A TIME FOR RECONCILIATION

All it took was a couple of words to change the mood on the fansites. 2011 had not been the best of years for us, it was depressing to say the least the realisation that we would be unable to influence the course of Justice in regards to Murray and then there was all the 'infighting'. It seems that as time went on many of us were beginning to show our true colours and people we thought of as true and trusted friends, turned out to be far from.

What were those words, uttered by Lady Gaga at the VMA's on Sunday evening, - "MTV are honouring Britney with the MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO VANGUARD AWARD!!!" Finally all the hard work of the 'We want MTV to Reinstate the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award' Group on Facebook had paid off. The dogged determination of the Leader Mel Freeman not to give up and persistently pushing everyone to participate in some way either by signing a petition or becoming part of a series of  Youtube videos had paid off. Without any notice whatsoever, MTV recognised and bowed down to our demands. It was a major victory timed as it was to perfection on the evening before Michael's birthday and in the run up the the start of The Conrad Murray Trial. It goes without saying that there will be many an MJ Party tonight that will be going with an extra swing and there will equally as many sore heads come Tuesday morning. However we deserve it! It has been tough, very tough for many who have either got caught up in the midst of the fighting or have been the subject of unprovoked attacks, or 'dirty tricks' campaigns.

So lets take a step back and just remind ourselves exactly why we are on here. Why we came on here in the first place. Take a good look and see who the individuals are on here who work so tirelessly on charitable initiatives, running Justice groups communicating every small snippet of info that comes out from the Courthouse and the papers in regards to Murray, and schemes such as the MJ Video Vanguard Award. These are the people we should want to be around, to be associating ourselves with.  We should be spending any time we have (after work & family) promoting and putting out energy into these initiatives. Our time and energy should not be spent, creating fake profiles in order to spy on others or seeking out ways to attack those whose ideals do not fit in with yours. I simply cannot comprehend those people who seem to glean a great deal of enjoyment through the hurt of others. Their time and energy should be spent on pursuing positive goals. Just look what we can achieve when we put our minds to it!

So lets all rest our forked tongues and put away our poisonous pens and lets all try to regain that sense of unity we had a year or so ago. With the Trial not long away, it is going to be tough...we will need a 'brother' or 'sister's' shoulder to cry on, to help get us all through. Please, please...I know we cant all be friends but would it really hurt us to try?

FOREVER MICHAEL TRIBUTE CONCERT - THE DIVISION OF THE FANS

It is interesting to see what is being played out on the FMTC page....

On the one hand you have Catagory 1 'Pro Concert Michael Jackson Fans':-

You listen to Michael, have grown up with Michael and maybe have read a few 'headlines' or 'articles' about him through his life and death. You are the ones who are maybe lucky enough to  be busy with your life through work or friends. However, that doesnt denigrate the fact that yes you are a Fan.

Then you have us Catagory 2 'Anti- Concert Michael Jackson Fans':-

For one reason or another (in my instance, through personal reasons, I am at home for long periods of time) we have had the time (over 2 years now) to spend reading & researching,  we have built up friendships and connections with others enabling us to share information. To us getting information, attempting to get near the truth that was Michael's final days, weeks, hours, along with making sense of his life, has become an obsession. Thanks to this obsession we now have some amazing individuals amongst us who have worked tirelessly to get to the facts and publish and share their research with us in amazing blogs. Many of those 'blogs' are now coming under the radar of the media.

This page has bought us all together, however, uniting us unfortunately it doesnt. The problem being that although yes you guys in 'Catagory 1' are still fans and understandably want, like we all do, this Tribute, through no fault of your own, you have little or no idea of all of the politics that has gone on behind this Concert. I would love to think that maybe some of the links and things discussed on here will have helped many more to understand or start to research, like we have done, all that is so wrong in regards to the manipulation of Michael's  name, family and legacy since he has passed.

Now all we have to work on is to get everyone united. We need to remember that underneath all of us is the common love, respect and admiration for Michael. As such we need listen to each other and respect our differing view points and not just dismiss them.

To those 'Pro Concert' fans....I get and understand that you are more than desperate for a tribute (we all are) but please LISTEN and digest what we are saying. Put your need to see The Jacksons and the J3 to one side and look at the bigger picture. We are not trying to spoil anything just want to keep Michael's legacy alive and well and we are most certainly not 'haters'!

To those 'Anti Concert'. A little bit more respect for the opinions of our fellow fans and acceptance of those who remain 'blinkered' for their own reasons might not go amiss.

This time next month the Trial will start and we can only hope and pray that the outcome will be the right one! Many of us will have made new friends and connections through this page (so not been all bad). So let us all reach out to our fellow fans ('pro' or 'anti') and lets show a united, cohesive force ready for what the following couple of months are going to throw at us.

JUSTICE4MJ!

