GOTHAM NEWS: Man pays for sex, doesnt get it

Sometimes I wish the barter system still existed. Yakno…instead of puttin all of that power (love, worship, etc)  into money, we could just trade shit.  I’m sayin… money could still be used, just when you’re broke and needed food, you could go to Wal-Mart and give em a Playstation or a goat or something in exchange for some groceries. I think crackheads were the last species on earth to incorporate the barter system, and while trading a sofa for a gram of crack isn’t necessarily a fair trade by most people’s standards, said crackhead for all of those 5 mins of crackhigh was a definite satisfied customer…

Well, since that green racist reppin paper is what makes our world go round (and country go upside down) we gotta follow the system. You want Wal-Mart to give you food? Up the paycheck.  You need a place to stay? Tell that wallet to STRIP. Hell, the oldest business in the world is the pimp created VTM machine, much like the  ATM (Automated Teller Machine)

….except you put your money in and well….

Convenient? Hell yah…you got the cash you get the (See Above ^^^)….so with this world agreed upon system in place, 

it should be against the law for any establishment to take my cash and not give me some form of the 

So I feel like this man in New Hampshire is justified in feeling that his rights as an American citizen have definitely been molested.

Police said the man called Marlborough Police on Monday to say he’d paid the woman and a third party $150 to have sex with him on Sunday, but she wouldn’t follow through.  —–  CBS News

Never in the history of prostitutes, pimps, business or vaginas have I ever heard of a hooker refusing to have sex with someone. That’s her job, that’s what she’s on this earth to do.  What if Barack woulda got elected, moved into the white house, got paid then said “F*CK this President shit? I ain’t doing it!”

 

I’d sue her, straight up…Why not? People are suing folk for waay worse.  The punkass NFL tryna sue local N.O establishments for selling shirts that say”WHO DAT!” on em, that’s N.O culture right there, but hey somehow they’ve got rights to do this shit huh?

 (don’t worry it’s almost over Nagin)

And before I get emails telling me the specifics of the law and all the bullcrap, I’m letting you know off top I’m biased and I don’t care, some shit means more to me than the black and white law. If you’re not from the N.O you probably won’t get it (tho its simple), let these local establishments get their money, cuz really if the shirts said “Ya Heard Me” nobody would have a problem. The NFL just sees $$$ cuz it’s in reference to the Saints, I get it, they own the Saints…they are owed money for anything associated with the Saints, blah blah blah…sorry Uncle Sam we really don’t care bout that shit down here. If I was in the NFL’s shoes, I’d want a cut (to be real), so go ahead…take a cut if anything, but try and understand the nature of this situation…don’t ban the people who really need the $ as well as the city that really needs the unity from enjoying their moment.  If the Saints were still a losing team, you wouldn’t care anyway right? (hell if the Saints lose the Bowl, they probably won’t care either)

Can’t 4get ’06…..  

And peep, Universal Music Group is trying to sue Michael Jackson for singing  R.Kelly’s “Ignition” in a home video. Universal owns the R.Kelly song, so they want their 3Gs for MicJac cooling ina whip singing to the radio. You didn’t know sitting in your car, listening to the radio and singing was against the law? Well, I guess the corpse of MicJac didn’t either, guess he’s the only artist getting sued right now that CAN hire Johnny Cochran for his case.

So yes Mister…you should sue her. But this story truly begs the question of what on Hades would make her refuse this guy? Was she slow and really didn’t get all the specifics of her job? Maybe. Did the pimp leave something out of the application? Possibly. Was she mentally disabled (see: retarded)? Hey, there’s been worse . Or maybe, at that moment see  finally found Jesus. Hmmm..The Lord DOES work in mysterious ways, so maybe the angel Gabriel popped out of ol dude’s sausagetop bringing messages from the Messiah.  It could’ve been the sequel to that Legion movie…all the reviewers said it sucked anyway, so it’s not like they can do much worse.  Because really, he couldn’t have been just that damn ugly. Dude would have to be a whole new level of fugly for an ‘escort’, a woman whose womb will ingest ANYTHING for a buck, to refuse him…nah, i’m not buying it plus she doesn’t have to look at the guy. So looks is out of the question, leaving I guess only one possible answer……

Either that…or the extreme opposite…

The world may never know (or care)…one thing we do know is, this guy had to be a complete and utter idiot for thinking that aside from paying the hooker BEFORE being serviced (WHO DOES THAT?), that calling the pigs and ratting on himself wouldn’t result in being arrested. I mean c’mon…they’re the pigs, you throw a fresh batch of slo into a pigpen, and they won’t question why or how the slop got their…they gon eat it up either way.  Because  unlike this out of order VTM, they actually do their jobs….for better or for worse.

Both parties are facing prostitution charges. WMUR-TV reported the 22-year-old woman and 32-year-old man were cited into court at a later date. — New Hampshire Union Leader 

Finally, something black men can laugh at involving the pigs….

One last thing I got to say on this is….Please NFL don’t send any athletes to my home to kick my ass for calling you a punkass organization earlier. You’re not a punkass organization, you just made a bitch move. Now I’ll take the ass whipping for saying ya’ll made a bitch move, cuz it’s the truth..that is all

-BATS-

[Via http://flywithbats.wordpress.com]

Black or White-Michael Jackson

I took my baby
On a saturday bang Boy is that girl with you Yes were one and the same Now I believe in miracles And a miracle Has happened tonight But, if Youre thinkin About my baby It dont matter if youreBlack or white They print my message In the saturday sun I had to tell themI aint second to none And I told about equalityAn its true Either youre wrong Or youre right But, if Youre thinkinAbout my baby It dont matter if youre Black or white I am tired of this devil I am tired of this stuff I am tired of this business Sew when the Going gets rough I aint scared of Your brother I aint scared of no sheets I aint scare of nobody Girl when theGoin gets mean (l. t. b. rap performance) ProtectionFor gangs, clubs And nations Causing grief inHuman relations Its a turf war On a global scale Id rather hear both sides Of the tale See, its not about races Just places Faces Where your blood Comes from Is where your space is Ive seen the bright Get duller Im not going to spend My life being a color

(michael)

Dont tell me you agree with me When I saw you kicking dirt in my eye But, if Youre thinkin about my baby It dont matter if youre black or white I said if Youre thinkin of Being my babyIt dont matter if youre black or white I said if Youre thinkin of Being my brother It dont matter if youre Black or white Ooh, ooh Yea, yea, yea now Ooh, ooh Yea, yea, yea now Its black, its white Its tough for you To get by Its black , its white, whoo 2X

[Via http://indonesialife.wordpress.com]

Austin Events: January 29 - 31

Ugh, I can’t believe how fast January has gone by.  It’s crazy, but what are you gonna do?  Well, for starters, you can check out these music events for this weekend.

