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

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

As for Frank, like someone else said in the other thread, Frank is trying to have it both ways, playing both sides, tailoring his answers to specific target groups (i.g. he wasn't an addict, he was an addict). Which to me only a coward does, a coward who can't stand his ground.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Seems like Taj is living in a reality of his own.. , hating fanclubs and MJfans, for what exactly? For NOT supporting his broke ass?! For not going back in time? For not supporting his dead band? LMFAO I hope he continues this way... at this rate no one's EVER GONNA support Taj i.e. Tariano Adaryll Jackson II.
I agree with you. I wrote about this in another thread but I will say it again here and that is I feel like unless the Jackson's need something from the fans I truly believe that some of the Jackson's clearly don't like Michael Jackson fans. Like we are only annoying them.
Makes me sad because I saw the re tweet of Paris that non family members don't know the Michael they do. So are the kids adopting this perception of the fans that we must be delusional or something?
Sorry for going off topic but this whole thing is so upsetting to me. I cried almost everyday for over a year for Michael and I still have my meltdowns but Taj thinks I just participate in the spreading of lies about his family? Michael made me feel like I mattered to him but now I am just annoying. Oh well...
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank was on Dr. Drew last night to promote his book:

CNN.com - Transcripts

PINSKY: When did you first see it? The propofol.


CASCIO: Well, I actually have never seen Michael taking propofol. The first I`ve ever heard of propofol was during this Dr. Conrad Murray trial. I -- you know, I think it was in 1999, there was a doctor who explained to me a procedure and what he was doing, but I`ve never seen Michael taking propofol. I`ve never --

PINSKY: OK. Well, the procedure that an anesthesiologist would do, let`s be clear, an anesthesiologist uses propofol to put people to sleep. And that`s the only drug you can use that puts people reliably out and then wakes them up again in a couple of hours. Everything else would have him out the rest of the day.


So, what you described in your book is somebody receiving propofol. That`s just the way it is. So, that was December of 1999, I guess. So, you did witness propofol being administered --


CASCIO: No, I never seen Michael --


PINSKY: All right. You saw an anesthesiologist explain to you that he was giving him propofol on a regular basis. But let`s go back to -- you also had an experience with Michael where he was completely intoxicated when he was due on stage. Tell us about that experience.


CASCIO: It was the 30th anniversary special. And I was actually at the Twin Towers right before that picking up something from Bank of America. I get a call from security saying, you know, we can`t get in touch with Michael, we can`t -- so I rushed back. And I opened the door. And he`s sleeping. And I can tell he was a little groggy.


And I knew he was -- he took some medicine. And -- right before the show. And I was really disappointed with him that he did so. But you know what? Michael is a fighter, and he was fine. We got him ready, and he performed an incredible show.



PINSKY: And so, why didn`t somebody intervene right then? Why didn`t somebody do something about his substance use? It was to the point now where it was affecting his ability to function at work. He was, you know, clearly well beyond what a physician would want him to be taking. How come people didn`t jump in right then?


CASCIO: Dr. Drew, I mean, there was a time where there was definitely some concern. And his family addressed the situation with Michael. They were there. They were trying to have conversations with him. And Michael didn`t want to hear it from anyone. But you know what? At the end of the day, we had a conversation and you know, he moved on.

CASCIO: Dr. Drew, there was -- Michael was in a situation where, you know, he also knew there was a point in his life where he came to a point where you know what, he wanted to get better, and he did. And that happened.


But you know, we`re talking about -- you know, I really -- and I`ve seen -- there were so many doctors who manipulated Michael. And Michael was also a victim of these doctors. These doctors --


PINSKY: Yes.


CASCIO: -- manipulated him.


:wtf:



:doh:


:sigh:




Frank was very confused in their answers. He needs to be clear! Complete disaster!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I'm so tired of this "5 years old vs. 35 years old" BS they're trying to bring up every thime. And this "But do you agree that it's not normal?" question. Can someone please explain once and for all to this Dr. Drew and all the other stupid reporters that Michael Jackson was a genius, and genii are not supposed to be normal. We love and cherish and worship them for being not normal, being exceptional, being not like other people. So would they please stop clinging onto normal and trying to fit MJ in their narrow-minded boxes, because he was bigger than them!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I agree with you. I wrote about this in another thread but I will say it again here and that is I feel like unless the Jackson's need something from the fans I truly believe that some of the Jackson's clearly don't like Michael Jackson fans. Like we are only annoying them.
Makes me sad because I saw the re tweet of Paris that non family members don't know the Michael they do. So are the kids adopting this perception of the fans that we must be delusional or something?
Sorry for going off topic but this whole thing is so upsetting to me. I cried almost everyday for over a year for Michael and I still have my meltdowns but Taj thinks I just participate in the spreading of lies about his family? Michael made me feel like I mattered to him but now I am just annoying. Oh well...
I can totally understand how you feel, I truly believe that some of ''us'' took Michael's death harder than his so called family, and I'm not being delusional or hateful here, not knowing where ''my place'' is. It is the way it is, some fans were suicidal, had to go to therapy, etc and unless EaCH and everyone in the Jackson family went through the same trouble none of them have the right to tell us where our place is or that we didn't know Michael, I think the kids right now, honestly, I believe they are being brainwashed by their great family. And if they ain't brainwashed completely they will be brainwashed, I'm sorry for being so negative, but I don't blame the kids, kids that age, if they hear a lie often enough believe it, that's my biggest fear actually. But you know once they are older, now I don't know when but, once they're adults, there will be a point when they'll question all the Taj's, Taryll's, Jackie's, Marlon's, Tito's, Randy's, Latoya's etc around them, and maybe then they'll be able to sit down and think and remember how there was basically minimal contact between their great family and them while their dad was alive, maybe once older they'll be mature enough to handle the hateful, disgusting, nasty stuff their own family members spewed about their dad and themselves and will continue to spew about them. Right not they're totally into the Jackson's, I truly believe that once they see the full picture, their attitude, mind, thoughts and opinions will change. Now I don't know when this will happen, but the day will come, and until then I'm willing to give them the benefit of a doubt/pass because honestly it's not their fault they're being brainwashed.

