Michael Jackson to hospital in cardiac arrest (Dead)

[DieselsDen]

Originally Posted by big whoppa

What I feel is even stranger is that many of the people in his own country won't give him the shadow of a doubt when the rest of the world has. I think part of it is due to the media and our country's need to elevate celebrities to almost godlike status and then rip them apart. With the internet and 24 hour news reports, the situation has gotten more out of control.

Another well-stated comment.

For the last ten years or so, he was the subject of utter ridicule in the press. Now that he's dead, he's revered. Typical. And now there's going to be months if not years of stories regarding his tragic demise, and endless speculation as to what went wrong, etc, etc.

People b-tch about the press being too liberal...I think that they're just plain corrupt and lack any standards or viewpoint whatsoever.

[The Edit King]

Originally Posted by big whoppa

The lesser-known song "What More Can I Give" was also written by MJ for charity after 9/11.



And from Wiki:

Originally Posted by Septemberbaby

Wow. That is the first time I've heard this song. I didn't know it existed.

Me too!

I heard about it somewhere, but never actually heard it until now.

Many Thanks for posting it, BW.

What more can I give?

Now that's ALWAYS a good question to ask myself...EVERYDAY!

Great stuff, Indeed!

-Tek

[Suprmallet]

Originally Posted by calhoun07

Michael Jackson contributed a couple good records to music. Big whoop. Granted, they were some of the most popular records in the history of society, but still...they are just a couple records. So we should just over look all the creepy and potentially life damaging things he did with/to children because he made you want to tap your toes and fingers while listening to music?

Music is a huge part of my life. I've always got music in my head and I really do appreciate great music. Michael Jackson made great music. I should be allowed to mourn the passing of the man who made this great music without being told that I'm being suckered by his celebrity or that I'm in the wrong because of his personal actions.

Originally Posted by calhoun07

I respect fans who want to mourn his passing and honor his life for the good things he brought this world, but honestly, I don't think it was all that revolutionary. If it wasn't for Thriller, there would have been another black artist who would have been played on MTV and been the first one on there. Perhaps not with the lasting success of Thriller, but that barrier would have been crossed. Perhaps "Ebony and Ivory" or some other great song from that time. Listening to all the fan reaction to his death I would guess that we'd be living with the KKK still if it wasn't for Michael Jackson and blacks would NEVER have gotten on MTV and the Cosby Show would never have been produced and Obama never would have gotten in the White House. It's just a tad overblown, I think.

I'm not saying Michael Jackson is the only important black person on earth, but you're going to the opposite extreme and downplaying every accomplishment he had. It wasn't just that he was the first black artist on MTV, Thriller was such a massive blockbuster that we've never seen the like of to this day. It was a genuine phenomenon and it's not fair to take that away from his memory because of his personal life.

Originally Posted by calhoun07

And it does shock me that there is this vast out pouring for him. Older fans, I get it...they were alive at his height of popularity. But we have a whole generation of people out there who have only known the pedo/plastic surgery freak show Michael Jackson. What the hell are they so torn up for?

I was born the year after Thriller came out. That being said, I grew up on his music. I was fascinated by the Thriller video, and the making of video with John Landis. I vividly remember the world premiere of the Black and White video, and the controversy around him smashing the car windshield. Like it or not, Jackson was a larger than life figure who impacted millions of people around the world.

Originally Posted by calhoun07

Michael Jackson's fame died out with the 80's. Perhaps this fan out pouring is an example of how timeless that music actually turned out to be, but it's still rather shocking to see just how massive the grief is over his death. I feel sorry for him having a crappy life, but he didn't really want the help that others around him tried to get him, so I don't feel that sorry for him.

I think there's a difference between feeling sorry for someone and acknowledging what they achieved in life in the wake of their passing.

[The Edit King]

DAMN, Mallet Man!

TELL IT LIKE IT IS!!!

(No wonder they made you a Moderator! )

You can speak for me ANY-DAY!

[brizz]

MICHAEL Jackson's funeral is likely to be the biggest in entertainment history, drawing tens of thousands of mourners and hundreds of millions of TV viewers.