Friday, January 29th The Belleville Outfit, Big Circle TX, Jarrod Dickenson, Shawn Nelson & the Ramblers

This local band combines gypsy swing, jazz, big band, country and Americana roots music.  They’re playing at Momo’s, doors at 8 pm.  Contact Momo’s for cost info.

The Soldier Thread w/ MyNameIsJohnMichael

Buzzworthy local indie band The Soldier Thread plays Stubb’s tomorrow night.  Doors are at 9 pm, tickets are $8 and you can get them here.

Yo La Tengo, Times New Viking

Crazy popular indie band Yo La Tango plays at Antone’s; tickets are sold out.  Check out Craigslist for some!

Saturday, January 29th Root Dimension presents “Reggae 4 Haiti Benefit”

Ruta Maya hosts a Reggae-tinged Haiti music event plus silent auction.  All proceeds go to the Red Cross; suggested donation of $5.  The festivities start at 2 pm and end at 8 pm.  Here’s the schedule of bands:

THE SHOW:
7:15pm – 7:45pm Barrington Spence w/DJ Remedios (Houston)
6:00pm – 6:45pm Irie Jane
4:45pm – 5:30pm Root Dimension
4:15pm – 4:45pm Cuban Jamaican Freedom Drumming
3:30pm – 4:15pm Herby Augustine and Frenezi (from Haiti)
2:15pm – 3:00pm Crucial Mystic
2:00pm – 8:00pm DJ Jah Ray (spinning beginning, end & in-between sets)

The rest of Friday, and cool stuff happening Saturday and Sunday, after the jump!

Foot Patrol + Mistress Stephanie and her Melodic Cat + Sweetmeat

If you’re in the mood for some danceable madness, check out this show at Antone’s.  Doors at 10 pm and tickets are $10.  Buy them here.

Laser Michael Jackson: A Musical Tribute

Why the hell not?  It looks pretty fun to me!  Check this out at The Paramount at 7:30 pm.  Tickets are $31 – $39 and you can buy them here.

Sunday, January 31st Hope for Haiti Benefit

Antone’s will host another Haiti benefit on Sunday, doors at 7 pm.  Artists include Love at War, Johnny Goudie, Susanna Choffel, Nina Sighn, Kathy Valentine, Savanna Welch and more.  Tickets are only $15 and you can buy them here.

Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime with Special Guest: Scotty Don’t

The best Sublime tribute band you’re going to see.  Check it out at Emo’s, doors at 10 pm.  Tickets are $15 and you can buy them here.

[Via http://austingirlmusicguide.wordpress.com]

The Jacksons at Philidelphia International Records (181/365)

(Just making mention of the MJ poll that I’m keeping up for a week. Anybody can vote in it, so if interested, go here.)

It seems I’m on a teenaged Michael kick this week. The following is a rare video of Michael and his brothers the day after they met Mohammed Ali in 1977, I believe. The video is mostly Tito and Marlon joking around, but after you watch it once, watch it again and try to pay attention the whole while to Michael and his interaction with the 2-year old instead of everything else that’s going on and I’m sure you’ll find it as sweet as I do.

[Via http://mj365.wordpress.com]

The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

Zombie-Hand Earrings!

Last month, Jenna told me that she had the best Christmas present for me ever and that when she saw it, she HAD to buy it. Ok, you have my attention. But she wouldn’t tell me what it was. “Just don’t make plans on December 26th,” she said. Well, I obviously knew that we were going someplace, and it was probably tickets of some kind.

On Saturday, December 26, 2009, at 6:15pm, Jenna pulled into my driveway, walked in, threw something at me and says, “Put this on,” a Michael Jackson t-shirt. I did and then gave her the Christmas present that I bought her, handmade Zombie-Hand Earrings!

Ticket to The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience

Then she told me where we were going – TO SEE JOBY ROGERS – THE ULTIMATE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE! If you have never heard of Joby Rogers, he is the best, hands-down, Michael Jackson impersonator around, not only that, he’s from Meriden, Connecticut! And small world, Jenna’s boyfriend use to work at Tommy K’s in Meriden, where Joby would frequent back in the day.

Since the early 1980’s, since he was 17 years old, Joby Rogers has been impersonating Michael. At some point after the kid’s birthday parties and Broadway shows, he was chosen by Michael Jackson, himself, to serve as his official double based on Joby’s appearance, mannerisms, voice, and dance moves.

Excited for the show!

The show was absolutely amazing. The place was packed and I’m not sure if I saw a single open seat from where we were sitting! Joby would perform a song or two, then run off stage, where I could only imagine he was doing a quick costume change and having his makeup reapplied. You see Joby is actually a dark skinned man, so to impersonate Michael later in his career he must get airbrushed frequently. While he was offstage they played one or two of Michael’s music videos or they had the dancers perform to one of the songs alone to entertain the crowd.

And to top off an excellent night, afterwards we went and played the slot machines. Jenna was only on for 3 minutes and the machine was eating her money like crazy, but THEN SHE HIT FOR $300! A lucky end to a great MJ filled night!

Oh – And of course they did “THRILLER!”

-Shelby

[Via http://thrillmellc.wordpress.com]

To Those Who Wonder...

DECEMBER 2006, MY OLD (TINY) APARTMENT, AND A BEAUTIFUL GUITAR....

What is life all about? Why the heck are we faced with all these challenges and beautiful moments?

Hmm….I can’t say for sure, and that’s putting it nicely, so I’ll simply put it this way:

I don’t know. What I’ve come to learn is that while nothing is guaranteed, we’ve got to live our lives the way that feels right to each of us, no matter what’s going on. Sure – I know I speak a good game, but it’s true. That said, we’ve got to jump through a ton of hoops to enjoy life in this society, and I’m really not complaining, per se.

I might sound like I’m preaching at moments in my diary here, but believe me – I’m just like you, where I’m trying to figure out just how the hell to be happy, as complicated (or ironically simple) as that pursuit may end up proving to be.

I’m deep, yeah I know…But so are a million others out there. This is why I even bother working hard to get my book out there: Because there are other “Jeff Emmerson’s” out there, and they need to (deserve to) know that there are people just like them out there…People who want more from life, and people who wonder…

- Jeff Emmerson

[Via http://jeffemmersonmyautobiography.wordpress.com]

SAG

The Screen Actors Guild Awards took place yesterday evening and it was quite THE event.

I always like the SAG ceremonies because it’s voted for by the actors.

What better compliment to be praised by your fellow peers?

