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Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael"/ Excerpt @pg151/New Interview Post 3743

Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Of course none of us here need Frank to tell us Michael was not that person, but it could be valuable to be able to quote a person like him when defending Michael.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Even if with such people speaking public opinion hasn't been swayed that much (although argumentative), we still need the positive stories. Because as the time showed us people with BS comes out and we need positive stories to counter that.

and it should not be just evaluated from fans perspective. For example Jermaine's book promised the "truth about Michael" and it's main point that he wasn't a pedophile. As I already knew that it didn't deliver me the truth but at the same time I had no reason to bad mouth it. Not everyone is a 20+ year fan like me and if they read it and it changes their opinion all the more power.

Also I do think that public opinion changes but perhaps not that quickly. One of my childhood friends believed Michael to be a pedophile and changes his opinion after hearing the May 10 recording. I have family members who believed Michael to be an addict but changed their opinions and put the blame solely on Murray after watching the trial with me. Change is happening. It might not be overnight but still it's possible IMO.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

ivy said:
there's also grey in this world.

statistical basics, trends in answering questions etc all show that there's generally a large group that falls under the "middle of the road" classification.
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I don't disagree with you. That's why I said if the book finds its way to the "middle of the road" group and manages to change minds of few, I'll be glad. I said the same thing about Gest's documentary.

For discussion's sake, what would make the "middle of the road" group be interested in a book written by Frank Cascio, buy it and read it? A person who's relatively anonymous outside of the Michael Jackson community. He's not a professional biographer. His only credential is that he's friend of Michael.

Speaking about my own personal preference, I find Steve Jobs very intriguing. I'm no fan of his, but he is definitely someone I'd love to read about. His memoir is written by Walter Issacson, a reknown writer whose previous works include memoir on Albert Einstein. So, I think it's a book that is worth reading. But, if his memoir is written by some unknown long-term friend of his. I'd probably pass. I want to make sure that the writter has good literary credential.

I'm just thinking what would make these middle of the road group who find Michael Jackson intriguing, but don't like him enough to be fans, to pick up this particular book.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

You are wasting your time here.

IF HE WAS MICHAEL'S FRIEND HE WASN'T SUPPOSE TO WRITE THIS BOOK IN THE FIRST PLACE.

It really doesn't matter what he writes in it, good or bad.WTF
 
claudiadoina said:
You are wasting your time here.IF HE WAS MICHAEL'S FRIEND HE WASN'T SUPPOSE TO WRITE THIS BOOK IN THE FIRST PLACE.It really doesn't matter what he writes in it, good or bad.WTF
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Exactly...writing a book cheapens the friendship...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Why not? If you had a friend like Michael (famous but constant slander, haters, lies, rumors and so on) who passed, would it be such a extraordinary idea to write a book to set the record straight, and tell the world what an amazing person he was? People do that at funerals, right? I dont see the difference, except for the fact that it's intended to be read by a much larger number of people.

Again, I dont plan on buying it, for reasons I've explained before, and that have nothing to do with Frank, but the mere idea of the book doesnt shock me.

I dont understand why it cheapens the friendship?
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

^^ I see what you're saying, but as I've said before....The people who claim to be Michael's closest friends are the ones who have the power to give Michael what he never had - privacy...To us, privacy is a given, a standard way of life...To Michael, it was something he had to hold onto for dear life, akin to a life preserver.....Something he has held precious to his heart and soul for as long as he's been famous....

If I shared a friendship with Michael, I'd keep the details to myself, close to my heart, where it belongs...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

claudiadoina said:
You are wasting your time here.

IF HE WAS MICHAEL'S FRIEND HE WASN'T SUPPOSE TO WRITE THIS BOOK IN THE FIRST PLACE.

