General Discussion Board

Michael Jackson

GigiandAdonai — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:28:53 GMT

I'm hoping that Michael Jackson's movie This Is It comes closer to my hometown. Right now it is showing in two cities that are about 75 miles from me. I saw a preview for it the other day when I went to see Fame and the preview was spectacular. It is also my hopes that the movie will later be released on DVD because I willd definitely add it to my collection.

My Dad always used to tell my siblings and me to never talk about someone who couldn't defend themselves.

Michael Jackson

ChrisJarmick — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:46:22 GMT

Connecting with others is valuable and its easy to be affectionate toward someone who has made a connection to your life whether intentional or not. If one 'learns' something, gets a positive boost, learns a helpful lesson, identifies in a way that builds confidence from another's work, or art, that's valuable.

Unfortunately there is a lot of ego, narcism, and jealousy in our society and when someone attains success of any kind, someone desires to take it away or downplay it.

At the same time idolizing a celebrity is unhealthy (as is demonizing a celebrity).

Michael Jackson

smooches42 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 16:10:06 GMT

I think everyone has a great opinion on celebrities lives as we were only given outrageous things to here about them just to sell magazines and yes i bought into the headlines also! i say live your life the best way see fit.

Michael Jackson

Nancy44 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:53:16 GMT

I grew up loving the Jackson 5, they were one of my very faves...so much so that a few years ago on one of my Texas-roots music radio shows, I broke loose and did one full hour of only the Jackson 5. Sure my boss was like....what??? But he let me air it and I'm glad he did...that was freeform at it's best. I don't even remember asking for permission to. Maybe I did, and I wouldn't have accepted a NO answer. I'm sure my boss knew that so he kept his mouth shut. I'm 50 like MJ was. Yes, as we all know, MJ misused drugs.

Today when I do listen to MJ, I mostly listen to "Man In The Mirror" because I just love that song so much, even still ~ and when it was released, that's all my son & I listened to when he was young, especially on a train trip we took to New Orleans. We broke away from my radio and actually listened only to stations that played that song for a long time. MJ gave alot to the world, he really did. The world gave to him, but took more from him than they gave, IMHO.

When my son was in my belly, John Lennon was shot. I truly thought I would go into early labor. Also, that was the first time my stepdad broke his silence with me via a phone call, knowing how hard it hit me like a brick. It was widely known that John partook in drugs as well, and didn't really hide the fact. Not a Beatles fan here, I did always listen to what John Lennon had to say and how he perceived the world. "I believe in me" ~ and I never cared who he was married to. I just listened to his words. Back in the day, ppl were generally either a Beatles or Rolling Stones fan, it was the Stones for me. Many ppl liked both equally...just sayin'.

Elvis died right around the time I graduated high school and I was shooting my punk rock band photos. Some people laughed who were around me then, but I didn't. I remember the legacy he left, regardless of my musical likes or dislikes at the time. He also used drugs.

I will always miss Ed, after all he was an announcer too, and I always thought he was a mentor to me and folks in the biz with me at the time... both as a radio/TV host, personality and broadcaster. When I think of Ed, I also think of my dad, who was a USAF officer, Chief MP and pilot. I wish I knew what my dad thought of Ed. I was only 7 when he was killed. I'm sure he really admired Mr. McMahon, at least I get that feeling.

I always loved Farrah Fawcett ~ since our junior high days when all the girls did their hair like hers and all the boys had her poster. More than that though...not just superficial. And not just the David Letterman stint where everyone thought she was nuts. She was very courageous in her final days, and not many of us have that kind of courage.

I have "Man In The Mirror" on right now on YouTube, and I cannot for the life of me hear it/ see it without dancing...and crying a bit too. He truly did leave a legacy.

They...like you and I...were all human beings. Peace out OldHippy & everyone...

Michael Jackson

msimplicio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 06:32:47 GMT

Unfortunately, no one knows exactly what MJ went through. Yes,he was a child star and that stole his childhood as well as his childrens and was not a vet but he contributed to a lot of fundraisers in his spare time. He was well liked and not shy about spreading his love to those close to him. For that he is persecuted but he did not have to worry about what was left unsaid when he died as other people may.