The list of winners is below:

Lifetime Achievement Award
BETTY WHITE

Skip to about 4.35 for her HILARIOUS speech

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
JEFF BRIDGES – “CRAZY HEART” (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
GEORGE CLOONEY – “UP IN THE AIR” (Paramount Pictures)
COLIN FIRTH – “A SINGLE MAN” (The Weinstein Company)
MORGAN FREEMAN – “INVICTUS” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
JEREMY RENNER – “THE HURT LOCKER” (Summit Entertainment)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role
SANDRA BULLOCK – “THE BLIND SIDE” (Warner Bros. Pictures)

HELEN MIRREN – “THE LAST STATION” (Sony Pictures Classics)
CAREY MULLIGAN – “AN EDUCATION” (Sony Pictures Classics)
GABOUREY SIDIBE – “PRECIOUSE” (Lionsgate)
MERYL STREEP – “JULIE & JULIA” (Columbia Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
MATT DAMON r – “INVICTUS” (Warner Bros. Pictures)
WOODY HARRELSON – “THE MESSENGER” (Oscilloscope Laboratories)
CHRISTOPHER PLUMMER – “THE LAST STATION” (Sony Pictures Classics)
STANLEY TUCCI – “THE LOVELY BONES” (Paramount Pictures)
CHRISTOPH WALTZ – “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS” (The Weinstein Company)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
PENÉLOPE CRUZ – “NINE” (The Weinstein Company)
VERA FARMIGA – “UP IN THE AIR” (Paramount Pictures)
ANNA KENDRICK – “UP IN THE AIR” (Paramount Pictures)
DIANE KRUGER – “INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS” (The Weinstein Company)
MO’NIQUE – “PRECIOUS” (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
AN EDUCATION (Sony Pictures Classics)
THE HURT LOCKER (Summit Entertainment)
INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)
NINE (The Weinstein Company)
PRECIOUS (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series
‘The Closer’
‘Dexter’
‘The Good Wife’
‘Mad Men’
‘True Blood’

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
‘30 Rock’
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
‘Glee’
‘Modern Family’
‘The Office’

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series
Simon Baker, ‘The Mentalist’
Bryan Cranston, ‘Breaking Bad’
Michael C. Hall, ‘Dexter’
Jon Hamm, ‘Mad Men’
Hugh Laurie, ‘House’

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actress in a Drama Series
Patricia Arquette, ‘Medium’
Glenn Close, ‘Damages’
Mariska Hargitay, ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’
Holly Hunter, ‘Saving Grace’
Julianna Margulies, ‘The Good Wife’
Kyra Sedgwick, ‘The Closer’

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin, ‘30 Rock’
Steve Carell, ‘The Office’
Larry David, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’
Tony Shalhoub, ‘Monk’
Charlie Sheen, ‘Two and a Half Men’

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actress in a Comedy Series
Christina Applegate, ‘Samantha Who?’
Toni Collette, ‘The United States of Tara’
Edie Falco, ‘Nurse Jackie’
Tina Fey, ‘30 Rock’
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Kevin Bacon, ‘Taking Chance’
Cuba Gooding, Jr., ‘Gifted Hands’
Jeremy Irons, ‘Georgia O’Keefe’
Kevin Kline, ‘Great Performances: Cyrano de Bergerac’
Tom Wilkinson, ‘A Number’

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actress in a Television Movie or Miniseries
Joan Allen, ‘Georgia O’Keefe’
Drew Barrymore, ‘Grey Gardens’
Ruby Dee, ‘America’
Jessica Lange, ‘Grey Gardens’
Sigourney Weaver, ‘Prayers for Bobby’

The ceremony also remembered the actors who the world had lost in the past year…

[Via http://whoisscout.wordpress.com]

Golden Globes 2010: Mariah Carey and Halle Berry Wear Plunging Dresses. Who Got it Right?

As any woman who’s tried it knows, showing cleavage can be tricky. And, as a pair of stars at the Golden Globes demonstrated, the task can be trickier for some than for others.

Exhibit A: The notoriously skin-baring and buxom Mariah Carey — who walked the red carpet with husband/umbrella holder Nick Cannon (10 years her junior) — donned a Hervé Léger by Max Azria curve-hugging long black dress with plunging V-neckline, putting her business front and center.

Unfortunately, with the 39-year-old “Precious” star’s breasts being so out there, it was easy to miss the fashionable elements of her ensemble, including diamond and platinum chandelier earrings by Chopard, a stack of diamond bracelets and the totally on-trend power shoulders of her bandage dress.

On the flip side, 43-year-old award ceremony presenter Halle Berry took the plunge in a Kaufman Franco silk bias cut gown with lace inserts that was actually cut lower than Carey’s Léger look and quite similar in style, yet the actress managed to look sexy, not sleezy.

The difference? Berry has a smaller chest and therefore less cleavage, so her girls were under control and she avoided giving off a desperate “check out my goods!” vibe.

But maybe it’s just us… Who do you think flaunted her, um, gifts best? Leave a comment

And see which bold dress color dominated the 2010 Golden Globes.

[Via http://survivein.wordpress.com]

THE BIRTH OF MJ’S “BAD” JACKET (Part 2 of 2)

By: Ericka Santos

The day has arrived. Sunday January 24th, the world will finally catch a glimpse of music artist Lil Mama’s 21st birthday celebration and Engineered by Remy’s custom made, and Michael Jackson inspired, “Bad” Jacket chosen to be the center of Lil Mama’s look for the event.

For those who don’t know about the intense yet exciting process to completion of this unique jacket, check out The Birth of MJ’s “BAD” Jacket (Part One). In a nutshell designer Remy Hou had only four days, a variety of setbacks and only one shot to impress Lil Mama and her stylist Jason Griffin. Racing against the clock to produce the perfect look for the artist’s MTV taping wasn’t easy but was it worth it?

The second the product was shipped and on its way to MTV’s New York City studios, Remy had no clue what the final reaction would be. So did he succeed?…..

————–

“Griffin loved it!,” said Remy.

Amazed at the quality of work within the 72 hour window for production (day four was all about last minute inspections and shipment clear across the country), the jacket was a hit! Lil Mama had yet to see it but everyone including her dancers was in awe.

“Griffin mentioned that I did a wonderful job. He was impressed…and the fact that I was able to win the heart of a New Yorker, that was the most important part,” said Remy.

While the design surpassed the crew’s expectations with flying colors the final verdict was yet to be heard from the birthday girl herself, Lil Mama. When she finally saw it…she was shocked! And definitely in a good way.

“For me to make something to go along with Michael Jackson and [Lil Mama’s] work was complete bliss,” said Remy. “The fit was perfect, everything could not have been better. Her look was that of a superstar.”

