Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Goodbye to an Angel

Rest in Peace, Farrah
A beautiful day in Los Angeles for Farrah
Another "Angel", Kate Jackson
Farrah's long-time love, Ryan O'Neal

Friends and family said goodbye to
Farrah Fawcett at a private funeral held Tuesday, at the appropriately named Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles.

via The Examiner:

"Farrah Fawcett's friend Alana Stewart and "Charlie's Angels" co-star Kate Jackson were among early arrivals before the hearse arrived, accompanied by 10 motorcycle officers, the Associated Press reports.

Her companion, Ryan O'Neal, was among pallbearers who accompanied the casket, covered in yellow and orange flowers, into the Roman Catholic cathedral."

Her son, Redmond O'Neal, was released from jail temporarily for the occasion.

I can't help but wonder how Redmond and Ryan will move on with their troubled lives without Farrah.

It's been a very sad week, hasn't it?

Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley: Similar in Life and in Death


Elvis and
Michael
Young and beautiful

Lisa Marie Presley, who was married to Michael Jackson for a brief time in the 1990's, has suggested on her blog that Michael was afraid he was going to "end up like Elvis". I was researching this notion and stumbled across this fascinating article.

MEMPHIS - The death hadn't even been confirmed, the body not yet cold, before the comparisons were being made.

The passing of Michael Jackson on Thursday afternoon re-ignited the occasional debate between the King of Pop and Elvis Presley, "The King" of rock and roll.

In the hours after Jackson's passing, Canadian songbird Celine Dion claimed it felt "like when (President John) Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died. We are not only talking about a talented person dying, it's an amazing loss."

The articles analyzing the similarities between Jackson and Presley have been ubiquitous and inevitable over the last 72 hours. Even Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde declared, "The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it."

But is there really a case to be made that Jackson's and Presley's places in the pantheon of popular culture were as similar as some suggest?

Certainly, parallels between the two do exist. Both were born poor and became massive music icons on a global scale (though Jackson may have the slight advantage there as Presley never performed outside of North America.) Each sold hundreds of millions of records and reached unimaginable levels of fame and wealth before experiencing rapid personal and professional descents (and, of course, there's the matter of Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, who was married briefly to Jackson in the mid-'90s)

"Like Elvis, Jackson unified black and white listeners, (ya hear that, Jamie Foxx??) and made startlingly important, memorable, and era-defining music," says writer and music historian Alanna Nash, author of several Elvis books, including a groundbreaking biography of Presley's manager, Col. Tom Parker. "Jackson was also a completely luminous performer - you couldn't take your eyes off of him - and part of it was because you sensed that this was an extraordinarily damaged boy-man, again, like Elvis, a Peter Pan, a puer aeternus (Latin for "eternal boy")."

Beyond their impact in life, the question now is whether a cult will spring up around Jackson in death similar to the one that grew around Presley.

Given the particular nature of Jackson's legal and personal troubles over the past decade, it's hard to imagine millions of tourists visiting Jackson's childhood home in Gary, Ind., or his former Neverland Ranch complex in California the way Presley pilgrims - young and old - turn up at Graceland each year.

"There will always be throngs of people who will mourn and revere (Jackson)," says Nash. "But because his personal life was so outsized, peculiar, and tainted with scandal far more lurid than Presley's drug abuse, I can't see him morphing into the Disney-zed figure that Elvis has become. (I can.)

"It's far easier to overlook Elvis's peccadilloes than Michael's," she adds. "Elvis was beautiful, sexy, and fun. Michael was sweet, strange, and sad. Who wants to see that on a lunchbox?" (Like it or not, these products probably will begin showing up on store shelves again.)

Bakke also points out that the worlds in which Presley and Jackson lived and died in were dramatically different.

"In general people weren't interested in (Elvis) personally or that interested in their pop culture figures the way they are now. It was a big deal when one of the networks actually led their newscast with Elvis' death. Compare that to what you're seeing with Jackson - it's totally night and day."

Like Jackson, Elvis' reputation had, by the end of his life, been damaged to some extent (by his divorce, rumors of drugs and diminishing commercial success). But Presley's image was rehabilitated posthumously. Due largely to the continuing efforts by the Elvis Presley Enterprises and RCA records, he's remained a relevant, romantic and iconic figure for successive generations of fans. (Through a spokesman, Elvis Presley Enterprises declined to comment.)

