Jack & Jill Politics

what you don't hear in the news is that Michael Jackson donated over $300 million to charity over the course of his lifetime.

here's a partial list of charities he's contributed to:

AIDS Project L.A.
American Cancer Society
Angel Food
Big Brothers of Greater Los Angeles
BMI Foundation, Inc.
Brotherhood Crusade
Brothman Burn Center
Camp Ronald McDonald
Childhelp U.S.A.
Children's Institute International
Cities and Schools Scholarship Fund
Community Youth Sports & Arts Foundation
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dakar Foundation
Dreamstreet Kids
Dreams Come True Charity
Elizabeth Taylor Aids Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
Love Match
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Minority Aids Project
Motown Museum
NAACP
National Rainbow Coalition
Rotary Club of Australia
Society of Singers
Starlight Foundation
The Carter Center's Atlanta Project
The Sickle Cell Research Foundation
Transafrica
United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
United Negro College Fund Ladder's of Hope
Volunteers of America
Watts Summer Festival
Wish Granting
YMCA - 28th Street/Crenshaw

more on his charitable legacy

R.I.P. MJ -_-

George Carlin - Jacko Beats Them All
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uC8LSV-j2g

My MJ Tribute:

I am wearing a sequin silver glove on my left hand in honor of MJ until his birthday in August.

I am crying while I write this because my heart is broken beyond repair.

I have been devastated since hearing the news! I have not eaten or drank because it is just so surreal.I slept hoping I will wake up and it will be a hoax or a stunt.

I was born in 1986 (I am young I know) so I grew up with Mj being a part of my world and existence.

My first words were "I'm Bad". My parents set up a TV in my nusery and played MJ videos so I didn'tcry or act up. I learned to walk when I got up to walk towards to TV during one of his live appearances.

I remember seeing him in concert several times including the one back in 2001 in Ny. I flew to foreign countries for his concerts.

I became a dancer because of Michael...he inspires my art, fashion and ecclectic personal aesthetics.

My favorite movie is Moonwalker.

His music videos were primetime television, who can forget the long version of Bad with Wesley Snipes or Smooth Criminal.

I own all of his albums and I was honored when I was choosen to be in the crowd of children that appeared at a live performance years ago. I cried when I did not get to meet him.

I spent the last several years defending him against cruel attacks by greedy and judgemental people who could not see that he was emotionally and mentally unstable. His only fault was being born into such a unsympathetic society and being misunderstood. Listen to his song "Childhood"...it was his mainfesto...it was what was going on inside him. I cried everytime I heard it.I am tired of people calling him "wacko" and weird and crazy etc.. He was a good man with a good heart.He was damaged by a cruel society.

I was in California outside of the court room with the rest of his "crazy" (as the media called us) fans when he was charged with child molestation. People laughed at me up to Wednesday with what they called my "intense obsession" with Michael Jackson. I have tickets for his concert in London but I assume there will be no concert.I am and will always be a die hard fan. Words cannot capture the depth of my love for Michael.

Take Care. I hope you feel better soon!

All I can fam is that my eyes are red as Hell and my ipod is turning my cubicle OUT here at work from 1970 all the way to INVINCIBLE!!!

I Won't stop til get too much!!!

Mike, Thank you for all the contributions you have given Black America as well America.

Truly you are THE UNDISPUTED KING OF POP

GOD BLESS!

Smokey Robinson and Corey Feldman? I haven't seen either of then in a while and now they are on Larry King together.

Also, what is up with the tow trucks going into the house where MJ died? What can they be towing at 10:15, from inside the gates,

Wow@ this photo: http://images.huffingtonpost.com/gadgets/slides...

I was laying down to go to sleep, but the tv in my bedroom was still tuned to MSNBC. These dirty muthaphuckas have the audacity to dig in their archives and pull up one of their "specials" from back in the day related to the molestation trials.

An executive at MSNBC/NBC/GE made the decision to put this program on the air and not even a whole day has passed since Michael deceased. EVEN EXECUTED MASS-MURDERERS GET A CERTAIN LEVEL OF RESPECT AND DECORUM.

I can't speak for a "people," but I can say for myself, I am being under-served. I deserve better than what MSNBC, FOX, and CNN are offering. I need another choice.

If Michael Jackson were still alive, these muthaphuckas could be sued for libel and slander because MJ was NEVER CONVICTED OF ANYTHING. Yet, folks want to rehash all of his demons in the IMMEDIATE aftermath of his death. They got 100 years to be doing BEHind-the-MUSIC specials on Michael, but these muthaphuckas can't even shut their claps for 24 hours.

Karma is a bitch. The indignity of defaming the dead will come back around on all these folks, when they least suspect it.

The only judgment relevant to Michael Jackson is occuring/occured at St. Peter's Gates. The judgments of mortals are irrelevant now.

"Defaming the dead"..?

I really don't think the dead give a damn.

They don't. We (the fans, the family, the friends) do. Is that difficult for you to grasp?

I'd give you a scriptural basis too, but I know you're an atheist so it would just go over your head. Shoot, I'll do it anyway:

“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

Like I said, I know you can not appreciate it. Maybe someone else will benefit.

