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July 9, 2010 – Absorbing Michael’s Lyrics – Childhood
After reading the blog entry of a friend of mine here: http://gatorgirl277.blogspot.com/2010/07/have-you-seen-his-childhood.html#comment-form , it inspired me to begin a series of blog entries to better understand Michael. The best way to do that, other than listening to him speak during interviews, is to get intimate with his works of art.
Many don’t know that Michael was also a fantastic creator of pencil and charcoal drawings, but his most articulate form of expression was in the written word married to music.
One of the hardest videos I have ever had to struggle through listening, was Michael’s “Childhood”. Written in 1993 not long after the first child molestation accusations broke out, he shot this video on location, with his wife Lisa Marie Presley at his side. View the video here,
<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dVJscGa5vbc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dVJscGa5vbc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>
These are the lyrics:
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart... No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I've never known...
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood I've never known...
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my Childhood...
I had never heard this song before June of 2009. The first time I heard it was Michael’s mention of it during the 2003 Interview with Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes. This was during the digging I did through interviews to get to know him. I had been through all of Michael’s interviews in chronological order by that time and was coming to the end of them.
During that interview Michael had told Ed Bradley that the most autobiographical song he has ever written was childhood, and implored his viewers to listen to it, if they really wanted to get to know him. So that is what I did. By then I had already learned through his interviews about his childhood, the cruelty of his father, family friends and even some fans concerning the comments they made to him as he grew up, his struggle with acne, then lupus, then the disfiguring Pepsi commercial fire, then the Vitiligo, all while still giving his heart and soul on stage.
I prayed. What did they do to him? And why?
Michael said:
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart...
Michael as a child performed with the depth of a middle-aged man. Michael said he had heard people tell him that he was a middle aged man in a midgets body . . . then he grew up.
Before he was done with high school, he was a veteran to the stage. Somewhere along the line Michael held on for dear life to a childhood he never had, while navigating an increasingly isolating lifestyle not only out of safety, but out of confusion of who he could possibly find that he could relate to. The very reason he hung out with other children, or older, childhood stars who had their childhoods yanked from them in a similar way.
He said:
“No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I've never known...”
Not only did people not understand him, they had to dig through the devastation of debris the press left behind in their attempts to stuff Michael into a box that never fit him. Most people just took for granted that the tabloids at the top of the pile were the truth.
Strange eccentricities turned out to be once private, medical conditions and injuries. His desire to be around children was simple and understandable. They didn’t view him, as Nikki said on her blog, as a possession. Children know how to be themselves around him. Children were openly expressive, didn’t hide their feelings or mask a deeper ulterior motive. They just wanted to be his friend. They didn’t care about a position on his staff. They didn’t care how much money he made or how much they could get out of him. They just enjoyed his time, his jokes, his ability to treat them as if he were one of them . . . because he was.
He said:
“Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?”
The games the Michael never got to enjoy with friends, like running around outside to play cowboys or pretend he was Elliot Ness, or go on a boyscout campout, or play baseball or spend the day at the community pool with a bunch of friends at school.
Although I was a pretty solitary child myself, I spent countless hours just riding my bike down country roads just to find roads I had never been on before. I would climb the trees over the railroad tracks on the bank and watch the people walking under me on the trail, unaware of my presence. The things I took for granted back then that, although I lacked friends, I never lacked the time to be able to enjoy and ponder creation. I did have time to pretend and draw my own paper dolls and role play my way out of feeling bad about what someone did to me in school. This is time I would love to give to him.
Michael survived an abusive and emotionally cruel upbringing despite his success as a recording artist. Before he was double-digits in age he was performing in clubs people needed to be 21 years of age to get into.
Michael endured, with taunts acne, lankiness, broken nose from a fall, puberty, shyness, loneliness, scaly lesions from lupus, a pyrotechnic accident resulting in second and third degree burns and scarring to his face and scalp resulting in hair loss, the loss of his skin color due to vitiligo, battles with anxiety causing depleted appetite, insomnia and dehydration. All this BEFORE a jealous and possessive father used his son and Michael's love for children to extort $23 million out of him.
Before you judge him . . . anyone, try hard to love them (as Jesus does). Look within your heart and ask . . . have you seen his childhood? I bet most of us have.
Source:
http://www.mjfancommunity.com/bonnie26.htm
After reading the blog entry of a friend of mine here: http://gatorgirl277.blogspot.com/2010/07/have-you-seen-his-childhood.html#comment-form , it inspired me to begin a series of blog entries to better understand Michael. The best way to do that, other than listening to him speak during interviews, is to get intimate with his works of art.
Many don’t know that Michael was also a fantastic creator of pencil and charcoal drawings, but his most articulate form of expression was in the written word married to music.
One of the hardest videos I have ever had to struggle through listening, was Michael’s “Childhood”. Written in 1993 not long after the first child molestation accusations broke out, he shot this video on location, with his wife Lisa Marie Presley at his side. View the video here,
<object width="640" height="390"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dVJscGa5vbc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dVJscGa5vbc&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></embed></object>
These are the lyrics:
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart... No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I've never known...
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?
People say I'm strange that way
'Cause I love such elementary things,
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood I've never known...
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like fantastical stories to share
The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me.
The painful youth I've had
Have you seen my Childhood...
I had never heard this song before June of 2009. The first time I heard it was Michael’s mention of it during the 2003 Interview with Ed Bradley on 60 Minutes. This was during the digging I did through interviews to get to know him. I had been through all of Michael’s interviews in chronological order by that time and was coming to the end of them.
During that interview Michael had told Ed Bradley that the most autobiographical song he has ever written was childhood, and implored his viewers to listen to it, if they really wanted to get to know him. So that is what I did. By then I had already learned through his interviews about his childhood, the cruelty of his father, family friends and even some fans concerning the comments they made to him as he grew up, his struggle with acne, then lupus, then the disfiguring Pepsi commercial fire, then the Vitiligo, all while still giving his heart and soul on stage.
I prayed. What did they do to him? And why?
Michael said:
Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for the world that I come from
'Cause I've been looking around
In the lost and found of my heart...
Michael as a child performed with the depth of a middle-aged man. Michael said he had heard people tell him that he was a middle aged man in a midgets body . . . then he grew up.
Before he was done with high school, he was a veteran to the stage. Somewhere along the line Michael held on for dear life to a childhood he never had, while navigating an increasingly isolating lifestyle not only out of safety, but out of confusion of who he could possibly find that he could relate to. The very reason he hung out with other children, or older, childhood stars who had their childhoods yanked from them in a similar way.
He said:
“No one understands me
They view it as such strange eccentricities...
'Cause I keep kidding around
Like a child, but pardon me...
People say I'm not okay
'Cause I love such elementary things...
It's been my fate to compensate,
for the Childhood
I've never known...”
Not only did people not understand him, they had to dig through the devastation of debris the press left behind in their attempts to stuff Michael into a box that never fit him. Most people just took for granted that the tabloids at the top of the pile were the truth.
Strange eccentricities turned out to be once private, medical conditions and injuries. His desire to be around children was simple and understandable. They didn’t view him, as Nikki said on her blog, as a possession. Children know how to be themselves around him. Children were openly expressive, didn’t hide their feelings or mask a deeper ulterior motive. They just wanted to be his friend. They didn’t care about a position on his staff. They didn’t care how much money he made or how much they could get out of him. They just enjoyed his time, his jokes, his ability to treat them as if he were one of them . . . because he was.
He said:
“Have you seen my Childhood?
I'm searching for that wonder in my youth
Like pirates in adventurous dreams,
Of conquest and kings on the throne...
Before you judge me, try hard to love me,
Look within your heart then ask,
Have you seen my Childhood?”
The games the Michael never got to enjoy with friends, like running around outside to play cowboys or pretend he was Elliot Ness, or go on a boyscout campout, or play baseball or spend the day at the community pool with a bunch of friends at school.
Although I was a pretty solitary child myself, I spent countless hours just riding my bike down country roads just to find roads I had never been on before. I would climb the trees over the railroad tracks on the bank and watch the people walking under me on the trail, unaware of my presence. The things I took for granted back then that, although I lacked friends, I never lacked the time to be able to enjoy and ponder creation. I did have time to pretend and draw my own paper dolls and role play my way out of feeling bad about what someone did to me in school. This is time I would love to give to him.
Michael survived an abusive and emotionally cruel upbringing despite his success as a recording artist. Before he was double-digits in age he was performing in clubs people needed to be 21 years of age to get into.
Michael endured, with taunts acne, lankiness, broken nose from a fall, puberty, shyness, loneliness, scaly lesions from lupus, a pyrotechnic accident resulting in second and third degree burns and scarring to his face and scalp resulting in hair loss, the loss of his skin color due to vitiligo, battles with anxiety causing depleted appetite, insomnia and dehydration. All this BEFORE a jealous and possessive father used his son and Michael's love for children to extort $23 million out of him.
Before you judge him . . . anyone, try hard to love them (as Jesus does). Look within your heart and ask . . . have you seen his childhood? I bet most of us have.
Source:
http://www.mjfancommunity.com/bonnie26.htm
Ashtanga
Proud Member
MJJLaugh;3077507 said:
MJJLaugh
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- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
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Michael Jackson - Childhood
The video you are about to watch contains a compilation of photos and video footage of Michael as child: performing, rehearsing, posing for pictures, waving to the fans, always working. How serious and lonely he looks, longing for a real friend and the possibility to play and have fun, like kids do....
The video you are about to watch contains a compilation of photos and video footage of Michael as child: performing, rehearsing, posing for pictures, waving to the fans, always working. How serious and lonely he looks, longing for a real friend and the possibility to play and have fun, like kids do....
Ashtanga
Proud Member
:wub:
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
- Points
- 0
Part 1 - Michael Jackson - His Loneliness
bA brief introduction
It seems as if every great artist suffered a lot, being lonely, misunderstood, ahead of their time. This was also true of Michael Jackson. I would wish he had been happier in his life, because that is what we want for the people we love. Some say that unhappiness and loneliness helps their creativity. This might be different though depending on the type of person. Isn't it a bitter irony that the most beloved artist in the world was also one of the loneliest people in the world ? He truly loved his fans, who stood by him and loved him like family. He fed off them while on the stage. But adoration and love from afar is not the same as being able to hug the one you love and share your life with.
In Part 2 I will show you the things that made him happy. The best way to do that is in his own words, be it an essay, a poem, a song or a quote. To balance it all out I thought it best to have two parts. I searched and searched on "Michael Jackson happy" "Michael Jackson joy". Nothing! Hardly anything. Then I smiled because I remembered the "Michael" word that gives that touch of magic - BLISS.
I hope you enjoy both posts!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is often said that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul. One thing his eyes show is his indescribable loneliness. That and his shyness could very well be why he felt more comfortable wearing sunglasses in public.
From the 1993 Interview with Oprah
Michael: Well, on stage for me was home. I was most comfortable on stage but once I got off stage, I was like, very sad.
Oprah: Really?
Michael: Yes.
Oprah: And sad from the beginning, sad since it first started, why so sad?
Michael: Lonely, sad, having to face popularity and all that. There were times when I had great times with my brothers, pillow fights and things, but I used to always cry from loneliness.
Oprah: Beginning at what age?
Michael: Oh, very little, eight, nine.
Oprah: When you all became famous?
Michael: Yes.
-------------------------------------------
On Being Lonely
"People think they know me, but they don`t. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me."
~ Michael Jackson
<a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/itsmezinara/?action=view¤t=lonely.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/itsmezinara/lonely.jpg" border="0" alt="michael jackson at neverland"></a>
And here's another quote:
"Success definitely brings on loneliness. People think you're lucky, that you have everything. They think you can go anywhere and do anything, but that's not the point. One hungers for the basic stuff."
~ Michael Jackson
When you take a look at the lyrics of his songs, you find that many of them deal with feeling lonely. For example "Will You Be There", one of my favorite songs.
at 3.10 "....I get lonely sometimes, get lonely, Yeah Yeah..."
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/21hGoBqQFdA?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/21hGoBqQFdA?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Michael explains how he uses melancholy and pain for the creative process and as a performer. He also explains how plants and animals respond to music and grow more beautifully, in the rebuttal video called "The Footage You were Never Meant to See"
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VC8xrmOVXaY?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VC8xrmOVXaY?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Excerpt from a conversation with Rabbi Boatech
Shmuley Boteach: Was there an age at which you realized, “Oh my gosh, I missed my childhood?”
Michael Jackson: Yes, I remember distinctly ... It’s like being on a ride you can’t get off and you think, “Oh my God. What did I do?” and you are committed and you can’t get off. It hit me before I was a teenager. I wanted so badly to play in the park across the street because the kids were playing baseball and football but I had to record. I could see the park, right across the street. But I had to go in the other building and work until late at night making the albums. I sat there looking at the kids with tears running down my face and I would say, “I am trapped and I have to do this for the rest of my life. I am under contract.” But I wanted to go over there so bad it was killing me, just to make a friend to say, “Hi.” I used to walk the streets looking for someone to talk to. I told you that.
SB: How old were you?
MJ: It was during the Thriller album.
SB: So you were the biggest star in the whole world and. . .
MJ: I was looking for people to talk to. I was so lonely I would cry in my room upstairs. I would think, “That’s it. I am getting out of here,” and I would walk down the street. I remember really saying to people, “Will you be my friend?”
-----------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson - Lonely Teardrops
The original song was done by Jackie Wlison, but just listen how soulful Michael sings this song. He sings from his own experience undoubtedly, even at such a young age.
