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• 7/5/2009 1:20 AM Conrad Gill wrote:
  my spell check hurts...
  
  I remember exactly how it went the day I heard the BAD news. It was a day like any other day, I awoke to the sound of a large black and white cat (his name is asshole if that tells you anything) puring loudly near my ear. He had that look he does every morning about that time, kinda like Chris Rock in New Jack City in the scenes when he is fiendin for crack. It is extremely annoying an that is just one of the reasons his name is asshole. So after trying to ignore the overly persistant cat for several seconds I realize that he will not be denied and the only way to get rid of him, atleast until he starts jonesin for wet food again (by the way that is what he wants, cheap ass stater bros. canned cat food), is to get up and give him the rancid wet food. I have tried reasoning with him but I think he may have Narssissistic (mississippi) personality disorder. He always seems to bend it arounnd so it's my fault too. So I jump down from my bunk bed and begrudgingly make my way down stairs to make the cat breakfast. Its always about the cat and his needs.
  Meanwhile asshole has sprinted past me down the dangerously delapidated spiral staircase that leads down to the cats living quarters and is now waiting for me with that " what took you so long" look. He also does a weird thing were he rubs his forearm with his paw and paces back and forth until I peal open the can and splat the slimy meat substance into his crusty blue dish that hasnt been washed in several months. Sometimes he is so impatient that he sticks his head in the dish before the food has pulled away from its tiny air pocket and it splats down on his head and sometimes in his ear. He doesnt even skip a beat he just keeps on keepin on until he gets his fill of that dirty, dirty wet food. This time though I faked with my left and quickly slapped the meat into the bowl with my right. This time I was the victor becasue I utilized my superior intellect and abillity to reason and use rational thought beyond my basic id instincts. After out smarting the cat I cheerfully spring rolled towards the area where they keep my girlfriend. She was watching something on the news that had her facial features frozen in a expression reminiscent of someone who has just been told that North Korea just bombed their grandparent's house. I was almost afraid to look at the tv screen to see what had her so disturbed but the I heard the words "Micheal Jackson is dead at the age of 50" and my whole world felt like it had shattered, all light went out of the room and that is all I remember. I woke up in my bunk bed several hours later with the cat staring at me again with what seemed to be a sly smirk on his face. I have not fed him since.
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• 7/5/2009 10:49 PM Cendy Corona wrote:
  I believe that the effect the overexposure of Michael Jackson's death would have on an individual or a group of individuals depends on their personal feelings towards him. Although I think none of us can negate the fact that he made a tremendous impact on pop music and pop culture itself, there are many of us that can not deny the negative feelings we may have towards him. The only time he was in the media was for the public display of his erratic behavior, whether he was dangling his child from a balcony, or being accused of engaging in unusual and inappropriate behavior with young boys. The fact that he is now in the media for his highly unusual death at such a young age is causing some people to go into a frenzy buying records and any Michael Jackson memorabilia they can get their hands on. Just look at the increase in his record sales (eventhough apparently he was in debt while alive and hadn't made a hit record in years). Then there are others such as myself who feel his death came too early, but otherwise feel no deep emotion or grief.
  I was at Rite Aid when I heard that Michael Jackson had died. My initial reaction was one of disbelief. But when I went to class that night and saw confirmation that he had indeed passed away, I had no reaction other than "well that sucks for his kids."
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• 7/6/2009 12:21 AM Conrad Gill wrote:
  No way, I didn’t think this could get any weirder (I knew it would). Yuri Geller? I hope I am not over stepping boundaries when I admit that I used to watch Yuri bend spoons for hours in his late night/early morning infomercials while I was under the influence of some pretty powerful “stuff” (many, many moons ago before it got to scary). Now to see him speaking in the late MJ’s behalf seems (stating the obvious) surreal if not down right freaky-deaky. Although bizarre behavior and associations seemed to be the fallen pop kings drug of choice. Speaking of drugs, MJ’s insomnia remedy takes me back to the first day of class and the topic of sleep. Jeez, talk about extreme bizarre behavior. He should have just hired a professional wrestler (Hulk Hogan maybe) to come to his sleep dome every night and administer a sleeper hold until he fell gently to into REM.
