Positive websites and videos that celebrate MJ

[Ashtanga]

A very emotional tribute from David Foster's "Foster and Friends" tour in Japan.

CHARICE ,Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera, Ruben Studdard and The Canadian Tenors TRIBUTE MICHAEL JACKSON
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Yesterday David Foster's "Foster and Friends" tour stopped in Japan..and they paid tribute to MJ!
Now this was simply amazing!!! But I'll admit THAT CHARICE stole the show..she took me to church again and I actually for a second forgot that she was performing with others! Charice sings with the kinda passion that is rare in many singers today...she brought the house down!! Good stuff ..amazing tribute.. if they come to a country or city near you make sure you go see them.

http://idrag4mj.blogspot.com/2010/10/charice-natalie-cole-peter-cetera-ruben.html

[youtube]bOcFgKXk9WU&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]

Are You Listening ?

Beautiful!


Thanks for posting! :heart:

 

[Billie_Jean09]

If this doesnt come up as it normally doesnt when I post:doh:
Try this link!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AXLtt6nswY

Just look at the fans reactions when they get to hug Michael. That woman at 1.11. :yes:
Michael cradles her face in his big beautiful hands :wub:
PRICELESS!!! :angel:

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson Interview - 1982

1982
In August of 1982, Interview’s executive editor, Bob Colacello, interviewed Michael Jackson, then 23, at the condominium in the San Fernando Valley that the singer was renting with his family while their house nearby was being redecorated. (Andy Warhol called from New York midway through their conversation.) Jackson, of course, was already famous for his work with his brothers in the Jackson Five, but his first adult solo album, Off the Wall (1979), released three years earlier, had made him a star in his own right. When this interview took place, he was at work on a storybook companion record for the Steven Spielberg film E.T.: The Extra-TerrestrialThriller (1982), which would go on to become the best-selling album of all time. The following is an excerpt from their interview as it originally appeared as the cover story of the October 1982 issue. (1982)—hence the E.T. references—and was fielding an array of film-role offers. He was also finishing up recording
BOB COLACELLO: Did you like performing as a child? Did you always love it?
MICHAEL JACKSON: Always did. I always enjoyed the feeling of being onstage—the magic that comes. When I hit the stage it’s like all of a sudden a magic from somewhere just comes and the spirit just hits you and you just lose control of yourself. I came onstage at Quincy’s [Jones] concert at the Rose Bowl and I did not want to go onstage. I was ducking and hiding and hoping he wouldn’t see me hiding behind people when he called me on. Then I went up there and I just went crazy. I started climbing up the scaffold, the speakers, the light gear. The audience started getting into it and I started dancing and singing and that’s what happens.
COLACELLO: How do you compare acting to performing on the stage?
JACKSON: I love both. Acting is the cream of the crop. I love performing. It’s a phenomenal getaway. If you want to really let out everything you feel, that’s the time to do it. With acting, it’s like becoming another person. I think that’s neat, especially when you totally forget. If you totally forget, which I love to do, that’s when it’s magic. I love to create magic—to put something together that’s so unusual, so unexpected that it blows people’s heads off. Something ahead of the times. Five steps ahead of what people are thinking. So people see it and say, “Whoa I wasn’t expecting that.” I love surprising people with a present or a gift or a stage performance or anything. I love John Travolta, who came off that Kotter show. Nobody knew he could dance or do all those things. He is like—boom. Before he knew it, he was the next big Brando or something.
COLACELLO: He hasn’t done much lately.
JACKSON: I know. I think he’s choosing scripts and stuff. It’s always difficult for anyone trying to compete against their past achievements . . .
COLACELLO: It seems that what really motivates you is your desire to entertain people, to please people. What about fame and money? Could you imagine not being famous or does being famous bother you?
JACKSON: It never has bothered me except sometimes when you want peace. Like you go to the theater and you say, “Nobody’s bothering me tonight, I’m wearing my hat and glasses and I’m going to enjoy this film and that’s all there is to it.” You get in there and everybody’s watching and staring at you and at the climax of the film somebody taps you on the shoulder for an autograph. You just feel like you can’t get away . . .
COLACELLO: You’re very close to your parents. Do they live out here in L.A.?
JACKSON: Yes. My mother’s upstairs. My father’s at the office.
COLACELLO: What’s your typical day like?
JACKSON: Daydreaming most of the day. I get up early and get ready for whatever I’ve got to do, songwriting or whatever it is. Planning the future and stuff.
COLACELLO: Are you optimistic about the future?
JACKSON: Yes. I always like to plan ahead of time and follow up . . .
COLACELLO: Do you care about fashion much?
JACKSON: No, I care about what I wear onstage. You know what I love, though? I don’t care about everyday clothes. I love putting on an outfit or a costume and just looking at myself in the mirror. Baggy pants or some real funky shoes and a hat and just feeling the character of it. That’s fun to me.
COLACELLO: You like to act a lot just in everyday life?
JACKSON: I love it so much. It’s escape. It’s fun. It’s just neat to become another thing, another person. Especially when you really believe in it and it’s not like you’re acting. I always hated the word acting—to say, “I’m an actor.” It should be more than that. It should be more like a believer.
COLACELLO: But isn’t that a little frightening when you believe it totally?
JACKSON: No, that’s what I really love about it. I just like to really forget.
COLACELLO: Why do you want to forget so much? Do you think life is really hard?
JACKSON: No, maybe it’s because I just like jumping in other people’s lives and exploring. Like Charlie Chaplin. I just love him to death. The little tramp, the whole gear and everything, and his heart—everything he portrayed on the screen was a truism. It was his whole life. He was born in London, and his father died an alcoholic when he was six. He roamed the streets of England, begging, poor, hungry. All this reflects on the screen and that’s what I like to do, to bring all of those truths out . . .
COLACELLO: Do you sometimes feel as though you missed out on childhood because you’ve always been performing in the adult world?
JACKSON: Sometimes.
COLACELLO: But you like people older than yourself, experienced people.
JACKSON: I love experienced people. I love people who are phenomenally talented. I love people who’ve worked so hard and been so courageous and are the leaders in their fields. For me to meet somebody like that and learn from them and share words with them—to me that’s magic. To work together. I’m crazy about Steven Spielberg. Another inspiration for me, and I don’t know where it came from, is children. If I’m down, I’ll take a book with children’s pictures and look at it and it will just lift me up. Being around children is magic . . .
COLACELLO: Are you interested in art?
Jackson contributed the song "Someone In the Dark" to the storybook for the film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Listen to a sample from the song:

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JACKSON: I love to draw—pencil, ink pen—I love art. When I go on tour and visit museums in Holland, Germany or England—you know those huge paintings?—I’m just amazed. You don’t think a painter could do something like that. I can look at a piece of sculpture or a painting and totally lose myself in it. Standing there watching it and becoming part of the scene. It can draw tears, it can touch you so much. See, that’s where I think the actor or performer should be—to touch that truth inside of the person. Touch that reality so much that they become a part of what you’re doing and you can take them anywhere you want to. You’re happy, they’re happy. Whatever the human emotions, they’re right there with you. I love realism. I don’t like plastics. Deep down inside we’re all the same. We all have the same emotions and that’s why a film like E.T. touches everybody. Who doesn’t want to fly like Peter Pan? Who doesn’t want to fly with some magic creature from outer space and be friends with him? Steven went straight to the heart. He knows—when in doubt, go for the heart . . .