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ed1w4m3uc54?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ed1w4m3uc54?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Sources:
http://www.bvonbooks.com/2009/07/13...e-to-oprah-of-sadness-and-loneliness-in-firs/
http://www.iwise.com/hFF4n
http://www.bet.com/entertainment/Photos/celebrityquotesmichaeljackson.htm
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33004980/ns/today-today_books/
bA brief introduction
It seems as if every great artist suffered a lot, being lonely, misunderstood, ahead of their time. This was also true of Michael Jackson. I would wish he had been happier in his life, because that is what we want for the people we love. Some say that unhappiness and loneliness helps their creativity. This might be different though depending on the type of person. Isn't it a bitter irony that the most beloved artist in the world was also one of the loneliest people in the world ? He truly loved his fans, who stood by him and loved him like family. He fed off them while on the stage. But adoration and love from afar is not the same as being able to hug the one you love and share your life with.
In Part 2 I will show you the things that made him happy. The best way to do that is in his own words, be it an essay, a poem, a song or a quote. To balance it all out I thought it best to have two parts. I searched and searched on "Michael Jackson happy" "Michael Jackson joy". Nothing! Hardly anything. Then I smiled because I remembered the "Michael" word that gives that touch of magic - BLISS.
I hope you enjoy both posts!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It is often said that the eyes are the mirrors of the soul. One thing his eyes show is his indescribable loneliness. That and his shyness could very well be why he felt more comfortable wearing sunglasses in public.
From the 1993 Interview with Oprah
Michael: Well, on stage for me was home. I was most comfortable on stage but once I got off stage, I was like, very sad.
Oprah: Really?
Michael: Yes.
Oprah: And sad from the beginning, sad since it first started, why so sad?
Michael: Lonely, sad, having to face popularity and all that. There were times when I had great times with my brothers, pillow fights and things, but I used to always cry from loneliness.
Oprah: Beginning at what age?
Michael: Oh, very little, eight, nine.
Oprah: When you all became famous?
Michael: Yes.
-------------------------------------------
On Being Lonely
"People think they know me, but they don`t. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me."
~ Michael Jackson
<a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/itsmezinara/?action=view¤t=lonely.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd343/itsmezinara/lonely.jpg" border="0" alt="michael jackson at neverland"></a>
And here's another quote:
"Success definitely brings on loneliness. People think you're lucky, that you have everything. They think you can go anywhere and do anything, but that's not the point. One hungers for the basic stuff."
~ Michael Jackson
When you take a look at the lyrics of his songs, you find that many of them deal with feeling lonely. For example "Will You Be There", one of my favorite songs.
at 3.10 "....I get lonely sometimes, get lonely, Yeah Yeah..."
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/21hGoBqQFdA?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/21hGoBqQFdA?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Michael explains how he uses melancholy and pain for the creative process and as a performer. He also explains how plants and animals respond to music and grow more beautifully, in the rebuttal video called "The Footage You were Never Meant to See"
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VC8xrmOVXaY?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VC8xrmOVXaY?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Excerpt from a conversation with Rabbi Boatech
Shmuley Boteach: Was there an age at which you realized, “Oh my gosh, I missed my childhood?”
Michael Jackson: Yes, I remember distinctly ... It’s like being on a ride you can’t get off and you think, “Oh my God. What did I do?” and you are committed and you can’t get off. It hit me before I was a teenager. I wanted so badly to play in the park across the street because the kids were playing baseball and football but I had to record. I could see the park, right across the street. But I had to go in the other building and work until late at night making the albums. I sat there looking at the kids with tears running down my face and I would say, “I am trapped and I have to do this for the rest of my life. I am under contract.” But I wanted to go over there so bad it was killing me, just to make a friend to say, “Hi.” I used to walk the streets looking for someone to talk to. I told you that.
SB: How old were you?
MJ: It was during the Thriller album.
SB: So you were the biggest star in the whole world and. . .
MJ: I was looking for people to talk to. I was so lonely I would cry in my room upstairs. I would think, “That’s it. I am getting out of here,” and I would walk down the street. I remember really saying to people, “Will you be my friend?”
-----------------------------------------------------
Michael Jackson - Lonely Teardrops
The original song was done by Jackie Wlison, but just listen how soulful Michael sings this song. He sings from his own experience undoubtedly, even at such a young age.
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ed1w4m3uc54?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ed1w4m3uc54?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
Sources:
http://www.bvonbooks.com/2009/07/13...e-to-oprah-of-sadness-and-loneliness-in-firs/
http://www.iwise.com/hFF4n
http://www.bet.com/entertainment/Photos/celebrityquotesmichaeljackson.htm
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33004980/ns/today-today_books/
Ashtanga
Proud Member
Part 1 - Michael Jackson - His Loneliness
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
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Part 2 - Michael Jackson and Bliss
So we have noticed that Michael liked to use the word "Bliss". But what does this word really mean other than joy and happiness ? I looked it up and this is what I found:
BLISS
–noun
1.
supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.
2.
Theology . the joy of heaven.
3.
heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss.
4.
Archaic . a cause of great joy or happiness.
—Idiom
5.
bliss out, Slang .
a.
to experience bliss or euphoria: Just give them some bean sprouts and a little tofu and they bliss out.
b.
to cause to become blissful or euphoric: a recording guaranteed to bliss out every Mozart fan.
( Note: replace 'Mozart' by Michael - MJJLaugh)
"Out of bliss comes magic, wonderment, and creativity." ~Michael Jackson, on the happiness that led him to write "Speechless"
Going to Disneyland, on rides, MJ is having fun!
Michael goes shopping in a supermarket!
<a href="http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab310/La-Marqueta/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20Animations/?action=view¤t=shoppin.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab310/La-Marqueta/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20Animations/shoppin.gif" border="0" alt="michael jackson,shopping,funny,hilarious,cart,fun,having fun"></a>
One of Michael's poem, from the book "Dancing the Dream":
Heaven Is Here" - by Michael Jackson
You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
There is only one Wholeness
Only one Mind
We are like ripples
In the vast Ocean of Consciousness
Come, let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
The birds, the bees
The infinite galaxies
Rivers, Mountains
Clouds and Valleys
Are all a pulsating pattern
Living, breathing
Alive with cosmic energy
Full of Life, of Joy
This Universe of Mine
Don't be afraid
To know who you are
You are much more
Than you ever imagined
You are the Sun
You are the Moon
You are the wildflower in bloom
You are the Life-throb
That pulsates, dances
From a speck of dust
To the most distant star
And you and I
Were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
Let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Curving back within ourselves
We create
Again and again
Endless cycles come and go
We rejoice
In the infinitude of Time
There never was a time
When I was not
Or you were not
There never will be a time
When we will cease to be
Infinite -- Unbounded
In the Ocean of Consciousness
We are like ripples
In the Sea of Bliss
You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Heaven is Here
Right now is the moment
of Eternity
Don't fool yourself
Reclaim your Bliss
Once you were lost
But now you're home
In a nonlocal Universe
There is nowhere to go From Here to Here
Is the Unbounded
Ocean of Consciousness
We are like ripples
In the Sea of Bliss
Come, let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
And You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Heaven is Here
Right now, this moment of Eternity
Don't fool yourself
Reclaim your Bliss
*******
Perhaps you don't have the book Dancing the Dream, but you would love to read his other work, here's your chance:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6547388/Michael-Jackson-Dancing-the-Dream
King of Pranks
And of course Michael had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh:
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The Sweetest Laugh
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So we have noticed that Michael liked to use the word "Bliss". But what does this word really mean other than joy and happiness ? I looked it up and this is what I found:
BLISS
–noun
1.
supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss.
2.
Theology . the joy of heaven.
3.
heaven; paradise: the road to eternal bliss.
4.
Archaic . a cause of great joy or happiness.
—Idiom
5.
bliss out, Slang .
a.
to experience bliss or euphoria: Just give them some bean sprouts and a little tofu and they bliss out.
b.
to cause to become blissful or euphoric: a recording guaranteed to bliss out every Mozart fan.
( Note: replace 'Mozart' by Michael - MJJLaugh)
"Out of bliss comes magic, wonderment, and creativity." ~Michael Jackson, on the happiness that led him to write "Speechless"
Going to Disneyland, on rides, MJ is having fun!
Michael goes shopping in a supermarket!
<a href="http://s874.photobucket.com/albums/ab310/La-Marqueta/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20Animations/?action=view¤t=shoppin.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i874.photobucket.com/albums/ab310/La-Marqueta/Michael%20Jackson%20-%20Animations/shoppin.gif" border="0" alt="michael jackson,shopping,funny,hilarious,cart,fun,having fun"></a>
One of Michael's poem, from the book "Dancing the Dream":
Heaven Is Here" - by Michael Jackson
You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
There is only one Wholeness
Only one Mind
We are like ripples
In the vast Ocean of Consciousness
Come, let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
The birds, the bees
The infinite galaxies
Rivers, Mountains
Clouds and Valleys
Are all a pulsating pattern
Living, breathing
Alive with cosmic energy
Full of Life, of Joy
This Universe of Mine
Don't be afraid
To know who you are
You are much more
Than you ever imagined
You are the Sun
You are the Moon
You are the wildflower in bloom
You are the Life-throb
That pulsates, dances
From a speck of dust
To the most distant star
And you and I
Were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
Let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Curving back within ourselves
We create
Again and again
Endless cycles come and go
We rejoice
In the infinitude of Time
There never was a time
When I was not
Or you were not
There never will be a time
When we will cease to be
Infinite -- Unbounded
In the Ocean of Consciousness
We are like ripples
In the Sea of Bliss
You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Heaven is Here
Right now is the moment
of Eternity
Don't fool yourself
Reclaim your Bliss
Once you were lost
But now you're home
In a nonlocal Universe
There is nowhere to go From Here to Here
Is the Unbounded
Ocean of Consciousness
We are like ripples
In the Sea of Bliss
Come, let us dance
The Dance of Creation
Let us celebrate
The Joy of Life
And You and I were never separate
It's just an illusion
Wrought by the magical lens of
Perception
Heaven is Here
Right now, this moment of Eternity
Don't fool yourself
Reclaim your Bliss
*******
Perhaps you don't have the book Dancing the Dream, but you would love to read his other work, here's your chance:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/6547388/Michael-Jackson-Dancing-the-Dream
King of Pranks
And of course Michael had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh:
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q7-IefDVYYc?fs=1&hl=nl_NL"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/q7-IefDVYYc?fs=1&hl=nl_NL" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>
The Sweetest Laugh
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MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
- Points
- 0
Michael Jackson - Beat It
Beat It is one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs! When a song really gets to me I like to know all there is to know about it. What inspired the song ? What inspired the lyrics ?
What are some little known or random song facts ? So I did a little digging in the good ole internet and this is what I found:
Bob Giraldi talks to Boards about directing the short film for "Beat It"
In "Beat It", the 25-year-old pop star was cast as a peacemaker who uses dance to quell a knife fight between a two warring gangs. The video, which featured a cast of real-life gang members and choreography by Michael Peters, was directed by Bob Giraldi, who would go on to direct Jackson in two Pepsi commercials for BBDO, New York.
Giraldi recently spoke to Boards about working with Crips, Bloods and choreographers to make "Beat It".
How did you end up directing the video for "Beat It"?
As I was told, there was a certain spot that I directed in my early years as a commercial director for WLS-TV in Chicago, about two elderly blind people - a married couple - that didn't run from a neighborhood that all the other white folks fled from. It had become a very inner city, tough neighborhood and they chose to stay and throw a block party for all the young kids in the neighborhood. It was a commercial that Michael was really taken with - it was an emotional commercial, it was based on truth and he liked it a lot. So he wanted to meet and we met.
I wanted "Billie Jean" and he had just finished shooting "Billie Jean", but he said he had this track called "Beat It" and maybe I'd like to come up with an idea for that. In those days, you didn't compete [for videos]. There were no three bids - there wasn't a whole lot of politics. Record labels didn't have commissioners, it was a different business. It wasn't a business yet.
What did you base the concept on?
One of the things that is totally mistaken that I've read many times is that most people think "Beat It" was inspired by West Side Story and that's absolutely not true at all.
I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey - always an edgy town but full of people really trying to be so much tougher than they really are. It seemed to me this song of peace, this song of reconciliation that Michael had written was perfect for a quasi kind of rumble. I've read where, the two lead dancers - Michael Peters and Vince Paterson - when they had their wrists tied and held the switchblades, that came from West Side Story. That's not true at all. That came from a story I heard when I worked in a factory one summer. A real tough kid from Jersey told me that he'd witnessed two guys who had their wrists tied and they held switchblades, and only one came out - and not too well. It was based on that little fable.
Michael liked my idea and decided he was going to include the Crips and Bloods, which I thought was insane. If you see the video, you'll see guys that look like the real deal because they are the real deal.
How did you cast the real gang members?
It was Michael. He went out and he got 'em through, I guess, the LAPD's gang squad and he convinced them that, with enough police presence, this would be a smart and charitable thing to do; get them there to like each other and hang with each other for two days doing the video. I didn't like the idea because it was hard enough to direct actors and dancers, let alone hoods.
So he tried to use the video to foster peace between them?
Michael was always about peace. He was always about some sort of peace offering. That was his idea and the cops did go along with it and as history has it, we were almost shut down the first night because, as you know, film sets get to be very boring after the first hour.
I guess the Crips and Bloods started to get on each other's nerves - they are mortal enemies - and we had a few incidents and two cops came to me and said they wanted to close it down. I somehow convinced the cop squad guy to just let me [shoot the] dance. I was gonna hold the dance for the second night of shooting. I said, 'The only thing I can think that'll save this is to let me just blast the music. I have a feeling it'll calm everything down. Can't get any worse, just give me a chance.' And the cop was cool, he looked at me and said, 'OK, not much more.' I couldn't go much more because it was volatile - no question about it - and scary. So we were in that warehouse, change of plans we're going to do the dance, get Michael out of the camper, here we go.
What happened next?
The gang members couldn't dance so they formed the ring and watched. And the [dancers] all started to dance with Michael Peters and Vince Paterson. When Michael Jackson comes down and does what he does, I remember looking at the faces of all the Crips and Bloods lined up and their expressions as they listened to that music and watched those kids dance. Those kids were basically, most of them were gay... and when they started to dance, the Crips and the Bloods had that look like, 'You know what? With all our wars and vendettas and stuff, that's cool right there. That's something we'll never be able to do.' And that's what made that evening work.