You're also wrong about Karma. There will be no "comeuppance" for these people.

It is not honourable to scavenge, or seek cheap applause, or to be a sly preacher.

Fond of scriptures? Here's one for you:

However, you may purchase male or female slaves from among the foreigners who live among you. You may also purchase the children of such resident foreigners, including those who have been born in your land. You may treat them as your property, passing them on to your children as a permanent inheritance. You may treat your slaves like this, but the people of Israel, your relatives, must never be treated this way. (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT)

You KNOW zippo.

My faith and hope are in the Almighty God. I'm not personally "interested" in vengeance against those who would defame the dead. Vengeance belongs to the Almighty God.

And as an atheist, I don't expect you to understand anything I have said. Of course, it's all gibberish, nonsense to you. That's fine. This is not Iran. This is America.

That is all I have to say. I will not detract further from this remembrance thread. If you wish to continue this in an open thread (preferably on another day), please do so.

You certainly are interested in vengeance..you said so yourself..in THIS thread; or, was that the holy spirit speaking through you?

Please clarify.

Why I had cable news turned off for the longest time.

I still couldn't watch much of it yesterday. I'm gutted. I just have to maintain life as it is and remember Michael with my stereo and YouTube.

these motherfuckers devote 24-hours a day, EVERY DAY to finding any and every reason to tear down our country's brand new president. did u really expect them to cut michael jackson some slack???

Surprisingly it is MSNBC that seems to be bringing up the negative. CNN and FOX seem to be avoiding the bad or glossing over it. I'm disappointed with MSNBC.

Same here. MSNBC has turned Jackson's death announcement into another episode of "To Catch A Predator."

Considering the steady stream of prison documentaries, sensationalized murder stories and cheesy shows MSNBC uses as filler over the weekend we shouldn't be surprised. The irony here is waking up to see a semblance of respect and nostalgia about Michael on exhibit during "Morning Joe."

Shep (and FOX by default) have provided the best coverage coverage of any news network tonight and they will be covering this all night. This network could be so good if they got rid of everyone except Shep.

Man it's gonna be hard to sleep tonight. I'm supposed to be on vacation dammit. It's gonna be a long weekend, ya'll.

Mike told us we were "Pretty Young Thangs" (P.Y.T.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdV7Kb1RG8Y

They are partying outside the Apollo Theater! Just singing and celebrating MJ's life.

I still can't process this.

Folks are still in shock Sepia. Some of us are gonna wake up tomorrow and realize that the King of Pop is...

Europe is just now waking up to the news. They're going to have a full day with the reality that the King of Pop...i can't even say it.

You know that's how we black people do. We cry for about 5 minutes, and then we have jokes and fun at your funeral. The person didn't "die" they merely "went home."

I remember reading a quote that went something like "we have it backwards, we should cry when someone is born and celebrate when they die" I don't remember where I heard/read that.

Hell I wish I was there partying with them.

Okay, the dam has broken, I can't watch anymore coverage or I'll be bawling my eyes out for the rest of the night.

Featured Poll: "Which Michael Jackson was your favorite?"
1. Jackson 5 (1958 - 1975)
2. Thriller (1975 - 1985)
3. Tabloids (1985 - 1994)
4. Fatherhood (1995 - 2002)
5. Reinvention (2003 - 2009)

Off The Wall

Ditto!

Tie between Jackson 5/Thriller. He was still on his game to the end, but that period was absolute brilliance.

Thriller

I'm with you MsKitty.

Thriller. The Michael in the white shirt and yellow sweater vest from the poster that hung over my bed.

Thriller

Field Negro has a tribute.

Does anyone here remember The Jacksons television show?

Had the Jackson 5 coloring books and watched the show on Sat mornings...I can barely remember it now...gosh I hope I can find it on the net somewhere.

Of course...

...and the other thing I remember is that 'the entertainment industry" hurried UP and found The Osmond Brothers. They needed a white family, and they needed 'em QUICK!! LOLOLOL

Say that again!

One bad apple don't spoil the whole bunch girl...

Thanks, now I'm going to have that lame song stuck in my head (LOL).

misery loves company, girl. SOMEBODY else had to endure that thought with me!! LOLOL

But seriously, you know white folks wasn't havin' these good looking, talented black boys out there with both black and white girls screaming for them!!!

LMAO!!! They found a family of Mormons to go up against some Jehovah Witnesses.......they never stood a chance.

Yep

Yes. I used to tune in religiously. I especially liked the little skits.

Of course.

Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel (long version)

You knock me offa my feet, now baby!
...
...
Ain't NOBODY'S business but mine and my baby's!!!

Here's what Andrew Sullivan had to say:

There are two things to say about him. He was a musical genius; and he was an abused child. By abuse, I do not mean sexual abuse; I mean he was used brutally and callously for money, and clearly imprisoned by a tyrannical father. He had no real childhood and spent much of his later life struggling to get one. He was spiritually and psychologically raped at a very early age - and never recovered. Watching him change his race, his age, and almost his gender, you saw a tortured soul seeking what the rest of us take for granted: a normal life.