Lil Mama’s Bday Ball
AIRING SUNDAY JANUARY 24th, 2010 (All Times are EST)
1pm / 5:30pm / 12:30am

Please support Remy in watching MTV’s Lil Mama’s Birthday Ball. Niatia Jessica Kirkland “Lil Mama”, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and dancer and also one of the judges on America’s best Dance Crew. She will be wearing a Michael Jackson inspired “Bad” Leather Jacket. Please spread the word!

http://www.mtv.com/ontv/schedule/?day=01%2F24%2F10&submit=Update&ch=1

[Via http://remtek.wordpress.com]

David LaChapelle (176/365)

I’ve been having major problems with my net connection all day, so I’m going to quickly put this entry up without a lot of my chatter to take advantage of this possibly small window of things being stable. Thanks to Kelley for bringing the material commentary to my attention.

The celebrity photographer and artist David LaChapelle had always wanted to take a portrait of Michael Jackson, and nearly did: several shoots were lined up and cancelled as Jackson grew increasingly wary. “Photographers weren’t nice to him,” says LaChapelle. “He got scared.”

After Jackson’s death LaChapelle decided to pay tribute, photographing a young lookalike in Hawaii, just outside his own home: a 25-acre ranch on the coast, three hours from the nearest shop. He moved there three years ago, turning his back on lucrative contracts with Vanity Fair, Italian Vogue and Rolling Stone. The “devil” in red is a friend who performs in the Cirque du Soleil. The image forms part of a trilogy inspired by Mexican saint cards. LaChapelle is convinced that Jackson was an innocent man.

“I don’t think he was capable of hurting anyone,” he says. “I think there’s something really biblical about what happened. His lyrics are so naive and so beautiful. It’s one of the most epic stories of our time, to go from such heights to such depths. He’s a modern-day martyr.”

LACHAPELLE: I have an image of Michael Jackson as an archangel, where I didn’t even photograph him. He was a person living in biblical extremes: the most famous person on the planet, beloved in an almost devotional way, who then fell almost to the lowest depths of society; going from a dark skinned black man to a pale skinned white man… and all the while singing these songs about healing!

In the Martin Bashir interview, there’s a kid with cancer without any hair. Then you see him later and he’s better, and his family said that it was Michael’s belief that cured him. Which, I’m Catholic, and healing the sick is one of the criteria for sainthood. Not to say that he really was a saint, but he was so otherworldly and certainly fits the requirements for martyrdom… He really brings into question all of these issues of gender and race, which are such hot button issues of society. Why can’t a man hold a child’s hand? Does it have to be erotic? I think that says as much about society as it does about him.

MILLER: So you created a portrait without Michael ever sitting for you? It sounds more like an effigy.

LACHAPELLE: For the picture I mentioned before, I used a Michael Jackson impersonator and spent weeks and weeks moving pixels around to create the face of Michael Jackson circa 1990. It’s a photograph, but it’s a not a portrait, so it sort of redefines what a photograph is. We spent so much time going back in and putting in details and flaws, and there’s no question that it’s Michael Jackson. But he never posed for it. It’s a very strange concept. In a way, it’s going back to painting. So it was time to go back to these more raw things like the collages.

[Via http://mj365.wordpress.com]

death, unretaliated love.. life sucks sometimes.

in english class we’re all presenting a song that means something to us and today a girl from my class presented a Michael Jackson song. it was totally okay with me because i love him and he was one of my greatest heroes and still is. the problem though was that my teacher then wanted to talk about him and how we had reacted upon his death. the truth – i’m not over his death yet. every time i see him or has to talk about his death i start crying. so all i did was sitting in the back of the room without saying anything because if i did i would start crying and embarrass myself in front of everyone. i wish i could just get over it soon and go back to my normal relaxed fandom. but i miss him so much. <3

sorry, i’m sure y’all are tired of hearing about MJ by now but i needed to get it out.

..another problem i have is this guy i think, i like. the reason i say think is because i have been single for the past five years and i don’t know it i like him because i’m beginning to be desperate or if i really do like him. anyways.. i was at a party in november and i danced with him and couple of my friends and afterward he came up to us and said something (i don’t exactly remember what it was. i think it was something about how good we were) and i answered him (but i don’t remember what i said either) and then he just stood there staring at me before some girl pulled him away and my friends and i left. ever since i’ve been keeping an eye on him (that sounds so wrong) at school and i think he looks at me a lot but i can’t really tell because when i like someone, i have the ability to see what i want to see. then last friday i was at another party and he was there too but this time he didn’t even look at me once. it made me really depressed and i left early. i can’t go anywhere at school without thinking about if he is somewhere near me and when i sit in the hall (where we eat lunch) i can’t keep my eyes off of him. oh my! i’m desperate, aren’t i? geez.. sometimes i could just hit myself. i hope it’s faith’s way of telling me to not get attached to a guy before i really figure life out.

life sucks sometimes.. but you just have to get back on that horse, right?

[Via http://catjaa.wordpress.com]

Descargar Michael Jackson - Homenaje al rey del pop Rapidshare Megaupload

Versión con los mejores momentos de la ceremonia, con subtítulos en castellano

Formato : AVI

Tamaño del archivo : 529MB

Duración : 49min.

Ripper : Pérez Euskadi

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Duración : 49min.
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[Via http://daniel890.wordpress.com]

Cats in my neighborhood

Cats are really fun, full of surprises and laughter, I hope that they would have me as their friend until forever, And when the rain comes pouring down, splashing on the kitties, I wish they would run and play in between my knees, Kittens are so sweet especially when they have fun together, They play ‘chase’ and even try to tag one another, But when it is time to pray or time to go to bed, Their mama’s friend shall ‘meow’ to them and off they go to bed. This poem is  written by my big sister, Kaman. There are a lot of cats living in my neighborhood. Most of them are kittens. The kittens‘ names are:

1. Khanillia/Little White
2. Whitey
3. Blacktail
4. Choty/Erythia
5. Blighty
6. Miscowty
7. Gingerbread Kitty
8. Black Paint

And the cats‘ names are:

1. Blackwie
2. Tiny
3. White Socks/Michael Jackson The Cat/Teddy Bear
4. Misbroncat
5. White Socks
6. Tigre
7. The Other Teddy Bear
8. Kitty Coloured
9. Snowbell
10. Cute Princess
11. Mocha

I like to play with Khanillia because it is not afraid of me at all. Its mother is Blackwie. Blackwie has a friend named White Socks. I met Blackwie and Tiny about two years ago. Whenever Erythia comes, it won’t stop meowing. Khanillia is afraid of Erythia even though Khanillia is bigger than Erythia. Whitey once climbed up the window at the back of my house. White Socks meows when it is time to pray.

