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

[Justiceformj]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

hey, i was wondering that if in the book it explains why he changed his last name to tyson?
if not.. could you add that to the list Thanks x

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

hey, i was wondering that if in the book it explains why he changed his last name to tyson?
if not.. could you add that to the list Thanks x

yes he does

 

[Justiceformj]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

could you post an extract please I cant get the book until 5th Dec as im in England :/

 

[love is magical]

Michaels personal assistant for many years... (early 90s I believe)"From the deepest part of my heart, dearest Michael, I know that your soul is now resting in Divine love... embraced by the purity of love eternal. In our hearts, as one voice, we will strive to honor your memory, support your legacy and your precious family while we weep with breaking and bleeding hearts. I love you, more... Evvy"

Thanks!

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

He says that everyone knew him as Frank Cascio the kid that was friends with Michael. When he started working for Michael he wanted to not known as that kid so they picked a name - from Tyson chicken commercial.

 

[Justiceformj]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Thank you

 

[Ashtanga]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151




It seems that many are loving this book.... :fear:
Book soooooooooo sweet, beautiful, so pleasant reading, so many details :reading: :girl_sigh: :smilerolleyes:... I really do not see anything WOW this book to be required reading and all buy it. In fact, Frank should keep his mouth shut. But... well, definitely, I will not buy this book. -_-

 

[Shoman1]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I appreciate the reviews and summaries so far but, I still won't be buying it. Some details to me were unnecessary. Even if he says it's only his opinion or MJ told him so but, didn't believe him, I still don't see a reason to even put it out there. Causing confusion and adding to the misconception and now given people other options to choose from as if there wasn't enough out there already. The fact that MJ didn't even trust the Cascio's who he thought as a second family with telllin them he found a lady he wants to marry kinda says it all to me. He didn't trust them 100% either. Therefore would he want so much of his private life out there in a book?.....I don't think so.

Doesnt tell me much as far as MJ not telling them about LMP besides he wasn't ready to tell. Most likely his blood family receive the same treatment. You may have friends who dont discuss their every moment unless they deem it appropriate. MJ was going through a delicate time in his life and romance is personal and delicate as well. Alot posters credit many of MJ's industry friends for staying silent about what they know about Michael but I think many of them get too much credit. Cascio and TMez could give us a laundry list of people on who turned away from MJ. The Cascios were a staple in MJ's for a good part of 25 years. That more than some of his closest industry friends who were in and out for whatever reason.

 

[ivy]

The fact that MJ didn't even trust the Cascio's who he thought as a second family with telllin them he found a lady he wants to marry kinda says it all to me. He didn't trust them 100% either.

Doesnt tell me much as far as MJ not telling them about LMP besides he wasn't ready to tell. Most likely his blood family receive the same treatment.

Actually Katherine said that she didn't know it until after he got married either. So what does that say to you? He didn't trust his own mother as well?

and let me quote from Jermaine's book

IT WAS A QUIET WEDDING. SO quiet that we didn’t even know it was happening. The ceremony took place in the Dominican Republic in August 1994 and a decision was clearly taken not to inform either family: a “we-want-no-fuss” affair.

Once they were declared man and wife, the over-excited groom phoned Mother from their hotel suite with his “big news,” but she thought it was one of his pranks. “You’re telling me you married Lisa Marie Presley? No, you did not,” she said.

 

[Staffordshire Bullterrier]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Why are so many people here negative about it? Because it's probably something Michael wanted to have kept private cause he told it to his 'friend' , in this case Frank? Or is there more? I'm not gonna go through all these pages to find it out.

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Why are so many people here negative about it? Because it's probably something Michael wanted to have kept private cause he told it to his 'friend' , in this case Frank? Or is there more? I'm not gonna go through all these pages to find it out.

negative about what?

 

[Ashtanga]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

You may have friends who dont discuss their every moment unless they deem it appropriate.

