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A Michael Jackson Fanfest in Leiden, The Netherlands


Today I went with a friend to a Michael Jackson tribute day in Leiden, The Netherlands, to celebrate his life and legacy on the day before what would have been his 53rd birthday. There were impersators; young ones and older ones, male and female and they gave their best on stage. There was a quiz with yes and no questions, leaving one winner, a lottery that also benefitted the bear forest in Rhenen. I had bought four lottery tickets and I simply never win anything. This time I won a book, a graphic novel as a biography of his life. ( It's in Dutch and will be sold through bol.com). How sweet to win a book that I just bought an hour before! So I gave it to my friend. She came to Leiden with a present for me: 6 CD's. That is being Mike-Like; living and acting in his spirit.

I tried to take pictures of one of the best impersonators: Milly Magic and the Smooth Dancers, but the pictures were too dark, moved, or a huge loudspeaker suddenly stood in the way when he moved over the stage. He did all the songs from Ghosts, Dangerous and Smooth Criminal.


It was truly a joyful and happy day, filled with laughter and it was exhilerating to be able to talk about Michael and his legacy all day with like-minded people.

Like the impersonators were of all ages, races and creeds, so were the fans, from the very young to the not-so-young-but-still-very-young-at-heart. It was beautiful to see how Michael's music and dance united us all, but through it all what really binds us and holds us together is the L.O.V.E. The message of love, hope and unity that is sung loudly and joyfully. Michael's true and everlasting legacy is his message of love. He was the messenger, and now it is up to us to live up to that message and become messengers of love ourselves. That would be his greatest birthday gift! Bless you all in the fan-community! :heart:


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Hallelujah, I am now the proud owner of the Ghosts DVD. It was apparently only released in China


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The graphic novel that I bought and then won an hour later. Such is life, win things so you can make your friends happy


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Writing paper with a Michael watermark on it. I will treasure this and only use it for someone who appreciates Michael!


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More writing paper. We received both sets as a gift at the door


And I bought two heart-shaped keychains with a lovely picture of Michael in each one. I'm a happy trouper! :happy:
 
Celebrating Michael for his 53rd Birthday
written by Jan Carlson

One in Service

In thinking about this week’s topic, I sat down and tried to list all the ways Michael Jackson served humanity during his all-too-brief physical life … and continues to serve us even beyond.

First, of course, he gave us all joy through his music from the time he was just a little, tiny boy. That gift of joy cannot be undervalued or depreciated; it was what attracted all of us to him in the first instance. It made us pay attention. We laughed and sang and danced along for over forty years … that’s almost half a century! It’s an interesting phenomenon, but it’s very difficult to be beset by everyday problems when you’re laughing and singing and dancing, isn’t it?

Though, perhaps, communicating and channeling the joy he received through music was his first and most recognizable way of serving his fellow man, it was by far not an isolated example. Through this first and most recognizable gift, he revolutionized the recording industry, the world of physical expression and dance, the visual arts, film making and he redefined the term ‘superstar.’ Not bad for a little African American boy from Gary, Indiana. If that was his only claim for ‘servant of the millennium fame,’ it would be enough.

But it wasn’t enough for him. In addition, he taught us all how to be concerned about our brothers and sisters who suffered from famine or drought in far away, never-heard-of-before countries which do not enjoy our 21st century modern conveniences … or victims of disasters closer to home … at the same time that he was selling record-breaking numbers of records. Talk about killing two stirds with one bone, huh?

Even that wasn’t enough for him. No. He also had to pour his own time and personal assets and resources into hospital wings and burn centers and orphanages in every city he visited around the globe, personally taking toys to relieve children whose lives were too often cut short by disease or abuse or abandonment or disadvantage. He had to airlift medical supplies and viable food into war-torn areas like Sarajevo and donate over $350 Million Dollars to UNCF and Make a Wish and Dreamstreet and AmFar and the Prince’s Trust and various uncountable charitable organizations.

Enough yet? Not! No, he also felt compelled to invite these disadvantaged or catastrophically ill children into his home to offer them a few hours of carefree childhood in a safe, protected environment free of drug dealers and intravenous feeding tubes when possible, shepherding them in person throughout a fairy wonderland with ramps for wheelchair access. He suffered agonies as a result of that compulsion, but he did it anyway … because that is who he is.

I am reminded of Jesus’s words to his disciples: “He among you who would be greatest must be a servant.” And to illustrate his point, he washed their feet, the job of a slave in those households that held slaves … or a woman in those that didn’t. I think Michael filled the bill rather nicely.

And it is his example we follow when we contribute to help vaccinate children through UNICEF or to build a group home in Kenya or to any of the groups that are celebrating Michael’s birthday this week by remembering to help his children around the world … in his name … and in his physical absence. In this way, we draw closer to him in our own hearts, we show the world his message in action and we draw closer to each other.

We are One with him in service to our fellow man. And he smiles.

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Michael Jackson - August 29, 2011 (53rd Birthday)


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Note the picture at 3:11 where Stevie Wonder is taking Michael's picture! Isn't that funny ?


Source:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...61651667&type=1&theater#!/groups/callforlove/
 
The Child In Him

I loved the child in him
so innocent and sweet
The mischief in his eyes
the blush upon his cheek
The tender way he spoke
that showed me that he cared
The touch of his warm hand
that gently touched my hair
The smiles that we shared
that filled my life with glee
For when I was with him
I found the child in me

~ Jean Gabor



Source:

http://www.majorloveprayer.org/2011...ments+Major+Love+Prayer)#c3788090319795215262
 
Who Can Forget Him ?


These tributes, and others, see here, were sent to a newspaper in Sri Lanka, the Sunday Times. The newspaper, not a tabloid!, asked fans from around the world for their positive contributions about the King of Pop. You can read some of them here:


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Most people see Michael Jackson as the ‘King of Pop’. However, he was much more! Those who were able to see beyond the music and the dance, beyond the lies propagated by the media and the slander perpetuated by the detractors and gold-diggers were blessed to know the real Michael Jackson.

And as they did, their lives were changed forever. For they realized that Michael Joseph Jackson was a poet-prophet of the modern age whose entire life was dedicated to helping and healing the world, inspiring and uniting people and uplifting their consciousness with his extraordinary art, philanthropy and life. With his beautiful, compassionate and courageous heart he stood for all that was good in a world gone bad.

He was a messenger of love, hope and peace in a world filled with hatred, hopelessness and violence. He was a spiritual guide whose wisdom awakened and continues to awaken many around the world. He was the epitome of artistic perfection and also an inspiring example of how we as human beings should be. With his remarkable faith, resilience and integrity he taught us how to carry on being the light despite the darkness around, to hold on to the highest ideals and to never ever give up.


And though their hearts and minds feel broken and shattered with the immeasurable loss, it is these admirers to whom Michael Jackson was more than the King of Pop that are now carrying on his mission of healing the world for us and for our future generations.


Ankita Srivastava,
India


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I still cannot, at times, think about him without tearing up. If I were to sum him up in one word, I’d call him ‘Magic.’ He was simply out of this world. The memories I have of Michael go far back. I was fortunate enough to live at a time, when Michael breathed, danced and sang his genius.

Some of my fondest memories include singing Heal the World at a charity concert, popping in the Bad cassette every day after school, staying glued to MTV for his music videos, looking forward to long road trips thanks to my trusty walkman, and of course Michael tapes, and a very special day back in the 90’s, which I want to describe a little more in detail.

It was a crisp December morning just before the school holidays, and I was making my way to class through a desolate school backyard. To the side, on my far right, stood the hostel, and music was being played. It was, ‘Will you be there’, and the song just drifted with the wind, and came to me. I was simply elated. I wish I could go back to that day, and relive that moment. It was simply magic!
Candy


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A fan who grew up in Ethiopia writes

Growing up in Ethiopia, there were not a lot of artists that influenced me. When I was five years old (1993), was my first exposure to Michael Jackson, the artist. I watched his BAD short film and I just fell in love with it. Trying to imitate him, wearing black cut out plastic bag and wearing it like a glove, and trying to do his moves (failing miserably). I drifted from him and his music for a few years but never forgot that he wrote and dedicated a song *We Are The World* for my country and all over Africa, and also raised money over $60million. After moving the United States, I started to research him and his work & what I found was a remarkably kind, generous, loving, peaceful and caring person who was a genius in more ways than one.

When the trial started in 2004, I was adamant in supporting him through and through because I believed in him. If it were not for Michael, I would not have been who I am today. I am a Social worker whose aim is to help people in need. Michael showed me through his philanthropy work that we are all humans and if we cant help other fellow human beings, then what is our purpose. I Love Michael like a father, brother, and a friend. His passing made me realize that the life I have is precious and I must make the most of it by being there for others.
I Love You, Michael, I Miss you
L.o.v.e.

Romi


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In their words

"He dances with the breathtaking verve of his predecessor James Brown, the beguiling
wispiness of Diana Ross, the ungainly pathos of Charlie Chaplin, the edgy joy of a man startled
to be alive."
-- Jim Miller (Newsweek)

"What is a genius? What is a living legend? What is a megastar? Michael Jackson -- that's all.
And when you think you know him, he gives you more...I think he is one of the finest people to
hit this planet, and, in my estimation, he is the true King of Pop, Rock and Soul."
-- Elizabeth Taylor

"He wasn't ever really interested in money. I'd give him his share of a night's earnings and the
next day he'd buy ice cream or candy for all the kids in neighborhood."
-- Joe Jackson (father)

"Michael's a natural. He's a very hard worker and a super performer. But most of all, he's a real
human being."
-- Stevie Wonder

"He's not afraid to look into the worst suffering and find the smallest part that's positive and
beautiful."
-- Frank Dileo


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Source:

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/mj-month/9392-who-can-forget-him.html
 
A grateful Jackson disciple
By Joe Brown

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 | 2 a.m.

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Erich Bergen plays the role of Four Seasons songwriter Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo.

When I heard that Michael Jackson had died, one of my first thoughts was of actor/singer/songwriter Erich Bergen, who plays the role of Four Seasons songwriter Bob Gaudio in “Jersey Boys” at the Palazzo. I knew Bergen would be taking the news harder than most.

When I interviewed Bergen in April, I joshed him about his lifelong love and admiration for Jackson: A search on YouTube delivers a video (made at a make-your-own-video booth at a Macy’s department store) of a 4-year-old Bergen dancing and lip-syncing to “Billie Jean,” holding a toy microphone fashioned for him by his mom; there’s also a video of the grown-up Bergen, now a polished pro, performing the song on a New York City stage. Long after the point when it was considered cool, through Jackson’s bleaker days, Bergen, now 23, remained outspokenly loyal to his embattled artistic hero.

I’ve had my say about Jackson in the paper. So I reached out to Bergen and invited him to share his thoughts in the space below.

Bergen tells me he’s putting together a Michael Jackson tribute concert to benefit a local charity, bringing together other Vegas performers who were inspired and influenced by Jackson’s life and art. Check twitter.com/erichbergen for details as they emerge.


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King of Pop began performer’s music education

My parents didn’t know what to do with me, an only child who had more energy than a shaken can of Red Bull. “Sesame Street” did the trick for a little while, but I outgrew that by age 3. That’s when, in addition to cartoons and “Goodnight, Moon,” they showed me MTV and handed me Rolling Stone magazine. I suppose, looking back, they were desperate.

Soon my entire focus became fixated on one performer who dominated TV, magazines and every other form of entertainment. His name was Michael Jackson.