But he had no compass to find one; no real friends to support and advise him; and money and fame imprisoned him in the delusions of narcissism and self-indulgence. Of course, he bears responsibility for his bizarre life. But the damage done to him by his own family and then by all those motivated more by money and power than by faith and love was irreparable in the end. He died a while ago. He remained for so long a walking human shell.

I loved his music. His young voice was almost a miracle, his poise in retrospect eery, his joy, tempered by pain, often unbearably uplifting. He made the greatest music video of all time; and he made some of the greatest records of all time. He was everything our culture worships; and yet he was obviously desperately unhappy, tortured, afraid and alone.

I grieve for him; but I also grieve for the culture that created and destroyed him. That culture is ours' and it is a lethal and brutal one: with fame and celebrity as its core values, with money as its sole motive, it chewed this child up and spat him out.

I hope he has the peace now he never had in his life. And I pray that such genius will not be so abused again.

Link: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily...

Blah blah blah. Andrew is a self important prick sometimes. This is really not the time to talk about Michael Jackson's demons. The sum total of Michael Jackson's life is not tragedy and reducing his life to such is a mistake. I instead think the better testament to his life is all the joy that he brought to millions and millions of people all over the world. Think of all the barriers that MJ broke- the accomplishments that are unheard of and are not to be repeated. As punctuation one should note the tragic aspects of his life. But like many great and memorable people MJ burned brightly and for not long enough.

Trumystique, that is exactly Sullivan's point. Yes, Michael did all sorts of things cherished BY OTHER PEOPLE. The personal price HE PAID for all this "joy to millions" was staggering.

Pluky and Craig, I get that you agree with Sullivan. I think what I object to is the timing. Talk about the man's life work which is enduring first. The coda should be the personal price he paid for it. Talking about the personal price he paid before talking about his work- is I think-- ass backwards. MJ isnt in pain anymore- that earthly suffering, those demons- are left behind. What endures is the work he left behind- and that I think should be the starting point for any eulogy. And to me that didnt come across when I read Sullivan's entry.




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That I get. Nobody listens to "The Moonlight Sonata" and thinks what an awful crank Beethoven was.

Peace to the dead. Strength to the living. Blessed be.

Peace to the dead...Exactly! It was such a contrast the way they reported on Farrah and the way they reported on Michael last night on ABC. Farrah was all permasoft hair, hairdo icon, intelligence and a great love story with Ryan. Michael was all tortured soul and by the way he was a musical genius.




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It's exactly the time to talk about Michael Jackson's demons.

I can do without the tabloid bullshit, but this true insight into what created and destroyed Michael Jackson is on point and right on time.

And Sullivan doesn't skip over the joy at all. After all, he was one of the recipients of that joy, as well as the pain.

We all were.

Sullivan pays the greatest kind of tribute to Michael because he honors all of him.

As James Baldwin said, it is the role of the artist to tell us who we are. Michael Jackson told us exactly who we are.

“ONE MUST say Yes to life, and embrace it wherever it is found—and it is found in terrible places…”

Sullivan got this one right.

Amen. It's all I can say.

He can write his ass off when he feels like it.

Yep. Sullivan ticks me off more often than not, but this is on point.

Craig, you ain't neva lied. Andrew Sullivan, that was beautiful... sigh...

There is no better song than this:

Ben

I saw the movie too.

And I still think Off The Wall was his greatest work.

"Ben" was Mike's real first cross-over song. The white people picked it as there favorite at our prom. It was a little slow but Mike succeeded in making the cross over. Then Thriller sealed the deal.

what rich irony that the crossover song picked by white folks was about a RAT.

Not surprising is it?

The music industry officially died on June 25, 2009.

Ain't nobody EVER NEVER gonna sell albums the way Michael Jackson did. People nowadays lucky if they sell 500K.

No "entertainer" today will ever have the influence on the industry like Michael Jackson.

In the next few days you'll see all these facsimilies of Michael (and Janet) Jackson popping up on news shows, giving interviews about how sad they are and how MJ influenced them so much. Fools like Justin Timberfake betta recognize.

Nobody will cross generations and decades like Michael Jackson.

Everything I posted is still good to listen to TODAY, and they were done HOW many decades ago?

Speak on it, Town! MJ was a pure, uncut entertainer. These folks nowadays are nothing but manufactured products.

Town, this time next week people will be saying "did they bury Ed McMahan? Have they had Farrah's funeral yet?"


We need to protect our one last icon, Eddie Levert.

I just want an update on Prince. I can't lose Prince.

Prince's 'Purple Rain': 25th anniversary today (June 25, 2009)

I don't know if it's ironic, but I love them both. As far as I can tell, Prince is doing well, though there was the report that he needed both hips replaced. Can't find much on-line...

Wow.

Pure poetry.

In NYC there is a party promoter that has been throwing Michael Jackson vs Prince parties. My second thought after hearing MJ was gone ( first thought was what?!, oh no, RIP, end of an era) was please tell me that Prince is okay!!!