Michael Forever Tribute Concert - The Plot thickens

Since my last posting much has happened. Firstly the registration opened, allowing fans to 'Register' for the ticket of their choice. The prices though are astronomic, certainly if you want to stand a chance of seeing or hearing the performers (see seating layout & the respective costs below)

Secondly they started announcing the 'lineup' of Artists they had signed so far:-

Christina Aguilera
Leona Lewis

JLS

Diversity

Alexandra Burke

Alien Ant Farm

Ce Lo Green

Craig David

Pixie Lott

Smokey Robinson

3T

The Jackson Brothers

????? Not the high powered, first rate performers we were being let to expect from this Tribute. And although I respect a lot of these guys, what exactly are their connections with Michael? This was more like a selection of winning acts from the 'X' Factor rather than a tribute to Michael! Many on the Fb site were voicing their dissapointment at such and eclectic and strange selection. Many felt this was purely due to the fact that these were the only artists available at such short notice, in spite of the organisers statement that The Tribute had been in planning for quite a while. Apparently more will be announced as and when! Although interestingly enough in the T&C's they have stated that if 50% of the performers do not attend then no refund will be given. This combined with the cost of the tickets has convinced most fans that this is none other than a 'money spinning excercise' and that we are being ripped off.

Then on Monday morning PCT time, CNN broadcast an interview with Chris Hunt CEO of Global Live Events, along with his right hand man, Paul Ring (more about him later) and Mrs Katherine Jackson. In it they announced the next 'big signing'.....the heavy rock band KISS!!!! The horror and outrage this caused on the fansites and the Michael Forever Facebook site had to be seen to be believed!! They could not have chosen a worse and more unfitting group to play in a tribute to Michael. Firstly, again there is absolutely no links with them to Michael and secondly and more importantly, last year Gene Simmons in an interview stated that he had knowledge that Michael was a paedophile!!! See below.

We simply could not fathom out what in hells name was going on behind the scenes to make the Promoter book such an act. It again led us to the fact that Global Live Events obviously had not done their homework on Michael, either that or someone was having a laugh at our expense!

Now as I said many of us armed with the knowledge that this was the first Live Gig that GLE had been involved in could maybe half understand why the made that mistake. However, that all changed when one fan discovered that the good Paul Ring (remember Chris Hunt's right hand man in GLE, & BTW the grinning 'nutty professor' next to Katherine Jackson in that CNN interview). Is in fact the President of a Company, run by no other that LaToya Jackson & Jeffre Phillips(her manager). Called Ja-Tail (an Acronymn for Just Another Timely Adventure in Life) it encompasses Music, Films,Television, Studio, Concerts, Events,Publishing,Management,Branding and (weirdly enough) Beverages. Also involved Teddy Riley & Leonard Rowe. So now we know why the 'Nutty Professor' has been bought on board, he has all the knowledge - or should have. However, when it came to signing Kiss clearly not!  It is a wonder that the howls of outrage and indignation could not be heard in Timbuktoo! The Estate, having clearly stated it position at the outset - that it wasnt supporting this Tribute. Then decided that enough was enough and issued a letter demanding answers from GLE. Details of the letter are contained within the following article:-

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1669141/michael-jackson-tribute-concert-legal-action.jhtml

Also joined by one of the main Michael Jackson Fan sites - The MJJC:-

http://www.mjjcommunity.com/michael-jackson-news/mjjcommunity-official-statement-about-michael-forever-tribute

An 'open letter' from the fans to GLE then followed

http://mjandjustice4some.blogspot.com/2011/08/open-letter-on-behalf-of-michael.html

Hardened bloggers immediately took to their laptops and the following links are the best:-

http://mjanwatch.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/fans-call-for-boycott-of-tribute-concert-for-michael-jackson-by-global-live-events/

http://muzikfactorytwo.blogspot.com/2011/08/michael-jackson-fans-michael-forever-is.html


It went without saying that the 'Michael Forever Tribute Concert' Facebook site nearly went into meltdown over this. Thankfully yesterday it appeared that Global Live were actually listening to what we and The Estate were saying. Although at present they have yet to answer any of the questions posed to them by either us or The Estate. However, news reached us that Kiss had been dropped! They should never have been signed in the first place!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/16/jackson-concert-promoters_n_928496.html

So here were are a week into the registration period and on the day that they were (orignially) due to close it. However, surprise, surprise it has been extended! We also now have friendlier AdminS. The operative word be 'S'since there appear to be several who have also obviously not only been instructed to divlulge there areas of specialisation but also their names!! The organisers obviously feel that if they give the page a more 'human' feel to it, we all might calm down!!! How little they know!!! Also as I write we are still to be availed as to when we can actually 'txt to win'. I would assume they are hoping we might forget about it, since obviously so few are registering!

So it painfully creaks and groans onwards!! GLE are still remaining tight lipped in regards to issuing any answers to either the questions contained within The Estates letter or any of our questions. We are all beginning to get heartily sick of this whole fiasco and just wish the organisers would see sense and 'call it a day'. For everyone's sake!

FOREVER MICHAEL TRIBUTE CONCERT, MY THOUGHTS - PART 2

I used to be suspicious of The Estate. However, as time has progressed and I have read and listened, I now understand why Michael put Branca & McLean in charge. Not only are they extremely astute businessmen but what they dont know about the music business isnt worth knowing. Including the dark underbelly, which is the part Joe Jackson inhabits!

