With casket front and center, daughter Paris steals show with parting words for her dad

The most anticipated, star-studded and over-hyped memorial service in the recent history of Western civilization is finally over. And who would have thought it'd be an 11-year-old girl who everyone will remember.

As Michael Jackson's public memorial inside L.A.'s Staples Center was wrapping up after two-plus hours of songs and speeches, suddenly his daughter Paris Jackson was left in front of the microphone.

"Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine," she gently said, her voice quaking with emotion. "And I just wanted to say I love him - so much."

And suddenly it was over. A sobbing Paris fell into the arms of her family and was quickly escorted off the stage. Memorial done. Thanks for coming, a brother said. And that was it. A stunning ending.

Here is a recap of the memorial as we blogged it live during the day:

Smokey Robinson opened things up by reading a statement. After about a half-hour delay, the service has now continued with a gospel choir singing We Are Going To See The King. Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz took the stage to sing I'll Be There. Afterward, Carey said, "We'll miss you." Queen Latifah is now speaking. "No clocks can tell our time ... with the abrupt absence of our treasure," she said. "But we do know we had him, and we are the world."

Lionel Richie, fresh off his Commodores reunion two days ago in New Orleans, was next on stage singing Jesus Is Love with a gospel choir backing him up.

Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, is now on stage. He "was like a son to be," Gordy said. He's doing a great job entertaining with stories from early days of the Jackson 5 and Motown. "When he did his iconic moonwalk, it was magic. He went into orbit and never came down. ... Michael Jackson accomplished everything he dreamed of." He brought the crowd to their feet with: "I think simply he was the greatest entertainer that ever lived."

A montage of video clips and music videos played next. I guarantee 11,000 people were crying inside the Staples Center.

Stevie Wonder then took the stage and sat at the piano. "This is a moment that I wish I didn't live to see come," he said. "Michael, I love you and I told you that many times, and I'm at peace with that." He's playing I Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer.

Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson spoke next. Magic had a funny story about watching Michael eat a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken. Cute, but probably only inserted into the program as a filler between songs.

Jennifer Hudson next sang Will You Be There from Michael's Dangerous album.

The Rev. Al Sharpton next addressed the memorial. "It was Michael Jackson who brought blacks and whites and Asians and Latinos together. ... Michael made us love each other." ... "Some came to say goodbye to Michael. I came to say thank you." When he left the stage, he was hugged by each of Michael's brothers.

John Mayer then performed Human Nature on guitar.

His old friend Brooke Shields was next on stage and struggled to keep her composure. "We had a bond. And maybe because we both understood what it's like to be under the spotlight from a very, very young age. Both of us needed to be adults very early. But when we were together, we were two little kids, having fun."

Brother Jermaine Jackson next sang Smile, which according to Brooke Shields was Michael's favorite song. It's amazing he held himself together until the very end.

Martin Luther King III and Bernice King spoke next. Things were starting to bog down now.  Rep. Sheila Jackson of Texas was up next, and filled her speech with song titles and cliches. Help!

Never thought I'd say this, but thank god for Usher, who took the stage and sang Gone Too Soon. Points deducted, though, for what sounded like fake sobbing toward the end.

Smokey Robinson was next on stage. Maybe there was hope after all. Or not, because my live video feed stopped identifying people who were singing. Oh, it's Shaheen Jafargholi, of course, from Britain's Got Talent. Boy can sing. Kenny Ortega (director of the High School Musical franchise) is up next.

A group version of We Are the World looked like the finale, but Heal the World was up next.

The singing over, Jermaine has thanked the crowd. Marlon Jackson took the mike next, but had trouble getting the words out.

And then the big surprise: Paris Jackson. Was she coached? Did she plan on speaking? It sounded like the microphone was going to Janet Jackson next. We'll wait and see if we ever get the answers.

THE CASKET: Yes, Michael's closed casket was front and center right below the main stage at the memorial service. His brothers were the pallbearers. There was no moonwalking involved. The brothers are all wearing matching black suits, with yellow ties and, yes, they were all wearing a single sparkly glove.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO HIS BODY? That's still a big question. Media reports are saying that cremation would be the usual action for the Jehovah's Witness faith. Also, it's not known if his final resting place would be accessible by the public. TV reports say Forest Lawn does have private areas perfect for celebrities.