Wow, they are still throwing those? I remember those parties from my collage days in the 90s. I remember going to my first one thinking Prince, but then Beat It or Billy Jean would come on (just one or two notes) and it would be over.

There are some little people ( born after 90) that go to these parties- and my reaction is: Do they even know this music? But mostly its for us (born in the 60s, 70s) to shake our groove things as we remember dancing to this music in jr high and high school. Every once in a while I get nostalgic and go to the MJ vs P party. And yes sometimes I am grooving to Michael and other times to Prince.




________________________________

Ed McMahon is already forgotten. So is Farrah Fawcett, sorry to say.

And Mark Sanford is doing the Billie Jean dance right now because this has knocked his ass off the front page.

It's going to be non stop Michael Jackson all day and all night for the next week at least unless Obama sucker punches Rush Limbaugh on the White House lawn.

I disagree intensely that Ed and Farrah are already forgotten.

As it should be. Michael Jackson wasn't a sidekick. His biggest claim to fame wasn't being a member of a trio. He was an icon. He was a multi-generational icon. He was legendary.

Networks that tried to place him on equal footing with others tonight really did his memory a disservice.

I'll be there is so beautiful!

Y'all I'm too sad!

That is my all time favorite, as well, Justice...I was so disappointed that Michael rarely sang the song in the 80s after his voice changed. But in the 60s when he could hit all those notes...it was awesome.

Loved I'll be there...Just look over your shoulders, honey!

I just looked on iTunes, Mike is taking over the top 10 most downloaded albums there. . .

Couldn't have been more than 4, but the first concert I ever saw was the Jackson Five opening for Diana Ross at the Milwaukee Arena in the early 70s.

Have mercy.

I am supposed to be taking it easy over here by letting my shoulder heal from surgery.
NOT!

I up her trying to do the dances from the Thriller video that is on.

Oh well, I will have to deal with busted stitches.

Honey, we know it's hard to sit still when an MJ tune is on, but you take care and get yourself healed.

Thanks. I know I need to settle down. I am going to try and get some sleep soon. Hopefully, this is all just a really bad dream and all will be fine in the morning.

Good Night All.

A personal fave...

Rock With You

BET is still doing videos, but for my money, the most respectful coverage has been MTV - how's that for shock?

I'm so glad they finally got the west coast feed switched over. I had forgotten some of these videos. The man was amazing.

Someone tell me....why did the guy on Olbermann state it may be a criminal investigation? What are they thinking? I'm in the dark!

From BBC, the info that I heard from the LA police spokesperson was that the LAPD always puts their criminal investigation on high profile cases because they know how to handle the press. He seemed pretty matter-of-fact about it.

Made sense to me. I'm just going to wait and see what the coroner says. I still can't believe he's dead. I'm not ready for all the speculation. I'm still reminiscing about all the songs of my childhood -- all the great music I had truly forgotten that he had made.

Most of it stands the test of time...

They will probably bring Dr. Perper out with Nancy whatsherface...we was supposed to have gained respect for him after Anna Nicole.

You AIN'T never lied Isonprize...Most stands the test of time.

So unreal....not Michael Jackson?!

Michael Jackson taught us how to love because he was the first man we fell in love with as children.

I loved Mike Pre-Pajamas AND POST-PAJAMAS!!(Period)

Pills. But we aren't going to deal with Mike's issue until AFTER the funeral. We want to just bask in his good works right now Justice.

I dare you to click on that link of "I'll Be There" and it not bring tears to your eyes. Just click on it and let Mike sang to ya.

R.I.P. Michael.

Marlon told Roland Martin he'd last seen his brother at the annual family gathering on May 14th........that's what I'm talkin bout...the entire family together every year to connect. No matter what goes down, what transpires in the press, what ups and downs, when it gets down to it, family is all that matters and through it all, the Jacksons were together.

OMG!

I cannot believe Michael Jackson passed away, y'all?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTICE!! HOPE YOU HAD A LITTLE CELEBRATION TODAY.

Mike left us on your B-Day, girl!

Hey, Birthday girl. Did you enjoy your time with your kids?

Hey Spirit!

Thank you and thank everyone for the best birthday wishes ever!

I had a blast. I love my kids soooo much. They're the best thing that God ever gave me!

Rev Al on MSNBC LIVE.

And Jackson's body just arrived at the coroner's office. Reading/seeing that made me cry for the first time

That was a hard sight to see him cover with that sheet. OMG! Love you Mike, you'll live on in my heart forever.

Bestbuy.com is sold out of MJ cds.

Go to itunes

What is truly sad is that he lived his entire life and was never comfortable in his own skin---all the talent, all the money, and institutionalized racism still took it's toll on him.

He was in pain because he couldn't manage his demons. But he was the greatest ever and forever.

Luther now Mike, music = dead.

Aint that the truth. Kids today, just have no idea.

We know don't we Miranda? Michael Jackson is the reason that we expect so much from men. We were all in love with Mike and he promised to ALWAYS BE THERE for us.

"If you should ever find someone new, I know hed better be good to you
cause if he doesnt, Ill be there
Dont you know, baby, yeah yeah
Ill be there, Ill be there, just call my name, Ill be there"

The BBC is doing a fabulous job.