Joe's involvement with the Tribute is the main reason why The Estate wont get involved. McLean & Branca are on their way to shutting all Joe's seedy Merchandising deals he is doing down. They know that the people Joe mixes with are the ones who all along are desperate to get their hands on some of Michael's millions.

Now here I will say I firmly believe that there was no conspiracy to kill Michael. Murray was just a stupid, greedy, ignorant ***!!! and it all went pearshaped for him. However I do believe that there was/is a conspiracy to get to Michael's money. That is why Branca & McLean have to play tough ball. I take my hat off to them for the way they have managed to turn Michael's Estate around, since it was unfortunately in such a mess when he died. Until such time as all debts and lawsuits have been settled they cannot play fast and loose with Michael's money, nor can the let other people.

There is also a reason why Michael cut his siblings out of his will, he was sick and tired of them coming to him with a begging bowl. This was his chance (sadly) of getting them to stand on their own two feet. They are still not doing that and continually, from what I have heard go to Katherine for handouts, hence Katherine's requests for her allowance to be increased, last year. Hence the reason why LaToya & Jermaine  has to/have to publish a book. Hence the reason for the Tribute Concert. The family need money!

Nothing was ever right with this concert from the very outset. The company promoting it has never, ever done a Live Concert. The weird ticketing system and lack of artists - or even reports in other media - of artists lining up to be in this event. Craig  (David, who announced recently that he had be invited to participate)  has removed all mention of it now both on here and in his Twitter. Also of course the timing right at the start of the Trial.  I do fear it will all come to nothing. However if by some miracle it does get off the ground I will gladly eat my words!

I was overjoyed when I first heard about the Concert since not only was it at last in the UK but on my 50th birthday as well. So I am the first to admit I was gutted when it all started going down the pan....

Now to Cirque, it is exactly the sort of Tribute Michael would have wanted. I cant remember exactly who, think it was Whoopi Goldberg, who said that during the Memorial Service at the Staples Centre. She looked out over the crowd and saw all the big stars none of who were anywhere near the Courthouse or supported Michael in anyway during the 2005 Trial, yet here they were in their best designer mourning gear! Now these same people are the ones the Concert promoters are after to give us a Tribute Event!! I dont think so!! 

You have to understand Michael was all about pushing the boundaries. He believed in giving people value for their money. Real entertainment. He loved experimenting, trying new things, you only have to see the concepts behind TII and listen to what everyone from Kenny Oertega to Travis Payne to the technicians working on TII said about his vision for that Concert, to see that! He was all about movement and dance AND illusion! All that is exactly what Cirque is all about pushing the boundaries. The performers are all at the top of their league. I have seen other Cirque shows and they have all blown me away completely! So I know this will be absolutely amazing. No shady characters involved, in fact a lot of the musicians (Michael Beardon, for one) are on board to perform. That is why it has the backing of The Estate, they KNOW for a fact that this is one show that Michael would have loved to have been involved in! I am also more than certain that we will hear that certain funds will be going to Charity.

MICHAEL FOREVER TRIBUTE CONCERT- MY THOUGHTS

Monday, The Jacksons, along with the Concert Promoter - Global Live Events- released the much anticipated information on the 'Michael Forever Tribute Concert'. Followed later that day with what could loosely be described as a 'Press Conference' with Katherine, LaToya, Tito, Marlon & Jackie.

Uproar within the fan community followed shortly afterwards....

Why Wales??

The family should not be organising and attending concerts at such a time. The date Oct 8th would more than likely be during the Trial (set to start 20th Sept).

The ticketing process - unlike any other and wholly biased toward the more well heeled fans

&

Who the hell were Global Live Events?


I am doing this Post to try to sort out the two main issues, that are really causing the main rifts in the fan community, namely......

1. The Ticketing

2. The Family attending and organising this when they should be in court representing their brother/son against a murdering b**rd!!

Firstly the ticketing:-

As a Brit this is my main issue and I so agree with a lot of the statements here that at this current time and economic climate, the majority of Michael Jackson fans are going to be hard pressed just finding the cash to purchase the basic ticket prices (let alone price + charity donation). Now I am sure no one here has anything against the idea of the money going to Charity. However, what would be fairer (and what is the usual procedure) would be to have a percentage of the ticket cost going to charity.  If we cannot afford any more that £5 or £10 are we going to miss out on getting a ticket, against those more well heeled fans who can? I know that Chris (Hunt, CEO Global Live Events) said they had done it this way, because they felt it was fairer and to give everyone a chance at getting a ticket. However, where is fair, if it all boils down to a case of the more 'well off' standing a better chance, of getting in. Everyone is feeling the pinch just now and with Christmas just round the corner, many of Michael's most loyal fans are going to be 'priced' out of the picture, I feel. Chris Hunt would do well, to perhaps explain further exactly how fair this system will be to us/them. He also added it was to prevent that mass surge for Tickets as soon as they went on sale. Now I dont know about other guys but to me part of the excitement of getting tickets is that build up of waiting by your laptop/computer/phone, for the 'lines' to open and the excitement when you do get through! It is all part of the 'experience'. What though people have to realise is that by removing this he is actually saving himself some money. Since he will not have the cost of providing and maintaining, I would assume the sort of site that would support the volume of traffic generated by selling them this way. So it isnt really just about 'fairness' but a 'cost saving' excercise as well.