  As far as my armature opinion goes in regard to MJ as a case study of sorts; I would have to say that I am in no way educated enough in psychology to even begin to explain what was going on with that dude (I am revealing signs of a compliant personality in this sentence). But here’s a stab at it; my guess is that MJ was emotionally neglected and abused (possible sexual abuse) as a child by family members and people he came into contact with through the entertainment biz and it caused him to acquire a co-morbidity of personality and mood disorders, i.e.; OCD, NPD, DPD, BDD, and pretty much the rest of the alphabet. The dude was a mess, may he find peaceful rest.
  Oh by the way, the whole cat story was just me being weird and practicing some creative writing. None of it was true accept the name of the cat and his undying quest for wet food. There is no need to call PETA because you think I haven’t fed my cat since MJ died. He is lying here with his big wet food filled belly obscuring my view of the computer screen and further decreasing his chances of a name change.
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• 7/6/2009 12:37 AM Conrad Gill wrote:
  or maybe those kids are better off without freaky daddy around, if ya know what I mean. Maybe he is still alive like Elvis and Cpt. Kangaroo and he is hiding out somewhere disguised as a white girl. He might show up in "White Chicks 2: Anorexic Bungalow" if we're lucky.
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• 7/6/2009 2:50 AM Liberty wrote:
  The effect michael jacksons death had on the individual or group would all depend on the person and thier personal feelins towards michael jackson. Michael Jackson was an icon that many people looked up to in terms of his music, however he made major news when he would do out of the ordinary things. for example, he would were mask in public, dangle his child from a balcony, or when he was in court for the molestation charges. These are all things that did not reflect him very well at all. His music was great, but his personality was something that caused people to raise an eyebrow.
  I was in the hospital in labor when i heard of his passing away and the contractions kept me pretty occupied so i didnt really care when i heard it on t.v.
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  1. 7/6/2009 3:17 PM Conrad Gill wrote:
     Congratulations! No doubt you wouldn’t have time to fret over MJ passing on to the great beyond when you have much more important people to think about.
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• 7/6/2009 4:33 AM Julie S. wrote:
  I think that the over-exposure of the Michael Jackson coverage is causing the news media to resort to either repeating the same details over and over, or having to try to make up drama to fill more time. A large part of the Jackson coverage is degenerating into speculation: about where his body is, was he on drugs, what drugs, who is the father of his children, etc. etc. etc. etc. After a while it just becomes a joke, and people get burned out on hearing it. Thr problem, as pointed out by Joel McHale this week on "The Soup," is that a dead men tend to just stay dead, and therefore the news and entertainment reporters have to work harder to keep the story alive and dramatic. I'm not sure whether this is my idea of a good tribute to a talented man, since the only was to to that is to make as many stories happen that present him as being weird or having some shocking scerets hadden somewhere...secrets that will tell us some amazing new discovery about his weirdness. The poor guy's been dead for days now...lighten up!
  
  I was at home when I first heard because it was my day off, so I called our receptionist at work because I know that she is a huge MJ fan and I didn't want some patient to blurt it out. She put me om speaker phone and I told her what I knew. Then I called my best friend just to see if she knew. She didn't, so she went on the net to see what articles she could find, but there wasn't much. After that, I mussed over whether Michael Jackson was a train wreck waiting to happen, decided he was and that I was surprised that he lived this long, and continued with what I had been doing before I heard.
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• 7/6/2009 11:44 AM Herminia Gonzalez wrote:
  Michael Jackson's death has stirred up a lot of emotion amongst fans. As of July 6th there have been 12 suicides! Gosh I hate to be the negative one to say this but it is one of the most idiotic things I have ever heard of!
