Michael Jackson, You Will Be Missed, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Luis Pezzini

Source: ezinearticles.com



How can one figure out what to say upon hearing of the passing of someone like Michael Jackson? Even that statement doesn't make any sense; there is, and never will be, anyone else like Michael Jackson.

There aren't many celebrities who we can look to and come close to what Michael Jackson has meant to so many of us throughout our lives. The closest names we can think of are Brooke Shields and Sammy Davis, Jr. They make the list because they were in the public eye since they were children, Brooke with her first advertisements at the age of 10, and Sammy when he was performing with his father and band mates from the age of 3. Neither one of them ever attained quite the significance of Michael Jackson, though.

For instance, Michael Jackson, in a weird way, aged in reverse, almost like Benjamin Button, the movie with Brad Pitt. As a child, he was already an adult beyond his years, helping the family make deals, being the leader of his singing group from the age of 5, and singing and dancing as though he was already a seasoned performer of years much further than he could have come close to.

Compare that to the Michael Jackson who took the world by storm with the Thriller album, the man-child who, now that he had unlimited wealth, determined not to be made to grow up. He built the ultimate child's paradise in Neverland Ranch, and then invited children, as playmates, to come and play with him. Then, over the years, as he continued to age, he fought it by eventually having kids of his own, and playing games with them as though he were still the biggest kid in the room.

Beyond all of that, though, was the music, and the dancing. He touched our souls, first with his brothers. From the time America heard "I Want You Back", then saw them on the Ed Sullivan Show, it was already determined that there was no comparison with family groups that had come before them, such as the Osmond Brothers or the Brothers Gibb. Indeed, this was something drastically different; these guys had a soul, and its front man was named Michael.

Who didn't remember the soulful way this child-man sang love ballads with the emotion of someone who'd actually been through them? Songs like "I'll Be There" and "Got To Be There" would have made you cry if you were allowed to cry as a young man; the girls indeed did cry. The ballads would be balanced with songs like "ABC" or "Dancing Machine", where everyone I knew tried to figure out how he did that special robot dance that not even his brothers could emulate.

Then we moved on, and saw Michael Jackson and his brothers grow up, and grow out, leaving Motown and establishing themselves as an independent force with three group albums, one of which included the number one hit song helping to bring the 70's to a close called "Shake Your Body Down To The Ground." Who could have known that would be the last truly big song that the Jackson brothers would have as a group, and what was about to happen for their brother Michael?

What happened? Most people don't know this, but the music industry was crashing down. Record sales weren't doing all that well. We had all learned how to record music off the radio, and it didn't matter that it wasn't all that clear. MTV had come out, and we were starting to watch videos. But there was no black music on MTV except for one old video of Jimi Hendrix playing a song few people remembered, "Are You Experienced." Then CBS Records, whom Michael Jackson had moved to as an independent musical force, gave an ultimatum to MTV; play Michael Jackson's video or never get to play another video from a CBS Records artist.

That it had to come to that is shocking, especially in light of the fact that Michael's second individual album (he's had the album "Ben" released as a solo album back in the early 70's) had gone to number one and produced four chart topping hits, including "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough". Sure, MTV had its worries; the first song released from the album, "The Girl Is Mine" with Paul McCartney, wasn't quite the style of music MTV wanted to associate itself with, even if the song did go to number one.

If someone with his pedigree couldn't get on MTV, what would it be worth? CBS was resting a lot of hopes on the back of Michael Jackson, and eventually bullied MTV into putting "Billie Jean" on its station.

To say it was an instant hit is insufficient. People loved the driving beat to the song, and saw a much different looking, grown up performer than what they were used to. Then they saw him perform on the Motown 25th Anniversary Show, and the rest is history. Thriller sold more albums than any other record in history, breaking so many records that will never be broken, and saving the record industry. Indeed, if one looks at the true golden age of music, it would be the period between when Michael Jackson released Thriller and when he released the Bad album. That was the period of the mega-album; without Thriller, Prince's Purple Rain album, Bruce Springsteen's Born In The USA album, and U2's Joshua Tree may never have sold the number of albums that they did. Thriller was to the 80's album what Saturday Night Fever by the Bee Gees was to the age of disco, and Peter Frampton's album Frampton Comes Alive did for rock.

What was the difference? Michael Jackson didn't only do music; he did dance. And he did it better than anyone else ever had except for Gene Kelly. The dance made the music a part of our lives, and extended the popularity of both Michael Jackson and his craft. And, what made it so special is that we got to see the evolution of the artist right before our eyes. Many of us grow up along with him, and that made him special to us. We could recall what was going on in our lives when his songs came out, and how they made us feel better.

And he kept coming back to us more and more often. We had Dangerous; we had HIStory. We had Invincible. We had the videos. We had "We Are The World." We had more coming, and we were all looking forward to that, plus the upcoming concerts that he said were the last hurrah.

And then it was gone in an instant. No one saw it coming, that's for sure. Two days after Ed McMahon, hours after Farrah Fawcett, and with the knowledge of how sick Walter Cronkite was, who could believe the breaking news alerts that Michael Jackson was being taken to the hospital after cardiac arrest? Who could believe the rumors that he was in a coma? Who could believe the rumors that he had passed away? And he had a cardiologist with him? Unthinkable.

Yet, it was true, and it shocked us. It made us take a look at our mortality. It made us feel bad. But we weren't ready to feel bad. Instead, we wanted to feel good, because deep down inside, we know that he did all of this for us from the beginning. He didn't seem, in person, like the happiest guy in the world over the last decade. With good reason, it seems, things we're not going into. And yet, when all was said and done, all he cared about, other than his kids, was his fans. He wanted us to enjoy him, his music, his dancing, and all that he had to offer for us.