While Jackson's later years rarely saw him create or put out new music, Elvis continued recording up until his death, amassing a voluminous catalog of material - touching on rock, pop, country and gospel - that could be released and repackaged for years to come. "Suddenly after Elvis died, there was a vacuum," notes Bakke, "and there was plenty to fill up the void: RCA started packaging and marketing to those interests."

The opportunity for Jackson to be remembered and rehabilitated will be more complicated given his chaotic family and financial circumstances. Elvis had strong supporters in Priscilla and Parker, as well as a small army of business interests eager to keep his flame burning. Who will step in and play the same custodial role for Jackson? At this point it's hard to say.

The only thing that's clear now is that the tragedy of Jackson's life and death might prove mere foreshadowing for what awaits his legacy.

By: Bob Mehr

Again, interesting, but seemingly a bit biased, seeing that the author is from Memphis. If Michael is indeed buried at Neverland Ranch, it remains to be seen if he will have the same "draw" that Elvis continues to bring to Graceland.

Michael Jackson and
Elvis
in their final years.

Michael Jackson's Body to be Taken to Neverland Ranch for Funeral

Michael Jackson's Funeral to be Held at Neverland Ranch

Is the west coast going to have its own Graceland? Sounds like it. Michael Jackson's body will be brought back to Neverland Ranch as early as Thursday of this week. There will be a public viewing and well as a private funeral this weekend.

via TMZ:

"We've just learned Michael Jackson's body is set to be driven to Neverland Ranch late Thursday morning.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ upwards of a 30 car motorcade -- including Jackson's body -- will be traveling from Los Angeles to Neverland at 10 AM on Thursday.

We're told law enforcement is currently meeting to discuss security and traffic control. Our sources say plans are in the works for a public viewing to take place on either Friday or Saturday."

This story doesn't surprise me at all. Just more ways for the Jackson family to continue to mooch of Michael, if in fact, they do bury Michael at Neverland. I wonder if they will charge for tickets to enter the viewing of the body.

I'm just sayin'.

Oh, Those Poor Jackson Children...and Thank the Lord, Joe Jackson Left Out Of Will.

Paris and Prince Michael I
Prince Michael II, aka "Blanket"


Hold on to your effin' hats, ya'll. Neither Michael Jackson nor Debbie Rowe are the biological parents of Prince Michael Jackson I and Paris Jackson. Debbie underwent IVF both times. It's unknown if Prince Michael II is Michael's biological son, either. Custody lawsuits much? Oh boy. Ya'll thought the Anna Nicole situation was bad? You just wait. Michael was right when he said, "You ain't seen nothin' yet". According to The Wall Street Journal (seriously?) and TMZ (makes more sense):

"We've learned Michael Jackson was not the biological father of any of his children. And Debbie Rowe is not the biological mother of the two kids she bore for Michael. All three children were conceived in vitro -- outside the womb.

Multiple sources deeply connected to the births tell us Michael was not the sperm donor for any of his kids. Debbie's eggs were not used. She was merely the surrogate, and paid well for her services in the births of Michael Jr. and Paris.

In the case of Prince Michael II (the youngest), we're told the surrogate was never told of the identity of the "receiving parent" -- Michael Jackson. Three days after Prince was born at Grossmont Hospital in San Diego County, Jackson's lawyer came to the hospital to pick the baby up and deliver him to Michael.

We do not know if Jackson chose the sperm or egg donors or if he even knew who they were."

We can all breathe a sigh of relief that Joe (Monster) Jackson was left out of Michael's will:

:As we reported yesterday, attorney John Branca has the will and plans to file it with the court within 30 days of the singer's death. According to the will, Jackson reportedly left his estate -- estimated at $1 billion -- to his mother, three children and one or more charities.

As for why Joe was left out -- Jackson has said during his childhood his father beat him."

I'm going to have to increase my B12 and ginko biloba vitamin intake because I just I don't have the energy to listen to years of this family's legal woes. It's going to be a circus and a trainwreck all rolled into one. Get in line for your tickets, ya'll, because Joe WILL be asking for your money.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Joe Jackson is a Complete Monster

Joe Jackson, hawking his new record label

Okay. It's not just ME on this one. I watched CNN's Don Lemon on the red carpet at the BET Awards last night. There had been rumors of a member of the Jackson Family attending the BET's last night, and I could feel the collective eyeroll when we all saw that it was Father Joe. (Janet showed up as the real surprise at the end of the telecast.)