On another note, I wouldn't take whatever Taj says seriously, dude is just being hateful cuz he's broke and out of work :lol:
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank will donate money from sales of this book to some institution that Michael supported? :fear: I'm just wondering about it.... :ph34r:
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

during the trial i missed all this. The thread is to long to read it all. I never hated the cascios. And im curius about the book, i read the proloog which i liked. It made me wanna read the book. But ive got a question.

Is the hate here towards cascios because of the songs? *which i like* and or because he wrote this book? Or did he say do something what i missed? Because i read some post about people saying he did bad things that hurt michael the last year??? What were they?
There is no news here about cascio in holland so i missed it all..

I hope some will tell me :)

Also ivy you seems positive about the book? Do you think the books harms michaels legacy?
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

just finished the book. This is my review

Must buy - but don't expect an all laughs fairy tale

Before I go into details, there's something that everyone should understand about this book. As Frank mentions in the prologue this book is about Michael Jackson - the man and not Michael Jackson - the superstar. This book is about the decades long friendship - with ups and downs- Michael and Frank had. Also realize that Frank has a different perception of Michael than we all do. To Frank Cascio , Michael Jackson is the person that he met as a kid without knowing who he was, who turned to a person that helped with his homework, to a father figure and then a friend; a friend that he laughed, worked, cried, shared and even argued at times.

As a long time fan I have also read almost every single book, article, magazine (and even court documents) and watched every documentary, news show etc about Michael. So as I was already knowledgeable about most things, many of the newer books and documentaries didn't offer much "new" stuff to me. I knew them all and they even became boring (how many times do we need to hear the Motown story, honestly?). Frank's book was refreshing in this regard. Although we all know the main events, the details mentioned in the book are new and make it an interesting read. That alone made me satisfied with my purchase.

Frank's book is divided into 3 categories : the time he spent with Michael as a child, the time period when he worked for Michael and the allegations period &later years. Each part has a different tone and their relationship differs between these time periods as well.

The time period when he was a child (from age 4 to till he was 16-18) is perhaps the most fun part of the book. Frank details his experiences with Michael and they are all inspiring to say the least. They will surely put a smile on your face. Frank also tells about Chandler's, his interactions with Michael and what he said about his father Evan - and paints the picture of a jealous father going after Michael. Although Michael went through the emotional and physical toll of the 1993 allegations and dealt with drug issues, Frank's realization about such issues are minimal as he was only a 13 year old kid at the time.

The time period when Frank worked (officially or unofficially) for Michael is the time period (1999 - 2003) that their relationship evolved to be a lot more closer, well due to the fact that Frank now was an adult and what Michael shared with an adult versus a child obviously was different and Frank was spending a lot more time with Michael and he wasn't a guest anymore. From this time period the book details 1999 bridge accident, recording of Invincible, heal the kids charitable efforts, troubles with Sony, MTV award fiasco, Living with Michael Jackson documentary, the rebuttal videos, MJ Private home movies and Arvizos. In this part Frank wonderfully details and explains the Arvizo's , their relationship with Michael, what actually went on and how calculated Janet Arvizo was.

Final part details the after second allegations, the trial, the falling out and the making up they experienced.

I will try to answer some common questions and concerns in this part

- Although Frank and his family shared a 25 year friendship with Michael, it doesn't mean he told them anything and everything. Frank openly states that when he wanted to keep something private, he simply did. Also what Michael shared with him changes according to his age and whether they had a friendship or a working relationship.

- Frank doesn't write the book in an ultimate indisputable truth format, on the contrary he writes what Michael told him, what he believed, what other people said etc. He clearly identifies what is his opinion. As the reader you are left to your devices to make up your mind to believe whatever you want.

- As everyone knows, drugs are mentioned in the book. And it refers to the 1999 -2001 period when Frank was working for Michael. Any drug use / issues that Michael might have prior to 1999 is unknown to Frank and the rest of the Cascios. Frank witnesses what he now believes to be Propofol at 1999 Munich and 2001 New York. Painkillers especially Demerol seem to be a lot more concern to him. He clearly states that Michael wasn't junkie and he was in terrible pain. The only thing that can be seen "negative" by some is that Frank on occasion questions if Michael's pain was physical or emotional - and therefore if the drugs were really needed. However as you read on Michael's emotional pain and what he had to go through is detailed and his emotional pain is also justified. What the media didn't tell you is that Frank blames doctors for not solving Michael's issues and simply prescribing him drugs. You also weren't told Frank's physical confrontation with doctors. Furthermore Frank tells that later in 2001/ 2002 Michael was working with doctors to solve his chronic pain issues and getting off the drugs. Media also failed to mention that the last time they spent considerable amount of time with Michael in 2007, he wasn't taking any drugs or even drinking alcohol. So you weren't given the full picture of Frank saying this was a period in his life that had physical and emotional pain and that Michael recovered from it and got rid off the drugs. In short Michael wasn't an addict - and isn't portrayed like one in the book.