  I know he was a great artist singer dancer all that. I can't imagine a person feeling so empty in their lives that it would driver them to kill themselves for someone they didn't even know! Even if he/she knew MJ why would they kill themselves? It’s stupid and no one in their RIGHT mind would think this would be okay. The sad thing is that 12 people did this! Too radical for me to even try to understand. I try to listen to the news but every morning and all I hear is MJ this and MJ that! People can not move on because that is all that is played over and over on the news every morning and every night. He is worth more now dead than alive! That's sad to say, no one advocated for him before and now that he is dead there are people killing themselves over him!
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• 7/6/2009 5:18 PM Barri Sekly wrote:
  The day Michael Jackson died was like any other day in my home. My two girls 18 and 23 were home with friends. My 18 year old Carly yelled from her room that Michael Jackson was dead. This was before it hit the news on TV. She was on MYSPACE and a friend of hers posted a bulletin. We immediately did an internet search and thought it was a hoax, but unfortunately it wasn’t.
  One the subject of whether or not I think there is too much media attention to Michael’s death, I think it has been a little to excessive, this usually happens when reporters have nothing else to report on. They will pick a subject and talk about it until you have heard everything there is to hear over and over.
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• 7/6/2009 6:04 PM d chavez wrote:
  m. jackson seemed to have a tough childhood. It seems like his father pushed him into becoming a star at a very young age, never allowing him to make his own choices. Also, its been rumored that his dad was also abusive. Then he was constantly in the public eye, being judged and ridiculed. it's no wonder he was not part of the "norm" I personally believe he was a great artist, and i dont really care how he had choosen to live his life. The only concern I had was when he was accused of child molestation. Because he was such a big star, i dont think anyone would have ever convicted him. I have not had any personal effects from his death, everyone dies. Althoug, I do find it fascinating how much it has effectd other people
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• 7/6/2009 6:51 PM Nora wrote:
  When I first found out Michael Jackson had died I thought it was a bad prank from the radio. I was on my way back from visiting a family member at the hospital.
  Michael Jackson has made a huge impact in the lives of many individuals of all ages. For some he was almost a godlike figure and at times even believed that they could identify with him because of his father's abuse. He was definitely the King of Pop. He has left behind such beautiful music.
  I cannot judge anyone on their bad choices in life. So I will always remember him for his music. He left us with hit after hit of his great music from the 70's, 80's, 90's and even 2000's.
  ---Rest in Peace Michael Jackson.
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• 7/6/2009 7:39 PM Cathy wrote:
  There are several effects that Michael Jackson death had on an individual or group mainly those who were his fan. Many emotions ranged from feelings of hopelessness, sadness, overwhelmed, dis ponded, shocked, unbelief just to mention a few. In addition the media have blown his death way beyond the norm (out of proportion).
  I participated in first survey on MJ. In response to where I was at on the day of his death, I was at a computer repair shop having some work done on my computer when his death came up on the Internet. The repairman said Michael Jackson is dead and kept on working on my computer. Frankly we both thought it was a prank, and we began discussing F. Faucet death. It was not until I stop in at the 99 cent store and they were playing back to back Michael's song and the young man behind the counter said "that's sad about Michael dying" Then I realized it was true. Upon arriving at home my children were fixed to the news and a call to my friend verified "yes he's gone can you believe it." I can remember being a fan of the Jackson Five when I was in High school when they first came out and listening to ABC, and I'll be There, but that was it. I can't say that I had any emotional or any other affect, I only hope that his soul was right with the Lord and my prayers goes out to his children and family during their time of loss just as it does with the other famous and non-famous individuals who passed on recently (Ed, David, Faucet, etc.).