Secondly - The Family:-

This is my perception of things.....If some of you have seen my previous postings (some in other forums), I have explained that GLE is a very new Company only set up in March this year (remember that!). It has a 'sister' Company called Iambic Rights which has been running for slightly longer (2010). Both Companies are completely identical - they have concentrated primarily on TV projects, with some live Theatre. It is mainly run by 'TV people'. Neither Company has had any experience in hosting a Live Concert.

I think that the folk from Iambic desperately wanted to 'spread their wings' and venture into the arena of Concert Promoting. What better way to launch yourself than to host the 'mother of all Concerts' - a Tribute to Michael'. They may well have seen many of us moaning online that there hadnt been anything. So they start courting 'The Jacksons' (well, Katherine I think mainly). To seal the deal they throw in the pot a 'Trust Fund' for the kids. Here we hit a grey area, since, if the kids are being taken care of through the Trust Fund in Michael's Estate, then this shouldnt really bare any weight, however, there are obviously 'issues' between 'The Jacksons' and 'The Estate'. We can only speculate what these might be. Anyway obviously, it does and they get them on board. In a Press Release they mention that it was in April of this year ( remember GLE was set up in March) that the deal was sealed.

Here I do concur with what others have stated on postings on here that when they sealed the deal the Trial was due to start in April. They had no idea it was going to be 'bumped up' to September'. Yes, maybe they should have just not organised anything till after the Trial was over, however, they probably, naively, thought it would have been by then.

Now it is set to start end September, however that is only if they have got the Jury sorted out by then. I am extremely dubious that they will have and I would be extremely surprised if Court actually starts on the date it is set for (Sept 20th). Even if it is a week later, the first week or so is generally taken up with 'Opening Statements' and 'Instructions'. I am also sure that even if they are all not all there, they will have a 'presence there. At tops the family may only miss one maybe two days, however, that is only if Court starts on time! Yes, they could have waited but the way, between them, the Prosecution and Defence have been delaying this Trial, it could have been another year and one wonders what sort of pressure the folks at GLE have been putting Katherine under

As for Randy & Jermaine's 'Tweet' about it being postponed till after the Trial. Well let's just cast our minds back about 3/4 weeks and the disasterous Q&A session Randy did on Twitter, for which he was absolutely slated by the fans, then there is Jermaine all the inane comments he comes out with. Neither one are our favourites. So is it surprising that they have seen an opportunity to ingratiate themselves with us, that they have grabbed it? Remember also, as some have mentioned on here that Jermaine will probably anyway be absent doing his book tour! So he has a cheek!

There is no two ways about it this concert and the way it is being handled and promoted is far from the norm. The line up as well hasn't been announced. Is that because which big name artists are going to feel comfortable working with a Company that has no track record of producing a major live event?

There is also the issue of them doing it all outside of The Estate as well. Why? As mentioned above clearly there are issues between Katherine and them. My take, for what it is worth, is that it might be a lot to do with the fact that they are not happy with the people Katherine is doing business with (and one can only speculate whether it is also because one of them is Howard Mann). As mentioned in my previous post. Although The Estate have control over Michael's name and image. These guys obviously have access to the 'initials logo' which they can market things through, and you can bet that none of the proceeds of those items will go to Charity!

Do I think this concert will every see the light of day....right now....NO!

If it does would I attend? Depending on the line up and if they tweeked the ticketing procedure.....Maybe, since in my mind it would be my way of showing my support for Michael, since we in the UK do not have the luxury of being able to stand outside the Courthouse in LA.

All this, I must re-iterate, is just my perspective and a lot of it purely speculative, since because, as usual, our questions never seem to get answered, this is all we are left to do....speculate! It would be wonderful if, just for once, The Jacksons would come out from behind their veil of protective secrecy and actually answer our questions

ALTERNATIVE 2010

THIS IS WHAT 2010 SHOULD HAVE BEEN LIKE!

So lets take a look back at 2010 an amazing year to be a Michael Jackson fan. The year started off well with  his fans eagerly anticipating an all star Tribute Concert for Michael. Organised by his brothers (symbolising just how close they all were), they put aside their grief and pain to put together this tribute concert to their brother. With a line up including Chris Tucker, Diana Ross, Aakon, Wil-i-am, Beyonce & not forgetting Stevie Wonder amongst others. It  proved to be a concert unlike any other and a fitting way to for his fans and friends to remember the King of Pop on the anniversary of his death. Held at the O2 Arena in London, it was beamed by satellite around the world and once again, as in life, Michael Jackson broke viewing figures and crashed internet sites as fans around the world watched this spectacle. The concert raised an amazing $4million for Michael's charities

The year also started off with fans starting a movement to put pressure on the Medical Board in California to revoke Murray's license, along with the board of Garner Street School to remove the hoarding covering up Michael's name on their annexe (Michael briefly attended the school in his youth). Many were the detractors who scoffed at these fans attempts and felt that certainly when it came to Murray they didnt stand a chance. However, the fans displayed a united front when a delegation stood before the Californian Medical Board stating their concerns in regards to Murray holding onto his license and still being allowed to practice. It took just 24hrs for the board to come to the decision to revoke Murray's license. This news was greeted with much rejoicing within the fan community. Conrad Murray's life has just got a whole lot worse, since he has been stripped of his license in other States and now awaits trial in regards to non-payment of child maintenance.This will have a major impact on his forthcoming murder trial. The fans also managed another victory  in the form of the school agreeing to remove the boards covering up Michael's name.