Yes, they are doing a fantabulous job, very respectful.

Here, here!!!

Philly radio stations, WDAS and WRNB (RadioOne) are on all MJ playlists. Taking a few phone calls, but mostly just playing the music.

Damn, Michael Jackson really was a musical genius. I had forgotten some of these songs. WWWWhew, takin' me way back. Sigh...

If you're in a club and a good mix is going...all it takes is that beat....that Billie Jean beat....that's all.....its is on and poppin just from that BEAT...that is the ultimate everybody get yo azz UP! and get to jammin!

Here's my MJ Tribute. I hope it does him justice!! http://tinyurl.com/nh9ymu

This is the end of BLACK MUSIC ya'll. Nobody will ever have the influence of MJ.

Great tribute H&F...I loved how you focused on his stellar achievements rather than his personal struggles. A tribute is to the individuals greatest not his weakness. After all, no man is the sum of his flaws.

I enjoyed reading your tribute.

"He is and will always be the King of Pop."

Amen.

Amen!

Gracious tribute to MJ. You did him proud, heartsandflowers.

Thank you.

THX!

I hate he didn't get to come home to sing before this happened. Love you Mike.

Your tribute was on point. I especially liked the way you acknowledged his demons without being lurid about it (I'm looking at you MSNBC).

Thank you!

she's out of my life
out of my life
and I don't know whether
to laugh or cry
I don't know whether
to live or die
but it cut's like a knife
she's out of my life....

This song was one of my go to pre-teen angst songs. I would play it over and over again think of some guy I had a crush on or had a fight with, changing the "she" to "he". I was such a dramatic dork. And Michael was right there with me every step of the way.

Over at People.com:

Madonna 'Can't Stop Crying' Over Michael Jackson
By Mike Fleeman

The sudden death of Michael Jackson jolted his friends and family, a second blow to the entertainment world after it lost another icon, Farrah Fawcett, just hours earlier.

"I can't stop crying over the sad news," Madonna says. "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Lisa Marie Presley, who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, says, "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael," adds Brooke Shields, who raised eyebrows when she briefly dated Jackson. "He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."

Elizabeth Taylor, one of Jackson's closest and longstanding friends, was "too devastated" to issue a statement, her rep says, while Quincy Jones, who produced Jackson's biggest hits, says, "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words."

Neil Portnow, president of the Recording Academy, which honored Jackson with 13 Grammys, says, "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon."

Fox's So You think You Can Dance is on Nigel Lithgoe is giving a GLOWING TRIBUTE to Ed, Farrah, and Michael.

BRILLIANT!!!!! TAKE note MSM

I'm DVRing it for later. Last week they had a video of one of the dancers doing the moonwalk when he was a toddler. Just shows how huge MJ's influence is.

I love this show. I love dance. Both my daughters studied dance. I
remember their dance troops performing to "Smooth Criminal.'
They took first place.

The eldest daughter competed in a talent show . She had long corn rows and
was 7. She danced to "rock With You." I remember folks in the audience
standing and rocking with her.

Some of the white folks said she looked like Bo Derek. My daughter thought
otherwise, and she told them Bo Derek looked like her. LOL!!! She called
me this evening.... Reminisce.

Lawdy, there's not some area of our lives where Michael Jackson has not left
his print. Bless him.

Little girl gathering around our one tv to see Mike and the Jackson 5 on the Ed Sullivan Show. Not just that, we all were in love with him. Our first love was Mike singing to us and we singing with him 'Got to Be There'. Girl we just knew he was singing directly to us.

Mike screwed us up expecting to much from men. That's what happened.

Here's the video of Rev. Al. I haven't found an embeddable version yet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da4S3AvgjUc

Al laid it down. Reconize bitches, Recognize!

Kurt Loder on MTV right now

----no one would belive that MTV's coverage would be better than CNN's

Where the hell did they find Kurt Loder??? He was the bomb entertainment reporter! A serious reporter that is so well regarded.

Well, they had to dig Kurt up for *this*, right? Funny hair and all...

That's when MTV was about the music.

He was the ultimate entertainment journalist! I loved me some MTV when they had the real veejays on there!

Gosh...the kids today are just so denied.

I'd believe Food Network would have better coverage than CNN -- in general.

The Disney Channel would have better coverage than CNN.

And maybe it's just having the ears of an old head, but just about every song in his discography (which goes back 40 years) still holds up today. I went to a wedding reception last year for a 20-something couple and the DJ played "Dancing Machine." There was practically a stampede to the dance floor of people of all ages. That's the definition of timeless.

fo' real. I was thinking the same thing as I've been playing MJ hits since I got home from work.

Here's a few more...

Liberian Girl LOTS of cameos in this one!!

Here ya' go!
Michael Jackson's YOU TUBE Channel

Of course, I've heard the songs, but I've not seen alot of the videos here. This is definitely a plus of our 'age of technology'

RIP MJ...

sigh...

So true, MsKitty. Michael Jackson was a genius He has left us the Classics.