Ugh. Joe is clearly intent on making a Big Show out of his son's death. I've said before that everyone deals with death and will mourn in their own way; how-bloody-EVER. For the patriarch of the family to go on live TV and start blathering on about his new record label...WHAT?? I suppose we shouldn't be terribly shocked by Joe's demeanor. He's done nothing but use his kids, Michael specifically, as a vehicle for financial gain. I'm just amazed he was so brazen about his plans to make more money off Michael's name by starting some new venture, and speaking publicly about it less than 72 hours after his son's shocking death.

There are tons of stories going around about Michael's death. Autopsy records are being leaked, faked and reported. The LAPD left Michael's rented house in Bel Air carrying bagfuls of drugs. Brian Oxman, who is the Jackson Family's former attorney, is stating that Michael had a real problem with drugs and this is cooberated by spiritualist and friend of Michael's, Deepak Chopra. They both say that Michael was indeed addicted to many prescription drugs.

Michael's mother, Katherine Jackson has retained a temporary guardianship over Michael's three children. No one even knows if Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of the two oldest kids, is interested in a relationship with the children or not.

Here's my quick prediction. We'll be talking about Michael's death for many, many months to come. When the shock and pain wears off, we'll be seeing some really ugly behavior from the Jackson family and their hangers-on. Look forward to "exclusive" interviews, tell-all books, lawsuits...this will not end peacefully.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Michael Jackson Wanted to Die?


Eeek. This article in the Daily Mail has suggested that Michael Jackson may have been so physically ill, anorexic and drug addicted that he didn't want to carry on with his life. The story gives striking details regarding the late singer's physical and mental state at the leading up to his death:

  • Genetic condition had ruined his lungs and left him unable to sing
  • He became so skeletal, doctors believed he was anorexic
  • He had nightmares about being murdered – and wanted to die
  • He used swine flu as an excuse to avoid coming to England
  • He thought he was agreeing to 10 concerts – it was 50

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196009/Im-better-dead-Im-How-Michael-Jackson-predicted-death-months-ago.html

Sad. You know what's weird? It never even occurred to me that he was wearing wigs. I know. That's the LEAST of what's so sad about this story.

Photo credit: Popbytes.com

Janet Jackson Appears on BET Awards for Brother, Michael




Janet's appearance was the only highlight of the BET Awards tonight. God, Jamie Foxx makes me sick. There. I said it. I was Twittering...wait...TWEETING during the show and all of a sudden I hear that dumbass Jamie say that Michael belonged to "them"--meaning ONLY African Americans--and they just "shared Michael" with everyone else. You know what, Jamie? Fuck you. I've already been down this road once before when Luther Vandross died and another African American artist said virtually the same thing in an article in Rolling Stone Magazine. I was so angered by this kind of divisive philosophy that I wrote to Rolling Stone Magazine--and was published.



That's right. Janet Jackson is the artist I was referring to...

Oh God. Flashbacks. FLASHBACKS!!

Brit's BRUNETTE! NOOOOOO!

Oh shit, ya'll. Britney's gone and dyed her hair brown again. I'm having flashbacks to January, 2008. Brit was being carted off to the nuthouse on a 51-50 psychiatric hold and I was in San Diego at Casa Palmera, the eating disorder clinic--a nuthouse of another color--oh man. Now I'm gonna re-live being 95 lbs., force-fed, drugged and then monitored in the bathroom...I swear to God. I have nightmares about that...I WASN'T A PUKER!! Just let me pee (or whatever!) in PEACE!! GAAAAHHHH! Thanks a helluva LOT, Britney!

Ohshit ohshit ohshit. This is NOT gonna end well. When Brit's not blonde, Brit ain't happy. SOMEBODY SAVE HER!! Get that bottle of bleach ready!!

Perez Hilton is Wussy and Scaredy.

Wuss
The hateful and heartless, Perez Hilton

Good. I'm happy to hear that that wussy a-hole, Perez Hilton is all nervey and scaredy after his hateful remarks immediately following the news of Michael Jackson's passing. The website "The Gawker" has written a very funny, yet important blog about the idiot known as Perez Hilton:

Via The Gawker:

"Infamous gossip monger/dirtbag Perez Hilton has maybe had the worst week of his life. And it's beginning to show: Perez is blogging scared. Is this the end for him?

Perez (née Mario Lavandeira) got a literal slap upside the head by Will.I.Am's manager earlier this week, and a few figuratively slaps upside the head by celebrities who once willingly participated in his sadomasochistic, symbiotic celebrity-industrial complex for his poor handling of Michael Jackson's death. Because of both, Lavandeira's clearly shaken, and isn't doing too well.