Sure. So many things/stories about Michael being told by so many people out there.... in the middle of this big mess, the more credible source will always be Michael. Unfortunately, he's not here to say/explain things with your own mouth. *big sigh*

 

[Snow White 1937]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I will give you a picture to laugh your heads off

This is Michael and Cascio's going trick or treating on Halloween

Aww, Michael looks happy here... and my God, very very sexy! Look at those eyes and those muscular arms! :wub:

Thank you Ivy and missred07 for the summaries and reviews so far. Keep them coming.

So far the book seems to be ok. I'll wait until the final chapter has been summarized and Ivy has written her review, then I'll decide whether I'm going to buy this book or not.

 

[marebear]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I will admit so far it doesn't seem so bad. I do feel a little uncomfortable for some reason. Maybe I am in the minority here but I feel like Michael's privacy is being invaded a little too much. Things he might not want us to know. I am not sure if this is was a good idea or not.

For Lisa Marie stuff, I always beleived the marriage was real but they married too fast. I remember back when thinking where did that come from? I wasn't against it but it was a surprise. They should have waited to make sure they knew each other enough and it was really the right thing. Maybe they were better off as friends.

I think it is obvious that Michael didn't trust people. So many people just used him and wanted something from him. I am sure those who had his best interests at heart he still couldn't completely trust. That really makes me sad.

 

[serendipity]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I really don't see what purpose this book will serve, other than what it did already (negative publicity). From what I saw so far, it seem in the beginning the book is ok, but then it becomes depressing and just sad. There are a few nice stories about MJ, but I think we could've done without this book just fine (along with many other useless MJ books).

What annoys me the most is, just like I thought, he's not mentioning the crap the Jacksons pulled before MSG shows and other times, giving MJ a lot of grief and stress. In fact he seems to present in a positive light pretty much everyone, including Klein, except for the executors McClain and Branca. And of course Michael's "issues" being discussed..... totally unnecessary IMO..

 

[8701girl]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

t seems to me that Michael didn't tell Frank exactly what's going on. So, how would Frank knew the issues in the marriage? Also, he was just a teenager back in the mid-90's.

I dont see why michael just had to tell frank bout his relationship with lisa, they were grown ups in a relationship and it was none of frank's business.

 

[missred07]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

chapter 8
MJ and Frank went road trip in europe during summer 1996. MJ went to NJ first. When they played video game. MJ told Frank that he is going to be father. Frank was shocked. MJ said Debbie is giving me greatest gift in the world. MJ alslo played him a tape that Debbie said Michale I want to make u a father. This is my present for u. I don't want anything from u. If the kids ask where their mother is, tell them I died in a car accident. MJ trusted Debbie. Frank said lots of good words of Debbie.

They first went to London and then went road trip to Scotland. On the road, MJ told him to do mine map. MJ told him how to achieved goals etc, no limitation, imagination...... They talked a lot. MJ said Prince Diana is the top of his wanted to date list. MJ introduced him to meditation. Talked about his mediation guide, MJ's driver Gary. Talked about story of Gary and MJ brought Frank and his brothers and sisters to Brunei concert. MJ would show him the beauty of nature on their road. How to appreciate lots of things and how to explore them. (Good paragraph to read it's hard to summarize)

They arrived Loch Lomond. Talked about the story they stayed in the hotel seeing a ghost called Katherine and a weird receptionist. Said MJ is totally not afraid of ghost. Went to Switzerland. Frank got cold. MJ became worried about germs and getting sick when he had to record or perform. In paris, met Omar Bhatti. MJ said he is little Michael. MJ told him about the story that Omer is his son. He had affair with a fan in Norway. The mother went crazy and the kid was adopted by the nurse and her husband. MJ later said he finally found his long lost son. Frank said MJ told a great story and tried everything to convince him it's true. But they both know it's not true. MJ kept back and forth with Frank and Frank finally admit that Omer is MJ's son. Frank comments that he think this incident is the beginning that MJ want "yes man" in his life. (um I don't know why he had this comment, I think MJ just playing jokes and having fun here.)

MJ went to record Blood on the dance floor and elizabeth I love you in Switzerland. They visited Chaplin's house. They went to a museum in Zurich and played a really big prank to the museum director. (This one is really funny) The bottom line is MJ acted like he was so touched by a hideous painting and pretending to cry. The director then comment that they were so sensitive and special and they have great connection to art.