We cannot judge a person until you have walked a mile in his shoes. Do any of you know how painful Lupus is, or chronic pain from burns? This man had constant pain, took meds for it and was called a drug addict, yet he still worked hard to make a difference in this judgemental world for everyone fan or not. I am able to admire his hard work, yet don't condone all his actions. He gave of himself and was not drafted to do so, it was by choice.

We all will miss Ed Mc Mahon but maybe the fact that he was older and lived a full life made it less publicized. I recently moved to CA. and hear more now about all the deaths of public figures and this is definitely the year for them. May they rest in peace.

Michael Jackson

PattyTherre — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 20:39:50 GMT

jazzybean01 said…

Never liked Michael Jackson, even when he was "normal". And I never cared for his music, so probably why I had no interest in him. I think it's ridiculous that famous people get all this attention when they die and every day heroes get a blip on page 3 if they're lucky.

I think true heroes do what they do because they are honest, good, wonderful people. They don't do it for recognition or fame. Entertainers do.

I agree that real heroes should be lauded and celebrated, I also believe that their heroism was done out of selflessness and they wouldn't even WANT a big "to do" over them. So many heroes that make it out of whatever situation they are in alive say that they were only doing what came naturally and don't feel they should be celebrated for that. While I DO feel they should be, I think the true heroes of the world get their rewards in other ways.

Entertainers, especially singers for some reason, become part of people's lives and people, I think, feel they know them. They're out there publicly sometimes for decades. I think that is where the media might slip up. They tend to go on and on about entertainers and mention other "everyday people" once or twice then move on.

I just hope that the true heroes of the world know we are indebted to them and grateful for their unselfish acts.

Michael Jackson

ElayneB — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 01:27:06 GMT

Thank You.

Michael Jackson

jazzybean01 — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:29:14 GMT

Never liked Michael Jackson, even when he was "normal". And I never cared for his music, so probably why I had no interest in him. I think it's ridiculous that famous people get all this attention when they die and every day heroes get a blip on page 3 if they're lucky.

Michael Jackson

ElayneB — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 17:05:09 GMT

Well said, PattyTherre.

Michael Jackson

PattyTherre — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 07:34:57 GMT

Elvis was a very talented guy and his untimely death was a shame. I remember he died on my birthday and my mom and I had tickets to see him for our combined birthdays (Her birthday was the 15th, mine was the 16th). I remember, although I was young, how very upset my mother was and how the media responded - very much like they have with Michael Jackson.

I think Farrah got her goodbye with her documentary. It touched so many lives, mine included. Ed was old and had cancer for a long time. I am sure many people mourned his passing but, let's face it, Michael Jackson was a worldwide phenomena whether people like it or not. There is no one is the world who doesn't know who MJ was. The outpouring of love and grieving continues still. 500 people in the UK choreographed the Thriller dance and preformed it in honor of Michael's birthday which would have been August 29.

I don't think anyone can compare two people. Elvis was a huge influence on the music industry and broke barriers in many ways. He was very loved by his fans. And so was Michael Jackson. Both had drug problems and somewhat checkered pasts but obviously MJ lived a bizarre life forever.

Everyone who passes is missed by someone, loved by someone, and made an impact on someone's life. Celebs happen to make larger impacts because they are visible. How they are mourned is entirely up to their fans. No amount of bashing will stop people who loved and/or appreciated what Michael Jackson did for the music industry from mourning his passing or doing what they can to keep his memory alive. And that's as it should be, in my opinion.

Michael Jackson

ElayneB — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:53:37 GMT

You were sad when Elvis died and you weren't surprised when Michael died. Elvis was no different than Michael Jackson, both were very popular and both had drug issues. Yes, he was very talented but he is not a freak. He is a man that had serious issues. Issues he didn't know how to deal with and most everyone around him were eager to please for the money.