If you're like me, after you got over the initial shock and had to pull yourself away from all the overwhelming news stories, you pulled out your Michael Jackson music, the solo stuff and the group stuff, the songs he did with others such as "We Are The World" and "State Of Shock" with Mick Jagger and "Scream" with his sister Janet, and we listened to those songs over and over. I listened for days; I'm still listening a week later.

As a younger person, I did that same thing. I'd buy the latest Jackson Five album, or the newest Michael Jackson album, on the day it was released and I'd play it over and over for weeks. Then, when everyone else caught up, I'd feel special because I already had it. I didn't have to wait to see if I was going to like any of the songs first; I bought it because I knew he wasn't going to let me down, that he was going to have songs I just had to have in my life.

To the end, he controlled my emotions. He helped make me happy. He helped make me reflect on different aspects of my life. He made me think about things such as racism and poverty and violence, "Michael Jackson", . He helped make me whole. And I wasn't alone. He touched the world, the most famous entertainer in history, bigger than Elvis, possibly bigger than Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan and Princess Diana. In the first week after his passing, 9 of the top 10 albums on the Billboard charts were Michael Jackson related albums. That didn't happen with Elvis passed away.

It's hard to totally convey what Michael Jackson meant to my life and the lives of others in a few words; look how many words this has taken already, and there's so much more that can be said. Michael Jackson was all about us. He sacrificed his life, his privacy, his happiness, so we could all feel better about our lives. It doesn't get more selfless, "Michael Jackson", than that. R.I.P., Michael; we'll miss you more than we'll ever know.

Luis Pezzini
lpezzini@SunsetStripRealty.com
http://www.SunsetStripRealty.com

Just a fan

Michael Jackson: the Significance of His Thrilling Career, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Gian Fiero

Source: articlesbase.com



When I first heard the news that Michael Jackson had died I immediately dismissed it. I thought it was a cruel rumor that was being circulated. I got into the elevator with a black woman who looked visibly shaken and I asked here did she hear about it. She confirmed that it was true. He was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. on June 25, 2009.As the elevator sank toward the ground floor, my heart sunk with it. Like, "Michael Jackson", most black people felt as though I had lost a childhood friend. Losing a childhood friend can be more painful than losing a distant relative because of the historical bond you share. When a childhood friend dies, a part of your life dies with them. Such was the case for me and millions of others who had the pleasure of growing up with Michael Jackson.Unlike any artist in history, Michael Jackson was able to cast a wide net of popularity over generations of people which cut through genres, cultures, nations, and races. It was a feat that will likely never be accomplished again. His influence is readily seen in today's top contemporary music artists like Usher, Justin Timberlake, and Ne-Yo.While they may be "stars" in their own right, they will never be on Michael Jackson's level.I've heard the term "superstar" used to describe him along with similar descriptions such as "megastar," and "worldwide superstar" because of his recognition around the globe. Those references fall short because the are too complex. He is simply the greatest entertainer that ever lived. He's also the most underrated vocalist of our time.He picked up where James Brown left off with his pure, powerful soulfulness and unsurpassed dancing skills. James Brown had moves. Michael Jackson had moves and choreography. He mesmerized white teenage audiences with greater effect than Elvis. Elvis had charm. Michael Jackson had charm and unprecedented energy. He crossed over and was embraced by white audiences in a way that Prince had only dreamed of. Prince had crossover appeal. Michael Jackson had crossover appeal and successfully crossed over. Young children were also drawn to and excited by Michael Jackson and his music in an inexplicable way that no music artist has ever been able to come close to. That's what made him the greatest.But now he's gone. Never to be forgotten, and never to be replaced.Gone are the possibilities for a comeback that so many of us were hoping for. Gone are the chances for musical, commercial, and social redemption. As strongly as I'm tempted to point out the derisive treatment of Michael Jackson over the years by whites people I have to cautiously refrain. White people loved Michael Jackson. They recognized and rewarded his talents and creativity when he was allowed to be the first black artist to have a video played on MTV; a move that positioned him as the King Of Pop and ignited record sales of Thriller, the best selling album in U.S. history record sales.Michael Jackson is as much a part of their lives - and occupies as big of a space in their hearts - as he does in the hearts of most black people; however, it's the white media that has shown irreverence for the last decade by dogging him at every given chance.By choosing to focus on his eccentricities (to which Michael Jackson responded with his song, Leave Me Alone), prosecuting him in the court of public opinion after he was legally acquitted for molestation, and disparagingly referring to him as "Wacko Jacko," the white media certainly contributed to his mounting stress over the years, and short-term exile from the U.S.Michael Jackson was not physically well, nor physically fit. We took for granted the amount of preparation, discipline, energy, and hard work that he put into being the greatest entertainer that ever lived. The trait of all professionals is how easy they make things look. Michael Jackson performances were well-rehearsed, and characterized by flawless precision and timing. He made them look easy, but they were a physically demanding and often exhaustive undertaking; one that a younger, healthier Michael Jackson was conditioned to executing.The older, physically and mentally distressed Michael Jackson was never going to be able to honor 50 performance dates. It would have been the equivalent of Michael Jordan coming back at the age of 50 and trying to compete at the same (athletic) level in a playoff game; it's just not possible. Drugs might make it seem possible, but only for a fleeting moment.Entertainers, like athletes, have a hard time letting go of what once was, in exchange for what now is: a feeble body that can not generate the type of performance that the public has grown accustomed to seeing. Usually when it happens you step-down. But Michael Jackson attempted to step-up.Still carrying the distinction as perhaps the last black artist who can sell out a stadium, and being painfully aware of his increasing physical limitations, he attempted to cater to the desires of his fiercely loyal fans just one more time. He would tour again and restore himself (and reputation) via the platform on which he is most comfortable, and the one that launched his illustrious career: the stage.The This Is It Tour was set to begin in July, 2009.Michael Jackson (who had not performed on this level in over 8 years) knew what the fans would be expecting: the old Michael Jackson. Like any polished professional who is aware of his brand, he attempted to deliver on those expectations. What medications/drugs he took (which may have jeopardized his health in order to honor those expectations) may never be known.What is known is that Michael Jackson issued a call to action himself, in response to requests from his fans to honor them one more time with his physical presence. He agreed; but with the condition that this, "Michael Jackson", would be it.So the man who created magical Pop music in the 70s that instantly transported people to happier times in their lives; defined an era; set the world on fire during his scintillating Motown 25 Year performance with his "moonwalk" and single glitter glove in the 80s, legitimized music videos as an art form and valid promotional tool; created songs that would be a part of the soundtrack to people's lives, was set to thrill audiences once again.But it was never to be.In a time in which so many artists superficially blurt out "I love you" to their fans, Michael's love of his fans, and his desire to satisfy them, defined his life, and my have possibly ended it. There will be documentaries, TV specials, and movies to commemorate his life, but Michael's legacy is his influence which (present and future) music artists will be affected by and measured against. And, of course, his sensational music catalogue which remains unparalleled. It contains songs that will carry on, in various incarnations, forever. As will our memories.Rest in peace Michael Jackson. You certainly deserve it.