The first video of Michael’s I remember watching was “We Are the World,” his 1985 mega-anthem written with Lionel Richie and sung with 400 other people. I still credit my musical ear to that song. I used to sing it in full, imitating each performer’s unique voice, entertaining guests at my mother’s parties.

I became a total Michael nerd. I didn’t just own a copy of “Thriller” and watch the “Motown 25” TV special over and over again. By the time I was 14 years old, I had enough Michael Jackson memorabilia that the Village Voice did a feature on me for the paper’s “Money” column.

My love of everything Michael led me to discover a universe of music. His inspirations became mine. I studied Jackie Wilson and James Brown and by age 7 I knew the entire Motown catalog. Instead of an allowance, I got a new CD each week, and my musical world kept expanding. But I always came back to Michael.

What sparked this obsession with the King of Pop? I think it was his energy. It was the way I felt when I watched him perform. It made me want to get up and do it myself, and for years, I swore I came pretty close. I wasn’t just casually copying the leg kick, or the moonwalk. I would watch these videos with a mental note pad, studying each moment as if I were about to play the man in a biopic.

I remained fascinated even through Michael’s dark days. And while eventually the posters came off the wall, and the memorabilia collection was put in boxes, I never stopped listening, never stopped watching and never stopped dancing.

At the newsstand today, I was confronted by Time magazine’s special edition commemorating Michael’s death, with Herb Ritts’ beautiful photo from the cover of the “Remember the Time” single, and the words “Michael Jackson 1958-2009.”

It’s an important piece of Michael memorabilia, but I couldn’t bring myself to buy it. It seemed so final. While I’m not in denial that my hero is gone, the constant reminder is too much.

An audience member who watches my performance in “Jersey Boys” on any given night would never know it, but inside, I’m just imitating Michael. From Day One I’ve been chasing his energy, hoping to somehow affect one person the way he affected me from afar. I’d like to think that in my own way, I can carry it on.

Hey, Mike, thanks for everything.

— Erich Bergen


Source:

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jul/01/grateful-jackson-disciple/
 
? YOUR BEAUTY FLOWS ?


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Your beauty flows,
Like ringlets
That tenderly twirl around my heart,
Blossoming vines of Elysium
Entwined in endless spirals,
As my eyes behold the tendrils
That once caressed the face
Of my Beloved,

Your beauty moves,
Like quicksilver,
Luminescent shimmer through my soul,
Mirroring bright the gleam of life,
Mesmerized in magical bliss,
Entranced by the lightning
That once had kissed the feet
Of my Beloved,

Your beauty resounds,
Like carillons,
Resonating joy of heaven's chord,
Sweetly guiding my spirit aloft,
I melt within an angel's voice,
Adored and soothing,
Blessed joy, from the lips
Of my Beloved,

Your beauty exalts,
Like revelation,
Enduring paladin, teacher of love,
Enticing souls to revived memory,
Of mission shared, compassion aware,
Bid me listen to faith and truth,
Sweet gifts from the heart
Of my Beloved,

Your beauty flows,
A river of love,
Unrestrained by time and space,
Conquering illusions of mortality,
Erasing fear, this priceless gift,
Rejoice! Embraced with gratitude,
My love, devotion,
This blessed communion,
Beloved, forevermore.

(c) 2011 Deborah Michaels
September 1, 2011

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Source:

http://michaelbeautifullove.blogspot.com/2011/09/your-beauty-flows.html/
 
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The Man Behind the Myth


This video is a bit longer than usual, 20 minutes 13 seconds, so take a moment to sit down and watch this video attentively, because it is well worth watching! After that please share it with your friends on social network sites, so people can understand how and why the media did what they did and who Michael really was. He wasn't the freak or weirdo the media portrayed him to be, as this video will clearly show you, that was used by certain "journalists" who learned that the name Michael Jackson was a cash cow for the media. And if there is no "cow" to "milk", what better way than to make up stories that have nothing to do with the truth.
Michael, we love you always!!! :heart:

If you want to watch it in full screen then click here to watch the video on Vimeo in full screen.


Man Behind the Myth from Walking Moon Studios on Vimeo.




Who was Michael Jackson really? Michael Jackson's work, life and his "troubles" are not what you thought they were.
Jackson was used and abused relentlessly by a media gone mad because any mention of his name drew crowds and cash.
Learn the truth of who Michael Jackson really was as we take a look at the story behind the myth.




Source:

http://www.vimeo.com/28381782
 
Come Back and Dance
By Lauren Trainor Thu, Sep 01, 2011

“Mr. Bojangles, come back and dance. We need to see ya…dance again.”


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Although I didn’t realize it at the time, I was quite fortunate as a child, because my mother exposed my sisters and me to the music, movies, and entertainment figures from previous generations. She was a “bobbysoxer” with a passion for Sinatra, and his voice played in our home frequently, accompanied by her memories and stories of seeing him in concert. Friday late night movies featured: Frank, Gene Kelly, Astaire, Crosby…resulting in a serious crush on Kelly and his wonderful dancing. To this day, I own Sinatra CDs and continue to place “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” among my very favorite recordings. It was natural for me to become aware of Sinatra’s association with Sammy Davis, Jr.

In the 60’s, these two men, along with Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop, comprised the“Rat Pack”, a popular act at the Sands in Las Vegas and a notoriously irreverent, funny, and sophisticated group of men, who obviously admired and enjoyed each other immensely. All were top-level entertainers, yet Sammy Davis shined as the most supremely talented dancer, singer, and musician.

Sammy was born in Harlem, and passed away at the age of 64 in May 1990 after a lifetime on stage. As a three-year-old, he danced with his father and uncle as part of the Will Mastin Trio in vaudeville, and grainy film captures a massively gifted dancing child at the age of six. During his life, Mr. Davis experienced brutal racism, and actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement and is credited as being instrumental in breaking down racial barriers in the entertainment industry, particularly in Las Vegas.


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Michael greatly admired Sammy and studied his showmanship and style, as he did James Brown, Fred Astaire, and Jackie Wilson. In his autobiography, Moonwalk, Michael states, “I love Sammy. He’s such a fine man and a real showman. One of the best.” He also gifted his glittery, black jacket from Motown 25 to Sammy, and served as an honorary pallbearer at Mr. Davis’ funeral. Michael’s affection and respect for Sammy is wonderfully evident in the words, and one-time only performance of “You Were There”, a song written and sung for Mr. Davis at his 60th Anniversary Celebration in 1990; a young artist gracefully thanking his predecessor for his courage and determination in the face of adversity; a snapshot of a torch passed and accepted. And the older man, unable to speak, yielding to youth with obvious emotion.


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Sammy’s regard for Michael as an entertainer and person can be appreciated through his words, “Everything Michael Jackson does on stage is exactly right.” And again, during one of his performances, he told the audience that, “Michael Jackson is more than a friend, he’s like a son.” In 1989, Michael was the first recipient of the Soul Train Sammy Davis, Jr. Entertainer of the Year Heritage Award. Sammy’s moving introduction and personal congratulations to Michael, can be seen here:



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Sammy Davis, Jr. was perhaps the most well-known and popular African American entertainer until the late 60’s when his career waned. A child performer on stage, who established a phenomenal solo career based on talent, determination, good nature, and fearlessness in the face of racial discrimination. Michael’s life followed many of the same challenges and successes. He forged new paths from the old, and broke through artificial boundaries of race, gender, and sexuality, as he 'moved the human race forward', symbolically accepting the baton handed to him by a mentor and carrying it with pride. Michael’s creativity, music, film, and dance, consistently demonstrated his quest for a connectedness of the human spirit based on the power of Love.


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In 1968, Jerry Jeff Walker composed and recorded “Mr. Bojangles”. Sammy frequently incorporated his own interpretation of the song into his performances, and with a fedora and tap shoes, he sang about honky-tonks, hard times, and a reverie of a dancing life. One can see hints of the future in the touch of his hat and achingly familiar poses. The following is a poignant tribute to both men, both gone now; the older singing and dancing a tribute to the younger, with lyrics and emotion that resonate thru time…


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“Mr. Bojangles, come back and dance. We need to see ya…dance again.”




Source:


http://mjtpmagazine.presspublisher.us/issue/time-after-time/article/come-back-and-dance
 
Carlos Santana Records With Michael Jackson
April 18, 2001


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SAN FRANCISCO — In the midst of a yearlong hiatus from the road, veteran guitarist and bandleader Carlos Santana has recorded a new song with reclusive pop star Michael Jackson.

"I was very honored that he called on me to work with him, and I love the song," Santana said. "He gave me a call last week, and he was really happy with it." A Jackson spokesperson confirmed that the track is intended for the performer's long-awaited new album. Jackson announced Monday that he will reunite with his brothers as the Jackson 5 and perform with Britney Spears, 'NSYNC and a host of other pop stars at a tribute concert to himself in September (see "Michael Jackson To Perform With 'NSYNC, Britney, Jackson 5").

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Santana, in San Francisco to launch a new line of women's shoes and men's hats and neckties, said he has a few song ideas for the follow-up to 1999's nine-Grammy-reaping smash, Supernatural. "I have a lot of sketches," Santana said. "The only thing I don't wanna do is repeat myself. I don't want to compete with it or repeat or duplicate or anything like that. ... What I usually do is clear the table completely and start like I don't know how to play. I grab the guitar and it's scary, because I convince myself that I don't know how to play. It takes a lot of courage to do it that way, because you're not coming in with a briefcase full of licks and everything else." Santana greeted hundreds of fans who gathered in the women's shoes department at Macy's on Wednesday (April 18). The line of fashion accessories bearing his name includes neckties adorned with images from the Supernatural album cover as well as brightly colored mule shoes — named Gypsy, an allusion to Santana's cover of Gabor Szabo's "Gypsy Queen" — decorated with spangled flowers and a vine-laden Paul Reed Smith guitar.

Other shoes are named for Santana songs or records, including "Smooth," "Maria Maria," Shango (1982) and "Jingo" (but no "Sole Sacrifice"). Hats for men are styled like those Santana wears — felt fedoras, berets and Kangol-style caps — bearing Santana logos, including the emblem for his Milagro Foundation, which sales of the items will benefit.


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The foundation funds other organizations that provide services for children in the areas of the arts, education and health. Decked out in traditional Mexican outfits, members of Rondalla Alisal, a Milagro-funded youth music troupe, played "Corazon Espinado" for Santana, who got down on his knees to join them on conga.

Santana said he hopes his charity work will help in eliminating school shootings and other problems facing today's youth.

"It hurts me, man. It really, really hurts me — the Columbines, the Santana School [shooting], it has to stop, and I believe in my heart that just like we stopped Vietnam, it can stop," Santana said. "Santana has entered that kind of center stage where Hebrew, Apache, Japanese, Palestinian, Mexican, they're all connected to Santana in a way that is pretty phenomenal. To introduce all these lines of colors, shoes and music — it's all to create, like a spider, to create this web and not let people fall through the cracks. I'm not alone. Everybody I talk to — musicians, Michael Jackson, everybody — we all want the same thing: we want to heal this planet."



Source:

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1442947/carlos-santana-records-with-michael-jackson.jhtml


Found this fan-made video of Whatever Happens and it's worth watching. Unfortunately it's impossible to embed it so I can only give you the link to the video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLxs1l3l4HE&feature=related
I love this song but I also love the ending very much where Michael says "Thank you, Carlos". Even though I'm a female, it almost made me wish my name was Carlos, just so I could hear Michael say my name!
~ MJJLaugh
 
Note from MJJLaugh:

As regular visitors of this thread will know, I stay far away normally from subjects like these. But I came across this article today and this is simply too important not to share. Especially since the media is back to their old tactics of getting one-sided information from their preferred experts who suit their agenda.