Although everyone is entitled to their opinion, I'm appalled at some of the comments I've read or heard (not on this site) about Michael in comparison to Elvis from Elvis fans. Some feel as though Michael is being placed above Elvis. Popularity depends on the fan base and circumstances surrounding a celebrities death dictates how the media will respond.

It's unfortunate that Ed McMahon and Farrah Fawcett didn't receive the publicity they deserve, but again fan base and what the media may consider a juicy story dictates the level of response. I feel for all the celebrities that have passed and it's sad that most of them were dealing with issues on various levels.

Michael Jackson

LaurieM — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:25:11 GMT

I agree with Patty. Michael Jackson was in desperate need of help. It is an awful shame that instead of enabling him, those around him didn't help prevent this tragedy. I grew up with Michael's music and for me, he really was the "King of Pop". RIP

DJ Am's death whether it be a suicide or an accidental overdose is just a shocker. He was one of two survivors of a horrible plane crash! He was given a second chance at life! I read that he was suffering from post traumatic stress from the crash. Apparently he was self medicating instead of getting real help. Just senseless and so sad.

I also admired Ed McMahon and hope he rests in peace as I do the others.

Michael Jackson

PattyTherre — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 07:38:53 GMT

Now that MJ's death was ruled a homicide after a very extensive investigation, we will be hearing much more about him and his death in the weeks to come.

I don't believe he was evil. I believe he was a psychological mess. He was riddled with anxiety, painfully shy, missing the most important years of his childhood and, for him, it was a trauma. He liked to perform but he longed to be "normal" even going so far as to closing a supermarket and hiring people to shop while he did to feel what it was like to just go grocery shopping like a normal person.

He certainly was strange and had some bad habits. Clearly, he had issues sleeping (I mean,if you need anesthesia to sleep, you have issues sleeping!) and with pain. I saw the video of his hair on fire and the skin on his head just boiled off. He had so much pain both physically and emotionally that he buckled under it.

It's just so amazing to me that not one person could help him. The family apparently attempted an intervention once but failed. Michael Jackson should have been under a psychiatrist's care and in therapy for years. Instead, he had people all around him who enabled him to push his emotional pain aside by shooting him up with drugs. One shot for pain, one for energy, an IV for sleep, pills for anxiety....

I guess what saddens me is that he trusted that a doctor would help him to sleep and not kill him. That is why he hired a doctor and didn't just have any ole person give him that stuff.

I believe Michael Jackson did wonderful things for many charities, broke through many stereotypes, and literally invented a whole new way of performing.

So often, the geniuses are troubled and "freakish". He should have had someone there to catch him before he fell the way he did. It wasn't like anyone couldn't see that he was in big trouble in many ways. They just turned their heads.

Ed McMahon was a great guy. I loved him on the Tonight show as did my mom. I hope she got to meet him in heaven along with Johnny Carson, her other fave. He lived a long life and he passed expectedly. I think that's the difference between the two. One was a total shock and the other was expected. Same with Farrah. Although I hated hearing of her death, it was imminent unfortunately.

Now DJ Am has died. A man who cheated death last year by surviving a horrific plane crash somehow couldn't handle that he was only one of two survivors and went back to drugs after being clean for 9 years. That, along with other things in his life, apparently took a huge toll on him. He wasn't that well known but it's just so strange how one can be handed a beautiful second chance at life and then not make the most of it. I don't know if we come with an expiration date or not but it sure seems as though his time was up and he somehow managed to avoid it the first time.

May they ALL RIP.

Michael Jackson

mckiver123 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 03:10:57 GMT

I do not know if Michael Jackson was guilty or not, no ones knows this but God. No matter, he was still a human being and I feel his family deserve some respect and be able to mourn their lost.

Michael Jackson

lostcowgirl2005 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 01:56:50 GMT

MIchael Jackson he may have been a icon but he was definately a freak. He died now let him rest in peace. Because he apparently didn't here on earth he didn't like he was black. He didn't seem to like adult only kids so he was a messed up man who was apparently in alot of pain due to his own making. So give the media to people who really did something for this world.