It really doesn't matter what he writes in it, good or bad.WTF
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If Michael's life hadn't been so shrouded by controversy then I would be agreeing with you.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

LastTear said:
If Michael's life hadn't been so shrouded by controversy then I would be agreeing with you.
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I am positive this book will bring more controversy if possible.
Most of the fans will believe because it was written by Michael's "friend" who spent many years with and then he must know what he's talking about, but will be others fans wich won't believe the sh*t written because maybe it doesn't sound like the Michael they know/love and here we are with a much bigger controversy.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

claudiadoina said:
I am positive this book will bring more controversy if possible.
Most of the fans will believe because it was written by Michael's "friend" who spent many years with and then he must know what he's talking about, but will be others fans wich won't believe the sh*t written because maybe it doesn't sound like the Michael they know/love and here we are with a much bigger controversy.
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Well we know the media, so that is entirely possible. And as for the divided fans, thats always going to happen, we don't agree on everything. Look how much we are arguing over something that is not even released yet, none of us know the content of the book.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Arklove said:
^^ I see what you're saying, but as I've said before....The people who claim to be Michael's closest friends are the ones who have the power to give Michael what he never had - privacy...To us, privacy is a given, a standard way of life...To Michael, it was something he had to hold onto for dear life, akin to a life preserver.....Something he has held precious to his heart and soul for as long as he's been famous....

If I shared a friendship with Michael, I'd keep the details to myself, close to my heart, where it belongs...
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Exactly what I'm doing ;)
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

ivy said:
Even if with such people speaking public opinion hasn't been swayed that much (although argumentative), we still need the positive stories. Because as the time showed us people with BS comes out and we need positive stories to counter that.
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Isn't it ironic that the only story that has been picked up is the "situational addict" account?

ivy said:
and it should not be just evaluated from fans perspective. For example Jermaine's book promised the "truth about Michael" and it's main point that he wasn't a pedophile. As I already knew that it didn't deliver me the truth but at the same time I had no reason to bad mouth it. Not everyone is a 20+ year fan like me and if they read it and it changes their opinion all the more power.
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See... I don't always evaluate a product related to Michael from fans perspective? That's why I said if people change their minds after watching Gest's documentary, I'd consider the film worthwhile. As said in my previous post, what would make skeptical non-fans, or people in the middle of the road group be interested enough in a book written by Frank Cascio? Not to be rude, but Frank who?

ivy said:
Also I do think that public opinion changes but perhaps not that quickly. One of my childhood friends believed Michael to be a pedophile and changes his opinion after hearing the May 10 recording. I have family members who believed Michael to be an addict but changed their opinions and put the blame solely on Murray after watching the trial with me. Change is happening. It might not be overnight but still it's possible IMO.
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I definitely agree with you that public opinion is changing. I believe that history will do Michael justice. Time will do Michael justice. Generations later, people will talk about Michael's music, dance, films and his humanitarian messages. I never expect a swift change in public opinion, that's why I said Frank's wish that "nobody on Earth will believe Michael was a pedophile after reading his book" is unrealistic.

Now, I'm curious. Say your childhood friend never heard of the May 10 recording, do you think your friend would change his/her mind after reading Frank's book? Do you think he/she would pick up Frank's book at all?

Like Arky said, the best way to understand Michael Jackson really is through his own words and his own music.

I don't wake up one day and dislike Frank Cascio. I had a change of heart and wanted to read his book. But, I guess I had another change of heart. The recent events have made me weary. It's too difficult to tell what's real and what's not.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Can I ask if writing a book and that TYPE of action after MJ passes cheapens the friendship.. can we name off some people that has not been "cheapened" since Michaels passing? can we name more than 5 people? and these people close enough to have been actually very close to him...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Arklove said:
^^ I see what you're saying, but as I've said before....The people who claim to be Michael's closest friends are the ones who have the power to give Michael what he never had - privacy...To us, privacy is a given, a standard way of life...To Michael, it was something he had to hold onto for dear life, akin to a life preserver.....Something he has held precious to his heart and soul for as long as he's been famous....

If I shared a friendship with Michael, I'd keep the details to myself, close to my heart, where it belongs...
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Elizabeth Taylor.
Diana Ross.
McCauley Culkin.