[Andy Warhol calls from New York.]
ANDY WARHOL: Hello?
JACKSON: Hi.
WARHOL: Gosh, this is exciting. You know, every time I use my Walkman I play your cassette on it . . . How have you been?
JACKSON: I’ve been in the studio a lot, writing lyrics and working on songs and stuff.
WARHOL: I might go see an English rock group at the Ritz tonight called Duran Duran. Do you know them?
JACKSON: No.
WARHOL: I went to see Blondie at the Meadowlands last week.
JACKSON: How was Blondie?
WARHOL: She was great. She’s so terrific. Do you know her?
JACKSON: No, I never met her.
WARHOL: Well, when you come to New York I’ll introduce her. Going on tour is about the hardest thing to do in the world.
JACKSON: Tour is something—the pacing. But being onstage is the most magic thing about it . . .
WARHOL: Did you ever think you’d grow up to be a singer?
JACKSON: I don’t ever remember not singing, so I never dreamed of singing.
WARHOL: Do you go out a lot or stay home?
JACKSON: I stay home.
WARHOL: Why do you stay home? There’s so much fun out. When you come to New York we’ll take you out.
JACKSON: The only time I want to go out is when I’m in New York.
WARHOL: Do you go to the movies?
JACKSON: Oh, yes. We’re going to be working on the E.T. album. I had a picture session with E.T. and it was so wonderful . . . He’s hugging me and everything.
WARHOL: I like Tron. It’s like playing the video games. Have you seen it?
JACKSON: Yes. It didn’t move me.
WARHOL: Well, thanks a lot. See you soon.
JACKSON: I hope so . . .

Source: http://www.flixster.com/actor/michael-jackson/michael-jackson-interviews

 

[MJJLaugh]

Magical Child (Written by Michael Jackson






Magical Child
(written by Michael Jackson)

Once there was a child and he was free
Deep inside, he felt the laughter
The mirth and play of nature's glee
He was not troubled by thoughts of hereafter
Beauty, love was all he'd see

He knew his power was the power of God
He was so sure, they considered him odd
This power of innocence, of compassion, of light
Threatened the priests and created a fright
In endless ways they sought to dismantle
This mysterious force which they could not handle

In endless ways they tried to destroy
His simple trust, his boundless joy
His invincible armor was a shield of bliss
Nothing could touch it, no venom, no hiss

The child remained in a state of grace
He wasn't confined in time or place
In Technicolor dreams, he frolicked and played
While acting his part, in Eternity he stayed

Soothsayers came and fortunes were told
Some were vehement, others were bold
In denouncing this child, this perplexing creature
With the rest of the world he shared no feature
Is he real? He is so strange
His unpredictable nature knows no range
He puzzles us so, is he straight?
What's his destiny? What's his fate?

And while they whispered and conspired
Through endless rumors to get him tired
To kill his wonder, trample him near
Burn his courage, fuel his fear
The child remained just simple, sincere

All he wanted was the mountain high
Color the clouds, paint the sky
Beyond these boundaries, he wanted to fly
In nature's scheme, never to die
Don't stop this child, he's the father of man
Don't cross his way, he's part of the plan
I am that Child, but so are you
You've just forgotten, just lost the clue

Inside your heart sits a Seer
Between his thoughts, he can hear
A melody simple but wondrously clear
The music of life, so precious, so dear

If you could for one moment know
This spark of creation, this exquisite glow
You would come and dance with me
Kindle this fire so we could see
All the children of the Earth
Weave their magic and give new birth
To a world of freedom with no pain
A world of joy, much more sane

Deep inside, you know it's true
Just find that child, it's hiding in you.

(part 2)
Magical child once felt a twinge
A faint recollection, a memory unhinged
In the colors, the forms, the hue
There seemed a mystery with a subtle clue
Behind the wind, the storm, the gale
Within the shroud, beyond the veil
Hidden from view in a wondrous pattern
There seemed a force that he could not fathom
Its music and cadence were playful and sweet
He danced in bliss to its throbbing beat
He did not mind either cold or heat
On the mountain high was his royal seat

Strangers came and scorned his joy
With ridicule and banter they tried to destroy
What in their minds was a skillful play
With cruel darts they tried to plunder
To suffocate and strangle his innocent wonder
Fighting hard, despite their blunder
Again and again to steal his thunder
Despite their attacks, they could not break
With all their barbs they could not take
God's gift of love, which they could not fake
Not knowing his strength or what he sought to seek
They complained aloud and called him a freak

But the mysterious force just kept its hold
Magical child grew brave and bold
Diving deep into his soul
In exquisite ecstasy he discovered his role
In his Self was infinite scope
This mysterious force was mankind's hope
Piercing through that mask of Being
In that silence beyond all seeing
Was a field with a different story
A field of power, of awesome glory
With other children, if unfurled
Its tidal wave would change the world
Magical child was ready to bow
Sow the seed, pick up the plough
With effortless ease, without a sigh
Without a tear, without a cry
With silent perfection
Under God's direction
To sing together as one race
Stem the tide, transform this place

Magical children, don't worry how
Don't delay, this moment's now

from the book
**DANCING THE DREAM by Michael Jackson**
(published 1992)

 

[windy09]

As always Elmira, you are posting wonderful videos and websites. Great job!!!! :yes::clapping::wub::better:

 

[Ashtanga]

Michael Jackson Interview - 1982

:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael in India – As told by an Indian Entertainment Magazine – Cine Blitz Exclusively.

The King of Pop, arrived in Mumbai on October 30th. The svelte and sexy Sonali Bendre, clad in traditional Maharashtrian(Indian State – Maharashtra) nine yard saree, performed the aarti and tilak for Michael at the airport and he was quite taken up with the entire ceremony. When he was being driven out of the air port in his 20-car motorcade, he stopped his Toyota, got rid of his security guards and stepped out to meet the urchins lined up along the highway to catch a glimpse of him. He picked up several children and hugged and kissed them. He then spent a few minutes with them before he proceeded to the Shiv Sena chief, Bal Thackeray’s residence, Matushree, in Bandra East. Here he was presented with a silver tabla and tanpura, which are musical instruments from India.

Later that evening, at the special bash organized in his honour by Bharat Shah (Organiser of the concert) at the Oberoi, he made a mere three minute appearance. Apparently, the singer had a late night before and wanted to retire to his room early. The crème de la crème of the Indian Entertainment Industry and Royal Families were there. Most of them of course, were left high and dry except for the actor Anupam Kher perhaps who to the initiative of jumping on the stage and grabbing Michael’s hand with a, ‘Yeah Michael, yeah!’. Shobha De (A Writer) was the next to gain inspiration and she even told the Press later, “Shaking hands with him was like an orgasm!” Bharat Shah presented Michael with a silver replica of the Taj Mahal at the same party.

Michael Jackson watching a traditional Indian play an ethnic instrument

The Indian media myth about Michael being extremely reclusive, does not hold true anymore. During his stay at The Oberoi Hotel, he surprised the entire staff by mingling freely with his fans, who would drop in at the hotel to catch a glimpse of the King of Pop. He would smile and blow kisses to all his fans and shake hands with as many of them as possible.

According to Butler Manager, Sandeep Walia, who was attending to him with a team of three butlers, Michael loves sweet white wine. That is probably the only kind of alcohol that he consumed during his stay at the Oberoi. Apart from that, he loves orange drinks, Fanta being his favorite and a special German orange drink, Gatorade, which he carries with him. Michael drinks a lot of Diet Coke as well, prefers his drinks at room temperature. Jackson has a penchant for chocolates too, so The Oberoi made sure there were chocolates, of all shapes, sizes and flavours kept in every reachable corner of his room.