Michael Jackson

DUISparky — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:36:06 GMT

Buggheart said…

I just wish they'd bury the dude already.

I agree with that 1000%

I never really liked his music. Never followed his drama. I'm tired of hearing about him. He's dead. Give him a rest.

Someone truly great in the music industry died recently. He got a little snippet in the news and that was it. Most people don't know who he was or what he did. C'est la vie.

Michael Jackson

dianescovens — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:04:32 GMT

Who are you to accuse anyone about anything. Where you there? No, I do not think so. Do not defame his character now that he is gone. Let him rest in peace. that is why the world is the way it is today. if everyone minded their own business we would be a better place.

Michael Jackson

dianescovens — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:02:19 GMT

Dear Bob,

That is your opinion about Michael Jackson. Everyone is entitled to whatever they like. i personally enjoyed growuing up with Michael. he was unique in his own way. i enjoyed his music tremendously and still do. I loved to see him do his dances. All I can say is that he mesmerized people with the way he moved.

Michael never really had a childhood. He was always in the limelight. This is why to me he never grew up. He did not play in the summer like regular people. he always had to be kept in low profile because his fans would not let him be a regular person. I guess that is part of being a celebrity. Some how I think that it was the fans fault for the way he reclused himself from others. I do not care what anyone says, i loved me some Michael jackson. I think that he is and always will be a sweetheart. think what you want and say what you want, that is only your opinion and no body else's.

Michael Jackson

dianescovens — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:56:29 GMT

I think that Ed McMahan was a just person. i liked him on the Tonight Show, I thought he livened every thing up as the side kick.

Michael Jackson

Buggheart — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 19:35:13 GMT

I just wish they'd bury the dude already.

Michael Jackson

raygeneren — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:51:50 GMT

I agree that all this hype over a person such as Michael Jackson who thought that he could make the world stand still,i for nothing.As he was nothing but a human being that did not care what he did or how he did it.He used his status to get out of severval crimes because he was Michael Jackson.Bull s--t to all this he did not care to even want to be black or he would not have had bleached his pigments and neither did he care about what his family .he was an aggronant brat.

Michael Jackson

krislynn — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 16:56:18 GMT

I agree Gigi! All of us have an expiration date with God. It is on HIS time not OURS. :-)

Michael Jackson

FallenofTrack — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:56:24 GMT

I totally agree with this statement. I truly believe that Michael Jackson was basically a child himself. I watched some rare interviews with him on YouTube and he seemed very gentle, sensitive, and child like in his mannerisms and his wide eyed look of wonderment at the simple things. I think he had a great appreciation for things that most people take for granted. I also think that he struggled because of how he was raised. He was an introverted person and being in the limelight for so long probably made him even more introverted. There are some people who become reclusive because of fame and Michael Jackson was one of those people. I know a guy who is very gentle in the way that Micheal seemed to be. I liked being around him when I was younger because of his gentle manner. I can actually see why kids would like to be around someone like Michael. They probably felt accepted and not intimidated by him because of his personality.

Michael Jackson

FallenofTrack — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:56:24 GMT

Michael Jackson

bkovacs — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:31:09 GMT

Jo said…

OldHippie said…

Ed McMahon was a WW II Vet & got very little publicity upon his death. Jackson dies from "mysterious causes" and people are going nuts. It's all I've seen & heard on the news the past two days. Granted...he had talent. I also think he was a freak.

I was sad when Elvis died. I literally cried when John Lennon was shot. I stopped & said a prayer when I learned Mr. McMahon died. Didn't shock me at all when I heard Jackson died.

If you can read this...thank a teacher. If you're reading this in English...thank a Vet. Thank you Mr. McMahon.

I would same the exact same thing and was thinking about that actually when Walter Cronkite died. Jo

Walter Cronkite was certainly a fine reporter and he covered World War II as a reporter. Some of that coverage was dangerous, by reporter standards. However, he was never actually in the military.