I want to take this opportunity to point out a book that Dr. Barry Friedberg has written, which deals with Michael Jackson's death by propofol overdose in combination by lack of monitoring of the patient.
I haven't read this book yet myself, but I believe this book to be highly informative and written by an expert, a certified anestheiologist.
The book is called "Getting Over Going Under" and it is available in print edition as well as a Kindle edition.


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Product Description
The most disastrous complications from 20th century anesthesia (delirium, dementia and death), a higher risk for patients over 50, as well the unpleasant side effects (postoperative nausea and vomiting and narcotic-requiring pain) can be reduced or eliminated by the use of a simple, easily obtainable machine to monitor your brain waves during surgery. Learn the questions to ask your doctor BEFORE going under and what to say to demand the best care during surgery. Only YOU can make sure of awakening as the same person you were before anesthesia.
Relying on vital signs to guide anesthesia dosing invariably results in the routine practice of anesthesia over-medication for fear of under-medication. Vital signs alone are now discredited as notoriously unreliable guides to brain response under anesthesia.
Getting Over Going Under will explains the importance of a brain monitor and how to go about making sure it is used whenever you ‘go under’ anesthesia. Directly measuring the brain’s response to anesthetic assures that you will not get too much or too little but always the right amount (aka Goldilocks Anesthesia) for your individual sensitivity.
Dr. Friedberg’s Method of intravenous anesthesia is the use of propofol and ketamine in conjunction with brain monitoring. So safe is this regimen that the US military is using it on wounded Coalition soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The use of a brain monitor would have prevented the death of Michael Jackson form inadvertent over-medication with propofol. The brain monitor could differentiate the level of effect of propofol from the other benzodiazepine class of drugs in his system.
As either a patient, doctor or facility administrator, you will learn how to address the patients three main concerns: waking up as the same person that went under anesthesia, avoiding postoperative nausea and vomiting and vomiting, and avoiding having one’s brain bombarded with pain signals under anesthesia.


Michael Jackson family: What justice for his death? Propofol expert answers.
By admin · April 30, 2011 · Filed in In the News

The most meaningful justice for Michael Jackson’s family will to have his death serve as a wake up to all Americans about the critical need for brain monitoring to avoid anesthesia overmedication.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Newport Beach, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) April 29, 2011 — No amount of legal defense attorney posturing can relieve Conrad Murray of his responsibility to have watched & monitored his patient,” says propofol expert, renowned anesthesiologist, Barry Friedberg, M.D.

Unlikely the Jackson family will get meaningful justice from the criminal justice system. Even if convicted of involuntary manslaughter, accused Conrad Murray only faces a maximum of 4 years time. Hardly justice for killing Michael Jackson.

Jackson’s death is the sad (and preventable) tale of anesthesia overmedication. Yet the vast majority of Americans are routinely over medicated every day when going under anesthesia for surgery. Why? Their anesthesiologist is not measuring their brain.

“Brain monitors are found in 75% of US hospitals, yet only used 25% of the time, mostly because patients simply do not know to ask for one,” says Friedberg.

Anesthesia over medication is especially perilous for people over 50. Nearly 40% of people leave the hospital in a ‘brain fog,’ clinically called Post Operative Cognitive Dysfunction (POCD).

One person dies daily from anesthesia overmedication. But death is not the worst result of the nefarious practice of routine anesthesia overmedication.

The movie ‘Awake’ terrorized Americans about being awake during surgery. However, waking up in the middle of surgery is a very slight risk that’s 82% reduced when a brain monitor is used.

The most serious risk faced from routine anesthesia over medication is waking up with dementia after anesthesia (DAA) & never again being the same person who went under anesthesia for surgery.

“Going under anesthesia without a brain monitor is like playing Russian roulette with your brain,” says Dr. Friedberg. “You have to live with the long term effects of your short term care.”

The most meaningful justice for Michael Jackson’s family will to have his death serve as a wake up to all Americans about the critical need for brain monitoring to avoid anesthesia over medication.

Goldilocks anesthesia is not too much or too little but always just the right amount.

Over- and under- anesthesia is 2 sides of the same coin: failure to measure your brain!

Download three free letters to help you get Goldilocks anesthesia @ www.drbarryfriedberg.com


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Source:


http://drbarryfriedberg.com/michael...ustice-for-his-death-propofol-expert-answers/

http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Over-...N1AE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1315345000&sr=8-2

http://www.goldilocksanesthesiafoundation.org/
 
Remembering Michael Jackson


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Michael Jackson performs onstage circa 1970.


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The Jackson 5 perform on The Ed Sullivan Showon May 10, 1970 in New York City.


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Michael Jackson in 1971.


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Michael holding a plaque commemorating milestone album sales of his single “I Wanna Be Where You Are,” May 1972.


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Michael and his sister Janet pose for a photo at their Hollywood Hills home on December 18, 1972.


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Jackson 5 performing in concert on August 26, 1973 at the Forum in Inglewood, CA.


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The cast of The Wiz (L-R Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Diana Ross and Ted Ross) pose for a publicity shot in 1978 in New York, NY.


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The Jacksons variety TV show in November 1978 in Los Angeles, CA.


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Performing onstage in 1980 in Los Angeles, CA.


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Holding two American Music Awards here, won for his album Off the Wall, January 30, 1981.


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Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson on April 9, 1983.


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Jackson 5 Victory tour at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1984.


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Quincy Jones and Michael at the Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration show on September 7, 2001.


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Michael on stage with Usher, Mariah Carey, *NSYNC, and others during the United We Stand concert on October 21, 2001.


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Beyoncé presents the humanitarian award to Michael Jackson at the 2003 Radio Music Awards on October 27, 2003.


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Michael Jackson announces his summer residency at the O2 Arena at a press conference, March 2009 in London.


Source:

http://vibe.com/galleries/2009/06/25/michael_jackson_remember
 
JC Agajanian’s stunning interview about Michael Jackson. HE WILL NEVER BE REPLACED
August 29, 2011


Dear friends, let us all join together in celebrating Michael Jackson’s birthday today.


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JC Agajanian JR

A small gift has been reserved for the day. It is the work done by a team of Michael’s supporters who transcribed the interview of an old friend of Michael Jackson, JC Agajanian JR (made in July 2009). The man was a radio guest at the Haunted Saloon and his account of the time his family spent with Michael is something really extraordinary – it is heart-warming, fiery and exceptionally sincere.

And this in spite of the fact that JC Agajanian JR is absolutely not prone to idealizing people. He comes from the famous racing Agajanian family and is son to JC Agajanian, who has been inducted into the National Midget Car Racing Hall of Fame. The Agajanian family has been running the Turkey Grand Prix race for decades now and it is JC Agajanian Jr. who is keeping up with the tradition and continuing with racing business.

In short he is no nonsense man and this makes his memories of Michael Jackson all the more precious to us.

Please listen to Mr. Agajanian vehement support for Michael Jackson and read the transcripts that follow:

PART 1

WE LOST SOMEBODY THAT WILL NEVER BE REPLACED

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Ike: The gentleman on the phone is Mr JC Agajanian, Junior. JC is a dear friend of Michael’s, and you’ve spent many times with him and I thought, “Boy, we gotta have you on the Haunted Saloon tonight to talk about Michael Jackson. Welcome to the Haunted Saloon, JC. We lost another good one, didn’t we?

JC: And just to be serious for a moment, David, I gotta tell you we did lose in fact, I believe the world, in fact lost, a very, very special talent. And I think that’s something we need to keep in mind when all of the lies and baloney and all the speculation and all the gossiping and all of that is come and gone, the bottom line is that we lost somebody that will really never be replaced.

Ike: Yes, and you know Jay, tell us about some of your experiences, like that you’ve told me, tell us on the Haunted Saloon. Tell us about the time you spent two weeks up at the Neverland Ranch, with Michael.

JC: Well, you know what… it was a pretty special deal and I have to give you a little background, a friend of ours that I know both Bartender Bruce and yourself both met, went back in the old Ascot days, Sandy Seamen who went onto LA Gear tennis shoe company that hired Michael to work for him and that’s how I got to know Michael.

So… really that was my entree and I have three kids, JC the Third, and David, JC is his middle name of course, and Amy, and they were doing a commercial for LA Gear and they were on set when Michael was there to do a commercial.

Frankly, the kids and Michael got along, there were a lot of other kids there that were going to be in the commercial. Of course, LA Gear makes adult and children’s shoes, so it was a natural set up. Michael was there… wait, in fact, I’ll tell you what, my wife Francie was the one who went to this commercial shoot and I was with you guys that night and we were working and they were working too, you might say. Michael said that sometime we had to come out to Neverland Valley…

Wife: Ranch (inaudible, speaking to husband in background)

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Neverland's Zoo

Ike: And that’s another thing that my wife Francie has reminded me of, it was a ranch, it was beautiful and it was… he had horses and it had reindeers and he really liked horses and that’s really something that I think everyone in the Haunted Saloon that’s listening maybe didn’t know about Michael… He appreciated wild life, he appreciated of course all the exotics that were there. They had wild horses walking around, they had giraffes, when we were there a little baby giraffe was born.

But we were invited up to, and I won’t stretch this enough, we were invited up to Neverland, which we thought he was saying just to be nice and we spent quite a bit of time up there and he wanted us up there as parents and he really enjoyed, really, having the kids up there as well.

Right, you know, as soon as I say that I know there’s gonna be eyebrows going up, but it wasn’t like that, and I have to tell you, his honesty in these interviews, is what I think got him in trouble. And him just saying stuff from his heart, stuff that was just how he felt honestly, adults would look at it and raise an eyebrow, twist what he says and make it not his intention.

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Neverland in the morning. All pictures are from: http://www.fanpop.com/spots/neverland-valley-ranch/images/19487929/title/sign-near-entrance-photo

So the place was just gorgeous, it was Disneyland, it was 2500 acres and most of it was manicured. It was really just a fun place to be. He was a very generous, generous person. The kids would run around, they’d have their jackets on or they’d throw them on the ground, or tennis shoes, throw them off and go get on the big giant trampoline that was on the same ground as the big giant swimming pool.

That evening whatever was taken off was washed and magically folded and put back in their rooms. The staff there was just unbelievable. Water balloon fights, he had an Indian village that we were welcome to stay in overnight. We had dinner brought up to the Indian village, we ate in the teepees, there were heaters in there, it was just everything you could think of. Let me entertain any questions you might have, Ike.

Ike: Is it not true that your own kids wanted to go to court and testify, because they’d been there many, many times and never had a problem. Isn’t that true that they wanted to go to court?

JC: Well you’re absolutely right Ike and in fact Michael’s lawyers had called and asked if my kids would be interested in testifying on behalf of Michael and they were ready to fly – JC3 and David up from San Diego and Amy here from Hermosa Beach and fly them up, but at the last minute they didn’t need any more character witnesses.

TO BE ABLE TO SLEEP IN THE BED WAS A BIG DEAL FOR HIM!

JC: But let me tell you something that came up about his bedroom, and the “secret room” and all this stuff that went on. Francie and I were in his bedroom, my kids were in his bedroom, his bedroom was a playland, it had Disney things in there, it was like a living room. And when he said, “I invited kids in my bed” [sorry, JC, Michael never said it – he simply said he gave his bed to others] it’s… first of all, any kids that wanted to have a slumber party there, the “secret room” that they referred to that was locked up and so on, that was where he went to sleep.