Frank said he started to grow up and he found MJ started to share more and more things with him and want to hear his opinion.

 

[8701girl]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

MJ alslo played him a tape that Debbie said Michale I want to make u a father. This is my present for u. I don't want anything from u. If the kids ask where their mother is, tell them I died in a car accident. MJ trusted Debbie. Frank said lots of good words of Debbie.

This part imo is a load of bull! LOL frank are u serious!? :lmao:

 

[Ashtanga]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

chapter 8


In paris, met Omar Bhatti. MJ said he is little Michael. MJ told him about the story that Omer is his son. He had affair with a fan in Norway. The mother went crazy and the kid was adopted by the nurse and her husband. MJ later said he finally found his long lost son. Frank said MJ told a great story and tried everything to convince him it's true. But they both know it's not true. MJ kept back and forth with Frank and Frank finally admit that Omer is MJ's son.

:hysterical:


:smilerolleyes:



Oh God.... :doh: :sigh:

 

[Snow White 1937]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I will admit so far it doesn't seem so bad. I do feel a little uncomfortable for some reason. Maybe I am in the minority here but I feel like Michael's privacy is being invaded a little too much. Things he might not want us to know. I am not sure if this is was a good idea or not.

I feel the same. It's really nagging me and I've been pondering on this for a while.
After reading through this and various other threads on this board, we can clearly see that people have different opinions about this issue. Technically, we shouldn't be discussing anything about MJ that is not music-related, however, we do: we discuss and speculate Michael's love life, analyse his body *blushes*, his choices in life etc. Just look in the Michaelmania section for example. Furthermore, we must admit that we have known from the start that Frank would disclose some personal information and yet we kept reading (eagerly) and commenting. When we know that something private is about to be disclosed, why keep reading the summaries and reviews? It's a little hypocritical IMO. To me there is no difference between buying some tabloid or picking up an abandoned copy and read it while riding the tube. So maybe we should get off our high horse.
I don't care about certain details in MJ's life such as surgery, but I love reading small anecdotes like we've read in Frank's book: e.g. how he loved books and taught the kids the importance of education, or finding out about his favourite chewing gum. Am I nosy? Hmmm... probably. But at least I admit it and don't go lurking onto other sites to read secretly all this info about MJ. So far, Frank hasn't said much that we haven't known already.
One of the reasons why I wanted to wait until the book was out before I judged Frank was because he's been MJ's friend for 25 years, almost all his life. He knew him. He clearly didn't know everything, but he must have seen and experienced a lot. If Joe Jackson or Arnie Klein would have written a book, I think we would have all known what to expect. But with Frank? We don't know much about him and I thought it would be unfair to judge him so soon and only by some excerpts from articles.

It is a personal choice whether we read something or not, whether we do it out of curiosity or another reason. We shouldn't let our judgement be clouded by antipathy (or sympathy for that matter). So far, I don't see how the things that Frank has disclosed could harm Michael. He simply states what he experienced and urges the reader to think for himself. He states that MJ never harmed a child and that he wasn't a junkie.
We should keep in mind that this is his side of the story. Doesn't mean it's wrong, it's just how he perceived everything. I can recommend a book called "that's not what I meant" by Deborah Tannen. Very interesting read. Sorry if I'm rambling, it's past my bedtime *lol* Goodnight, everybody!

 

[missred07]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Chapter 9
Talked about how MJ prepared to be father reading all the parenting books etc. MJ would record himself reading story so Debbie can put earphones to her belly. MJ also would tape himeslef saying Prince I am ur father I love u, u are wonderful etc. Frank said in the past, he was worry that MJ would forget them if MJ had his own family. MJ assured him in the past that they were his family.