Murray's various trips to the Los Angeles Courthouse have at all times been accompanied by a delegation of Michael's fans all very much united in their determination to see Murray be charged for 2nd Degree Murder instead of the Involuntary Manslaughter that he has been charged with. Again, the likelhood of this happening seemed extremely unlikely in the first half of the year, whilst Steve Cooley was Attorney General. However,the mid-term elections soon put paid to that when Steve Cooley had to reluctantly concede his post to Kamala Harris. For MJ fans Harris has been like a breath of fresh air, and word is out that she is, as we speak reviewing the charges on Murray!

Another battle fans were fighting was to have more access to Michael's tomb in Holly Terrace. For months a delegation of fans have bought up gifts and flowers, only to be allowed to leave them initially at the door to the Mausoleum (FL staff would then take them in and distribute them around Michael's tomb). Many are unhappy at Michael being kept so far away from them, recently there has been outrage as it appears that now only flowers purchased at the FL shop will get put in with Michael whilst the remainder gets put on a patio adjacent to Holly Terrace. However, word it appears, has finally got through to Katherine and after a meeting of fans and Forest Lawn officials, it was agreed that fans can have access (by applying for a permit,which is awarded on a lottery basis)on certain days, along with ensuring their gifts and tributes get left by Michael's tomb.

Monuments were also erected to the King of Pop in various capital cities around the world, giving fans somewhere to congregate and share their feelings. The most prominent one being in London outside the O2 concert Arena. In fact people could be forgiven for thinking that in 2010, the world had gone 'MJ' crazy!! Since we also has 'The Game', 'The DVD's' and 'The Album', with both the single 'Hold my Hand' and his Album going to the No1 spot around the world!

What of the fans themselves?  Well from an outsiders perspective, and judging by those I have met,  you certainly wont find a more devoted and united  group of people, for them 2010 has been a very good year!

This is what it should have been like, but wasnt...we should be asking ourselves why?  We need answers....To me it is obvious that there are people out there who want Michael to crash and burn! This has become more and more apparent as the year has progressed. Now with the Game, the Dvd's and the Album out, and precious little in the way of advertising (certainly in the UK), one can only come to one conclusion. People do not want Michael in the top slot any more!  We are here to ensure that isn't the case and to continually be the thorn in these people's sides. 

How different it could have been

My Journey, My Dream

When I first discovered you guys, I was in the deepest stages of grief!! I had never experienced emotions like these!! Confused and bewlildered (and with no one within my circle of friends or family MJ fans), I somehow managed to blunder onto first the MJ.Com site and then Facebook. I had found home!! I had found my new family!! I was I admit also escaping from a marriage in freefall and my daughters behavioural problems.

Dubious about the forums, I was so amazed to read postings from others sharing the same feelings as myself. I found informative articles on the circumstances surrounding Michael's death, well researched and intelligently written. My days were basically divided into getting everything done quickly enough to enable me to get back onto my laptop! I made friends, globally, learnt how to make Youtube vids and how to upload tunes and pictures etc along with producing a website. More importantly I started learning how flawed the Californian justice system is! I got Skype installed on my laptop and will never forget the thrill of speaking with one of my dearest friends in New York, hearing her voice so clearly!! This application never ceases to amaze me!!

During those early days we all helped each other. If one of us happened to post we were struggling we would be swamped with words of kindess and offers of help! It was the way it should be and I had no reason to suppose this caring wouldnt continue. We are after all Michael's fans and as such a mirror image of the man! I am proud to say that I was witness to the birth of some amazing sites and campaigns along the way. Michael death has marked the re-birth of a lot of very strong willed, intelligent women.

As time went by we became more and more aware of the awful circumstances regarding Michael's final months, week, days and hours. It made me more and more determined to fight to get to the truth and to see that Conrad Murray would go down for a long time.

I was also determined to fight for OUR rights. For it seemed to me that although, all the focus was (and rightfully so) on Michael and the investigation. We, his fans had been forgotton about in all of this and the majority of us were still suffering so badly and with no immediate signs of anything in the near future that might bring us any closure. His burial was private. His body interred in a tomb within a Mausoleum (couldn't have been more inaccessable to us, having said that a fan did manage to get in and get pictures!), and forget about some sort of tribute concert...we all know how many of those Jermaine organised and cancelled. It seems he can only really do them succesfully in Africa! So we have been left in a sort of limbo...Nomads with no real place to go to sit and contemplate and remember our 'King'. No one was sticking up for us through all of this!