Gian Fiero is an educator, speaker and consultant. He specializes in business development, career planning, and personal growth issues. He is affiliated with San Francisco State University as an adjunct professor, and the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) as a business advisor where he conducts monthly workshops in addition to lecturing throughout the country.

Michael Jackson:The Artist of the Century, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: hasan yahya

Source: articlesbase.com



Dr. Hasan A. Yahya The worldwide wave of grief that has greeted the news of the untimely death of pop star Michael Jackson is as extraordinary as was the man himself. News bulletins globally have been dominated by reports first of his death and then of the preliminary results of his autopsy, which was completed by toxicology tests. While the toxicology tests still being conducted, Michael Jackson's cause of death is listed as "deferred" on his official death certificate which shows that his sister LaToya Jackson provided the information on the death certificate, as "musician" in the field of "entertainment." There is no social category or status did not share mourning MJ worldwide. Cities around the world from Los Angeles, to, Shanghai, including Mumbai, Paris, London, Berlin, Cairo, Manama, Lebanon, and Tokyo. Sydney and Johannesburg, stunned fans gathered in vigils and sang his music. Politicians found time out to express their deep regret at Jackson’s passing. The Internet slowed to a crawl and the Twitter site actually crashed, as fans searched out the latest news, exchanged messages and made millions of commercial downloads of Jackson songs. TV networks in many countries cleared their schedules to broadcast tribute programs to the dead star. No Arab singer come close to imitate him in his styles in dancing and bold acting on the stage. For one reason, Arab singers are family members and the culture still control not only the artists but their financiers from rich people and Royal Emirs. Therefore, they need 50 years plus to have the courage to act like Michael Jackson. ÂBorn at Gary, Indiana on the skirts of Chicago, Illinois, and corner of Michigan and Indiana in 1958. When he was 10 years old, he began to be known through Jackson five with his four brothers. Michael Jackson lived one year at the Kingdom of Bahrain, his host was the son of the King. Later the Bahraini Prince Abdullah under the al-Khalifa clan, was forced to cut off funding Jackson, his kids and nanny in an extended stay in Bahrain. Jackson was no longer welcome to unlimited generosity from the Bahraini royals. Jackson left Bahrain to Germany, and then on to Italy. But later, he found a couple of wealthy families in Dubai and Oman, where his friends hosted him away from the media. Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley were American icons, one white, and the other was black. His appreciation of the King of the Rock was in the form of love and marriage with Presley’s daughter, at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards. She was 25 years and MJ was 35. When the announcement was made, It broke many fans who were fond of Michael Jackson. The marriage did not last long, 20 months to be exact passed on the marriage, Presley was 27, filed for divorce from the then-37-year-old pop star. ÂUps and Downs : Jackson lived his luxurious life as top singer, his expenses and travels and projects as well as the allegation against him made him in dept for millions of Dollars. For example, $270 million were taken in loans owned by Fortress Investments company. Fortress had given Jackson an extension to resolve his problems. but nothing's happened, Fortress will either foreclose on his property or make a deal with Sony Music which produces the singer albums. Sony, doesn't want Fortress to foreclose and send Jackson's loans to a public auction via bankruptcy court. Jackson's inability to deal with reality and his financial problems became a veritable mountain of ash blown into air at any time. Famous personalities knew or adopt Jackson’s talents. For example, Diana Ross, the famous black singer was the first to get a glimpse of Jackson's talent when she watched him and his older brothers perform at Motown head Berry Gordy's Detroit mansion. Jackson, was 10 years old, even lived with his Supreme mentor, whom he once said he confided his "deepest, darkest secrets." More than a decade later, the pair starred in 1978's The Wiz, an all-black version of The Wizard of Oz. Elizabeth Taylor was a great sympathizer with Michael, when child molestation allegations faced Jackson, he had the staunchest support from his longtime friend Elizabeth Taylor ‘s Dame, who the singer told Oprah Winfrey in 1993 was the one who anointed him the King of Pop â€" a moniker that stuck until the end of his career. ÂLiza Minnelli was a longtime friends since 1982, Jackson made a love connection for pal Minnelli, introducing her to her fourth husband, David Gest, Minnelli kept the favor to be repaid by having the singer serve as a co-best man and ring bearer at her star-studded 2002 wedding to Gest. Cher (the famous singer) and Jackson maintained a connection over the decades after the pop star appeared on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour with his older brothers as part of the Jackson 5. Brooke Shields also was linked with Jackson in the '80s , rumors connected Jackson with the beautiful actress, They met mostly at home, because he didn’t like going out in public, as he told Opera Winfry one time. Madonna too, Jackson took her as a date to the 1991 Oscars, creating a worldwide paparazzi frenzy. Madonna, found her match in Jackson. The two went on to reportedly collaborate