WE'RE IN LOS ANGELES TOO: St. Petersburg Times photographer Willie J. Allen Jr. was at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Check out his photos here.

WHAT A CIRCUS: Eleven Asian elephants and seven horses made a predawn commute to the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. The animals -- from the Ringling Bros. Circus -- were moved early to avoid the chaos later today. THAT circus starts Wednesday.

SECURITY IS TIGHT: The Los Angeles Times says the city deployed more than 3,000 police officers to handle the madness in and around the Staples Center. Follow the latest news from LA at their LA Now blog. According to media reports, it was the biggest police action since the 1984 Olympic Games for the city.

HALL OF FAME: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland plans a candlelight vigil after the public memorial finishes up in Los Angeles. They also will unveil a special memorial wall to Jackson tonight.

WHERE'S THE LOVE? This is a shocker. On the day of his public memorial, only one Michael Jackson song is among the Top 10 songs on iTunes. (Man in the Mirror at No. 6)

[AP photo: Marlon Jackson comforts Paris at the memorial.]

Comments

[Blake Britton]

She was very brave to go up there like she did. She was awesome.

[susan]

Ashley, MY people were from the north and not a part of any lynching. I just notice that with O.J. and this man, there never seems to be any black folks who express dismay over their behavior. And just because people took money doesn't mean he wasn't guilty. Let's face it, the evidence is overwhelming and justice doesn't exist. For example, there are more black people on death row who are executed than whites. Is that fair? You know verdicts can be bought. And yes, I could be wrong but it's unlikely. Furthermore, having an opinion about this subject does not mean I belive myself qualified to judge anyone. That's totally out of my hands. I am no better or worse than anyone. Just making an observation. Peace.

[Shaqueefa]

miatta,
Thank you for your wonderful and insightful triple posting of the same drooling rhetoric that you tree huggers have.
But honey, Michael is in another place and its much hotter then here. He is rotting in eternal damnation and being molested by Lucifer as Hitler, Lennon, MLK, and JKF watch.
Thank you

[Monique]

Actually there was no medical proof that he had any skin disease. He said he had it but he had none of the symptoms. People I know who have it say that there is no way that he could have it. Sorry but just another lie.

Why are people double and triple posting? It will not make your point any more valid.

[ashley]

He had VITILIGO...just like WHITES: when they don't understand something, they denounce it...

[John]

I'll tell you where all his "friends" were when he was going thru his sexual perversion trials were. They were steering clear of him because they didn't want to be implicated with the pervert for fear of repercussions from the media. King of Pop, what a joke, it should read: King of Perversion.

[Just not right]

Check out the history of his change from black to white.
Yeah he hated himself for being black.
http://www.anomalies-unlimited.com/Jackson.html

[Real]

I agree Donnie,
Even Blacks like Jackson don't want to be Black.
Obama calls himself Irish.
ANd According to Blacks I know, Michael and OJ were innocent.

[Shut it Sandy]

Ok Sandy, should we remember that Hitler rebuilt Germany into a great power? And not the bad?
NO, do not forget that this Pedophile Jackson is rotting in hell right now, and you Sandy are on your way!
Screw Michael Jackson.

[Shut it Sandy]

Ok Sandy, should we remember that Hitler rebuilt Germany into a great power? And not the bad?
NO, do not forget that this Pedophile Jackson is rotting in hell right now, and you Sandy are on your way!
Screw Michael Jackson.

[ashley]

DONNIE, if he hated "Blacks", why was the majority of his charitable contributions to people of African descent and children? And if you look at NUMEROUS interviews, he openly expressed he was proud to be black...he had what was called VITILIGO, intelligent one...you probably don't surround yourself w/too many "blacks", but I have actually seen a few ppl w/this skin problem...look at some pics online and you can see his skin was dark in places and WHITE in others...And NO MATTER what COLOR your skin is, you can't remove your heritage...my GREAT GRANDMOTHER is a "black", she is WHITE as day and would HATE to be called a "white". Take a look 2 this, and you'll see someone OTHER than MJ w/VITILIGO:
http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=112429433658&h=lsFFV&u=m3Z-L&ref=mf

[Jillian]

He was a pervert indeed. I remember watching the trial, the kid remembered seeing a birthmark or skin discoloration in MJ's private area, and lo and behold, when the authorities checked, sure enough, it was there just as the kid reported.

