A Michael Jackson Story

I have to say that for me, hands down, without a doubt, "Thriller" is the best music video ever made!!!

I grew up a Jehovah's Witness like MJ and his family, and at the beginning of that video he has a disclaimer that the video "in no way endorses the occult."

WOW! Of course I thought that was the coolest thing because while he didn't say he was a Witness - you knew it from that statement.

Of course I love all his songs from the time when he was with the Jackson 5 up through "HiStory." I stood online past midnight at HMV (on 72nd St and Broadway) for the CD and ended up getting my picture taken and published by the NY Post.

My cousin Harold decided to buy as many newspapers as he could and post my pic from the NY Post up all over the Richard Rodgers Theatre were we worked for my Dad. He even put it on the Stage Door and the sides of buses. THAT was embarrassing! Especially when the cast & crew of "How To Succeed" sort of snickered at me for it. (I'm pretty sure that's why Harold did it.)

The Michael Jackson story is so tragic. I got the news on my cell and in my email from a former co-worker at Sony in Culver City. Because the news was so immediate, I don't think anyone has fully processed it. While Michael Jackson's talent was undeniable, his eccentricity was equally as undeniable.

I have always felt that Michael Jackson was a victim who perpetuated the cycle. Still, 50 years old is too young to die. It's all so tragic no matter how you look at it!!!

However, we will always have his music which is an incredible contribution in spite of his personal demons!!

Farrah Fawcett's story is equally as tragic. She also suffered tragically for some time with her cancer. She was not very old either - only 62. My Grandmother will be 90 in December and still feeds my Dad because he is paralyzed and can't do it himself. He's only 64.

Life is so unpredictable and can end at any moment. Guess I should use this wake up call to remind me to get out and live life instead of wasting time on FB, Twitter and MySpace.


This is a great photo of Michael Jackson which I believe was later turned into the "statuesque" cover art for the "HiStory" album.

MICHAEL JACKSON - "THRILLER"

Shades of Grey

My Dad always used the phrase "shades of grey" when I tried to simplify something or understand a concept by simply putting it into a "black & white" box.

My mother is a Jehovah's Witness and I grew up first, as a Catholic and then, when my mother converted, as a Jehovah's Witness myself. My stepmother and many of my closest friends are Jewish. As a result, I have clearly been exposed to a wide variety of religious philosophies, beliefs and points of view for which I am grateful

After many years in recovery from various addictive and destructive behaviors, I have "come to believe" in my own concept of a Higher Power which is very personal. I no longer feel the need to preach. However, I am aware that many people make assumptions based on one's actions, tastes and interests. I make assumptions as well.

For the record, I am doing my best to be tolerant and respectful of all people from the left to the right politically, geographically and spiritually. I honestly believe that the world would be a much nicer place to exist if mutual respect was shown. Every individual has a right to their own opinions, tastes and lifestyles without animus, conversion tactics from others and especially without violence. I am not naive enough to belief that a perfect world such as that exists.

Negativity, angry words and mutual DISrespect lead to violent actions as was evident on a small scale this past week with the Perez Hilton/Will.i.am incident and has been evident on a much grander scale for many years in the Middle East.

In short, with the exception of violence, I am doing my best to keep it simple and just - "LIVE & LET LIVE." If I say something offensive, please let me know and I will do my best to be more respectful and sensitive in the future. My hope is that I will be shown the same kind of respect and sensitivity in return.

I will get off my soapbox now it that is what it appears I was doing. I felt the need to set the record straight. I am not censoring anything that people write on my page and please do not ask me to remove something that you do not like or agree with that someone else posted. Kindly speak or write to them directly yourself.

Thanks;)

PS - THE ONLY PERSON WHO IS ALWAYS RIGHT IS NANCY GRACE - JUST ASK HER:)

BRECKIN MEYER RESPONDS TO PEREZ HILTON

Breckin Meyer Responds to Perez Hilton - watch more funny videos