on a song for Jackson's Dangerous album. Politically President Reagan honored Jackson in the White House. Dates in Jackson’s Life: Michael Jackson holds a street sign that he was presented with by Gary Mayor Scott L. King, left, during a news conference, "Michael Jackson", in Gary, Ind., June 11, 2003. Jackson returned to his hometown for the first time in nearly two decades and was also presented with a key to the city. Michael Jackson performs with Britney Spears during Jackson's "30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" concert at New York's Madison Square Garden, Sept. 7, 2001. In 2002, Spears offered Jackson birthday wishes onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards and he mistakenly thought he was accepting a special "Artist of the Millennium" trophy, drawing barbs from the show's host and viewers. ÂMichael Jackson testifies in Santa Maria Superior Court, Nov. 13, 2002, in a trial in which he was accused of cancelling scheduled concert appearances, costing his promoter several million dollars. Jackson had appeared weak and ghostly pale at many of his public appearances at the time, and his own attorneys have said he has been involved in nearly 1,000 lawsuits. Jackson caused an international uproar when he displayed his baby, Prince Michael II, to fans by dangling him briefly from a fourth-floor balcony in Germany, Nov. 19, 2002, in this image made from television. Michael Jackson the Artist of the Century: carries the jacket he wore when he received his Artist of the Century Award onstage at a charity event in Berlin, Nov. 20, 2002. Jackson brought the jackets he wore at 29 American Music Awards in the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. These and other clothes from German stars were auctioned to help German street kids. German composer Ralf Siegel paid $16,000 for the jacket, "Michael Jackson", shown. Michael Jackson and Islam: The Arab and Muslim World, beyond his global reach, Michael Jackson held a special place in the Muslim world, as one of the first major Western entertainers to break through cultural barriers in the 1980s. Some made a connection with the pop icon because of rumors, never substantiated, that he had converted to Islam. And that he sang a song praising Allah as Thanks to Allah Wahuwa ala Kulli Shayin Qadeer. the Merciful and the Forgiver. Others embraced him as one of their own after he sought refuge in the Gulf emirate of Bahrain in 2005, Oman and Dubai, after his announced Âtrials of child molestation charges in the U.S. Arabs knew Michael Jackson for his music and loved the person as a role model. At his peak, in the 1980s, a time without Internet and satellite TV, the Arab world was more shielded from Western pop culture. Jackson was one of the few successful crossover artists. Some Bahraini persons considered him as Bahraini. Because he spent a year in the Kingdom, as a guest of the Bahraini Prince. Jackson kept a low profile there, largely staying close to his host. Strangely enough, unlike Arab generosity, after Jackson's departure, the sheik sued Jackson for $7 million, for failing to fulfill a joint music venture, but the two settled in a friendly manner. In his words to the Gulf Daily News, Prince Abdullah said: "the world has lost a giant in the music industry." Across the Arab world, the tributes to Jackson, who died Thursday, mirrored those elsewhere around the globe, though some argued the singer had a special appeal in the region among young people. The rumor of his conversion to Islam was strong, religion is a big part of identity in that Âpart of the world, and the idea he became Muslim boosted Jackson’s popularity. Those who publicized the rumor depend on comments made by his brother, Jermaine, a convert to Islam, who has said his brother showed interest in the faith. In November, a British tabloid confirmed ÂMichael Jackson conversion to Islam at a friend's home in Los Angeles. In Lebanon, about 100 young fans lit candles and sang along to his songs in a downtown street lined with bars and restaurants. A few tried to moon walk while others cheered. ÂWas Michael Jackson an angel? Was he a saint? Did Michael made mistakes? Sure he did. Did he use poor judgment? I would say yes. Was he evil ? who knows? We have a man who at a very young age was in the spotlight, he never got a chance to be a kid. He wanted to see the good in everyone and bring that out. His biggest downfall was that he only wanted to see the good in everyone and thought everyone looked at the world the same way he did. He only wanted to be what he never was a child, and to the dark, depressed cynical mind set that we have, we looked for problems. And when you look hard enough you'll find what you want. Was Michael Jackson a pedophile? it was never proven. Was he strange? By many standards, maybe? but what is strange for someone is not for someone else! we call strange and abnormal according to our judgment and according to our personalities and values. He was viewed as normal and innocent for millions of fans around the world. Now the man is dead let us have him, and remember him for the good and innocent soul he tried to be. ÂIn conclusion, in spite of what Jackson sought cosmetically to change his skin color and features, he demonstrated the unifying power of music worldwide. He will be remembered for a long time to come. I think America will celebrate his birth or death every year side by side with 4th of July. Who knows? www.hasanyahya.com

Hasan A. Yahya is a professor of sociology, a member of the World Union of Arab and Muslim Writers, an American Arab scholar and scientis, authored several books on sociology, psychology, politics, short stories and poetry Diwans, all may be found on amazon.