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• 7/7/2009 8:53 AM Mayola Pierro wrote:
  I was in the store "Big Lots" getting items for a Family reunion when I received a phone call with the sad, sad news. I was saddened due to the travesty of the lost of life, love, and talent. What isolation to be at the top yet alone. There is an extreme amount of coverage on his passing but why can’t we give as much attention to the good times and the positive while there is still life and breath? Being the best and at the top yet wronged and taken advantage of by so many…. how could he have trust with his fellow mankind...Thus his indulgence into the fantasy of Never, Neverland... a place where a little boy never grows up.... wanting no doubt to hold on to the innocence... that remains with children. The extreme amount of coverage is due to the Icon, which is and was Michael Jackson, a Pop Star, an image that to many became an Idol…Understanding his influence and weight in the world, no wonder there is so much coverage. However it makers one wonder how much attention is given to those who really make a difference in one’s life as opposed to just the images that are held up with such esteem.
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• 7/7/2009 1:12 PM Katie Giangrande wrote:
  When I first heard that Michael died. I wasn't around any phones, TVs, radios, or computers because I was at Royal Family Kids Camp a camp for abused and neglected kids of the Antelope Valley. I heard from word of mouth and when the news got to me, my first instinct was that everyone is joking, lieing, or misunderstood. I heard on the news weeks prior to this tragic death that famous people on "twitter" were getting their files hacked into and rumors were saying that people were dead and they weren't. So I started asking people, "If it was true, and how he died?" When I figured out that it was true my first reaction was tears that filled my eyes. I was so devastated and felt sorry for his three beautiful kids.
  
  I think it would be so hard to be in the spot light 24/7. I have felt so sad for Michael my whole life because all the crap people have made up about him. He was a very loving, generous, and gifted man. He always gave to charity, he was humble, and he loved people. People were always after his money and they didn't care if it destroyed his life. I feel the way his dad pushed him when he was little and never gave him a chance to be a kid, he reversed and as he got older in age never really grew up. He was always a kid at heart. I pray for his family and I pray for his kids. I love Michael Jackson. He was an amazing spirit and he will be missed forever.
  God Bless
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• 7/7/2009 3:39 PM Sally wrote:
  In terms of the first of these examples, what effect do you believe over-exposure to Michael Jackson news, as it concerns his death, for example would have on the behavior of individuals and groups of individuals?
  
  Michael Jackson’s legacy was well developed prior to his death. This man overcame the odds during a time in history where society was uncertain about black entertainers. This man paved the way for many black entertainers. He introduced to a new type of music a new way of dancing. His bizarre ways is what set him apart from the rest of the artisit. Unfortunately his bizarre life style was also what set him apart from the rest. The world was impacted by this mans legacy and his death. I was listening to a Spanish radio station when I first heard of this. The disc jockeys were certain this was another type of bizarre publicity stunt and they very well expressed and joked about that. They believed this was some sort of stunt to promote his new tour. The attention this man is receiving seems like a lot. However the truth of thew matter is that he was not an artist who had a one hit wonder, he is a man who toured around the world who produced music long enough for my grandma to know yet my 7 year old nephew knows. The fact that he has so many stories, videos, songs, property, brothers, sisters, pets, young friends, married to Ms. Presley…..all of these are who and what made Michael. The king of Pop.
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• 7/7/2009 4:41 PM Ania McKinley wrote:
  My mother called me and told me that Michael Jackson had a heart attack. My emotions did not kick in because I don’t think my brain fully processed what she was telling me. I thought maybe it was just more celebrity rumors being spread about Michael Jackson. Immediately I went to the internet and learned that not only was the news true but it was possible that he had passed away. Some news sites reported he suffered a heart attack but not that he had died. TMZ posted that Michael Jackson had passed away and was dead inside the ambulance. Right away I was in disbelief. There was no way possible that MICHAEL JACKSON could die.
  
  Right away I pictured the little boy who performed on the stage with his big brothers and was ever so poised and energetic. I immediately began a reflection of his life in the media and how his mother must be feeling. Then it hit me; what about the kids and God this can’t be true. I started texting and calling friends right away. I left work a few hours early because I couldn’t wait to sit in front of the television and confirm the sad news.