I guess Elizabeth is with Michael now, but I highly doubt she would have ever written a book, or shared with the public, the close moments she had with Michael. Diana Ross has kept Michael's private life. . . (what she knew of it) private. As has McCauley Culkin, and I'm sure there are others who have not violated this private, private man. . .
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Autumn II said:
Elizabeth Taylor.
Diana Ross.
McCauley Culkin.

I guess Elizabeth is with Michael now, but I highly doubt she would have ever written a book, or shared with the public, the close moments she had with Michael. Diana Ross has kept Michael's private life. . . (what she knew of it) private. As has McCauley Culkin, and I'm sure there are others who have not violated this private, private man. . .
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Exactly...they never felt a need to write a book....Isn't it enough to be honoured with the friendship of such an amazing human being? Diana, Elizabeth, Macauley - they knew what the friendship meant to them, they knew what they shard with Michael was special....That's all that mattered...

It's a selfish way, in my opinion, to say 'hey, I knew Michael Jackson, he was a close friend, wanna know the details?'...That's what it says to me...

Close friends, TRUE friends realize what is most important in a friendship...The memories, the times spent together, and most importantly, keeping in mind what was dear to Michael, what he fought so hard to to preserve his whole life...Those people seemed to conveniently forget that little something when they decided to profit off his friendship...That, to me, is what cheapens the friendship....
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

@Arklove, thanks for explaining, and I agree with your point of view, because it's how I am. Writing a book would never be something I would do. And like I said in a previous post, I dont know what Michael would have thought of what is included in the book. Would he have minded or not? Is it personal stuff, or just stuff like anecdotes, to show he was a normal guy? It will make a huge difference to me.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

love is magical said:
Isn't it ironic that the only story that has been picked up is the "situational addict" account?
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picked up? I don't think it was a book review interview and they picked that part. The book has an embargo on it. Plus even if it was during a time of he was an addict - not an addict , there was a drip - it was self injection arguments going on of course they would have picked the related material.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Ben said:
@Arklove, thanks for explaining, and I agree with your point of view, because it's how I am. Writing a book would never be something I would do. And like I said in a previous post, I dont know what Michael would have thought of what is included in the book. Would he have minded or not? Is it personal stuff, or just stuff like anecdotes, to show he was a normal guy? It will make a huge difference to me.
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Well, that's what I mean....would he have minded? It's a touchy situation, but from what we've heard about Michael, from his own mouth, his whole life, his privacy was something he put high value on...Some people like being the centre of attention, and don't care if their personal lives are on display for the world to see and judge....But for Michael, it was his MUSIC he wanted to have at centre of attention, not his personal way of life...We take privacy for granted everyday...we could say we understand Michael and the fact that he wanted privacy, but can we really show empathy, a true, deep understanding of how life really was for Michael unless we lived in his shoes? No, we can't...We haven't lived his life...So, to me, personal friends of Michael should err on the side of caution, or at least, compassion, and respect, and keep Michael's dignity (at least what's left of it) intact, and leave the friendship where it belongs - in their hearts...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Autumn II said:
Elizabeth Taylor.
Diana Ross.
McCauley Culkin.

I guess Elizabeth is with Michael now, but I highly doubt she would have ever written a book, or shared with the public, the close moments she had with Michael. Diana Ross has kept Michael's private life. . . (what she knew of it) private. As has McCauley Culkin, and I'm sure there are others who have not violated this private, private man. . .
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How do we know that Frank wont keep many things private? So do you think Frank should stay quiet and not discuss the situation with the Arvizos in defence of his friend.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Arklove said:
Well, that's what I mean....would he have minded? It's a touchy situation, but from what we've heard about Michael, from his own mouth, his whole life, his privacy was something he put high value on...Some people like being the centre of attention, and don't care if their personal lives are on display for the world to see and judge....But for Michael, it was his MUSIC he wanted to have at centre of attention, not his personal way of life...We take privacy for granted everyday...we could say we understand Michael and the fact that he wanted privacy, but can we really show empathy, a true, deep understanding of how life really was for Michael unless we lived in his shoes? No, we can't...We haven't lived his life...So, to me, personal friends of Michael should err on the side of caution, or at least, compassion, and respect, and keep Michael's dignity (at least what's left of it) intact, and leave the friendship where it belongs - in their hearts...
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I absolutely agree. But, here comes the philosophical question : assuming Frank's intentions are totally honest, is it ok to do something your friend would mind if you know it can help him more? I honestly dont have the answer.