Still, Cronkite was was an icon and he will be missed. A few years ago, I wrote a magazine article to promote an auction at a meeting of TV/radio news directors. One of the items being auctioned was a lunch with Walter Cronkite and it was one of the most sought-after items on the auction list. I'd have loved to win that bid.

--Bob

Michael Jackson

Ronnie6 — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:00:01 GMT

Well done OldHippie

Michael Jackson

Jo — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:52:22 GMT

I agree that we didn't understand him and though I thought he was guilty at the time seeing his interviews - thinking he is Peter Pan - makes me think though WRONG, he had kids sleep with just like he was a kid. What is so troubling is that he never got help. I too, Bob, am usually fascinated (as a former Social Worker) with things/people I don't understand but he was surrounded by so many enablers that I just can't get beyond his delusions, drug addiction, on and on.

Michael Jackson

Jo — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:48:36 GMT

OldHippie said…

Ed McMahon was a WW II Vet & got very little publicity upon his death. Jackson dies from "mysterious causes" and people are going nuts. It's all I've seen & heard on the news the past two days. Granted...he had talent. I also think he was a freak.

I was sad when Elvis died. I literally cried when John Lennon was shot. I stopped & said a prayer when I learned Mr. McMahon died. Didn't shock me at all when I heard Jackson died.

If you can read this...thank a teacher. If you're reading this in English...thank a Vet. Thank you Mr. McMahon.

I would same the exact same thing and was thinking about that actually when Walter Cronkite died. Jo

Michael Jackson

Navaflaire — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:19:11 GMT

With MJ there are lots of judges, but can we definitely say who is guilty or innocent anymore. The molested children themselves have come back and retracted and stated "They did it for money", but he is gone and will never be vendicated. There are a lot of skeletons in a lot of closets and unfortunately when you become part of the social money makers, your life is taken apart and some truths become stretched into lies. May he rest in peace, the peace he never received while living and could only find in death.

Michael Jackson

GigiandAdonai — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:16:48 GMT

With God there are no accidental deaths. Everything is done in His own time. God is on time every time!

Michael Jackson

geebees — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:21:21 GMT

I am a vet of the Air Force - Vietnam ERA, served during the war but not IN the war, my ex did 3 tours of duty in Vietnam as a door gunner on a helicopter. I have always been proud of my service and his to this country, even though I am a woman and didn't do much. Tell me you weren't a war-protesting hippie, please! It's sad what the media does, they certainly only report what they want, or maybe what they think we want to hear. I want the truth, unvarnished, untainted, unrestricted. I can take it. As far as Jackson is concerned, I think he died by accident, that anesthesia stuff isn't meant for private use, didn't he know he might not wake up?

Michael Jackson

lesjb31 — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 23:58:14 GMT

I like Micheal Jackson long time ago but was shocked to hear of his death but he had more publicity than Farrah Fassett which surprised me she was very popular in my younger years . why does everything have to be about Micheal??????

Michael Jackson

Yahya — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:18:50 GMT

I toatally agree with you! He was Peterpan, his childhood was taken from him, he was a child at heart, could even go out in public like a normal person the public would never give him any peace. In a American we are Innocent till proven guilty, he was guilty in many eyes after found innocent.

Michael Jackson

ChrisJarmick — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 17:31:42 GMT

M.J. sought fame and celebrity and received it beyond what he even dreamed possible and wasn't prepared for the negative aspects of fame and celebrity. It broke him. He may have also had very dark psychological problems. He was a Popular Icon and was involved in important things. He and others around him steered his fame to have at least some popular impact... He broke the MTV color line. He was not as IMPORTANT to culture as a Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder however. He did however sell more than anyone else. He's now like others who could not handle fame and find the balance of life and celebrity.. Belushi, Cobain, Morrison, etc. etc.

McMahon's public personna was honed to avoid controversy so he could continue to be a product pitchman for ad agencies. His alcoholism, financial and personal problems were kept more private but in reality were pretty messed up.