  
  I was extremely angered when I saw the first photo released showing him on the stretcher. Immediately I figured out that if he wasn’t breathing at his home, then this photo is probably a photo of a deceased Michael Jackson. This really bothered my spirit and my soul. I wondered just how far the media would continue to go. As I watched news media surround his mothers Encino home and push their way in front of family cars I became drastically disgusted. To make matters worse when I heard the first news reporter ask a fan about mourning Jackson even with the allegations of child molestation I seriously wished I could slap his face and I wished I had the opportunity to answer his ridiculous inquiry.
  
  Michael Jackson was an amazing artist but he stood for so much more than that. To this day I know that I am a devoted fan and always will be but I can’t quite understand why he has such an impact on me the way he does. His videos and performances are amazing to watch and his music can make the dead come alive however there was something magic about Michael Jackson’s spirit. His presence alone was enough to shake up anybody. Words are not enough to capture the rare essence of his soul.
  
  Michael Jackson baby there will never be another you and you are the greatest of all time! Your music and pure laughter will forever live in our hearts. Thank you for all that you have to this world and may your soul finally rest in peace.
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• 7/8/2009 10:08 AM conrad gill wrote:
  Hi Katie,
  I myself was abused and neglected as a child and realize how much damage it can cause. It is unfortunate that someone cant always be there to protect them and prevent these bad things from happening to them but maybe adults like you and I can make a difference in their lives now by showing them that not all adults are out to hurt them. perhaps with our help they can grow to be successful prosperous aults themselves. please let me know if you know of any intern ships or any positions that might be availabe where you work. I will work for free just to get the experiance...but not for to long...some day I will have to pay off all of these dang loans. sheeeesh!
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• 7/8/2009 12:38 PM Herschel O'Brien wrote:
  Michael Jackson was the king of pop and posed a major impact in dance, as well as, singing. He was at large in the 80s and the 90s creating a glamorous lifestyle for himself. His greatest fans seem to omit erratic behavior that has recently came up and only look towards his fame. Others appear to keep Jackson's behaviors in mind and are sick of the over exposure. Looking further, if Jackson had a drug addiction, then the focus will be on other famous people who reportedly had drug addictions or those famous people who keep the addiction hidden. In addition, doctors will be looked more closely now, since this is, in my opinion, second or third case where doctor may have been involved in the death of a celebrity.
  Going somewhat away from the topic, parents of children who have potential talent could be under the microscope. Seeing shows that broadcast beauty pageant, the parents are hard on the child and could have an impact on the child in later life. In Jackson's situation, he had a difficult relationship with his father. I feel this led to Michael Jackson perfectionism, but also to his depression. If Jackson had a drug addiction, tension from parents had impact on the behavior. In conclusion, parents have some impact on child in later life.
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• 7/14/2009 12:04 PM lindsey koopman wrote:
  i'm a bit behind in posting my comment. i was getting a pedicure when i learned of the tragic loss of michael jackson. my friend shannon text me the news but it hadn't been officially confirmed. as the weeks have passed since michaels untimely death i have developed mixed feelings about it. there is no doubt that michael brought music to a whole new level, the likes of which we could never see again. i have childhood memories of his music and videos and even my own replica silver glove. as the years have passed we have witnessed a man become confused and sick. he has rejected his manhood and culture, desperately trying to change his features. he became addicted to pain medication and unsuccessfully went to rehab a few times. in some unknown fashion he became a parent to three children. but was accused of horrific crimes against other children. we may never know what happened, and i'm ok with that as i'm sure it has now been sorted out for him. however, his comments regarding the situation and his actions over the past 15 +/- years have given cause for concern (to say the least) about his mental competency. i'm saddened that life took so many tragic turns for him, leading him to extreme isolation and drug dependency. he lived a life that none of us could even pretend to understand. as a community of music fans i would say we lost a hero. but the reaction has been far over the top. entire freeways were shut down, streets closed, etc. at taxpayer expense during a time when people struggle to find jobs and keep food on the table. our society sickens me with the amount of celebrity worshiping we do. it's embarrassing that these peoples lives are our priority. this worship is probably a large contributing factor to michaels downfall in the first place.
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