Did Michael Jackson choreograph the video himself?
That is the one time that I can honestly say Michael Jackson did not choreograph. 'Beat It' was choreographed by Michael Peters - God rest his soul - a great, great choreographer who is no longer alive. He was an incredible street dancer, he choreographed that and Michael Jackson danced it and danced it beautifully. I think from that point on Michael Jackson probably was involved in the choreography in every single thing he did. 'Beat It' was a little bit more belonging to Michael Peters than people want to give credit for.
In those days MTV had an unspoken policy of not playing videos by black artists. What impact did "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" have when they came out?
It was taking video to another level with dance and choreography and the fact that Epic, CBS could put down on the desk that these two were the largest selling records in the world. It was hard for Les Garland and [Bob] Pittman to hold on to that original idea, which was [playing] new wave bands for white teens in the suburbs. Michael was given credit, and rightly so, for being the first really, truly crossover artist of our generation and the man who forced MTV by his genius to rethink it's platform.
What impact has "Beat It" and working with Michael Jackson had on your career?
I met a man who I have total respect for. One of the most interesting things he ever said to me, I'll never forget, we were arguing, he said to me in that very high-pitched voice of his, 'You use the F-word too much'. That always stuck with me. I thought that was smart to say at a time like that.
I watched a man dance better than anyone I'd ever seen in my life and I watched a man talk softly and carry a tremendously big stick, get what he wanted and get his way. And as we know now 25 years later, perhaps he got his way too much. But nonetheless, I watched him get his way but always using the softest, quietest approach you could possibly have used. I was influenced not only by his talent, but by his personality.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo. He did it as a favor for Quincy Jones and was not paid, unless you count the 2 six packs of beer Jones brought into the studio for Eddie.
Part of Jackson's legacy was his crossover success with white audiences, something that many Motown artists achieved, but Jackson took to a new level. He was the first black artist to get regular airplay on MTV, and this song helped expand his audience further by bringing in some of the Van Halen listeners. "Beat It" was a key track in Jackson's rise to superstardom.
Jackson wrote this song. He came up with it when his producer, Quincy Jones, encouraged him to write something like "My Sharona," which was a huge hit for The Knack in 1979.
The lyric "Show me how funky and strong is your fight" is often misheard as something you can't say on the radio.
About 2:45 into the song, there is an audible knocking noise just before Eddie Van Halen starts his guitar solo. It's the sound of Eddie's guitar tremolo being bent, and it's bending the guitar strings from loose towards tight producing an interesting effect.
Michael Jackson is quoted in Rolling Stone magazine's Top 500 songs issue as saying of this, "I wanted to write the type of rock song that I would go out and buy. But also something totally different from the rock music I was hearing on Top 40 radio."
This won 1983 Grammy Awards for Best Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance.
The US Department of Transportation used this in messages to discourage drunk driving. In exchange, Jackson was invited to the White House where he met President Reagan. Jackson showed up in his sequined suit and sunglasses, which made for an interesting photo with the president.
Eddie Van Halen recalled: "Everybody (from Van Halen) was out of town and I figured, 'who's gonna know if I play on this kid's record?' I didn't want nothing. Maybe Michael will give me dance lessons someday."
Now, crank up your volume to ARE YOU NUTS??? level and enjoy the live performance!
Sources:
http://www.boardsmag.com/articles/online/20090707/giraldibeatit.html
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=459
http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/music-icons/michael-jackson-34.html
Beat It is one of my favorite Michael Jackson songs! When a song really gets to me I like to know all there is to know about it. What inspired the song ? What inspired the lyrics ?
What are some little known or random song facts ? So I did a little digging in the good ole internet and this is what I found:
Bob Giraldi talks to Boards about directing the short film for "Beat It"
In "Beat It", the 25-year-old pop star was cast as a peacemaker who uses dance to quell a knife fight between a two warring gangs. The video, which featured a cast of real-life gang members and choreography by Michael Peters, was directed by Bob Giraldi, who would go on to direct Jackson in two Pepsi commercials for BBDO, New York.
Giraldi recently spoke to Boards about working with Crips, Bloods and choreographers to make "Beat It".
How did you end up directing the video for "Beat It"?
As I was told, there was a certain spot that I directed in my early years as a commercial director for WLS-TV in Chicago, about two elderly blind people - a married couple - that didn't run from a neighborhood that all the other white folks fled from. It had become a very inner city, tough neighborhood and they chose to stay and throw a block party for all the young kids in the neighborhood. It was a commercial that Michael was really taken with - it was an emotional commercial, it was based on truth and he liked it a lot. So he wanted to meet and we met.
I wanted "Billie Jean" and he had just finished shooting "Billie Jean", but he said he had this track called "Beat It" and maybe I'd like to come up with an idea for that. In those days, you didn't compete [for videos]. There were no three bids - there wasn't a whole lot of politics. Record labels didn't have commissioners, it was a different business. It wasn't a business yet.
What did you base the concept on?
One of the things that is totally mistaken that I've read many times is that most people think "Beat It" was inspired by West Side Story and that's absolutely not true at all.
I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey - always an edgy town but full of people really trying to be so much tougher than they really are. It seemed to me this song of peace, this song of reconciliation that Michael had written was perfect for a quasi kind of rumble. I've read where, the two lead dancers - Michael Peters and Vince Paterson - when they had their wrists tied and held the switchblades, that came from West Side Story. That's not true at all. That came from a story I heard when I worked in a factory one summer. A real tough kid from Jersey told me that he'd witnessed two guys who had their wrists tied and they held switchblades, and only one came out - and not too well. It was based on that little fable.
Michael liked my idea and decided he was going to include the Crips and Bloods, which I thought was insane. If you see the video, you'll see guys that look like the real deal because they are the real deal.
How did you cast the real gang members?
It was Michael. He went out and he got 'em through, I guess, the LAPD's gang squad and he convinced them that, with enough police presence, this would be a smart and charitable thing to do; get them there to like each other and hang with each other for two days doing the video. I didn't like the idea because it was hard enough to direct actors and dancers, let alone hoods.
So he tried to use the video to foster peace between them?
Michael was always about peace. He was always about some sort of peace offering. That was his idea and the cops did go along with it and as history has it, we were almost shut down the first night because, as you know, film sets get to be very boring after the first hour.
I guess the Crips and Bloods started to get on each other's nerves - they are mortal enemies - and we had a few incidents and two cops came to me and said they wanted to close it down. I somehow convinced the cop squad guy to just let me [shoot the] dance. I was gonna hold the dance for the second night of shooting. I said, 'The only thing I can think that'll save this is to let me just blast the music. I have a feeling it'll calm everything down. Can't get any worse, just give me a chance.' And the cop was cool, he looked at me and said, 'OK, not much more.' I couldn't go much more because it was volatile - no question about it - and scary. So we were in that warehouse, change of plans we're going to do the dance, get Michael out of the camper, here we go.
What happened next?
The gang members couldn't dance so they formed the ring and watched. And the [dancers] all started to dance with Michael Peters and Vince Paterson. When Michael Jackson comes down and does what he does, I remember looking at the faces of all the Crips and Bloods lined up and their expressions as they listened to that music and watched those kids dance. Those kids were basically, most of them were gay... and when they started to dance, the Crips and the Bloods had that look like, 'You know what? With all our wars and vendettas and stuff, that's cool right there. That's something we'll never be able to do.' And that's what made that evening work.
Did Michael Jackson choreograph the video himself?
That is the one time that I can honestly say Michael Jackson did not choreograph. 'Beat It' was choreographed by Michael Peters - God rest his soul - a great, great choreographer who is no longer alive. He was an incredible street dancer, he choreographed that and Michael Jackson danced it and danced it beautifully. I think from that point on Michael Jackson probably was involved in the choreography in every single thing he did. 'Beat It' was a little bit more belonging to Michael Peters than people want to give credit for.
In those days MTV had an unspoken policy of not playing videos by black artists. What impact did "Beat It" and "Billie Jean" have when they came out?
It was taking video to another level with dance and choreography and the fact that Epic, CBS could put down on the desk that these two were the largest selling records in the world. It was hard for Les Garland and [Bob] Pittman to hold on to that original idea, which was [playing] new wave bands for white teens in the suburbs. Michael was given credit, and rightly so, for being the first really, truly crossover artist of our generation and the man who forced MTV by his genius to rethink it's platform.
What impact has "Beat It" and working with Michael Jackson had on your career?
I met a man who I have total respect for. One of the most interesting things he ever said to me, I'll never forget, we were arguing, he said to me in that very high-pitched voice of his, 'You use the F-word too much'. That always stuck with me. I thought that was smart to say at a time like that.
I watched a man dance better than anyone I'd ever seen in my life and I watched a man talk softly and carry a tremendously big stick, get what he wanted and get his way. And as we know now 25 years later, perhaps he got his way too much. But nonetheless, I watched him get his way but always using the softest, quietest approach you could possibly have used. I was influenced not only by his talent, but by his personality.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo. He did it as a favor for Quincy Jones and was not paid, unless you count the 2 six packs of beer Jones brought into the studio for Eddie.
Part of Jackson's legacy was his crossover success with white audiences, something that many Motown artists achieved, but Jackson took to a new level. He was the first black artist to get regular airplay on MTV, and this song helped expand his audience further by bringing in some of the Van Halen listeners. "Beat It" was a key track in Jackson's rise to superstardom.
Jackson wrote this song. He came up with it when his producer, Quincy Jones, encouraged him to write something like "My Sharona," which was a huge hit for The Knack in 1979.
The lyric "Show me how funky and strong is your fight" is often misheard as something you can't say on the radio.
About 2:45 into the song, there is an audible knocking noise just before Eddie Van Halen starts his guitar solo. It's the sound of Eddie's guitar tremolo being bent, and it's bending the guitar strings from loose towards tight producing an interesting effect.
Michael Jackson is quoted in Rolling Stone magazine's Top 500 songs issue as saying of this, "I wanted to write the type of rock song that I would go out and buy. But also something totally different from the rock music I was hearing on Top 40 radio."
This won 1983 Grammy Awards for Best Record of the Year and Best Rock Vocal Performance.
The US Department of Transportation used this in messages to discourage drunk driving. In exchange, Jackson was invited to the White House where he met President Reagan. Jackson showed up in his sequined suit and sunglasses, which made for an interesting photo with the president.
Eddie Van Halen recalled: "Everybody (from Van Halen) was out of town and I figured, 'who's gonna know if I play on this kid's record?' I didn't want nothing. Maybe Michael will give me dance lessons someday."
Now, crank up your volume to ARE YOU NUTS??? level and enjoy the live performance!
Sources:
http://www.boardsmag.com/articles/online/20090707/giraldibeatit.html
http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=459
http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/music-icons/michael-jackson-34.html
MJJLaugh
Proud Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2009
- Messages
- 1,977
- Points
- 0
Our Quest to Protect Michael Jackson's Legacy
by Linda Higgings
Never did I imagine that with the death of Michael Jackson, my faith in humanity and my belief that people are basically good, would be shaken to the core. I’ve been a fan for decades, but since his passing I’ve been thrust into his world, and as a result, that’s exactly what happened.
As the details of the injustices he encountered came to light, so did the awareness that a dark side of humanity exists; a reality he had to deal with every day of his life. I’ve been haunted by that awareness ever since.
We’ve come to see the truth that he conveyed in some of his songs. There really are people who will "sell their soul just to get the story told" and there really are people who will do "anything for money." I figured the basic goodness in people would kick in and the sensationalism he so often spoke about would stop after he passed away. I thought people would take his children’s feelings into account and think twice about how their actions may affect them. I thought journalists would have more integrity than to promote claims that can’t be confirmed or denied by him, since he is no longer here to do so. Naïve? Perhaps.
Before Michael’s death, most of us were able to take the malicious things written about him with a grain of salt. We could read them and shrug it off to being just another tabloid story. It’s much harder to do that now that Michael’s not here. Now we take it personally. "You’re just another part of me" rings true for us. Now it’s as if we are the ones being attacked.
Have you ever heard that old saying kids sometimes recite: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me?" Whoever came up with that saying was sorely mistaken. As the fans, friends and family of Michael Jackson can attest, words can and do hurt. In fact, Michael Jackson has become the poster child for how badly words can hurt. Words can affect a person’s sense of worth, a dangerous thing to play with. Words can break a man’s spirit and words can hurt a man’s legacy. That’s why the fans have taken on the responsibility of "protector of Michael’s legacy."
We’ve taken the stance and acted on the belief that, "there’s nothing that can’t be done if we raise our voice as one." Some fans are creating petitions, becoming activists, and trying to shut down anyone perceived to be betraying Michael. However, in taking on the role of "protector," are some of those actions inadvertently hurting his legacy?
I have been a huge proponent of carrying out Michael’s message of L.O.V.E. I’ve worked hard to keep myself and others focused on love instead of hate. Yet when this latest tabloid story about him surfaced, all that went out the door. It’s hard not to get angry when someone you love is being taken advantage of. I was so full of anger at the people responsible for it, and like so many others, I voiced my opposition to it.
It wasn’t until I saw the reaction of my family when I snapped at them for no reason, that I realized how angry I had become. In This Is It, Michael Jackson said, "We have to put love back into the world." I know that was important to him and I take it very seriously. Yet, in that moment, my emotions got the best of me. I realized that I was not putting love back into the world in that state of mind. I was putting hate into the world.
I sat down in tears wondering to myself how Michael was ever able to deal with all the injustice done to him. One negative story comes along and I become angry at the world, but he had to deal with this for much of his life and yet his love for humanity never waned. How did he do it?