I have said before (again lol), what Michael didnt say himself I dont want to know. I will never listen to the Glenda tapes for that same reason.

As for the part in red : lots of fans dont seem to get that...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Arklove said:
Well, that's what I mean....would he have minded? It's a touchy situation, but from what we've heard about Michael, from his own mouth, his whole life, his privacy was something he put high value on...Some people like being the centre of attention, and don't care if their personal lives are on display for the world to see and judge....But for Michael, it was his MUSIC he wanted to have at centre of attention, not his personal way of life...We take privacy for granted everyday...we could say we understand Michael and the fact that he wanted privacy, but can we really show empathy, a true, deep understanding of how life really was for Michael unless we lived in his shoes? No, we can't...We haven't lived his life...So, to me, personal friends of Michael should err on the side of caution, or at least, compassion, and respect, and keep Michael's dignity (at least what's left of it) intact, and leave the friendship where it belongs - in their hearts...
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Michael's dignity is intact.
For me, and I am sure I'm not the only one, nothing nobody never could say/do/write to break it.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

ivy said:
picked up? I don't think it was a book review interview and they picked that part. The book has an embargo on it. Plus even if it was during a time of he was an addict - not an addict , there was a drip - it was self injection arguments going on of course they would have picked the related material.
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No, it's not a book review. However, in the 20/20 interview, viewers can clearly see the cover of the book and Frank was there flipping throught it. So, I have reason to believe the interview that Frank did with 20/20 was related to his upcoming book. During his segement, no other topics, but drug addiction/dependency, was discussed. That's why I said the only thing that has been discussed about Frank's book THUS FAR is "situational addict". Will there be more positive topics being talked about going forward? Of course, it's probable.

If Frank's interview with 20/20 has nothing to do with his book, then doesn't it make it worse for Frank to have an interview with 20/20? What's the point? What did he clear up?
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Ben said:
I absolutely agree. But, here comes the philosophical question : assuming Frank's intentions are totally honest, is it ok to do something your friend would mind if you know it can help him more? I honestly dont have the answer.

I have said before (again lol), what Michael didnt say himself I dont want to know. I will never listen to the Glenda tapes for that same reason.

As for the part in red : lots of fans dont seem to get that...
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I know exactly what you mean...But I wonder if Michael's private life, being dragged through the mud, airing out his laundry for all to see, is worth it to clear his name as a pedophile? Only if it guarantees that every single person in this world will see Michael as innocent...(something that Frank is promising? Please)....Far-fetched, unrealistic, and impossible...People will believe what they want to believe, even after hearing it from the horses's mouth 'I AM INNOCENT'....Michael has said it all himself, in interviews, through his music, through press conferences (93 speech from Neverland), and a lengthy trial to prove his innocence is not enough? We need to hear it, yet again, from another source? People just want to know the juicy details, that's all...

Frank's intentions could be honest enough (although I doubt this with the 'situational addict' comment) , but I still don't agree with writing a book about a friendship that one holds so dear...This is all just my own point of view...:)
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Ben said:
I absolutely agree. But, here comes the philosophical question : assuming Frank's intentions are totally honest, is it ok to do something your friend would mind if you know it can help him more? I honestly dont have the answer.

I have said before (again lol), what Michael didnt say himself I dont want to know. I will never listen to the Glenda tapes for that same reason.