Michael Jackson & Balasaheb Thackrey

Michael Jackson likes a lot of festivity around him. The Kohinoor Suite at the Oberoi was decorated with flowers, balloons, confetti and bowls of sweets and chocolates to give it a spirit of celebration. While in his room, Jackson does not like to use the air-conditioner. He also likes his space. His body-guards have been instructed not to come close to him to give him enough space to move around.

Okay this is something that will really please his fans in India. According to one of his security men, India is not his new love. Jackson has always wanted to visit the country and the last time his show got cancelled he was very disappointed and upset.

Guess what Michael had for breakfast? On his first morning here, he ate masala dosa and the day after that, he had spicy alu paranthas with butter. His other meals mainly comprised of butter naans, butter chicken, tandoori chicken and spicy vegetable curries. His personal chef is of Indian origin and she co-ordinated his meals with the other chefs at the hotel. Michael Jackson definitely has a predilection for Indian food but wait till you hear this. According to the hotel staff, he got naans (Enough for an army), tandoori chicken, dishes cooked in butter gravy and lots of paranthas packed, on the morning he was flying out of India.

Michael Jackson at Balasaheb Thackreys Residence in Mumbai, India

Jackson asked The Oberoi for an LLD player and a television, as well as a CD player for his personal use. He travels with his own library of CDs and LDs and spends most of the time indoors, watching films.

The world knows he loves kids and there are many in our country who wish, they were kids, because Michael only seemed to have time for them while he was here. At his request, a high tea was organized at the pool side where kids from orphanages were invited to meet and play with him. He gave them gifts and chocolates that he had brought with him. There was a party for kids organized in his room as well, on the day of the show itself. About 50 children were invited and he ordered cakes and burgers for them. He made the kids sit on his lap and played with them. He had asked the hotel to provide him with a few saris which he wanted draped around the sofas during the photo session with the kids, to give his pictures the ethnic effect.

He would pick up his own newspapers from outside the door, which was normally very late in the morning. Michael is a late riser. His meal timings were also odd. He never had his breakfast before 12 noon and dinner before 1.00 pm. When he returned to the hotel lobby after his mind blowing show, he folded his hands in a namaste and blew kisses to all his fans before he got into the elevator. According to the staff, he was as energetic after the show, as he was before it perhaps! The two-hour-15-minute long performance hadn’t fatigued him in the least.

Michael Jackson in his car, in India

Burkhas were arranged for Michael because he wanted to visit Aasha Daan, Mother Teresa’s ashram in Byculla. But due to an extremely tight schedule he wasn’t able to fulfill his desire.

The Show –

November 1 at the Andheri Sports Complex was a spectacular event. The special effects were truly awesome and as for Michael, he can deservedly be called the best performer in the world. For those present at the show, it was an out of body experience!

For his show Michael flew in all his equipment in three Russian Antanov cargo planes. The stage was 60 ft. deep and 210 ft. wide and he had three teams to work on it – an assembling team, a dismantling team and a standby team as well. That’s what they call perfect organization. It took at least 24 hours to erect the whole structure and prepare it for the show and less than six hours to bring it down. The green room was beneath the stage and had four divisions – The meditation room, the rest room, the photography room and the VIP guest room. The rest room was ornately done in true Indian tradition, with regal décor befitting the King (read Maharaja) of Pop. This room had 20 air-conditioners installed and was christened the Air-Conditioned Marquee. Michael uses the photography room for photography sessions. The fortunate few who were allowed to accompany him under the stage, were his bodyguards, his tour manager and his wardrobe manager.

Crowds in India at Airport to Welcome Michael Jackson

The tank that was used on the stage as a prop in “The Earth Song” was made of blocks of plywood, though it appeared as authentic as a battle tank. The other props, such as the dilapidated buildings and the shuttle Michael used to make a grand entrance in, was also made of collapsible material that could easily be dismantled. She show had its own tender moments, when it left everyone present in tears. And that included Michael who was moved to tears at the overwhelming response he received from the Indian audience for the first time. “This has been the best show of the HIStory tour” he later admitted.

A special route was chalked out for Michael to drive into the Andheri Stadium with his entourage. And it was only at 8.30 pm that he actually reached the stadium.



Source: http://www.clubmj.com/inindia.html

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson in India '96

The sound quality is not that good, but the images are unique.
Michael is loved the world over, and always will be and some countries held a special place in his heart, really resonated with him, and India was one of those countries.

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson's Ghosts

Michael Jackson's Ghosts is a short film starring Michael Jackson, co-written by author Stephen King and directed by film director and special effects guru Stan Winston which could also be classified as a long-form music video. It was filmed and first screened in 1996 and released along with select prints of the film Stephen King's THINNER. It was released a year later internationally on VHS.

The film tells the story of a scary Maestro with supernatural powers, who is being forced out of a small town by its mayor. The movie includes a series of dance routines performed by Michael Jackson and his "family" of ghouls. Every song from the film was taken from Michael Jackson's HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor albums.


Plot

The Maestro (Michael Jackson) lives alone in a creepy-looking mansion on top of a hill, overlooking the town of "Normal Valley". Occasionally, he entertains the local children with scary magic tricks. One of the children tells his mother, who alerts the town Mayor (also played by Michael Jackson); he in turn organizes the townspeople to go to the Maestro's mansion and force him out of town. Some of them show reluctance to do so, but are pressured into joining the Mayor on his crusade. On a stormy night they go to the Maestro's mansion (which instead of a numbered address, is addressed "Someplace Else") holding flaming torches. When they arrive at the mansion, it is guarded by a large gate. They peer in through the gate, and by the haunting look of the mansion, have second thoughts about entering. The children assure the parents that the Maestro has done nothing wrong, and ask that they leave him alone. But the Mayor remarks, "He's a weirdo. There's no place in this town for weirdos!"

The front gate opens, frightening the townspeople, who make their way to the front door, which also opens by itself. The inside of the mansion appears to them even creepier than the outside, and the parents re-assure their children (and themselves) "there's no such thing as ghosts". They make their way into the house, and once they are all inside, the front door slams shut and locks itself. Two more large doors swing open revealing a large, darkened dance hall. Hesitantly, the townspeople make their way to the dance hall, where they are greeted by The Maestro who makes a scary yet comical entrance. The Mayor angrily confronts him, calling the Maestro "strange", "weird", and a "freak", and telling him that he's not welcome in their town. The Maestro defends himself, and in response the Mayor threatens "Are you going to leave, or am I going to have to hurt you?" (The townspeople appear not to be as forceful in their position, but don't offer an objection).

To this the Maestro replies, "You are trying to scare me. I guess I have no choice; I guess I have to scare you." He then makes a series of funny faces, which the Mayor calls "ridiculous" and "not funny". In a change of tone, the Maestro asks, "Is this scary?" and pulls his face sideways before pulling his face down and stretches his mouth. Then he continues to stretch his face more, ultimately pulls off his face to reveal his skull and laughing maniacally. The frightened townspeople run for the doors, which the Maestro shuts with his magical powers, then smashes his skull with his fists, revealing his normal head.

The Maestro then reminds the Mayor, he's not alone, "And by the way, did I tell you I wasn't alone? Meet the family." And Maestro introduces his "family" of ghouls who, along with the Maestro, perform an extended dance routine (to original music composed by Michael Jackson) which alternately impresses and scares the townspeople. During this sequence, the Maestro's acts include ripping his clothes off to reveal a skeletal body; possessing the Mayor and making him dance; and transforming the Mayor into an ugly, horrific demon while remarking, "Who's the freak now? Freaky Boy, Freak circus freak".