MJ married Debbie. He was shocked again and asked why? after the whole experience with LMP, he can't understand why MJ want to do it again. MJ gave him the story again that Prince Al- Waleed bin Talal wanted him to be married when he knew MJ going to have a kid. Frank said it's MJ's story. MJ also downplay the importance of the marriage. Said: Debbie doesn't want anything from me. All she cares about are her horses. Besides she's prince's mother. MJ called his family from cars when he took Prince home. MJ was still touring and he put Prince in Paris. MJ would use private jet to fly back to Paris after the show. As long as MJ was not working he was with Prince. Other Cascios family went to keep company with MJ during the HIStory tour. Eddie and Frank can't go due to school, they went to visit once. Talked about how MJ raise Prince since kid. Omar's mom and Grace were nannies. MJ told him the truth not long after meeting Omer that Omer is not MJ's son. MJ gave him the explanation that he need to show Saudi Prince that he had a family. Frank said how a illegitimate son boosted MJ's image with Prince? but he said it's MJ's story and said at least MJ consistent in the explanation for LMP, Debbie, and Omer.

Omer's family start to celebrate holidays with them. His nickname for Omer is little Monkey. Said MJ and Debbie get alone really well and spoke on the phone. Said no romance between them but MJ loved Debbie as a friend. MJ wanted another child so 2 of them can grow up together. That Christmas, Frank's entire family went to neverland. Omer was there and Debbie also went there. Said MJ let people believe that he had been intimate with Debbie but told Frank it's not the case. The most important thing is that Debbie give him the greatest gift. Said MJ is great father. Explain why MJ needed to cover his kids in public. Said MJ's kids were most intelligent and well behaved kids he ever met. Said MJ finally find happiness since 93. Said MJ do have fun after 93 before having kids. However, MJ was in a constant state of depression. If MJ was alone he would forgot to eat or slept through the afternoon. He said MJ have rare talent but live hard lives since childhood. MJ didn't do recreational drugs or party recklessly. MJ didn't act out his pain in the public but he did suffer. It all changed when he became a father. Those kids bring energy and enthusiasm to him. MJ became the happiest person in the world.

1999 Frank got called from MJ and asked him to come to Korea to help. Frank went. Met MJ in pajamas. Said MJ wore pajamas everywhere. MJ wanted him to help out as assistant. Frank didn't want to get paid but MJ insisted that it's a job. MJ also gave him driver and security. Frank never regret that he didn't go to college because he can learned from MJ that surpass any mainstream education. To him, it's priceless.

It's the last chapter of part I. Quite busy tonight and might be quite busy the following few days. We'll see. If someone wanted to go ahead. Feel free to do so.

 

[Petrarose]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Apparently there was no love lost between LMP and the Cascios. I wonder how does this affect Frank's view of that marriage.

+

I am no lover of Lisa, but in her defense it must be frustrating to be married to a man and a bunch of Cascio kids are always around. A couple needs time for each other. Further, it seems Frank got used to being around Michael, so when Lisa came on board, he had to take a step back and did not like that. I sense some type of jealousy here.

We also have the same types of statements coming from people: the family say people kept them away from Michael and Frank says management kept him away from Michael in the end.

 

[bluetopez]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I know MJ didn't tell his family including his mom about lisa until they were married and he did the same to his so called second family of many yrs the Cascios. He didn't trust neither 100% which goes back to what I said in my last post. And that is I doubt he would want someone to write his bussiness in a book no matter how good their intentions might seem?

 

[Petrarose]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

What I am getting from this book is that the cascios were taken to a lot of exciting places and met a lot of VIPs. No wonder people get mad when Michael say bye bye.

 

[marebear]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank wants to people see that Michael didn't hurt kids right? Well he needs to go to joy behar and showbiz and tell them off because they just compared Michael to the penn state situation. Not the same at all. Sorry to be off topic but I am so mad right now. I sent a complaint to them saying to leave Michael alone and rest in peace and to stop the hate. Not that they will listen but I feel helpless when these nonsense. Sorry again to go off topic here.

 

[ivy]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

What I am getting from this book is that the cascios were taken to a lot of exciting places and met a lot of VIPs. No wonder people get mad when Michael say bye bye.

I'm at chapter 9 and there's a lot more to it then travels. The part about the books or Michael being their tutor etc are highly inspiring.