The cracks in his mini-empire are beginning to show. Little of the trademark viciousness or salaciousness Perez typically attracts readers to his site with has been around lately..."

There is one particular celebrity blogger whom I find hilarious. It's Michael K. who writes "D-Listed". There isn't a day that goes by that I don't LITERALLY laugh out loud when reading this blog. I often wish I could be as funny and ridiculous as he is, but I can't compare our blogs. Mine goes from silly-mean in one post to personal and full of self-pity (or loathing, as the case may be), on the next blog. So, if you really want an alternative to that a-hole who's pictured above, please go to D-Listed. www.dlisted.com

In other words: BOYCOTT that hateful bitch's website.

Happy 43rd Birthday Lindsay Lohan!!

Lindsay looks raggedy, ya'll.


Oh. She's 23?? Jesus Chri--oh. It's Sunday. I'll try to keep the swearing and taking the Lord's name in vain to a minimum, but What. The. EFF?? First of all, WHAT the goddamnedhell (I can't help it) is she wearing?? Those are some hideous hooves, ya'll. And is that a swimsuit?

As usual, Lindsay's looking fit, well-fed, healthy and clean. Right? RIGHT???

Infomercial Spokesman BILLY MAYS(!!!!!) Has Died

BILLY MAYS DIED!!

Holy crap. BILLY MAYS has died. (He yelled in every infomercial, I thought it appropriate to yell his name). Can a dude yell himself to death? Sorry.

The Associated Press is reporting:

TAMPA, Fla. – Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman whose boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean made him a pop-culture icon, has died. He was 50.

Tampa police said Mays was found unresponsive by his wife Sunday morning. A fire rescue crew pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m. It was not immediately clear how he died. He said he was hit on the head when an airplane he was on made a rough landing Saturday, and Mays' wife told investigators the TV personality didn't feel well before he went to bed that night."

Hey--I bought OxiClean for the first time in my life yesterday. Oooh.


Saturday, June 27, 2009

Michael Jackson, Commemorative TIME Magazine

Michael Jackson
TIME Magazine


This photo is amazing. Michael looks so good, happy and not in one of his stereotypical get-ups. The picture as taken by my favorite fashion photographer, the late Herb Ritts.

Via Extra:
The cover's shot is from Jackson's steamy "In the Closet" music video shoot in 1992. The video was directed by legendary fashion photographer Herb Ritts and features supermodel Naomi Campbell.

For the special commemorative issue, TIME spoke with Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Nancy Reagan, Lenny Kravitz, Jesse Jackson, Tommy Mottola, Berry Gordy, Spike Lee, Sheryl Crow, Anjelica Huston, Clive Davis, Al Sharpton, Deepak Chopra, Kobe Bryant, Lance Bass, Oscar De La Hoya, Savion Glover, A.R. Rahman, Peter Gabriel, John Mayer and others.

The magazine has also published commemorative editions during its regular schedule for Barack Obama's election and the deaths of Princess Diana, JFK, Jr. and others. The commemorative election issue for President Obama sold 575,000 copies at newsstand, nearly five times a typical issue.
The commemorative edition of the magazine that appeared after Princess Diana's death sold more than 1.1 million copies domestically.

The commemorative issue will hit newsstands Monday, June 29.




Take a second to watch this...gosh, it's been years since I've seen this video. I much prefer Michael with this look. I thought he actually looked pretty sexy. Leave it to Herb Ritts. He had to convince Michael that he would look fantastic wearing these clothes and with his hair slicked back in a ponytail. It's been said he was extremely shy during the shoot with Naomi Campbellyou .

Another bit of gossip regarding this song--it's Madonna you hear whispering on the track. She tried to convince Michael that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to name a song, "In the Closet". Whether Michael was being naive, or just plain didn't care, the title stuck.

It's one of his best videos. H O T.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Today's Blind Item - Druggie Edition


"Which rocker is back on drugs? Although she claims to be clean, when she checked out of a Manhattan hotel recently, the maid found the room littered with dirty needles." [NYP]

Well, well, well. What strung-out, skinny-assed widow did we all just see picture of (getting out of a taxi) in New York City? No-brainer.

Michael Jackson, Update 1958 - 2009

The historic Apollo Theatre pays
respects to Michael Jackson

A vigil is being held outside the

Jackson Family estate in Encino, CA.

Michael Jackson


Just a quick update on the death of Michael Jackson.