After his performance ends, the Maestro asks, "Do you still want me to go?". While the townspeople respond "no", the mayor vehemently says "Yes!". The Maestro quietly agrees by saying, "Fine...I'll go." He falls, and after smashing his hands and face into the floor his face and body violently start to crumble into dust on the floor, which is then blown away by the wind. The townspeople are saddened by this, and somewhat sorry to see him go. The Mayor however thinks he has come out victorious and heads for the doors saying, "I showed him." When he opens them he finds a monstrous-looking Maestro-demon head which says "HELLO" and terrifies him, and he runs away scared (leaving a comically Mayor-shaped hole in the glass door). The townspeople then turn back to the now open front doors to see the Maestro standing there, laughing. He asks if they all had a good time, and the townspeople realize they did. They figure he isn't so bad after all and make peace with him. The story ends with one of the children asking with a vicious look on his face, "Is this scary?"; he grips his lower face, and the camera moves to a long shot of the mansion while terrified screams are heard. During the credits it is revealed through backstage footage that Jackson not only played the Maestro but also the dancing Mayor and several monsters within the film, thus explaining the Mayor's dancing towards the end.

Songs used in the film

* "2 Bad (film version)"
o Taken from the HIStory album
* "Ghosts"
o Taken from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix
* "Is It Scary (film version)"
o Taken from Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson's_Ghosts

http://www.mjworld.net/pictures/ghosts.php

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson - 2 Bad





Michael Jackson - Ghosts

 

[MJJLaugh]

A Gift of Love Joy Compassion and Humility..A Tribute to The Life of Michael Jackson and His Legacy of Music
Posted by Daton O Fullard on July 1, 2009 at 9:24 pm

Hello Michael and Goodbye..Much love to you for all you did to make this world a better place..Although the World today may be a little sadder..Including me..It took me awhile to sort through all the many different pathways and avenues of my emotions..Having watched you grow up as a child..Becoming a worldwide Icon..We each have connected sung danced perused and browsed..Your life events and celebrated with you and your Family its many historic milestones..Ups and downs..

All the time your music has been the soundtrack of Our life..As the one common thread..Weaving its way into and through our Hearts fibers and finally..Becoming embedded so deeply in our souls..From the early halcyon-ic days of a young determined and brash..Group of Musicians Singers Songwriters who dared to be great..Whose intertwined destinies.inspired so many...Then later became a vital part of the Global iconic brand and Family of Motown..and the The Motown Sound..Blasting away out of every car and house radio..in Detroit the nation and the world..As Detroit City became
"The Motor City of Urban Cool and what would then become known as the Sound of Motown"

But way back even before then..Came the early days of your young dreams..Forming
on the decaying streets of Gary, Indiana..The world then began to know you were coming..
Many people who were fortunate to see you in those days..Were blown away even then..
By the bright dynamo you were with the big voice..Fronting the group of your Brothers..
that would to the unsuspecting world..Become globally known as The Jackson Five..It
soon became very apparent to all who would soon see this young child that you were
then..Fronting this unique group of immensely talented siblings of yours..That no one
who ever would hear your voices beautiful tone timbre and resonance..Somehow could
ever even begin to deny you or its beauty its proper place..In Our Lives Our Time and
Our History..

Yeah we knew you were coming..MJ..Roaring Like a freight train..How old were you then
8 years old..Roaring and blowing..Blowing so hard like a young hurricane running a little
late..But soon in every city and in neighborhood around the world..We all were spreading
the word..Man we each were already so excited sewing the Threads..That would begin to
lay out the coming Tapestry..Of yours and Our Own unique intertwining destiny..Thereby
securing your appointment with a Lady and an Angel named fate..

How cool was it even then to have as your everyday extended Family..The greatest Artist
lineup in Musical History..The Temptations..The Supremes..Gladys Knight & Pips..
Smoky Robinson & The Miracles The Four Tops..Stevie Wonder ..Marvin Gaye..Martha
& The Vandellas..Mary Wells..The Originals..The Marvalettes and The entire Motown
Roster..Which at that time consisted of truly the Greatest Roster of Musical Talent..Singers
Songwriters Producers and Musicians..Ever assembled in one tiny building in Detroit city..
Yes you were a very young MJ..You and your Family were already beginning to roar blow..
and howl..

The History of Music had never and will never ever see the likes of this type of talent assembled
in this way again..But man you were already stitching and sewing..All of us who cared about you
together..Forming molding connecting and writing your wonderful Life story so very deeply within
each and everyone of us..The coming beautiful Tapestry of what would soon become..Your forever
lasting musical History..Whose vast library and still living soundtrack..Will always continue to
remain playing your music inside of us..Thank you for this Gift of Love and Music..MJ..

Let us not ever forget..You did all this handicapped in such a way non of us can ever even begin
to imagine..While we were out playing..You never truly ever had what the rest of us had and so
easily took for granted..Which was a real simple every day playing with your friends..childhood..
But still you took this lemon..and made The greatest Pitcher of Musical Lemonade..That would
soon have the entire world thirsting for more..What little childhood it was..You made it into what
it soon would become..A truly beautiful one of a kind Butterfly..A Gift for all Humanity..To share
see sing dance and celebrate..with you..just a little..Before the haters would come after you with
a vengeance..

For that I am ever so thankful..MJ..For rocking our Birthday Parties..Neighborhood Block Parties..
Picnics..Cookouts Family Reunions..The corner Bars..with their jukeboxes blowing..While providing
us all..With lasting and truly indelible memories..Of what life truly can be with the greatness of your
Musical Genius..So very alive and shining within each of us in some way still...

Providing each and every one of us with the best seat..even in the nosebleed section..
With a chance to see you grow up from this..Tiny little kid with the Shy but sly smile..
To then watch as you would go on to soon become the most unique worldwide performing
Artist..With unprecedented reach globally..The world has ever been allowed to see..Thank
you again MJ ..For sharing and giving so much of yourself..To a world full of strangers..
You helped change into a world full of Human Beings able to see just a little bit better..
their inner Humanity...Thank you for this also..MJ

Thank you for sewing and weaving into us the threads of your childlike Love..Connecting us
to your Pain Joy and Compassion..For helping us to learn how to celebrate and connect in
a better way to the many things that make each of us Human..Our mistakes..we could hide..
Yours were on the news in every country on the planet..Yet you did not allow this to break
you down..You fought your way through for your children..Thank you again MJ..For your
example of true Grace under enormous scrutiny and pressure..That would have truly crushed
just about anyone else..

So beginning today MJ..I am going to play every song in my Library..
To celebrate Michael Jackson the Child..Michael Jackson The Son..
The Brother..The Husband.The Father ..The Entertainer..The Musician
and most of all..Michael Jackson the warm thoughtful..Genuine sincere
and compassionate Human Being..As a personal tribute to you and
your now..Very well defined and well deserved legacy..As the Greatest
Entertainer I and most of this world..Will probably ever have had the
the opportunity to see..Grow up into becoming a wonderful person..Who
tried his very best..

To keep the child within himself alive..That no one but you..Will ever
again have the opportunity..to truly know well and see..Thank you for
all the joy and wonder filled memories..I for one am going to be ever
thankful for mine..Rest in Peace MJ..R.I.P.

For changing the way this world will forever hear and view all music..Even to those who
supposedly disliked and have come to hate everything..That they thought that they knew
about you..

I will say to them as you did say to all of us so graciously and eloquently..Through the
many songs you wrote and shared with each of us..We are the World..!!!! Get used to it
and change it..and make it a better place to be for everyone..including you and me..!!!!