When he said, “I’d be happy to give my bed to kids”… what he meant by that was, when he grew up, he didn’t have a bed. All the Jackson kids slept in one room. To be able to sleep in the bed was a big deal! And the people just didn’t understand that what he was saying was, when you give someone where you sleep and you leave and you go to another room to sleep, you’re giving them the bed, you’re sharing the most you have.

It’s like sitting at the table and going, “Yeah, you could have this steak and go eat, I’ll eat the beans over here.” They just didn’t understand and his honesty in saying that got him in trouble.

Ike: Yeah, I know that, it’s just you know, you fascinated me before when we talked about this and you told me a lot of different stories. You told me one that when you first got there, he walked you around the garden and there was like, “zanes” and things around the garden, or something?

HE WAS SPIRITUAL, THOUGHTFUL, SELFLESS

JC: Yeah, you know what Ike, when you called last night and asked if I’d share some of my memories and thoughts about Michael after he passed, of course because you called me and because you and Bruce called me and asked me to come on the show, I said okay, but I’ve been asked to do other interviews that I’ve turned down.

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Neverland house. Dining room

One night when we were sitting at Michael’s dinner table and it was a beautiful dinner table, it was a beautiful Tudor house that he had and it was four stories and he had a wonderful cook that cooked whatever and in fact before we got up to Neverland they were asking, what did the kids like to eat? They wanted to have whatever they liked on him.

But we were sitting there at the dinner table and of course we – I made a point of saying a prayer before dinner, Michael was a spiritual guy, nobody’s ever said anything like that, they don’t let you know, but we had a prayer at the dinner table before we started to eat dinner, and as we were eating we were talking about various things.

And believe me, Michael insisted that we ask any question that we have, if we saw something in the news, if we heard something about elephant man bones or if we heard sleeping in chambers, any of that – ask me, ask me whatever you want, and believe me, my wife Francie that both you guys know, did ask plenty of questions, but Michael looked at the kids that night at dinner, we were about two thirds of the way through and he said “Listen kids, I don’t necessarily want you to tell anyone about our friendship when you get back to your schools.”

And they looked at each other puzzled and looked at Michael puzzled and said, “But Michael, why not?” And Michael looked at them and said, “There’s a lot of mean people out there and there’s a lot people who say mean things about me and I don’t want you to have to be put in a position to defend me.”

So, I think so much of your kids that I don’t want them to have to defend me and get in fights and say, “No, Michael’s really a good guy and don’t say bad about him.” He was so thoughtful that he was asking the kids to keep our happy time and our friendship private and not share it and he was always selfless like that, Ike.

Ike: Uh, that’s really something, you know that, and it’s really actually very sad that he had to go to those extremes.

Part 2

A MOVIE THEATRE FOR TERMINALLY ILL CHILDREN

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Ike: Uh, that’s really something, you know that, and it’s really actually very sad that he had to go to those extremes.

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"He was a very loving father". South Africa, 1999

JC:…it really was, he never had a chance to any time to himself, he grew up, as everybody knows, without a childhood, you and Bruce know that he worked since he was a little kid. And don’t forget that there were many facets to Michael, what a lot of the people saw on television that was the celebrity factor; there was also a loving father, and that is NOT a joke, he was a VERY loving father; and there was also the kind generous friend, he was without question that.

And he was very shy, when we first got up to Neverland, he had his sunglasses on, he had on his hat, he was shy just seeing us again, but eventually he warmed up to you.
But you’re right, when we first got up there he put us in a golf kart, a special golf cart, that was a long one, and took us all around the ranch which was just –

When we went up there we thought we were coming to a ranch that was kind of like a cowboy ranch. Like the Haunted Saloon like what would be just outside your doors there. Dirt, horses, and so on. But it was actually what we see on television now, rides and movie theatre, he took us all around, to see all of his records –

But I just thought of something, if I can just continue, you know me I’m really short on words but… [Laughter] …uh thank you Bruce –


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Neverland map. The movie theater is a separate building on the left (#24)

He had a movie theatre that was set up for children that were sick, that were terminally ill, it was a movie theatre, lovely seats, rocking type of upholstered chairs, there were about 35-45 seats, a full size movie theatre, screen, behind us a regular projection, that you would see in a regular large movie theatre, uh the projection room was above us, but at the back of the movie theatre behind the seats, were two bedrooms.

Those bedrooms had full floor to ceiling glass, those rooms were supplied with oxygen, and a hospital bed, a large hospital bed like a double bed that could tilt up.

And any kids that came out to the ranch, whether they were from Make-a-Wish Foundation or any of them, they were welcome to come in and see these first-run movies, to see things that maybe they couldn’t go see in the theatre because they don’t have oxygen in a movie theatre, and Michael went through a lot of expense and a lot of trouble to have these two rooms for kids that were terminally ill to come and be at the ranch and see movies and so on …

…Gosh there’s just so many stories that never make the newspapers, never report about Michael, his generosity and how much he truly loves children, and like we were talking about earlier, his inability to have a childhood, so part of him was childlike because he never had that childhood, he envied the children that were outside playing in the park while he was rehearsing, while he was singing, while he was practicing his dance moves.

While Joe was cracking the whip – and I don’t mean that in a bad way! – But Joe worked in a steel mill in Indiana and he took these kids from nothing to right up to the top of the line, the were talented, but he bought instruments he bought everything they needed, and he gave up himself, and yes, he swatted the kids and I have to admit that JC and David [his sons] have been swatted a couple of times too, it may not be politically correct, but it is Armenian correct and that is what we have to do!

Part 3

HE HAD A LOT OF PAIN THAT FOLLOWED THE BURN

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Ike: So you, as well as the whole world, we were so shocked to hear that too. It was so shocking.

JC: It was shocking and I’ll tell you what. We knew Michael some years ago. I know that he had a problem with painkillers from when he had gotten burned doing the Pepsi ad – that was some years ago – and he had … really a lot of pain that followed that. And I believe that he was in a lot of emotional pain as well.

He carried a lot of things, he internalized a lot of things, he didn’t have many people that he can, he could confide in, and he really… I don’t want to say ‘admired’, because that might be the wrong word – but really enjoyed being around a family like the Agajanian family were, where there was just a mom and dad and kids that liked to mess around and meddle ……… and say “sit down” and “don’t make so much noise” and just correct them and ……… and he’d laugh. He just really enjoyed being around real people because he was surrounded with people who were either “yes” men or interested in what they could get from him. And we were neither.

Ike: Yeah, exactly. You were just the regular folk and he liked that.

THAT STUFF JUST COULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED

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JC Agajanian, his wife Francie and Joy Benson

JC: Yeah, you know… the kids loved to ride horses. The kids would go to a cowboy camp, down near Oceanside, inland. I guess, where was that, Francie?…. Oh, …. California, that’s where this cowboy camp was. They go every year there. They loved i!. Everything was period, everything… there were gun fights in the streets when we brought the kids – and it was just… it was perfect. It was like Tombstone, but a smaller version. The kids learned how to ride properly, they learned roping, they learned everything in that area.

When they got to Neverland, Michael who had horses and wranglers that were full time there, asked the kids if they wanted to go riding, and of course they said “Yes!” , and in fact it was at the dinner table and he said “Well, just call the person in charge, call the head wrangler, tell him what time you want to go out on the horses, and he’ll have them ready for you.”

So the kids said “Let’s go tomorrow morning”, and they did that. Of course I didn’t get up (laughs), Francie was the one who got up with the kids, got them situated with the wranglers and went to breakfast in the main house. Our living quarters were just outside the main Tudor house that Michael lived in, and we lived on a little lake when we were there. A very beautiful setting.

So, I went back to sleep, and about an hour or two later I get a knock on the door……Michael had a full security setup, he had officers there, he had security cameras everywhere, he could watch, if children who were invited there if they were getting in trouble, or near a pool, full security. Security guards that were mobile, security guards in full uniform, the entire property was secured and safe. He had his own fire department. He had his own helicopter, paramedics. Everything was on site.

It couldn’t have been a safer place to go, no matter what. And a lot of this stuff, the gossip that goes on, it couldn’t have happened because I went into the security room, which was a secret area, a private area, and there were cameras, and there were screens that could see everywhere at Neverland. They were never not watched, no matter where.

THE ACCIDENT

JC: So the kids got on the horse with the wrangler, wrangler up front, a wrangler in the back, my three kids in between, as they went up into hills, Francie was with them. I am sorry, I forgot you were with the kids! And as they’re going up into the hills there are bears, deer, and so on and so on in the hills around that area. They were going up a trail, and evidently the horse smelled bear, they can smell bear, it frightened them, and there was some movement in the bushes, and all the horses reared, and spun around, and started running full speed down the hill, back towards the barn, and safety. They were out of control, literally.

As they got to the bottom, JC was able to whoa his horse, because he was a bigger kid at the time, and all the kids knew riding, but the horses were running out of control. David, who is our middle son and is a gymnast, jumped off and rolled and he got banged up a little bit but was OK, but our youngest Amy was thrown off the horse, hit the ground, and her head hit the ground terribly, and she was knocked out. Francie was also thrown from the horse, and was unconscious on the ground.

Within minutes, paramedics were there, ambulance was there, and I had a security guard – as I told you earlier come to my door, because I had gone back to bed. And I got dressed right away.

“Mr. Agajanian we have a situation, we need to take you away immediately.” I scrambled and jumped in the cart, rode straight to where they were, and there were fire engines and lights going and everything. It was immediately taken care of, and I rode into town with Amy.

And in the ambulance she was beginning to convulse. I was so frightened, I was worried that we were gonna lose her. Francie was in the same ambulance, and she was out of it, she didn’t know where she was. She thought she did but she certainly didn’t. We got to the emergency room, and they said “You’re gonna have to go into town!”, they took us in another ambulance immediately to Cottage Hospital, which is down near Santa Barbara, I think.

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Amy Agajanian on Oprah's show

All I have to say is Michael’s people were at that hospital from the time we were in there, I was praying in that hospital, I was very worried that we were gonna lose Amy, and she had the brain scan, there was some swelling, but she was OK. And Michael’s people were there the whole time. What Francie? Oh, she had a fractured skull!

But we were guests there, and Michael’s people were worried that we were going to sue Neverland, and sue Michael, and so on, and one of his attorneys called and asked how we were doing, and asked if there was going to be any litigation, and of course we said “Friends don’t sue friends over accidents!”. Amy was OK after that, but Michael had a limo at the hospital for us, and he would have come to the hospital himself but it would have created too much craziness.

So he would take us back and forth to dinner back to the house, and run Francie and I back and forth to the hospital, Francie stayed with Amy, and Michael that morning had left to do a recording session in town, and when he heard that Amy was hurt, he sent all of the musicians home, and got in a helicopter, which he didn’t like to do, he didn’t really like flying at all, he would have rather a limo or taken his transportation, but he flew out there, and even though he couldn’t go to the hospital, he stayed at Neverland, and stayed on duty until he found out that Amy was OK, and it just showed the kind of guy he was.

He stopped his work, and sent, it was probably close to 100 people and musicians recording and all that, home so he could come out there because he had heard that my daughter had hurt herself at Neverland. I know it’s a long-winded story, and I apologize to the guests, and you and Bruce, but this stuff just comes out of me guys, when I hear… when I hear things said about a guy who was really an innocent, honest, loving, and caring guy, I just need to tell my side of the story.

Ike: Well said, well said. We thank you for sharing those stories tonight with us.