[Via http://anisahafifah.wordpress.com]

Let's Get Cynical About: The Brit Awards 2010

After finally finishing my ‘Songs Of The Decade’ posts, I wasn’t sure what I was going to talk about next. But as luck would have it, the nominations for this year’s Brit Awards have just been announced – and they’re always ripe for a good kicking. Without further ado then…

—

British Female Solo Artist

Bat For Lashes
Florence & The Machine
Leona Lewis
Lily Allen
Pixie Lott

Bat For Lashes is clearly the standout act in this list – which means, of course, she stands bugger all chance of winning. Predicting a winner from the rest of the artists seems a little bit tricky, but if I were a betting man I’d put my money on the big-selling winner of last year’s ‘Critics Choice’ award, Florence & The Machine.

British Male Solo Artist

Calvin Harris
Dizzee Rascal
Mika
Paolo Nutini
Robbie Williams

Well, Robbie Williams has already won this about a million times before, and he’s picking up the Outstanding Contribution To Music award this year, so it seems a bit pointless for him to win here. As for the rest… well, Mika should clearly not be winning anything apart from ‘most irritating voice’. It’s not easy to make a prediction here, but I reckon they might be ‘edgy’ this year and pick Dizzee Rascal. He is performing at the ceremony, if that’s any indication of anything.

British Breakthrough Act

Florence & The Machine
Friendly Fires
JLS
La Roux
Pixie Lott

This category has been subject to the vagaries of the public vote for as long as I can remember, which has resulted in some truly terrible winners. That tradition is probably set to continue here – I predict a JLS victory, but I’ll be quite happy to be wrong. I’ll be voting for Friendly Fires, for what it’s worth.

British Group

Doves
Friendly Fires
JLS
Kasabian
Muse

While the only possible reaction to JLS being on this list is “oh, FUCK OFF,” seeing Friendly Fires get a nomination is a very pleasant surprise – but I don’t think either of them will win. It’s probably a two horse race between Kasabian and Muse, and I think Kasabian will probably take it.

British Album

Dizzee Rascal – Tounge N’ Cheek
Florence & The Machine - Lungs
Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You
Paulo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

Considering the amount of brilliant British albums released in 2009, this is quite a mediocre list, in the grand scheme of things. Oh, wait, it’s the Brits. Anyway, I think it’s going to be Florence & The Machine or Kasabian, but I can’t decide which… Florence or Kasabian. Florence or Kasabian…

Florence.

British Single

Alesha Dixon – ‘Breathe Slow’
Alexandra Burke Ft Flo Rida – ‘Bad Boys’
Cheryl Cole – ‘Fight For This Love’
Joe McElderry – ‘The Climb’
JLS – ‘Beat Again’
La Roux – ‘In For The Kill’
Lily Allen – ‘The Fear’
Pixie Lott – ‘Mama Do’
Taio Cruz – ‘Break Your Heart’
Tinchy Stryder Ft N-Dubz – ‘Number 1′

In recent years, the British Single category has devolved into the ultimate public-voted crapshoot, making it near impossible to make an accurate prediction. But isn’t it wonderful that there are three X-Factor acts in this category AGAIN! Isn’t it touching that both little Joe McElderry and his X-Factor mentor, Cheryl Cole, are nominated! Isn’t it brilliant that the best songs on here, by a country mile, are by La Roux and Lily Allen! Aren’t N-Dubz shit!

…wait, I’m not being sarcastic about that last one. Better hope Dappy doesn’t send me death threats!

BRITs Album of 30 Years

Coldplay – A Rush Of Blood To The Head
Dido – No Angel
Dire Straits – Brothers In Arms
Duffy – Rockferry
Keane – Hopes & Fears
Oasis – (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Phil Collins – No Jacket Required
Sade – Diamond Life
The Verve – Urban Hymns
Travis – The Man Who

Question: Which of these albums is the best of the last thirty years?

The correct answer is Radiohead - Kid A. But uh, that didn’t win when it was nominated in 2001, and the slightly obtuse rules for this category state that, to be nominated, an album has to have won in the ‘Best British Album’ category at the Brits (as well as having sold a truckload). This one’s up for the public vote as well – as if one complete crapshoot wasn’t enough. As for a prediction… my stab in the dark would be Coldplay.

Most Memorable Brits Performance of 30 Years

I’m not even going to bother listing the extensive nominations for this category, as among them is one Michael Jackson – he of recently-deceased-King-Of-Pop fame – and as this is yet another publicly voted category, I would be massively surprised if anyone but him wins.

International Female Solo Artist

Lady Gaga
Ladyhawke
Norah Jones
Rhianna
Shakira

Well, after reading the first name on this list, the rest just read like a formality. Personally, I’d take Ladyhawke over Lady Gaga any day of the year, but I really can’t see anyone but the disco-stick rider taking this.

International Male Solo Artist

Bruce Springsteen
Eminem
Jay-Z
Micheal Buble
Seasick Steve

Well, technically Lady Gaga could win this award too lolololol!!111! I don’t really know which way this one’s going to go, but Jay-Z lost out to Kanye last time, and with Mr. West nowhere to be seen, I reckon it could be the Hova’s year.

International Album

Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.
Empire of the Sun – Walking On A Dream
Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3
Lady Gaga – The Fame

While I didn’t particularly get into it myself, it’s nice to see the Brits academy at least acknowledging the critical love-fest that surrounded Animal Collective’s latest record. However, as always, they’ll reward the artist that sold a shit-tonne of units – that’d be Lady Gaga then.

International Breakthrough Artist

Animal Collective
Daniel Merriweather
Empire Of The Sun
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

For some reason, the Brit awards have seen fit to replace ‘Best International Group’ with this new, publicly voted category – and because it’s a public vote, Lady Gaga wins. The End. I guess it’s kinda funny that Animal Collective are considered a ‘Breakthrough Act’ after nine albums though.

—

And that’s your (Pixie) lot(t). Ho ho ho. Come back after the awards ceremony on the 16th to see how right/wrong I was!

… you can come back before then if you like though. I might even have written about something else.

[Via http://letsgetcynical.wordpress.com]

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

The song that is believed to have been a reference to Jackson’s wife Lisa Marie, the daughter of Elvis Presley, was released at a time when he had considerable trouble in his personal life. Not only was it a moving love song that became an instant hit overnight, but holds the Guinness Record for being the first song to debut at Number 1in the Billboard Hot 100.

Monday, June 29, 2009, 13:23 By Neo
This news item was posted in Art & Entertainment, Best Finds of the Day, Best of the Breed, and Critic .