All that stress, the media and the court system just hounded him to death. Nothing makes a heart weaken more than misery....

Now CNN has tracked Roland down when they need him. Assholes!

Now I'm getting on my soap box for just one minute before I get back to loving on Michael.
Let me go post this to all my tweets now,"they know"

Uh, when the groundswell of people hit the streets in all major cities of this country, these berater haters are gonna have to shut the f*ck up. Michael is beloved. Somebody needs to let them know that this is not the time for dragging Mike's skeletons out of the damn closet. We don't want to hear about his frailties now. We want to remember what Mike meant to us throughout many, many years. We are not ready to hear about the autopsy report, please wait until after the funeral is over at least. We love Mike, whatever you think about him. SHUT THE FUCK UP!!

my thing is this...when did we forget our manners? who speaks ill of the dead. I've been to drug dealers funerals and they still write in the Obit "gave their life to Christ"...the man was not convicted...so leave that shyt in the past and celebrate life...this man fed starving children for Christ's sake.

Yeah, I even had to turn off MSNBC. I'm sticking with MTV

At least for his children and family...
I am sick for his kids. I can't imagine how devastating it must be to lose your dad at such a young age.

In all the talk about his cultural impact, I want to also acknowledge that he was the father of three small children, and they have lost their daddy tonight. So I hope that the media will take like 5 seconds to be respectful (yeah right).

One of my favorite MJ songs, Human Nature is on the radio right now.


Just raw. I guess I should try and eat. I wish my MJ paraphernalia was not stored somewhere. I am going to have go digging for a button or something to wear tomorrow.

Don't Stop til you Get Enough

I defy anybody NOT to tap a foot on this one... Whewww!!

I didn't realize how much a part of my growing up his music really is. Everytime I play a song, I can remember what dance was out, or who I was crushin' on, or what grade I was in.

Damn.

That was the first song/dance routine I learned in undergrad.

Keep on with the force don't stop
Don't stop 'til you get enough
Keep on with the force don't stop
Don't stop 'til you get enough
Keep on with the force don't stop
Don't stop 'til you get enough
Keep on with the force don't stop
Don't stop 'til you get enough

http://essence.typepad.com/news/2009/06/essence...

Essence.com Exclusive! Marlon Jackson speaks to Roland S. Martin about the death of his brother, Michael Jackson

Or every Christmas time singing Michael's part in We Are the World...

Actually when I think about being a child of the 80s Michael was truly a part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

Here's an embeddable "Remember the Time" video. I don't have a favorite song, but this is my favorite video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x18jdd_michael...

I can't decide which video I like the most....Remember the Time or Smooth Criminal.....I just can't decide!

Billy Jean..... Smooth Criminal.... I love them both equally. MJ was a MASTER poet and story teller.

MJ changed the musice industry.

He changed MTV.

He was the ultimate performer.

There is and will never be another one like him.

Ironic I was listening to MJ and his brothers collection this weekend.

RIP Mike, they tried to put the pedophile tag on you, but IT JUST DID NOT DO.

I am very sad tonight.

ice.

I hear you, ice. Tim Russert's wife Maureen Orth from Vanity Fair is on MSNBC spewing how sad and tragic his life was about allelgations of pediphia.

Ya know she of all people should know better.

The MSM practically annointed Tim Russert a saint a year ago, and here she is talking out the side of her neck and disrespecting a world ICON. No shame...

White priviledge, I tell you, these mofos are utterly shameful. Fuck Maureen Orth.

Say it again!

And remember, MTV did NOT want to play MIchael Jackson's videos. His label had to pitch a fit to get them on the air!!! I know that was in the early 80s when MTV only played rock music.

THEY BETTER RECOGNIZE!!!!!

I remember that. Columbia records threatened to pull the videos of all their artists (which included Billy Joel, Journey, Loverboy, Men at Work) off the network. There probably would have never been an episode of "Yo MTV Raps" if MJ hadn't paved the way for black videos to be shown on MTV.

How may times did you see your reflection in glass or in a mirror and start singing " I am looking at the man in the mirror..."?

Come on folks admit it

Man In The Mirror

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9lq8oaK5Mw

The irony to me is that both James Brown and Michael Jackson left this world doing what they love: preparing to perform for their beloved fans, rehearsing, singing and dancing to the point of total exhaustion. They probably would not have had it any other way.

They sacrificed their bodies for us, yet their souls live on through us.

I understand why the ladies love the ballads. I prefer Michael uptempo, but I think this song and lyrics are appropriate for all of the reminiscing. Keep your spirits up!

In Remembrance...Do You Remember The Time

Do you remember
When we fell in love
We were young
And innocent then
Do you remember
How it all began
It just seemed like heaven
So why did it end?

Do you remember
Back in the fall
Wed be together
All day long
Do you remember
Us holding hands
In each others eyes
Wed stare
(tell me)

Do you remember the time
When we fell in love
Do you remember the time
When we first met
Do you remember the time
When we fell in love
Do you remember the time

It was good, but not one of his best.

Gosh....this VIDEO....I loved it!!!!