Some might say the answer is to turn the other cheek, but that is easier said than done when someone you love is being attacked, lied about and taken advantage of, especially when they have no voice to defend themselves. However, anger can lead to resentment, and in the words of Carrie Fisher, "Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." It hurts you far more than it will ever hurt the other person.
Does the old adage "an eye for an eye" apply here? Isn’t it only fair that those who were and still are hateful toward him experience what it feels like to have words hurt? Maybe then they will stop? Unfortunately life doesn’t work that way. In fact, that will probably put them on the defense and cause them to do it even more. Plus, if we do that, aren’t we engaging in the same behavior that was directed at Michael Jackson?
So what is the answer? I still believe the answer is to stay actively engaged in loving Michael Jackson instead of hating those who don’t. It’s the only way to get your power back. Love is infinitely stronger than hate. That’s why he always advocated L.O.V.E.
Will the hurtful words toward Michael Jackson ever end? Don’t count on it, but next time one surfaces, I will remember that when only one side of the story is being told, it’s sensationalism. Those kinds of stories say more about the source of the story than the subject of the story.
The best thing we could ever do to protect his legacy is to preserve the love that it is based on. In doing so, we show the rest of the world who Michael Jackson really was. We preserve it by making sure his music lives on for generations to come, by carrying on his work to make the world a better place, and by uniting together to put love back into the world, like he wanted.
Lots of L.O.V.E.
Linda Higgins
Director of Community Development
Source:
http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=93
by Linda Higgings
Never did I imagine that with the death of Michael Jackson, my faith in humanity and my belief that people are basically good, would be shaken to the core. I’ve been a fan for decades, but since his passing I’ve been thrust into his world, and as a result, that’s exactly what happened.
As the details of the injustices he encountered came to light, so did the awareness that a dark side of humanity exists; a reality he had to deal with every day of his life. I’ve been haunted by that awareness ever since.
We’ve come to see the truth that he conveyed in some of his songs. There really are people who will "sell their soul just to get the story told" and there really are people who will do "anything for money." I figured the basic goodness in people would kick in and the sensationalism he so often spoke about would stop after he passed away. I thought people would take his children’s feelings into account and think twice about how their actions may affect them. I thought journalists would have more integrity than to promote claims that can’t be confirmed or denied by him, since he is no longer here to do so. Naïve? Perhaps.
Before Michael’s death, most of us were able to take the malicious things written about him with a grain of salt. We could read them and shrug it off to being just another tabloid story. It’s much harder to do that now that Michael’s not here. Now we take it personally. "You’re just another part of me" rings true for us. Now it’s as if we are the ones being attacked.
Have you ever heard that old saying kids sometimes recite: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me?" Whoever came up with that saying was sorely mistaken. As the fans, friends and family of Michael Jackson can attest, words can and do hurt. In fact, Michael Jackson has become the poster child for how badly words can hurt. Words can affect a person’s sense of worth, a dangerous thing to play with. Words can break a man’s spirit and words can hurt a man’s legacy. That’s why the fans have taken on the responsibility of "protector of Michael’s legacy."
We’ve taken the stance and acted on the belief that, "there’s nothing that can’t be done if we raise our voice as one." Some fans are creating petitions, becoming activists, and trying to shut down anyone perceived to be betraying Michael. However, in taking on the role of "protector," are some of those actions inadvertently hurting his legacy?
I have been a huge proponent of carrying out Michael’s message of L.O.V.E. I’ve worked hard to keep myself and others focused on love instead of hate. Yet when this latest tabloid story about him surfaced, all that went out the door. It’s hard not to get angry when someone you love is being taken advantage of. I was so full of anger at the people responsible for it, and like so many others, I voiced my opposition to it.
It wasn’t until I saw the reaction of my family when I snapped at them for no reason, that I realized how angry I had become. In This Is It, Michael Jackson said, "We have to put love back into the world." I know that was important to him and I take it very seriously. Yet, in that moment, my emotions got the best of me. I realized that I was not putting love back into the world in that state of mind. I was putting hate into the world.
I sat down in tears wondering to myself how Michael was ever able to deal with all the injustice done to him. One negative story comes along and I become angry at the world, but he had to deal with this for much of his life and yet his love for humanity never waned. How did he do it?
Some might say the answer is to turn the other cheek, but that is easier said than done when someone you love is being attacked, lied about and taken advantage of, especially when they have no voice to defend themselves. However, anger can lead to resentment, and in the words of Carrie Fisher, "Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." It hurts you far more than it will ever hurt the other person.
Does the old adage "an eye for an eye" apply here? Isn’t it only fair that those who were and still are hateful toward him experience what it feels like to have words hurt? Maybe then they will stop? Unfortunately life doesn’t work that way. In fact, that will probably put them on the defense and cause them to do it even more. Plus, if we do that, aren’t we engaging in the same behavior that was directed at Michael Jackson?
So what is the answer? I still believe the answer is to stay actively engaged in loving Michael Jackson instead of hating those who don’t. It’s the only way to get your power back. Love is infinitely stronger than hate. That’s why he always advocated L.O.V.E.
Will the hurtful words toward Michael Jackson ever end? Don’t count on it, but next time one surfaces, I will remember that when only one side of the story is being told, it’s sensationalism. Those kinds of stories say more about the source of the story than the subject of the story.
The best thing we could ever do to protect his legacy is to preserve the love that it is based on. In doing so, we show the rest of the world who Michael Jackson really was. We preserve it by making sure his music lives on for generations to come, by carrying on his work to make the world a better place, and by uniting together to put love back into the world, like he wanted.
Lots of L.O.V.E.
Linda Higgins
Director of Community Development
Source:
http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.com/article.php?article_id=93
MJJLaugh
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Words
Michael Jackson Interview With Barbara Walters (Part 1)
At 4:50 listen to Michael's own words about how the phrase W**** J**** hurt him. "....I have a heart, I have feelings, I feel that when you do that to me, it's not nice!"
Words
Free curriculum for middle schools, high schools, colleges and civic programs. Learn the power of words-- to hurt or to heal. Understand the magnitude of bullying and violence with words and how it affects our society. Featured by Voices Education Project- global humanitarian organization and pedagogical institute. http://voiceseducation.org/
This is my reply which I posted on Facebook:
This is wonderfully made, thank you! Most importantly is the message of what words can do to a person.I know, because I was called names three years in a row at school.Walked home from school crying every day. Learned that eye contact can cause another bullying-bout so I avoided eye contact to try and stay "safe".
Now, be the change you want to see in the world. Listen to a lonely person, smile at a stranger, say thank you to the cassiere. Even babies stop crying in the supermarket when you talk to them gently and softly. My cat always runs to me when I say "I love you!"
Words are like magic and words can be like bullets.
Check out Masaru Emoto pictures of water and the water crystals when the word "hate" was uttered and the word "love" - see their different shapes. Words are very powerful and effect eveything around us. What will be your legacy ?
The Hidden Messages in Water!
Michael Jackson Interview With Barbara Walters (Part 1)
At 4:50 listen to Michael's own words about how the phrase W**** J**** hurt him. "....I have a heart, I have feelings, I feel that when you do that to me, it's not nice!"
Words
Free curriculum for middle schools, high schools, colleges and civic programs. Learn the power of words-- to hurt or to heal. Understand the magnitude of bullying and violence with words and how it affects our society. Featured by Voices Education Project- global humanitarian organization and pedagogical institute. http://voiceseducation.org/
This is my reply which I posted on Facebook:
This is wonderfully made, thank you! Most importantly is the message of what words can do to a person.I know, because I was called names three years in a row at school.Walked home from school crying every day. Learned that eye contact can cause another bullying-bout so I avoided eye contact to try and stay "safe".
Now, be the change you want to see in the world. Listen to a lonely person, smile at a stranger, say thank you to the cassiere. Even babies stop crying in the supermarket when you talk to them gently and softly. My cat always runs to me when I say "I love you!"
Words are like magic and words can be like bullets.
Check out Masaru Emoto pictures of water and the water crystals when the word "hate" was uttered and the word "love" - see their different shapes. Words are very powerful and effect eveything around us. What will be your legacy ?
The Hidden Messages in Water!
MJJLaugh
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*Angel Of The Night*
I heard a melody
coming from a distance,
stardust drops over my head.
A white voice blessing the land
whispers a few words
"It's all for love, l.o.v.e."
My fears suddenly vanish
making space to joy
I look about, eveything looks bright
Stardust drops beautiful incessantly,
all around it looks magical
Am I living a fairytale? Is this a dream?
The melody comes closer
I realize whose it belongs to:
it's the gloved one, whose magical hand makes everything golden
it's the moonwalker who comes here to spread his love
It's MICHAEL, the Angel Of The Night.
Source:
http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/node/517273
I heard a melody
coming from a distance,
stardust drops over my head.
A white voice blessing the land
whispers a few words
"It's all for love, l.o.v.e."
My fears suddenly vanish
making space to joy
I look about, eveything looks bright
Stardust drops beautiful incessantly,
all around it looks magical
Am I living a fairytale? Is this a dream?
The melody comes closer
I realize whose it belongs to:
it's the gloved one, whose magical hand makes everything golden
it's the moonwalker who comes here to spread his love
It's MICHAEL, the Angel Of The Night.
Source:
http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/node/517273
Ashtanga
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windy09
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windy09
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Michael Jackson and his armbands
Michael Jackson was often seen sporting an armband as a symbol of children's suffering around the world. The color of the armband matched the color of his outfit and he promised to keep wearing an armband until no child would suffer anymore.
This inspired me to write the following poem ( my first Michael-poem, so please be gentle)
Not by preaching right versus wrong
but by lyrics in a song,
you made the world aware
and showed that you care
about suffering children's plight.
Happiness is every child's right.
Hearing their cries at night,
you showed your dedication
to children's joy and happiness,
by wearing a band around your arm.
It's not the color that's the charm,
but the caring, loving devotion
setting the wheels in motion
To make the world a better place
a pure, innocent love by God's grace
Insrpired by your true caring,
by bands of color you were wearing
around your arm as a sign of love,
may we be granted blessings from above
to continue your fight
for every child's right.
.jpg)
Actor/Singer/Entertainer Darius McCrary and son are seen wearing matching armbands as their way of remembering his good friend Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson was often seen sporting an armband as a symbol of children's suffering around the world. The color of the armband matched the color of his outfit and he promised to keep wearing an armband until no child would suffer anymore.
This inspired me to write the following poem ( my first Michael-poem, so please be gentle)
Not by preaching right versus wrong
but by lyrics in a song,
you made the world aware
and showed that you care
about suffering children's plight.
Happiness is every child's right.
Hearing their cries at night,
you showed your dedication
to children's joy and happiness,
by wearing a band around your arm.
It's not the color that's the charm,
but the caring, loving devotion
setting the wheels in motion
To make the world a better place
a pure, innocent love by God's grace
Insrpired by your true caring,
by bands of color you were wearing
around your arm as a sign of love,
may we be granted blessings from above
to continue your fight
for every child's right.
Actor/Singer/Entertainer Darius McCrary and son are seen wearing matching armbands as their way of remembering his good friend Michael Jackson.
MJJLaugh
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Children - Heal the world (Michael Jackson)
Some of the children's charities that Michael supported are:
* Starlight Foundation
* Make-A-Wish Foundation
* Nelson Mandela's Childrens Fund
* Camp Ronald McDonald
* Childhelp USA
For links to the charities please see:
http://www.looktothestars.org/news/2729-michael-jacksons-charity-legacy
Some of the children's charities that Michael supported are:
* Starlight Foundation
* Make-A-Wish Foundation
* Nelson Mandela's Childrens Fund
* Camp Ronald McDonald
* Childhelp USA
For links to the charities please see:
http://www.looktothestars.org/news/2729-michael-jacksons-charity-legacy
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson - In Search of Neverland
JOURNALISTS’ NOTE: I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the difficulty of writing about this particular topic at this particular time – the 1st anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing. To write about his dream home, his utopia, his Neverland, and know that he is gone from us forever remains, at best, a devastating blow. Yet, in remembering the spirit of Michael, we can never forget his unbridled sense of joy at the smallest things, his almost childlike innocence, and his love of children and animals. This book tells us about the fulfillment of one of Michael’s biggest dreams – straight from the mouth of the woman that helped make it come true.
*Just when you were probably thinking, “Oh no, not ANOTHER Michael Jackson book,” comes “MICHAEL JACKSON: In Search of Neverland” – a charming 98-page self-published paperback that details Jackson’s search for the home of his dreams. The book was written by Gloria Rhodes Berlin, the real estate agent who single-handedly shopped for, located and negotiated the transaction for what became known as “The Sale of the Century” in 1988. The sprawling 2,700-acre Los Olivos, California property; originally called Sycamore Valley Ranch; that later become known around the world as Michael Jackson’s NEVERLAND.
Berlin recently spoke with EUR’s Lee Bailey, who asked why she wrote the book.
“The book is because I found him the ideal paradise he wanted for himself and for his animals. When he was being cited by the animal regulation department continuously…at the family compound. They threatened to come and arrest him and impound all of his animals. They said they belonged at the L. A. Zoo, not at his home. He had llamas, giraffes, a baby elephant, [and] snakes. A python got out, went swimming next door in the neighbors pool; and it scared the neighbors and they called the animal regulation department (laughs).”
MICHAEL JACKSON: In Search of Neverland takes readers on a delightful walk with Jackson as he nears his 27th birthday. He still lived with his parents, at least three of his siblings, and a menagerie of animals at the Encino family compound on Hayvenhurst Avenue. At the time, Jackson was working on The Wiz, preparing for the Bad World Tour and feverishly trying to move away from the family home. Oh yes, and he was bagging groceries at Gelson’s.
But bear with me. I’m getting ahead of myself.
“He was a bachelor and wanted to get married. All he ever wanted to do was have a home of his own, get married, and have children. A wife to come home to. He tried,” says Gloria Rhodes Berlin, a neighbor to the Jackson family at the time of the sale.