[Via http://justice4mj.wordpress.com]

Defining "blown"

This being our first “official” post, let’s get some ground rules set for those who might not understand:

Per my trusty desk top dictionary the flowing definition (s) can be linked to the word “blow” (peruse them at your leisure or skip to the good shit down the bottom):

blow 1 |blō|
verb ( past blew |bloō|; past part. blown |blōn|)
1 [ intrans. ] (of wind) move creating an air current : a cold wind began to blow.
• [ trans. ] (of wind) cause to move; propel : a gust of wind blew a cloud of smoke into his face | the spire was blown down during a gale.
• [ intrans. ] be carried, driven, or moved by the wind or an air current : it was so windy that the tent nearly blew away | cotton curtains blowing in the breeze.
• [ trans. ] informal leave (a place) : I’m ready to blow town | [ intrans. ] I’d better blow.
2 [ intrans. ] (of a person) expel air through pursed lips : Willie took a deep breath, and blew | he blew on his coffee to cool it.
• [ trans. ] use one’s breath to propel : he blew cigar smoke in her face.
• breathe hard; pant : Uncle Albert was soon puffing and blowing.
• [ trans. ] cause to breathe hard; exhaust of breath [as adj. ] ( blown): an exhausted, blown horse.
• [ trans. ] (of a person) force air through the mouth into (an instrument) in order to make a sound : the umpire blew his whistle.
• (of such an instrument) make a noise through being blown into in such a way : police whistles blew.
• [ trans. ] sound (the horn of a vehicle).
• informal play jazz or rock music in an unrestrained style : it took him maybe five choruses to warm up, but then he could really blow.
• [ trans. ] force air through a tube into (molten glass) in order to create an artifact.
• [ trans. ] remove the contents of (an egg) by forcing air through it.
• [with adverbial of place ] (of flies) lay eggs in or on something : to repel the hordes of flies that would otherwise blow on the buffalo hide.
• (of a whale) eject air and vapor through the blowhole.
3 [ trans. ] (of an explosion or explosive device) displace violently or send flying : the blast had blown the windows out of the van | the back of his head had been blown away.
• [ intrans. ] (of a vehicle tire) burst suddenly while the vehicle is in motion.
• burst or cause to burst due to pressure or overheating : [ intrans. ] the engines sounded as if their exhausts had blown | [ trans. ] frost will have blown a compression joint.
• (of an electrical circuit) burn out or cause to burn out through overloading : [ intrans. ] the fuse in the plug had blown | [ trans. ] the floodlights blew a fuse.
4 [ trans. ] informal spend recklessly : they blew $100,000 in just eighteen months.
5 informal completely bungle (an opportunity) : the wider issues were to show that politicians had blown it.
• (usu. be blown) expose (a stratagem) : a man whose cover was blown.
6 ( past part. blowed) [ trans. ] [usu. as imperative ] Brit., informal damn : “Well, blow me,” he said, “I never knew that” | [with clause ] I’m blowed if I want to see him again.
7 [ trans. ] vulgar slang perform fellatio.
noun
1 [in sing. ] a strong wind : we’re in for a blow.
2 an act of blowing on an instrument : a number of blows on the whistle.
• [in sing. ] an act of blowing one’s nose : give your nose a good blow.
• [in sing. ] informal a spell of playing jazz or rock music.
• (in steelmaking) an act of sending an air or oxygen blast through molten metal in a converter.
3 informal cocaine.

NOW THAT WE’VE GOT THAT SHIT OUT OF THE WAY

Blown |blōn|:  is a derivative of the expression to “blow up” which is defined by Urban dictionary as:

“To become famous, successful, and respected usually within a small amount of time.

Tarentino worked in a video rental joint before he made Reservoir Dogs and blew up.“

(Sadly Urban Dictionary had no definition for the word ‘blown’ as it will be used in this blog. We kindly request that they get on our level or risk staying <60% blown)

And just WHAT do the percentages mean?

Well per Isaac Newton what goes up, for damn sure go’s down. With that we can clearly say that that which is famous could just as readily become INfamous.  The blown percentage is a direct reflection of this truth.  The subjects of the blog will be given a blown percentage based on the status of their being.  The percentage may go up or down based on deeds or society’s need for their existence.  Which ever is more pressing.  Example (s):

Subject: Levi Johnston (Sarah Palin’s grandbaby daddy)

Percentage Blown: 75% (circa 10/20/2008)  ^ 0.1% (circa 10/20/2007)

Subect: Michael Jackson

Percentage Blown: Eternally (yes, he’d be eternal even if he hadn’t died (based on the Thriller album), however death does  guarantee Eternal blown status)

Well, I hope you understood this.  If not, there is a good chance you’ll never blow beyond 45%.

set-1/14/2010

[Via http://areyoublown.wordpress.com]

Closing to charging for the King of Pop's death?

According to popeater.com:

A leaked and verified copy of Michael Jackson’s death certificate confirms what has been reported since August: that the iconic singer’s June 25 passing was due to “acute propofol intoxication” and “intravenous injection by another.” In other words: homicide.

Making someone accountable for the death has dominated the headlines, with an AP report claiming Friday that prosecutors are close to indicting Dr. Conrad Murray, who, according to court documents, administered the propofol. It’s widely believed Murray would be brought up on charges of involuntary manslaughter. But a spokesman for the L.A. district attorney’s office told EW it was a “bogus report” and that they “don’t have the case” to bring charges against Murray yet. Further, Murray’s spokeswoman said they have not been informed of any grand jury proceedings.

Continue reading: Popeater.com

[Via http://missviolas.wordpress.com]

CHARLIE SHEEN....."FOR F**K SAKE"

Actor Charlie Sheen put a knife to his wife’s throat and threatened to kill her in a fight that began over Christmas, she told police.
So thats her story? what about his story?  ” she was pissed on egg nog and fucking champers”

he hasn’t said shit about what happened and she has come out and said ” oh maybe i was drinking a lil too much” hahahaha when the police breath tested her she blew .1 8 or some shit close to enough alcohol to drown a 10 year old child.

So the story goes…….Charlie spent much of Christmas Day in a cell after he apparently attacked Brooke Mueller Sheen when she asked him for a divorce.  Arrest papers quote Mrs Sheen saying the Two and Half Men star had straddled her on a bed and held her down.  The 44-year-old denied threatening his wife with a knife or choking her.

Ok so number one, he could get another wife just as hot if not hotter so why car about a divorce, she lied!

number two, straddling her on the bed never used to be a problem? maybe she was too drunk to realise who it was, she lied again!

number three, what she thought was being threatend with a knife was just him asking her if she wanted him to carve the turkey and the choking was just him waking her out of her alcoholic coma, once again she lied!