Part 4

THE WAY THE MEDIA TREATED HIM IS A TRAGEDY

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Ike: We thank you for sharing those stories tonight with us.

Bruce has a question: Your impression of the way the news media has treated him in the last 48 to 72 hours.

JC: Tragedy. Tragedy, Bruce. The way they treated him is the way they treated him his whole life; like a freak show!

I’m asking everyone, I’m begging everyone to just reserve your comments, I’m begging you to NOT listen to the gossip, to NOT listen to the sensationalism. Yes, Michael had many facets to him, many sides, and yes he was having a problem with drugs, as many people do in our society, but he wasn’t a monster, he was NOT a child molester.

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JC Agajanian about Jordan Chandler: "The first kid said, 'I can't go up there and lie about Michael' and this is when their case fell apart"

I have a ton of stories guys, next time I see you guys I’ll tell you stories about why and how those lawsuits “just went away”, and why the first kid refused to go on the stand as his father wanted to, to tell lies about Michael, and he told his father “I can’t go on the stand! I don’t care how much money you’re gonna get, I don’t care about the future of doing a recording company”, like his dad wanted to, “I can’t go up there and lie about Michael”, and that’s when their case fell apart.

And the $25 million dollars to their family, never happened. It went into a trust fund, and it was not that much money, it was a much smaller amount, it was all blown up out of proportion.

EVERYTHING HAD A REASON FOR IT

JC: And just wait until you try and get a handle on the truth everyone, because right now I just watched “Extra” before I called your show, and they were showing things like I just told you about, “There’s some mysterious hidden room, and it’s lined with children’s toys…”, and it’s just a bunch of baloney!

It was a room with toys for kids that were sick that came over, and there were tables with toys to play with, and there was an arts and crafts room, and all of this was there, and it was a room that you can just walk into, on the second floor of the Tudor house!

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Michael and Prince in a house bedroom. Neverland

And only this room that I just told you about – it was his private bedroom, where he would go when the kids would want to have a slumber party – he left and slept in his other room by himself. He gave his bed. He invited the kids [he never did, they crawled in all by themselves] to sleep in his bed. He wasn’t in it! He made a point of that.

But it’s just been twisted, and I’m just asking everyone to please, DON’T listen to the lies, DON’T’ listen to the gossip, DON’T listen to the stuff that’s just made up, although I know you don’t know how to figure out what has sensationalism and what has little chunks of truth, but like I said Francie and I were just watching not only Access Hollywood, but all the rest of them, and they take these things that I just told you about, and they twist them, and make them sound weird and strange, and it’s just not so.

Everything had a reason for it.

Ike: Yeah, and there’s a lot of speculation out there, I think the one thing that I did notice though is, observing, the fact that he was so frail, and he looked like he was just a little over over 100 pounds or so.

JC: Yes, that’s true. He was never a big guy. He was a little guy to start with. He was always thin.

And I really think a couple of things, you know. First of all, he was a vegetarian, he was very conscious of his health. He would meditate. He would exercise. He did a lot of work and he tried to keep his weight down so he could dance, he did a lot of things to try and be as fit as possible. So I think near the end here, as he wasn’t well, and he wasn’t, and I think there were some illnesses that were not detected. He was always very slight, but it got out of hand.

Ike: So you say he was a vegetarian? What kind of things did you eat when you were there?

JC: Say that again? I’m sorry.

Ike: You said he was a vegetarian.

JC: He would have anything the kids wanted, from hot dogs to hamburgers to steaks, and so on.

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A long banquet table stretches out under a tree in the grounds behind the main house at Neverland Ranch

He didn’t have any booze at Neverland while I was there. I know someone said there was no alcohol. I know someone said that underneath the game room that there was a wine cellar with some very, very wonderful wines and stuff. He may have had that for special guests.

But there was not booze available to anyone while you were at Neverland. And it didn’t matter if it was us, or the kids, or anybody. No booze, no alcohol was available. And he would have, now don’t forget he had a fabulous, he had 2 chefs in this wonderful kitchen there, and they would make Michael’s food for him, that they knew that he liked, and so he ate Indian food, he ate a lot of vegetarian meals, and Fracie just reminded me that when we had hot dogs, he’d have a tofu hot dog, or something that appeared to be a hot dog, and tasted like a hot dog, but was something in his diet.

HE DANCED LIKE A 20 YEAR OLD

JC: And that’s why it’s hard to fathom a guy who was so self-conscious about his shape. Now don’t forget he was 50 years old!

He was very young looking, but he was 50 years old, and he still danced like a 20 year old. And that’s coming out when you’re hearing about the rehearsals for the London tour that was right here in Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Ike: Jay, I hate to cut you off, we have to move on now, but man I want to thank you so much for sharing those stories with us.

JC: You’re sure welcome, and I’ll tell you what, this is the only show that’s gonna hear any of this from me. I’ve already turned down other interviews, and I wanted you and Bruce and your listeners worldwide to hear this information and know from somebody that was firsthand there, and will call BOLONEY on the people that are saying stuff.

Yeah, he had a hard time other parts of his life, but he was a kind, generous gentleman, and that’s how he should be remembered.

Ike: Well said. Thank you so much Jay!

Lady: Well, I know that people have said a lot of things about Mr. Jackson over the years, but the thing that I really think is most important right now is three children have lost their father. And that’s the most important thing. And all of us who are parents understand that more than anything, that’s the thing to focus on. Three children have lost their father.

JC: Absolutely. God bless you, that’s the truth, and let that not be lost with all the craziness.

Ike: Thank you so much, Jay!

JC: Thanks everybody at the Haunted Saloon! We love you guys! We wish you the best!

Ike: Love you too!

* * *

THANK YOU JC!

WE LOVE YOU TOO!

As a Postscriptum to the above here is what the team member Rockforevenron wrote to us about Amy Agajanian, Mr. Agajanian’s daughter with whom she managed to talk on the phone.

There are several remarkable things about Amy’s memories of Michael. One of them is this – though Michael spent a lot of time with Amy – more than with her brothers – he never allowed the little girl to stay alone in his room as he took special care not to put her in any compromising situation whatsoever (he was an old-fashioned type of a guy). It didn’t dawn on poor Michael that by driving girls away from his bedroom he was only giving food for nasty innuendos to those media beasts…

Rockforeveron’s story:

“Amy was a very close little pal to Michael in the early 90s, kept up with him a little over the years, is a young woman now who, along with her family, is utterly devastated by Michael’s death. I talked to her on the phone for over an hour a few months ago.

She doesn’t remember or know much legal stuff, other than the whole family was at the airport waiting to testify on MJ’s behalf, when they were disappointed to get called by the lawyer and told they wouldn’t be testifying. She also was at a Neverland celebration afterward and said it was so joyous! Everyone singing! Her older brothers were allowed to sleep over at the house, but even though she was MJ’s closest pal and spent far more time with him than the boys, she was relegated to a guesthouse with her mother. She was pissed! Michael explained to her it wasn’t proper for little girls to be in his house overnight unchaperoned. Michael’s feelings about this explain completely why it was always boys overnight. But you hear nothing about his little girl pals.

She said she thinks she was MJ’s best friend (but of course she wouldn’t really know for sure) until Lisa Marie came along. She told me about accompanying the couple to a few outings, and she BURNED with jealousy, the poor little thing. She said it was obvious they were in love, always holding hands and kissing. So Michael started finding less and less time for her.

Oh, in the interest of fairness to LMP , she said LMP was as sweet as could be to her and she did come to like her.

And… she said she’d love to come on this forum and answer questions, loves to talk about MJ but no one ever asks her (?!).

She was the one on Oprah, and who walked with him hand-in-hand at the Superbowl. She described the thrill of it to me. She said she had no idea it was that big a deal or that Michael was that big a deal, and was utterly stunned and overwhelmed. Michael just told her they were going to a concert, so she had no idea what to expect. She hadn’t known Michael was famous until that moment. Can you imagine?”


Indeed, can all of us imagine that Michael never told those children about his fame? And these media beasts say he wanted to impress the children and lure them into his life by the shine of his gold? It was absolutely the other way about! He wanted the children to give him the feeling of what normal like is like and what it feels to be a simple and ordinary person…

Amy and her parents were guests on Oprah in February 1993, on the same day that her live interview with MJ aired. Here is the video of Amy Agajanian on Oprah’s show:

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And a partial transcript from http://lacienegasmiled.wordpress.co...children-michael-jacksons-female-kid-friends/

Oprah: “Michael Jackson as we’ve often heard is surrounded by children and through the years he’s befriended young actors like Emmanuel Lewis and Macauley Culkin. But you don’t have to be a child star to get Michael’s attention. I first met my next guest when I was visiting Michael’s ranch a few weeks ago to shoot the promos. Her best friend just happens to be the biggest superstar in the world and the whole universe saw her at Michael’s side during his superbowl performance, please meet Amy. Amy, we’re glad to have you here. On the day we were there shooting our promo Amy wanted us to finish so we could go out and play with Michael, isn’t that right?”
Amy: (nods her head)
Oprah: “What’s he really like, Amy?”
Amy: “He’s just like a kid. He wants to stay a kid but he grew up.”
Oprah: “Do you spend a lot of time with him?”
Amy: “When I go up there I spend almost most of my time with him playing.”
Oprah: “What do you play?”
Amy: “I play on his rides and we play hide-and-go-seek.”
Oprah: “And how did you meet him? We want to know so we can do the same thing.”
Amy: “Well I was doing a commercial with him. I was four and I didn’t know anything about him. And I went into his trailer and sat right up on his lap and he said to himself that he was going to be friends for life.”
Oprah: “The two of you?”
Amy: (nods)

My very big thanks to all the people who helped collect and transcribe the material for this post – Tamia, KC, Rockforeveron and David Edwards. I am sure that Michael is happy seeing us together in doing one job.


Source:

http://vindicatemj.wordpress.com/20...ut-michael-jackson-he-will-never-be-replaced/
 
Michael's lawyer Tom Mesereau speaks about Michael:

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"Michael Jackson was one of the nicest, kindest people I’ve ever met. He really wanted to do more than just be a musical genius. He wanted to heal and change the world through love, through kindness, through art and through music and I do believe the world’s a better place because he was with us.

He was very gentle, very kind. There was, I sort of describe it as a universal Michael and Michael the individual. There was the universalist Michael who wanted to change the globe. Wanted to see the entire world focus on children and he felt that if children were properly loved and cared for that we would significantly reduce the violence in the world, significantly reduce the meanness in the world, significantly reduce poverty, and all of the world’s most important problems. He felt that the way to do that was to focus on the world’s children. So that’s the universalist Michael who thought he could heal the world through music, through love, through humanitarian measures. He was one of the greatest humanitarians in world history. He actually is in the Guiness Book of Records as one of the largest donors to children’s causes.

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There also is in the individual Michael, who I dealt with, who was a person, and he loved to see a child smile. He built Neverland to see children happy. He was one of the wealthiest men in the world. He could have spent all of that money selfishly. Instead he had a zoo, he had an amusement park, a theatre, he had statues devoted to the world’s children. If you looked at the artwork in his house, a lot of it centered on children and seeing them happy and respecting them for who they were. Their race, their religion, what part of the world they were from, what kind of native traditions they had. This was someone who as a person, loved to see a child smile. Loved to see a child from the inner city who was growing up in poverty and violence come to Neverland and look at a giraffe and smile and look at an elephant and smile. Get some free ice cream and just be happy. It just meant a lot to Michael because he was a very good person.