Berlin had become friendly with Katherine Jackson and first met Michael at age twelve. She had been living in Encino for ten years when the Jackson family arrived from Gary, Indiana. Her book shares several sweet, little anecdotes that we have yet to hear elsewhere; and there is no doubt that the author is someone who genuinely cared for the entertainer.
Michael Jackson & Gloria Rhoads Berlin
“Michael Jackson and I had a very wonderful relationship… I always thought he was going to wind up being a box-boy at Gelson’s because he had a crush on a very beautiful young lady who was about 4 ½ feet tall who was working there. [She had] very white porcelain skin with big blue eyes; real red-haired, that she wore in little pigtails and he used to come over and act as a box boy for her; pack the groceries for the people who came through her aisle. I always came through there and he would say, ‘Hello Mrs. Berlin’. My son, Will, used to play with the Jackson Five, basketball, at their home.”
“I think they hired him (laughs). He … would come [to the market] dressed up as The Wiz; wearing these shoes that were like on stilts…He came to see that pig-tailed, red-head girl….He loved her. He knew everyone that came to Gelson’s.”
Prior to becoming his real estate agent, Berlin had contacted Jackson on another matter.
“I wrote him a letter about a family that was losing their home. The man was 87-years-old, Black and married to a White woman. They had three children, young teens. The father had heart disease…and died finally and there was no burial money. Michael Jackson paid for the burial of that man he didn’t even know.”
This exchange opened the door for Jackson, who had worked unsuccessfully with other realtors, to seek Berlin’s assistance in finding his dream home.
Michael’s frame of mind during this time, according to Berlin, was to become independent of his parents – and for them to become independent of him. He wanted to be alone, away from prying eyes, street traffic and noise. He wanted a place where he could look out the window and see bluebirds, do his own farming and feed his animals. He specified the place had to be accessible to deer, so they could prune his trees.
A former actor who once shared the same theatrical agent as Elizabeth Taylor, dated Frank Sinatra for two-and-a-half years, and had roles in movies like “Guys and Dolls,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Berlin lists some of her fondest Michael Jackson memories:
* When he played ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’ on the Boesendorfer grand piano in the living room of the main house
* When he ran along the top of a wooden fence on the Neverland property as if it were a balance beam
* Developed new dance steps on the stones in the middle of a stream
* Planted flowers in the flowerbeds around the main house at Neverland using different color schemes for each season of the year
* Slid down the banister and hid in the secret room inside the mansion
* Played “Ghost” using a Casper ghost costume in the playroom with moving walls
* Held my hand and walked with me throughout the entire ranch
Jackson had actually been on the ranch before.
“Paul McCartney had been a guest of Bill Bones,” said Berlin of the man who had originally developed and lived on the ranch with his family. “Then, without authorization, [McCartney] decided to start shooting video and invited Michael Jackson to come there and be in the video. And Michael Jackson had… been driven there…and then removed when they were kicked off after a manager phoned Bill Bones and told him they were filming and [had] brought film crews on the ranch.”
Berlin says that she happened to locate the same ranch Jackson had previously visited, as a guest was a coincidence. He needed a ranch of that size. At the time of his visit there, it was not for sale. But after a divorce between Bill Bones and his wife, it was. Bones-a realtor, broker, builder and developer himself- did not list the ranch. In order to see the house you had to register. Berlin found out about the property – which had an original asking price of $35 million dollars - by contacting the Chamber of Commerce.
But the transaction, says Berlin, did not progress without its share of drama from Jackson’s people.
“John Branca wanted to offer them $9 million…He didn’t want to listen to me; and then he said $10 million…11…12 and finally we presented an offer. Mr. Bone went crazy and said if I had been a man, he would’ve punched me out!”
After all was said and done, Michael Jackson laid down $17 million dollars and walked away with a ranch that housed part of the Los Padres National Forest in its back yard. He was there for 15 years.
Lee Bailey asks Gloria Berlin her thoughts about what is going on with the estate since Michael’s passing.
“My thoughts are that Mrs. Jackson is an amazing woman. She’s…a true beauty…I saw her about 2 ½ weeks ago and she told me the story about Michael and his death…For me it’s a heartbreak. I can’t even think about it without crying because I knew him since he was 12. But she is his mother. I told her Dr. Conrad Murray should be prosecuted for murder. She said ‘No, he can’t be prosecuted for murder he’s only going to be prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter’. She… was very calm, very polite. She hugged me and squeezed me.
Source:
http://www.eurweb.com/?p=31623
JOURNALISTS’ NOTE: I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the difficulty of writing about this particular topic at this particular time – the 1st anniversary of Michael Jackson’s passing. To write about his dream home, his utopia, his Neverland, and know that he is gone from us forever remains, at best, a devastating blow. Yet, in remembering the spirit of Michael, we can never forget his unbridled sense of joy at the smallest things, his almost childlike innocence, and his love of children and animals. This book tells us about the fulfillment of one of Michael’s biggest dreams – straight from the mouth of the woman that helped make it come true.
*Just when you were probably thinking, “Oh no, not ANOTHER Michael Jackson book,” comes “MICHAEL JACKSON: In Search of Neverland” – a charming 98-page self-published paperback that details Jackson’s search for the home of his dreams. The book was written by Gloria Rhodes Berlin, the real estate agent who single-handedly shopped for, located and negotiated the transaction for what became known as “The Sale of the Century” in 1988. The sprawling 2,700-acre Los Olivos, California property; originally called Sycamore Valley Ranch; that later become known around the world as Michael Jackson’s NEVERLAND.
Berlin recently spoke with EUR’s Lee Bailey, who asked why she wrote the book.
“The book is because I found him the ideal paradise he wanted for himself and for his animals. When he was being cited by the animal regulation department continuously…at the family compound. They threatened to come and arrest him and impound all of his animals. They said they belonged at the L. A. Zoo, not at his home. He had llamas, giraffes, a baby elephant, [and] snakes. A python got out, went swimming next door in the neighbors pool; and it scared the neighbors and they called the animal regulation department (laughs).”
MICHAEL JACKSON: In Search of Neverland takes readers on a delightful walk with Jackson as he nears his 27th birthday. He still lived with his parents, at least three of his siblings, and a menagerie of animals at the Encino family compound on Hayvenhurst Avenue. At the time, Jackson was working on The Wiz, preparing for the Bad World Tour and feverishly trying to move away from the family home. Oh yes, and he was bagging groceries at Gelson’s.
But bear with me. I’m getting ahead of myself.
“He was a bachelor and wanted to get married. All he ever wanted to do was have a home of his own, get married, and have children. A wife to come home to. He tried,” says Gloria Rhodes Berlin, a neighbor to the Jackson family at the time of the sale.
Berlin had become friendly with Katherine Jackson and first met Michael at age twelve. She had been living in Encino for ten years when the Jackson family arrived from Gary, Indiana. Her book shares several sweet, little anecdotes that we have yet to hear elsewhere; and there is no doubt that the author is someone who genuinely cared for the entertainer.
Michael Jackson & Gloria Rhoads Berlin
“Michael Jackson and I had a very wonderful relationship… I always thought he was going to wind up being a box-boy at Gelson’s because he had a crush on a very beautiful young lady who was about 4 ½ feet tall who was working there. [She had] very white porcelain skin with big blue eyes; real red-haired, that she wore in little pigtails and he used to come over and act as a box boy for her; pack the groceries for the people who came through her aisle. I always came through there and he would say, ‘Hello Mrs. Berlin’. My son, Will, used to play with the Jackson Five, basketball, at their home.”
“I think they hired him (laughs). He … would come [to the market] dressed up as The Wiz; wearing these shoes that were like on stilts…He came to see that pig-tailed, red-head girl….He loved her. He knew everyone that came to Gelson’s.”
Prior to becoming his real estate agent, Berlin had contacted Jackson on another matter.
“I wrote him a letter about a family that was losing their home. The man was 87-years-old, Black and married to a White woman. They had three children, young teens. The father had heart disease…and died finally and there was no burial money. Michael Jackson paid for the burial of that man he didn’t even know.”
This exchange opened the door for Jackson, who had worked unsuccessfully with other realtors, to seek Berlin’s assistance in finding his dream home.
Michael’s frame of mind during this time, according to Berlin, was to become independent of his parents – and for them to become independent of him. He wanted to be alone, away from prying eyes, street traffic and noise. He wanted a place where he could look out the window and see bluebirds, do his own farming and feed his animals. He specified the place had to be accessible to deer, so they could prune his trees.
A former actor who once shared the same theatrical agent as Elizabeth Taylor, dated Frank Sinatra for two-and-a-half years, and had roles in movies like “Guys and Dolls,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” and “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” Berlin lists some of her fondest Michael Jackson memories:
* When he played ‘I Just Can’t Stop Loving You’ on the Boesendorfer grand piano in the living room of the main house
* When he ran along the top of a wooden fence on the Neverland property as if it were a balance beam
* Developed new dance steps on the stones in the middle of a stream
* Planted flowers in the flowerbeds around the main house at Neverland using different color schemes for each season of the year
* Slid down the banister and hid in the secret room inside the mansion
* Played “Ghost” using a Casper ghost costume in the playroom with moving walls
* Held my hand and walked with me throughout the entire ranch
Jackson had actually been on the ranch before.
“Paul McCartney had been a guest of Bill Bones,” said Berlin of the man who had originally developed and lived on the ranch with his family. “Then, without authorization, [McCartney] decided to start shooting video and invited Michael Jackson to come there and be in the video. And Michael Jackson had… been driven there…and then removed when they were kicked off after a manager phoned Bill Bones and told him they were filming and [had] brought film crews on the ranch.”
Berlin says that she happened to locate the same ranch Jackson had previously visited, as a guest was a coincidence. He needed a ranch of that size. At the time of his visit there, it was not for sale. But after a divorce between Bill Bones and his wife, it was. Bones-a realtor, broker, builder and developer himself- did not list the ranch. In order to see the house you had to register. Berlin found out about the property – which had an original asking price of $35 million dollars - by contacting the Chamber of Commerce.
But the transaction, says Berlin, did not progress without its share of drama from Jackson’s people.
“John Branca wanted to offer them $9 million…He didn’t want to listen to me; and then he said $10 million…11…12 and finally we presented an offer. Mr. Bone went crazy and said if I had been a man, he would’ve punched me out!”
After all was said and done, Michael Jackson laid down $17 million dollars and walked away with a ranch that housed part of the Los Padres National Forest in its back yard. He was there for 15 years.
Lee Bailey asks Gloria Berlin her thoughts about what is going on with the estate since Michael’s passing.
“My thoughts are that Mrs. Jackson is an amazing woman. She’s…a true beauty…I saw her about 2 ½ weeks ago and she told me the story about Michael and his death…For me it’s a heartbreak. I can’t even think about it without crying because I knew him since he was 12. But she is his mother. I told her Dr. Conrad Murray should be prosecuted for murder. She said ‘No, he can’t be prosecuted for murder he’s only going to be prosecuted for involuntary manslaughter’. She… was very calm, very polite. She hugged me and squeezed me.
Source:
http://www.eurweb.com/?p=31623
Ashtanga
Proud Member
Neverland... *big sigh*
Thanks for posting! :heart:
*big sigh*Thanks for posting! :heart:
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How The Jackson 5 Saved Basketball
Michael Jackson
Decades before Justin Timberlake burned Kenny "the Jet" Smith at a celebrity hoops game, the Jackson 5 were featured in a 1971 TV skit called "The Day Basketball Was Saved." Basketball greats Bill Russell, Elvin Hayes & Elgin Baylor starred with NFL legends Rosey Grier and Ben Davidson as teammates battling the Jackson 5 for court supremacy.
Without BET and ESPN keeping black music and sports stars on TV round the clock, this show marked a rare occasion to enjoy the personalities of cultural favorites over a funny basketball trip.
Peace Michael Jackson
Source:
http://mojohoops.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-jackson-5-saved-basketball.html
Michael Jackson
Decades before Justin Timberlake burned Kenny "the Jet" Smith at a celebrity hoops game, the Jackson 5 were featured in a 1971 TV skit called "The Day Basketball Was Saved." Basketball greats Bill Russell, Elvin Hayes & Elgin Baylor starred with NFL legends Rosey Grier and Ben Davidson as teammates battling the Jackson 5 for court supremacy.
Without BET and ESPN keeping black music and sports stars on TV round the clock, this show marked a rare occasion to enjoy the personalities of cultural favorites over a funny basketball trip.
Peace Michael Jackson
Source:
http://mojohoops.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-jackson-5-saved-basketball.html
Ashtanga
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MJJLaugh
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Moon Crater To Be Designated In Memoriam
Of Legendary Entertainer Michael Jackson
New York (6 July 2009 LT) — The Lunar Geographic Society has announced that a crater on Earth's Moon will be renamed "Michael Joseph Jackson" in honor of the celebrated entertainer, who passed away on June 25, 2009.
The crater, previously designated as Posidonius J, is located in the Moon's Lake of Dreams (Lacus Somniorum). It measures approximately 22 kilometers (about 13.5 miles) in diameter, and is located adjacent to a 1,200-acre parcel owned by Michael Jackson in the Lake of Dreams.
The decision to designate the crater in Jackson's honor came following a special session of the Lunar Geographic Society's governing board on Monday morning. The designation proposal had been widely suggested during the week by fans and fellow landowners following Mr. Jackson's untimely and unfortunate passing last month.
Mr. Jackson (1958-2009) was among the largest private owners of Lunar property claims. In addition to his significant parcel in the Lake Of Dreams, which he obtained in 2005, he also owned a smaller property in the Sea Of Vapours (Mare Vaporum).
The crater shall be officially designated as "Michael Joseph Jackson" in order to differentiate it from the existing "Jackson," a 71-kilometer crater on the Lunar farside named for the renowned Scottish astronomer John Jackson (1887-1958).