As for the part in red : lots of fans dont seem to get that...
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And in principle I agree as well and with the above. Wouldn't it be great if we could just focus on Michael's art, but there is so much negativity out there, that we have to deal with day by day, perhaps we need a balance. All the time we ask MJ's friends, family, estate to get behind us and to speak up for Michael. What is wrong with Frank wanting to right some of the wrongs? I am sure this book wont be perfect and I'm sure that plenty of people may have issues with some of it but even if it only deals with that whole pervert thing then I will be satisfied.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Ben said:
I absolutely agree. But, here comes the philosophical question : assuming Frank's intentions are totally honest, is it ok to do something your friend would mind if you know it can help him more? I honestly dont have the answer.

I have said before (again lol), what Michael didnt say himself I dont want to know. I will never listen to the Glenda tapes for that same reason.

As for the part in red : lots of fans dont seem to get that...
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That's what Frank must of reckoned it stands for a motive to explain the book, he knew most of the fans it would think it's a good think for a best friend to do.Good boy Frank.NOT.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

And another thing, if Frank boasts so voraciously that he can convince everyone that Michael was innocent, don't you think he'd be taking every single opportunity in interviews, promoting his book to do so? No, he goes on 20/20 and spews out this situational addict nonsense....Way to clear his name on any account, Frank...
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Arklove said:
I know exactly what you mean...But I wonder if Michael's private life, being dragged through the mud, airing out his laundry for all to see, is worth it to clear his name as a pedophile? Only if it guarantees that every single person in this world will see Michael as innocent...(something that Frank is promising? Please)....Far-fetched, unrealistic, and impossible...Michael has said it all himself, in interviews, through his music, through press conferences (93 speech from Neverland), and a lengthy trial to prove his innocence is not enough? We need to hear it, yet again, from another source? People just want to know the juicy details, that's all.
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I think it was stupidly easy for many people to see Michael as a pedophile because they didnt see him as a real human being anymore. He was a weirdo, a freak, so accepting that he could do something so terrible and disgusting wasnt hard. It just fit the profile. And yes, people want juicy details, especially if they can comfort them in the idea they were right about him. Some people need to despise others to feel better about themselves. But it doesnt mean this book will give them what they want though.
I dont think this book, or any book, could make people see Michael as innocent. MAYBE, depending on how and why it's written, it could help give Michael his humanity back? I dont know, it's just hope. We're fighting on our own out there, and I'd like to think we're getting some help... :(
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

I think Ill wait and read the book before I can form an opinion on its content or the man who wrote it.
Myself I dont think writing a book about MJ negates ones friendship or loyality to him. In my opinion I believe for HIStory sake some things need to be told to balance all the ignorance that has been written about him. Every book written has its critics. One cant be fearful to write becuase of how critics might twist it or that others may judge the motives it was written. Someones opinion can not negate your truth or reasons for writing about someone you cared for.

You know We all have opinions on many topics here and sometimes the way we voice our opinions say more about us then the topics we discuss. It gives us an insight about the people /person you are discussing issues with. I study people _ I dont take one thing about them and run with it out of context. I try to base my opinions about people on their over all constant thinking and behavior. I try to carefully do the same with people who knew or were around Michael.
 
Re: Frank Cascio to write memoir of his friend Michael Jackson / press release at pg12 / Nov 15 ,201

Karen thoughts on the book:
Karen Faye (@wingheart)
Posted Thursday 10th November 2011 from TweetList

I have no feelings about it. Michael supported $$ many ppl. I guess they feel this is a way to get another paycheck. Michael was also my main source of income, because he was my main client for 27 years. I do understand how devastating it is, loosing that also, in a time of debilitating grief. I can continue being a makeup artist, some ppl do not have much to fall back on and see an opportunity to cash in. If I share anything about Michael, I want to give it freely to those who loved him, like he gave it to me, or I won't share it at all. I think those who want to buy it, and read it, should do it if that is what they want. I am sure there will be some things to learn about Michael in it. Michael was a good friend, and supported Frank and his family. RT @DafnaDgani: @wingheart Hey Karen, I was wondering what's your feelings about Frank Cascio's new upcoming book about Michael? Thanks Dafna
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