Frank wants to people see that Michael didn't hurt kids right? Well he needs to go to joy behar and showbiz and tell them off because they just compared Michael to the penn state situation. Not the same at all. Sorry to be off topic but I am so mad right now. I sent a complaint to them saying to leave Michael alone and rest in peace and to stop the hate. Not that they will listen but I feel helpless when these nonsense. Sorry again to go off topic here.

Someone told me he on twitter that he would be on GMA and the insider but I was not able to confirm it.

 

[Petrarose]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Marebear these shows have nothing good to say about Michael, and now that Michael is in the news, of course they are going to connect him to this guy. It is just sad that we have to go through all this pain.

 

[marebear]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Marebear these shows have nothing good to say about Michael, and now that Michael is in the news, of course they are going to connect him to this guy. It is just sad that we have to go through all this pain.

I feel drained with everything. I just saw it and snapped and needed to say something. The hate is too much at times and harder now that Michael is gone.

 

[suzynyc]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank wants to people see that Michael didn't hurt kids right? Well he needs to go to joy behar and showbiz and tell them off because they just compared Michael to the penn state situation. Not the same at all. Sorry to be off topic but I am so mad right now. I sent a complaint to them saying to leave Michael alone and rest in peace and to stop the hate. Not that they will listen but I feel helpless when these nonsense. Sorry again to go off topic here.

Just saw that. I can't believe they found a way to make comparisons between the two situations. They are very different. One major difference is that Michael was cuffed and taken into custody and treated like a criminal from the beginning while that Penn State guy is still walking free years after the alleged incidents.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to continuing to read Frank's book tomorrow. Is it too late to submit a question? Darn, the Q & A thread was closed. If not, does it have to pertain to the book or can it be about Michael in general?

 

[missred07]

Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Chapter 10
Seoul concert. Met lots of stars. Talked about the story of MJ and Mariah Carey praising each other about I'll be there. Said Mariah's boy friend was not happy about the friendly flirts between MJ and Mariah and MJ added fuel to that. Flied from Seoul to Munich. On plane, MJ said he didn't need to worry the plane going down said I'm not going to die in plane crash. I ma going to die from shot. Said MJ didn't talk much about death because he was excited about raising his family. Talked about the interaction between MJ and fans. MJ would asked him to go down stairs to collect presents from fans. MJ would ship them back to neverland and plan to have a museum one day. Met Karen Faye and Michael Bush again. said Michael like to messed with KF. If KF wearing a zippered jacked, MJ would go unzip it. If KF wear skirt MJ would lift it up. Talked about the bridge accident. MJ said "my father told me no matter what the show must go on. They didn't take the ambulance because of the press. Took long time to find clinics and MJ was barely conscious. MJ's lower back hurt so much asked hime to call Kenny Ortega and it's 3am. MJ wanted to know what happened and fire people. KO apologized and said he would figure out. Back to hotel at 5am. Saw a doctor and 2 other people came in setting up equipment. He asked and the doctor said those 2 were doctors too and going to help MJ fall asleep. Said MJ would be fine. MJ came up and said he would be fine and stated that the doctor would give him medicine to take away the pain and help him sleep. Frank believed and left. Later now, he finally understand what he witnessed. He said MJ was using propofol. He said at the time he didn't know all this. The only thing he knew was MJ was under care of doctor and he trusted them.

Later MJ, kids Grace and him went to Paris then south africa. Guest at Mandela's birthday party. Did a lot of daily shopping for MJ. He felt being with MJ make he feel like he had a purpose in the world. MJ said to him" Frank you're in a position of power, people are going to be jealous of u. Peaple will try to pit us against each other. But I promise u I will never let that happened." Frank said he didn't know the reason but it sink in his memory and had no idea what truth and what heartbreak, they foretold.

Said MJ's back became chronic problem. MJ wanted to him to be spy at home to watch out his employee at neverland. MJ felt things went wrong when he was not home. MJ took off somewhere and left Frank to watch over. Said MJ didn't trust people. The staff was too relaxed when MJ wasn't home. Said MJ was the soul of neverland and when he left, the energy changed. People started talking about their colleagues when MJ left. He told MJ what he heard etc, some people got fired. MJ tried to rebuilt neverland.