Farrah rose above her flavor of the week poster/Charlie Angels beginning. She developed herself into a good actress and tried to find balance in her life amongst the fame and celebrity madness.

All of these people had their own lives that we only know pieces of and develop our perspective and opinions about.

None of them could possibly live up the hype surrounding them. They did however excite US .. the public. I mean the live Moondance and Thriller video? The spectacle of Jackson rising from Disco's ashes into a New Wave Dance era? Wow. Exciting stuff. He did get to start something.... He did have worth and value in making people feel good.. even briefly about themselves or in many cases about other issues. He wanted to be King of POP and do some good things. He did. Unfortunately there was the bad and ugly side too. Fame and celebrity is cyclical. Those who need it too much will always be crushed and it will always end badly for them. It's sad, tragic, inevitable.

It should also remind us of more important things in life than being famous, looking good, and performing impressively--That isn't enough for anyone.

Michael Jackson

Pegib — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:34:55 GMT

How very sad that an icon of talent had to endure the wrath of a sadistic father who by the way is as about as UGLY as a human beinging can be in appearence that is!

Totally destroyed MJ's self confidence and destroyed his self image. Joe Jackson is a creature from HELL. His other children know that. Their lives were also affected by his abuse and dysfunction. And the worst thing about it , is that he proffited from the talents of his children. His wife was the ONLY "Rock" of the family of the Jackson family.

Micheal's children will continue to give to the people as thier father did. We just need to give them time. I am confident that their father's memory love and guidence will inspire them to carry on his talent. I hope that his remains will be at "Never Land" for all of the world to see.

Nancy, Illinois

MJ was self distructive from the get-go

Michael Jackson

MikeMaroon — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 03:46:03 GMT

First of all, I don't believe for a second MJ was a child molester. I think we "normal" humans didn't understand him and, in our culture, that meant he must be doing something horrendous. From all accounts, I think Jackson was a true man-child. He never had the opportunity to "grow up" in the normal sense. He was shoved out on stage at age 5 and knew nothing else. You can't grow up like that and be "normal".

An enormous talent, he was. To deny that is to just be delusional. Everyone said he was painfully shy in person and that tells me the stage and performing was the only place he felt he could be who he really was. I feel for MJ. How tragic to have all that fame and glory yet not be able to function around people. Sure, he did some strange things but thinking he was a freak because of them really says more about us than it does him. All the way back in school we can remember how the kids who didn't conform to peer expectations were treated. Adults do the same, but we tend to not be so honest about it.

I believe Micheal Jackson truely liked being around little kid for he was one emotionally himself. I could be wrong, but I don't think he molested any of them, ever. I think he was really shocked to learn the public didn't like what he was doing, having all the young boys over. He was a genius, for sure and a misunderstood one, at that.

I'm not saying everything he did was ok. You don't dangle a kid from a balcony. But, I doubt there was a mean bone in his body. He just wasn't like the rest of us and didn't see things the way the rest of us do. I don't know if he's resting in peace now. Have no way of knowing. Hope he is.

Michael Jackson

GrandmawsOpinion — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:03:50 GMT

bkovacs said…

What's so fascinating about Michael Jackson was the depth of the yin-yang in his life. He was so brilliantly talented, yet so deeply troubled. We fixate on people like that just as we would someone with two heads. We commoners can't understand how the exceedingly gifted are so often whack jobs with dark sides that can shade the sun.

You and I have a little talent around the edges that we coax to life to produce some barely useful thing. On the other hand, Michael Jackson (with fellow MTV maven Madonna) redrew the map of how to be a music celebrity in the US. It was no longer about good songs and a competent voice. Jackson made it a full-on show with hyper-kinetic dance, hypnotic clothes and songs that throbbed their way into our subconscious. (Just listen to "Billy Jean.") Michael Jackson stayed at the pinnacle of performance productivity for about 10 years, longer than the Beatles.

However, that kind of talent apparently can't exist without screaming demons that eventually erupt in bizarre behavior and shocking revelations. His fixation on kids and beyond healthy appearance almost erased his blinding talent in my mind. It's hard to be sympathetic when you hear about the death of someone that strange, that far past the norms of behavior. He was deeply troubled, perhaps as troubled as he was talented.

