy. We all have our issues and yet we enjoy the privacy of dealing with them. There is no reason why Michael was not allowed that.

 

[Lisha]

rumor was it was the people who had problems with Michael talking to him. Apparently he had inside sources.

That was my concern, an insider. How ugly.

empathy. Life isn't always filled with positive things, everyone experiences negative events. Knowing what Michael had to endure can result in people appreciating his strength, understand his struggles and even have empathy towards him. Or at least that's what I'm feeling after reading such stuff.

I don't think I would have been left with feeling so sad if I hadn't felt empathy; so true, Ivy.

I will add that I found it very sweet that Michael was content for this period in time to spend a quiet life with his children. I respect him for that; it communicates a lot about his values. The bodyguards really only tell us a relatively few examples of this private side of his life considering how long they worked for him and how they were right there always. They would have had many scenes to elaborate on and share of this family's private life, but did not, they only selected a handful which did not feel too invasive.

EDIT:

Lisha, I truly appreciate your response and the honesty in it.

Just saw this, thank you.

 

[Warszawa320]

Nobody is trying to bash Michael as horrible boss.