You told us about "Billie Jean' You said she was truly a "PYT Pretty Young Thing"...but
that"The Blood on the Dance Floor" was "Just Human Nature" and that "The Lady in My
Life" was truly a "Lovely One" and that you were always.."Workin Day and Nite"..and
"Shakin Your Body Down to the Ground"..and that you were never gonna "stop til you got
enough"..and that if we ever needed you..You said.."I'll be there.." Because of the "The
things I do for you"..will always make me say.."I want you back" just as easy as "ABC"
because I want to "Rock with You"

You taught each of us that It really doesn't matter if you are "Black or White"..Even
if we are just a little bit "Off The Wall"..Cause you still wanted us to just "wanna be
startin somethin"

While you said "Don't Stop till you get enough"..Because you truly were just a
"Dancin Machine" But if you don't like it..just Beat It..go away and "Just Leave
me alone"..Because in all of our minds you truly were and always will be such
a "Thriller"..

You asked each one of us to "Remember the Time" You and Janet made us
"Scream" While you were singing the "Earth Song"..and letting each one of
us sewing the Thread know..That we each could "Heal the World"..That we
truly are "Bad" as a "Smooth Criminal" "Invincible".."Unbreakable"..You told
us to "Say Say Say" and now we all are residing..If only for a day in this
"Heartbreak Hotel"..





You always tried to get us to open wide Our Hearts with a need to be refilled..You
once said we all could aspire to be "Moonwalkers"..Just like "Captain EO" With His
Music His Childlike Wonder..and His undeniable Humility Sincerity and Passion..For
seeing and Giving us the best of Himself through the "His-Story" of His Music..Even
though you still told us that "Somebody was indeed Watching us"

May Our Creator Greet your wonderful Spirit with Open Arms and a gentle Smile..
Saying Well done Well done..My Son..Now It was just the right time for you to say
goodbye..So he and His Angels could come get you and then bring you on to your
true Home..!!!


Rest in Peace..MJ..Maybe the world will now better understand..
Just a little bit better..How you were really rollin....My Brother..!!!
Now that you have been encouraged by "The Wiz" to just
move on down the Road..!! Rest in Peace..

This Tribute was put together to celebrate
The life of a Great Musician..Who was also
A Son..A Brother..A humble Man..A Husband
A Father and Most of a truly Great and very
Unique one of a kind Original Human Being


Source: http://ipeace.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-gift-of-love-joy-compassion

 

[Ashtanga]

:heart: :heart: :heart:



I also remembered this video:

[youtube]-k5pbV5JTA8[/youtube]

:wub:

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson - THE BEST!!!

Turn up your speakers and maximize the video for the best enjoyment!!

 

[MJJLaugh]

[size=+1]Michael Jackson Interview in December 2001 with USA Today[/size]

Q: How do you respond to inaccurate articles about you?

A: I don't pay any attention. The fans know the tabloid garbage is crap. They always say to me, "Let's have a tabloid-burning." It's terrible to try to assassinate one's character. I've had people come to me, and after meeting me, they start crying. I say, "Why are you crying?" They say, "Because I thought you would be stuck up, but you're the nicest person." I say, "Who gave you this judgment?" They tell me they read it. I tell them, "Don't you believe what you read."

Q: Do these rumors persist because you don't refute them?

A: No. I've done so much in the past. I did the most watched TV interview in history with Oprah Winfrey (in 1993). But (the media) tend to want to twist what you say and judge you. I want to keep it on the music and the art. I think about some of my favorite people who ever lived. If I could stand face to face with Walt Disney or Michelangelo, would I care what they do in their private life? I want to know about their art. I'm a fan.

Q: How do you shield yourself from being hurt by criticism?

A: Expecting it, knowing it's going to happen and being invincible, being what I was always taught to be. You stand strong with an iron fist, no matter what the situation."

Q: Critics refer to you as the self-proclaimed King of Pop. Did you choose that title?

A: I never self-proclaimed myself to be anything. If I called up Elizabeth Taylor right now, she would tell you that she coined the phrase. She was introducing me, I think at the American Music Awards, and said in her own words — it wasn't in the script — "I'm a personal fan, and in my opinion he is the king of pop, rock and soul." Then the press started saying "King of Pop" and the fans started. This self-proclaimed garbage, I don't know who said that.

Q: The New York concerts marked your first U.S. shows in 12 years. Were you nervous?

A: No. It was an honor to be back with my brothers again. The producer wanted a cavalcade of luminaries from different fields of endeavor. It was a great honor to have them salute me. It was heartwarming, a happy, fun occasion.

Q: Would you consider another tour with your brothers?

A: I don't think so. I would definitely do an album with them, but not a tour. They would love to tour. But I want to move on to other things. Physically, touring takes a lot out of you. When I'm on stage, it's like a two-hour marathon. I weigh myself before and after each show, and I lose a good 10 pounds. Sweat is all over the stage. Then you get to your hotel and your adrenaline is at its zenith and you can't fall asleep. And you've got a show the next day. It's tough.

Q: If you don't tour, how will you satisfy public demand as well as your need to perform?

A: I want to direct a special on myself and do songs that touch me. I want something more intimate, from the soul and heart, with just one spotlight.

Q: How did you react when Invincible topped the chart here and in a dozen countries?

A: It was a lovely feeling. I cried happy tears to see all the love.

Q: Invincible was several years in the making. Does your perfectionism slow the process?

A: It did take a while because I'm never happy with the songs. I'll write a bunch of songs, throw them out, write some more. People say, "Are you crazy? That's got to go on the album." But I'll say, "Is it better than this other one?" You only get 75 minutes on a CD, and we push it to the limit.

Q: Did you approach Invincible with a single theme in mind?

A: I never think about themes. I let the music create itself. I like it to be a potpourri of all kinds of sounds, all kinds of colors, something for everybody, from the farmer in Ireland to the lady who scrubs toilets in Harlem.

Q: Has it become easier to write songs over time?

A: It's the most effortless thing in the world because you don't do anything. I hate to say it like that, but it's the truth. The heavens drop it right into your lap, in its totality. The real gems come that way. You can sit at the piano and say, "OK, I'm going to write the greatest song ever written," and nothing. But you can be walking down the street or showering or playing and, boom, it hits you in the head. I've written so many like that. I'm playing a pinball machine, and I have to run upstairs and get my little tape recorder and start dictating. I hear everything in its totality, what the strings are going to do, what the bass is going to do, the harpsichord, everything.

Q: Is it difficult translating that sound to tape?

A: That's what's frustrating. In my head, it's completed, but I have to transplant that to tape. It's like (Alfred) Hitchcock said, "The movie's finished." But he still has to start directing it. The song is the same. You see it in its entirety and then you execute it.

Q: After such a long absence, did you have doubts about your current relevance?

A: Never. I have confidence in my abilities. I have real perseverance. Nothing can stop me when I put my mind to it.

Q: After Sept. 11, you wrote a benefit song, What More Can I Give? What's the status?

A: It's not finished. We're adding artists, and I'm getting myself satisfied with the instrumentation.

Q: Is it your belief that music is a tool for healing?

A: It's a mantra that soothes the soul. It's therapeutic. It's something our body has to have, like food. It's very important to understand the power of music. Whether you're in an elevator or a department store, music affects the way you shop, the way you treat your neighbor.

(Prince hands Jackson a drawing. "I appreciate it," Jackson says. "Do you have to go to the bathroom?" Prince: "No.")

Q: Invincible hasn't enjoyed record-breaking sales. Does Thriller cast too big a shadow?