It's being said that Michael's children, Paris, Michael and "Blanket" were all present when Michael collapsed in his home yesterday. The children stayed at home with their nanny while Michael was being attended to by paramedics and then taken to Ronald Regan Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Some troubling news is that Michael's physician, who was with Michael at the time of his cardiac arrest has disappeared. LAPD towed the doctor's BMW from Michael's home yesterday for investigation. Speculations are that this doctor may have injected Michael with Demerol, which could have caused cardiac arrest. It's also being said that Michael was abusing morphine as well as Demerol, along with being terribly underweight, which in turn, can contribute to stress on the heart.

An autopsy is being performed right now at the L.A. Coroner's office. This is the highest-profile autopsy in that office since Marilyn Monroe and Bobby Kennedy. It's also where the autopsy of Nicole Simpson was performed--rather messily, in fact--so let's hope extreme care is being given. The autopsy may not be as conclusive as the toxicology report which may take days, even weeks for results.

Now comes the notion of whom will retain custody of Michael's three children. Debbie Rowe did not sign away her parental rights, as previously reported, thus leaving her first in line to obtain custody. They are staying with Michael's mother, Katherine now however. I have a feeling this could get messy.

On a more emotional note, several celebrities have made statements regarding their feelings about Michael Jackson's passing:

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

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

Lisa Marie Presley: "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

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

Liza Minnelli: "He was a kind, genuine, and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life."

Corey Feldman: "I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend. Unfortunately Michael and I had a falling out on September 10th 2001 and that broken friendship had never been repaired … I am filled with tremendous sadness and remorse. All I choose to remember from this point is the good times we shared and what an inspiration he was to me and the rest of the world. Nobody will ever be able to do what Michael Jackson has done in this industry, and he was so close to doing it all again. I am truly, and deeply sorry for all of the heartbroken fans and supporters worldwide."



Anderson Cooper told a funny little story about meeting Michael at Studio 54 last night. It brought a smile to my face.

I'll certainly continue updating this troubling story...

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

"Off the Wall"--my favorite Michael Jackson album.



I'm really surprised at my reaction to Michael Jackson's death. I'm actually a lot more sad than I thought I'd be after hearing the news this afternoon. I was shocked, yes (sort of?) but the sadness is just sort of creeping in unexpectedly. Every news channel is reporting on Michael's death, and showing clips from all stages of his life. All the controversy in Michael's during the past 15-odd years has off-putting, to say the least. He wasn't found guilty in all of that mess. Who's to say? I'd rather focus on my own childhood and teenage.memories right now.

I, like many others my age, fell in love with Michael and the Jackson 5 back in the early 70's. In the early 80's, I remember sneaking into a disco (before they really checked ID) and dancing to "Workin' Day and Night" from the "Off the Wall" album. That's still my favorite song on my favorite album of Michael's. Everyone else loves "Thriller", but not me. I still have that album, down in our guest room, that we call "The Pop Culture Room". I bought it at the legendary Tower Records on Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood with my darling friend Joanne. I remember that day as one of the best days--you know, the day you look back on and remember every little detail. (The clutch broke on Joanne's classic 1963 convertible Porsche. We ate at The Spaghetti Factory, got the car fixed while we were there, and generally had a fantastic time.) I couldn't stop staring at my "Off the Wall" album cover. I couldn't wait to play it when I got home.

My boys loved Michael; Alex, especially when he was really little. "Bad" came out when he was two years old. Hunter came along and loved the same music his older brother loved.

We're no different than any of you, with personal memories of Michael Jackson.

Please share your own memories here, if you'd like. I'd love to post them.

Rest in peace, Michael. Maybe now everything will be easier for you.

Michael Jackson Dead at 50 of Cardiac Arrest

1958 - 2009

Holy crap, you guys. Here are the shocking facts of Michael Jackson's death at age 50:

The Associate Press is reporting:

"Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the “King of Pop” and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday. He was 50.
Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. Ed Winter, the assistant chief coroner for Los Angeles County, confirmed his office had been notified of the death and would handle the investigation.

The circumstances of Jackson’s death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to the hospital, Ruda told the newspaper.


Jackson’s death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music’s premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.
His 1982 album “Thriller” — which included the blockbuster hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller” — is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.
The public first knew him in the late 1960s, when as a boy he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the music group he formed with his four older brothers. Among their No. 1 hits were “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.”
Ranked with Elvis, BeatlesHe was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched voice punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks second only to his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.
“For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words,” said Quincy Jones, who produced “Thriller.” “He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”


Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music’s biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, and Jackson’s death immediately evoked that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.

