<p>Annuhduhmom—You can argue the viability of M Jacksons place in modern American music till you are blue in the face…but ultimately it’s all about fame and the cult of celebrity. The Jackson fan will throw out real (or in many cases imaginary) stats in their frustration to prove that he was Princess Di, Jesus, Mozart and Elizabeth Taylor all rolled into one. Personally, I have never measured music by commercial viability or how many industry awards it generated. And the cult of celebrity…I am sick to death of it.</p>
<p>I’ve read numerous negative reactions to the unveiling of Michael’s children at the service. From what I’ve read online there were very recent photos of the children in tabloids so they had already been unveiled. I found it very appropriate that they would attend this memorial service for their father and would have found it odd if they did not attend. Perhaps it will help with their healing to know in a very real way that their father was loved and admired by many. I know that I am perhaps being naive in believing that MJ’s family brought them along with good intentions, but I would like to think so.</p>
<p>The family had a private memorial in addition to the very public one. I would not have found it odd for the children to only attend the private services.</p>
<p>Heard on Larry King last night that MJ wrote a letter of recommendation for Gotham Chopra (son of Deepak Chopra) for admission to Columbia University. He said that’s probably why he got in. He also said that he wishes he had that letter back now, presumably for its value now that MJ is dead.</p>
<p>I was really oddly touched by Brooke Shields. Clearly the two of them faced some of the same issues with growing up too quick and too much in the public eye.</p>
<p>“Heard on Larry King last night that MJ wrote a letter of recommendation for Gotham Chopra (son of Deepak Chopra) for admission to Columbia University. He said that’s probably why he got in.”</p>
<p>I think that Deepak Chopra is famous enough that his fame could have tipped his son into Columbia. I can’t think of any reason why Columbia would have been impressed by a letter from MJ unless MJ also sent a few million dollars with it.</p>
<p>I agree, NSM, I was just conveying what Chopra himself said.</p>
<p>Hmmmm–Oprah spoke at the college graduation of her best friend’s kid. Maybe Columbia could have lined up up MJ to give a graduation speech 4 years later…</p>
<p>[Pelosi</a> shuts down resolution on Michael Jackson - Yahoo! News](<a href=“http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090709/ap_en_ce/us_pelosi_michael_jackson]Pelosi”>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090709/ap_en_ce/us_pelosi_michael_jackson)</p>
<p>Agree with that decision.</p>
<p>“WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi shut the door Thursday to a resolution honoring Michael Jackson because debate on the symbolic measure could raise “contrary views” about the pop star’s life.
Lawmakers are free to use House speeches “to express their sympathy or their praise any time that they wish,” said Pelosi, D-Calif. “I don’t think it’s necessary for us to have a resolution.””</p>
<p>I agree, too.</p>
<p>No kidding. Perhaps our beloved politicians could move on to something a little more pressing…say the economy? arms treaties?</p>
<p>I never thought I’d agree with Pelosi, but this just goes to show that wonders never cease! Right on, Nancy.</p>
<p>I am also stunned to find myself agreeing with Nancy Pelosi. Wonder how cold it is down below…</p>
<p>"In a partial interview released on ABC on Friday, taken from a longer interview to be aired July 14, Joe says that both he and estranged wife Katherine should take on permanent guardianship duties now that Michael has died. “Their grandmother Katherine and I should raise them,” Joe said. “Yes there’s no one else who can do what we can do for them. We should keep them all together and make them happy. Feed them like they are supposed to be fed.”
(See TIME’s photos of Michael Jackson’s memorial service)</p>
<p>Previously there had not been a significant “we” in the children equation. As Michael requested in his will, Katherine has been granted legal temporary guardianship of Prince Michael I, 12, Paris Michael Katherine, 11, and Prince Michael II (also known as Blanket), 7. Deborah Rowe, the biological mother of Prince Michael I and Paris Michael Katherine, who had renounced her parental rights years ago, had stated an interest in taking custody of all three children in a recent interview and her lawyer is involved in the guardianship proceedings. A guardianship hearing set for Monday in Los Angeles was postponed until July 20. Katherine’s lawyer said in a statement that the week delay would allow the opportunity to “privately and amicably” resolve the issue."
[Joe</a> Jackson Makes Bid for Care of Michael’s Kids - TIME](<a href=“http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1910033,00.html]Joe”>http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1910033,00.html)</p>
<p>Re Joe Jackson- I had heard that Rowe was considering seeking a restraining order against him to keep him away from the kids if Katherine retains custody. </p>
<p>I didn’t like the sound of “we” from him at all.</p>
<p>I didn’t realize they were estranged. Good for Katherine.</p>
<p>[Source:</a> Jackson’s Needle Marks on Neck and Arms; Tabloid Claims La Toya Says, “This Was Murder” | Comcast.net](<a href=“Discovery Hub - News & Technology”>Discovery Hub - News & Technology) MJ has needle marks on his neck and arms, and LaToya thinks his death was “murder and robbery” … uh… what??? And Daddy Joe’s “conspiracy theory” will be aired tonight. He is of course such a credible individual…</p>
<p>LaToya has always been nuts - in my professional opinion. It concerned me seeing her all over the kids at the funeral. I don’t think her involvement bodes well for them either.</p>
<p>And now Joe Jackson is trying to get the three children to tour as the Jackson 3. This is abhorrent if it’s true. </p>
<p>[Michael</a> Jackson?s kids to tour the world as The Jackson Three | ENTERTAINMENT News](<a href=“Error 404”>Error 404)</p>
<p>ick, ick and ick</p>