A: Absolutely. It is tough because you're competing against yourself. Invincible is just as good or better than Thriller, in my true, humble opinion. It has more to offer. Music is what lives and lasts. Invincible has been a great success. When The Nutcracker Suite was first introduced to the world, it totally bombed. What's important is how the story ends.

(Prince surfaces again with another picture. "What did you promise me?" Jackson asks. "To be quiet?" Prince responds, then retreats.)

Q: How has fatherhood changed you?

A: In a huge way. You have to value your time differently, no doubt about it. It's your responsibility to make sure they're taken care of and raised properly with good manners. But I refuse to let any of it get in the way of the music or the dance or the performing. I have to play two different roles. I always wanted to have a big family, ever since I was in school. I was always telling my father I would outdo him. He had 10 children. I would love to have like 11 or 12 myself.

Q: What have you taught your children?

A: I try to make sure they're respectful and honorable and kind to everybody. I tell them, no matter what they do, work hard at it. What you want to do for a lifetime, be the best at it.

(Prince is staring. "Stop looking at me," Jackson says, smiling.)

Q: And what have your kids taught you?

A: A lot. (Parenthood) reminds you to do what the Bible has always told us. When the Apostles were arguing among themselves over who was the greatest in Jesus' eyes, he said, "None of you," and called over a little boy and said, "until you humble yourself like this child." It reminds you to be kind and humble and to see things through the eyes of children with a childlike wonderment. I still have that. I'm still fascinated by clouds and the sunset. I was making wishes on the rainbow yesterday. I saw the meteor shower. I made a wish every time I saw a shooting star.

Q: What are your wishes?

A: Peace and love for the children. (Prince returns, gazing intently. "Stop that," says Jackson, gently turning the boy's head away. "Can you be still?")

Q: You've said you plan to home-school your kids. Given your fame, how can you provide a normal life for them?

A: You do the best you can. You don't isolate them from other children. There will be other kids at the school (on his property). I let them go out in the world. But they can't always go with me. We get mobbed and attacked. When we were in Africa, Prince saw a mob attack in a huge shopping mall. People broke so much stuff, running and screaming. My biggest fear is that fans will hurt themselves, and they do. I've seen glass break, blood, ambulances.

Q: Are you resentful that stardom stole your childhood?

A: Yeah. It's not anger, it's pain. People see me at an amusement park or with other kids having fun, and they don't stop and think, "He never had that chance when he was little." I never had the chance to do the fun things kids do: sleepovers, parties, trick-or-treat. There was no Christmas, no holiday celebrating. So now you try to compensate for some of that loss.

Q: Have you made peace with your father?

A: It's much better. My father is a much nicer person now. I think he realizes his children are everything. Without your family, you have nothing. He's a nice human being. At one time, we'd be horrified if he just showed up. We were scared to death. He turned out really well. I wish it wasn't so late.

Q: Did music offer an escape from childhood worries?

A: Of course. We sang constantly in the house. We sang group harmony while washing dishes. We'd make up songs as we worked. That's what makes greatness. You have to have that tragedy, that pain to pull from. That's what makes a clown great. You can see he's hurting behind the masquerade. He's something else externally. Chaplin did that so beautifully, better than anyone. I can play off those moments, too. I've been through the fire many times.

(Prince is back. He leans against the chair to gawk at the king of pops. "Stop looking at me," Jackson implores, clearly unnerved by the tyke's scrutiny. "You're not making this easy." Both of them chuckle, and Jackson warns teasingly, "You may not get that piece of candy.")

Q: Do your religious beliefs ever conflict with the sexy nature of your music or dancing?

A: No. I sing about things that are loving, and if people interpret it as sexy, that's up to them. I never use bad words like some of the rappers. I love and respect their work, but I think I have too much respect for parents and mothers and elderly people. If I did a song with bad words and saw an older lady in the audience, I'd cringe.

Q: But what about your trademark crotch-grabbing moves?

A: I started doing that with Bad. Martin Scorsese directed that short film in the subways of New York. I let the music tell me what to do. I remember him saying, "That was a great take! I want you to see it." So we pushed playback, and I went aaaah! I didn't realize I was doing that. But then everyone else started doing that, and Madonna, too. But it's not sexual at all.

Q: How are you spending your free time these days?

A: I like to do silly things — water-balloon fights, pie fights, egg fights. (Turning to Prince) You got a good one coming! I don't think I'll ever grow out of that. At my house, I built a water-balloon fort with two sides, a red team and a blue team. We have cannons that shoot water 60 feet and slingshots that shoot the balloons. We got bridges and places to hide. I just love it.

Q: After 38 years in show business, fans still mob you. Are you immune to adulation?

A: It's always a good feeling. I never take it for granted. I'm never puffed up with pride or think I'm better than the next-door neighbor. To be loved is a wonderful thing. That is the main reason I do this. I feel compelled to do it, to give people some sense of escapism, a treat to the eye and the ear. I think it's the reason I'm here.

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-06-26-mj-archive_N.htm

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson Interview with GetMusic.com

It's a really good interview and I just love to hear Michael talk. I can listen to him talk all day. The only thing is that the interviewer gets the title of the album wrong. he calls it "Invisble"
instead of "Invincible".


Part 1



For the other parts, click on these links:

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TMC2RSlTTo&feature=related

Part 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ2Jy4ow5K4&feature=related


Part 4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJp-YE6P7bI&feature=related

Part 5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ8_4hgomsA&feature=related

Part 6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=280ZE0y_Wyo&feature=related

 

[Ashtanga]

[size=+1]Michael Jackson Interview in December 2001 with USA Today[/size]


I love this interview! :wub:

 

[Asedora]

If I could stand face to face with Walt Disney or Michelangelo, would I care what they do in their private life? I want to know about their art. I'm a fan.

Yeah Mike. That's you.. But your fans are very different and they want to know every private detal about you.

 

[Sophielo]

Guys this is meant to be a positive threat. Stop attacking each other, it simply won't be tolerated here.

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson and the Superbowl

One of my favorite pictures of Michael is this one:

and I needed an excuse, any excuse really to use this picture several times in slightly different poses and then it struck me: Superbowl of course, do a special on the Superbowl! I love the pictures with the golden sparkles in the background from the fireworks and pyrotechnics, so cool!!
So here you go, hope you like it too!

--------------------------------------------------------------

His three-song medley at halftime of Dallas’s 52-17 trouncing of Buffalo in 1993 signified a tectonic shift for the N.F.L. For years, the league had packed its halftimes with a roster of the unhip: Up With People, Pete Fountain, Carol Channing, marching bands, the Rockettes, Elvis Presto and Disney characters.

Jackson produced a stunning first: raising NBC’s halftime rating higher than the Super Bowl action before it. The N.F.L. had grasped the need to enlist big-name, contemporary, broad-appeal artists to keep viewers from straying. So it used Jackson to continue expanding the notion of the Super Bowl as a mega-event that includes a game.

After Jackson came an A-list of stars, including Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Aerosmith, U2, Shania Twain, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Prince and Bruce Springsteen.

Performers in an ever-fragmenting musical market don’t need to be convinced of the importance of 12 minutes at halftime in front of 90 million to 100 million viewers in the United States and many more around the world.

A contingent including Steeg and Arlen Kantarian, then the chief executive of Radio City Productions, which would produce the halftime show, met in Beverly Hills with Jackson’s manager, Sandy Gallin.

Steeg and Kantarian sensed that they had to brief Gallin extensively because they surmised that Jackson knew little about football. “We knew we were explaining this to somebody who would then have to explain it to Michael,” Steeg said. In subsequent meetings, Jackson displayed a naïve curiosity about a world he knew little of.