- Michael's paranoia is also explained as a result of the allegations and business people around him taking advantage of him. More and more Michael becomes unable to trust people and becomes skeptical and even paranoid. It's all because of the people around Michael taking advantage of him and even lying to hurt him. It's his defense mechanism. This is also explained clearly.

- Michael's marriage to Lisa Marie isn't portrayed as fake. Their love, respect, trust is mentioned over and over again. Arab Prince is a story that Michael told a 13 year old Frank , media failed to tell you that Cascio's didn't believe that explanation and believed Michael married Lisa because he wanted to have family and children. As you read the book you learn more that Michael wasn't a man of confrontation and explanations and you think perhaps that was a story he came up with (and used multiple times) so that he wouldn't have to explain himself.

- Downs of his relationship with Michael is also mentioned. According to Frank people have said to Michael that Frank took money / throwbacks for setting up meetings with Michael and that some people he invited to Neverland has been problematic. These issues are resolved rather quickly sometimes even within minutes. Frank also experiences issues with some of Michael's employees after he started working with Michael and there was some animosity.

One major issue that goes on for a long time and Michael calls a betrayal is Michael's belief that Frank refused to testify on behalf of Michael during the 2005 trial. Frank details his story : after Michael's arraignment T-Mez and Frank's lawyer tells Frank to cease any contact with Michael (because if he was called to testify they wanted him to be able to say they had no contact), DA offers Frank immunity to testify against Michael - Frank refuses, Frank's lawyer maintains communication with T-Mez, Frank tells T-Mez what he knows. Initially T-Mez planned to call Frank towards the end of the defense case but then as the testimony goes on T-Mez says he doesn't need Frank to testify, they had achieved reasonable doubt and he doesn't want Frank's 20 year relationship with Michael to be opened up to cross examination.

Frank starts hearing from his family and Michael's family (Auggie) that Michael believed that he betrayed him. Frank equally gets angry to Michael for believing he would betray him. Although they start talking in 2006, they do not discuss this issue until August 2007 and kiss and make up. Michael says "someone" told him that Frank wouldn't testify and to this day Frank doesn't know who that was. They maintain a friendship after this.

- Some fans called this book depressing. It has its funny moments and moments that you can't help but smile to the antics of Michael we all know and love but at times it's also sad. I believe this to be expected as it covers 1993 allegations, 1999 bridge fall, 2001 Sony Events, 2003 allegations and 2005 trial. Simply put : those weren't happy times and it's impossible for the book to be cheery about such topics.

- Invasion of Michael's privacy was also been a concern for the fans but honestly I haven't seen reason for such concerns. Most of the book is about the details of the public business and life events of Michael that we all know. I personally didn't find that Michael loved women, kissed them, had crushes on them and been intimate with them as problematic. It was tastefully written, no details was given and to me was no different than musicians worked with Michael mentioning women and Diddy mentioning Michael came to his party to meet with Beyonce. The pot story - that Michael tried pot because Barry Gibbs told him he wrote his best songs after smoking pot - was so rock'n roll. Also after Murray trial I don't think Michael's history with Demerol and/or Propofol was private either. Probably if alive Michael wouldn't discuss the women in his life and his experimentation with pot but the mention of them wasn't alarming to me.

What was the best parts of the book?

- Michael Jackson the father as always a wonderful thing to read. Michael was also a father to Cascio kids and Omer. His interactions with his kids make you feel happy and love him more. That parts of the book was the one that most stood out actually. I believe that might be the strongest point this book makes.

- Michael Jackson the teacher is also unbelievable. His life lessons to Cascios and his kids, his love for the books, his philosophy is a must must must read for every Michael Jackson fan.

- Frank's first hand witness account of Chandlers and Arvizos is also very valuable information for all.

In the end you'll laugh (such as : peach cobbler, Mr. Donald Duck, Gary the driver, Michael choosing what to wear, Michael's pranks) and you'll get sad (such as allegations, how media treated Michael). Overall it's a good read that I recommend to everyone. Just realize it's about Michael Jackson the man, not the Michael Jackson the superstar or Michael Jackson the perfect saint.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I can totally understand how you feel, I truly believe that some of ''us'' took Michael's death harder than his so called family, and I'm not being delusional or hateful here, not knowing where ''my place'' is. It is the way it is, some fans were suicidal, had to go to therapy, etc and unless EaCH and everyone in the Jackson family went through the same trouble none of them have the right to tell us where our place is or that we didn't know Michael, I think the kids right now, honestly, I believe they are being brainwashed by their great family. And if they ain't brainwashed completely they will be brainwashed, I'm sorry for being so negative, but I don't blame the kids, kids that age, if they hear a lie often enough believe it, that's my biggest fear actually. But you know once they are older, now I don't know when but, once they're adults, there will be a point when they'll question all the Taj's, Taryll's, Jackie's, Marlon's, Tito's, Randy's, Latoya's etc around them, and maybe then they'll be able to sit down and think and remember how there was basically minimal contact between their great family and them while their dad was alive, maybe once older they'll be mature enough to handle the hateful, disgusting, nasty stuff their own family members spewed about their dad and themselves and will continue to spew about them. Right not they're totally into the Jackson's, I truly believe that once they see the full picture, their attitude, mind, thoughts and opinions will change. Now I don't know when this will happen, but the day will come, and until then I'm willing to give them the benefit of a doubt/pass because honestly it's not their fault they're being brainwashed.