Michael Jackson Drives Halloween, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Jeff Bangerter

Source: articlesbase.com



Michael Jackson's badly timed death over the summer caused a boost in sales of his music. Now his passing is driving sales of look-alike Halloween costumes, particularly his classic red jacket, curled 'do and white sequined glove from the Thriller time, and doctor's surgical masks from his shopping journeys. Interest in Jackson costumes is one of few bright spots in a Halloween season forecasted to challenge shops. the state's Retail Federation claims the economy is catching up with Halloween and the theme this year is How creative am I able to be, and how little am I ready to spend? Total spending on the vacation is predicted to reach $4.75 bill, with purchasers spending a median of only $56.31, down from $66.54 last year, according to a survey by BIGresearch for the federation. Still, Halloween is the third-largest party day in the U.S. Behind New Year's Eve and Super Bowl Sun. , and as it falls on a Sat. This year, clients could be even much more likely to host get-togethers. So office stores, discounters and specialty stores are stepping up their vacation decor offerings from mist machines to open-mouthed monster candy bowls. And besides Michael Jackson, other media phenomena are drawing the eye of Halloween consumers. Patrons at Dottie Mae's Costumes & Collectable Clothing in the Waldo area are wigging out not, "Michael Jackson", only on Jackson and Palin, but also on 1980s icons from Madonna to Farrah Fawcett to Married With kids mom Peg Bundy. President Barack Obama is the No. One mask. And sizes also are popular by one overweight customer planning to don a Medusa outfit, which gives full coverage. Still, the down economy means more shoppers will be making their costumes instead of purchasing them. The federation's survey really revealed that less folks plan to celebrate Halloween this year ( 62.1 p.c vs 64.5 p.c in 2008 ), and folk who are celebrating will take part in less activities. Even with the appearance of life-size yard decorations, which became very favored in modern years, less people plan to enhance their home or yard. Children, who were last year's enormous spenders for Halloween, plan to reduce seriously this year. According to the survey, the average 18-to-24 years old will spend, "Michael Jackson", $68.56 on the holiday, compared to $86.59 last year and $81.91 in 2007. But outlets are not just sitting back. Hallmark, as an example, first offered Halloween cards in the 1920s and now has more than 325 cards in its line, including themes from Twilight, Harry Potter, The sorcerer of Oz and Cinderella, and for the initial time Halloween cards with lights and sound like someone's Watching Me by Morris Day. Americans exchange about twenty-six million Halloween cards every year. Other shops also are adding Halloween-themed items to their lineup. Krispy Kreme is selling spider web doughnuts that are pumpkin-shaped with orange topping and a jack-o'-lantern face, and a pumpkin spice cake doughnut. While shops traditionally use back-to-school time as a barometer for vacation sales, this year they also are taking under consideration Halloween sales to figure out if clients are fatigued with being frugal and prepared for some fun. .

Over 5 years in the mortgage business and hundreds of loans closed. Speaker at over 500 seminars on mortgages.

Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley - Creating a Real-World "Thriller Night", Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Lorelei F

Source: ezinearticles.com



As a writer and also a sort of addiction-ologist I cannot help but observe and reflect on the division of our nation as it pertains to Michael Jackson. The overarching question seems to be should we revere him or should we condemn him? Was he a Semi-God, or a monster? And the whole climate of confusion, as well as the depth of mourning, harks me back to the age of 9 and the death of Elvis Presley. I can remember foggily asking in those sad days...How could this be?

And I can see that it is a question we are all asking again.

And if you expanded this question it might sound something like this... "How could someone so talented, so gifted, so powerfully able to touch human beings have come to this?" And the very way that we were touched by Elvis Presley and later by Michael Jackson seems to indicate a depth of humanity in both that is starkly contradicted by their behavior.

So how do we reconcile this seeming contradiction? We look here and we look there. We split up and take sides. Demi-God-ers face off with Monster-ites. We argue amongst ourselves. Those who, "Michael Jackson", want to deny and forget the monstrosities condemn those who want to deny and forget the greatness of The King of Pop. And the same also happens in reverse.

And so we create a house divided in our very nation. And it is the same divided house that has been in existence in millions of torn homes across our nation for years innumerable. And in our 'nation-house' we see the same denial, the same determination to take sides, and the same fierce loyalty and confusion about which side to take that has existed in torn homes forever. And in those torn homes as in our 'nation-home' we see aberrant and criminal behaviors like those of Michael Jackson. And in those torn homes as in our 'nation home' we see loose cannon behaviors like those of Elvis Presley. And in those torn homes, as in our 'nation-home', we hang on for the greatness, and recoil from the depravity. And in those torn homes, as in our nation home, there is one common denominator...the existence of a drug addict, alcoholic, or substance abuser. And now we uncover what is very probably the same common denominator in Michael Jackson in his abuse of prescription drugs.

As an educator in the field of addiction, I pray for the day that we truly understand, "Michael Jackson", that drugs and alcohol affect the very way that human beings think. I hope we will someday see that each and every drug, including alcohol, affects the functioning of the human brain in a multitude of ways. And when a person is on drugs and alcohol, he or she cannot be trusted to follow the rules of conscience or values. And the longer the person has been taking drugs or alcohol, the less conscience and values we will see. And as the drugging or drinking progresses, there comes a time when a person's behavior and thinking goes 100% opposite to common values, common sense, and even common human feeling. And there even comes a time when the person's thinking is so askew that he or she will justify the commission of atrocities and crimes even when the drug is not present.

I was a lover of Elvis as much as many of you are lovers of Michael. As such I am sometimes guiltily thankful that the king died before he could reconcile himself to doing something worse than shooting out a television set. I never would have wanted to see atrocity coming from the man who brought tears to my eyes when he sang words like...

"If I can dream of a better land, where all my brothers walk hand in hand, tell me why can't that dream come true."

And yet I have a fear that regardless of Michael and regardless of Elvis, we as a people will go merrily along on our well-worn path, drinking and drugging our way to our own personal versions of Neverland. We will continue to use prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, alcohol, illicit and illegal drugs, club drugs, and some of us will even suck on aerosol cans or drink rubbing alcohol to alter our brains and get high. And we will believe with all of our hearts that what happened to the King of Rock and Roll and what happened to the King of Pop will never happen to us. We will believe that we will never become like them. We will believe that we alone are impervious to the affects of drugs and alcohol on our minds. We will believe like Elvis believed and like Michael believed- thereby creating our own real-world version of "Thriller Night."