It is expected to eclipse that of Elvis Presley in 1977, at which 75,000 fans lined the streets of Memphis, and could rival Princess Diana's 12 years ago when 250,000 gathered in Hyde Park alone.

Even the funeral of silent film star Rudolph Valentino in New York in 1926 drew 40,000 fans.

Celebrity mourners at Jackson's service could include showbiz legends such as Paul McCartney, who sang with him, and Elizabeth Taylor.

A cavalcade of A-list celebrities would be expected to attend, including Quincy Jones, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Britney Spears, Sean Coombs, MC Hammer and Eminem.

Even if his family insist on a private ceremony, it will be almost impossible to keep fans away.

Jackson was raised a Jehovah's Witness, who are forbidden from following funeral customs that are not mentioned in the Bible.

Rowdy wakes are banned, as are alcoholic toasts, 'talking to and making requests of the dead', marking the anniversary of the death, and any practices suggesting 'something in the person survives death'.

If a Muslim funeral took place, the body is usually buried within two days of death. German doctor Gunther von Hagens, who has gained notoriety for embalming corpses in polyurethane, suggested his body could be preserved forever in his famous Moonwalk pose.

Dr von Hagens said: ``An agreement is in place to plastinate the King of Pop.''

He said he had agreed with representatives of Jackson's family `months ago' that his body would be plastinated and placed next to the singer's late chimp Bubbles, who was preserved after his death and is on display in the show at the O2 arena, where the singer was due to appear next month.

A spokesman for von Hagens said it was one of Jackson's last wishes to be reunited with Bubbles, adding: 'There is no better place than to do this at the venue where Jackson was to perform his 50-date tour.

'Whilst von Hagens is keen to keep the pose of the superstar's plastinate under wraps, he hinted that the moonwalk position would naturally be favoured.

'It is hoped the exhibit will be unveiled towards the end of July for fans to visit and pay respects.'

[The Edit King]

[movie diva]

They could plastinate him and then take him on tour he could do the entire world, not just the 50 dates he was going to do.

[dork]

Originally Posted by greg9x

Probably gonna step on some toes...but i've always found the people who thought he was innocent a bit odd.. stick their head in the sand types who show up at his appearances covered in MJ paraphernalia with tears streaming down their faces .

It certainly couldn't be that they've done a modicum of reading and thinking about the alleged incidents. No, you're right -- just obsessed fans.

[stingermck]

While it may seem like the kind of thing Michael Jackson would do, reports that the late singer made plans to have himself "plastinated" and put on display are exaggerated.

The director of publicity for Dr. Gunther von Hagens tells TMZ someone claiming to be from Jackson's management team did contact BODY WORLDS several months ago about Jackson's interest in being preserved in plastic.

But, she says, "We can further confirm that Mr. Jackson is not now a registered body donor in the Institute for Plastination's Body Donation Program."

The report further claims Jackson requested he be placed alongside his late pet chimp Bubbles -- who really is plastinated and on display in the BODY WORLDS exhibit at the O2 arena in London where Jackson was due to appear next month for his farewell concert series.

[Draven]

Originally Posted by greg9x

Probably gonna step on some toes...but i've always found the people who thought he was innocent a bit odd.. stick their head in the sand types who show up at his appearances covered in MJ paraphernalia with tears streaming down their faces .

I am not even a big Jackson fan (I only really like about 3 or 4 of his songs) and I think the accusations against him are either flat out false or grossly exaggerated for a payday...sorry, gotta run. The tears are flowing a little too hard.

[General Zod]

Originally Posted by Suprmallet

Here's what I don't get. There are people in this thread who are saying that no matter what his accomplishments, he was a horrible person and therefore we should not respect him or feel sad over his death. But why can't we acknowledge his accomplishments and be sad that the person who achieved those things, regardless of his faults, is dead? If he did molest children, that is an awful thing and should not be forgiven, but it doesn't diminish the quality of the music he made or the impact he had on music fans.

That's what I'm doing. I think Michael's money got him out of pedo charges and there's little doubt in my mind he did inappropriate things with children so yes I think he got away with that stuff and I sure as hell wouldn't let my kids near him. But I can't deny that he was a great entertainer and made some of the best songs I ever heard and for that I will always be grateful.