Before we knew it the New Year had arrived, however instead of it bringing us closer together it seemed that cracks were begiining to show. Friendships were straining ( in a way it was understandable, we had all flocked together intially to gather strength and comfort within our numbers, we had, in the first instance, bonded through our grief, however with the passing of time we eventually discovered that some of those we had 'bonded' with were pehaps not the people we would normally call our friends and as such it was time to cut the cord). It was to be sign of worst to come!!!

The bickering would continue...Slowly gathering in strength it would seem to be aimed at certain individuals and mysteriously enough those individuals who were fighting and working so hard to get 'Justice for Michael'. I couldnt understand it....Firstly the bickering - when we were all telling each other to be 'Mike-like' and respect our fellow fans? However, on closer inspection it began to appear that infact it was a case of certain parties vying for the limelight and being resentful of those (who through their own intiatives and industry) managing to attain it, along with no certain amount of jealousy over others success's. There was also a scramble to be' the person closest to the person closest to The Family' !! Crazy !!!

Or maybe not so...You see through all of this we are ALL of us still grieving, with as yet no answers...time is ticking on....We are all of us trying to get back to some sort of normality but (and I speak personally here) it is oh so difficult when always at the back of your mind is Michael!! We are still angry and very, very frustrated, especially since it is looking more and more like Murray will get off with little more than a slapped wrist, however in the meantime in the 'Trial of the Century' Michael's name will be dragged through the mud, yet again!! So we all of us are carrying around this anger of injustice within us, with no one else to direct it at....apart from our fellow fans!! Some of us manage to channel our anger and grief into postive outlets such as fighting for Justice for Michael, writing blogs or even drawing or writing poetry. However for those unable for one reason or another to do so...It has to have some sort of outlet and that I believe is the fundamental underlying reason for fans attacking fans. Please dont get me wrong - I do not in any way condone it but I do understand it!!

When will it ever stop?? I do not know, what I do know is that if it were to continue, we will slowly but surely end up dissappating since, no one will want to be either associated with forums or sites where there is any fighting. If we cannot get along on the fan sites what hope is there when we try to unite outside the courthouse. Will the fighting continue there?? The press would have a field day!!! Michael would have no one to stand up and fight his corner! The world would never know the injustices being perpetrated in LA!! This is what we are risking

As I have said previously, my other fight is for our rights and our main one is to find somewhere in California where we can safely gather and remember Michael without fear of harassment. There is one small chink of light. A story appeared a couple of days ago about the Californian State Parks Dept wanting to purchase Neverland. Now, before you all start screaming and shouting about "it was never Michael's home after the 2005 Trial and that " It should be kept for the kids" . It can never be Michael's home, however Neverland was a very special place to Michael...it was where he had a lot of very happy memories and I feel spritually it will always be his home. As for it eventually belonging to the children...well it is co-owned by the Estate and Colony Capital. However, Colony Capital own the larger share, so it would always be up to them as to what would happen to it. It is currently on the market for $100 million.

Should the Parks Dept get ownership, it would ensure that the environment and wildlife contained within would be protected for future generations to come. Something I feel Michael would approve of! It would also ensure that the public would be able to gain access and be able to see and appreciate the beauty of Neverland for themselves. Can you imagine being able to actually walk through those gates??

There is one big problem...as always money. Like every other State and County/Provence in the world it is short of cash. However, we could help....all of us!! If every MJ fan (globally) donated $5 we could easily help bridge the gap!! Obviously this woud be a totally unique venture where a fanbase work alongside a Governmental Dept to help maintain a property, for if we were able to raise the funds, then it goes without saying that we should have some say in the running of the place. We could be allowed to have fan get-togethers on certain days (can you imagine watching TII in the cinema) and we could also ensure that a memorial is erected with in the Park allowing us somewhere to lay our tributes. The main house and guest houses could be rented out (with usage being stricly vetted and maybe only a certain part of the main house opened up). The revenue from this venture helping to maintain the properties and land. I know there are some who feel uncomfortable about 'others' gain access to what was Michael's home but it is his home no longer and it is just sitting there!! Would you really have some corporate body buy it and never let us near it or god forbid turn it into a hotel!! This is I feel our one and only chance to secure Neverland's future the way it should be and if we prevaricate too long we will loose Neverland forever and we will only have ourselves to blame!! I have already written to the Parks Dept to check the validity of the story and I am at present awaiting a reply.

Having a place to go (and for oversees fans, such as myself, a goal to aim towards) where one can feel 'close' to Michael I feel will be half the battle. We can really unite there. Hold regular gatherings where we can all actually meet and really get to know one another and exchange and discuss face-to-face our ideas and feelings. It is our right and if the Estate wont help us then we have to help ourselves!!

In the meantime. Again we wait, but we learn who our friends are and we ignore anyone who appears to be acting in an un-Mike-like manner. If you wouldnt say it or do it outside of the fansites dont say it on them. Lets be kind to one another and remember we are all only human underneath it all and we are all still hurting!