Lorelei F is a Writer, Speaker, and Activist who works for enlightenment and has coined the term Second Hand Addict. Visit her blogs at http://www.secondhandaddiction.blogspot.com and http://www.lawofattractionenergy.blogspot.com

Michael Jackson Skin Whitening - Why Treating Vitiligo Naturally is Best, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Ann L. Parker

Source: ezinearticles.com



Want a safe alternative to treating vitiligo other than the chemical hydroquinone, or questionable oral supplements and more? 

Michael Jackson skin whitening and other treatments which the pop star may have undergone have made headlines in the news, followed with the ongoing discussions, "Michael Jackson", of his death and the circumstances surrounding it.  There was much the public will never really know about just what Jackson put in and on his body over the years, but the effects of those treatments were all too apparent.

One of the most visible of Michael Jackson's problems was the gradual lightening of his skin over the, "Michael Jackson", years. Jackson claimed to be suffering from a condition called vitiligo, and he used topical creams which contain the chemical hydroquinone in order to bleach his remaining dark skin and blend it in with the white patches.

This is a common treatment for vitiligo but one which is not without controversy. In fact, the best skin whitening products are now being made without hydroquinone at all.

The Safer Way To Treat Vitiligo

In the ongoing discussion of Michael Jackson skin whitening and vitiligo treatment, much has been made about the potential hazards of hydroquinone. Studies have linked this substance to several different ailments including various forms of cancer and adrenal gland problems. The more the medical community learns about it, the more they have veered away from using it in skin treatment.

So what is the answer for vitiligo patients who want to safely and gently lighten their skin?  Well, the best skin whitening products are those which draw thei healing power directly from nature.  Nothing works better to both address particular skin problems like vitiligo and also enhance skin tone and fight the common signs of aging at the same time.  And there are now a wide range of natural products available to choose from.

Heal Your Skin Naturally

There is a simple way to avoid the Michael Jackson skin whitening nightmare, just go the natural route. Products made from a careful blend of natural, plant based ingredients can provide a level of healing never before seen. That's because they don't rely on chemicals and synthetics which can not only harm the skin but also cause underlying damage to the body itself.

The best skin whitening products contain Extrapone Nutgrass.  This natural ingredient has been proven to safely lighten the skin by inhibiting the formation of melanin. It can diminish the appearance of freckles, help lighten the skin overall to combat conditions such as vitiligo and it also contains anti-aging properties which help to smooth and soften the skin for a youthful, healthy look, which gives it an extra added advantage.

Used in combination with other natural ingredients such as CynergyTK™, Vitamin E and Babassu, among others, Nutgrass is the most effective way of whitening the skin naturally while balancing moisture levels, healing redness and removing built up toxins. 

So don't listen to the proponents of Michael Jackson skin whitening techniques, do your homework and find natural products which will get the job done without causing further damage.

Vitiligo can be an embarrassing condition but it doesn't have to take over your life.  There are safe, gentle, natural ways of whitening the skin and lessening the physical and emotional scarring of vitiligo.

Michael Jackson skin whitening treatments should be avoided altogether, especially since there are much safer alternatives, readily available.   Talk to your doctor and find a natural product which will work for you and you can say goodbye to the heartbreak of vitiligo forever!

Ann Parker is a researcher, educator, and believer of keeping skin looking young, vibrant, and glowing with all natural ingredients. Visit her web site http://www.healthy-skin-site.info today to learn about the clinically proven ingredients the big brands don't want you to know.

Emulate His Style With Michael Jackson Halloween Costumes, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Rob Buenaventura

Source: ezinearticles.com



The news reports have been telling us how much more money Michael Jackson is making now that he has died, and they aren't lying. Michael Jackson merchandise is appearing in almost as many forms as it did back in the '80s when the gloved one was at the peak of his career. In fact, reproductions of outfits worn during Jackson's reign as the King of Pop are, "Michael Jackson", undoubtedly going to be all the rage this Halloween, and you will find numerous websites online where you can purchase them. If you were excited by the way he dressed during his videos 'Thriller', 'Smooth Criminal', 'Billie Jean', or others, you'll now be able to emulate the pop icon's unique sense of style.

Creatures crawl in search of blood... What Halloween costume could be more perfect than a replica of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' ensemble? You could dress as Jackson, and your date could be one of the spooks that rise up from the tombs. Of course, if you both can make yourself up to look ghoulish and actually perform the dance from the video, you'll be sure to be a hit at any party you attend.

Another look you might try is donning the classic white fedora and suit to become a 'Smooth Criminal'. The 'Smooth Criminal' look has always been awesome, and you'll be able to wear the suit again to your next formal occasion. Be sure to tack a pair of shoes to the floor before the party starts, though, so that you can do the dance routine without falling on your face.

Don't forget the accessories that accompany any Michael Jackson Halloween costume. If you plan to Moonwalk into a party wearing an outfit from 'Billie Jean', remember to add black and white wingtips, the red bow tie, and the white socks. You can also add the iconic sequined glove and black fedora in honor of Jackson's stellar performance at the 1983 Grammy awards.

Jackson made headlines all throughout the '80s with the incomparable costumes he appeared in, and you can watch the old videos on Youtube and select elements of various costumes to incorporate into your own dress. Several kinds of wigs are also available to go, "Michael Jackson", along with the various looks. You can even buy a full Afro like Jackson wore at the beginning of his career as the youngest member of the Jackson Five.

Michael Jackson Halloween costumes are sure to be high on the hit list this year as fans mourn the Pop king's passing. If all else fails, and you're stuck for a Michael Jackson costume, you can always wear a pair of pajamas and a surgical mask and carry an umbrella to look like Jackson did when seen going to his trial. It really didn't matter what he wore. His style was always magical, and he will continue to reign in the hearts of his loyal fans forever.

Looking for or wanting to see more Michael Jackson costume ideas? Visit HalloweenGalleria.com to find a wide variety of new Halloween costume or group Halloween costumes, all at great prices!