Interesting to hear his friends and family now going on TV and saying he was never proven guilty and people should have given him the benefit of the doubt - then they take a breath and say they now want to talk to the Doctor who almost assuredly was responsible for his death. Pot/Kettle.

[The Edit King]

Originally Posted by Draven

I am not even a big Jackson fan (I only really like about 3 or 4 of his songs) and I think the accusations against him are either flat out false or grossly exaggerated for a payday...sorry, gotta run. The tears are flowing a little too hard.

-THEEKSAKE!

[freshticles]

I guess I'll say it...'I thought he was already plastinated!'...boooooooo

[Goldberg74]

Originally Posted by movie diva

They could plastinate him and then take him on tour he could do the entire world, not just the 50 dates he was going to do.

I heard that since he was 90% plastic anyways, they were going to melt him down and make him into Legos® so that kids could get to play with him for a change.

[mickey65]

* Michael Jackson hasn’t been this stiff since Macully Culkin spent the night at Neverland Ranch.

* Because Jackson’s body was 95% plastic, he will be melted down and turned into legos, this way kids can play with him for a change.

* Reports that Michael Jackson has died of a heart attack in his home are untrue… He actually died having a stroke in the children’s ward.

* In the spirit of recycling, Michael Jackson will be melted down into plastic party cups so kids can still get their lips around his rim.

* In accordance with Michael Jackson’s will, little boys’ pants shall be flown at half-mast today.

* Doctors are looking into claims that MJ’s death could have been caused by an allergic reaction from eating 12 year old nuts.

* I heard Michael Jackson died of food poisoning from eating a 5 year old wiener.

* Micheal jackson will always be with us… he is not biodegradable.

* Farrah Fawcett arrived at the Pearly Gates and God asked her what he could do for her having led such an honest life. Farrah asked God to simply make sure the children of the world were safe. Five minutes later, Michael Jackson died.

* MJ’s dying wish was to be melted down and turned into straws so he can still get sucked on by kids.

* It has been released that MJs last wish was that he wants to be melted down and made into a slide so kids can go down on him forever.

* In memory of MJ’s death, McDonald’s is coming out with the new “McJackson”. It’s 50 year old meat between 12 year old buns.

* Michael Jackson’s ashes are going to be put in an Etch A Sketch so kids can still twiddle his knob.

* Michael Jackson’s death has now been ruled a suicide. Apparently doctors told him that the only way he could get whiter is if he died.

* Only in America can someone be born a poor black kid, and die a rich white woman.

* Madonna sent her condolences to the Jackson family. Then asked how much they wanted for the kids.

* Breaking News: Casper the friendly ghost was molested in the early hours of this morning!

* Michael Jackson’s last words: “Take me to the Children’s Hospital!”

* What was Michael Jacksons last hit? The floor!

* Michael Jackson died of a heart attack. He really shouldn’t have looked at the man in the mirror.

__________________

[Tarantino]

Originally Posted by calhoun07

Michael Jackson contributed a couple good records to music. Big whoop.

Contributed a couple good records to music?

Try, 'influenced an entire generation of music'.

= J

[B5Erik]

OK, I have to wonder how many people know about the thugs, errrr, "Private Investigators," that Jackson and his attorney hired to frighten and intimidate witnesses. The reports came out just before and during the trial.

Is that the act of an innocent man? It strikes me as a mafia or gang type tactic and when added to all the other evidence leaves me with zero doubt that he was guilty several times over.

[cungar]

Originally Posted by Draven

I am not even a big Jackson fan (I only really like about 3 or 4 of his songs) and I think the accusations against him are either flat out false or grossly exaggerated for a payday...sorry, gotta run. The tears are flowing a little too hard.

You're not a big fan and you're crying over this? 2 days later? Over a washed up 50 year old pop singer?

[Tarantino]

Originally Posted by B5Erik

OK, I have to wonder how many people know about the thugs, errrr, "Private Investigators," that Jackson and his attorney hired to frighten and intimidate witnesses. The reports came out just before and during the trial.

Is that the act of an innocent man? It strikes me as a mafia or gang type tactic and when added to all the other evidence leaves me with zero doubt that he was guilty several times over.