On another note, I wouldn't take whatever Taj says seriously, dude is just being hateful cuz he's broke and out of work :lol:

what did taj say?? Why are we fans not know some of michael???? We love him follow his storys be there for him in prays thoughts when he was alive etc. Who of the fam say we fans arent good???????
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

thx ivy for that wonderfull post about this book!!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I'm going to download the book from iBooks. I'm always interested in Michael's philosophy. It's something that I would like to learn the most.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Thanks for the review Ivy.

Frank came across quite sincere in todays livestream chat. I missed most of it after the interruption. His motives for writing the book are a little hazy so I havent decided whether I want to purchase it yet.

Has Taj's twitter account been hacked or something? He's rambling like a lunatic. I'm now starting to be concerned and sad for him. what on earth is he on about. I was half excited thinking he'll accept Ivy's invitation to a interview chat. alas no.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

just finished the book. This is my review

Must buy - but don't expect an all laughs fairy tale

Before I go into details, there's something that everyone should understand about this book. As Frank mentions in the prologue this book is about Michael Jackson - the man and not Michael Jackson - the superstar. This book is about the decades long friendship - with ups and downs- Michael and Frank had. Also realize that Frank has a different perception of Michael than we all do. To Frank Cascio , Michael Jackson is the person that he met as a kid without knowing who he was, who turned to a person that helped with his homework, to a father figure and then a friend; a friend that he laughed, worked, cried, shared and even argued at times.

As a long time fan I have also read almost every single book, article, magazine (and even court documents) and watched every documentary, news show etc about Michael. So as I was already knowledgeable about most things, many of the newer books and documentaries didn't offer much "new" stuff to me. I knew them all and they even became boring (how many times do we need to hear the Motown story, honestly?). Frank's book was refreshing in this regard. Although we all know the main events, the details mentioned in the book are new and make it an interesting read. That alone made me satisfied with my purchase.

Frank's book is divided into 3 categories : the time he spent with Michael as a child, the time period when he worked for Michael and the allegations period &later years. Each part has a different tone and their relationship differs between these time periods as well.

The time period when he was a child (from age 4 to till he was 16-18) is perhaps the most fun part of the book. Frank details his experiences with Michael and they are all inspiring to say the least. They will surely put a smile on your face. Frank also tells about Chandler's, his interactions with Michael and what he said about his father Evan - and paints the picture of a jealous father going after Michael. Although Michael went through the emotional and physical toll of the 1993 allegations and dealt with drug issues, Frank's realization about such issues are minimal as he was only a 13 year old kid at the time.

The time period when Frank worked (officially or unofficially) for Michael is the time period (1999 - 2003) was the time period that their relationship evolved to be a lot more closer, well due to the fact that Frank now was an adult and what Michael shared with an adult versus a child obviously was different and Frank was spending a lot more time with Michael and he wasn't a guest anymore. From this time period the book details 1999 bridge accident, recording of Invincible, heal the kids charitable efforts, troubles with Sony, MTV award fiasco, Living with Michael Jackson documentary, the rebuttal videos, MJ Private home movies and Arvizos. In this part Frank wonderfully details and explains the Arvizo's , their relationship with Michael, what actually went on and how calculated Janet Arvizo was.

Final part details the after second allegations, the trial, the falling out and the making up they experienced.

I will try to answer some common questions and concerns in this part

- Although Frank and his family shared a 25 year friendship with Michael, it doesn't mean he told them anything and everything. Frank openly states that when he wanted to keep something private, he simply did. Also what Michael shared with him changes according to his age and whether they had a friendship or a working relationship.

- Frank doesn't write the book in an ultimate indisputable truth format, on the contrary he writes what Michael told him, what he believed, what other people said etc. He clearly identifies what is his opinion. As the reader you are left to your devices to make up your mind to believe whatever you want.

- As everyone knows, drugs are mentioned in the book. And it refers to the 1999 -2001 period when Frank was working for Michael. Any drug use / issues that Michael might have prior to 1999 is unknown to Frank and the rest of the Cascios. Frank witnesses what he now believes to be Propofol at 1999 Munich and 2001 New York. Painkillers especially Demerol seem to be a lot more concern to him. He clearly states that Michael wasn't junkie and he was in terrible pain. The only thing that can be seen "negative" by some is that Frank on occasion questions if Michael's pain was physical or emotional - and therefore if the drugs were really needed. However as you read on Michael's emotional pain and what he had to go through is detailed and his emotional pain is also justified. What the media didn't tell you is that Frank blames doctors for not solving Michael's issues and simply prescribing him drugs. You also weren't told Frank's physical confrontation with doctors. Furthermore Frank tells that later in 2001/ 2002 Michael was working with doctors to solve his chronic pain issues and getting off the drugs. Media also failed to mention that the last time they spent considerable amount of time with Michael in 2007, he wasn't taking any drugs or even drinking alcohol. So you weren't given the full picture of Frank saying this was a period in his life that had physical and emotional pain and that Michael recovered from it and got rid off the drugs. In short Michael wasn't an addict - and isn't portrayed like one in the book.

- Michael's paranoia is also explained as a result of the allegations and business people around him taking advantage of him. More and more Michael becomes unable to trust people and becomes skeptical and even paranoid. It's all because of the people around Michael taking advantage of him and even lying to hurt him. It's his defense mechanism. This is also explained clearly.