Michael Jackson Halloween Costumes For 2009, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Amy Dubois

Source: ezinearticles.com



Michael Jackson is a fashion icon due to the different looks that he portrayed throughout his artistic career. In fact,, "Michael Jackson", the, "Michael Jackson", King Of Pop is globally recognized not only by his music genius but also by his costume and wig choices.

Along side his trademark moon walk and great music lyrics, Michael Jackson is cherished by a lot of fashion experts as a trend by himself. Fans all over the world try to imitate his looks and his style impact became obvious during his tragic death on june 2009. No matter where his fans are in Japan, Brazil or some where in Europe, The "MJ" hat, white socks, shiny glove, red leather jacket and the famous aviator glasses are worn by millions of people of all age and gender groups.

This Halloween is expected to be a big come back for Michael Jackson throughout cities not only in the USA but all over the globe. Many fashion stylists classify The looks of "MJ" into three categories; the Thriller, the Bad and the Billie Jean costume

Thriller look is popular during Halloween and it is easy to achieve. The items needed are a faux red leather jacket, a pair of red skinny pants,black loafers, white socks and a curly black wig. You can customize this jacket by adding seriesof zippers. The look is finished by applying a light powder foundation on the face.

Billie Jean cloths is preferred by many fans because it includes a black and silver sequined jacket, white shirt, black suit pants, white socks, black loafers and the trademark shiny glove. It is a complete look fit for a king but many costume companies online made it available for all at affordable prices.

If your favorite song is Bad, there are some great patterns made to provide the same outfit Michael Jackson wore in that video. The look includes the black jacket ensemble precisely a military style jacket decorated with large gold badges along with a gold beltand word Bad written on the buckle. Complete the look with tight black leather pants or jeans and boots with lots of zippers.

Michael Jackson is also known for his accessory choices such as the black sunglasses or the trademark sequined glove. Many modern fashion designers have incorporated these accessories in their collections.

Dressing up like Michael Jackson for this Halloween is a fun idea because there are so many choices available. It all depends on which Michael you want to portray. Michael Jackson had so many different looks throughout the years and without a doubt he isone of themost recognized fashion icon of all times.

Michael Jackson has been a music and dance inspiration for his fans, he is also a great choice for a Halloween costume this year due to his outrageous outfits and unique fashion creativity. If you choose to pay homage to this great artist, it is absolutely the perfect time to create any his memorable looks. there are so many outfits that made famous by the King Of Pop are available in all adult and kids sizes, for more options visit http://www.HalloweenCostumesCheap.info

Michael Jackson Party Costume, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Ray Sherman

Source: ezinearticles.com



Without a doubt, Michael, "Michael Jackson", Jackson will be a popular costume choice this Halloween among both adult party goers and neighborhood trick or treaters. There's already a mad dash for props and costumes as this Halloween season, "Michael Jackson", approaches.

Dressing up as Michael Jackson can be a fun costume because there's a few things you can do with the different decades of change througout his career. Of course the ready made all in one costumes are pretty abundant and easy to find, as are the masks, but these won't win you any contests or compliments. If you want to impress your co-workers at the corporate party or win any contests, you are going to be creating your own costume. Becoming the "King of Pop" is a great choice and you'll look great!

Thrift stores are a great place to find props, but you've really got to act fast as people are hitting them pretty hard about now in search of Michael Jackson costume props. Another alternative is Ebay which usually brings good results. some of the more important items you will need are a few of the Michael Jackson signature pieces. Since these peices can make or break your costume, these are the things you need to get going on right away.

Examples of signature Michael Jackson clothing are pieces such as the Red Beat It jacket. If you can find a decent leather one you'll have a great start on one real nice looking costume! The rest of that costume is basic, just black pants and shoes and you'll want to take a look at the shirt.

There is the black Fedora hat which is a must have if you are going with the Billie Jean video look. The white sequin glove should be very easy to find. The pants, shirt and shoes shouldn't be too hard but again, if you can get in on it now you can get a better deal.

The Smooth Criminal video has some nice dress in it. This time a white fedora hat with a black band around it, the blue shirt and white pinstripe jacket. Gangster shoes, white tie and white pants. There was the Bad tour and the military jacket look and straight hair. Finding a picture for any of these ideas is very easy. Just google Michael Jackson and the name of a song or album and you'll get a great picture that you can use to find your party costume props! (Use google images for best results)

The face is not difficult to do either. A wig will be easy to find and you can buy a cheap one and spruce it up a bit, trim it, curl it or whatever you need for your costume look. Unless you are going for the Jackson Five era, Michael used makeup in a very distinct way. His eyes and brows especially. A little lip liner too. Just experiment with the picture you are trying to duplicate. If you get the eyes, lips and brows right, everybody's going to know exactly who you are dressed as, especially with the proper Michael Jackson clothing on.

Check out a bunch of pictures first so you know what you need. Choose the best one or two and use those as your guide. There are several distinctive Michael Jackson looks you can do and each one is not that difficult. With a little creativity, you can stand out in the crowd and win that contest with the best Michael Jackson party costume in town!

Are you ready to start your Michael Jackson costume and take first place at your Halloween party? You can do it but you need to get started right now! For all your MJ props and party needs visit http://www.PopStarCollector.com and get started on your outfit right now!

Michael Jackson Costume, Michael Jackson Memorial

Author: Robert D Young

Source: ezinearticles.com



If you're because a Michael Jackson apparel this year for Halloween, afresh we've got a few hints and tips for you. With so abundant accepting been created by the King of Pop, there are dozens of altered options for a Michael Jackson costume. In fact, if you're activity up to it, we anticipate a Michael Jackson themed affair would be in fact killer! Every being bathrobe in a altered iconic Michael Jackson apparel would be a accident hit, and with so abounding, "Michael Jackson", options to accept from, it's absolutely plausible.

But what are these options, and what abroad do you charge to consider? We'll go over them briefly.