AUGUST 29TH 2010 - MICHAEL'S 52ND BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS - KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE EVENT

 Firstly, I need to explain a bit about the background to this event! I had first connected with the events organiser, Elena Ionniades, when she was trying to organise an event for the 25th of June. She very gracefully had allowed me to have a slot within the show to speak about the book I am attempting to write and the fans. This was probably around October 2009 and she and I corresponded regularly in regards to how the show was progressing and I also helped her with bits and bobs in regards to the organisation. Unfortunately, inspite of all of Elena's hard work and dedication, the show wasn't to be...poor tickets sales meant it couldnt go ahead.  Although she didnt show or communicate it to me. She must have been absolutely gutted!!

After such a disappointment, most people would have just curled up into a ball and retreated into a dark corner.  Not our Elena!! She picked herself up and set about organising and event for Michael's birthday - and what an event!

For those who arent in the know 'Thriller Live' is the most amazing stage show portraying all Michael's music. The cast are young and energetic and the music well what can I say!! The idea of the show came from Adrian Grant who got to know Michael in the eighties, it came about from Adrian's involvement in the fan clubs and giving something back to the fans.  Michael saw the concept show and his brothers saw the finished article when they came across to the UK last year!!

Elena had given me the responsibility of organising the cake!! Which was wonderful...the only problem - the stress of getting a 12" cake down to London safely via public transport! I was never so relieved as I was when I rested the cake on the table at the Lyric Theatre!!

Thankfully the journey down was relatively uneventful, Michael had obviously had a word with someone in regards to the weather, since all last week we had had wet dull, dingy weather. Sunday started off overcast but as I made my way down to London, the sun burst forth!! I would never say that London is a beautiful Capital but with brilliant blue skies and the leaves beginning to turn, it had a certain magic about it!!

The Lyric is a relatively small Victorian Theatre and as such you can feel the 'presence' of all those other 'theatre goers' in years gone by!! It oozes excitement and expectation!! I arrived early but the Manager was lovely and allowed me to go into the VIP room and start setting up! I was so nervous, since although I had spent nearly a year communicating with Elena - this would be the first time we would meet!  I neednt have worried since she was lovely and we got on like a house on fire!! The fans started arriving about 6.30pmish. In the end there were about 20 of us ranging in age from teenagers to 60yr olds!! Only with Michael could you have had such a broad spectrum of fans of such ages and backgrounds. The wonderful thing was the most of us knew each other from other meet ups! These functions are rapidly becoming more like family gatherings by the minute!! Elena had thought of everything - a card for everyone to sign (which is going to be taken up to Holly Terrace), Party bags...Oh and Adrian!!

Adrian Grant...Well what can I say other than - no wonder he was one of Michael's friends! He is lovely, so quiet and unassuming - he took the time to talk to all of us, sign autographs, pose for photos and then say a wonderful speech! I have only personally met one other of Michael's friends (Mark Lester) and he was hard pressed to even give me 5 mins of his time!! What does that tell you!! Not only that but Adrian came back at the end and bought some of the cast members to meet us!! Between Adrian and the Manager of the Lyric Theatre we were all made to feel very special. I had managed to bag front row seats and in the Lyric front row means you are almost on the stage!! It was wonderful being able to see everything up close...especially the male dancers!!! Lol!! The show is a must, it has you booging in your seats from the very start!! With fans dancing in the street during the interval and afterwards, it was a very, very magical evening but it would be wouldn't it ?

To cap it all off as we were making our way home ...we came across a couple of buskers playing MJ tunes in the depths of the London Underground. It felt as if Michael was following us home!!

So now what....The summer is nearly over here along with the everything it has bought us ...the demo's....The Anniversary....His Birthday. The Autumn and Winter is casting it shadow already upon us here in the UK.  October will bring us yet another court date!  Then what? The long wait until the Prelim in January!! This now will definitely be a test of time for many of our friendships - especially the long distance ones!!

I desperately hoping (and saving) to be able to afford to go out to LA next year, since I so need to connect with my US buddies, however fear if I do not then I might loose them forever, to others who are nearer and easier to communicate with! I personally also have many challenges in my life to battle, but fear that I may loose sight of Michael and contact with my friends whilst I do so!!

These past 14 months have been so awe-inspiring!!  I pray to Michael that we will all still be together and united this time next year!

JUSTICE4MJ 4EVER!! 

THANK YOU ELENA FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK AND MAKING MICHAEL'S BIRTHDAY A REALLY SPECIAL DAY FOR SO MANY <3 <3 <3

Just a small postcript...One of my friends noticed and has tagged two small 'orbs' in the photos of the event.  Michael was with us!!

JULEE

There is a group of us on here. We connected almost a year ago! Through everything we have stayed united. There is only one thing that could divide us and that is Mother Nature...

Julee Sante is our angel from above (many of u will know her wonderful pictures and prose she had shared with us). When there was the earthquake in Hati she was there like a shot, much to our consternation! However, thank God, she returned safely back to us. Julee is a Pakestani!! Need I say more...We have been aware she has been working hard helping her fellow countrymen through this awful disaster that has befallen their country.  Today, however, I recieved this  text message from her.

"I dont know what to say, but I feel I will die. If so then just rememberI really love u so much and u all r my family, my beautiful, kind hearted sisters. I love u most and keep u all in my heart when I will be buried, always my best wishes and love for u. If this storm we all die. I love u!"