[Donnie]

I can't believe how worked up all the Blacks got over their man, and he hated being Black, He was whiter than any caucasian that I've ever seen. He wanted to be white and have white kids, he hated Blacks and everything they stood for.

[Donnie]

I can't believe how worked up all the Blacks got over their man, and he hated being Black, He was whiter than any caucasian that I've ever seen. He wanted to be white and have white kids, he hated Blacks and everything they stood for.

[Donnie]

I can't believe how worked up all the Blacks got over their man, and he hated being Black, He was whiter than any caucasian that I've ever seen. He wanted to be white and have white kids, he hated Blacks and everything they stood for.

[miatta]

I cried and cried through the entire memorial service.

And, I ask the questions:
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN MICHEAL NEEDED THEM?
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN:
- WHEN HE WAS DYING IN FRONT OF OUR EYES?
- WHEN HE WAS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION TO PAIN KILLING DRUGS?
- WHEN HE WAS BEING PERSECUTED?
HE WAS ONE OF THEIR OWN.
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER THEN IN PUBLIC SUPPORT OF ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO SAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND HELP ONE OF THEIR OWN FIND A WAY TO LIVE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS UNIQUE SITUATION?

THIS IS WHY I CRIED AND CRIED AND CRIED. I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS THESE PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED THEY WERE SUCH GREAT F-R-I-E-N-D-S - BUT WERE NOT THERE FOR HIM WHEN HE NEEDED THEM.

I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT MICHAEL DID NOT HAVE ANYONE HE COULD REALLY CALL ON.
I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT HE DID NOT HAVE C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y, A GROUP WITHIN WHICH HE COULD SIT IN ACCEPTANCE, LOVE, PRAISE, CARE AND PEACE. BECAUSE OF THIS, I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS ALL THOSE HYPOCRITES WHO SHUNNED HIM IN LIFE AND YESTERDAY HAD THE AUDACITY TO STAND BEFORE THE WORLD AND CALL THEMSELVES HIS FRIENDS.

I AM GLAD MICHEAL IS WITH GOD NOW. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

WE LOVE YOU, MICHAEL.
YOU MEANT SO MUCH TO US.

[miatta]

I cried and cried through the entire memorial service.

And, I ask the questions:
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN MICHEAL NEEDED THEM?
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN:
- WHEN HE WAS DYING IN FRONT OF OUR EYES?
- WHEN HE WAS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION TO PAIN KILLING DRUGS?
- WHEN HE WAS BEING PERSECUTED?
HE WAS ONE OF THEIR OWN.
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER THEN IN PUBLIC SUPPORT OF ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO SAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND HELP ONE OF THEIR OWN FIND A WAY TO LIVE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS UNIQUE SITUATION?

THIS IS WHY I CRIED AND CRIED AND CRIED. I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS THESE PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED THEY WERE SUCH GREAT F-R-I-E-N-D-S - BUT WERE NOT THERE FOR HIM WHEN HE NEEDED THEM.

I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT MICHAEL DID NOT HAVE ANYONE HE COULD REALLY CALL ON.
I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT HE DID NOT HAVE C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y, A GROUP WITHIN WHICH HE COULD SIT IN ACCEPTANCE, LOVE, PRAISE, CARE AND PEACE. BECAUSE OF THIS, I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS ALL THOSE HYPOCRITES WHO SHUNNED HIM IN LIFE AND YESTERDAY HAD THE AUDACITY TO STAND BEFORE THE WORLD AND CALL THEMSELVES HIS FRIENDS.

I AM GLAD MICHEAL IS WITH GOD NOW. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

WE LOVE YOU, MICHAEL.
YOU MEANT SO MUCH TO US.

[miatta]

I cried and cried through the entire memorial service.