- Michael's marriage to Lisa Marie isn't portrayed as fake. Their love, respect, trust is mentioned over and over again. Arab Prince is a story that Michael told a 13 year old Frank , media failed to tell you that Cascio's didn't believe that explanation and believed Michael married Lisa because he wanted to have family and children. As you read the book you learn more that Michael wasn't a man of confrontation and explanations and you think perhaps that was a story he came up with (and used multiple times) so that he wouldn't have to explain himself.

- Downs of his relationship with Michael is also mentioned. According to Frank people have said to Michael that Frank took money / throwbacks for setting up meetings with Michael and that some people he invited to Neverland has been problematic. These issues are resolved rather quickly sometimes even within minutes. Frank also experiences issues with some of Michael's employees after he started working with Michael and there was some animosity.

One major issue that goes on for a long time and Michael calls a betrayal is Michael's belief that Frank refused to testify on behalf of Michael during the 2005 trial. Frank details his story : after Michael's arraignment T-Mez and Frank's lawyer tells Frank to cease any contact with Michael (because if he was called to testify they wanted him to be able to say they had no contact), DA offers Frank immunity to testify against Michael - Frank refuses, Frank's lawyer maintains communication with T-Mez, Frank tells T-Mez what he knows. Initially T-Mez planned to call Frank towards the end of the defense case but then as the testimony goes on T-Mez says he doesn't need Frank to testify, they had achieved reasonable doubt and he doesn't want Frank's 20 year relationship with Michael to be opened up to cross examination.

Frank starts hearing from his family and Michael's family (Auggie) that Michael believed that he betrayed him. Frank equally gets angry to Michael for believing he would betray him. Although they start talking in 2006, they do not discuss this issue until August 2007 and kiss and make up. Michael says "someone" told him that Frank wouldn't testify and to this day Frank doesn't know who that was. They maintain a friendship after this.

- Some fans called this book depressing. It has its funny moments and moments that you can't help but smile to the antics of Michael we all know and love but at times it's also sad. I believe this to be expected as it covers 1993 allegations, 1999 bridge fall, 2001 Sony Events, 2003 allegations and 2005 trial. Simply put : those weren't happy times and it's impossible for the book to be cheery about such topics.

- Invasion of Michael's privacy was also been a concern for the fans but honestly I haven't seen reason for such concerns. Most of the book is about the details of the public business and life events of Michael that we all know. I personally didn't find that Michael loved women, kissed them, had crushes on them and been intimate with them as problematic. It was tastefully written, no details was given and to me was no different than musicians worked with Michael mentioning women and Diddy mentioning Michael came to his party to meet with Beyonce. The pot story - that Michael tried pot because Barry Gibbs told him he wrote his best songs after smoking pot - was so rock'n roll. Also after Murray trial I don't think Michael's history with Demerol and/or Propofol was private either. Probably if alive Michael wouldn't discuss the women in his life and his experimentation with pot but the mention of them wasn't alarming to me.

What was the best parts of the book?

- Michael Jackson the father as always a wonderful thing to read. Michael was also a father to Cascio kids and Omer. His interactions with his kids make you feel happy and love him more. That parts of the book was the one that most stood out actually. I believe that might be the strongest point this book makes.

- Michael Jackson the teacher is also unbelievable. His life lessons to Cascios and his kids, his love for the books, his philosophy is a must must must read for every Michael Jackson fan.

- Frank's first hand witness account of Chandlers and Arvizos is also very valuable information for all.

In the end you'll laugh (such as : peach cobbler, Mr. Donald Duck, Gary the driver, Michael choosing what to wear, Michael's pranks) and you'll get sad (such as allegations, how media treated Michael). Overall it's a good read that I recommend to everyone. Just realize it's about Michael Jackson the man, not the Michael Jackson the superstar or Michael Jackson the perfect saint.
thank you Ivy now i really look forward to winterbreak so i can read this book
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

just finished the book. This is my review

Must buy - but don't expect an all laughs fairy tale

Before I go into details, there's something that everyone should understand about this book. As Frank mentions in the prologue this book is about Michael Jackson - the man and not Michael Jackson - the superstar. This book is about the decades long friendship - with ups and downs- Michael and Frank had. Also realize that Frank has a different perception of Michael than we all do. To Frank Cascio , Michael Jackson is the person that he met as a kid without knowing who he was, who turned to a person that helped with his homework, to a father figure and then a friend; a friend that he laughed, worked, cried, shared and even argued at times.

As a long time fan I have also read almost every single book, article, magazine (and even court documents) and watched every documentary, news show etc about Michael. So as I was already knowledgeable about most things, many of the newer books and documentaries didn't offer much "new" stuff to me. I knew them all and they even became boring (how many times do we need to hear the Motown story, honestly?). Frank's book was refreshing in this regard. Although we all know the main events, the details mentioned in the book are new and make it an interesting read. That alone made me satisfied with my purchase.

Frank's book is divided into 3 categories : the time he spent with Michael as a child, the time period when he worked for Michael and the allegations period &later years. Each part has a different tone and their relationship differs between these time periods as well.

The time period when he was a child (from age 4 to till he was 16-18) is perhaps the most fun part of the book. Frank details his experiences with Michael and they are all inspiring to say the least. They will surely put a smile on your face. Frank also tells about Chandler's, his interactions with Michael and what he said about his father Evan - and paints the picture of a jealous father going after Michael. Although Michael went through the emotional and physical toll of the 1993 allegations and dealt with drug issues, Frank's realization about such issues are minimal as he was only a 13 year old kid at the time.