BITCH….

nP-

[Via http://itspinky.wordpress.com]

Writers Build: The Best Non-Hip-Hop Albums of 2009

Gramatically-incorrect, but who cares?!

We’ ain’t done just yet, Writers Build is still in full effect!

And you probably thought all I listened to was hip-hop.. Ha! Gotcha.

In between spinning Mos Def and Raekwon this year, me and my homie Jaap van der Doelen (of The Rap Up and Maasland FM fame) took some time to expand our horizons beyond the realm of rap. What we found were some extremely great projects by a gang of non-hip-hoppers.

Our lists cover many typesof music, including R&B, pop, reggae, soul, dubstep, jazz, rock and even afro-funk (yes, I may have made that genre up, but it’s true). Check these out when you’re not in the mood for neck-snapping beats or lyrical onslaughts.

Click the covers or links to support the artists, Enjoy!

Dom

1. Mayer Hawthorne – A Strange Arrangement [MP3 Download]

2. Michael Jackson – This Is It [MP3 Download]

3. Melanie Fiona – The Bridge [MP3 Download]

4. Matisyahu – Light [MP3 Download]

5. Alicia Keys – The Element of Freedom [MP3 Download]

6. Shafiq Husayn – Shafiq En’ A-Free-Ka

7. The Kickdrums - Just A Game

8. Chrisette Michele – Epiphany [MP3 Download]

9. Ryan Leslie – Ryan Leslie [MP3 Download]

10. John Mayer – Battle Studies [MP3 Download]

11. Norah Jones – The Fall [MP3 Download]

12. J Rawls & John Robinson present Jay Are – The 1960’s Jazz Revolution Again [MP3 Download]

13. Maxwell – Blacksummers’night [MP3 Download]

14. Serani - No Games [MP3 Download]

15. Whitney Houson - I Look To You [MP3 Download]

16. Trey Songz - Ready [MP3 Download]

17. Flaming Lips – Embryonic [MP3 Download]

18. Leona Lewis – Echo [MP3 Download]

19. Keith Jarrett Trio – Yesterdays [MP3 Download]

20. Bibio – Ambivalence Avenue [MP3 Download]

Honorable Mention: Zero 7 – Yeah Ghost [MP3 Download]

Jaap

1. Mulatu Astatke & The Heliocentrics - Inspiration Information, Vol. 3 [MP3 Download]

2. De Staat – Wait For Evolution

3. Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

4. Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You [MP3 Download]

5. Dub Colossus – A Town Called Addis [MP3 Download]

We’ve come a long way in the Writers Build segment, we’ve got a couple more posts left before we’re done. Stay tuned!

[Via http://holdthethrone.com]

My 2010 Predictions

Most people, including myself, are delighted that 2009 is finally over.  The reasons include the hemorrhaging of the United States and global economies, the rise in unemployment, and the strange frequency of celebrity deaths.  At last, we can look forward to a new year, a fresh start, a glimmer of hope for conditions to improve.  My predictions for this “Year of the Tiger” in 2010 are for the economy to get better, new jobs to be created, and less celebrities to suddenly disappear.  Should I be desperately hopeful and/or optimistic about the new year or will 2010 be another tough year for everyone?

Living in New York, an over-saturated media market, exposes you to all of the recurrences of failures among our government, our financial industry, and especially our sports icons and movie stars.  In 2009, where the New York media captured all of these shortcomings, I kept wondering when we could finally celebrate some “good news.”  Just a few of the media headlines in 2009 involved the proposed government-run health care system, the war on terror, and the escapades of American golf superstar, Tiger Woods.  In all of these newsworthy topics, it seemed like there was only negative implications and no silver lining.

If even a supposed flawless superstar like Woods can have a bad year in 2009, then can’t we put it all behind us and look forward to better days ahead in 2010?  My prediction is that things will get better, companies will stop cutting jobs and think about adding new positions, and the economy will continue to improve.  However, just like the continued fallout for Woods will continue to plague him, the success of each and every one of us may take a few months to jump start after a prolonged winter hangover from 2009 is finally behind us.

[Via http://andybailer.wordpress.com]

Michael Jackson Slept Here (160/365)

This article is a bit dark and depressing, but I found it really interesting. What if *you* were asked to give your house up to Michael Jackson for a couple weeks during the time in his life when he was disliked the most? Would you have done it? Most of his fans would have in a heart-beat, I’m sure. But what about those who were on the fence about him?

Michael Jackson Slept Here
At a difficult time in his life, the King of Pop was looking for a safe haven—and wound up at our house.
By Del Walters

On his final night in Loudoun County, Jackson hosted a gathering at the house, where he introduced his three children to the Walters family and posed with Taylor, 15, McClaine, 13, and their mother, Robin. All photographs courtesy of Del Walters

This is the story of how Michael Jackson—the King of Pop and at the time one of the world’s most wanted men—hid out at my family’s house.

Among his staff, Jackson was referred to as the Principal. In our family, he was known as the Secret—one we kept for nine days five years ago. We believed then, and do now, that not revealing Jackson’s whereabouts was the right thing to do. Now that he’s gone, I can tell why and how we did it.

It was March 2004. The previous year, Jackson had appeared on TV explaining why he believed it to be normal for adults to share their beds with children, that it was the most loving thing you could do. What he saw as innocent a Los Angeles district attorney saw as criminal. Rumors were swirling that Jackson would be indicted on charges of child molestation by an LA grand jury. The King of Pop became a subject of ridicule. Gone was the cute boy who had swooned his way into the hearts of generations. He was replaced by a man-child, a suspected pedophile.

In April 2004, Jackson was to receive an award from the African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association for his humanitarian work. But few of the journalists seeking credentials for the event cared about his work in Africa—they wanted to ask him about what had happened at Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. So a routine trip to Washington became anything but routine. Jackson needed a place to stay, and those closest to him were finding that there was no acceptable room in a Washington hotel.

The real-estate agent assigned to locate lodgings for him was running out of options. Stopping for a bite to eat, she saw the April 2004 Washingtonian. It featured a “Great Places to Live” article with me, my wife, and our two children on the cover. The story talked about how we had designed a house near Leesburg with no walls and plenty of open space. The agent knew us well enough to pick up the phone and ask whether we’d consider allowing Michael Jackson and his children to stay in our home.

What would you have done if a friend had called out of the blue and suggested that Michael Jackson might be interested in staying at your home? We first assumed she was joking. But she was serious.

On the previous Sunday, the sermon delivered by our minister, Reverend Dr. Norman A. Tate, had been about the Good Samaritan. Reverend Tate was the first person we consulted. Should we offer Michael Jackson safe haven? That night, following a lengthy family discussion and vote, we ironed out the details and began preparing for the Jackson family’s arrival.