The video was tight. My faves include Smooth Criminal, BillieJean, and BeatIt.

Do You Remember the Time; this piece comforts me so. It lets me know, that I've lived before... that life is one big continuum........................................................

BBC World News coverage is extensive and respectful. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7753036.stm

Of course the British media coveraage is extensive and respectful. The American media hogs aren't worldly and their performance illustrates this fact.

I remember being in my living room trying to re-enact the Thriller dance sequence with my brother and sisters.

Also I would practice in my room doing the moon-walk and also grabbing my crotch.

I also had a period in junior high where I wore fingerless gloves.

Michael Jackson was one of the first acts where I would go to my bedroom and read liner notes and memorize lyrics. My sister got Thriller in vinyl and I would disapper with the vinyl and then with the cassette to learn lyrics.

Thanks for the memories, Michael Jackson. Rest in peace. This is truly the end of an era.

I remember staying up all night watching MTV just so I could see MJ's videos. This was before BET was a 24 hour channel.

Now the overdose story is breaking...Keith Olberman. I still love you Mike and wanted you to come home to sing.

"If you can ever find someone new, you know he better be good to you..."

Nope Mike, I won't.

i can't believe he's gone. this is an epic loss

listening to Thriller

R.I.P. Michael -_-

Quincy Jones's statement over at TMZ:

We just received the following statement from Quincy Jones, who produced Michael Jackson's legendary "Thriller" album:

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words.

Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80's.

To this day, the music we created together on "Off The Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all...talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.

He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.

I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

"Ill be there with a love thats strong
Ill be your strength, Ill keep holding on"

Hmm.

Did Entertainment Tonight post up a picture of Ed McMahon on his deathbed on their front page?

Did Entertainment Tonight post up a picture of Farrah Fawcett on her deathbed today on their front page?

Then WHY does Entertainment Tonight have a picture of paramedics performing CPR on Michael Jackson on their home page?

Have some respect! (8:21 pm)

I was just disgusted when I saw it, they didn't even give the usual "the following picture may be disturbing to some viewers" warning. If they had, I would've turned it off.

Its not because he's black lol. I watch ET and I can tell you that its because they suck. Its because this is what passes as new in the entertainment biz . Their brand of journalism is high exploitation not matter your skin color. They've been bottom feeders like this for a few years now.

Not even THE NATIONAL ENQUIRER has a picture of MJ on his deathbed. I'm sure they'll post it up eventually but the man's bod ain't even cold and even the NATIONAL ENQUIRER has more respect for the dead than Entertainmnt Tonight.

It might be because they don't respect Jackson and Blacks enough. It might also be because Michael Jackson was a bigger and more important figure than those two you mentioned put together and multiplied by twenty.

Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon just don't matter like Michael Jackson did and does, and they know it. If Jackson had merely sneezed in public, a hundred photos would have been taken, while Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon could probably have walked through a shopping mall together only a few people would have noticed or cared.

Today Mike has trumped Ed, Farrah and Unca Clarence. Sandford breaths a sigh of relief that he is off the front page. ALL ARE OFF THE FRONT PAGE FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT WEEK.

White folks are showing their ass today.

hell yeah. big time...some dude with no teeth rode up on me tonight talking about "you like Obama huh...coons"

You sho right Sepia...over the next few hours, they need to realize that we don't want to hear what Michael "wasnt". We appreciate him for all that he was to the AA community and our lives. They betta ask somebody.

It's like when Luther died (it's been almost 4 years...do you believe that?), all they could talk about was the rumors of his sexuality. Pissed me off to no end.

Luther Now Michael...well I am thru now. All that's left for me is Tina. Trying to get Lisa Fischer to remake anything Luther.

Prince is last for me...that is officially it...I take that back Stevie Wonder

It will be a "man down" situation for me if Madonna and Prince go.

Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna WERE the 80s.

The Big 4 in my eighties world were: Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna and George Michael. They drove fashion, they were in movies. Their new videos were an EVENT. I had all their albums. I had their photos plastered all over my bedroom.

But even though they made up my 80s reality- MJ was in a class by himself because all types of people ( country, pop, punk - whateva fans) had h at least one album of his because it was that good. You cant necessarily say that about Prince or Madonna. They just didnt have that cross all lines appeal that MJ seemed to have for a brief moment in time.

You ain't never lied. I was telling my daughter how big those three were in the 80's. There were many great acts in the 80's, but they were the Big Three.

You're trying to make us cry with those videos, right? You just might succeed. We all remember the immense talent and promise - the larger than life Michael Jackson who did more to bring Blacks and whites together culturally as fans in America than perhaps any other figure in American history.

Here are my thoughts.

She has succeeded! That "I'll be There" Video made me realize that Mike won't always be there to beat down toxic men in our lives. We were supposed to always count on Mike to be there forever. Every week gathering around "the one and only tv" to watch Mike on the Ed Sullivan show telling us he would ALWAYS BE THERE. And I for one believed him.

rikyrah, here's the Al Sharpton video

Al Sharpton: 'We thought we'd see him moonwalk again'

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/812008...

not embeddable. the BBC does that a lot.