The time period when Frank worked (officially or unofficially) for Michael is the time period (1999 - 2003) that their relationship evolved to be a lot more closer, well due to the fact that Frank now was an adult and what Michael shared with an adult versus a child obviously was different and Frank was spending a lot more time with Michael and he wasn't a guest anymore. From this time period the book details 1999 bridge accident, recording of Invincible, heal the kids charitable efforts, troubles with Sony, MTV award fiasco, Living with Michael Jackson documentary, the rebuttal videos, MJ Private home movies and Arvizos. In this part Frank wonderfully details and explains the Arvizo's , their relationship with Michael, what actually went on and how calculated Janet Arvizo was.

Final part details the after second allegations, the trial, the falling out and the making up they experienced.

I will try to answer some common questions and concerns in this part

- Although Frank and his family shared a 25 year friendship with Michael, it doesn't mean he told them anything and everything. Frank openly states that when he wanted to keep something private, he simply did. Also what Michael shared with him changes according to his age and whether they had a friendship or a working relationship.

- Frank doesn't write the book in an ultimate indisputable truth format, on the contrary he writes what Michael told him, what he believed, what other people said etc. He clearly identifies what is his opinion. As the reader you are left to your devices to make up your mind to believe whatever you want.

- As everyone knows, drugs are mentioned in the book. And it refers to the 1999 -2001 period when Frank was working for Michael. Any drug use / issues that Michael might have prior to 1999 is unknown to Frank and the rest of the Cascios. Frank witnesses what he now believes to be Propofol at 1999 Munich and 2001 New York. Painkillers especially Demerol seem to be a lot more concern to him. He clearly states that Michael wasn't junkie and he was in terrible pain. The only thing that can be seen "negative" by some is that Frank on occasion questions if Michael's pain was physical or emotional - and therefore if the drugs were really needed. However as you read on Michael's emotional pain and what he had to go through is detailed and his emotional pain is also justified. What the media didn't tell you is that Frank blames doctors for not solving Michael's issues and simply prescribing him drugs. You also weren't told Frank's physical confrontation with doctors. Furthermore Frank tells that later in 2001/ 2002 Michael was working with doctors to solve his chronic pain issues and getting off the drugs. Media also failed to mention that the last time they spent considerable amount of time with Michael in 2007, he wasn't taking any drugs or even drinking alcohol. So you weren't given the full picture of Frank saying this was a period in his life that had physical and emotional pain and that Michael recovered from it and got rid off the drugs. In short Michael wasn't an addict - and isn't portrayed like one in the book.

- Michael's paranoia is also explained as a result of the allegations and business people around him taking advantage of him. More and more Michael becomes unable to trust people and becomes skeptical and even paranoid. It's all because of the people around Michael taking advantage of him and even lying to hurt him. It's his defense mechanism. This is also explained clearly.

- Michael's marriage to Lisa Marie isn't portrayed as fake. Their love, respect, trust is mentioned over and over again. Arab Prince is a story that Michael told a 13 year old Frank , media failed to tell you that Cascio's didn't believe that explanation and believed Michael married Lisa because he wanted to have family and children. As you read the book you learn more that Michael wasn't a man of confrontation and explanations and you think perhaps that was a story he came up with (and used multiple times) so that he wouldn't have to explain himself.

- Downs of his relationship with Michael is also mentioned. According to Frank people have said to Michael that Frank took money / throwbacks for setting up meetings with Michael and that some people he invited to Neverland has been problematic. These issues are resolved rather quickly sometimes even within minutes. Frank also experiences issues with some of Michael's employees after he started working with Michael and there was some animosity.

One major issue that goes on for a long time and Michael calls a betrayal is Michael's belief that Frank refused to testify on behalf of Michael during the 2005 trial. Frank details his story : after Michael's arraignment T-Mez and Frank's lawyer tells Frank to cease any contact with Michael (because if he was called to testify they wanted him to be able to say they had no contact), DA offers Frank immunity to testify against Michael - Frank refuses, Frank's lawyer maintains communication with T-Mez, Frank tells T-Mez what he knows. Initially T-Mez planned to call Frank towards the end of the defense case but then as the testimony goes on T-Mez says he doesn't need Frank to testify, they had achieved reasonable doubt and he doesn't want Frank's 20 year relationship with Michael to be opened up to cross examination.

Frank starts hearing from his family and Michael's family (Auggie) that Michael believed that he betrayed him. Frank equally gets angry to Michael for believing he would betray him. Although they start talking in 2006, they do not discuss this issue until August 2007 and kiss and make up. Michael says "someone" told him that Frank wouldn't testify and to this day Frank doesn't know who that was. They maintain a friendship after this.

- Some fans called this book depressing. It has its funny moments and moments that you can't help but smile to the antics of Michael we all know and love but at times it's also sad. I believe this to be expected as it covers 1993 allegations, 1999 bridge fall, 2001 Sony Events, 2003 allegations and 2005 trial. Simply put : those weren't happy times and it's impossible for the book to be cheery about such topics.

- Invasion of Michael's privacy was also been a concern for the fans but honestly I haven't seen reason for such concerns. Most of the book is about the details of the public business and life events of Michael that we all know. I personally didn't find that Michael loved women, kissed them, had crushes on them and been intimate with them as problematic. It was tastefully written, no details was given and to me was no different than musicians worked with Michael mentioning women and Diddy mentioning Michael came to his party to meet with Beyonce. The pot story - that Michael tried pot because Barry Gibbs told him he wrote his best songs after smoking pot - was so rock'n roll. Also after Murray trial I don't think Michael's history with Demerol and/or Propofol was private either. Probably if alive Michael wouldn't discuss the women in his life and his experimentation with pot but the mention of them wasn't alarming to me.