And, I ask the questions:
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN MICHEAL NEEDED THEM?
WHERE WERE ALL THESE SO CALLED F-R-I-E-N-D-S WHEN:
- WHEN HE WAS DYING IN FRONT OF OUR EYES?
- WHEN HE WAS STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION TO PAIN KILLING DRUGS?
- WHEN HE WAS BEING PERSECUTED?
HE WAS ONE OF THEIR OWN.
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER THEN IN PUBLIC SUPPORT OF ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND FIGHT TO SAVE ONE OF THEIR OWN?
WHY DID THEY NOT COME TOGETHER AND HELP ONE OF THEIR OWN FIND A WAY TO LIVE WITH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HIS UNIQUE SITUATION?

THIS IS WHY I CRIED AND CRIED AND CRIED. I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS THESE PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED THEY WERE SUCH GREAT F-R-I-E-N-D-S - BUT WERE NOT THERE FOR HIM WHEN HE NEEDED THEM.

I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT MICHAEL DID NOT HAVE ANYONE HE COULD REALLY CALL ON.
I BELIEVE THE TRUTH IS THAT HE DID NOT HAVE C-O-M-M-U-N-I-T-Y, A GROUP WITHIN WHICH HE COULD SIT IN ACCEPTANCE, LOVE, PRAISE, CARE AND PEACE. BECAUSE OF THIS, I FEEL SUCH RAGE TOWARDS ALL THOSE HYPOCRITES WHO SHUNNED HIM IN LIFE AND YESTERDAY HAD THE AUDACITY TO STAND BEFORE THE WORLD AND CALL THEMSELVES HIS FRIENDS.

I AM GLAD MICHEAL IS WITH GOD NOW. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

WE LOVE YOU, MICHAEL.
YOU MEANT SO MUCH TO US.

[ashley]

Susan, African Americans CAN admit when "one of theirs is wrong"-as you said...When was it proven that this man molested anyone...if your child was MOLESTED would you TAKE MONEY instead of having the LOSER put behind bars? The ppl were just money-hungry...and another thing, Susan: What YOU AND PPL LIKE YOU SEEM TO EASILY FORGET is that YOUR ppl lynched these African Americans you speak of, burned them, enslaved them, and so much more-for years and years and years, but that can be easily forgotten (whereas these MJ ALLEGATIONS have been lingering for years)...God is our judge, remember that:)

[special K stuck in Kentucky wanting to go back to Germany]

I find all the negative posts very sad indeed. I'm sort of in the middle on how I feel about Michael Jackson but I grew up on his music. What he gave us musically was an amazing gift. His personal life was a little crazy.
Unless you live under a rock, we all know about all the negativity regarding his personal life. Spears did a great job writing on the memorial and all you people that have a problem with Michael's Jackson's life could easily just NOT read this particular blog. There are those that believe he was innocent of his charges (again I'm not making my stand either way) and they should be allowed to make their feelings known without being attacked. There are other forums that you can state your case. It would have been nice if you had chosen to keep silent and keep all the negative comments off of this particular blog.

[special K stuck in Kentucky wanting to go back to Germany]

I find all the negative posts very sad indeed. I'm sort of in the middle on how I feel about Michael Jackson but I grew up on his music. What he gave us musically was an amazing gift. His personal life was a little crazy.
Unless you live under a rock, we all know about all the negativity regarding his personal life. Spears did a great job writing on the memorial and all you people that have a problem with Michael's Jackson's life could easily just NOT read this particular blog. There are those that believe he was innocent of his charges (again I'm not making my stand either way) and they should be allowed to make their feelings known without being attacked. There are other forums that you can state your case. It would have been nice if you had chosen to keep silent and keep all the negative comments off of this particular blog.

[Keira]

I do not see anyone complaining that Spears reported on this. What I am seeing are Michael Jackson fans (who believe nothing bad should be reported) vs the "haters" (who believe he was a pervert). Neither side likes the other. The amount of coverage was way excessive though.