Michael Eric Dyson with Keith Olberman

Totally disappointed with CNN...they can find to one who can relate to interview. Larry King is not an expert on Mike.

Dyson and Sharpton both touched on things that I don't believe the other commentators could or want to. He wasn't just some guy accused of getting too close to kids, he wasn't just some singer. The man mad MTV what it is (or use to be) He broke barriers and brought people together with his music. We're so use to seeing hip hop and black pop stars in so many areas in the entertainment business but it's because of Michael Jackson's success that these people have any of that.

I don't know how to reconcile the accusations he had to deal with in the later years, I'm no fan of R Kelly in part because of similar accusations. But at the end of the day you can't deny the talent.

CNN is pitiful. Bet the wish the had kept Roland now. When Fox does better reporting than CNN, they need to regroup.

I don't know..Shep did a good job but now Geraldo is on and he can't help but bring a whole new level of drama and conspiracy to the situation.

Larry looked like he had a smirk on his face. He said in regards Farrah Fawcett and MJ dying on the same day, "You just can't write this stuff!" SMH

Michael Eric Dyson on MSNBC

Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 were the soundtrack of my childhood. They were the first supergroup for teens/tweens; the first boy band; the first black group to cross over. Michael Jackson and his brothers had their own Saturday cartoon show on ABC in the early 70s.

Michael Jackson and his brothers paved the way for so many who followed, including Prince, Maxwell, Boys II Men, New Edition, Bell Biv Devoe, The Osmonds, Bobby Brown, The Deele, Babyface, Shalimar, Paula Abdul, Switch, DeBarge, El DeBarge - heck, they even paved the way for Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers.

Words fail. But, maybe a chorus from my absolute favorite J5 song will help:

You are the book that I read each day
You are the song that I sing
Gonna sing it to you
You are the four seasons of my life
But... Maybe tomorrow
You'll change your mind, boy
Maybe tomorrow
You'll be back in my arms boy.

RIP, Michael.

Catharsis is a beautiful thing!!

"Lady in My Life" is my favorite MJ song. I remember listening to "Thriller" on a bulky Sony cassette player over the objections of my overly religious mother; I remember watching the world premiere of "Bad" on television with the family--and Mama's horror at the drastic changes in Michael's appearance. I remember when "The Way You Make Me Feel" came on tv and we watched the video for the first time in my high school cafeteria.

Or as referred to in my college years by a number of friends.."the panty song"...as in, if a dude is playing "Lady In My Life"...he's probably getting some panties.

So Listen To My Heart
Lay Your Body Close To Mine
Let Me Fill You With My Dreams
I Can Make You Feel Alright
And Baby Through The Years
Gonna Love You More Each Day
So I Promise You Tonight
That You'll Always Be The Lady In My Life

I remember listening to this on the way to my prom in 1992. I made an old-school mix tape to play that night and this was definitely in the rotation. It, Smooth Criminal, and Rock With You were probably my favorite MJ songs.

A few weeks ago I taught my four year old to moonwalk. I had billy jean booming out of the story and remembered my own feeble attempts years ago. I have to admit I am saddened by his passing even as I am aware of the troubled and complex man he really was.

I was in Junior High and "I Wanna Rock With You" always brought a smile to my face. I just adore that song and his vocals so much.

so sad

I remember my first dance with a girl to "I'll Be There". Junior high. SO much talent for all his life. God give you peace Michael.

"Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well thats all Im after
Whenever you need me, Ill be there"

LOL, I remember watching his concert on HBO with my dad wondering what the hell all of the white people were crying/passing out for. I'm going to miss Mike, I wish I'd gotten a chance to see him in concert :o(

I can't believe MTV isn't doing something. Playing his videos, something. He helped shape that network. His World Premier Videos were appointment TV.

MTV has been playing his videos for at least an hour.

I just tuned in hopping to see his videos and Futurama is on. Maybe I missed it? Or they haven't started the tribute on the West Coast.

Sometimes that happens. I'm on the East and I caught the end of one video and a announcement repeat of his death. Now there's another video playing.

Umm, MTV has been playing videos since AT LEAST 7:00 PM ET. They are the only station playing just his music without any chatter.

THIS BEST SONG MIKE EVER SANG!!

I'LL BE THERE

You and I must make a pact, we must bring salvation back
Where there is love, Ill be there

Ill reach out my hand to you, Ill have faith in all you do
Just call my name and Ill be there

Ill be there to comfort you,
Build my world of dreams around you, Im so glad that I found you
Ill be there with a love thats strong
Ill be your strength, Ill keep holding on

Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well thats all Im after
Whenever you need me, Ill be there
Ill be there to protect you, with an unselfish love that respects you
Just call my name and Ill be there

If you should ever find someone new, I know hed better be good to you
cause if he doesnt, Ill be there
Dont you know, baby, yeah yeah
Ill be there, Ill be there, just call my name, Ill be there

(just look over your shoulders, honey - oo)

Ill be there, Ill be there, whenever you need me, Ill be there
Dont you know, baby, yeah yeah

Ill be there, Ill be there, just call my name, Ill be there...