Seal of
Michael Jackson's
Neverland Ranch
Michael Jackson used the Moon and its symbology often in his life, from his trademark "moonwalk" dance move to the official seal of his beloved Neverland Ranch. "Moonwalk" was also the title of his best-selling 1988 autobiography, while "Moonwalker" was the title of a popular compilation of his greatest music video performances. He also recorded a song, "Scared Of The Moon," which has not been released commercially as of this date.
Mr. Jackson claimed that he had once witnessed a UFO during a plane flight. His interest in outer space, extraterrestrials, and his plan to someday actually perform the "moonwalk" dance move on the Moon were detailed in Michael C. Luckman's "Alien Rock: The Rock 'n' Roll Extraterrestrial Connection," published by Pocket Books and VH1, which devoted an entire chapter to Mr. Jackson.
Crater Michael Joseph Jackson is part of the Posidonius crater group, named for Posidonius of Apameia, a Greek Stoic philosopher, politician, astronomer, geographer, historian and teacher native to Apamea, Syria. Michael Joseph Jackson is the largest of the so-called "satellite craters" in the group, which numbers twelve in total, ranging in size from two to fifteen kilometers in diameter.
Detail of Moon Crater Michael Jackson
Map detail showing location of Moon
crater designated for Michael Jackson
Under the naming system of Félix Chemla Lamèch, Posidonius J was once also known as Héllène. The designation to honor Michael Jackson becomes effective immediately.
The official designation of a Lunar crater is a singular honor bestowed upon only a select few luminaries. Among those receiving this rare tribute over the past century are Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, Sir Isaac Newton, Julius Caesar and Jules Verne.
UPDATE: In response to numerous inquiries, it should be noted that craters Michael Jackson, Posidonius and the other larger craters in the Posidonius group may generally be viewed from Earth using a typical home telescope under standard observational conditions.
The Lunar Geographic Society is the world's largest and most prominent group advocating privatized exploration, settlement and development of Earth's Moon. The centerpiece of the Society's effort is a ten-year, US$3.8-million program to return humans to the Moon and establish permanent bases there.
The Society has also developed the most successful commercially-available lunar photomap software ever released to the public, the Full Moon Atlas (http://www.fullmoonatlas.com), and successfully advocated the removal of a crater named for an accused Nazi war criminal, Dr. Hans Eppinger, Jr., by the International Astronomical Union.
The Society was the prime mover behind the proposal to designate a group of Lunar craters as a memorial to the seven crew members who perished in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) tragedy. (See http://www.lunarrepublic.com/news/columbia_region.shtml)
Moon Property Coupons on tjoos.comThe Lunar Geographic Society is a registered International Business Company (IBC #519589) currently authorized to operate in more than 200 nations around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, China, Japan and India, as well as all other nations in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The Society's main operations hubs are in Hong Kong and on the Isle of Man (U.K.). It maintains a satellite office in Manhattan for business operations in the Americas.
# # #
INFORMATION SUMMARY:
Name: Crater Michael Joseph Jackson (Posidonius J)
Location: Lacus Somniorum (33.8 N 30.7 E)
Crater Diameter: 22.0 kilometers
Crater Depth: 650 meters
Source:
http://www.lunarrepublic.com/mj/index.shtml
Of Legendary Entertainer Michael Jackson
New York (6 July 2009 LT) — The Lunar Geographic Society has announced that a crater on Earth's Moon will be renamed "Michael Joseph Jackson" in honor of the celebrated entertainer, who passed away on June 25, 2009.
The crater, previously designated as Posidonius J, is located in the Moon's Lake of Dreams (Lacus Somniorum). It measures approximately 22 kilometers (about 13.5 miles) in diameter, and is located adjacent to a 1,200-acre parcel owned by Michael Jackson in the Lake of Dreams.
The decision to designate the crater in Jackson's honor came following a special session of the Lunar Geographic Society's governing board on Monday morning. The designation proposal had been widely suggested during the week by fans and fellow landowners following Mr. Jackson's untimely and unfortunate passing last month.
Mr. Jackson (1958-2009) was among the largest private owners of Lunar property claims. In addition to his significant parcel in the Lake Of Dreams, which he obtained in 2005, he also owned a smaller property in the Sea Of Vapours (Mare Vaporum).
The crater shall be officially designated as "Michael Joseph Jackson" in order to differentiate it from the existing "Jackson," a 71-kilometer crater on the Lunar farside named for the renowned Scottish astronomer John Jackson (1887-1958).
Seal of
Michael Jackson's
Neverland Ranch
Michael Jackson used the Moon and its symbology often in his life, from his trademark "moonwalk" dance move to the official seal of his beloved Neverland Ranch. "Moonwalk" was also the title of his best-selling 1988 autobiography, while "Moonwalker" was the title of a popular compilation of his greatest music video performances. He also recorded a song, "Scared Of The Moon," which has not been released commercially as of this date.
Mr. Jackson claimed that he had once witnessed a UFO during a plane flight. His interest in outer space, extraterrestrials, and his plan to someday actually perform the "moonwalk" dance move on the Moon were detailed in Michael C. Luckman's "Alien Rock: The Rock 'n' Roll Extraterrestrial Connection," published by Pocket Books and VH1, which devoted an entire chapter to Mr. Jackson.
Crater Michael Joseph Jackson is part of the Posidonius crater group, named for Posidonius of Apameia, a Greek Stoic philosopher, politician, astronomer, geographer, historian and teacher native to Apamea, Syria. Michael Joseph Jackson is the largest of the so-called "satellite craters" in the group, which numbers twelve in total, ranging in size from two to fifteen kilometers in diameter.
Detail of Moon Crater Michael Jackson
Map detail showing location of Moon
crater designated for Michael Jackson
Under the naming system of Félix Chemla Lamèch, Posidonius J was once also known as Héllène. The designation to honor Michael Jackson becomes effective immediately.
The official designation of a Lunar crater is a singular honor bestowed upon only a select few luminaries. Among those receiving this rare tribute over the past century are Leonardo da Vinci, Christopher Columbus, Sir Isaac Newton, Julius Caesar and Jules Verne.
UPDATE: In response to numerous inquiries, it should be noted that craters Michael Jackson, Posidonius and the other larger craters in the Posidonius group may generally be viewed from Earth using a typical home telescope under standard observational conditions.
The Lunar Geographic Society is the world's largest and most prominent group advocating privatized exploration, settlement and development of Earth's Moon. The centerpiece of the Society's effort is a ten-year, US$3.8-million program to return humans to the Moon and establish permanent bases there.
The Society has also developed the most successful commercially-available lunar photomap software ever released to the public, the Full Moon Atlas (http://www.fullmoonatlas.com), and successfully advocated the removal of a crater named for an accused Nazi war criminal, Dr. Hans Eppinger, Jr., by the International Astronomical Union.
The Society was the prime mover behind the proposal to designate a group of Lunar craters as a memorial to the seven crew members who perished in the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-107) tragedy. (See http://www.lunarrepublic.com/news/columbia_region.shtml)
Moon Property Coupons on tjoos.comThe Lunar Geographic Society is a registered International Business Company (IBC #519589) currently authorized to operate in more than 200 nations around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, France, China, Japan and India, as well as all other nations in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The Society's main operations hubs are in Hong Kong and on the Isle of Man (U.K.). It maintains a satellite office in Manhattan for business operations in the Americas.
# # #
INFORMATION SUMMARY:
Name: Crater Michael Joseph Jackson (Posidonius J)
Location: Lacus Somniorum (33.8 N 30.7 E)
Crater Diameter: 22.0 kilometers
Crater Depth: 650 meters
Source:
http://www.lunarrepublic.com/mj/index.shtml
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson Moonwalk
I never grow tired of watching Michael do his magical moonwalk, capturing our undivided attention.
Scared of the Moon - Michael Jackson
Simply one of his most beautiful songs, to be found on the Ultimate Collection.
I never grow tired of watching Michael do his magical moonwalk, capturing our undivided attention.
Scared of the Moon - Michael Jackson
Simply one of his most beautiful songs, to be found on the Ultimate Collection.
MJJLaugh
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Best of Michael Jackson: 10 commandments from the King of Pop
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
That is pretty much what the die hard MJ fans and the rest of the world which has swayed, rocked and danced to the beats, tunes and steps of Michael Jackson, have been left asking for the last few days. While the death of King of Pop has been turned into a media event and some continue to ponder more on his personal life than his prodigious talent, for both his co-entertainers and the billions who have been entertained by his eccentric genius, it is a loss that is like none other. Picking his 10 best singles (just 10) is both a matter of personal taste and influence as here is our choice of MJ’s very best…
10. You Are Not Alone, History:
The song that is believed to have been a reference to Jackson’s wife Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis Presley, was released at a time when he had considerable trouble in his personal life. Not only was it a moving love song that became an instant hit overnight, but holds the Guinness Record for being the first song to debut at Number 1in the Billboard Hot 100.
9. The way you make me feel, Bad:
Bad, along with Thriller before it, was the album the proved to the world that you can have more than one sensational hit single from one album and this was the third of the famous trio. Done with a very special shuffling rhythm, Jackson performed it live at the 1988 Grammy Awards and is musically different from the rest of his collection.
8. Beat It, Thriller:
Winner of two Grammys and two American Music Awards, Beat It is the tune that is an absolute and complete party song which rocked America and the world all night long. The song was put in album to give the Rock fans what they wanted and they more gleefully accepted. Despite MJ having many songs which probably have received greater critical acclaim, this is one party tune that always fills you with energy… Not to forget the awesome guitar solo from rocker Eddie Van Halen.
7. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Off The Wall:
While you could argue about whether this was a bigger hit than ‘Beat It’ or not, the significance of the song lies in the fact that it was a budding Michael’s biggest hit and his first #1 after a 7 year hiatus. In association with Quincy Jones, he went on to produce some of his finest hits and this was where it all began.
6. Black or White, Dangerous:
Irrespective of how you feel about the persona and the music of the man, there is absolutely no doubt that MJ was an entertainer who loved to take up a social cause and make it a talking point. Anti-racism was the subject of the song and ‘hard rock’ its style; making it a huge hit overnight. As we will go along we will see a couple more such songs on the list which show the legend’s concern for society and the planet. Casting the few skeptics aside, his social-consciousness seems and sounds truly heartfelt.
5. Smooth Criminal, Bad:
This is a song we love more for the Moonwalk and the ‘leaning forward’ dance move more than the music, the gangster atmosphere and the guns. For a startled global audience, the magic that Michael presented with his head-spinning array of body benders was a treat like none other on the globe. For sheer audacity, creativity and backstage homework this more this deserves a mention!
4. Heal the World:
This was the first song that this writer ever heard from the MJ arsenal and it was not even out of an enthusiasm for music. It was in a classroom and the song was part of the school curriculum- in a country that is not USA! That is pretty much the best example of the impact this man has had on human culture with his music. The gentle singing and sincere emotion make it an instant classic- a song that Michael himself claims he is most proud of.
3. Billie Jean, Thriller:
Like many others to follow, this all time classic was inspired by Michael’s real life experience with a fan who claimed that he was the father of one of her twins. She apparently even sent him a gun asking Michael to shoot himself at a certain date and time; something she said she would do as well. While the woman was taken away, Michael came up with Billie Jean and that ensured his spot in history instantly!
2. Earth Song, HIStory:
It is not just the lyrics and the content in the song that makes it so special, but the production values of the video, which were way beyond their time- both in technology and costs. It was Michael’s biggest ever single in UK and still the popular anthem for environmental groups.
1. Thriller, Thriller:
Michael Jackson and Thriller – they now stand synonymous. Nothing before and nothing afterwards in the music industry has captured the hearts and minds of fans like Thriller. Its unique video and feat-tapping beats are universally recognizable… This is MJ’s trademark creation!
That’s our top 10 and it still leaves out some awesome singles like ‘Man in the Mirror’, ‘Dirty Diana’, ‘Say Say Say’, They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and many more… Another proof of his prodigious talent!
Source:
http://trendsupdates.com/best-of-michael-jackson-10-commandments-from-the-king-of-pop/
How could this be
You’re not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
That is pretty much what the die hard MJ fans and the rest of the world which has swayed, rocked and danced to the beats, tunes and steps of Michael Jackson, have been left asking for the last few days. While the death of King of Pop has been turned into a media event and some continue to ponder more on his personal life than his prodigious talent, for both his co-entertainers and the billions who have been entertained by his eccentric genius, it is a loss that is like none other. Picking his 10 best singles (just 10) is both a matter of personal taste and influence as here is our choice of MJ’s very best…
10. You Are Not Alone, History:
The song that is believed to have been a reference to Jackson’s wife Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis Presley, was released at a time when he had considerable trouble in his personal life. Not only was it a moving love song that became an instant hit overnight, but holds the Guinness Record for being the first song to debut at Number 1in the Billboard Hot 100.
9. The way you make me feel, Bad:
Bad, along with Thriller before it, was the album the proved to the world that you can have more than one sensational hit single from one album and this was the third of the famous trio. Done with a very special shuffling rhythm, Jackson performed it live at the 1988 Grammy Awards and is musically different from the rest of his collection.
8. Beat It, Thriller:
Winner of two Grammys and two American Music Awards, Beat It is the tune that is an absolute and complete party song which rocked America and the world all night long. The song was put in album to give the Rock fans what they wanted and they more gleefully accepted. Despite MJ having many songs which probably have received greater critical acclaim, this is one party tune that always fills you with energy… Not to forget the awesome guitar solo from rocker Eddie Van Halen.
7. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Off The Wall:
While you could argue about whether this was a bigger hit than ‘Beat It’ or not, the significance of the song lies in the fact that it was a budding Michael’s biggest hit and his first #1 after a 7 year hiatus. In association with Quincy Jones, he went on to produce some of his finest hits and this was where it all began.