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To Know Michael Is To Love Him

I remembered seeing the video posted at Facebook, but not having seen the video itself, I remembered the title and was intent now on finding it, thinking it would be beautiful, touching and a tad heartbreaking, and it is. And what a surprise to find that the video ends with Tom Mesereau's words!! I believe I was led to this video today, and someone in heaven is smiling broadly "mission accomplished!". By the way, the audio of the video doesn't start until 0:59.


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Source:

http://www.reflectionsonthedance.com/The-Man.html
 
Remember, we are one


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Remember, We Are One

We all drink from one water
We all breathe from one air
We rise from one ocean
And we live under one sky

Remember we are one

The new born baby cries the same
The laughter of children is universal
Everyone’s blood is red
And our hearts beat the same song

Remember we are one

We are all brothers and sisters
Only one family, only one earth
Together we live and together we die

Remember we are one

Remember we are one

Peace Be on You Brothers and Sisters
Peace Be on You

~ Anwar Fazal, Chairperson, MIN



Michael Jackson - What More Can I Give ?


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Source:


http://www.peaceinspiration.com/2007/09/12/global-ethic-universal-peace/
 
Recipe for YANA Soup - You Are Not Alone


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The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. ... Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
~ Martin Luther King



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Recipe for YANA-Soup

Ingredients:
CD Player
Michael's songs
L.O.V.E. in abundance
innocent fun
laughter and joy
tears of loneliness
handkerchief
rainbow
heart
soul
Hope
Unity



Instructions
Make sure that the CD player is on the proper volume level, i.e. "Are You Nuts?"
Put Michael's CDs in ready-to-play mode and hit "play'
Fill the extra large pan with plenty of L.O.V.E. and add a cup of innocent fun. Make sure to add a can of laughter and joy for a sizzling texture. The rainbow will give it the bright colors but that is added a little later.
Let it simmer and in the meantime you can bathe in the moonlight. Make sure there is a portable CD player that is suitable and safe for bathrooms and take one Michael CD with you so you won't need to run back.
If you need to cry a little, that's okay. Michael, your friend for eternity, will help you get through this. You Are Not Alone! I'll Be There! Will You Be There ?
One or two tears can fall into the soup, this will give it the ripened flavor and dissipate any lingering bitterness. You can add the rainbow now.
Open your heart and fill your soul with the leftover L.O.V.E. in abundance.
Add as much Hope and Unity as the soup needs.
Enjoy your YANA-soup that makes you feel the connectedness. Can You Feel It ?
Serve it with the love!


PS. The handkerchief is to blow your nose so the kitchen and your face doesn't become a mess!

~ written by Elmira van Galen


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Source:

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr.
 
Michael Jackson - Power of Oneness Award (2003)


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2003 - Michael was honored for his contributions to Racial Harmony at the Third Annual "Power of Oneness" Awards held at the Universal Studios Hollywood Globe Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Ed Begley Jr., The Jim Henson Company, Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary and Brad Gluckstein are among the illustrious honorees.

Michael Jackson received The Power of Oneness Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong commitment to writing, singing and speaking about the need for us to take responsibility for the worlds children and making the our world a better place. "Man in the Mirror", "Heal the World", "Black Or White", "The Lost Children", "We Are the World", and "What More Can I Give" are but a few of the inspiring songs Michael has recorded during his career, showing by example how music can be used to entertain, heal and educate.

The 2003 Power of Oneness Awards ceremony preceded by a dinner & silent auction; items for auction have been donated by Universal Music, Michael Jackson, Carlos Santana, artist Romero Britto, Tiffany & Co., and many more. The awards program (written and directed by off-Broadway playwright and choreographer, Kamal Sinclair-Steele) promised to be a vibrant fusion of dance, music, multi-media, spoken-word and theatrical presentations representing a vivid celebration of the creativity and diversity of the human family - a celebration of our oneness.


2003, Michael Jackson accepts, from Neverland Ranch, the "Power Of Oneness" Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the Annual Power Of Oneness Awards in Universal Studios, Hollywood, for his contributions to racial harmony, life-long commitment to singing, writing and speaking of the world's responsibility towards its children and the betterment of the planet. Oneness is a non-profit organization co-founded by American record producer, songwriter, musician and singer, K.C. Porter in 1999, with a mission of eliminating racism and promoting racial unity through the healing quality of music and the arts.






Source:

http://mjjtime.blogspot.com/2010/11/today-in-mjj-history_15.html
 
Michael Jackson - Once in a Lifetime Event - September 13, 2003


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Romero Britto and Michael Jackson


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A golden ticket invitation-only, star-studded celebration honouring pop artist Romero Britto will be hosted on September 13, 2003 at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in Santa Barbara, California. 250 couples will enjoy a day- long extravaganza in royal style, including red carpet access to Neverland's amusement park, zoo, immaculately groomed gardens and more. Other events will feature a tribute to Romero Britto, "Songs of Oneness" concert, silent auction and check presentations to Oneness, The Make-A-Wish Foundation and E Ai Como E Que Fica..

Oneness, a national non-profit organisation located in Calabasas, California, has as its mission the elimination of racism and promotion of racial unity through music, the arts and education. Founded in 1999, Oneness has produced dozens of programs to implement their mission including multicultural after-school programs, plays, lectures, concerts and more. Among the more notable of programs created include the "Songwriter's Summit for Oneness", where both world-renowned and aspiring songwriters/musicians gather to write songs reflective of racial unity and social justice. The "Power of Oneness Awards" honours artists whose work contributes to the promotion of racial unity. Founding supporters of Oneness include Carlos Santana, Sarah McLachlan, Michael Jackson, Common, Chaka Khan, Brian McKnight, B.B. King and many others. Oneness thanks Michael Jackson for supporting its efforts to promote unity among all people through music the arts and education..

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida and Tri-counties California are proud to be one of the beneficiaries of the "once in a lifetime" event at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. We appreciate the support of the donors, volunteers and attendees who will help children with life-threatening medical conditions experience the power of a wish..

E Ai Como E Que Fica is a grassroots organisation located in the slums of Rio de Janeiro that provides food, clothing and medical care for children living in poverty. Britto, a native of Brazil himself, states, "[I am] humbled and honoured to have a tribute party that will help E Ai Como E Que Fica ... I am very thankful for this tremendous honour to be part of an event that will serve children living in poverty.".

All three charities are honoured to receive donations from the upcoming event and are grateful to Michael Jackson for his support. The funds raised September 13th, 2003 will greatly help the organisations continue their vital services.


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A large "What More Can I Give" limited edition print on canvas, designed by Romero Britto




Sources:

http://roxychel-allaboutmj.blogspot.com/2011/04/mjs-brazilian-art-connection.html

http://www.julienslive.com/view-auctions/catalog/id/3/lot/385/

neverland-golden-ticket-signed-75086701
 
Point of Light Ambassador

In 1990, the Point of Light Foundation created by President Bush SR, was to encourage American citizens to lend their services to the community in "a call to action."

On May 1, 1992 President Bush presented Michael Jackson with an award acknowledging him as a Point of Light Ambassador. The award was in recognition to Jacksons efforts in inviting disadvantage and underprivliged kids to his ranch, as well as giving his time to visiting hospitals, orphanages, assisted living homes and hospices. in Jackson's speech he stated, "I believe each person can make a differnce in the life of someone in need. That is what a point of light is."

It has now been in operation for 20 years.





Source:

http://michaeljacksonmorethanamusician.weebly.com/world-ambassador.html
 
Dreaming the Dance

Dreaming-
you were there alone but an echo touch my heart.
Singing-
You took my breath away, for in being locked inside,a silly daydream

Midnight came-
And shadows fill my soul -
awaking deep inside of me,a nightmare of fright.
so afraid-
Are you standing beside me now.?

Where have you been?
when my heart was so alone.
And why did you wait,
so long to become my muse?
Tell me-
Do you hide behind the shadows of my mind?

Did you know,
echo's of your song takes me to the roots of my heart?
Like an oak-
you tower beside me lifting over clouds
Can you see-
Your voice is like a lifeline for me
Please try to see-
Only asking you to see with the eyes of your heart.

Lips to voice-
you whisper and awaken all my joy,
All the bliss that my soul is now aware,
Breathing life-
without words you hum me a lullaby,
Can it be-
can you show me, living life is filled with hope.

Sing to me-
Can it be the song I long to hear?
Your voice cradles me, so softly
And in a instance could I be
Dreaming life…
In the light and without any clouds.

Dreaming...
Of Michael with open arms
Embracing me....
All my wounds healed by lyrics
Dance with me..
for one night,close to me or just ...

...side by side-
dreams come true
when dance the light of memory
with you just one hour...
Until there is no light left…
Into darkness never fearing
our shadows knowing there
Is a solitary light tonight
within me,
MichaeLOVE light.

© Skydance/Mari Josee
Aug 29,2010
Copyright. All Rights Reserved by Author



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Songs - who sang what and who could have sung that other song ?



With great anticipation and a mix of emotions, Karen boarded a plane bound for New York on the morning of May 1, 1979. Production meetings commenced the following day with Phil Ramone asking, "Ideally, what would you like to do?"

"Well, I love Donna Summer," Karen replied, explaining how Summer's latest single "Hot Stuff" was her current favorite. "I'd give anything if we could do a song like that!" This certainly surprised Ramone. Disregarding her brother's plea, she went on to explain that, in addition to singers like Aretha Franklin and Barbra Streisand, she loved just about anything of the disco genre.

Karen took up residence in a posh suite at the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue. She was fascinated by the panoramic views of the New York skyline and the idea that there were butlers assigned to every floor, but within weeks the novelty of the revered Central Park address wore thin. "We were talking about stupid expenses and the hotel," Ramone recalls. "I said to Karen, 'Why would you want to do that? If we're going to work together, why don't you come live at my house? We've got plenty of room.'"

Ramone proceeded to move Karen into the master suite of the relaxing estate he shared with girlfriend Karen Ichiuji in Pound Ridge, a small town on the New York and Connecticut border. The quaint surroundings of this rural community were much like Hall Street from Karen's childhood. The two Karens quickly became close friends. Ichiuji was a singer herself who recorded under the name Karen Kamon and would later contribute the song "Manhunt" to the popular motion picture soundtrack for Flashdance. Phil called her K.K., but Karen preferred her own silly nickname of Itchie. Living together allowed producer and artist to discuss plans for the solo project around the clock. "She was a workaholic," Ramone says. "That house was a very creative house for me, and it was for her, too."

Karen and Phil set out to establish a common vision. Their hour-long commute from Pound Ridge to Manhattan's A&R Studios, located at 322 West Forty-Eighth, allowed the two to peruse demos for the project. "The laughs and silliness we shared on those trips forever made us friends," Ramone recalled in his book, Making Records: The Scenes Behind the Music. "While we were driving, Karen would be the DJ, playing all the songs that had been submitted for her consideration. She'd sit with a legal pad, listen intently and rate them. 'Should this be on the A list, or the B?' she'd ask."

During these initial stages, Ramone extended an invitation to friend Rod Temperton to come to New York to write for Karen. The former keyboardist for the funk/disco band Heatwave accepted and moved into Ramone's guest house with only a keyboard and a set of headphones in tow. "All you had to do was make coffee and give him cigarettes," says Itchie. "Our house became this big musical commune." Temperton offered Karen several of his own compositions, including "Off the Wall" and "Rock with You," but at that point the songs were just grooves at the piano, still in their most raw form. She declined both charts, saying they were too funky. According to Itchie, "Everyone else loved the idea," but the project was young and lacked direction. Within a few months, Ramone introduced Temperton to Quincy Jones when the two attended a barbecue held at the home of the pop music titan, and the songs were soon pitched to Michael Jackson.

Karen visited Jackson in the studio during his 1979 solo sessions while he laid down tracks for "Get on the Floor," a song he had cowritten with bassist Louis Johnson. "Phil wanted to show her what Michael's album was like," recalls Itchie. "He was so upset that Karen didn't want to do any of Rod's material at first." Ultimately she chose two Temperton originals for her project, "Lovelines" and "If We Try," the latter being a particularly satisfying match for her smooth and flirtatious vocals. "Once Rod started arranging for her, they got along so well," Itchie adds. "She loved the harmonies they created, and they were so right for each other musically. She felt comfortable working with him, and it was kind of like being with Richard in a sense, artistically."

The two Temperton songs Karen passed on became huge hits for Michael Jackson on his Off the Wall solo album. Also featured on the album was his recording of "She's Out of My Life," a song by Tom Bähler long rumored to have been written in response to the end of the composer's own brief relationship with Karen Carpenter in 1978. "Some believe that I had written that as a result of mine and Karen's breakup," Bähler says. "The fact is, I had already written that song by the time Karen and I became romantic. That song was written more about Rhonda Rivera, who later married my friend John Davidson. Rhonda and I had been together for two years, and it was after we broke up that I started dating Karen."


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Source:

http://www.karencarpenterbiography.com/bookexcerpt.shtml
 
Story Behind The Picture:


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It was just by coincidence that I became acquainted with Michael Jackson. It was 1983 and my wife, Flora, was pregnant with our first child. Frequently, we ate at a vegetarian restaurant called The Golden Temple. Generally we went during the hours between lunch and dinner. There were few other customers during that time period, but there was one other regular: Michael Jackson. He had recently become a vegetarian, and he was fascinated to follow the progress of a vegetarian pregnancy. When our son, Elijah, was born in June, Michael was excited to see him. Once he asked me what it was like to be a father, and he told me that that was what he wanted most of all in life: to have a child of his own to take care of. Even then, there was something poignant about this man who had not been allowed to be a normal child himself wanting to be a father.

On February 18, 1984, when Elijah was eight months old, we took him to The Golden Temple. There were no others customers except Michael and his 13-year-old friend, Emmanuel Lewis, who was known to the world as “Webster.” Michael said that he wished he had a camera because he wanted his picture taken with Elijah. My wife had a camera in her bag, but no film. Michael suggested that she could get some film at a nearby drugstore and asked if he and Emmanuel could take care of Elijah while we waited. When Flora returned, Michael suggested various poses and she snapped a number of photos of Elijah with Michael and Emmanuel. Michael asked for copies of the prints when they were developed.

Each of the photos turned out to be of interest, but there was one, of Michael holding Elijah in his arms, that stood out. Looking at it today, 25 years later, and seeing Michael’s bright look and clear smile, I can’t help but feel sad. He looked healthy, happy and untroubled. His album Thriller had caused a sensation. “Beat It” had been released only four days earlier. And ten days after that afternoon at The Golden Temple, he won eight Grammy Awards. When we next saw him at the restaurant just after his night of triumph, he was beaming, but he also seemed a bit embarrassed by his success.

I got a lot of mileage out of that photo of Michael Jackson and Elijah. Whenever I traveled, I brought with a packet of family photos. The Michael and Elijah photo was the last in the set, and when people got to it, they were usually stunned. Wherever I went, China, Russia, Burma, Tahiti, everyone recognized Michael Jackson. I have to admit that, as a journalist, I used it to put people at ease when I wanted to interview them.

Now that he is gone, I want to share that photo of Michael Jackson, from a time when he appeared to be at peace with himself and with the world. This is the way I want to remember him.




Source:

http://mypwt.tumblr.com/
 
Michael Jackson and Charlie Chaplin


Chaplin wrote the music to Michael Jackson's favourite song - Smile - but more than that he was a great admirer of Chaplin's films at the man himself who he called "a genius, the king of pathos". he would often dress as Chaplin and told people "I sometimes feel as I am him".

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Referring to the profound emotional impact of becoming a “child star,” Chaplin observed “my childhood ended at the age of seven.” Undoubtedly, one aspect of Michael Jackson’s deep emotional identification with Charlie Chaplin was their shared experience(s) of pre-maturely terminated childhoods.

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Over and over again, Chaplin’s friends observed that even as a grown man in his thirties there still was a hurt little boy in Charlie that never grew up .

While the intimate personal details of Michael’s early childhood are not known, it takes no stretch of the imagination to see some of the ways in which Michael yearned to create and permanently relive a Peter Pan-like childhood existence on his Neverland Ranch.

If Neverland was Michael’s Xanadu, Charlie Chaplin’s life-story apparently served as a Rosebud-like reminder to Michael of his own prematurely interrupted childhood as a workaholic show business performer.

On June 17, 1988 — Michael visited the Chaplin family in Switzerland. Pictured below Michael holds two Honorary Awards awarded to Chaplin in 1929 and 1972 by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Chaplin’s wife, Oona O’Neill holds the Academy Award for Best Original Score, awarded in 1973.


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A day without laughter is a day wasted.
~ Charlie Chaplin

Dictators free themselves, but they enslave the people.
~ Charlie Chaplin

I am for people. I can't help it.
~ Charlie Chaplin


I do not have much patience with a thing of beauty that must be explained to be understood. If it does need additional interpretation by someone other than the creator, then I question whether it has fulfilled its purpose.
~ Charlie Chaplin


I have no further use for America. I wouldn't go back there if Jesus Christ was President.
~ Charlie Chaplin

We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery.
~ Charlie Chaplin


We think too much and feel too little.
~ Charlie Chaplin



The Greatest Speech Ever Made


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Sources:

http://www.virginmedia.com/music/pictures/profiles/michael-jackson-obsessions.php?ssid=2

http://www.mjnewsalerts.com/2011/04/16/happy-birthday-charlie-chaplin/#ixzz1YcQI0vXf

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/charlie_chaplin.html
 
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The Message of the Sunflowers:
a Magic Symbol of Peace
by Georgianna Moore
1927-2002​



Once upon a time the earth was even more beautiful than it is today. The water was pure and deep, reflecting within itself the sunlight which gave life to all the creatures beneath the waves.

The earth was green with many kinds of trees and plants. These gave food and shelter to the birds, the animals, and to all mankind. At night the air was so clear that the starlight gave a glow almost as bright as the moon.

The people of the earth lived close to nature. They understood it and honored it and never took more than what they needed from it. The people lived in peace so they prospered and began to build many nations all around the world according to nature’s climate.

But one day, a terrible thing happened. A strange spirit of greed entered the hearts of mankind. People began to be jealous of one another, and they were not satisfied with all the good things they already had. The nations wanted more and more of everything: more land, more water, more resources. They squeezed precious minerals from the earth to build terrible weapons to defend their nations from other greedier nations. They killed one another. They polluted the air and the water with poisons. Nature began to die.

This is called war. War is ugly. It destroys love and hope and peace.

Then one day a magical thing occurred. The birds of the air, the animals of the land, and the creatures beneath the water came to an agreement: if they were to survive, something would have to be done to stop these wars. Only through peace could their world survive.

“We cannot speak the human language,” they declared, “and mankind can no longer understand ours. We must find among us a symbol of peace so brilliant that all who see it will stop and remember that peace and sharing is beautiful.”

“I am what you need,” said a golden sunflower. “I am tall and bright. My leaves are food for the animals, my yellow petals can turn plain cloth to gold, my seeds are many and are used for food by all living beings. Yet, the seeds I drop upon the ground can take root and I will grow again and again. I can be your symbol of peace.”

All nature rejoiced, and it was decided that the birds would each take one sunflower seed and they would fly over every nation and plant the seed in the earth as a gift. The seeds took root and grew, and the sunflowers multiplied.

Wherever the sunflowers grew, there seemed to be a special golden glow in the air. The people could not ignore such a magical sight.

Soon they began to understand the message of the sunflowers so they decided to destroy all of their terrible weapons and to put an end to the greed and to the fear of war. They chose the sunflower as a symbol of peace and new life for all the world to recognize and understand.

A ceremony was celebrated by planting a whole field of sunflowers. Artists painted pictures of the sunflowers, writers wrote about them, and the people of the world were asked to plant more sunflower seeds as a symbol of remembrance.

All nature rejoiced once more as the golden sunflowers stood tall with their faces turned eastward to the rising sun, then followed the sun until it set in the west.

They gave their goodness to the world so that everyone who sees a sunflower will know that the golden light of peace is beautiful.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As many of Michael’s fans and the media gather outside the courthouse next week on the first day of Murray‘s trial, try to imagine the feeling in the air. The anticipation of this long-awaited trial has built to a crescendo and the energy is palpable. We are, after all, on the threshold of some sort of resolution to this horrific injustice. We all want our beloved Michael to be vindicated, as he should be, but we are braced for the inevitable litany (by Murray’s defense and especially by the media) of all the untruths and misunderstandings which plagued Michael throughout his life. The reality of having to stand by and helplessly watch as Michael is stripped of his dignity in the public eye once again is almost more than we can bear. The oceans of tears we have shed since his death over 2 years ago are still fresh and the pain of his loss is still an open wound, raw and throbbing.

We are concerned about his children and we want so achingly for the world to understand the absolute truth about everything that was good and honest and real about Michael Joseph Jackson. All of these emotions have stirred our determination to do what is right and our passion for seeing that the truth be told! But being the unique individuals we were created to be, we don’t always agree on how to go about it. Tension and disrespect have been fostered between fans on the web as individual opinions are expressed, and disagreements have fueled the fire of our desire to see justice finally be done for the man we all love. We have turned on each other, making judgments where we have no right to. We have created division where there once was unity.

This is called war. War is ugly. It destroys love and hope and peace.

In the midst of our determination, we have forgotten why we came together in the first place. And we have forgotten that we, along with his family and friends, are now Michael’s representatives in this world.

Michael was always about Love and Peace. Now WE must be the peacemakers!

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When the Call For Love facebook group was first started this spring, and the trial was initially set to begin in May, there was a small group of us that formulated a plan to restore unity among the fans and to create an atmosphere of Love and Peace at the courthouse on the first day of the trial. We gathered our resources and made plans to order 100 sunflowers to be delivered to the courthouse and distributed among the various fan groups there before the Jacksons would arrive. We also ordered 4 white roses, each to be handed directly to the Jackson women as they entered the courthouse. Now, finally, after these long months of waiting for the trial to begin, our plan will be carried out! Our friend in LA, Betty Byrnes, is going to do everything she can to make sure it is carried out in a way that will foster Peace among the fans in the midst of the chaos. Fans who are now divided will be unified by the offering of Peace as symbolized by the sunflower. All of us who cannot physically be there for this important day in Michael's HIStory will be represented in this offering of Peace, Love and Unity that was Michael’s message! The lines of division will be erased as each sunflower is passed from one to another - differences forgotten in a moment that acknowledges our singleness of purpose! Barriers torn down in true Michael-fashion for the world to witness.


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Imagine the sea of sunflowers visible to everyone there, including the media. This will help us all to remember that we have a responsibility to always be about Peace and Love as Michael’s representatives in the world - during this trial and for the rest of our lives.

THIS IS IT! … THIS is how we Love him and honor him!


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"Dear God, Bless us all as we move closer to this important trial in Michael's HIStory. May we be true representatives of the Love and Peace which Michael LIVED every single day of his life. Help us to be the embodiment of that perfect Love in all we do, so that we may effect the change which is so badly needed in this world today. Thank you for the gift of Michael and for his gift of Love and Peace upon this Earth. Amen." ~ written by C. Burgess

Source:

http://mjreflecdtionsheart2heart.blogspot.com/2011/09/call-for-love-devotion-september-19_19.html





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A Call for Love During the Murray Trial


Reminder: This Sunday is the 25th & WE'RE SENDING OUT A MAJOR LOVE! More updates coming! Thank you &#9829;

sunflower michael jackson justiceUNITE in PRAYER,
UNITY & SOLIDARITY
The 'CALL FOR LOVE'
SUNFLOWER STAND/
JUSTICE FOR MICHAEL:

Sept. 27, 2011
8:00 a.m. PST
- in the front courtyard, where
sunflowers will be distributed -
C.S. Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012

Lottery for tickets to obtain a seat inside
the court room is at 7:30a.m. PST.
Only 6 seats are available.
more info: mjbliss.blogspot.com
Dear fellow MJ fans, we are combining our voice with a great many others in the MJ community for a worldwide CALL FOR LOVE during the difficult times that lie ahead, and we'd love if you would join hearts with us in this. As you know, this coming Tuesday (September 27th) the trial of Conrad Murray begins. As Michael's fans we have the power to show the world who he was and what he stood for with our words and actions. We are his voice now, his representatives. We reflect his light, and as co-bearers of his legacy we now stand exposed before the world in a new and often uncomfortable way. It is our great and humbling responsibility to teach future generations who Michael Jackson really was, both by shining that light on the TRUTH and by showing the world how he has touched, awakened and changed the hearts of so many. We've already begun to make headway, from the Gardner School auditorium, to the astounding number of charity projects in his name, to the continuing joint efforts to stop/correct deceitful, false or belittling media coverage. We may not have control over all the circumstances we find ourselves in, but we do have a voice. Never let anyone tell you that we don't. Michael used his and now we must use ours. The question is: what are we going to say? Will we be a scattered myriad of voices across the internet filled with negativity, adding to the prevailing trend and playing right into the hands of those who wish to portray us and Michael in a negative fashion? Or will we join hearts and come together in ONE VOICE, in peaceful and prayerful determination for truth and justice? Will our voice be one of hate or of love? Both have energy, drive and momentum, but into which direction is up to us.


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Please know that no blame is meant toward anyone. No finger pointing. We are all human, we've all been hurt, we've all had moments when we've lashed out with anger. The finger-pointing must stop if we are to truly heal. As Michael said, "We must learn to live and love each other before it’s too late." We have been through so much, and if you can remember right now how it was LOVE that brought us together, if you can feel for a moment that unity within LOVE, the feeling of it, of swearing to forever remember it and to uphold Michael's legacy of it... you'll find that glow inside that begs us to walk the talk, whatever happens. And that feeling, that knowingness of love, is inside each and every one of our souls. We are one.

Yes, we can be angry. If you're angry you can't help but feel it. You have the right to be angry; for all of us, for Michael, for his beloved children, for the world's children. Anger cannot be denied and hidden within, or it churns into hatred and shrivels the heart. But we have a choice to either channel those emotions into the same negative, destructive beams of darkness that were so often directed at Michael, or to take the high road and strive to transmute this energy, heal it and find a way to shine light into the world. It is during times of great darkness that your light is needed the most! We still have painful realities staring us all in the face and drilling into the depths of our spirits... and it hurts. There's no denying this. But we cannot let it destroy us. Read again: We cannot let it destroy us; Michael's 'Army of Love', his 'Soldiers of Love'. Remember? Love is not just empty platitudes or spoonfuls of sugar sprinkled over the pain. This is for REAL. You know this love, through and through. We all do, for it's what brought us together. Please, let us never forget it, for without it we are lost. Feel it, know it, live it. That is spirit, that is truth, that is Michael.

"In a world filled with hate,
we must still dare to hope.
In a world filled with anger,
we must still dare to comfort.
In a world filled with despair,
we must still dare to dream,
In a world filled with distrust,
we must still dare to believe."


Do you know the saying "nothing worthwhile is ever easy"? Well, this is where we find ourselves. Each person must search their own soul to find a center of peace and to discover how and where they can use their talents to channel this energy. No one is perfect, but we can try. It is a dilemma: how do we move forward, past all that's happened, through all that's still to come and somehow make LOVE our weapon to conquer any evil? Rest assured, it can be done, for God does not give us any task we're not ready for. None of us wanted this one, but it's ours nonetheless, and it will not complete itself. We have to rise to the challenge, rise up against the onslaught, be strong and most of all be brave within our hearts to succeed. It takes courage and humility to stand strong and look for the humanity in an enemy, withholding the poison arrows while trusting a jury. And it takes practice. That's alright, for we're all works in progress, still learning how to operate from the heart with ever-increasing frequency. And all of us across the planet have been blessed with the same exquisite teacher to help point us onto this path. "It's all about love." Truth and wisdom from the man himself.

And so, if you'll be in front of the courthouse on Tuesday (or any day after), sending banners from around the world or just writing on social networking sites, we're collectively asking that we all make an effort to remember the LOVE, the mission, the message, and to do our best to act from a place in our heart that demonstrates it. Remember that the world is watching. The media is watching. The children are watching. Everything we say and do now reflects on each other ... and it reflects on Michael. And it teaches ... just what it teaches is our choice.

"I was sick over the notoriety
of the attacks. I don't know if
[television news] played it too
many times, but we went from
fear to hate to anger to vengeance."
~ MJ on 9/11 & What More Can I Give


Can we set aside our differences and together show the world with ONE VOICE that we, MICHAEL'S FANS, are a UNITED FORCE and that we can RISE ABOVE attempts to brings us down, and RISE ABOVE whatever they throw at us? Yes, we can. We are stronger than war, for we are for PEACE. We are stronger than lies, for we are for TRUTH. We are stronger than revenge, for we are for JUSTICE. We are stronger than name-calling, for we are not bullies. We are stronger than hate, for we are for LOVE.

We will stand strong. We will represent. We will not give up. We will support truth, as our prayers sweep away the lies. Our love will support Michael's family, each other and all those who are working for justice. And we will do it in RESPECTFUL SOLIDARITY, with DIGNITY, GRACE and CLASS, just like Michael would. Thank you, namaste, and so much love to ALL of you. Know that you are never alone. "Don't let go of my hand..." &#9829; &#9829; &#9829;




Source:

http://www.majorloveprayer.org/2011/09/call-for-love-during-murray-trial.html
 
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Jonathan, people speak of an energy around Michael; a light. Did you ever feel that?

Jonathan: All the time, every time I am around him. That’s why you know you are in the presence of greatness. That’s why you know you’re in the presence of somebody special. Just count the number of fans and people and the multitude that love him around the world. He’s one man loved by… CNN said that over one billion people mourned Michael from all the remote areas of the world, as well as all the known areas. What other human being can draw that much sympathy and that much hurt from their loss. Michael had something special, a radiance, and when you were in his presence the whole room changed.

People would say, “Michael’s coming,” and everybody got nervous. As soon as you had the vision of him, even just knowing he was coming, you felt something, like a tingle happening. Just to watch him walk through the door, it’s like all the molecules in the air stop and you can pinch them with your finger; pick them up. It’s like you could see the smallest speck; you could see the molecules in the air when Michael walked in the room. He changed them; the molecular structure of the air. And that’s the equation of what happens when Michael enters, and everybody in the room felt it and knew it. Then their attitudes and personalities would change. They would perk up their attention, but they would always say, “There’s something with him. When he came in I got nervous. I felt something!” And I would hear that over and over again and I would say, “I know, I know. I’ve been feeling it for thirty years.”

And he was just so pleasant; just something with his imagery. Everybody radiates from a different frequency, and Michael had the highest level of energy I think without being from another world. His gift and his humanity of spirit were just so powerful and great and deep. He was a different human being from most of us; from all of us. He did affect everybody that came around him, from leaders of the world to normal folk, from children to people, grandmothers. Every single person that’s been around him said they felt something, that I remember seeing or talking to.

And that’s why people cry. People absolutely cry. I would sit on stage and watch them pass bodies, like back in the medieval days when people died of the plague. You would see them lift bodies, arms dangling and legs, heads swinging, and there was like an ocean of people with their arms up passing bodies to the front, to the gate. There would be a line-up there of emergency vehicles… five, ten of them lined up. There were stretchers and triages back there. One by one, people were passing them forward; sometimes a multitude of bodies moving across the crowd being passed to the rescue people. They would give them smelling salts and try to revive them. Some people were just totally gone, unconscious, you know, like totally no life in them, and that’s just from being in that stadium with Michael. I just got to just sit back there and marvel at it. It was just the most powerful thing to see, and that’s just from that one man in the center of the stage. He made even men pass out; women and men. That’s a power and Michael knew it. He knew he was gifted with something special, a purpose; uniting the world and uniting people.

- Jonathan Moffett, drummer


Source:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...661.100001834795939.1461651667&type=1&theater
 

You know I had to grin when I saw those "exclusice to...do not remove tags" on that picture.
There's a story to these pictures. That in particular is a picture from the German youth magazine "Bravo"- I remember it so vividly because I had actually bought that same specific issue. :rofl:

Every year the reader of that magazine would vote on their favorite music acts, actors etc- and Michael had a huge, gigantic following back then as well. He's holding the "Otto" award there- by 'Bravo'. People voting could also enter contests to win a meet&greet with those they voted for.
They'd fly the winning contestant there and they would take a picture, I'm sure they didn't have more than seconds, though- and I remember enviously reading about those who won these contests.

I just remembered that because that picture sent me down the ultimate memory lane into the early 90ies.
 
Stories Behind the Pictures


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Todd Gray on this photo: Once Michael was just surrounded by his family and friends he became the playful, trickster and jokester. Sometimes he'd call me up, disguise his voice, make up a name and ask me to do something foolish. He could mimic a variety of voices and played many pranks on me. One time I took pictures of him while he was in bed because he was late for a meeting I'd set up and wouldn't get up. He was like, "Todd, I'm gonna get you for that!" And he did. I'd forgotten all about what happened while he was performing one night and he'd told me to stand in a specific spot to take photos of him when he began singing that song. I did as I was instructed. So right before I go to take my position, Michael drops to his back and starts saying, "Help me, help me! I need some woman to touch me!" and every woman in that place collapsed on me. I was between them and Michael and I couldn't even get one shot in and he gave me this look like, I got you. Afterwards, I said you think you're so cute, and he says, "What do you mean, Todd?" I'm like, Mike that hurt; those people were crushing me and all he said: "Todd, the spirit just takes me sometimes and the spirit just took me." That's when I knew that was payback and that was the last time I stepped out of line with him (Laughs.)



Source:

http://www.positivelymichael.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-7971.html
 
Michael Jackson - "Once Upon A Time"


This is only day one of the trial against Conrad Murray. In this thread you can find refuge from the cold, harsh world with scientific facts, numbers, medicines, incompetent doctors and proven and unproven theories. If you need metaphorical rays of sunshine, a bucket of love and a mountain of hope and faith, you can come here without worrying about opinions, statements, counter statements and all of those things that pain us so as none of it will bring our dearly beloved Michael back. But remember, friends and fans and lovers of Michael: He is with us in spirit, shining his bright Light and his pure Love over all of us and sending us his blessings. Don't despair, don't worry, don't give up, just sit down and enjoy this beautifully made video that friends of mine pointed out on Facebook. :heart:


 
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