“He’d ask: ‘Who plays in it? What is it?’ ” Kantarian said. Jackson’s interest became riveted on the Super Bowl being broadcast in more than 100 countries, including third world nations, and on United States military bases.

“He said, ‘Man, I’ll never tour there,’ ” Kantarian recalled him saying. “We talked to him about the blue-collar football fan that might not otherwise be a Michael Jackson fan and about how he could build a new fan base. He got that as well. He was very sharp and very shy.”

The N.F.L. pays performers only for their expenses, but it donated $100,000 to Jackson’s Heal the World Foundation, which is named for one of the songs he sang at halftime.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Super Bowl XXVII (Michael Jackson)
Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17
The energy of the Super Bowl half time show really didn't pick up steam until about 1993 when Michael Jackson was the lone performer (of course, if you count the 3,500 kids who joined him on stage during "Heal the World," that number increases significantly). The epic "Heal the World" performance capped off a run through "Jam," "Billy Jean" and "Black or White." It was Michael at his peak, and he certainly set a precedent for gigantic spectacles at the Super Bowl.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUPER BOWL XXVII
It's even more touching now that he's gone, but perhaps one of the most special Super Bowl halftime shows was the spectacular that Michael Jackson put on this particular year. It was the first time the Super Bowl ever had one solo halftime performer, and MJ turned it out. The show opened with his body doubles entering the Rose Bowl from each corner, and for the finale he sang his heart-grabbing single "Heal The World" with a chorus of 3,500 kids. This was the year the halftime show really turned the tide -- Jackson was signed because of waning ratings in previous years.

Sources:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/30/sports/football/30sandomir.html?_r=1

http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/02/07/best-super-bowl-halftime-shows/

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=carter/100204&sportCat=nfl

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson and the Superbowl

At the 1993 Superbowl XXVII, Michael Jackson performed and drew the largest viewing audience in American television history. Watch the Superbowl clip and you’ll see something totally amazing happen with the audience.


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<object width="640" height="505"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/k0r_77MiT1Q?fs=1&amp;hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/k0r_77MiT1Q?fs=1&amp;hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="505"></embed></object>

 

[Ashtanga]

Michael Jackson and the Superbowl



It's very good return to the past... :wild: :wild: :wild:

Thanks for the videos! :wub:

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson in Oman

Jebel al Qamar Mountains, Oman

Flamingos, Oman

If you want to see 28 rare pictures of Michael in Oman, click on the link below and view the slideshow. They cannot be posted here because they are copyright protected.
http://www.legendarymichaeljackson.nl/?p=934


MICHAEL Jackson was a legend who is sure to live in eternity. The whole world pursued him for his stardom and talent, but it was in Oman where he felt “truly at home”.

Michael came to Oman with plans for only three days but he went on to stay with us for 45 days. He loved Oman and its people. People treated him with love, just like a close friend. Michael was very impressed by the love and hospitality he got here which was sadly missing from his life.

Michael was highly impressed by Omani’s rich culture and many a times visited the Muttrah Souq. He bought several souvenirs from the souq and got quite friendly with the people. He visited the homes of many Omani families and spent a lot of time with them. He learned a lot about Omani lifestyle.

Michael is checking out a handmade Omani "Kimma", a traditional type of hat.


Michael spent a lot of time with us in our house. We often got together for lunch and he soon became a part of our family. He felt very comfortable here and shared a lot about his life and how people had treated him.

Pop legend, Michael Jackson poses for a picture with Omani businessman Anis Zadjali and his son during a visit to Muscat in 2007.


A doting dad

During one of those days, Michael told us about his children and said he wanted them to get the same affection that he received here. He asked them to come to Oman. When they finally arrived, he hugged them and told them in the car, “Welcome home kids”. I told him: “Michael, be careful, I’ll quote this in the media.” He said, “I don’t care, I love being here.”

We didn’t ask him to say this. People in other places offered him so many things but still he felt being at home in Oman.

Michael with an Omani fisherman

At home we had organised a party for his children to introduce them to our kids. My sisters prepared a cake for him and his children. It was very special as it had his kids’ names in Neverland and Peter Pan with Michael’s face saying, “Free to be me in Oman”. Michael had tears in his eyes and he told me, “I want to stay here.”

My nephew Talal Zubair is a big fan of Michael. At the party he organised a show and imitated Michael’s moves and jives. Michael was thrilled and his kids said, “Dad you have to take Talal with you on stage next time.”

Talal and Michael became very close and they used to talk over the phone most of the time. Talal was devastated when he heard the news. The entire family was.

I don’t care what the media says but Michael was a loving father and was very patient with his kids. He used to teach them new things most of the time. I don’t believe all the rumours that float in the media.

One day we went with the kids to watch a movie. On his way back, Michael asked his son who was sitting behind in the car, what he learned from the movie. The boy was very intelligent and Michael was challenging him with more and more questions. He wanted his kids to be brilliant and to live the childhood he never had.

Michael himself read a lot. We gave him books about Oman’s heritage, architecture, crafts and music. One day he called me at 7am to ask about the different dynasties in Oman, the forts and the history.

The other side

Michael was very open and he loved people. Many people visited him at the hotel where he stayed and took pictures with him, but nobody took advantage of his global celebrity status. They did not release the photos in the media. That’s why he felt secure in Oman.

He loved Oman because people treated him like an ordinary person. He was happy to be here. He had travelled around the world and people used to tell him “Michael we love you.” Only in Oman they told him: “we love you and we want you to stay here”. Many people are very sad at such a great loss.

Michael was humble, generous and a true humanitarian. You would never believe what you hear or read about him if you had met him in person.

Sadly people around him took advantage of him.

Michael left Oman to go to the US when James Brown died. He was very sad but he promised to come back. He was planning to come to Oman in December this year to work with us.

He wanted to work especially with Dr Riyadh Hamzah to compose music and write poems together. I have a recording that says how much he wanted to live in Oman.

We will miss him a lot but he will always be in our hearts. I don’t think the world will ever have another Michael Jackson. He was one of a kind.

Source: http://www.timesofoman.com/innercat.asp?detail=25989

 

[MJJLaugh]

Are Baba! Michael Jackson in Oman so beautiful!

Oh Michael, I love you! I'm so sorry you had to suffer so much. Thankfully you also met some kind-hearted people who made you feel right at home in their beautiful country.





Sultanate of Oman Slide Show

The Omani people welcomed a weary and tired stranger into their midst, making him feel at home, loved and welcome. Plus he got to experience a sense of normalcy even if only during 45 days. Thank you kind and warm-spirited people of Oman!

 

[Ashtanga]

Michael in Oman... :girl_sigh: He was soooooooooo beautiful!!! :heart: :wub:


:blush:

 

[MJJLaugh]

[size=+1]Athletes Tweet About Michael Jackson’s Sudden Death[/size]

Dwight Howard, Center, Orlando Magic

@DwightHoward

“and rip micheal jackson. wut a sad day. my homies gone. clee my lil big brother tony and the legend skip. dang …

y are people so controversial on here. i am very shocked about mj. i have every song he ever put out. i am shocked and sad …

today isnt a good day to talk about trades. really not. im sorry. top five mj songs.”