6. Black or White, Dangerous:
Irrespective of how you feel about the persona and the music of the man, there is absolutely no doubt that MJ was an entertainer who loved to take up a social cause and make it a talking point. Anti-racism was the subject of the song and ‘hard rock’ its style; making it a huge hit overnight. As we will go along we will see a couple more such songs on the list which show the legend’s concern for society and the planet. Casting the few skeptics aside, his social-consciousness seems and sounds truly heartfelt.
5. Smooth Criminal, Bad:
This is a song we love more for the Moonwalk and the ‘leaning forward’ dance move more than the music, the gangster atmosphere and the guns. For a startled global audience, the magic that Michael presented with his head-spinning array of body benders was a treat like none other on the globe. For sheer audacity, creativity and backstage homework this more this deserves a mention!
4. Heal the World:
This was the first song that this writer ever heard from the MJ arsenal and it was not even out of an enthusiasm for music. It was in a classroom and the song was part of the school curriculum- in a country that is not USA! That is pretty much the best example of the impact this man has had on human culture with his music. The gentle singing and sincere emotion make it an instant classic- a song that Michael himself claims he is most proud of.
3. Billie Jean, Thriller:
Like many others to follow, this all time classic was inspired by Michael’s real life experience with a fan who claimed that he was the father of one of her twins. She apparently even sent him a gun asking Michael to shoot himself at a certain date and time; something she said she would do as well. While the woman was taken away, Michael came up with Billie Jean and that ensured his spot in history instantly!
2. Earth Song, HIStory:
It is not just the lyrics and the content in the song that makes it so special, but the production values of the video, which were way beyond their time- both in technology and costs. It was Michael’s biggest ever single in UK and still the popular anthem for environmental groups.
1. Thriller, Thriller:
Michael Jackson and Thriller – they now stand synonymous. Nothing before and nothing afterwards in the music industry has captured the hearts and minds of fans like Thriller. Its unique video and feat-tapping beats are universally recognizable… This is MJ’s trademark creation!
That’s our top 10 and it still leaves out some awesome singles like ‘Man in the Mirror’, ‘Dirty Diana’, ‘Say Say Say’, They Don’t Really Care About Us’ and many more… Another proof of his prodigious talent!
Source:
http://trendsupdates.com/best-of-michael-jackson-10-commandments-from-the-king-of-pop/
MJJLaugh
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Army of Love - MJ Fans United Worldwide
Some of my MJ friends made this video in a united effort: Amy Grace composed and sang the song and MJbunny asked people to send in a photo of themselves with a heartshape in the photo. A heart as a symbol of love, mIchael's Army of Love.
Great job ladies! Love the song and the video!! ( And I'm in it too, not saying when though)
Some of my MJ friends made this video in a united effort: Amy Grace composed and sang the song and MJbunny asked people to send in a photo of themselves with a heartshape in the photo. A heart as a symbol of love, mIchael's Army of Love.
Great job ladies! Love the song and the video!! ( And I'm in it too, not saying when though)
MJJLaugh
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Opinion: The day I met Michael Jackson, the day I'll never forget
I grew up to the soundtrack of Michael Jackson's music. I waited my whole life to meet him. In a bookstore at The Palm Beach Mall the moment arrived.
Ever since my parents took us to the Jackson 5 concert at the L.A. Coliseum, their very first major concert tour for their fist hit album, ABC (released in 1969), I’ve been a fan. Crowds of Victorville, California girls chased one of my brothers home from school every day thinking he was Michael Jackson under cover.
“How silly of them,” I thought. “It’s just my brother Kerry.” Why would he be living on an Air Force base with an older brother and 2 sisters, one of whom is named…oh….nevermind.
When Thriller was a hit and Michael Mania was at it’s 80s height, my brother Kerry would say to me, “Janet, he can’t possibly go any higher. He’s larger than life. Can you imagine him aging?"
Kerry McNair
Instead, Kerry didn’t age and 21 years ago, my brother died at the age of 29.
If I ever got the chance to meet the real Jackson, I’d have so much to say. Security would have to intervene just to spare his ears. Jackson was more than an entertainer -- he was like family to everyone who remembers where they were when they first saw him Moonwalk at the Motown 25 television special. He was unbelievable.
Does anyone remember Jackson doing the human beat box on Oprah’s prime time special at "Never Land Ranch?" This brother could sing simultaneous harmony with himself -- emphasis on the word “simultaneous.” One word sang out split into a chord with no special effects. Who does that?
To hear the headline “Michael Jackson dead at 50,” was somewhat surreal. Just yesterday I heard what I described as, “The voice of an angel,” on a television advertisement singing.
“You and I must make a pact.
We must bring salvation back.
Where there is love,
I’ll be there…”
It was Michael Jackson and his brothers. That voice led me on a series of thoughts starting with where my path crossed that of Jackson’s and ending with the one thing in life that is certain -- death.
I was not a friend, but a fan who last saw Jackson in person in a bookstore at the Palm Beach Lakes Mall (West Palm Beach, FL). I believe it was April of 2005 and it was definitely a Saturday morning, almost as soon as the mall opened, and the crowds had not yet arrived.
As soon as I walked into the bookstore, I noticed additional mall security. A security guard had already tipped me off at the coffee shop that Jackson was indeed in the building. No other shoppers were in the bookstore other than his undercover security detail posing as other shoppers. Once I checked out, it’s as if the mole on the cell phone told Jackson that a 40ish woman posed no threat. Without warning Jackson emerged from who knows where.
I saw the build and stance of the slim man at the magazine rack. I vicariously knew it well. He was taller than I imagined. First, I saw the everyday Joe navy sweatpants. As my eyes traveled up, they took notice of how nearly transparent the skin on his left hand was. He moved slightly toward me as if thinking about greeting me, then back the other way. Finally, he turned toward me.
This was it.
My head slowly tilted up from the bottom of his pant leg, past those thinly skinned hands and at my moment to speak, I couldn’t. The moment arrived that I waited nearly all my life for and all I could muster was an upward head nod that tacitly said, “What’s up?” He waved hello. I think I was taken aback that he was wearing a Spider Man mask -- the whole Spidey head, not one of those front-half-only masks attached by an elastic string.
About 30 minutes later, despite the mask or perhaps aided by it, a crowd of youth were running behind him screaming his name.
“I love you,” he yelled back.
So, just the night before he died, I remembered a botched meeting I’ll never have again. I sensed he could have used a friend, but knew I was just another stranger. I said to myself, I’m not certain of who I will or will not ever see again. But, one thing I am certain of is it is appointed to all of us to die.
What I Am Certain of Regarding Michael:
• He was one of the greatest entertainers the world has known.
• He is America’s National Treasure but we bailed on him during controversy.
• He popularized The Robot and did it again with the Moonwalk revolutionizing dance.
• God gifted us Mozart, Elvis, and Michael. They all left us as young men.
• Every pop and R & B singer of our times is heavily influenced by Michael Jackson.
• Although he shouldn’t have had children staying over, it wasn’t because they were in danger by the hand of
• Mike, but that Mike’s goodness was in danger of being abused by the same people who willfully drove their kids to a remote ranch and accepted expensive gifts and medical care from Jackson.
• Michael single-handedly changed MTV.
• Michael was overwhelmingly acquitted when he had his day in court. People should respect that fact.
• There’s no place in the world that doesn’t know the name of Michael Jackson
Invincible (2001)
What I believe about Michael:
• I believe a business man wise enough to buy a large chunk of the Beatle's music library was not broke.
• I believe human leaches have been draining Michael for years now.
• I believe Michael would not want people to forget about Farrah Fawcett & others whom we lost on
the same day.
• His last album Invincible (2001) is more amazing than the controversy dampened sales. Reflect. Pick it up.
• Without mike,there would be no usher, no NSYNC, no Ne-Yo…no music video industry as we know it.
Much of the world is going to remember where they were on June 25, 2009. Let’s celebrate his life and the deposit of positive energy that has revolutionized the music industry and changed the globe. What a gift God gave us in Jackson and Jackson gave us in song and dance.
I believe my brother Kerry at some point today said, “Mike, fancy seeing you here.”
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274812#ixzz16i5iG2l0
I grew up to the soundtrack of Michael Jackson's music. I waited my whole life to meet him. In a bookstore at The Palm Beach Mall the moment arrived.
Ever since my parents took us to the Jackson 5 concert at the L.A. Coliseum, their very first major concert tour for their fist hit album, ABC (released in 1969), I’ve been a fan. Crowds of Victorville, California girls chased one of my brothers home from school every day thinking he was Michael Jackson under cover.
“How silly of them,” I thought. “It’s just my brother Kerry.” Why would he be living on an Air Force base with an older brother and 2 sisters, one of whom is named…oh….nevermind.
When Thriller was a hit and Michael Mania was at it’s 80s height, my brother Kerry would say to me, “Janet, he can’t possibly go any higher. He’s larger than life. Can you imagine him aging?"
Kerry McNair
Instead, Kerry didn’t age and 21 years ago, my brother died at the age of 29.
If I ever got the chance to meet the real Jackson, I’d have so much to say. Security would have to intervene just to spare his ears. Jackson was more than an entertainer -- he was like family to everyone who remembers where they were when they first saw him Moonwalk at the Motown 25 television special. He was unbelievable.
Does anyone remember Jackson doing the human beat box on Oprah’s prime time special at "Never Land Ranch?" This brother could sing simultaneous harmony with himself -- emphasis on the word “simultaneous.” One word sang out split into a chord with no special effects. Who does that?
To hear the headline “Michael Jackson dead at 50,” was somewhat surreal. Just yesterday I heard what I described as, “The voice of an angel,” on a television advertisement singing.
“You and I must make a pact.
We must bring salvation back.
Where there is love,
I’ll be there…”
It was Michael Jackson and his brothers. That voice led me on a series of thoughts starting with where my path crossed that of Jackson’s and ending with the one thing in life that is certain -- death.
I was not a friend, but a fan who last saw Jackson in person in a bookstore at the Palm Beach Lakes Mall (West Palm Beach, FL). I believe it was April of 2005 and it was definitely a Saturday morning, almost as soon as the mall opened, and the crowds had not yet arrived.
As soon as I walked into the bookstore, I noticed additional mall security. A security guard had already tipped me off at the coffee shop that Jackson was indeed in the building. No other shoppers were in the bookstore other than his undercover security detail posing as other shoppers. Once I checked out, it’s as if the mole on the cell phone told Jackson that a 40ish woman posed no threat. Without warning Jackson emerged from who knows where.
I saw the build and stance of the slim man at the magazine rack. I vicariously knew it well. He was taller than I imagined. First, I saw the everyday Joe navy sweatpants. As my eyes traveled up, they took notice of how nearly transparent the skin on his left hand was. He moved slightly toward me as if thinking about greeting me, then back the other way. Finally, he turned toward me.
This was it.
My head slowly tilted up from the bottom of his pant leg, past those thinly skinned hands and at my moment to speak, I couldn’t. The moment arrived that I waited nearly all my life for and all I could muster was an upward head nod that tacitly said, “What’s up?” He waved hello. I think I was taken aback that he was wearing a Spider Man mask -- the whole Spidey head, not one of those front-half-only masks attached by an elastic string.
About 30 minutes later, despite the mask or perhaps aided by it, a crowd of youth were running behind him screaming his name.
“I love you,” he yelled back.
So, just the night before he died, I remembered a botched meeting I’ll never have again. I sensed he could have used a friend, but knew I was just another stranger. I said to myself, I’m not certain of who I will or will not ever see again. But, one thing I am certain of is it is appointed to all of us to die.
What I Am Certain of Regarding Michael:
• He was one of the greatest entertainers the world has known.
• He is America’s National Treasure but we bailed on him during controversy.
• He popularized The Robot and did it again with the Moonwalk revolutionizing dance.
• God gifted us Mozart, Elvis, and Michael. They all left us as young men.
• Every pop and R & B singer of our times is heavily influenced by Michael Jackson.
• Although he shouldn’t have had children staying over, it wasn’t because they were in danger by the hand of
• Mike, but that Mike’s goodness was in danger of being abused by the same people who willfully drove their kids to a remote ranch and accepted expensive gifts and medical care from Jackson.
• Michael single-handedly changed MTV.
• Michael was overwhelmingly acquitted when he had his day in court. People should respect that fact.
• There’s no place in the world that doesn’t know the name of Michael Jackson
Invincible (2001)
What I believe about Michael:
• I believe a business man wise enough to buy a large chunk of the Beatle's music library was not broke.
• I believe human leaches have been draining Michael for years now.
• I believe Michael would not want people to forget about Farrah Fawcett & others whom we lost on
the same day.
• His last album Invincible (2001) is more amazing than the controversy dampened sales. Reflect. Pick it up.
• Without mike,there would be no usher, no NSYNC, no Ne-Yo…no music video industry as we know it.
Much of the world is going to remember where they were on June 25, 2009. Let’s celebrate his life and the deposit of positive energy that has revolutionized the music industry and changed the globe. What a gift God gave us in Jackson and Jackson gave us in song and dance.
I believe my brother Kerry at some point today said, “Mike, fancy seeing you here.”
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274812#ixzz16i5iG2l0
MJJLaugh
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Michael Jackson-The voice of silence_Listen to your Heart
Just the other day I was thinking about Michael, in between all those other moments of thinking about Michael, and the following words sprang to mind:
Beautiful person
with a beautiful soul
so much to teach me
and make me whole.
:heart:
Just the other day I was thinking about Michael, in between all those other moments of thinking about Michael, and the following words sprang to mind:
Beautiful person
with a beautiful soul
so much to teach me
and make me whole.
:heart:
Ashtanga
Proud Member
MJJLaugh
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- Sep 10, 2009
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Two Tales of Compassion
Stories Of Compassion From Two Different Periods” was a very touching email that I received on Thanksgiving Day from Krishna Kaul. Krishna, thank you so very much! It originally appeared on www.thesilencedtruth.com.
As you read this true story, especially the second half, keep in mind that this was the same young man who would one day be crucified in the media as a “freak” and a “monster!” Is this how we treat our compassionate messengers and healers of the earth?