[Beth]

I watched the memorial and thought it nice but a bit much at times. I felt Brooke Shields was the only 'speaker' who truly was a friend. I don't know what to think of the daughter and the rest of the family. May he rest in peace and everyone should remember the great 80s memories he gave all of us. MJ was a huge impact on the 80s and I will always remember the Thriller days.

[scwinther]

Who was the Asian singer that took over the stage on the “Heal the World” portion of the memorial service? She was the best performer of the evening but nobody mentioned her name.

[Sandy]

Did anyone hear about what Coby said? Michael made the Guinness Book of records for giving to the most charities. Did you know this, did he mention this himself at any time? Let's try being a little more of a caring world and remember and thank him for the good things he did.

[Susan]

Why is it that african americans can't ever admit that one of their own is wrong?

[DerekT]

While this was going on I was watching Tesla in concert, and it rocked!!!!!!!!!!! Over two hours of kick butt music!!!!!!!!!! Tesla honored MJ by not mentioning him at all.

[Kevy Metal]

Who is Michael Jackson?

[Clark]

Nice work, Spearsy. Try not to let the commentary from morons who don't know the difference between covering a subject and endorsing it bother you. The fact that with all the media outlets out there, they can't find one that only talks about the topics they like indicates that they'll probably end up sticking a fork in an outlet or wandering out into traffic some time soon.

[Blaine]

People actually watched this?

[J Dub]

Spearsy-
Good job covering the story since, love him or hate him (I'm kinda in the middle), the guy was 80's personified. Don't let all of the name calling and complaining get under your skin.

[HOT]

Michael is now in hell being molested
for eternity as JFK, Hitler, John Lenin, MLK watch.
Rot in Hell Pedophile.
Karma is real

[Mike]

I heard they were melting him down and turning him into legos so the children can play with him for a change

[John]

This event cost the city of LA hundreds of thousands of dollars. Will the Jacksons or any celebrities or the promoter step up to help defray the costs. I dare say NO WAY JOSE.
instead:
the promoter will make money off this most likely in the sales of merchandise at the staples center and a Jackson tour the release of a DVD of the event and a CD

the Jackson will make money off of this with DVD, cd, new album with Michaels voice mixed in

Papa Jackson will make money off of this probably by having all sorts of stuff from his record label (or whatever his new business is) being handed out all over anyplace where Jackson fans are

Staples center will make money off of this by charging for parking and the sale of food and drink at the memorial.

Everybody will make money but the city of LA. They will come out in the hole

[John]

This event cost the city of LA hundreds of thousands of dollars. Will the Jacksons or any celebrities or the promoter step up to help defray the costs. I dare say NO WAY JOSE.
instead:
the promoter will make money off this most likely in the sales of merchandise at the staples center and a Jackson tour the release of a DVD of the event and a CD

the Jackson will make money off of this with DVD, cd, new album with Michaels voice mixed in

Papa Jackson will make money off of this probably by having all sorts of stuff from his record label (or whatever his new business is) being handed out all over anyplace where Jackson fans are

Staples center will make money off of this by charging for parking and the sale of food and drink at the memorial.

Everybody will make money but the city of LA. They will come out in the hole

[Douglas Arthur]

Hey, haters, guess what. You are part of the freak show, too. I never liked MJ, ever, except for the Jackson 5 stuff. And I like him even less for what is did or was alleged to do. But have a little respect for his family and children, wouldja? They are innocent bystanders, and deserve to mourn as they see fit. Is the media coverage overblown, you bet. But don't contribute to it by peppering the message boards with your hatred. Honestly doesn't raise my opinion of you, even if I might agree with your sentiment.

For this blog to ignore MJ's death would be somewhat treasonous, since he was absolutely HUGE in the 80's.

The only thing that I thank Michael for is essentially giving Weird Al Yankovic a career. His FAT video is the funniest thing ever.

[Douglas Arthur]

Hey, haters, guess what. You are part of the freak show, too. I never liked MJ, ever, except for the Jackson 5 stuff. And I like him even less for what is did or was alleged to do. But have a little respect for his family and children, wouldja? They are innocent bystanders, and deserve to mourn as they see fit. Is the media coverage overblown, you bet. But don't contribute to it by peppering the message boards with your hatred. Honestly doesn't raise my opinion of you, even if I might agree with your sentiment.