First of all, actuality are some of your basal options, and their complexity:

* Billy Jean. This almost simple accouterments is fabricated up of white boots, atramentous covering pants, a covering jacket, and a blush shirt and bow tie.

* Beat It (T-Shirt option). There are a brace of options from this video, and the aboriginal is the easiest Michael Jackson apparel out there. It's comprised of the keyboard shirt and red pants.

* Beat It (Full costume). This is a somewhat added circuitous outfit, mostly because you can't buy a red anorak like this local. It aswell involves a actual accurate checkered shirt. The atramentous pants and white shoes are things you can aces up after a specialty store, though.

* Smooth Criminal. I alone adulation this outfit, but it's tricky. The all white 50s appearance suit, with the analogous white fedora, white tie, and dejected shirt, is a abundant Michael Jackson costume, but unless you go with a specialty store, a white fedora like this is just traveling to be apparent harder to find. White ties and apparel are aswell appealing rare.

* Thriller. Of course, this is the a lot of adapted apparel for Halloween, and it looks abundant (and is actual iconic). It is, however, basically absurd to do this Michael Jackson apparel after a specialty store, back you can't aces up pants or a anorak like this at any accustomed accouterment outlet.

* Bad. This array of apparel is simple to accomplish a agnate set for, but it's abominably catchy to get an exact bout unless you go with a specialty store. If you wish to accomplish a agnate set, hop into a bounded "Hot Topic" store. This array of appearance is in fact actual accepted appropriate now (thank you emo kids!), so you can grab agnate jackets and gloves after issue. A agnate belt and boots are traveling to be harder to find, and the simplest option, again, becomes a specialty store.

* Michael Jackson. You can dress up as Michael Jackson himself from the 80s, or from added contempo times. Try to do added than just a glove, though. Because that's lame.

Whatever you do, blockage out the Michael Jackson music videos on YouTube is a absolutely acceptable abode to start, to be abiding you abduction the apparel accurately, "Michael Jackson", . Also, if you're traveling to do a specialty store, plan advanced and go online -- you can save lots of banknote by traveling with an online specialty abundance over bounded places. Of course, you accept to delay for shipping, so jump on it by mid-October if you wish to accomplish the apparel work.

Brought to you by Rob Young.
If you're wanting to put together the best possible Michael Jackon costume, then check out our sites, completely devoted to them:
Michael Jackson Bad Costume
Michael Jackson Thriller Costume

The Most Critical Piece Of Weight Loss Advice

Author: Weight Loss Bible Team Professionals

Source: articleage.com



Weight Loss Advice Has Never Been More Critical

The Weight Loss Advice You Receive Will Determine, Right From
The Start, If You Are Successful or Not

Many people say nutrition is the most important aspect, others
say it's fitness that is the #1 key to weight loss. Is there a
set "#1 aspect to weight loss," well yes. But it's not one
specific topic, it's where that topic or piece of information is
coming from that is the #1 factor if you are successful or not!

People ask our professionals all the time ... what is the #1 key
to permanent weight loss. The answer is very simple -- who and
where your getting your weight loss tips and information from.

The Problem with the weight loss industry at this very moment
... Is the millions of quick-fix, miracle diets, exercise
contraptions along with all the misleading advice that surrounds
the average person surfing the 'net looking to lose some weight
and gather some information. So many people and sites claim to
be experts, yet very few have the credentials to back it up!

Answer this question: If your car was in need of repairs, would
you take it to get fixed from a guy who was driving around a
beat up car that was leaking fluids, could not start and when it
did start it would stall out repeatedly, and was in overall bad
shape.

Heck No! He can't even fix his but he is going to tell you how
and what to do with yours! Let's face it, you aren't going to be
very confident in it getting fixed!

So why would you do that with your body and weight loss?

Below are some of the problems that the average person faces
along with our recommendations on what to look for and check
out. Weight Loss Forums: While finding an "online buddy" is
good, many forums are simply the "blind leading the blind" (no
disrespect). The online forums are famous for posting bad
advice. Who is giving this advice? Is it the web site owner who
is simply offering advice that may have worked for him/her. Well
that's great but it may not work for you and your situation.

Many weight loss forums are just a bunch of people simply giving
out advice that they think may work or has worked for them
before. It is a bunch of people who "are not 100% sure" about
what is going on with weight loss -- after all, more often than
not, that is why they you go in there -- for new information and
tips to help you. Weight Loss Web Sites: Again, 95% of all
weight loss web sites were started by some "Joe Average" who is
simply posting links to a ton of other weight loss and diet
sites. None of which have the right credentials to be offering
any advice or tips. Ant the real shame in all of this ... is
that many of the weight loss web sites are offering some sort of
quick-fix solution that they promise you that you can still eat
cake all the time, not exercise and still lose "20 pounds in 2
weeks!" This simply screams scam! Remember these when looking
for weight loss advice:

* Check the credentials: Who is offering the advice? Is it
someone reputable? If it's a health professional that has
appeared in world wide magazines, (such as our service), or are
they a certified fitness professional or dietitian - if so then
I would listen. But if you can't seem to find any credentials I
would be very wary of listening to their advice.

* Are there false claims on the site right away? If right away
the site is telling you that you can drop 20 pounds in one month
with little effort, bail out of there right away!

* Watch out for certain words. Forums are famous for this ... we
constantly see forum posts with people saying ..."you might want
to try this, and you might try that." If someone tells you to
try something, more times than not, they are offering something
that they think may work. And we're assuming that you can't
afford to "try" anything, you need results and you need them now!

The#1 factor in your weight loss will be the information you
receive at the very beginning of your weight loss "campaign."
Arm yourself with the proper knowledge, and you are sure to be
successful, but if you follow bad advice, you're very likely to
end up at the very spot to started -- still looking for answers
and bigger than you want to be.

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