Once upon a time, thousands of years ago in the holy land of India there lived a messenger of God who was called Gautam Buddha after he attainted nirvana. But before he was Buddha, he went by the name Prince Siddhartha. And here is a little story of kindness from the boyhood days of this man of great compassion and love.
Prince Siddhartha was very kind to people, animals and other living things. Although he did not have to suffer any hardships and difficulties, as he had everything, he always thought of the poor people and living things who were working hard to make him happy. He felt sorry for them and wanted to make them happy too.
One day he was walking in the woods with his cousin Devadatta, who had brought his bow and arrows with him. Suddenly, Devadatta saw a swan flying and shot at it. His arrow brought the swan down. Both the boys ran to get the bird. As Siddhartha could run faster than Devadatta, he reached the swan’s injured body first and found, to his surprise, that it was still alive. He gently pulled out the arrow from the wing. He then got a little juice from cool leaves, put it on the wound to stop the bleeding and with his soft hand stroked the swan, which was very frightened. When Devadatta came to claim the swan, Prince Siddhartha refused to give it to him. Devadatta was very angry to see his cousin keeping the swan away from him. “Give me my bird! I shot it down,” said Devadatta.
“No, I am not going to give it to you,” said the Prince. “If you had killed it, it would have been yours. But now, since it is only wounded but still alive, it belongs to me.”�
Devadatta still did not agree. Then Siddhartha suggested, “Let us go to the court of the Sage and ask him who really owns the swan.” Devadatta agreed, so off they went to the court of the Sage to tell him about their quarrel.�
The Sage, hearing both boys’ version of the story, said, “A life certainly must belong to he who tries to save it, a life cannot belong to one who is only trying to destroy it. The wounded swan by right belongs to Siddhartha.”
Kind Siddhartha, took the custody of the wounded swan and took care of it until it was ready to fly again.
********************************************************************
Once upon a time in the holy land of Indiana was born a musical messiah, who was called the “King of Pop” after he created history with his music. But before he was the “King of Pop”, he was simply, Michael Jackson. This kind and compassionate artist was a great empath and felt the pain of entire mankind(esp children), animals and mother earth. He wanted to heal the world though his love and music and was much misunderstood in his lifetime. Here is a story of compassion from his younger days.
One day in the spring, Majestik (a close Jackson family friend) and fledgling super star but not yet King of Pop, Michael were at the compound at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson home, just hanging out together. They were headed down the driveway to the studio at the back of the property. They were bantering back and forth in conversation while walking along. Majestik was talking to Michael when he realized Michael was no longer next to him but was leaning down looking at the ground and crying.
He said “Michael, What are you doing?” Michael responded with tears streaming down his face, “Look it’s a baby bird and its dead!” Majestik not being of the same soft heart for nature as MJ and with his mind on where he was heading said “Michael, it is just a bird. There’s nothin’ you can do about it now. Man, its dead. Come on. We got to go. Let’s go.” Michael stood up and looked at him and in his soft voice and from his huge heart pleaded, “Majestik, this was a living creature with a heart and a soul just like us. We have to do something!”
Majestik emphatically insisted, “What are you gonna do, Michael? It’s already dead. There’s nothing you can do now.” As he was trying to convince Michael to just keep walking he realized that Michael is now down on the ground on his knees, digging a hole with his bare hands to bury the bird, while saying “We have to bury it. We have to bury this bird. We can’t just leave it here and we HAVE to say a prayer for this bird.”
He then finishes digging the hole, places the bird in the hole and covers it with dirt, as he finishes burying the bird he pats the ground gently with his hand, then stands and insists that Majestik stand right there with him over the new grave of the fallen bird while together they say a prayer. Michael leads the two of them in a prayer and asks God to bless the little baby bird and take it to heaven.
They are done praying and Majestik again tries to spur Michael on saying, “Ok, come on now. Come on. We got work to do. Let’s go! We’re done. Let’s go now!” But Michael is riveted and ignoring his pleas, instead looks up realizing the baby bird had fallen to its death out of a nearby tree. Suddenly he ascends up into the tree. Climbing the tree to the spot of the bird’s nest, where he then carefully fixes the nest so no more birdie babies will fall out and die.
His mission for God that spring day complete, he then climbs down. Brushes himself off and continues on with Majestik to the studio to work.
I have to confess, my reaction would have been similar to Majestik’s. I might have noticed, oh, there is a dead baby bird and I would have felt bad. But I doubt I would have stopped, let alone take the trouble to bury it and even the added mile to make sure the rest of the babies were safe! Not because I’m cold hearted (far from it) but because, like most of us, a lifelong conditioning of growing up in 20th/21st century America, with toys, cars, processed food, TV and computers has separated most of us from the concerns of the natural world we live in. We move through nature most days like zombies, never really taking the time out to notice if our fellow creatures around us are in danger or distress. What is a baby bird’s life to most of us? It affects us not at all.
Yet I can remember, as a small child, always wanting to stop and help the animals I saw. If I saw a dead bird, I wanted to bury it. But then I would hear the stern voices of my grandmother, or my parents: “Don’t touch that thing, it’s nasty. You don’t know what kind of germs are on it.” Thus, my initiation into the adult world.
It's Not About Being Childish, But Child-LIKE...To Never Lose That Sense Of Wonder And Compassion.
I have often spoken out against this myth of Michael Jackson as some eternal Peter Pan; some boy that never grew up. I think in a lot of ways, it is a myth (admittedly, one he himself helped perpetuate) that often times prevented the world from being able to appreciate the man. But all of his life, he did maintain an innocent, compassionate quality that was not childish, but “child like.” And thank God he did! He taught us that we do not have to separate the child from the man-or woman. As children, we are blank slates whose hearts are filled with love, compassion, and laughter. We hate no one. We love everything. A child, walking past a dead baby bird, would know intuitively that one dead baby bird means there are more baby birds nearby who may be in imminent danger, if you but bother to look up into the tree. The adult forgets these things.
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Sometimes, even when I pass a roadkill possum, it occurs to me to think, “That might have been a mother with babies to feed. What if those babies are waiting in their nest, helpless, for a mother who is never going to return?” But the adult in me drives on, with adult issues too pressing and urgent to give orphaned possums more than a passing thought.
Every day, we live in a world full of tragedies, sadness and sorrow that we never even take the time to notice, simply because we’ve been so conditioned to think that our human lives are the only ones that matter.
Michael continues to teach us by example, even from beyond. Often, it’s not the biggest things he accomplished that matter the most. We can admire that he sold millions of records, made groundbreaking videos, and won every music award there is to give-often multiple times.
But, in the end, are any of those things bigger or more important than stopping to bury a baby bird and to make sure its siblings were safe? Sometimes the things that will never make the headlines are the things that tell us the most about who that person truly is.
Source: http://allforloveblog.com/
Stories Of Compassion From Two Different Periods” was a very touching email that I received on Thanksgiving Day from Krishna Kaul. Krishna, thank you so very much! It originally appeared on www.thesilencedtruth.com.
As you read this true story, especially the second half, keep in mind that this was the same young man who would one day be crucified in the media as a “freak” and a “monster!” Is this how we treat our compassionate messengers and healers of the earth?
Once upon a time, thousands of years ago in the holy land of India there lived a messenger of God who was called Gautam Buddha after he attainted nirvana. But before he was Buddha, he went by the name Prince Siddhartha. And here is a little story of kindness from the boyhood days of this man of great compassion and love.
Prince Siddhartha was very kind to people, animals and other living things. Although he did not have to suffer any hardships and difficulties, as he had everything, he always thought of the poor people and living things who were working hard to make him happy. He felt sorry for them and wanted to make them happy too.
One day he was walking in the woods with his cousin Devadatta, who had brought his bow and arrows with him. Suddenly, Devadatta saw a swan flying and shot at it. His arrow brought the swan down. Both the boys ran to get the bird. As Siddhartha could run faster than Devadatta, he reached the swan’s injured body first and found, to his surprise, that it was still alive. He gently pulled out the arrow from the wing. He then got a little juice from cool leaves, put it on the wound to stop the bleeding and with his soft hand stroked the swan, which was very frightened. When Devadatta came to claim the swan, Prince Siddhartha refused to give it to him. Devadatta was very angry to see his cousin keeping the swan away from him. “Give me my bird! I shot it down,” said Devadatta.
“No, I am not going to give it to you,” said the Prince. “If you had killed it, it would have been yours. But now, since it is only wounded but still alive, it belongs to me.”�
Devadatta still did not agree. Then Siddhartha suggested, “Let us go to the court of the Sage and ask him who really owns the swan.” Devadatta agreed, so off they went to the court of the Sage to tell him about their quarrel.�
The Sage, hearing both boys’ version of the story, said, “A life certainly must belong to he who tries to save it, a life cannot belong to one who is only trying to destroy it. The wounded swan by right belongs to Siddhartha.”
Kind Siddhartha, took the custody of the wounded swan and took care of it until it was ready to fly again.
********************************************************************
Once upon a time in the holy land of Indiana was born a musical messiah, who was called the “King of Pop” after he created history with his music. But before he was the “King of Pop”, he was simply, Michael Jackson. This kind and compassionate artist was a great empath and felt the pain of entire mankind(esp children), animals and mother earth. He wanted to heal the world though his love and music and was much misunderstood in his lifetime. Here is a story of compassion from his younger days.
One day in the spring, Majestik (a close Jackson family friend) and fledgling super star but not yet King of Pop, Michael were at the compound at Hayvenhurst, the Jackson home, just hanging out together. They were headed down the driveway to the studio at the back of the property. They were bantering back and forth in conversation while walking along. Majestik was talking to Michael when he realized Michael was no longer next to him but was leaning down looking at the ground and crying.
He said “Michael, What are you doing?” Michael responded with tears streaming down his face, “Look it’s a baby bird and its dead!” Majestik not being of the same soft heart for nature as MJ and with his mind on where he was heading said “Michael, it is just a bird. There’s nothin’ you can do about it now. Man, its dead. Come on. We got to go. Let’s go.” Michael stood up and looked at him and in his soft voice and from his huge heart pleaded, “Majestik, this was a living creature with a heart and a soul just like us. We have to do something!”
Majestik emphatically insisted, “What are you gonna do, Michael? It’s already dead. There’s nothing you can do now.” As he was trying to convince Michael to just keep walking he realized that Michael is now down on the ground on his knees, digging a hole with his bare hands to bury the bird, while saying “We have to bury it. We have to bury this bird. We can’t just leave it here and we HAVE to say a prayer for this bird.”
He then finishes digging the hole, places the bird in the hole and covers it with dirt, as he finishes burying the bird he pats the ground gently with his hand, then stands and insists that Majestik stand right there with him over the new grave of the fallen bird while together they say a prayer. Michael leads the two of them in a prayer and asks God to bless the little baby bird and take it to heaven.
They are done praying and Majestik again tries to spur Michael on saying, “Ok, come on now. Come on. We got work to do. Let’s go! We’re done. Let’s go now!” But Michael is riveted and ignoring his pleas, instead looks up realizing the baby bird had fallen to its death out of a nearby tree. Suddenly he ascends up into the tree. Climbing the tree to the spot of the bird’s nest, where he then carefully fixes the nest so no more birdie babies will fall out and die.
His mission for God that spring day complete, he then climbs down. Brushes himself off and continues on with Majestik to the studio to work.
I have to confess, my reaction would have been similar to Majestik’s. I might have noticed, oh, there is a dead baby bird and I would have felt bad. But I doubt I would have stopped, let alone take the trouble to bury it and even the added mile to make sure the rest of the babies were safe! Not because I’m cold hearted (far from it) but because, like most of us, a lifelong conditioning of growing up in 20th/21st century America, with toys, cars, processed food, TV and computers has separated most of us from the concerns of the natural world we live in. We move through nature most days like zombies, never really taking the time out to notice if our fellow creatures around us are in danger or distress. What is a baby bird’s life to most of us? It affects us not at all.
Yet I can remember, as a small child, always wanting to stop and help the animals I saw. If I saw a dead bird, I wanted to bury it. But then I would hear the stern voices of my grandmother, or my parents: “Don’t touch that thing, it’s nasty. You don’t know what kind of germs are on it.” Thus, my initiation into the adult world.
It's Not About Being Childish, But Child-LIKE...To Never Lose That Sense Of Wonder And Compassion.
I have often spoken out against this myth of Michael Jackson as some eternal Peter Pan; some boy that never grew up. I think in a lot of ways, it is a myth (admittedly, one he himself helped perpetuate) that often times prevented the world from being able to appreciate the man. But all of his life, he did maintain an innocent, compassionate quality that was not childish, but “child like.” And thank God he did! He taught us that we do not have to separate the child from the man-or woman. As children, we are blank slates whose hearts are filled with love, compassion, and laughter. We hate no one. We love everything. A child, walking past a dead baby bird, would know intuitively that one dead baby bird means there are more baby birds nearby who may be in imminent danger, if you but bother to look up into the tree. The adult forgets these things.
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Sometimes, even when I pass a roadkill possum, it occurs to me to think, “That might have been a mother with babies to feed. What if those babies are waiting in their nest, helpless, for a mother who is never going to return?” But the adult in me drives on, with adult issues too pressing and urgent to give orphaned possums more than a passing thought.
Every day, we live in a world full of tragedies, sadness and sorrow that we never even take the time to notice, simply because we’ve been so conditioned to think that our human lives are the only ones that matter.
Michael continues to teach us by example, even from beyond. Often, it’s not the biggest things he accomplished that matter the most. We can admire that he sold millions of records, made groundbreaking videos, and won every music award there is to give-often multiple times.
But, in the end, are any of those things bigger or more important than stopping to bury a baby bird and to make sure its siblings were safe? Sometimes the things that will never make the headlines are the things that tell us the most about who that person truly is.
Source: http://allforloveblog.com/
Last edited:
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