Maybe if you keep saying things like this, we'll all change our minds and say, "you know, you're right...he was an evil man. Fuck everything that he brought to the table musically."...but probably not. You can keep trying.

Originally Posted by cungar

You're not a big fan and you're crying over this? 2 days later? Over a washed up 50 year old pop singer?

Someone needs to check their sarcasm detector.

= J

[Pharoh]

Originally Posted by Tarantino

Contributed a couple good records to music?

Try, 'influenced an entire generation of music'.

= J

Serious question here: who specifically, or what type of music did he influence?I ask because his music was never my thing, (I can not honestly say I have ever seen even one of his complete videos), and I can't figure out what entire generation of music was influenced by him.

[Tarantino]

R&B/Pop.

(Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, just to name a few)

Some rock, as well, I'm sure. I know musically he was a big influence on Fall Out Boy.

I'm sure that the list of current artists that did not like Michael Jackson's music is very, very short.

= J

[B5Erik]

Originally Posted by Tarantino

Maybe if you keep saying things like this, we'll all change our minds and say, "you know, you're right...he was an evil man. Fuck everything that he brought to the table musically."...but probably not. You can keep trying.

It just seems that most people don't know all the details that I heard. I had the opportunity to listen to KFI's award winning coverage of the trial on a daily basis, and their reporters are second to none in the radio business. They dig and find all sorts of details that most of the mainstream media misses. They have excellent sources. So I was exposed to a lot of facts that didn't get entered into the trial or even reported on network news (and much of it didn't make the papers, either). After hearing all of the details from both sides I had zero doubt of Michael's guilt.

So can you blame me for hating a pedophile/child molestor and not wanting his life to be celebrated? What about the victims? How do they feel about all of this? Very few people seem to care about them - or at least very few express that they care.

[The Cow]

Originally Posted by Tarantino

R&B/Pop.

(Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown, just to name a few)

Some rock, as well, I'm sure. I know musically he was a big influence on Fall Out Boy.

Anyone good?

[Pharoh]

Originally Posted by Suprmallet

Here's what I don't get. There are people in this thread who are saying that no matter what his accomplishments, he was a horrible person and therefore we should not respect him or feel sad over his death. But why can't we acknowledge his accomplishments and be sad that the person who achieved those things, regardless of his faults, is dead? If he did molest children, that is an awful thing and should not be forgiven, but it doesn't diminish the quality of the music he made or the impact he had on music fans.

If those faults are personally judged to be so insidious can the accomplishments be extolled? How can a person who believes the world is a better and safer place since his passing be sad that he can no longer create and entertain?

I do not deny or minimise his achievements and contributions, but believe there is a line that once crossed negates all of those. I believe Michael crossed that line. I realise that others believe him to be innocent or wish to give the benefit of doubt, and that is fine. I have a much harder time understanding those who believe him guilty yet still applaud him. I would rather all of his contributions and achievements never have happened, (and would feel the same about any artist), if even one child could have been spared what I believe he inflicted.

[Baron Of Hell]

Hiring a PI is the act of intelligent person with lots of money. There is know way to know if MJ asked them to intimidate or just asked them to find out if they were crooks. Considering the person that claimed to be intimidated was a criminal I can't take the claim seriously, but even if it is true it proves nothing.

Heck MJ also specifically refused to have his lawyer call some child witness in fear they would be hounded by the press. That doesn't sound like something a guilty person would do but it doesn't prove he is innocence either. And why did the prosecution bring up people to testify against Jackson when they knew they wouldn't testify against Jackson? The only reason I can think of is they were trying to make the case so outrageous that Jackson would settle out of court.

MJ was accused of raping 2 kids. He had over a thousand kids at his home. Every adult that has been with him when they were a child say he never did anything. One of accusers is has taken part in blackmail attempts on on other celebs and on retail stores. Almost all the accusations made in the second case were not true. None of the witnesses seen Jackson give kids alcohol like the prosecution claimed. His home was raided and no child porn was found.

I have no idea if he molested a kid or not. I do know no one has presented any facts that prove him to be molester. He was strange but that just makes him different not a criminal. The level of proof (apparently none) you guys need to claim someone is child molester is laughable.

hmmm oh forget it you guys are probably right. He did molest and you guys were all there watching it.