What was the best parts of the book?

- Michael Jackson the father as always a wonderful thing to read. Michael was also a father to Cascio kids and Omer. His interactions with his kids make you feel happy and love him more. That parts of the book was the one that most stood out actually. I believe that might be the strongest point this book makes.

- Michael Jackson the teacher is also unbelievable. His life lessons to Cascios and his kids, his love for the books, his philosophy is a must must must read for every Michael Jackson fan.

- Frank's first hand witness account of Chandlers and Arvizos is also very valuable information for all.

In the end you'll laugh (such as : peach cobbler, Mr. Donald Duck, Gary the driver, Michael choosing what to wear, Michael's pranks) and you'll get sad (such as allegations, how media treated Michael). Overall it's a good read that I recommend to everyone. Just realize it's about Michael Jackson the man, not the Michael Jackson the superstar or Michael Jackson the perfect saint.


:popcorn:



Yes, not everything can be perfect. :fear: But OK. Thanks Ivy! ;) But still, I will not buy this book. -_- :fear:

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

Everyone knows, i am EMPHATICALLY against the Jacksons. Every single one of them.

But if Taj gets his act together, i will do a complete 180. So he better comes through today and call out, no only the self-serving Cascios (true heirs? lol) but also, the hypocrisy we've been witnessing in the fan community.

Time for Jacksons to stop acting like greedy m**f*** and start putting MJ's interests above their schemes.

Hahha did you see his tweets? Nothing yet about exposing lies and what not... just some bullshit about fans not supporting them enough... and how we all are hateful and we need to carry on the Jackson name yada yada

So i have no idea what he meant about "setting a lot of the record straight."
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hahha did you see his tweets? Nothing yet about exposing lies and what not... just some bullshit about fans not supporting them enough... and how we all are hateful and we need to carry on the Jackson name yada yada

So i have no idea what he meant about "setting a lot of the record straight."

Yes. A lot of bla bla bla....
emoticons_487_0484.gif
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hahha did you see his tweets? Nothing yet about exposing lies and what not... just some bullshit about fans not supporting them enough... and how we all are hateful and we need to carry on the Jackson name yada yada

So i have no idea what he meant about "setting a lot of the record straight."
well we are MICHAEL Jackson fans. i don't get how that automatically requiers suport for the whole Jackson clan!
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

what is taj saying can someone please post here what he is saying or posting???
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

What the media didn't tell you is that Frank blames doctors for not solving Michael's issues and simply prescribing him drugs. You also weren't told Frank's physical confrontation with doctors.

Frank did manage to get this out on the Dr. Drew interview (between his repeated interruptions).

Nice review. I'm up to chapter 4 and it's a good read. I'm anxious to continue.
 
Ingelief;3540089 said:
what is taj saying can someone please post here what he is saying or posting???
https://twitter.com/#!/tajjackson3
tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
Although my uncle strove for perfection, he would be the first to tell you that he was not perfect.

He sometimes would make bad deals or business decisions or hung around and trusted the wrong people.

If my uncle had one "flaw", it was that he had such a pure heart and wanted to help others, even before himself.

Where do you think my uncle got this pure heart from?
You already know the answer.. His mother. Katherine

However when it comes to my Grandma, it sometimes feels like there is no tolerance or support out there. Just criticism. Without people even knowing the whole story. The easiest thing to do is sit back and only criticize. My uncle was a victim of that his whole life.

"Before you judge me, try hard to love me"

Oh... and just for the record...I am not attacking anyone, or angry, or picking fights with fan clubs. I am merely expressing my point of view. If my tweets offend you that much, please unfollow me.
57 seconds ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
See what I mean.
44 minutes ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
What I did not expect was for certain MJ fans and fan clubs to spew or tolerate so much hatred and lies towards my family.

Fans that stood by my uncle through thick and thin. The same fans that witnessed first hand how the media told lie after lie about MJ trying to destroy his character. The same fans that always had my uncle's back.

Now these fans are watching the Jackson families every move. Reading and contributing to tabloid sites. Hoping and praying that we as a family mess up or fail. Getting pleasure out of ridiculing us whenever they can either by twitter, facebook or on online message boards.

Don't these fans know that they have turned into the same thing that my uncle Michael loathed? - Negativity.

Spreading lies, rumors, hatred and poisoning others.

Yes these fans spread MJ love but not love in general.
49 minutes ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
The hardest lesson I learned being "a Jackson" is that you can't please everyone. Someone will always complain, someone will always have something negative to say about you, someone will always twist your story, and yes, someone will always route for your failure.
I don't know what it is about this last name, but with all the love and happiness it brings to most, it also bring out so much hostility, animosity, and hate in others.
1 hour ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
Everyday I feel blessed and lucky to be "a Jackson". Sometimes I wake up and wonder "Why me?". Out of all the babies born each day, I was born into the most important and successful musical family of all time.

I am naturally a shy and quiet person, but I have always been proud to be "a Jackson" and I wear the Jackson name like a badge of honor.
1 hour ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
Hey guys. How is everyone doing today?
2 hours ago
https://twitter.com/#!/tajjackson3
tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
My uncle taught me never to give up on "haters". Look deeper inside and you will find a lot of pain, suffering, and sadness.
10 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
“@Maxineccg:MJ was a very giving person 2 the needy,is that something that is in your plans” Of course.I learned that lesson from the best.
19 minutes ago

tajjackson3 Taj Jackson
When I speak of my uncle Michael's legacy, I am not only speaking about the "MJ" legacy. I am speaking about the "Jackson" legacy.