It's a strange world. So many of us do what we can and walk through life in obscurity. Then a guy like Michael Jackson sprints by on a path of his own and we think he's got it all. But it's a path that diverges with normal behavior and we will make him pay eventually.

Strange case...

--Bob

Beautifully written Bob!

Michael Jackson

GigiandAdonai — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 18:27:08 GMT

Ed McMahon will be missed but as many have said, he lived a good long life and death comes to us all. He was fortunate to have 80+ years. I cried when I heard Bea Arthur died because I loved her in Golden Girls. I was upset to hear about Farrah's failing health because I am a cancer survivor and wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. But my family was all in love with Jaclyn Smith and not Farrah. Yes, she was a talented woman but in my home she just wasn't "all that." My siblings and I were forbidden to listen to rock, pop, etc. because my father, a Marine drill sgt said that kind of music was trash. However, my sister and I were on dance teams and I was on a speed skating team so we were introduced to the music thru our instructors.

The press would have the public to believe that Michael Jackson's death was untimely or unexpected but I don't believe it was. He had a history of drug use and abuse and through the years it was obvious that his health was failing.

What saddens me is all the people who are wishing and hoping that all these stars will RIP. I am a Christian and I don't believe that just because you die you find yourself in Heaven. I believe that you must repent of your sins and make a personal profession of faith and choose to live for the Lord. I have a burden for lost souls and I just wonder how many of these celebs that we love and admire will be in Heaven and how many will be cast into the lake of fire, the final destination for those who choose not to follow the Lord. I guess no one can really know another's heart and only time will tell. Nothing will change their final destiny because it has already happened but it's not too late to reach those still here on earth.

I'm all for those who choose to promote charities and save the world, the whale, etc. Who's going to represent the Lord and save lost souls?

"Born once--die twice. Born twice--die once." The Christian experiences Hell on earth and Heaven for all eternity. The unbeliever experiences Heaven on earth and Hell for all eternity.

The party in Hell has been cancelled due to extreme heat and fire but the Lord is hosting a party in Heaven and all you have to do is accept the invitation. The choice is up to you.

Michael Jackson

GrandmawsOpinion — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:13:24 GMT

Nikro said…

Granted, He was talented, but Im tired of hearing about MJ. There are tons of things going on in the world w/o having to turn to the news and only hear about him. Sorry to offend, but these things going on in our world today are more important than a very disturbed person's life.

Please understand this is not directed at you personally Nikro, but many folks I know are saying the same thing. . . granted the media is taking a brief hiatus from reporting the usual disturbing news, i.e. "SC Governor cheating on his wife in Argentina or the atrocities of the war in Iraq, the Dow plummeting, or Brittany Spears new tattoo"; how dare we let our moment of prayer interfere with that news. . . .

Michael Jackson

GrandmawsOpinion — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:45:32 GMT

From My Blog: It saddened me to hear of the deaths of Michael Jackson, Farah Fawcet, and Ed McMahon. All were American icons diverse in their individual talents, yet personally troubled in different ways. Michael's legal and constant cosmetic health issues, Ed's very public bankruptcy, and Farah's valiant yet heartbreaking battle with cancer. With all that being said, I ask that we remember them not as the Hollywood personalities we gawked at on the cover of supermarket tabloids . . . but as amazing, incredibly brave and talented, human beings that changed the image of pop culture forever. May you all rest in peace. . .

Michael Jackson

lorece43 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 10:31:12 GMT

Michael Jackson was a very gifted man, and despite his faults he did try to reach out to the world and give them some happiness with his talent. Michael Jackson, Ed McMahon, and Farrah Fawcett all will be missed. I send my condolences out each of their family members.