As years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice.

He surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, often wore a germ mask while traveling and kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions.

“It seemed to me that his internal essence was at war with the norms of the world. It’s as if he was trying to defy gravity,” said Michael Levine, a Hollywood publicist who represented Jackson in the early 1990s. He called Jackson a “disciple of P.T. Barnum” and said the star appeared fragile at the time but was “much more cunning and shrewd about the industry than anyone knew.”

Jackson caused a furor in 2002 when he playfully dangled his infant son,

Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin while a throng of fans watched from below.


In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him, and of engaging in strange and inappropriate behavior with other children.

The case followed years of rumors about Jackson and young boys. In a TV documentary, he had acknowledged sharing his bed with children, a practice he described as sweet and not at all sexual.
Despite the acquittal, the lurid allegations that came out in court took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Comeback had been planned.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.
Singer Dionne Warwick said: “Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. ... We have lost an icon in our industry.”
Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital as word of his death spread. The emergency entrance at the UCLA Medical Center, which is near Jackson’s rented home, was roped off with police tape.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died,” a woman boarding a Manhattan bus called out, shortly after the news was announced. Immediately many riders reached for their cell phones.
So many people wanted to verify the early reports of Jackson’s death that the computers running Google’s news section interpreted the fusillade of “Michael Jackson” requests as an automated attack for about half an hour Thursday evening.


In New York’s Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

“No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow,” Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. “It’s like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died.”
I will most certainly write more. Still kinda of shock. Bear with me.

Farrah Fawcett Loses Battle With Cancer


LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Farrah Fawcett, whose luxurious tresses and blinding smile helped redefine sex appeal in the 1970s as one of TV's "Charlie's Angels," died Thursday after battling cancer. She was 62.

The pop icon, who in the 1980s set aside the fantasy girl image to tackle serious roles, died Thursday shortly before 9:30 a.m. PDT in a Santa Monica hospital, spokesman Paul Bloch said.

She burst on the scene in 1976 as one-third of the crime-fighting trio in TV's "Charlie's Angels." A poster of her in a clingy swimsuit sold in the millions.

Rest in peace, Farrah.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Johnny Depp Leaves Waiter $4000 Tip!

Saint Johnny
Could he BE a little more awesome??
Every time I hear a story of Johnny Depp being a gracious sweetheart, I think he couldn't possibly get anymore wonderful. But here he goes again:

"Actor Johnny Depp reportedly stunned a waiter in Chicago after leaving a $4,000 tip following a late-night dinner.

Digitalspy reports that the 'Public Enemies' star had been dining at Gibsons steakhouse with friends, including co-star Marion Cotillard and director Michael Mann, following the movie's premiere.
Speaking to RadarOnline, waiter Mohammed Sekhani said: "He may be one of the most famous actors in the world but he is a very humble guy and a really cool dude.

"Obviously, I was delighted with his tip but he has always been very generous every time that he has visited us here at Gibsons."
Sekhani went on to say that Depp, who arrived at the restaurant at around 11.30pm, had ordered "some $500 bottles of Italian wine" and a range of appetizers for his guests before leaving at 2.30am.

"He is a very soft spoken guy who is very charming and sweet - when I wait for him he doesn't like to be too fussed over and is not in any way demanding."
He's the new Saint. Move over Angelina.

Today's Blind Item! Menu Edition!


"This A list celebrity chef loves his women. He loves them a lot. He always has and probably always will. I don't know his wife puts up with it. In his latest escapade our celebrity chef was at an out of town event away from his wife, so of course he needed to find some company for the night. No spank-o-vision for our chef. Nope. Instead he managed to find two blondes and a brunette for his late night entertainment. As they were headed to his room, the brunette was all over him and our chef was drunk. Probably that way he has an excuse when he is eventually caught." [CDaN]

Ewww. I have heard some pretty icky stories about a certain chef who hangs out with Gwyneth Paltrow (not that she's the chick he's cheating with, I'm just sayin'--he's A-list).

Oh Boy...Burger King has really done it THIS time!

Ummm. Wow.



But THIS is funny. Seriously. "Booty is BOOTY!"

Burger King apparently has 15 year old "hotboxing" boys working in their advertising department these days.

Wait. I haven't heard from my boys, Alex and Hunter, for a few days. Maybe THEY are to blame for these shenanigans. All I know is, the Sir Mix-a-Lot with Sponge Bob ad his freaking hilarious, but even I cringed at the "Super Seven Incher" with the chick who looks like a blow-up doll.

Be prepared for the motif-sweater wearin' moms to RISE UP on this one, ya'll. (I'm trying not to giggle...)

Yoda Needs Your Help - NBR

Sweet "Yoda"
Please help this sweet boy

Most of ya'll know, I'm a boxer lover and owner. It's my pleasure to alert my readers when a special baby comes along who really needs some help. I know that in this economy, asking for financial assistance for a dog may seem presumptuous. But these are the littlest victims of bad times...often neglected or just plain abandoned.

This is Yoda's story. My friends at Northeast Boxer Rescue in New England have brought his sad story to my attention, and I'd like to share it with you.

Yoda was picked up by a concerned citizen who spotted him on the side of the road. He was in such poor condition that they brought him directly to an emergency hospital since it was evening and the regular hospitals were closed. Yoda had large patches of fur missing on his body, and large scabby sores on the top of his back. His crusty ears were so badly infected you could not see into his ear canals, and they were swollen and stiff. His eyes and nose were runny and he had an indentation mark around his neck from a tight collar.

Yoda was transferred to the animal control shelter where he was held for the required ten days per State law to see if he would be claimed. No one came forward. One of the vet techs from the emergency hospital contacted us and asked if we could help Yoda since he was in serious need of medical attention, and there was no one else to pay for his treatment. NBR agreed to be responsible for his care.

We learned that animal control recognized Yoda as a dog that was brought to the shelter by a man a week earlier. The man said that this was his father’s dog and that his father had died. He brought Yoda to the Shelter and wanted him euthanized because he didn‘t want to care for the dog. The shelter refused. They speculated that the son “dumped” him on the side of the road to “get rid of him” after leaving the shelter. Animal Control said that “Yoda was one of the nicest dogs that we ever had at the shelter”. We are finding out that this is very true.

Along with his skin and ear issues he has had on-going treatment for an ulcerated cornea. Unfortunately, his topical eye medication is not working and he will need surgery to correct the problem.

Yoda has not received much financial support and we are not sure why. We are hoping to raise some attention and donations in his name to offset the costs. His vet bills to date are $1,280.00 and his eye surgery will add to that figure. We have received a total of $230 in donations for Yoda and we are grateful, however, we are asking for your continued support.

Yoda is definitely a happy guy and is enjoying being spoiled by his new foster mom and dad. We have decided that his middle name is Riley…he finally has the life.

Can you donate to help YODA?

You can send a check directly to: Northeastern Boxer Rescue
P.O. Box 95 Sunderland MA 01375. or use PayPal

makes it easy and secure to send payments online via credit card.

Boxer Rescue Contact Area:

Northeastern Boxer Rescue

Jane Scott - janescott@boxerrescue.com

Pam Fosco - pam@boxerrescue.com


Every little bit helps. Even $5 or $10 will assist in giving Yoda some badly needed medical care. Thank you so much. xoxo ~j and NBR


Tuesday, June 23, 2009

My Day Has Been Made!!

This is the goddamned funniest skit from "Exit 57"...watch it twice, ya'll.

Oh, Amy Sedaris. I love you.




Oh, and don't you EVER call me a tugboat!!

Cher and Christina Aguliera to star in "Burlesque" !!

It's gonna be a "Diva-Off"!!



I think a bunch of my gays are gonna have slap fights over who gets to have these Halloween costumes!! Ohmylord, this is gonna be EPIC. I expect the movie to be ghastly but FABULOUS, know'msayin'??? Just add this to the ever-growing list of gay-tastic films: "Mommy Dearest", "Barbarella", "Showgirls"...you get the idea.
"In what will be her first movie star role in a decade, Cher is set to join Christina Aguilera in 'Burlesque,' a contemporary musical for Screen Gems. Steven Antin will direct from a script he wrote that was revised by Susannah Grant. Aguilera will play an ambitious small-town Iowa girl with a big voice who comes of age in a neo-burlesque club on Sunset Boulevard that’s run by Tess (Cher), a former dancer who struggles to keep the club open and gives the young girl a chance to shine. Cher will sing onscreen.


While her voice has been heard in many films, 'Burlesque' will mark the first time she’ll be seen singing in a film she stars in. Cher last starred in 'Tea With Mussolini' in 1999. "


I think Patrick would make a GREAT Cher.

And, hey. Shouldn't burlesque icon Dita Von Teese be in this film SOMEWHERE???

Today's Blind Item!


"Which superstar athlete is several months behind on the mortgage payments on his house? It isn't because he isn't making money or because he is forgetful. It's because he is scared. Every penny he scores right now is going toward paying off some outrageous gambling debts he racked up over the past couple of years. It seems that the consequence of someone hurting him or his family is more pressing than the thought of losing his house." [BlindGossip]


Oh dear. PLEASE don't let this be my sweet Charles Barkley. The sad fact is, though, that he's had gambling issues in the past. Sigh.

GLAAD Calls Perez Hilton Out and John Mayer Joins in the Fun!

The very unfunny and stupid, Perez Hilton

Well, now dumbass Perez Hilton has gone and pissed off the folks at GLAAD--and I think they are justified. The more I think about the whole situation with that idiot calling Will.I.Am from the Blackeyed Peas a "f*cking f*ggot", he needs a good tongue lashing. (Ewww. Sorry.)

The L.A. Times is reporting:

"The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is asking the openly gay Perez Hilton to apologize for the derogatory slurs he called Will.i.am, causing Black Eyed Peas general manager Polo Molina to sock the blogger in the eye.

Rashad Robinson, GLAAD's senior director of media programs, said: "These are vulgar anti-gay slurs that feed a climate of hatred and intolerance toward our community. For someone in our own community to use it to attack another person by saying that it is, quote, ‘The worst possible thing that thug would ever want to hear,’ is incredibly dangerous. It legitimizes use of a slur that is often linked to violence against our community. And it sends a message that it is OK to attempt to dehumanize people by exploiting anti-gay attitudes.”
I spend a lot (too much?) time reading other blogs and websites, and it really seems that most everyone thinks Perez Hilton was the one who was out of line by calling Will.I.Am these awful slurs. What the hell did he expect? He knew how much it would infuriate Will, and did it deliberately--thinking there would be no ramifications. WRONG, Mario.

Good for GLAAD for stepping up to the plate and calling Perez's fat ass out on his bad behavior. And good for John Mayer (!) for doing the same thing in Twitter; check this out:
Mayer: Perez Hilton's video statement is so long that by the end of it his cut healed.
Perez: That's real funny! Ha ha! And I'm sure you also think I "deserved" to get hit!
Mayer: I also want to train you in an old martial art called "Never Call A Black Dude a F**got Jitsu."
Perez: Dude, I get it. I GET IT. But it's not f**king funny to me. Karma would be me losing my site and going bankrupt or what have u.
And as if the whole world coming down on the sassy blogger weren't enough, Mayer tops off his beef by calling Perez a "dumb sh*t."
I LOVE it.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick's Twins are Here!

"Yeeeee--aaaah! We're over the mooooon!"

SJP and Matty's new twin girls!

Oh MY! The Old Grey Mare's surrogate mother gave birth to twin fillies, Buttermilk and Wildfire. ("...she ran callin' Willlllldfire")!

"The pair are at the East Ohio Regional (farm!) Hospital in Martins Ferry where the surrogate gave birth."

Rumor has it that since Gwennie Paltrow is decorating Mercy's new bedroom for Madonna, she's offered her services to completely overhaul SJP and Matty's NYC apartment to accommodate a stable for two.

I can't WAIT to see the photos of the twins in "Equine Weekly"!!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Today's Blind Item - HORRIBLE.


You know the HIV scare that is going through the porn industry? Well, it turns out this married B+ television/rarely movies actor on a hit network comedy has a girlfriend who is one of the infected pornstars. And no, it isn't Charlie Sheen.

via CDaN


This is just horrible. That's all I'm gonna say. Tragic.


First Look at Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" With Johnny Depp!

Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter
Alice in Wonderland
Helena Bonham-Carter as The Red Queen
Anne Hathaway, as the White Queen


"Alice in Wonderland" is being "Burton-ized". Tim Burton is taking the Lewis Carroll classic and making it his own, starring his usual leading man, Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter.

I love Tim Burton...always have. Ever since he directed "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure", "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" on CBS back in the mid 80's I have seen every movie he's directed, including his eye-popping, dark and emotional films (two of the "Batman" franchise movies, "Edward Scissorhands", "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", just to name a few.)

Tim and Johnny Depp are BFFs, and love working together. The two have made unusual films that are visually stunning, and always a bit heartbreaking. I actually can't watch "Edward Scissorhands" anymore because of Johnny's facial expressions. The are just too sad...but that's the point, I suppose.

I'm really looking forward to "Alice in Wonderland"--but we all have to wait until March 5, 2010!! Sheesh.