Anyone close to my uncle would tell you that one of the things he wanted most was for both the "Jackson" name and legacy to carry on from generation to generation.

That is one of the reasons why he invested so much time and energy into our group 3T.

He told us that we would be responsible for continuing this legacy and the Jackson name. And that our kids would have to continue it after us.

I know my uncle told his children the same exact thing because I was right there in Vegas one of the times he said it to them.

So for me, it is not only about protecting and continuing the "MJ" name and legacy... but protecting and continuing the Jackson name and legacy as well.

Please don't contribute to the media's attempt to try and destroy both.
25 minutes ago
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Taj should use that time to do something useful, like getting a job. Instead of rambling on twitter.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Drew Pinksy is apparently a hammer, and to him absolutely everyone and everything looks like a nail. Of all the things in that book he could have asked Frank, it was, oh-so-predictably -- DRUGS!! A-WORD!!! I truly wish "Dr." Drew's fifteen minutes of fame were up already?
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Taj should use that time to do something useful, like getting a job. Instead of rambling on twitter.

Real nice.

Thanks for proving Taj's point.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Taj should be left out of this thread as he's not talking about Frank or his book.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Thank you for your review, Ivy. I couldn't agree more. Usually I am a very quick reader and would have finished the book quickly, but with this one, I kept re-reading several passages, simply because I love sweet and funny stories about Michael. :) Definitely a good read.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

I don't know if this book was a good idea. The media picks the details it wants and the general public hear that. I find this book more for the fans. He says he wants to show people how misunderstood Michael was but are non fans especially going to hear all the details? I don't think so. So far his tv interviews have been about the drugs and why Michael was hanging out with him as a child. It's stuff like that the media want and he is giving that to him.

I don't think his intentions were bad but I don't know is he is going to achieve what he wants with this book. Sometimes it's better to say nothing. If Michael didn't want him to write a book when he was alive then how can we be sure he would want this now? I don't know the answer to that anyways.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Frank in his live stream says MJ was not an addict more clearly now... but, then he defends the Jackson family again by saying they (The Jacksons) like his family knew MJ well from his depths. See I wouldn't have an issue with that if members of the jacksons family weren't saying MJ was an addict. He also says that MJ told him don't ever write a book about him while he was alive or he be in trouble and he knew MJ was serious cause MJ don't say things without meaning and he also admits that he wouldn't have written the book if MJ were still alive.

And that's why I won't support this book, if MJ made it clear he did'nt want him to write a book about him alive, he should've also honored that request in death. This is about what Frank Cascio wants period.
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Sometimes it's better to say nothing. If Michael didn't want him to write a book when he was alive then how can we be sure he would want this now?

Bingo..That's exactly how I see it..
 
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hahha did you see his tweets? Nothing yet about exposing lies and what not... just some bullshit about fans not supporting them enough... and how we all are hateful and we need to carry on the Jackson name yada yada

So i have no idea what he meant about "setting a lot of the record straight."

lol You make me want to check Taj's tweet now. lol It;s so funny that he want us to carry on the Jackson name???? Seriously? Why we need to do that? We are MJ's fan not the Jacksons fan. If he wanted people to support anything, achieve something by themselves not using their famous uncle's name. I feel so disappointed to Taj. I used to like 3T a lot. It's sad that he was also living in some Jackson land along with some of his relatives.

Edit: oh Thanks for the people who post Taj's tweet. I do agree most of the thing he said that some fans were going to far curing Katherine in a bad way. However, I think they really should go back and think what they did with MJ's legacy and his kids. Stop using those kids. Jesus.

and what's this??
"When I speak of my uncle Michael's legacy, I am not only speaking about the "MJ" legacy. I am speaking about the "Jackson" legacy."
and this????
"Anyone close to my uncle would tell you that one of the things he wanted most was for both the "Jackson" name and legacy to carry on from generation to generation. "

Jesus! they never understand the last name didn't make you live on. It's your work. I am sorry the 3rd generations of the Jacksons seemed to be brainwashed big time and have a terrible value. You earned your respect not by your last name. I hope that PPB won't get brainwashed like this. I am sorry but maybe Taj should also listen to what MJ said: tight-knit my ass!!!

Sorry I think after I read his tweets, it seemed to be off topic.

Edit2 : I think it's the Jacksons' responsibility to maintain the Jacksons' legacy. It's not our fans' responsibility to maintain it. Out last names are not Jackson.
 
Last edited:
Re: Frank Cascio "My Friend Michael" book release date Nov 15 ,2011 / Excerpt posted at @pg151

Hahha did you see his tweets? Nothing yet about exposing lies and what not... just some bullshit about fans not supporting them enough... and how we all are hateful and we need to carry on the Jackson name yada yada

So i have no idea what he meant about "setting a lot of the record straight."

Sadly..yes... I am ashamed.

Sorry MJ..not that we didn't try.

Officially wash my hands off the Jacksons. They are exhausting and just take too much of my energy.


As for Frank, I am glad he admitted MJ did not want him to write a book. This proves once and for all what a backstabber he was. I now believe many of the rumours that I've heard over the years about him & his antics.

It boggles the mind that even after he admitted that MJ warned him against writing a book, some fans are still supporting it. It begs so many questions.
 
Back
Top