Michael Jackson traveled with an entourage of 14. There were two cooks, three nannies, three children, personal assistants, tutors, security men, and Jackson himself. He moves in, you move out. (We stayed at a hotel.) Those who surrounded him called him the Client or the Principal. Rarely was he referred to by name. There were stretch Hummers and Suburbans that suggested a visit by a head of state—which is what our neighbors suspected.

Before he moved in, the house had to be prepared. His entourage covered all glass windows and doors. He was to have white bed linens and towels only. His favorite scent, a mountain fragrance, was sprayed everywhere and lingered for weeks after his departure.

Then, under the cover of darkness, he arrived. His private jet flew in and out of the Leesburg airport.

That evening as he moved in, we dined at a local restaurant, courtesy of the entertainer, and wondered whether he was enjoying our house as much as we did. We wondered whether he admired the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the deck and whether he took a stroll and noted the seven species of birds that call our acres home. Did he play the baby grand piano? Did his children frolic in the small dance studio? Would he enjoy the pool and hot tub and five acres, or would he just hole up and hide?

The next morning brought invitations for us to attend several events, including a BET reception and the African ambassadors’ reception.

Before Jackson’s arrival at the BET affair, a who’s who of Washington’s African-Amercan elite waited patiently. There were plenty of nasty remarks; some couples talked about how they wouldn’t let their children anywhere near Jackson. Then he arrived and the stampede began. Those who had ridiculed him the most were first in line.

His assistant ushered us to the front of the receiving line. We were told Jackson wanted to meet us first to thank us for allowing him and his children to use our home. He talked about the family pictures on the walls and how comfortable the place felt.

It was all very pleasant, but you could tell there was something unsettled about him. You could tell what he coveted most: He’d grown up without a childhood, and our house is filled with the kind of childhood memories money can’t buy—baptisms, first-birthday parties, family adventures.

To keep his stay at our house secret, we arrived there in the morning in time for the school bus to pick up one of our two daughters. We were always met by one of Jackson’s bodyguards dressed in all black. I finally told him that if he wanted Jackson’s presence to remain secret, he shouldn’t meet us every morning looking like Mr. T.

Reporters were in high gear searching for Jackson. We feared a media circus in our neighborhood. Our daughters, then 13 and 15, went to school each day wondering if their world would unravel.

On day eight, we were surprised Jackson wasn’t ready to leave, as the agreement had called for. That night, he arranged for a private wine-and-cheese reception at our own house so our children could meet his. He was more than gracious. While I worked, my wife and daughters were greeted by Jackson and his three kids. They spoke of childhood and normality. His children were very talkative; he was soft-spoken but playful. My wife described him as a gentle soul who obviously loved his children and they him. He also was willing to discipline his kids. He posed for pictures and agreed to autograph many things, including CDs.

By day nine, Jackson and his children were gone.

The empty wine bottles hidden around the house hinted at a man we now know was deeply tormented. There were other signs, but my wife and I have agreed they will remain secret. We knew from his representatives that Jackson tended to live nocturnally, sleeping during the day and roaming the house at night.

A visit by guests to our house now always leads to a conversation about Jackson’s visit. His picture, taken when he was standing by our baby grand piano, sits atop a table in the living room. Almost everyone sees it and wonders what it was like to talk to him and have him live in our home.

I’m always asked why I’ve never talked about Michael Jackson’s stay at our house. I say I met Jackson three times in my life—twice face to face.

Most African-Americans of my generation were introduced to a young Michael Jackson through the radio or by a friend who had one of his records. For me it was a 45-RPM played at Sonny Mason’s barbershop in my hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia.

The second encounter was in 1984 when Jackson and his brothers kicked off their Victory Tour in Kansas City. I stood out among the other reporters covering it because I didn’t appear to care about Michael Jackson the celebrity as much as I did the revenue the tour represented in the cities it visited. That night, I received two tickets to attend the concert and a private reception at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium. In a receiving line for the Jacksons following the concert, I met Michael in person for the first time.

The third time was the Washington visit.

I, too, wonder why I’ve never talked before about his stay in our home. Was it because Jackson and I were the same age or the fact that, like so many African-Americans, I liked to remember the little kid from Gary, Indiana, more than I did the man with another reputation?

Perhaps, as Reverend Tate suggested, it was just the right thing to do.

As word of Michael Jackson’s death on June 25 spread, my family mourned the man we’d met not as the King of Pop but as a person trapped inside a world that was and was not of his own creation, a man who came to us through his representatives in need of a place to stay. As I sat on our deck and looked west toward the Blue Ridge Mountains, I hoped he now was seeing what I see each and every night—a perfect sunset.

[Via http://mj365.wordpress.com]

"Captain EO" back at Disneyland!

The theme park announced plans to bring back the 3-D sci-fi film starring Michael Jackson next February, over 23 years after the attraction debuted in Anaheim, Calif. The 17-minute film starred the late King of Pop as a singing-and-dancing intergalactic commander. It was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and executive produced by George Lucas.

In the film, Jackson leads a goofy alien and robot crew as they battle a wicked queen played by Anjelica Huston. “Captain EO” originally opened in Disneyland’s Tommorrowland in 1986 and ran for more than a decade. Identical versions later opened at other Disney theme parks. They were all closed by 1998.

[Via http://doucwhatic.wordpress.com]

Let the stupid begin....

Not that stupid was waiting for the starting gun, stupid has been alive and well ever since Michael Jackson faked his death and gave stupid a petri dish to grow in. After floating around the forum community to months now, I have witnessed all varieties of stupid, even kinds of stupid I never fathomed existed prior to 6/25. But, I guess in the process of investigating this hoax, our minds have become open to all sorts of possibilities and I no longer deny the existence of fabled or mythical stupid…. stupid knows no bounds.

So come, let’s explore stupid, and investigate the depths of stupid. I mean, this is what Michael wanted, right? For his fans to open their minds and look deeper into the possibilities that exist in our world. I just doubt he bet on this much stupid… but then, his brilliance exceeds mine, so perhaps he did.

[Via http://stupidhoaxtheoryoftheday.wordpress.com]

Spike Lee's New Tribute Video to Michael Jackson

Just when we thought we were ready to stop because we really had had enough of all the post-humus tributes, mocking

Michael Jackson

and slams of Michael Jackson, Spike Lee has come along and made a brilliant new video that beautifully captures the magic and hope that the Jackson kids gave to so many of us who grew up in their era and more beyond. Aptly titled,
This Is It”, Lee’s tribute gives us a fresh look at the making of Michael.

Get more behind-the-scenes information about the video at New York Magazine. For now, take a look and enjoy. Thanks Spike!

[Via http://askawomanwhoknows.wordpress.com]