For this blog to ignore MJ's death would be somewhat treasonous, since he was absolutely HUGE in the 80's.

The only thing that I thank Michael for is essentially giving Weird Al Yankovic a career. His FAT video is the funniest thing ever.

[Miguel]

It was what it was.We couldn`t be expecting much more than this.It was a memorial service,not a concert.It was obviously boring,with that little heart breaking moment at the end with his daughter speaking. Let the guy rest in peace now and let`s move on to some other stuff.

[Miguel]

It was what it was.We couldn`t be expecting much more than this.It was a memorial service,not a concert.It was obviously boring,with that little heart breaking moment at the end with his daughter speaking. Let the guy rest in peace now and let`s move on to some other stuff.

[Butch Fernandes]

Who Cares ? The POS whack job pedophile is dead! Put him in the ground in an unmarked grave and forget about him. He does not deserve all of this bull*&$t. Too bad it didn't happen before he got his hands on little boys.

[allie mj]

I am very upset that mj is passed away and at the memorial paris was very brave to say her speech and if I was her i would say that to and so now I say may Michael Joesph Jackson rest in peace Michael keep moonwalking in heaven

[Dr. Incognito]

Wow. I enjoyed MJ's music, but I never was a huge fan, and for all I know he WAS a pervert and a molester. But he had a far more messed-up life than I'll bet many of us can imagine (that's no excuse for his behavior, but for me it provides some perspective). I also think that his daughter is either an incredible actress, or she thought quite highly of her dad and she's absolutely devastated. I'm a dad, and that was like getting stabbed in the chest. That girl is who I feel for today.

[bubba]

i did a big poop and it was not in the news as for mj he is dead had boys sleep in his bed and his kids are white mj was not hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Real]

It really is a shame that when someone dies young they are forever immortalized as a hero or icon.
This pedophile who raped and gave "Jesus Juice" (that's red wine in a pepsi can) to little boys in his room that had a special alarm that went off when someone approached his door, is now a beloved hero again.
Why is the "Jesus juice" not mentioned in the news?

[carly]

MJ was a great artist but maybe we can return to real news after today. There is a related post at http://iamsoannoyed.com/?page_id=588

[Susan]

Michael Jackson was disfellowshipped/disassociated/excommunicated from the Jehovah's Witnesses and the wordage all mean the same thing.

It means that the JW consider MJ CONDEMENED eternally dammed which was easy for them to do when he was getting all the bad press,NOW they don't want the general public to know about it.
JW cult lie and lie and lie....they call it 'theocratic warfare' don't get mixed up with them.

[Jerry]

Some of you MJ supporters would have a whole different tune if he had slept with and molested your son. He was a pervert deluxe. No telling what he did to his own kids.

[GAGirl]

Geez Spears - I bet you didn't think you would need to wear a cup, a helmet and a padded suit today. I bet there will be a lot of drinking at the Spears lair tonight.

Lay-off people. He is reporting. If he didn't than a new slew of people would be climbing his frame - wait he might like that - asking why as an 80s podcaster and blogger why he wasn't covering today's event. You can't win for losing.

Oh, and by the way, yes I am an 80s MJ fan - but long ago put him away in the tarnished award cabinet as he slowly spiraled the drain for all to see.

[ellen]

Let the haters hate? Ok. Your blind faith hero worship is as pathetic as your name calling post. You mention original? Your post is anything but. You sound just like the rest of the MJ supporters. People willing to ignore anything bad he did (such as jurors on his trial ADMITTED to doing) just because he was a celebrity. They thought he was guilty but let him go anyway. They admitted it on camera. Care to comment about that? Maybe take off the rose colored glasses and look at reality? Your idol was a pervert. Deal with it. And no - I will not stop commenting just because some of you want to ignore MJ's actions just because you enjoyed his music. I am not that shallow.

[just a thought.]

I watched the celebration on CNN and thought that it was nothing more than an effort to keep MJ in the public eye and promote a "bigger than Elvis" future empire.

Do we really think that MJ'S death will bring this family back to a loving, normal family?

You bet it will. $$$$$$$$$$$Talks.