Chad Ocho Cinco, Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

@OGOchoCinco

“Okay, first Mrs. Fawcett now Mr. Jackson, please tell me that this is a mistaken rumor, if not this is just as sad as 9/11 …
0diggsdigg

okay not as bad as 911, its sad period, both situations my goodness people, they just said he is okay in the hospital …

The 9/11 was a bit over the top, i am just in an emotional state right now, bare with me while i regroup people, be back in 10 minutes …

Sorry 85 million times, today sucks man, i still have my jacket with the zippers on it, wow“

Shaquille O’Neal, Center, Cleveland Cavaliers

@THE_REAL_SHAQ

“is it true about michael …

aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh dam dam dam”

Lamar Odom, Forward, Los Angeles Lakers

@RealLamarOdom

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson and his family. He is a legend. King of Pop.”

Jamal Anderson, Running Back, Retired

@jamthedirtybird

“Listen, my Dad worked for Michael for many years. My thought and prayers are with the Jackson family, and Michael’s children..a tragedy”

Nick Barnett, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers

@NickBarnett

“WHAT THE F…… MICHAEL JACKSON JUST DIED???????? WHAT …

Warren Sapp, Defensive Tackle, Retired

@QBKILLA

“Micheal Jackson Dead Say It Ain’t So!!! …

5:42pm/Est Micheal Jackson Dead! Damn It Man!! Month of Silence And “OFF THE WALL” on Repeat!!! …

very SAD DAY in This Great Country Of Ours!!! ..

Dennis Rodman, Forward, Retired

@dennisrodman

“Mourning the loss of the greatest pop star and icon of my lifetime. Michael Jackson was truly the best. I wish his family well.”

Chamique Holdsclaw, Forward, Atlanta Dream

@CHold1

“My heart is broken now! I know how my mom felt when she found out Marvin Gaye died. I pray for M.Jacksons kids and family.”


Shaquille O neal Beat it video


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Kei Kamara tribute to Michael Jackson



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[MJJLaugh]

David Nordahl

- My friend Michael Jackson -

On february 16, 188 my horoscope (Aries) read: "You'll surprise yourself by your ability to reach "important" people.Emphasis on popularity, speculation, legitimate reason for celebrating.Burden is lifted, you gain recognition, long overdue." Michael called me that night at 11:45 p.m. That was the start of a great working relationship and friendship that lasted these 21 years.


I still cannot believe the reports of June 25, 2009. He just can't be gone! There is so much left still to do.


I spent extended periods of time with Michael and his kids over the years. Every time I was with him I gained new appreciation for his talent, his humor, his wit, his intelligence. He had compassion, respect and love for every living thing.


It is a dark day for everyone who loved Michael and his music - it's a dark day for all the children Michael helped and could have helped. Michael always told me "We all have a purpose on Earth - mine is to help children."


My thoughts and prayers today are with Michael's precious children and his family who loved and adored him.


David Nordahl
Santa Fe, New Mexico - USA

The poem in the middle was written by Michael.

Along the sunlit path in "Field of Dreams," he leads children of all nationalities (plus sister Janet, AIDS activist Ryan White (Died, MJ dedicated the song "gone too soon" to the little boy) and actor Macaulay Culkin).


"I always thought of him as normal," David Nordahl says. "He's the most thoughtful, respectful person I've ever met. In 20 years, I never heard him raise his voice." Though Jackson was acquitted in his 2005 child sexual abuse trial, it "broke his spirit," Nordahl says. "Michael would never molest a child. He always felt so bad for kids who were mistreated or sick. He spent so much time with critically ill kids. If a mother called about a dying child somewhere, he'd jump on a plane".

To me this little girl looks like Janet Jackson, Michael's younger sister. And perhaps the boy is Ryan White, stealing some ice cream from Janet. Michael loved to have little inside jokes in the paintings he commissioned.

"The Storyteller". This painting is also featured in the book Dancing the Dream.




Source:

http://www.michaeljacksonart.com/categories.php?cat_id=8&sessionid=7h50d808h7v4eqitipotpig

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson - Infinity


Ok the music is part of a Pepsi commercial, but don't you just love the cute sound of children laughing ? It warms my heart!

 

[Ashtanga]

David Nordahl


:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson: King of Academic Literature

Michael Jackson is more to me than a “pop icon,” a phenomenal entertainer, a “poor, tortured soul” or a bizarre and interesting example of eccentricity. I am intrigued and humbled by the fact that he is, what I am fond of describing as, a sociological phenomenon of tremendous proportions. To say that MJ’s impact on our culture has been, and continues to be, far-reaching, is an understatement. His influence throughout the world will, assuredly, continue to ripple in currents and waves for as long as we can imagine.

I am very excited to learn about the two librarians at Texas Tech University who have released a report for a special issue of The Journal of Pan African Studies. In detailing Michael Jackson’s broad influence in the scholarly community, the researchers found him referenced in psychology, medical, chemistry, mass communications and even engineering journals. They discovered that, “The breadth of Jackson’s influence, beyond his just being a pop icon, is truly astounding. This bibliographic guide to MJ in the scholarly literature just scratches the surface. We do, however, give scholars a place to start exploring the world of the “King of Pop” in academic literature. If nothing else, it illustrates just how pervasive Jackson’s impact is.” The librarians titled their creation, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’: MJ in the Scholarly Literature: A Selected Bibliographic Guide.”

Referring to this bibliographic guide, Newswise posted an article entitled Librarians: Michael Jackson King of Academic Literature.

(Link to the article : http://www.newswise.com/articles/librarians-michael-jackson-king-of-academic-literature - MJJLaugh)

http://www.jpanafrican.com/docs/vol3no7/3.7MJ-Wanna-3.pdf (This is a link to to the 15 page PDF entitled "Wanna Be Startin' Something: MJ in the Scholarly Literature" - MJJLaugh)

They described, for instance, how researchers used Jackson to critique the media’s handling of criminal cases. A 911 call made by Jackson prompted an article in Fire Engineering journal, while a British Medical Journal piece written after Jackson’s death discussed ethical issues that arise when a patient is more powerful than the attending physician.

One chemistry professor argued that reframing popular songs such as “Billie Jean” could help students understand difficult chemistry concepts.

“I knew that Jackson permeated pop culture, but academics can be kind of snooty about what they choose to study,” Weiner said. “The fact that someone would take a Michael Jackson song and co-opt it as a means to convey chemistry concepts just shows the pervasiveness of Jackson’s influence.”

Newswise’ message in a nutshell: “Michael Jackson’s influence stretched beyond pop culture into the often dusty halls of academia.”

LISNews, a collaborative blog devoted to current events and news in the world of Library and Information Science, reviewed the library project: “They focused on peer-reviewed or scholarly works with unique Jackson content that might shed light on the way people view larger-than-life celebrities – including one of the most sensational and contentious figures ever to grace the cover of a tabloid.”

An anonymous comment posted to the LISNews site on May 20, 2010 stated, “No surprise at all. What serious scholar wouldn’t study Michael Jackson as the prolific, productive iconic genius that he was. He will stand in the annals of history with all the other extraordinary individuals of the ages and had a great deal in common with them. There will be Michael Jackson scholars and I will be one of them.”

I heartily concur!


Source:

http://michaeljacksonrememberedwithlove.com/2010/06/michael-jackson-king-of-academic-literature/

 

[MJJLaugh]

Michael Jackson - Book of Love

Thousands of books have been written about love and how to get love, how to keep love, how to become loved. But music says more than words. Music aims at the heart. Many of Michael's songs were about love; a love lost, a love found, a passion burning. Many books have been written about Michael and there will surely be many more. Trying to breakdown and understand one man's unique influence on the world. Why don't they just listen to his songs and let them speak to their heart ? It will tell them all they need to know. Be love to become BELOVED! :heart: