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MJJLaugh
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How To Draw Michael Jackson
Start by finding an interesting reference photo
Drawing isn't hard if you follow a few guidelines and take your time.
The first thing you need to do is find a reference photo that is interesting. It makes the process much more enjoyable. Try and size the photo approximately the same size as the finished drawing. If it is smaller or even bigger you can resize it in the computer and then print it out.
The reason you want the photo the same size as your drawing is so you can compare the facial features and make sure they are in proportion. If you get the eyes off a little bit the drawing will not look like the person you have intended to draw.
There are a few tricks to getting a good likeness. Until you are comfortable with free handing the outline of the drawing, try using a grid which contains a bunch of small squares. This way you can get all of the important features correct. As your skills improve you can attempt drawing your subject free handed.
Lay out the outline
After you have a good outline of the drawing start on the left side shading
Start on one side and work your way over
I'm right handed, so I start shading on the left side. If you don't do it this way you will smudge your drawing before you are finished. I use a mechanical pencil with a soft lead. I simply look at the dark and light areas and fill them in on my drawing. If you see a shadow, just put it on your paper like the photo. Go lightly at first and gradually get darker.
Gradually add detail
Keep referring back to your reference photo and add details
Keep an eraser handy
I use a gummy type eraser to clean up my drawing. It doesn't leave the eraser particles and makes the highlights easier than a conventional eraser. I also use a tortillion or blending stump to smooth my pencil marks together. The combination of eraser and tortillion give you a nice 3-d look when you are finished.
Now it's lookking like the photo!
It's exciting when the drawing begins to look like the reference. When you get this far it's hard to stop
Make sure the shadows are right
Pay close attention to the light in the drawing and your shadows. Where the sun or light source are hitting the subject it will leave a shadow. Make sure it makes sense on your sketch and you have the lighting and shadowing correct. Don't forget you have a good eraser!
Almost done!
Once you get most of the drawing complete begin making sure your background is the way you want it. You don't have to draw in the background just like the reference photo, sometimes just shading it will look good. Take your time and play around a bit.
Finishing touches
The teeth, eyes, glasses and etc, all need to be correct. There will be highlights and you can create this affect using your eraser. Just erase where it is supposed to be white and you can add pencil marks to make corrections. I use a good quality of paper too, because cheaper paper will not hold up when you do a lot of erasing and shading.
Your almost finished
Look the drawing over good. If there are any last minute details, make them now. Compare every section of your drawing to the reference photo and make sure you have everything you wanted. Again you don't have to make it exact, just have fun and the more you do this, the better you will get.
After you have finished your sketch, get a can of clear spray and protect your artwork. You can also use any hair spray, it does the same thing. You don't want your finished art to fade or smear.
Source:
http://rvsource.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Draw-Michael-Jackson
Start by finding an interesting reference photo
Drawing isn't hard if you follow a few guidelines and take your time.
The first thing you need to do is find a reference photo that is interesting. It makes the process much more enjoyable. Try and size the photo approximately the same size as the finished drawing. If it is smaller or even bigger you can resize it in the computer and then print it out.
The reason you want the photo the same size as your drawing is so you can compare the facial features and make sure they are in proportion. If you get the eyes off a little bit the drawing will not look like the person you have intended to draw.
There are a few tricks to getting a good likeness. Until you are comfortable with free handing the outline of the drawing, try using a grid which contains a bunch of small squares. This way you can get all of the important features correct. As your skills improve you can attempt drawing your subject free handed.
Lay out the outline
After you have a good outline of the drawing start on the left side shading
Start on one side and work your way over
I'm right handed, so I start shading on the left side. If you don't do it this way you will smudge your drawing before you are finished. I use a mechanical pencil with a soft lead. I simply look at the dark and light areas and fill them in on my drawing. If you see a shadow, just put it on your paper like the photo. Go lightly at first and gradually get darker.
Gradually add detail
Keep referring back to your reference photo and add details
Keep an eraser handy
I use a gummy type eraser to clean up my drawing. It doesn't leave the eraser particles and makes the highlights easier than a conventional eraser. I also use a tortillion or blending stump to smooth my pencil marks together. The combination of eraser and tortillion give you a nice 3-d look when you are finished.
Now it's lookking like the photo!
It's exciting when the drawing begins to look like the reference. When you get this far it's hard to stop
Make sure the shadows are right
Pay close attention to the light in the drawing and your shadows. Where the sun or light source are hitting the subject it will leave a shadow. Make sure it makes sense on your sketch and you have the lighting and shadowing correct. Don't forget you have a good eraser!
Almost done!
Once you get most of the drawing complete begin making sure your background is the way you want it. You don't have to draw in the background just like the reference photo, sometimes just shading it will look good. Take your time and play around a bit.
Finishing touches
The teeth, eyes, glasses and etc, all need to be correct. There will be highlights and you can create this affect using your eraser. Just erase where it is supposed to be white and you can add pencil marks to make corrections. I use a good quality of paper too, because cheaper paper will not hold up when you do a lot of erasing and shading.
Your almost finished
Look the drawing over good. If there are any last minute details, make them now. Compare every section of your drawing to the reference photo and make sure you have everything you wanted. Again you don't have to make it exact, just have fun and the more you do this, the better you will get.
After you have finished your sketch, get a can of clear spray and protect your artwork. You can also use any hair spray, it does the same thing. You don't want your finished art to fade or smear.
Source:
http://rvsource.hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Draw-Michael-Jackson
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
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Legends - Remember the Time
(Michael Jackson with Legends in Concert’s former Director of Marketing, Mary Anne Beaman)
Las Vegas, Nevada
November 2, 2009
The thumping beats of “Billie Jean” started up. On the dark stage, a spotlight illuminated the performer wearing a black hat and a single glove. The crowd erupted with loud cheers and applause.
But it wasn’t Michael Jackson -- at least not the real one. Still, it was about as close as it gets.
William Bostick had been perfecting his Michael Jackson tribute for more than a quarter of a century and was an integral part of “Legends in Concert” for many years. He was so good, in fact, that the superstar had befriended Bostick after one of his tribute shows and offered him some tips.
Though William had always put on a great show, that October night in 1998 was different. He was moonwalking his heart out on the stage at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace – for the real Michael Jackson in the audience.
Sue Cirone, then a captain at the casino, recalls hearing from a coworker that morning “that Michael Jackson might be coming to the ‘Legends’ show that night. And he said that I might want to bring my daughter to meet him. She was 9 years old and a huge fan. She was really excited, and nervous, too. Everyone was.”
“No one was sure that Michael was going to show up, but it was a real possibility,” remembers Jillian Hrushowy, a production manager for ‘Legends’ for the past 15 years. “The band was sitting in their places, getting ready for the 7:30 show, and a stagehand told us, ‘Yes, it’s true, he’s here.’ Well, right then you could absolutely feel the electricity in the room.”
Jackson, wearing a signature black hat and dark sunglasses, had quietly slipped into booth 206 after the lights went down, and was completely surrounded by his entourage. “I have never seen that much undercover security here, ever,” says Sue, who’s worked at the Imperial Palace for 29 years.
Sue has witnessed the real Kenny Rogers sing at a “Legends” show (“Nobody in the audience knew it was the real Kenny!” she says, laughing). Other high-profile celebrities like Shania Twain and the Righteous Brothers have dropped by to see themselves portrayed on stage. But nobody matched the star wattage of Michael Jackson. “He was certainly the most celebrated personality that we’ve ever had come to the show,” says Jillian.
And even though the audience didn’t have a clue that the Gloved One was in the same room -– “Only the people who worked at the I.P. and at ‘Legends’ knew that he was there,” says Sue – they sensed that there was something different about this performance.
“There was definitely a buzz in the room,” Sue recalls.
Jillian agrees. “The band – everyone in the show – worked their butts off that night. The whole place was on fire. It was amazing!”
Michael Jackson stayed to watch his impersonator sing, twirl and of course, moonwalk, through five songs: “Remember the Time,” “Thriller,” “Jam,” “Heal the World” and “Billie Jean.”
“For ‘Heal the World,’ there was a scrim with a globe projected on it,” remembers Zach Thalheimer, a technician for “Legends” who had a bird’s-eye view of the show. “I remember looking out and seeing Michael pointing up at it and him saying, ‘That’s cool.’”
To memorialize that eventful night, Sue has a picture of her daughter and her friends with Jackson. Thalheimer didn’t get a photograph, but he did come down from his perch high above the stage to mingle with excited fans. “I definitely got a bit giddy,” he says. “And I just thought it was really special that he would take the time to come see William.”
In fact, the superstar later met up with the performer and congratulated him on a great performance. “William told me that Jackson was very proud and very pleased,” says Jillian.
But when she thinks back to that fateful night, Jillian does wish she could change one thing. As production manager, it was she who had filled out a comp slip with Jackson’s name on it. “I was going through some stuff a while ago and saw that slip that I’d saved,” she says. “I thought, ‘What will I ever want this for?’ Boy, do I regret throwing it away.”
After the passing of Michael Jackson on June 25, the performer portraying the King of Pop in “Legends” became even more important. Currently that honor belongs to Damian Brantley, a 10-year veteran of the tribute artist genre, who introduced Foxwoods’ audiences to the tribute show this summer at the casino property in Connecticut.
Damian, who is now headlining “Legends,” still gets very emotional recalling that June day. “We happened to be rehearsing my set in the Fox Theater and were in the middle of ‘Billie Jean.’ One of the techs came by and told us that Michael was gone. It seemed so out of left field.”
But as they say, the show must go on. “I’m here to help audiences remember Michael and highlight the memories that they hold dearest,” Damian says. “That’s my job, to recreate the highlights. I’m just playing my very small role in helping his legacy live on.”
And most important, he notes, is honoring Michael’s memory in a respectful way. “With his passing, there are people coming out of the woodwork calling themselves tribute artists, when in fact, they are turning it into a parody,” Damian laments. “At ‘Legends,’ we have handled the situation delicately; we have been doing this a long time and I do my utmost to do a respectable rendition of the man.”
Source:
http://www.insidervlv.com/Legends/index.html
(Michael Jackson with Legends in Concert’s former Director of Marketing, Mary Anne Beaman)
Las Vegas, Nevada
November 2, 2009
The thumping beats of “Billie Jean” started up. On the dark stage, a spotlight illuminated the performer wearing a black hat and a single glove. The crowd erupted with loud cheers and applause.
But it wasn’t Michael Jackson -- at least not the real one. Still, it was about as close as it gets.
William Bostick had been perfecting his Michael Jackson tribute for more than a quarter of a century and was an integral part of “Legends in Concert” for many years. He was so good, in fact, that the superstar had befriended Bostick after one of his tribute shows and offered him some tips.
Though William had always put on a great show, that October night in 1998 was different. He was moonwalking his heart out on the stage at Las Vegas’ Imperial Palace – for the real Michael Jackson in the audience.
Sue Cirone, then a captain at the casino, recalls hearing from a coworker that morning “that Michael Jackson might be coming to the ‘Legends’ show that night. And he said that I might want to bring my daughter to meet him. She was 9 years old and a huge fan. She was really excited, and nervous, too. Everyone was.”
“No one was sure that Michael was going to show up, but it was a real possibility,” remembers Jillian Hrushowy, a production manager for ‘Legends’ for the past 15 years. “The band was sitting in their places, getting ready for the 7:30 show, and a stagehand told us, ‘Yes, it’s true, he’s here.’ Well, right then you could absolutely feel the electricity in the room.”
Jackson, wearing a signature black hat and dark sunglasses, had quietly slipped into booth 206 after the lights went down, and was completely surrounded by his entourage. “I have never seen that much undercover security here, ever,” says Sue, who’s worked at the Imperial Palace for 29 years.
Sue has witnessed the real Kenny Rogers sing at a “Legends” show (“Nobody in the audience knew it was the real Kenny!” she says, laughing). Other high-profile celebrities like Shania Twain and the Righteous Brothers have dropped by to see themselves portrayed on stage. But nobody matched the star wattage of Michael Jackson. “He was certainly the most celebrated personality that we’ve ever had come to the show,” says Jillian.
And even though the audience didn’t have a clue that the Gloved One was in the same room -– “Only the people who worked at the I.P. and at ‘Legends’ knew that he was there,” says Sue – they sensed that there was something different about this performance.
“There was definitely a buzz in the room,” Sue recalls.
Jillian agrees. “The band – everyone in the show – worked their butts off that night. The whole place was on fire. It was amazing!”
Michael Jackson stayed to watch his impersonator sing, twirl and of course, moonwalk, through five songs: “Remember the Time,” “Thriller,” “Jam,” “Heal the World” and “Billie Jean.”
“For ‘Heal the World,’ there was a scrim with a globe projected on it,” remembers Zach Thalheimer, a technician for “Legends” who had a bird’s-eye view of the show. “I remember looking out and seeing Michael pointing up at it and him saying, ‘That’s cool.’”
To memorialize that eventful night, Sue has a picture of her daughter and her friends with Jackson. Thalheimer didn’t get a photograph, but he did come down from his perch high above the stage to mingle with excited fans. “I definitely got a bit giddy,” he says. “And I just thought it was really special that he would take the time to come see William.”
In fact, the superstar later met up with the performer and congratulated him on a great performance. “William told me that Jackson was very proud and very pleased,” says Jillian.
But when she thinks back to that fateful night, Jillian does wish she could change one thing. As production manager, it was she who had filled out a comp slip with Jackson’s name on it. “I was going through some stuff a while ago and saw that slip that I’d saved,” she says. “I thought, ‘What will I ever want this for?’ Boy, do I regret throwing it away.”
After the passing of Michael Jackson on June 25, the performer portraying the King of Pop in “Legends” became even more important. Currently that honor belongs to Damian Brantley, a 10-year veteran of the tribute artist genre, who introduced Foxwoods’ audiences to the tribute show this summer at the casino property in Connecticut.
Damian, who is now headlining “Legends,” still gets very emotional recalling that June day. “We happened to be rehearsing my set in the Fox Theater and were in the middle of ‘Billie Jean.’ One of the techs came by and told us that Michael was gone. It seemed so out of left field.”
But as they say, the show must go on. “I’m here to help audiences remember Michael and highlight the memories that they hold dearest,” Damian says. “That’s my job, to recreate the highlights. I’m just playing my very small role in helping his legacy live on.”
And most important, he notes, is honoring Michael’s memory in a respectful way. “With his passing, there are people coming out of the woodwork calling themselves tribute artists, when in fact, they are turning it into a parody,” Damian laments. “At ‘Legends,’ we have handled the situation delicately; we have been doing this a long time and I do my utmost to do a respectable rendition of the man.”
Source:
http://www.insidervlv.com/Legends/index.html
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
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The Making of a Michael Jackson Tribute Motorbike in Pictures
comment by the artist: "Yes she loved the bike and told me that I really captured her son's likeness. She was very impressed with what we created. Just amazed by it."
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
comment by the artist: "Yes she loved the bike and told me that I really captured her son's likeness. She was very impressed with what we created. Just amazed by it."
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
Ashtanga
Proud Member
The Making of a Michael Jackson Tribute Motorbike in Pictures
comment by the artist: "Yes she loved the bike and told me that I really captured her son's likeness. She was very impressed with what we created. Just amazed by it."
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
Wow!
Amazing!!!!!!!! :woohoo: 
MJJLaugh
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How the policeman sent to guard Michael Jackson in 1993 made friends with the King of Pop and had a magical day out in Bangkok
By: Kritini Prachabarn
Michael Jackson flashes a victory sign as he marches with Thai Air Force cadets in August 1993
A baby elephant to play with, and a room filled with toys and balloons? Sneaking out to see the sights of Asia’s most exciting city without the prying eyes of security guards and fans? No problem, when you are the King of Pop and have just struck up a friendship with the Bangkok policeman who looks after visiting stars.
Pol Col Taveesak Veeravattanayothin of the Tourism Police Department had good reason to be upset when he heard of Michael Jackson’s passing. He escorted the megastar when he toured Thailand in 1993 and 1996 and became close enough to the star to learn that Jackson had the genius of a musical great, but the soul of an innocent, playful child.
‘‘I was in shock just like everybody else at his sudden death. It’s numbing. It isn’t even sinking in yet, but I think the world has not only lost its greatest entertainer but probably also the nicest person,’’ said Pol Col Taveesak.
On the first tour in August 1993, the police officer says, Jackson arrived ‘‘abruptly’’ in Bangkok a day early from Hong Kong with only one security guard. The tour was dogged by controversy as Jackson was forced to postpone two shows after child molestation charges against him emerged in the United States.
‘‘It was chaotic because we had to rearrange the security plan in a hurry.’’ Pol Col Taveesak paused, recollecting the frantic scene. ‘‘It was fun, though.’’
A lieutenant colonel back then, he rushed to the Oriental Hotel where Jackson was scheduled to stay, struggling past hundreds of fans gathering in front of the hotel. ‘‘I was told to meet them in their hotel room immediately. I jumped into the lift going up to the room, and to my surprise I found myself standing right next to Michael and his guard. It was just like a scripted movie scene.’’
Jackson greeted the police officer, who informed the star he was there to take care of him, with a simple ‘‘Hi’’.
‘‘He was very shy. He took a look at me, wagging his finger towards my uniform and then said out of the blue ‘nice’.’’
At the time, the media reported that Jackson and his entourage, including the concert crew, were in conflict.
To Pol Col Taveesak, it looked as though Jackson was fleeing from something. ‘‘He didn’t bring any luggage.’’ He said Jackson’s trusted personal bodyguard later confided to him that the star was surrounded with ‘‘bad people’’ who took advantage of his fame and money like ‘‘leeches’’.
‘‘Michael’s entourage splurged on everything. I asked one of them who’d pay for the bill. He said ‘Michael’.’’
Since there was no planned itinerary, Pol Col Taveesak asked Jackson’s bodyguard what the singer wanted to do.
‘‘Michael went shy. He whispered to his bodyguard to tell me he wanted to do a little tour of the city. He wanted to see where Bangkokians hung out. Well, Siam Square it is!’’
The next morning, Pol Col Taveesak picked them up at the hotel.
‘‘I bought Michael a gift but didn’t have time to wrap it. He saw the small plastic bag I carried. I think he knew it was for him. He curiously kept looking at the bag all the time. I guess he was guessing what it might be. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate.
‘‘His bodyguard didn’t say anything, so I handed Michael the gift. ‘This is for you, sir.’ I could tell he was thrilled when he opened it. His eyes lit up and a broad smile followed, as if he was jumping up and down inside like a kid happy to have a candy bar. ‘Thank you so much,’ Michael said to me.
‘‘It was the set of ‘nice’ decorations from my uniform which he pointed to the previous day.’’
At Siam Square, the three went into a record store. Jackson seemed interested in what kind of music Thai people liked. He bought many CDs, then headed to Siam Centre where he spent quite some time in a musical instrument store.
‘‘Michael walked straight to a grand piano, sat down and started to play. I thought to myself: ‘Wow, lucky me! I’m privileged to see his private show.’ But Michael just hit the keys like a kid who doesn’t know any notes, giggling and stomping his feet. He was just fooling around.’’
The whole day Jackson looked at ease and relaxed, still shy, but happily waving to people on the street, who recognised him and shouted his name. There were Japanese groupies following him around the world. These girls were in Bangkok too and even hired a boat to get a glimpse of Jackson stepping out on the balcony of his hotel room.
‘‘He was an ordinary person enjoying a short adventure and appreciating every single moment of his rare freedom,’’ recalled Pol Col Taveesak. Was Jackson demanding? ‘‘Not at all. He’s the opposite of that. His only exceptional requests were to play with a baby elephant in the hotel, to meet children and to have a games room filled with balloons and toys both in his hotel room and in the changing room at the National Stadium where the concerts took place.
‘‘Frankly, that’s quite understandable as we knew how he grew up with the lack of a childhood.’’
The policeman also helped inspire Jackson’s famous crotch-grabbing move.
‘‘Michael had a zip-fly malfunction. It was loose and opened several times. I had to tell him once. He was embarrassed. I think the zipper issue inspired that signature dance.’’ Have you seen his face up close? ‘‘Yes. His skin looked almost transparent. Michael covered up his face with a large handkerchief when he was in public, though.’’
Jackson’s crew arrived the day after their day trip, and Pol Col Taveesak said he was reprimanded by one of the security guards. But the policeman, who had escorted the Brazilian national soccer team and Miss Universe contestants, was aware that the local Tourist Police had provided beefed-up security and ‘‘Michael was comfortable with it’’.
However, the holiday was over. Jackson went back to work. He was scheduled to shoot a music video at the Royal Thai Air Force Academy Cadet School. He marched alongside a parade of air force cadets, and the clip was shown on MTV many times. ‘‘Michael was so po ised and professional. The shoot went well. On stage he was even more astonishing. It was by far the biggest concert ever held in Thailand.’’
After the shows, Jackson and the team left almost immediately for Singapore. Pol Col Taveesak said sitting in the car with his personal bodyguard, Jackson looked ‘‘frail and exhausted’’ after putting all his energy into the show.
‘‘Still, he nodded and the guard, who was friendly with me the whole trip, handed me a bag. I opened it. Now it’s my turn to act like a kid. I was given a pair of his signature large aviators [sunglasses], a handkerchief and a picture of himself with a signed autograph. ‘Thank you for your gift and for taking care of me’, Michael said with the exact same innocent smile I saw earlier. I was simply delighted.’’
.jpg)
Michael Jackson in Thailand 1996
The sound quality is not very good, but it's definitely worth watching.
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wl_hXLazJoA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Source:
http://drfeelgoed.multiply.com/journal/item/16?&show_interstitial=1&u=/journal/item
By: Kritini Prachabarn
Michael Jackson flashes a victory sign as he marches with Thai Air Force cadets in August 1993
A baby elephant to play with, and a room filled with toys and balloons? Sneaking out to see the sights of Asia’s most exciting city without the prying eyes of security guards and fans? No problem, when you are the King of Pop and have just struck up a friendship with the Bangkok policeman who looks after visiting stars.
Pol Col Taveesak Veeravattanayothin of the Tourism Police Department had good reason to be upset when he heard of Michael Jackson’s passing. He escorted the megastar when he toured Thailand in 1993 and 1996 and became close enough to the star to learn that Jackson had the genius of a musical great, but the soul of an innocent, playful child.
‘‘I was in shock just like everybody else at his sudden death. It’s numbing. It isn’t even sinking in yet, but I think the world has not only lost its greatest entertainer but probably also the nicest person,’’ said Pol Col Taveesak.
On the first tour in August 1993, the police officer says, Jackson arrived ‘‘abruptly’’ in Bangkok a day early from Hong Kong with only one security guard. The tour was dogged by controversy as Jackson was forced to postpone two shows after child molestation charges against him emerged in the United States.
‘‘It was chaotic because we had to rearrange the security plan in a hurry.’’ Pol Col Taveesak paused, recollecting the frantic scene. ‘‘It was fun, though.’’
A lieutenant colonel back then, he rushed to the Oriental Hotel where Jackson was scheduled to stay, struggling past hundreds of fans gathering in front of the hotel. ‘‘I was told to meet them in their hotel room immediately. I jumped into the lift going up to the room, and to my surprise I found myself standing right next to Michael and his guard. It was just like a scripted movie scene.’’
Jackson greeted the police officer, who informed the star he was there to take care of him, with a simple ‘‘Hi’’.
‘‘He was very shy. He took a look at me, wagging his finger towards my uniform and then said out of the blue ‘nice’.’’
At the time, the media reported that Jackson and his entourage, including the concert crew, were in conflict.
To Pol Col Taveesak, it looked as though Jackson was fleeing from something. ‘‘He didn’t bring any luggage.’’ He said Jackson’s trusted personal bodyguard later confided to him that the star was surrounded with ‘‘bad people’’ who took advantage of his fame and money like ‘‘leeches’’.
‘‘Michael’s entourage splurged on everything. I asked one of them who’d pay for the bill. He said ‘Michael’.’’
Since there was no planned itinerary, Pol Col Taveesak asked Jackson’s bodyguard what the singer wanted to do.
‘‘Michael went shy. He whispered to his bodyguard to tell me he wanted to do a little tour of the city. He wanted to see where Bangkokians hung out. Well, Siam Square it is!’’
The next morning, Pol Col Taveesak picked them up at the hotel.
‘‘I bought Michael a gift but didn’t have time to wrap it. He saw the small plastic bag I carried. I think he knew it was for him. He curiously kept looking at the bag all the time. I guess he was guessing what it might be. I wasn’t sure if it was appropriate.
‘‘His bodyguard didn’t say anything, so I handed Michael the gift. ‘This is for you, sir.’ I could tell he was thrilled when he opened it. His eyes lit up and a broad smile followed, as if he was jumping up and down inside like a kid happy to have a candy bar. ‘Thank you so much,’ Michael said to me.
‘‘It was the set of ‘nice’ decorations from my uniform which he pointed to the previous day.’’
At Siam Square, the three went into a record store. Jackson seemed interested in what kind of music Thai people liked. He bought many CDs, then headed to Siam Centre where he spent quite some time in a musical instrument store.
‘‘Michael walked straight to a grand piano, sat down and started to play. I thought to myself: ‘Wow, lucky me! I’m privileged to see his private show.’ But Michael just hit the keys like a kid who doesn’t know any notes, giggling and stomping his feet. He was just fooling around.’’
The whole day Jackson looked at ease and relaxed, still shy, but happily waving to people on the street, who recognised him and shouted his name. There were Japanese groupies following him around the world. These girls were in Bangkok too and even hired a boat to get a glimpse of Jackson stepping out on the balcony of his hotel room.
‘‘He was an ordinary person enjoying a short adventure and appreciating every single moment of his rare freedom,’’ recalled Pol Col Taveesak. Was Jackson demanding? ‘‘Not at all. He’s the opposite of that. His only exceptional requests were to play with a baby elephant in the hotel, to meet children and to have a games room filled with balloons and toys both in his hotel room and in the changing room at the National Stadium where the concerts took place.
‘‘Frankly, that’s quite understandable as we knew how he grew up with the lack of a childhood.’’
The policeman also helped inspire Jackson’s famous crotch-grabbing move.
‘‘Michael had a zip-fly malfunction. It was loose and opened several times. I had to tell him once. He was embarrassed. I think the zipper issue inspired that signature dance.’’ Have you seen his face up close? ‘‘Yes. His skin looked almost transparent. Michael covered up his face with a large handkerchief when he was in public, though.’’
Jackson’s crew arrived the day after their day trip, and Pol Col Taveesak said he was reprimanded by one of the security guards. But the policeman, who had escorted the Brazilian national soccer team and Miss Universe contestants, was aware that the local Tourist Police had provided beefed-up security and ‘‘Michael was comfortable with it’’.
However, the holiday was over. Jackson went back to work. He was scheduled to shoot a music video at the Royal Thai Air Force Academy Cadet School. He marched alongside a parade of air force cadets, and the clip was shown on MTV many times. ‘‘Michael was so po ised and professional. The shoot went well. On stage he was even more astonishing. It was by far the biggest concert ever held in Thailand.’’
After the shows, Jackson and the team left almost immediately for Singapore. Pol Col Taveesak said sitting in the car with his personal bodyguard, Jackson looked ‘‘frail and exhausted’’ after putting all his energy into the show.
‘‘Still, he nodded and the guard, who was friendly with me the whole trip, handed me a bag. I opened it. Now it’s my turn to act like a kid. I was given a pair of his signature large aviators [sunglasses], a handkerchief and a picture of himself with a signed autograph. ‘Thank you for your gift and for taking care of me’, Michael said with the exact same innocent smile I saw earlier. I was simply delighted.’’
Michael Jackson in Thailand 1996
The sound quality is not very good, but it's definitely worth watching.
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Wl_hXLazJoA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Source:
http://drfeelgoed.multiply.com/journal/item/16?&show_interstitial=1&u=/journal/item
MJJLaugh
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Michael visits a School for Blind Children in Thailand
When I saw the picture below, it just made me cry. Maybe I should have cried for the poor children, having lost their sight at such a young age. No, that was not the reason for my tears. My tears were tears of emotion, of the pure, selfless love Michael radiates in the picture. He kept his word. According to his mother, Katherine, she and Michael would both cry when they saw hunger starved fly infested babies in Africa. Michael was lying on the floor watching television, his favorite spot, and he turned around to his mother with a very earnest and solemn expression, saying "One day I'm going to do something about this, Mother!"
And oh boy, did he ever! He helped in whatever way he could, and he did it with so much love and devotion. And seeing that purity of soul in his face and his eyes made me cry!:heart:
~ MJJLaugh
Michael in Bangkok Thailand, November 1996, spent a day on an orphanage and a school for the blind distributing gifts to children. He leaves a $100,000 US dollars as well. An orphanages spokeswoman comments ; “They don’t know him as a pop star.To them he is just a very nice man who came here to offer hope and help.
Michael Jackson visits a school for blind children in Thailand 1996
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_ST4nDN_B9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
When I saw the picture below, it just made me cry. Maybe I should have cried for the poor children, having lost their sight at such a young age. No, that was not the reason for my tears. My tears were tears of emotion, of the pure, selfless love Michael radiates in the picture. He kept his word. According to his mother, Katherine, she and Michael would both cry when they saw hunger starved fly infested babies in Africa. Michael was lying on the floor watching television, his favorite spot, and he turned around to his mother with a very earnest and solemn expression, saying "One day I'm going to do something about this, Mother!"
And oh boy, did he ever! He helped in whatever way he could, and he did it with so much love and devotion. And seeing that purity of soul in his face and his eyes made me cry!:heart:
~ MJJLaugh
Michael in Bangkok Thailand, November 1996, spent a day on an orphanage and a school for the blind distributing gifts to children. He leaves a $100,000 US dollars as well. An orphanages spokeswoman comments ; “They don’t know him as a pop star.To them he is just a very nice man who came here to offer hope and help.
Michael Jackson visits a school for blind children in Thailand 1996
<iframe width="640" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_ST4nDN_B9E" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
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Around the World with Michael - China
Liu Guangzhi Tour Guide. They had lunch at Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort. A big group of Americans saw him there and recognized him. So they took pictures with him excitingly. “Michael Jackson was a vegetarian at that time, so we prepared vegetarian food for him. It seemed that he wasn’t very critical about food.”
After lunch, they went to Cuiheng Village, Nanlang Town. They visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Zhongshan Memorial Middle School. “As the principal choice for travel in Zhongshan, the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the houses in Cuiheng Village were the “Must-go” places for many foreigners.” Liu said.
Before he came to China, Michael Jackson was not familiar with Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He listened to Liu’s Introduction and gradually knew the revolution road of Sun. “In the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, he showed interest towards the architecture with Chinese characteristic. During the visit, he asked me about Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s stories. He seemed to admire Dr. Sun Yat-sen a lot.”
The photograph of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Chinese tunic suit attracted Michael’s attention. He inquired about the origin and design of the Chinese tunic suit. “It was said that he had a Chinese tunic suit made to order in Hong Kong and brought it back to the USA.”
The 7-hour-visit was soon over. Before he left, Michael Jackson told Liu Guangzhi that “The scenery of Zhongshan is similar to Switzerland. Everything is green.”
Full article
http://www.songsofmj.com/michael-jackson-visited-zhongshan-city-in-china-22-years-ago.html
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
Liu Guangzhi Tour Guide. They had lunch at Zhongshan Hot Spring Resort. A big group of Americans saw him there and recognized him. So they took pictures with him excitingly. “Michael Jackson was a vegetarian at that time, so we prepared vegetarian food for him. It seemed that he wasn’t very critical about food.”
After lunch, they went to Cuiheng Village, Nanlang Town. They visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Zhongshan Memorial Middle School. “As the principal choice for travel in Zhongshan, the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the houses in Cuiheng Village were the “Must-go” places for many foreigners.” Liu said.
Before he came to China, Michael Jackson was not familiar with Dr. Sun Yat-sen. He listened to Liu’s Introduction and gradually knew the revolution road of Sun. “In the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, he showed interest towards the architecture with Chinese characteristic. During the visit, he asked me about Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s stories. He seemed to admire Dr. Sun Yat-sen a lot.”
The photograph of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Chinese tunic suit attracted Michael’s attention. He inquired about the origin and design of the Chinese tunic suit. “It was said that he had a Chinese tunic suit made to order in Hong Kong and brought it back to the USA.”
The 7-hour-visit was soon over. Before he left, Michael Jackson told Liu Guangzhi that “The scenery of Zhongshan is similar to Switzerland. Everything is green.”
Full article
http://www.songsofmj.com/michael-jackson-visited-zhongshan-city-in-china-22-years-ago.html
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
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Camp Goodtimes
With Richard Chamberlain, O.J. Simpson, David Soul, Neil Diamond and Dustin Hoffman (Malibu, Feb 1984, Cancer campaign Camp Goodtimes)
Nine-year-old Jason Higgins was standing nearby, going over his speech. "The treatments can be pretty awful," he said later at the podium. Jason, a cancer patient like many of the other kids at the camp, has had a kidney removed, and has undergone extensive chemotherapy. "But no one cares at the camp whether you're bald or have a catheter."
Camp Good Times was started single-handedly by Pepper Salter Edmiston, who was looking for a camp for her 8-year-old son David, who had leukemia. A self-described "serious A-type," Edmiston couldn't find a camp, so she inaugurated her own. "I started in April of 1982 and by August I got all the medical people together, found a camp in Malibu to rent and started Camp Good Times. And it's all free for the kids."
McDonald's Children Charities became a major sponsor in 1984. Michael Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, Lionel Richie and Ronald Reagan have all visited the camp, and assisted in fund raising. "This year's benefit should raise about $250,000," Edmiston said as she looked around the jampacked ballroom. "That's a lot of campers." Since 1982 more than 2,500 children have attended.
"Friends have gotten me involved," said Mel Harris of "thirtysomething." Edmiston got Struthers to commit to teaching a drama class at the camp before the salmon dinner was over. "We'd do anything for Pepper and Camp Good Times," said Carole Bayer Sager, the evening's entertainer with Burt Bacharach.
Some other friends of Edmiston's at the ball were Sandy Duncan, Judith Light, Robert Desiderio, Jayne Meadows, LA Style magazine's Joie Davidow, Versace's Carolyn Mahboubi, the Hollywood Reporter's Tichi Wilkerson and LA Weekly's Pete Cameron.
"Wow, am I glad that's over," 9-year-old Jason announced as he left the stage after his speech. "Wow."
Source:
http://articles.latimes.com/1989-12-04/news/vw-201_1_time-camp-benefit
With Richard Chamberlain, O.J. Simpson, David Soul, Neil Diamond and Dustin Hoffman (Malibu, Feb 1984, Cancer campaign Camp Goodtimes)
Nine-year-old Jason Higgins was standing nearby, going over his speech. "The treatments can be pretty awful," he said later at the podium. Jason, a cancer patient like many of the other kids at the camp, has had a kidney removed, and has undergone extensive chemotherapy. "But no one cares at the camp whether you're bald or have a catheter."
Camp Good Times was started single-handedly by Pepper Salter Edmiston, who was looking for a camp for her 8-year-old son David, who had leukemia. A self-described "serious A-type," Edmiston couldn't find a camp, so she inaugurated her own. "I started in April of 1982 and by August I got all the medical people together, found a camp in Malibu to rent and started Camp Good Times. And it's all free for the kids."
McDonald's Children Charities became a major sponsor in 1984. Michael Jackson, Dustin Hoffman, Lionel Richie and Ronald Reagan have all visited the camp, and assisted in fund raising. "This year's benefit should raise about $250,000," Edmiston said as she looked around the jampacked ballroom. "That's a lot of campers." Since 1982 more than 2,500 children have attended.
"Friends have gotten me involved," said Mel Harris of "thirtysomething." Edmiston got Struthers to commit to teaching a drama class at the camp before the salmon dinner was over. "We'd do anything for Pepper and Camp Good Times," said Carole Bayer Sager, the evening's entertainer with Burt Bacharach.
Some other friends of Edmiston's at the ball were Sandy Duncan, Judith Light, Robert Desiderio, Jayne Meadows, LA Style magazine's Joie Davidow, Versace's Carolyn Mahboubi, the Hollywood Reporter's Tichi Wilkerson and LA Weekly's Pete Cameron.
"Wow, am I glad that's over," 9-year-old Jason announced as he left the stage after his speech. "Wow."
Source:
http://articles.latimes.com/1989-12-04/news/vw-201_1_time-camp-benefit
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
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- 0
Child Star
Child Star
It wasn't hard to love you
When you were just a child
With your voice so soft and tender,
Your illuminating smile.
You won our hearts over
And brought so much joy
How could so much talent
Be packed inside one little boy?
You went through changes growing up
As all of us normally do
But the world did not have eyes on us,
They focused in on you.
How unfair was the media
To put that weight on you,
You were just becoming a man
As all the young boys do.
The press was so ill-mannered
With every little change
But all your fans looked up to you
To us, you weren't strange.
Has the world, for just one moment,
Considered your point of view?
Growing up in a world so different
Than any of us knew.
With the demands and pressures of business
Causing stress to your heart, so mild,
There was no time to linger
And enjoy just being a child.
Is it normal to have people crowd you,
Or pass out at your feet,
To "Scream" and "Cry" and stalk you
As you attempt to cross the street?
It never made the headlines
But it's very clear to me
The abnormal behavior of society
Was your reality.
They had the nerve to call you names
And convince the world you were so strange
Your fans, however, saw right through
And knew you were just being you.
Every public figure deserves his "Privacy"
That is a basic human need; they couldn't see beyond their greed.
They forgot you're only human, how much can one man take?
Fame hit, the walls kept closing in; a mans life was at stake.
It is not fair to cage a bird
Just to hear him sing,
His wings were clipped when fame took hold
His life, no longer his to mold.
"Have you seen my childhood?"
Was the question that you asked
In searching for your care free days
The years that shaped your past.
They also shaped your future
In ways you could not know
Fame plays tricks on little children
Who are rushed along to grow.
Though we admire your work and legacy
We are mindful of your pain
The awful price a child star pays
For success in the realm of fame.
We hope the L*O*V*E* we gave you
Was enough to help you heal,
For you deserved much better
That's how we'll always feel.
The casualties of fame are too many to name
But we hope it becomes much clearer,
Society needs to take a long hard look
At the truth it beholds in the mirror.
As we celebrate our Memorial Day
We will lovingly remember Mike,
The "Soldier of L*OV*E*" who went down with a fight
"Healing the World" was his only plight.
Yes, I saw your childhood
And I saw your adulthood too
It breaks my heart to think about
What life had put you through.
Sending love and light your way
And prayers to see a better day,
You've accomplished what you were meant to do
You've changed the world with your point of view.
Written by J. Michelle Gold
(USA, NJ) 5/25/12
Child Star
It wasn't hard to love you
When you were just a child
With your voice so soft and tender,
Your illuminating smile.
You won our hearts over
And brought so much joy
How could so much talent
Be packed inside one little boy?
You went through changes growing up
As all of us normally do
But the world did not have eyes on us,
They focused in on you.
How unfair was the media
To put that weight on you,
You were just becoming a man
As all the young boys do.
The press was so ill-mannered
With every little change
But all your fans looked up to you
To us, you weren't strange.
Has the world, for just one moment,
Considered your point of view?
Growing up in a world so different
Than any of us knew.
With the demands and pressures of business
Causing stress to your heart, so mild,
There was no time to linger
And enjoy just being a child.
Is it normal to have people crowd you,
Or pass out at your feet,
To "Scream" and "Cry" and stalk you
As you attempt to cross the street?
It never made the headlines
But it's very clear to me
The abnormal behavior of society
Was your reality.
They had the nerve to call you names
And convince the world you were so strange
Your fans, however, saw right through
And knew you were just being you.
Every public figure deserves his "Privacy"
That is a basic human need; they couldn't see beyond their greed.
They forgot you're only human, how much can one man take?
Fame hit, the walls kept closing in; a mans life was at stake.
It is not fair to cage a bird
Just to hear him sing,
His wings were clipped when fame took hold
His life, no longer his to mold.
"Have you seen my childhood?"
Was the question that you asked
In searching for your care free days
The years that shaped your past.
They also shaped your future
In ways you could not know
Fame plays tricks on little children
Who are rushed along to grow.
Though we admire your work and legacy
We are mindful of your pain
The awful price a child star pays
For success in the realm of fame.
We hope the L*O*V*E* we gave you
Was enough to help you heal,
For you deserved much better
That's how we'll always feel.
The casualties of fame are too many to name
But we hope it becomes much clearer,
Society needs to take a long hard look
At the truth it beholds in the mirror.
As we celebrate our Memorial Day
We will lovingly remember Mike,
The "Soldier of L*OV*E*" who went down with a fight
"Healing the World" was his only plight.
Yes, I saw your childhood
And I saw your adulthood too
It breaks my heart to think about
What life had put you through.
Sending love and light your way
And prayers to see a better day,
You've accomplished what you were meant to do
You've changed the world with your point of view.
Written by J. Michelle Gold
(USA, NJ) 5/25/12
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
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Music and Consciousness
Recently I read an article on music and spirituality. It started by explaining how musical intervals were 'discovered'. Throughout the ages, different kinds of melodies were considered harmonic and beautiful by the listener. The part in the article that resonated with me most, was the part about vibration. Everything and everyone has its/his/her own vibration. This is true for the Cosmos or universe around us, planets, innate objects like cement and concrete, flowers, animals and people.
Michael was very much aware of this too: “To live is to be musical, starting with the blood dancing in your veins. Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music?” ― Michael Jackson
Feeling your music is, to me, an inward journey, from the brain, emptying our thoughts and preconceived notions on who we are, should be, travelling down into the heart where love resides, until we can align with our essence, our soul and its keynote.
A friend expressed this once beautifully on her blog "With a Child's Heart" - we are all notes in the symphony of life.
Michael called the 'keynote' the 'heart's wise rhythm' :
“Sometimes the heart is so heavy that we turn away from it and forget that its throbbing is the wisest message of life, a wordless message that says, "Live, be, move, rejoice -- you are alive!" Without the heart's wise rhythm, we could not exist.”
― Michael Jackson, Dancing the Dream
I don't want to EXPLAIN how and why music affects our consciousness. I just ask you this: next time you listen to music, take a step back and quietly experience how you feel, why the music resonates with you ? What type of music could raise your vibration ? If one of the goals of life is to experience unity, harmony, how we all come from the same Source, even though our keynote might be different from one another, what is needed, you think, in your life, to reach a state of Oneness ? Could it be Love ?
If Michael's message was love, pure and simple, what is your answer ?
~ MJJLaugh
“Consciousness expresses itself through creation. This world we live in is the dance of the creator. Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on. On many an occasion when I am dancing, I have felt touched by something sacred.In those moments, I felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists.
I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved. I become thevictor and the vanquished. I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song. I become the knower and the known. I keep on dancing then it is the eternal
dance or creation. The creator and creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing...and dancing...and dancing. Until there is only...the dance.”
― Michael Jackson
“Each song is a child I nourish and give my love to. But even if you have never written a song, your life is a song. How can it not be?”
― Michael Jackson
Sound healing acts as a catalyst for healing when the frequencies created by the instrument oscillate through the room and into the body affecting, for instance, tissue, bones, lymphatic system, central nervous systems and the brain.
Water is considered a natural conductor of sound due to its density, as opposed to, say, air. With the average human adult body made of nearly 60% water, we are considered by sound therapists to be perfect sponges for sonic waves.
There is a lot of research on how sonic waves also interact with brain waves and essentially alter brainwave states. The brain registers sound and sends a signal through the body. Sound therapy provides a path to unlock full-brain integration and provides conscious access to the 4 primary brainwave states. It has been said that we use only 10% of our brain – Seitz asks us to imagine the possibilities of accessing our whole brain.
Our 4 primary brainwave states, which sound therapy helps us access, are delta, theta, alpha and beta:
delta (0.5 – 4 HZ). Associated with deep levels of relaxation such as sleep.
theta (4 – 8HZ). Associated with tranquil states of awareness in which vivid internal imagery can often occur.
alpha (8 – 12 HZ). Relaxed nervous system, ideal for stress management, accelerated learning and mental imagery.
beta (12 – 30 HZ). Associated with waking or alert states of awareness k-complex (30 – 35HZ). Clarity and sudden states of integration, the “ah-ha experience”.
Healing takes place in the theta and delta states and once right brain and left brain activity are balanced and anxiety and stress are decreased. The left hemisphere of the brain governs logic and the ability to be analytical and objective, while the right hemisphere is said to govern intuitive, thoughtful and subjective processes. Traditional formal education has set us up to stimulate the left brain, so with the right brain lacking proper stimulation to fully develop we aren’t traditionally educated on intuitive processes such as basic survival skills in how to tend to our own psychological needs, Seitz explained. Sound healing, however, brings us back in touch with our own resources – or what is often considered wisdom from a higher vibration, what we call our soul.
Einstein’s Law of Vibration is a law of nature that states that ‘nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.’ And much like the external world around us, all of our bodily cells are moving and vibrating constantly. EVERYTHING has a vibration. (Yes, even cement and steel have their own vibration.) To function and perform at optimal levels of health, our body needs to be tuned, like a car. This tuning refers to tuning/balancing the energy centers of our body, which are known by the Sanskrit word chakra. There are seven major chakras and each is known to vibrate at a note that resonates with the musical scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
In holistic healing, dis-ease is a manifestation of blocked energy in the chakra system. Seitz offers sound healing to oscillate through those blocks creating a fluid state of energetic equilibrium, which results in physical ease and comfort.
Since vibrations and sounds are considered to make up the universe, then logically speaking (left brain here), everything in this universe must have a vibrational level or frequency, and if that frequency can be measured then we can use the medium of sound vibrations to communicate or create change throughout the universe.
Deep inside I feel that this world we live in is really a big, huge, monumental symphonic orchestra. I believe that in its primordial form, all of creation is sound and that it’s not just random sound, that it’s music. – Michael Jackson
“Music isn’t a matter of taste, it’s a matter of consciousness.”
Swami Kriyananda
Confucius is quoted as saying, “Do you wish to know if a kingdom is well governed, if the morals of its inhabitants are good or bad? Look to the music that is current there.”
More than just a recreational activity, listening to music can be a transformative and healing experience that can help you change the way you relate to everyday life and challenges.
"On a river of sound
Thru the mirror go round, round
I thought I could feel
Music touching my soul
Something warm, sudden cold
The spirit dance was unfolding."
— John Lennon, "#9 Dream"
“People ask me how I make music. I tell them I just step into it. It's like stepping into a river and joining the flow. Every moment in the river has its song.”
― Michael Jackson
“When children listen to music, they don't just listen. They melt into the melody and flow with the rhythm. Something inside starts to unfold its wings - soon the child and the music are one.”
― Michael Jackson
Sources:
http://www.musicandconsciousness.com/
http://www.sfxmachine.com/docs/musicandconsciousness.html
http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1354250.Michael_Jackson
http://glad.is/tag/sound-healing/
Recently I read an article on music and spirituality. It started by explaining how musical intervals were 'discovered'. Throughout the ages, different kinds of melodies were considered harmonic and beautiful by the listener. The part in the article that resonated with me most, was the part about vibration. Everything and everyone has its/his/her own vibration. This is true for the Cosmos or universe around us, planets, innate objects like cement and concrete, flowers, animals and people.
Michael was very much aware of this too: “To live is to be musical, starting with the blood dancing in your veins. Everything living has a rhythm. Do you feel your music?” ― Michael Jackson
Feeling your music is, to me, an inward journey, from the brain, emptying our thoughts and preconceived notions on who we are, should be, travelling down into the heart where love resides, until we can align with our essence, our soul and its keynote.
A friend expressed this once beautifully on her blog "With a Child's Heart" - we are all notes in the symphony of life.
Michael called the 'keynote' the 'heart's wise rhythm' :
“Sometimes the heart is so heavy that we turn away from it and forget that its throbbing is the wisest message of life, a wordless message that says, "Live, be, move, rejoice -- you are alive!" Without the heart's wise rhythm, we could not exist.”
― Michael Jackson, Dancing the Dream
I don't want to EXPLAIN how and why music affects our consciousness. I just ask you this: next time you listen to music, take a step back and quietly experience how you feel, why the music resonates with you ? What type of music could raise your vibration ? If one of the goals of life is to experience unity, harmony, how we all come from the same Source, even though our keynote might be different from one another, what is needed, you think, in your life, to reach a state of Oneness ? Could it be Love ?
If Michael's message was love, pure and simple, what is your answer ?
~ MJJLaugh
“Consciousness expresses itself through creation. This world we live in is the dance of the creator. Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye but the dance lives on. On many an occasion when I am dancing, I have felt touched by something sacred.In those moments, I felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists.
I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved. I become thevictor and the vanquished. I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song. I become the knower and the known. I keep on dancing then it is the eternal
dance or creation. The creator and creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing...and dancing...and dancing. Until there is only...the dance.”
― Michael Jackson
“Each song is a child I nourish and give my love to. But even if you have never written a song, your life is a song. How can it not be?”
― Michael Jackson
Sound healing acts as a catalyst for healing when the frequencies created by the instrument oscillate through the room and into the body affecting, for instance, tissue, bones, lymphatic system, central nervous systems and the brain.
Water is considered a natural conductor of sound due to its density, as opposed to, say, air. With the average human adult body made of nearly 60% water, we are considered by sound therapists to be perfect sponges for sonic waves.
There is a lot of research on how sonic waves also interact with brain waves and essentially alter brainwave states. The brain registers sound and sends a signal through the body. Sound therapy provides a path to unlock full-brain integration and provides conscious access to the 4 primary brainwave states. It has been said that we use only 10% of our brain – Seitz asks us to imagine the possibilities of accessing our whole brain.
Our 4 primary brainwave states, which sound therapy helps us access, are delta, theta, alpha and beta:
delta (0.5 – 4 HZ). Associated with deep levels of relaxation such as sleep.
theta (4 – 8HZ). Associated with tranquil states of awareness in which vivid internal imagery can often occur.
alpha (8 – 12 HZ). Relaxed nervous system, ideal for stress management, accelerated learning and mental imagery.
beta (12 – 30 HZ). Associated with waking or alert states of awareness k-complex (30 – 35HZ). Clarity and sudden states of integration, the “ah-ha experience”.
Healing takes place in the theta and delta states and once right brain and left brain activity are balanced and anxiety and stress are decreased. The left hemisphere of the brain governs logic and the ability to be analytical and objective, while the right hemisphere is said to govern intuitive, thoughtful and subjective processes. Traditional formal education has set us up to stimulate the left brain, so with the right brain lacking proper stimulation to fully develop we aren’t traditionally educated on intuitive processes such as basic survival skills in how to tend to our own psychological needs, Seitz explained. Sound healing, however, brings us back in touch with our own resources – or what is often considered wisdom from a higher vibration, what we call our soul.
Einstein’s Law of Vibration is a law of nature that states that ‘nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates.’ And much like the external world around us, all of our bodily cells are moving and vibrating constantly. EVERYTHING has a vibration. (Yes, even cement and steel have their own vibration.) To function and perform at optimal levels of health, our body needs to be tuned, like a car. This tuning refers to tuning/balancing the energy centers of our body, which are known by the Sanskrit word chakra. There are seven major chakras and each is known to vibrate at a note that resonates with the musical scale: C, D, E, F, G, A, B.
In holistic healing, dis-ease is a manifestation of blocked energy in the chakra system. Seitz offers sound healing to oscillate through those blocks creating a fluid state of energetic equilibrium, which results in physical ease and comfort.
Since vibrations and sounds are considered to make up the universe, then logically speaking (left brain here), everything in this universe must have a vibrational level or frequency, and if that frequency can be measured then we can use the medium of sound vibrations to communicate or create change throughout the universe.
Deep inside I feel that this world we live in is really a big, huge, monumental symphonic orchestra. I believe that in its primordial form, all of creation is sound and that it’s not just random sound, that it’s music. – Michael Jackson
“Music isn’t a matter of taste, it’s a matter of consciousness.”
Swami Kriyananda
Confucius is quoted as saying, “Do you wish to know if a kingdom is well governed, if the morals of its inhabitants are good or bad? Look to the music that is current there.”
More than just a recreational activity, listening to music can be a transformative and healing experience that can help you change the way you relate to everyday life and challenges.
"On a river of sound
Thru the mirror go round, round
I thought I could feel
Music touching my soul
Something warm, sudden cold
The spirit dance was unfolding."
— John Lennon, "#9 Dream"
“People ask me how I make music. I tell them I just step into it. It's like stepping into a river and joining the flow. Every moment in the river has its song.”
― Michael Jackson
“When children listen to music, they don't just listen. They melt into the melody and flow with the rhythm. Something inside starts to unfold its wings - soon the child and the music are one.”
― Michael Jackson
Sources:
http://www.musicandconsciousness.com/
http://www.sfxmachine.com/docs/musicandconsciousness.html
http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/1354250.Michael_Jackson
http://glad.is/tag/sound-healing/
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson - Study Methods
“STUDY METHODS (MICHAEL JACKSON)”
Michael Jackson drawings and 1973 yearbook (Alpha Omega)
A set of drawings in black ink on lined paper by Michael Jackson.
The paper is titled “Study Methods (Michael Jackson)”; the first image is a stylized head of a man in profile, the second image on the page is of Donald duck, and on verso is a drawing of a hand.
The drawings are accompanied by a 1973 “alpha omega” yearbook from Montclair College Preparatory School, that features candid photographs of Michael Jackson as well as his school portrait.
The drawing was acquired by a fellow student.
Jackson attended Montclair, in California’s San Fernando Valley, for ninth and tenth grades.
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...268053094198.148322.1053438493&type=1&theater
“STUDY METHODS (MICHAEL JACKSON)”
Michael Jackson drawings and 1973 yearbook (Alpha Omega)
A set of drawings in black ink on lined paper by Michael Jackson.
The paper is titled “Study Methods (Michael Jackson)”; the first image is a stylized head of a man in profile, the second image on the page is of Donald duck, and on verso is a drawing of a hand.
The drawings are accompanied by a 1973 “alpha omega” yearbook from Montclair College Preparatory School, that features candid photographs of Michael Jackson as well as his school portrait.
The drawing was acquired by a fellow student.
Jackson attended Montclair, in California’s San Fernando Valley, for ninth and tenth grades.
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...268053094198.148322.1053438493&type=1&theater
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson - Daybreak Painting by Maxfield Parrish
Daybreak is a painting by Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966) made in 1922.
Parrish referred to Daybreak as his "great painting", the epitome of his work. Measuring 26.5 by 45 inches (67.3 × 114 cm), the painting employs a formal layout similar to a stage set, with two feminine figures. Painted using preparatory photographs, the models were his regular models, Kitty Owen (granddaughter of William Jennings Bryan), Parrish's daughter Jean, and Susan Lewin. Only two figures appear in the completed painting, though pencil studies indicate that the artist originally intended a third near the righthand column. The composition is arranged on the principle of "dynamic symmetry" popularized by Jay Hambidge.
n 1995 Michael Jackson produced a music video, "You Are Not Alone", featuring himself and his then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in which they appear semi-nude in emulation of Daybreak.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daybreak_(painting)
Daybreak is a painting by Maxfield Parrish (1870–1966) made in 1922.
Parrish referred to Daybreak as his "great painting", the epitome of his work. Measuring 26.5 by 45 inches (67.3 × 114 cm), the painting employs a formal layout similar to a stage set, with two feminine figures. Painted using preparatory photographs, the models were his regular models, Kitty Owen (granddaughter of William Jennings Bryan), Parrish's daughter Jean, and Susan Lewin. Only two figures appear in the completed painting, though pencil studies indicate that the artist originally intended a third near the righthand column. The composition is arranged on the principle of "dynamic symmetry" popularized by Jay Hambidge.
n 1995 Michael Jackson produced a music video, "You Are Not Alone", featuring himself and his then wife, Lisa Marie Presley, in which they appear semi-nude in emulation of Daybreak.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daybreak_(painting)
MJJLaugh
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Brad Buxer on Memories of Michael
Keyboardist and arranger on all albums since Dangerous, Music Director of the Dangerous and HIStory Tour, Brad Buxer was the closest and most loyal artistic associate to Michael for over 15 years. In this photo Brad is at the keyboards during the History Tour.
On leaving Quincy behind:
Let me be clear: Michael was not angry with Quincy. He has always had an admiration for him and an immense respect. But with Dangerous, Michael wanted to control the creative process from A to Z. Simply put, he wanted to be his own boss. Michael was always very independent, and he also wanted to show that his success was not because of one man, namely Quincy. However, Quincy still had a lot of opinions. This showed when we finished Dangerous and Michael called Quincy to help him at the end. Quincy still had a lot of opinions about the album. And when Quincy said we had a masterpiece, Michael was no longer hesitant to release the album ...
On Working:
Michael was not one of rigid, He was always open to my suggestions and ideas. He gave me full confidence. Most often, I sang a melody, and I found the arrangements to accompany him. Regarding arrangements for strings or sheets of synth, I tended not to do, and intervened when he found that the direction in which I was going not good. Even if not a musical point of view, Michael was a genius, he knew he could not do everything and he had the intelligence to delegate some things. Sometimes, he knew exactly what he wanted, to hear me sing all the parts of a song. Other times, he let me play until he hears something he likes. This is particularly what happened to songs like "Who Is It" or "Stranger In Moscow."
...once he asked me to give him piano lessons. I told him: "Ok Michael, do it seriously. Every day, you'll sit with me for 15 minutes and there will be a little lesson. But he never had the patience to apply himself to this discipline. [laughs] I think he knew he did not need to play an instrument to express his talent. While he may not have played an instrument, he was still a fantastic musician. He instinctively understood the music. It was just part of him ...
...Michael loved finding new sounds that the human ear had ever heard. Often, he repeated: "Brad, get me a sound that hurts really bad." That meant he wanted something that shakes him inside. Even if we had much use of machines and computers to design some sounds of drums, sometimes we find more ideas ... organic, I would say. For example, we came banging on the lid of a grand piano with a baseball bat-ball kick to design a specific drum. [laughs]
On writing Lyrics:
Michael was still writing the lyrics at the last minute, on a piece of table. It was one of his hands. [laughs] He expected that often the instrumentation of a song is completely finished before writing lyrics. And it made us crazy. sometimes! For example, Michael wrote the lyrics of Black Or White in 20 minutes in the studio while we waited to do his voice making. [laughs]
Latest Years:
The newest piece on which we worked, Michael and me, From The Bottom Of My Heart, the title was out to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina ... Overall, the songs we recorded during the latest years are of exceptional quality. Contrary to popular belief Michael was not in an artistic decline. He bubbled with ideas. And these songs on which we worked are more original and more creative than we've done together before. At no time in his life Michael has been in lack of inspiration ... Plus he went through many trials, as has been the case in 2005 with the trial, and this had a positive influence on creativity.
Best Memories with Michael:
All those laughs we had together ... I remember the races we were in the corridors of the hotel when we were on tour, or the food fights in our rooms ... But mostly, I always remember his smile when we listened to a song completed. There was a lot of pride, love and respect in this regard. And the feeling was mutual ... For nearly 20 years, I have been fortunate to count Michael among my best friends. We are the same age, him and me. Needless to say I miss him terribly ...
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...039214253370.143961.1053438493&type=3&theater
Keyboardist and arranger on all albums since Dangerous, Music Director of the Dangerous and HIStory Tour, Brad Buxer was the closest and most loyal artistic associate to Michael for over 15 years. In this photo Brad is at the keyboards during the History Tour.
On leaving Quincy behind:
Let me be clear: Michael was not angry with Quincy. He has always had an admiration for him and an immense respect. But with Dangerous, Michael wanted to control the creative process from A to Z. Simply put, he wanted to be his own boss. Michael was always very independent, and he also wanted to show that his success was not because of one man, namely Quincy. However, Quincy still had a lot of opinions. This showed when we finished Dangerous and Michael called Quincy to help him at the end. Quincy still had a lot of opinions about the album. And when Quincy said we had a masterpiece, Michael was no longer hesitant to release the album ...
On Working:
Michael was not one of rigid, He was always open to my suggestions and ideas. He gave me full confidence. Most often, I sang a melody, and I found the arrangements to accompany him. Regarding arrangements for strings or sheets of synth, I tended not to do, and intervened when he found that the direction in which I was going not good. Even if not a musical point of view, Michael was a genius, he knew he could not do everything and he had the intelligence to delegate some things. Sometimes, he knew exactly what he wanted, to hear me sing all the parts of a song. Other times, he let me play until he hears something he likes. This is particularly what happened to songs like "Who Is It" or "Stranger In Moscow."
...once he asked me to give him piano lessons. I told him: "Ok Michael, do it seriously. Every day, you'll sit with me for 15 minutes and there will be a little lesson. But he never had the patience to apply himself to this discipline. [laughs] I think he knew he did not need to play an instrument to express his talent. While he may not have played an instrument, he was still a fantastic musician. He instinctively understood the music. It was just part of him ...
...Michael loved finding new sounds that the human ear had ever heard. Often, he repeated: "Brad, get me a sound that hurts really bad." That meant he wanted something that shakes him inside. Even if we had much use of machines and computers to design some sounds of drums, sometimes we find more ideas ... organic, I would say. For example, we came banging on the lid of a grand piano with a baseball bat-ball kick to design a specific drum. [laughs]
On writing Lyrics:
Michael was still writing the lyrics at the last minute, on a piece of table. It was one of his hands. [laughs] He expected that often the instrumentation of a song is completely finished before writing lyrics. And it made us crazy. sometimes! For example, Michael wrote the lyrics of Black Or White in 20 minutes in the studio while we waited to do his voice making. [laughs]
Latest Years:
The newest piece on which we worked, Michael and me, From The Bottom Of My Heart, the title was out to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina ... Overall, the songs we recorded during the latest years are of exceptional quality. Contrary to popular belief Michael was not in an artistic decline. He bubbled with ideas. And these songs on which we worked are more original and more creative than we've done together before. At no time in his life Michael has been in lack of inspiration ... Plus he went through many trials, as has been the case in 2005 with the trial, and this had a positive influence on creativity.
Best Memories with Michael:
All those laughs we had together ... I remember the races we were in the corridors of the hotel when we were on tour, or the food fights in our rooms ... But mostly, I always remember his smile when we listened to a song completed. There was a lot of pride, love and respect in this regard. And the feeling was mutual ... For nearly 20 years, I have been fortunate to count Michael among my best friends. We are the same age, him and me. Needless to say I miss him terribly ...
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...039214253370.143961.1053438493&type=3&theater
_divinity_in_motion_
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The Making of a Michael Jackson Tribute Motorbike in Pictures
comment by the artist: "Yes she loved the bike and told me that I really captured her son's likeness. She was very impressed with what we created. Just amazed by it."
Source:
UK Loves MJ on Facebook
THIS IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:wild:
MJJLaugh
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On Michael wearing a black plastic trash bag
Lovely Story: On Michael ~ wearing a black plastic trash bag!! David Perry talks about an egg fight with Michael, watching Michael as a father, fainting fans, wanting to release an album as a video game and turning the news off.
Michael Jackson was a gamer, he wanted me to come up to Neverland and talk to him about games. The first time I went up and after walking in the door, he handed me a black plastic trash bag and told me to put it on. I was like, "HUH?" He started putting his trash bag on. Then one of his staff walked in with a giant PILE of eggs. A bunch of his friends came in (wearing the requisite black trash bags) and we all went into the garden area and started a giant egg fight. I threw my first egg FULL FORCE (I have long arms), then the world went into slow motion, I thought, "Oh No!", as I saw the egg flying full speed towards his son's face, and I noticed they were filming everything for Michael's home video collection (so they'd know who did it!) What a great start to make his son cry. Luckily, it whizzed right by his ear missing him by millimeters. I then went into "Here, take this" as I performed the lamest egg throws you've ever seen. So everyone survived, and I was invited to stay. I had a damn good time in his arcade.
There were always celebrities there, Marlon Brando was staying there for a while (this was when he was really ill and was there to escape the media), Brett Ratner (Director - Rush Hour / X-Men) was there just hanging out. I was given complete free roam, and took advantage of it, I've played his arcade machines, been on all his rides, I even fired up his go-karts, and drove his bumper cars (while listening to Michael Jackson music turned up to 11.)
As I wandered around, I walked into his movie theater and watched him play with his kids, he was an amazing father to them. I watched him quietly from the shadows at the back, he had no idea I was there. They were watching the Three Stooges but had given up on that and instead were just having fun. Anytime anything turned serious, he'd fight it, one time his chef was cooking me something, and he walked in. He saw that the chef had turned the news on the TV, and he said to the chef, "Please turn that off, this is why people come here, to get away from all that." I guess the point is that he was always surrounded with the pressures from the real world, but was trying hard to provide an escape, not just for himself, but for everyone else too.
I hated that people would say negative stuff about him as they had never met him. I was invited back a few times and always saw interesting things, like the road would be blocked as they were exercising an elephant, my wife came up and fed his bear. I made some dumb mistakes too, like he was totally into magic, so I showed him that leviation trick but got the angles wrong, he didn't say it was the most lame magic he'd ever seen, but you could tell he was thinking it, as then he started talking about David Blaine being a friend of his. Let's just say, I gave up on the magic.
Our discussions lead us to plan for him to release his next music album as a video game FIRST, then as an album. This would have introduced many new players to video games. He was incredibly interested in the idea, and we got quite far down that road, working on the story, mechanics etc. We were excited about the press potential, I remember saying to him, "Oprah never talks about video games", to which he replied, "Oprah is a friend of mine". This was a theme I learned, he had so many friends, and actually spent time with them all. It was really impressive.
So I feel lucky to have spent time with him, I think the music industry lost a major part of its history yesterday, I know his children will be devastated, and for people like me that spent time with him, that got to see the "real" guy, (outside of his celebrity) the world lost a really great person too. ~ David Perry.
OH, one other thing, I have another quick Michael Jackson story from the other side, I used to know the head of security for Wembley Stadium in the UK. He gave me one of those reflective security staff jackets to wear so I could go anywhere I wanted. So I went to see tons of famous acts (Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, everyone), and literally would stand at the side of the stage and watch the show. I did this with Michael Jackson, and it was the worst show ever! Why? Well everyone kept bloody fainting! "Mister!!! My girlfriend just fainted, help me save her, PLEASE!" I spent most of the concert carrying sweaty-crushed-passed-out women to the medical crews. I'd NEVER seen that many at any concert before. There are tons of great bands out there, but it's a whole new level when your fans can't remain conscious! He rocked.
Source:
http://www.dperry.com/archives/news/dp_blog/michael_jackson/
Lovely Story: On Michael ~ wearing a black plastic trash bag!! David Perry talks about an egg fight with Michael, watching Michael as a father, fainting fans, wanting to release an album as a video game and turning the news off.
Michael Jackson was a gamer, he wanted me to come up to Neverland and talk to him about games. The first time I went up and after walking in the door, he handed me a black plastic trash bag and told me to put it on. I was like, "HUH?" He started putting his trash bag on. Then one of his staff walked in with a giant PILE of eggs. A bunch of his friends came in (wearing the requisite black trash bags) and we all went into the garden area and started a giant egg fight. I threw my first egg FULL FORCE (I have long arms), then the world went into slow motion, I thought, "Oh No!", as I saw the egg flying full speed towards his son's face, and I noticed they were filming everything for Michael's home video collection (so they'd know who did it!) What a great start to make his son cry. Luckily, it whizzed right by his ear missing him by millimeters. I then went into "Here, take this" as I performed the lamest egg throws you've ever seen. So everyone survived, and I was invited to stay. I had a damn good time in his arcade.
There were always celebrities there, Marlon Brando was staying there for a while (this was when he was really ill and was there to escape the media), Brett Ratner (Director - Rush Hour / X-Men) was there just hanging out. I was given complete free roam, and took advantage of it, I've played his arcade machines, been on all his rides, I even fired up his go-karts, and drove his bumper cars (while listening to Michael Jackson music turned up to 11.)
As I wandered around, I walked into his movie theater and watched him play with his kids, he was an amazing father to them. I watched him quietly from the shadows at the back, he had no idea I was there. They were watching the Three Stooges but had given up on that and instead were just having fun. Anytime anything turned serious, he'd fight it, one time his chef was cooking me something, and he walked in. He saw that the chef had turned the news on the TV, and he said to the chef, "Please turn that off, this is why people come here, to get away from all that." I guess the point is that he was always surrounded with the pressures from the real world, but was trying hard to provide an escape, not just for himself, but for everyone else too.
I hated that people would say negative stuff about him as they had never met him. I was invited back a few times and always saw interesting things, like the road would be blocked as they were exercising an elephant, my wife came up and fed his bear. I made some dumb mistakes too, like he was totally into magic, so I showed him that leviation trick but got the angles wrong, he didn't say it was the most lame magic he'd ever seen, but you could tell he was thinking it, as then he started talking about David Blaine being a friend of his. Let's just say, I gave up on the magic.
Our discussions lead us to plan for him to release his next music album as a video game FIRST, then as an album. This would have introduced many new players to video games. He was incredibly interested in the idea, and we got quite far down that road, working on the story, mechanics etc. We were excited about the press potential, I remember saying to him, "Oprah never talks about video games", to which he replied, "Oprah is a friend of mine". This was a theme I learned, he had so many friends, and actually spent time with them all. It was really impressive.
So I feel lucky to have spent time with him, I think the music industry lost a major part of its history yesterday, I know his children will be devastated, and for people like me that spent time with him, that got to see the "real" guy, (outside of his celebrity) the world lost a really great person too. ~ David Perry.
OH, one other thing, I have another quick Michael Jackson story from the other side, I used to know the head of security for Wembley Stadium in the UK. He gave me one of those reflective security staff jackets to wear so I could go anywhere I wanted. So I went to see tons of famous acts (Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, everyone), and literally would stand at the side of the stage and watch the show. I did this with Michael Jackson, and it was the worst show ever! Why? Well everyone kept bloody fainting! "Mister!!! My girlfriend just fainted, help me save her, PLEASE!" I spent most of the concert carrying sweaty-crushed-passed-out women to the medical crews. I'd NEVER seen that many at any concert before. There are tons of great bands out there, but it's a whole new level when your fans can't remain conscious! He rocked.
Source:
http://www.dperry.com/archives/news/dp_blog/michael_jackson/
MJJLaugh
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Michael's Compassionate Heart Helped The Suffering of The World
For almost all of his years with us, Michael used his creative genius to help stop the suffering of children, families, and the planet earth. Michael traveled endlessly all over the world, on massive stages-singing and dancing, in front of millions of dedicated fans from the United States to Japan, London, Philippines, Africa, Russia, Germany, China, and Malaysia-just to name a few.
He entered local non-profit agencies in war-torn countries, visited with kings and queens, presidents, spiritual leaders, and other global humanitarians. He did these things to see for himself what needed to be done. To be an advocate to the needs of humanity-a voice for the voiceless.
Michael then ventured into the city ghettos, the villages of the 3rd worlds, hosptials, and the tribes of Southern Africa. Next, he would visit orphanges all around the world, and his heart would break even more. The scarifice was in totality-absolutely from his heart. For him it was not a scarifice at all. Michael was on a mission and his mission was to show and give the world love.
And because the love that was pouring out of his being was so profound, Michael united the world. Michael was the global ambassador of love. He united all races, all cultures, all religions, and all spiritual paths. Michael said,
"I try to be kind and generous and to give to
people and to do what I think God wants me to do.
Sometimes I pray and say
"where do you want me to go next, God?
What do you want me to do from here?"
I've always been very spiritual in that way.
It's nothing new. I always have been."
Michael receiving
The India Humanitarian Award
in 1999
"I have been blessed with so much...
I feel it more then an opportunity, but a duty."
Michael said, about using his fame, fortune, and talents to help in the suffering of the world.
Michael in China during his Bad tour
Michael in Neverland with the cast of Moonwalker
Michael in Africa during the 1990's
The Truth About Michael Jackson..
"There is a saying in Budhism, a form of enlightenment called Bodhisattva, they defer their riches in Nairvana for the good of others and to elevate the suffering of others..In My lifetime there are only 5 people who would have that achievement; John Lennon, Mother Tresea, Nelson Mendela, Bano, and Michal Jackson..and with Michael Jackson...."
Dr. Patrick Treacy also talks about how the media didn't want the public to know the truth about Michael Jackson.
Human knowledge consist not only of libraries of parchment and ink-it is also comprised of the volumes of knowledge that are written of the human heart, chiseled on the human soul, and engraved
on the human pysche.
~~ Michael Jackson
Heal the World
- Michael Jackson
Source:
http://www.thecompassionofmichaeljackson.com/AMessengerofLove.html
For almost all of his years with us, Michael used his creative genius to help stop the suffering of children, families, and the planet earth. Michael traveled endlessly all over the world, on massive stages-singing and dancing, in front of millions of dedicated fans from the United States to Japan, London, Philippines, Africa, Russia, Germany, China, and Malaysia-just to name a few.
He entered local non-profit agencies in war-torn countries, visited with kings and queens, presidents, spiritual leaders, and other global humanitarians. He did these things to see for himself what needed to be done. To be an advocate to the needs of humanity-a voice for the voiceless.
Michael then ventured into the city ghettos, the villages of the 3rd worlds, hosptials, and the tribes of Southern Africa. Next, he would visit orphanges all around the world, and his heart would break even more. The scarifice was in totality-absolutely from his heart. For him it was not a scarifice at all. Michael was on a mission and his mission was to show and give the world love.
And because the love that was pouring out of his being was so profound, Michael united the world. Michael was the global ambassador of love. He united all races, all cultures, all religions, and all spiritual paths. Michael said,
"I try to be kind and generous and to give to
people and to do what I think God wants me to do.
Sometimes I pray and say
"where do you want me to go next, God?
What do you want me to do from here?"
I've always been very spiritual in that way.
It's nothing new. I always have been."
Michael receiving
The India Humanitarian Award
in 1999
"I have been blessed with so much...
I feel it more then an opportunity, but a duty."
Michael said, about using his fame, fortune, and talents to help in the suffering of the world.
Michael in China during his Bad tour
Michael in Neverland with the cast of Moonwalker
Michael in Africa during the 1990's
The Truth About Michael Jackson..
"There is a saying in Budhism, a form of enlightenment called Bodhisattva, they defer their riches in Nairvana for the good of others and to elevate the suffering of others..In My lifetime there are only 5 people who would have that achievement; John Lennon, Mother Tresea, Nelson Mendela, Bano, and Michal Jackson..and with Michael Jackson...."
Dr. Patrick Treacy also talks about how the media didn't want the public to know the truth about Michael Jackson.
Human knowledge consist not only of libraries of parchment and ink-it is also comprised of the volumes of knowledge that are written of the human heart, chiseled on the human soul, and engraved
on the human pysche.
~~ Michael Jackson
Heal the World
- Michael Jackson
Source:
http://www.thecompassionofmichaeljackson.com/AMessengerofLove.html
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson - June 13, 2005 - Victory Day
"...THIS HE Said to Me:
? THE GREATEST THING You'll EVER Learn..
..Is Just To LOVE And BE LOVED In RETURN...?
It WAS An HONOR And A PRIVILEGE To DEFEND HIM..."""
~Thomas Mesereau~-
Michael Jackson NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
"...THIS HE Said to Me:
? THE GREATEST THING You'll EVER Learn..
..Is Just To LOVE And BE LOVED In RETURN...?
It WAS An HONOR And A PRIVILEGE To DEFEND HIM..."""
~Thomas Mesereau~-
Michael Jackson NOT GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS
MJJLaugh
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The Eternal Crown
~♛~ The Eternal Crown ~♛~
Once upon a time in a Kingdom far
An Angel made a wish upon a shooting star
His wish so humble were no diamonds nor gold
His wish was to save and Heal The World
Among the magic of His wonderland
Many happy days of joy without end
Children were playing, took a ride on a train
And a long lost childhood the Angel regained
With His crystal song He enchanted the world
In dazzling tornado's of wonder He swirled
The Angel held nothing... He gave all with LOVE
His most precious gift from Heaven's above
Worldwide all children He saved in His heart
And His heartfelt care would never set apart
A sick child was blessed by His healing embrace
To the homeless He brought happy smiles on their face
Then out of deep darkness the predators came
And tried to steal the crown of His fame
They tried so hard but they never can!
For this Angel of LOVE is part of God's plan!
But His loving heart was bleeding from tears
Fighting the storm of black shadowed fears
In the silence of worlds darkest night
The Angel of LOVE lost His fight
Now the Angel is granted by the King Most High
The Eternal Crown Of Heaven in a blissful sky
May rest His Soul from sorrow free
In the sacred Kingdom of infinity
Forever LOVE, SweetWings♥ - Netherlands
May 10th 2012 - © 2012
~♛~ The Eternal Crown ~♛~
Once upon a time in a Kingdom far
An Angel made a wish upon a shooting star
His wish so humble were no diamonds nor gold
His wish was to save and Heal The World
Among the magic of His wonderland
Many happy days of joy without end
Children were playing, took a ride on a train
And a long lost childhood the Angel regained
With His crystal song He enchanted the world
In dazzling tornado's of wonder He swirled
The Angel held nothing... He gave all with LOVE
His most precious gift from Heaven's above
Worldwide all children He saved in His heart
And His heartfelt care would never set apart
A sick child was blessed by His healing embrace
To the homeless He brought happy smiles on their face
Then out of deep darkness the predators came
And tried to steal the crown of His fame
They tried so hard but they never can!
For this Angel of LOVE is part of God's plan!
But His loving heart was bleeding from tears
Fighting the storm of black shadowed fears
In the silence of worlds darkest night
The Angel of LOVE lost His fight
Now the Angel is granted by the King Most High
The Eternal Crown Of Heaven in a blissful sky
May rest His Soul from sorrow free
In the sacred Kingdom of infinity
Forever LOVE, SweetWings♥ - Netherlands
May 10th 2012 - © 2012
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson's Report Card
Look at Michael''s report card for the 9th grade:
What a smart one! He could do anything he set his mind to!
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...05091531.50108.100002444280644&type=1&theater
Look at Michael''s report card for the 9th grade:
What a smart one! He could do anything he set his mind to!
Source:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...05091531.50108.100002444280644&type=1&theater
MJJLaugh
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Work and Soul in Michael Jackson's This Is It (Special Series Part 1): The Human Nature of Dance
It says a lot that even while its principle star struggled to conserve creative energy and was simply “warming up” for the actual live performance scheduled to follow, Michael Jackson’s This Is It snagged the October 30 weekend box office in the United States with $21,300,000. It says even more that just two weeks after its opening, as of November 12, 2009, the movie has played in 3,481 theaters worldwide and generated just under $200 million in ticket sales.
At this point, going by the numbers alone, This Is It ranks second among the top-grossing music concert movieonly to 2008’s Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tours. However, the latter film accumulated sales over a run of fifteen weeks. Compare that to the former movie’s much shorter run and you have the basis for arguing that This Is It in less than a single month has become the number one music concert film in movie history.
The Human Nature of the Dance
With a brilliant fusion of rehearsal performances for sixteen songs and samples from numerous others, absorbing video footage, and informed commentaries, the rockumentary delivers everything those hoping to attend Jackson’s “comeback” concert could have hoped for with the principle exceptions being two things: Jackson’s flesh and blood real-time presence and body-to-body contact with throngs of screaming fans.
This Is It opens to an image of dancers who are not yet in musical motion. Later in the film, viewers will see their bodies at times ferociously animated or seductively elegant. At other times they will form part of a privileged audience watching a master showman at work. As director Kenny Ortega puts it, “the dancers are an extension of Michael.”
For the opening we get their faces, voices, and emotions as they speak briefly about the personal journeys that have brought them to this historic event: the much buzzed-about rehearsals for the King of Pop’s planned final concert tour:
One dancer says, “I’m excited. You have inspired everything in my life, my energy. You’re why I dance.”
Another: “I wanted to dance. That inspiration came from you. And you’ve inspired me and given me a reason to want to inspire others.”
And another: “I’ve kind of been searching for something to shake me up a little bit, and give me a, kind of a meaning, to believe in something, and this is it.”
Some of the dancers can barely speak because they cannot believe where they are and that their names are now associated with a man whose blood, sweat, and soul have been defining elements of pop culture since they were born. When they do speak, often they express gratitude for an opportunity that would not exist if the famous “Man in the Mirror” had not challenged himself at the age of forty-nine to tap once more into the seemingly eternal fountain of creative brilliance that allowed him as a child to blast through the world of entertainment like a comet of visions that only blazes through the Milky Way every other century.
Michael Jackson reheases with dancers in This Is It. (AP photo by Sony)
The expressed gratitude is not sycophantic in any way. They comprise a natural response to Jackson as a cheerful giver who, seemingly through his own eyes, was never able to give too much or even quite enough. It, the gratitude, is also very natural because these are, after all, dancers. Artists like MJ himself. And they have just found excellent employment during a horrifying recession.
For these particular dancers, even more important than the promise of a better-than-decent gig in a field where plum gigs rarely come along, is the miraculous chance to work with and learn from a legend, someone whose genius could add a greater luster to their talents for the rest of their working dreaming dancers’ lives.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...ecial-series-part-1-the-human-nature-of-dance
It says a lot that even while its principle star struggled to conserve creative energy and was simply “warming up” for the actual live performance scheduled to follow, Michael Jackson’s This Is It snagged the October 30 weekend box office in the United States with $21,300,000. It says even more that just two weeks after its opening, as of November 12, 2009, the movie has played in 3,481 theaters worldwide and generated just under $200 million in ticket sales.
At this point, going by the numbers alone, This Is It ranks second among the top-grossing music concert movieonly to 2008’s Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tours. However, the latter film accumulated sales over a run of fifteen weeks. Compare that to the former movie’s much shorter run and you have the basis for arguing that This Is It in less than a single month has become the number one music concert film in movie history.
The Human Nature of the Dance
With a brilliant fusion of rehearsal performances for sixteen songs and samples from numerous others, absorbing video footage, and informed commentaries, the rockumentary delivers everything those hoping to attend Jackson’s “comeback” concert could have hoped for with the principle exceptions being two things: Jackson’s flesh and blood real-time presence and body-to-body contact with throngs of screaming fans.
This Is It opens to an image of dancers who are not yet in musical motion. Later in the film, viewers will see their bodies at times ferociously animated or seductively elegant. At other times they will form part of a privileged audience watching a master showman at work. As director Kenny Ortega puts it, “the dancers are an extension of Michael.”
For the opening we get their faces, voices, and emotions as they speak briefly about the personal journeys that have brought them to this historic event: the much buzzed-about rehearsals for the King of Pop’s planned final concert tour:
One dancer says, “I’m excited. You have inspired everything in my life, my energy. You’re why I dance.”
Another: “I wanted to dance. That inspiration came from you. And you’ve inspired me and given me a reason to want to inspire others.”
And another: “I’ve kind of been searching for something to shake me up a little bit, and give me a, kind of a meaning, to believe in something, and this is it.”
Some of the dancers can barely speak because they cannot believe where they are and that their names are now associated with a man whose blood, sweat, and soul have been defining elements of pop culture since they were born. When they do speak, often they express gratitude for an opportunity that would not exist if the famous “Man in the Mirror” had not challenged himself at the age of forty-nine to tap once more into the seemingly eternal fountain of creative brilliance that allowed him as a child to blast through the world of entertainment like a comet of visions that only blazes through the Milky Way every other century.
Michael Jackson reheases with dancers in This Is It. (AP photo by Sony)
The expressed gratitude is not sycophantic in any way. They comprise a natural response to Jackson as a cheerful giver who, seemingly through his own eyes, was never able to give too much or even quite enough. It, the gratitude, is also very natural because these are, after all, dancers. Artists like MJ himself. And they have just found excellent employment during a horrifying recession.
For these particular dancers, even more important than the promise of a better-than-decent gig in a field where plum gigs rarely come along, is the miraculous chance to work with and learn from a legend, someone whose genius could add a greater luster to their talents for the rest of their working dreaming dancers’ lives.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...ecial-series-part-1-the-human-nature-of-dance
Chamife
Proud Member
Great thread. Will visit here more often and catch up.
Thank you all for posting.
Thank you all for posting.
MJJLaugh
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Work and Soul in Michael Jackson's This Is It (Special Series Part 2): The Miracle of Children
Jackson and dancers in "Smooth Criminal" sequence. (AP photo
by Sony)
References to Joe Jackson’s, the singer’s father, hard-driving task-master style of parenting and management are commonplace in stories about Michael Jackson’s childhood. The image has been documented by Jackson himself in the autobiographical Moonwalker as well as in television and magazine interviews.
The most damning testimony of all, however, against the emotional and physical abuse he endured as a boy for the sake of growing into a great performer, might be the song “Childhood.” In that painfully bruised evocation, we hear a wounded soul asking the world to seek understanding of his life before attempting to judge his person. We also, tragically, hear that same soul struggling to find something that can never be fully reclaimed.
The Miracle of Our Children
In many ways, this heart-squeezing song is one that could be sung with conviction by many, if not most, of the Black youth of Jackson’s generation. Without presenting this observation as any kind of excuse whatsoever, the fact is that the severe discipline practiced by Joe Jackson at the time was typical in many households throughout African America. So was the use of humiliating insults ––in Michael’s case they were aimed at his nose–– presumed to keep a person’s ego in check, but which caused some sensitive “artist types” to develop neurotic compulsions, obsessions, and fixations.
Moreover, it may be argued that Black parents took their model for correcting or shaping the behavior of their children from the dominant culture of American society in general. After all, if oppressive racism, sexism, and class-discrimination were nothing else, they were socially sanctioned forms of dehumanizing aggravation.
MJ's parents Katherine and Joe Jackson at their son's funeral. (AP photo release)
Whereas such practices are now described as abuse, in the mid-twentieth century Black parents were often considered neglectful if they did not “cut that child’s behind” (a.k.a. spank or beat them) to “keep them in line” or make them recognize certain social boundaries before crossing any such lines. They were also employed to teach children resilience --or make them "tough"-- against the hard knocks they inevitably would encounter in life. The younger Jackson discarded the philosophy of corporal punishment. He developed instead an outlook that was summed up in his 2001 “Heal the Kids” speech at Oxford and which included this plea to the world: “Together, let us create a symphony of hearts, marveling at the miracle of our children and basking in the beauty of love.”
Creative Detail
The son’s is a more gentle guiding hand than the father’s reportedly was but is nevertheless clearly visible in This Is It, particularly when it comes to any lessons in resilience and determination that may have carried over. The first song to explode booming and rocking off the screen is “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Jackson does more listening than singing during this particular rehearsal and at the song’s end comments that the bass is not where it should be: “It’s funkier.” The pursuit of that extra precise measurement of funk is one hallmark of the composer’s genius. For other songs, it is the insertion of a three-second interval as opposed to a one-second interval, or a small gesture synchronized with a big beat.
Michael Jackson and This Is It Dance Company. (AP photo by Sony)
The passionate attention to creative detail is a leftover from Jackson’s days of training with his brothers, one that he could privately smile about and for which his fellow musicians thanked him. They appreciate the deep intimacy he shares with his music and say as much. He makes the work ––all 9 to 12 hours or more per day of it–– an experience of memorable pleasure and lasting artistic empowerment.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...special-series-part-2-the-miracle-of-children
Jackson and dancers in "Smooth Criminal" sequence. (AP photo
by Sony)
References to Joe Jackson’s, the singer’s father, hard-driving task-master style of parenting and management are commonplace in stories about Michael Jackson’s childhood. The image has been documented by Jackson himself in the autobiographical Moonwalker as well as in television and magazine interviews.
The most damning testimony of all, however, against the emotional and physical abuse he endured as a boy for the sake of growing into a great performer, might be the song “Childhood.” In that painfully bruised evocation, we hear a wounded soul asking the world to seek understanding of his life before attempting to judge his person. We also, tragically, hear that same soul struggling to find something that can never be fully reclaimed.
The Miracle of Our Children
In many ways, this heart-squeezing song is one that could be sung with conviction by many, if not most, of the Black youth of Jackson’s generation. Without presenting this observation as any kind of excuse whatsoever, the fact is that the severe discipline practiced by Joe Jackson at the time was typical in many households throughout African America. So was the use of humiliating insults ––in Michael’s case they were aimed at his nose–– presumed to keep a person’s ego in check, but which caused some sensitive “artist types” to develop neurotic compulsions, obsessions, and fixations.
Moreover, it may be argued that Black parents took their model for correcting or shaping the behavior of their children from the dominant culture of American society in general. After all, if oppressive racism, sexism, and class-discrimination were nothing else, they were socially sanctioned forms of dehumanizing aggravation.
MJ's parents Katherine and Joe Jackson at their son's funeral. (AP photo release)
Whereas such practices are now described as abuse, in the mid-twentieth century Black parents were often considered neglectful if they did not “cut that child’s behind” (a.k.a. spank or beat them) to “keep them in line” or make them recognize certain social boundaries before crossing any such lines. They were also employed to teach children resilience --or make them "tough"-- against the hard knocks they inevitably would encounter in life. The younger Jackson discarded the philosophy of corporal punishment. He developed instead an outlook that was summed up in his 2001 “Heal the Kids” speech at Oxford and which included this plea to the world: “Together, let us create a symphony of hearts, marveling at the miracle of our children and basking in the beauty of love.”
Creative Detail
The son’s is a more gentle guiding hand than the father’s reportedly was but is nevertheless clearly visible in This Is It, particularly when it comes to any lessons in resilience and determination that may have carried over. The first song to explode booming and rocking off the screen is “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” Jackson does more listening than singing during this particular rehearsal and at the song’s end comments that the bass is not where it should be: “It’s funkier.” The pursuit of that extra precise measurement of funk is one hallmark of the composer’s genius. For other songs, it is the insertion of a three-second interval as opposed to a one-second interval, or a small gesture synchronized with a big beat.
Michael Jackson and This Is It Dance Company. (AP photo by Sony)
The passionate attention to creative detail is a leftover from Jackson’s days of training with his brothers, one that he could privately smile about and for which his fellow musicians thanked him. They appreciate the deep intimacy he shares with his music and say as much. He makes the work ––all 9 to 12 hours or more per day of it–– an experience of memorable pleasure and lasting artistic empowerment.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...special-series-part-2-the-miracle-of-children
MJJLaugh
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Work and Soul in Michael Jackson's This Is It (Special Series Part 3): A Spotlight on Excellence
Singer/songwriter Lionel Richie at premier of Michael Jackson's This Is It in Japan.
(AP/photo by Shizuo Kambahyashi)
Upon completing a jaw-dropping work-out to “Billie Jean” that stuns fellow dancers as they look on, Michael Jackson states with noted dissatisfaction, “At least we got a feel of it.” His co-stars applaud loudly because they know they have just witnessed something too marvelous to believe. Yet they also knew when signing on how high the bar of expectations would be set and are thrilled to hear Jackson dismiss his nearly flawless performance so casually.
Something similar occurs following his duet with vocalist Judith Hill on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” To the delight of dancers, musicians, and crew members watching from offstage, the singers give in to the heat of the passionate musical moment, their voices roaring erotic tension and romantic desperation. As the song concludes, Jackson motions for Hill to turn and face their audience. Then he quips, “You shouldn’t let me sing like that, I’ve got to save my voice for the performance.”
His point is taken and ignored at the same time as the audience of colleagues applauds. Clearly, the director in Jackson wants to keep his exertions at a certain restrained level while the performance artist in him is chomping at the bits to liberate himself from the stagnation of years spent away from the concert stage at home with his children.
A Spotlight on Excellence and A Fan of Humor
Speaking to reporters shortly after the performer’s death the brilliant music producer Quincy Jones noted, “Michael was the most professional person I ever worked with in my life ––ever, in every way. In fact, we used to set up a stand when he sang. He'd do his dances and just have a spotlight on the stand ––a pin spot on the stand. And he'd do his dances and do his twists and everything else while he was singing. He was absolutely amazing.”
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones (left) and the Honorable
Ewart Brown, Premier of Bermuda. (PRNews Foto by Chris Burville)
Fortunately, he was also a fan of humor and This Is It contains healthy doses of it to balance the strenuous labor, such as when Jackson and musical director Michael Bearden playfully debate adding “a little more booty” to the tempo for the song “The Way You Make Me Feel.” And whether intentional or not, humor is also present when a woman choreographer coaches a group of male dancers on the proper way to grab their crotches for a particular routine. What her instructions do not include, and what most have never heard, is how this especially infamous gesture by Jackson likely evolved out of a comedy skit by the late genius Richard Pryor.
In the routine, Pryor answered the question of why African-American men in the last century tended sometimes to hold their crotches by asserting that they were, “Checking to make sure it [genitalia] was still there.” This was a stinging satirical reference to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century Jim Crow practice of castration during racial lynching.
One Peak Achievement to Another
A major part of Jackson’s strategy throughout his career as an adult seems to have been not only to work so hard that he would achieve recognition as the best in his field, but to set standards so high that any performances he considered below par were perceived or experienced by others as superb. Therefore, even in a state of being described as “tarnished” or “fallen” the only thing he could do was continue to shine by virtue of artistic excellence.
Movie audience in Paris prepares to watch Michael Jackson's This Is it.
(AP Photo by Christopher Enaa)
The perseverance, repetition of routines, employment of technological innovation, and commanding team leadership he exhibits are components of a work ethic distilled from a life spent in studios and on the road, making and living some of the best music the world has ever hummed. Such an ethic provides priceless lessons in the kind of self-discipline that any creative artist must accomplish in order to sustain a career moving forward from one peak achievement to another.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...ecial-series-part-3-a-spotlight-on-excellence
Singer/songwriter Lionel Richie at premier of Michael Jackson's This Is It in Japan.
(AP/photo by Shizuo Kambahyashi)
Upon completing a jaw-dropping work-out to “Billie Jean” that stuns fellow dancers as they look on, Michael Jackson states with noted dissatisfaction, “At least we got a feel of it.” His co-stars applaud loudly because they know they have just witnessed something too marvelous to believe. Yet they also knew when signing on how high the bar of expectations would be set and are thrilled to hear Jackson dismiss his nearly flawless performance so casually.
Something similar occurs following his duet with vocalist Judith Hill on the song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.” To the delight of dancers, musicians, and crew members watching from offstage, the singers give in to the heat of the passionate musical moment, their voices roaring erotic tension and romantic desperation. As the song concludes, Jackson motions for Hill to turn and face their audience. Then he quips, “You shouldn’t let me sing like that, I’ve got to save my voice for the performance.”
His point is taken and ignored at the same time as the audience of colleagues applauds. Clearly, the director in Jackson wants to keep his exertions at a certain restrained level while the performance artist in him is chomping at the bits to liberate himself from the stagnation of years spent away from the concert stage at home with his children.
A Spotlight on Excellence and A Fan of Humor
Speaking to reporters shortly after the performer’s death the brilliant music producer Quincy Jones noted, “Michael was the most professional person I ever worked with in my life ––ever, in every way. In fact, we used to set up a stand when he sang. He'd do his dances and just have a spotlight on the stand ––a pin spot on the stand. And he'd do his dances and do his twists and everything else while he was singing. He was absolutely amazing.”
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones (left) and the Honorable
Ewart Brown, Premier of Bermuda. (PRNews Foto by Chris Burville)
Fortunately, he was also a fan of humor and This Is It contains healthy doses of it to balance the strenuous labor, such as when Jackson and musical director Michael Bearden playfully debate adding “a little more booty” to the tempo for the song “The Way You Make Me Feel.” And whether intentional or not, humor is also present when a woman choreographer coaches a group of male dancers on the proper way to grab their crotches for a particular routine. What her instructions do not include, and what most have never heard, is how this especially infamous gesture by Jackson likely evolved out of a comedy skit by the late genius Richard Pryor.
In the routine, Pryor answered the question of why African-American men in the last century tended sometimes to hold their crotches by asserting that they were, “Checking to make sure it [genitalia] was still there.” This was a stinging satirical reference to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century Jim Crow practice of castration during racial lynching.
One Peak Achievement to Another
A major part of Jackson’s strategy throughout his career as an adult seems to have been not only to work so hard that he would achieve recognition as the best in his field, but to set standards so high that any performances he considered below par were perceived or experienced by others as superb. Therefore, even in a state of being described as “tarnished” or “fallen” the only thing he could do was continue to shine by virtue of artistic excellence.
Movie audience in Paris prepares to watch Michael Jackson's This Is it.
(AP Photo by Christopher Enaa)
The perseverance, repetition of routines, employment of technological innovation, and commanding team leadership he exhibits are components of a work ethic distilled from a life spent in studios and on the road, making and living some of the best music the world has ever hummed. Such an ethic provides priceless lessons in the kind of self-discipline that any creative artist must accomplish in order to sustain a career moving forward from one peak achievement to another.
by Aberjhani
Source:
http://www.examiner.com/article/wor...ecial-series-part-3-a-spotlight-on-excellence
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
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- 0
Travel in the Light
Another anniversary of the day the Earth stood still
Saps my energy, reroutes my will
Tears, near the surface, threaten to spill
My heart is drawn to where you lay
So quiet, now, so still
Rolling thunder silenced, lightning flashes dimmed
Fireworks saved for Independence Day
Anticipation thinned
Brilliance that once flashed across a world
Decorating every nook
Now only in memory stored,
Now only in books
As the day approaches, my energy level dips
All my good intentions seem to have slipped
My only thought to be with you
As I walk my path of days
Until at night, I merge with you
When I close my eyes to pray
Then, your eyes pierce my soul
Beckoning me from fear
Your gentle chuckle lifts me up
On winged feet, I clear
This clay planet’s earthly drag
I fly with you, My Dear
They say you were a singer, nothing special, nothing rare
A two-bit entertainer, your life for all laid bare
But they don’t see what I see; how can they be so blind?
The truth is plain for all to see; it’s written in your eyes
When I close mine at the end of day
And you come and join with me
Then, soar I in blissful ecstasy
Your hand held tight in mine
You danced a dream for forty years
One you invited all to share
A dream of unity, of love, of peace
A planet nested in your gentle care
You said no star was beyond our reach
NO dream beyond our grasp
How could you leave us here alone
My heart in broken sobs asks
But, then, at night when dusk has flown
And darkness fills the sky
A tiny twinkle flashes once
Pure beams infiltrate my mind
Then, I know you never left
With LOVE in hearts you bind
You’re dancing still just beyond our sight
Where the music never ends
Your song weaves haunting melodies
We still rest in your gentle hands
So, dance on, Bright Star,
Your corona lights up our darkest night
Rapt stargazers, we applaud
As you Travel in the Light
Jan – June 20, 2012
Source:
http://withachildsheart.wordpress.com/
Another anniversary of the day the Earth stood still
Saps my energy, reroutes my will
Tears, near the surface, threaten to spill
My heart is drawn to where you lay
So quiet, now, so still
Rolling thunder silenced, lightning flashes dimmed
Fireworks saved for Independence Day
Anticipation thinned
Brilliance that once flashed across a world
Decorating every nook
Now only in memory stored,
Now only in books
As the day approaches, my energy level dips
All my good intentions seem to have slipped
My only thought to be with you
As I walk my path of days
Until at night, I merge with you
When I close my eyes to pray
Then, your eyes pierce my soul
Beckoning me from fear
Your gentle chuckle lifts me up
On winged feet, I clear
This clay planet’s earthly drag
I fly with you, My Dear
They say you were a singer, nothing special, nothing rare
A two-bit entertainer, your life for all laid bare
But they don’t see what I see; how can they be so blind?
The truth is plain for all to see; it’s written in your eyes
When I close mine at the end of day
And you come and join with me
Then, soar I in blissful ecstasy
Your hand held tight in mine
You danced a dream for forty years
One you invited all to share
A dream of unity, of love, of peace
A planet nested in your gentle care
You said no star was beyond our reach
NO dream beyond our grasp
How could you leave us here alone
My heart in broken sobs asks
But, then, at night when dusk has flown
And darkness fills the sky
A tiny twinkle flashes once
Pure beams infiltrate my mind
Then, I know you never left
With LOVE in hearts you bind
You’re dancing still just beyond our sight
Where the music never ends
Your song weaves haunting melodies
We still rest in your gentle hands
So, dance on, Bright Star,
Your corona lights up our darkest night
Rapt stargazers, we applaud
As you Travel in the Light
Jan – June 20, 2012
Source:
http://withachildsheart.wordpress.com/
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
- Points
- 0
New Prehistoric Lobster Family, Found on June 25 2009, Named After Michael Jackson
A Dutch palaeontologist, René Fraaije, has named a new family of lobsters after Michael Jackson. Fraaije, also managing director of the prehistory museum in Boxtel (the Netherlands) named the small anmial Mesoparapylocheles Michaeljacksoni.
Fraaije discoverd the prehistoric animal together with a group of students in Spain on June 25, 2009. It wasn’t until he investigated the animal until he found out it is a very rare fossil. It isn’t only a new animal, it’s even a new animal family.
Because this was a very special find he felt it deserved a new name. He says “It was already a very special day. On that day a special artist died too. That’s why I decided to name the lobster family after the King Of Pop.”
The Mesoparapylocheles Michaeljacksoni lobster family Cretaceous period. During this period dinosaurs were still alive!
Source:
http://www.legendarymichaeljackson.nl/?p=7388
A Dutch palaeontologist, René Fraaije, has named a new family of lobsters after Michael Jackson. Fraaije, also managing director of the prehistory museum in Boxtel (the Netherlands) named the small anmial Mesoparapylocheles Michaeljacksoni.
Fraaije discoverd the prehistoric animal together with a group of students in Spain on June 25, 2009. It wasn’t until he investigated the animal until he found out it is a very rare fossil. It isn’t only a new animal, it’s even a new animal family.
Because this was a very special find he felt it deserved a new name. He says “It was already a very special day. On that day a special artist died too. That’s why I decided to name the lobster family after the King Of Pop.”
The Mesoparapylocheles Michaeljacksoni lobster family Cretaceous period. During this period dinosaurs were still alive!
Source:
http://www.legendarymichaeljackson.nl/?p=7388
AmpTrooper
Proud Member
I am guessing this is the right place for this. Anywho, there is a petition that someone is trying to get people to sign to have the movie Captain Eo released as a Blu-Ray 3D/Real D video. I would imagine that they would also enhance it for color and sound and bring a whole new vibrancy back in this great film.
I personally would love to see it. Blu-Ray 3D is much better then the theaters 3D/Real D as long as you have the "passive" TV and glasses (meaning not the glasses that need batteries). Still though, if they wanted to bring it to the theaters that would be great too! It would work very well as a short film before a feature length movie.
Anywho, here is the petition for those of you who want to sign it:
http://www.change.org/petitions/sony-release-a-3d-blu-ray-of-captain-eo#
I personally would love to see it. Blu-Ray 3D is much better then the theaters 3D/Real D as long as you have the "passive" TV and glasses (meaning not the glasses that need batteries). Still though, if they wanted to bring it to the theaters that would be great too! It would work very well as a short film before a feature length movie.
Anywho, here is the petition for those of you who want to sign it:
http://www.change.org/petitions/sony-release-a-3d-blu-ray-of-captain-eo#
- Status