Michael Jackson

njchicaa — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:07:11 GMT

Michael Jackson was a child molestor despite what the court had to say on the matter. I'm sorry, but anyone sleeping in beds with children and giving them "Jesus Juice" has some serious, hard-core flaws that can't be fluffed over by a bunch of hit singles and albums. He was clearly a troubled man and hopefully he is finally at rest.

Michael Jackson

AnnaBanana — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:04:49 GMT

I think that in his own way Ed McMahon was just as popular and will be missed by many. It may be that people may have noticed his passing just as much if not more but there was a lot more media excitement about Michael Jackson because his death was untimely (he was only 50) and unexpected, by me at least! And the media always did seem to be fixated on MJ.

It is tempting sometimes to confuse someone's talent with their moral, ethical or other personal choices. I enjoyed Michael's songs and his singing and dancing very much. The great tragedy of his life is that it looked to me like he could never really appreciate himself enough. It is heartbreaking to see early videos of Michael Jackson performing or just being the way he started out. He was blessed with a beautiful face and no plastic surgeon should have ever messed with it. Too much money and power piled on top of too much emotional baggage possibly complicated things also.

I will never forget either Ed McMahon or Michael Jackson ... and when I think of Michael Jackson, I will never forget that great recording he made when he was a little kid of the Christmas song "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus!" I love that recording and it just wouldn't be Christmas without it.

They can't take that away from me!

Michael Jackson

Nikro — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:13:13 GMT

Granted, He was talented, but Im tired of hearing about MJ. There are tons of things going on in the world w/o having to turn to the news and only hear about him. Sorry to offend, but these things going on in our world today are more important than a very disturbed person's life.

Michael Jackson

Jolie — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 03:05:23 GMT

This has been a rough week for celebrity deaths! Farrah too....

Michael Jackson

bkovacs — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 02:46:24 GMT

What's so fascinating about Michael Jackson was the depth of the yin-yang in his life. He was so brilliantly talented, yet so deeply troubled. We fixate on people like that just as we would someone with two heads. We commoners can't understand how the exceedingly gifted are so often whack jobs with dark sides that can shade the sun.

You and I have a little talent around the edges that we coax to life to produce some barely useful thing. On the other hand, Michael Jackson (with fellow MTV maven Madonna) redrew the map of how to be a music celebrity in the US. It was no longer about good songs and a competent voice. Jackson made it a full-on show with hyper-kinetic dance, hypnotic clothes and songs that throbbed their way into our subconscious. (Just listen to "Billy Jean.") Michael Jackson stayed at the pinnacle of performance productivity for about 10 years, longer than the Beatles.

However, that kind of talent apparently can't exist without screaming demons that eventually erupt in bizarre behavior and shocking revelations. His fixation on kids and beyond healthy appearance almost erased his blinding talent in my mind. It's hard to be sympathetic when you hear about the death of someone that strange, that far past the norms of behavior. He was deeply troubled, perhaps as troubled as he was talented.

It's a strange world. So many of us do what we can and walk through life in obscurity. Then a guy like Michael Jackson sprints by on a path of his own and we think he's got it all. But it's a path that diverges with normal behavior and we will make him pay eventually.

Strange case...

--Bob

Michael Jackson

doublegem — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 01:57:58 GMT

I think Michael Jackson was a freak show but he was very much definately an icon of america and it was very shocking when he died. Totally unexpected. However, lets not forget Farrah Fawcett either. Ed mcmahon was a great man but was also 86 years old. He lived his life.

Michael Jackson

SpokaneMan — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:58:23 GMT

Ed McMahon was definitely a good man.

Michael Jackson

OldHippie — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 22:54:28 GMT

Ed McMahon was a WW II Vet & got very little publicity upon his death. Jackson dies from "mysterious causes" and people are going nuts. It's all I've seen & heard on the news the past two days. Granted...he had talent. I also think he was a freak.

I was sad when Elvis died. I literally cried when John Lennon was shot. I stopped & said a prayer when I learned Mr. McMahon died. Didn't shock me at all when I heard Jackson died.

If you can read this...thank a teacher. If you're reading this in English...thank a Vet. Thank you Mr. McMahon.