My heart goes out to her and I feel, like I know the rest of us do, so helpless.

That is why I am asking all of you to today look around you and be thankful. Then please say a prayer for my friend and her fellow countrymen, that they may delivered safely back into the arms of their loved ones. Also contribute if you can to any of the aid agencies working out there.

"What more can we give?"

Please donate through http://www.roboxpress.com/donation/

or

http://RedCross.org.uk/PakestaniFloods

HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS BULLSHIT ARE WE GOING TO TAKE!!

So all our fears and suspicions about how Michael had been mis-treated and manipulated were finally confirmed in Katherine's Lawsuit against AEG, Randy Phillips, Kenny Oertega & others.  However, awful as all this is what really, really makes me see red is that they are doing exactly the same to us!! They fed us TII with Michael barely cold in the Mausoleum, spouting garbage about how he was "On form" and "In good shape!!". The rest of the world lapped it up, however, thankfully there were those of us amongst us who were more cynical and could see what they couldnt (the layers of clothes, the dramatic weight loss, also the changes in the show schedule). For over a year they have been talking and spreading all the information which made the rest of us take a second look. However proof ...we had none only our eyes and ears!! Now Katherine has obviously got the missing pieces of the Jigsaw and I hope will wipe the floor with AEG!!

In the meantime we are supposed to be waiting with bated breath for the launch in November of a new Album of previously unreleased songs!! After all of this!! Do they seriously think we are that stupid!! I know this is Sony and not AEG but there are links. As I think I have blogged before these guys are laughing at us all the way to the bank!! How many more unscrupulous deals have they done to make this album - only a few weeks ago, people within the Industry were writing that there appeared to have been precious little movement on work on the album!! One has to ask why?  You would have thought that people would be clamouring to work on it and provide a fitting epitaphe to our King. Also wouldnt Sony be desperate to get it out to get their blood stained hands on our money again? Maybe they had got wind of Katherine's intentions? They, by association could also be dragged into this Lawsuit. Well, Hello!!! Hopefully this might just change the minds of those precious few who still insist on buying anything Michael related from Sony - whatever.

If I have ever wanted anything (apart from having Michael back, obviously) it is that Katherine's Lawsuit will show for once and for all, all the shitty, lying, manipulative and down right illegal practices that go down with these guys!! This Lawsuit could potentially prove to be a turning point for the music industry, if it does manage to identify all the crap within it. Should any good  come out of thisy, hopefull it will be that Record Companies are much more closely regulated in regards to the way they handle their Clients and that a 'Duty of Care' should mean a 'Duty of Care'!

In the meantime. I for one have binned TII...I found it hard enough to watch before, but now!!! The bin is the best place for it and suggest others do the same!! I also suggest for those still sceptical about Sony's involvement to go towww.mj-777.com.  We already have the best of Michael in our collections, there is so much doubt out there that Michael would have approved of a company - let alone Sony- releasing his Songs without him being involved in the final cut! Lets just wait a couple of years then hopefully they will become the property of his children. If they wish to release them then so be it! However I personally am not going to let some Corporate giant, that Michael dispised and who only 9 or so years ago decide he was 'washed up' and as such did little to promote the brilliant 'Invincible' album, put out an album that I feel he would not want released, especially since it will, I am sure, become more apparent in the Trial that will hopefully follow the Lawsuit, Sony's involvement in Michael's demise.

SO LETS SHOW SONY & AEG THAT WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!!!

David Nordhal & Sainthood!

I have had to put digits to keyboard, after listening to the most amazing interview about Michael.

Deborah Campisie Kunesh (she of Reflections of the Dance site) interviewed David Nordahl ( for those who reside on Planet Zog, he is the artist who painted a lot of the wonderful fantasy pictures of Michael, which hung around Neverland).

I must be honest I put this on expecting it to be fairly boring!! Ha! Was I wrong. I never realised exactly how close he became to Michael and subsequently all the amazing experiences he had with him, all of which he was more than happy to share with us.

By the end of the interview, I had tears streaming down my face. That box within my heart in which I had locked all the hurt and anger over Michael's demise, had just been opened!

The Michael that David experienced was a person who tried his hardest to cope with the burden of his fame the best he could, never forgetting his humble roots. The Michael he discussed was absolutely no where near the person portrayed in the Media, but then we all knew that!! Through David's recollections, I felt again the hurt and pain Michael must have gone through desperately battling not only the injustices thrown on him by others but his body as well. My heart aches for every time he looked in the Mirror and saw how the Vittilego was slowly decimating his body, not to mention the pain he went through because of his Lupus. How many times must he have asked God the question "Why?". Yet as David told us he never ever was heard to complain or grumble in public or in front of his friends!! 

It just bought it back exactly  how unfair Michael's last 17yrs had been to him! 

At one point David Nordahl was explaining about how much he loved the Ranch (Neverland) and how he loved to walk around it with him singing (Nordahl, goes on to explain that it wasnt like they way he sang on stage) this was more like the way someone would sing in the bath!!! He then added that it was the saddest thing to see him being stripped of his happiness! Gut wrenching!!

The real icing on the cake was when David shared with us exactly how loving and caring a father Michael really was.  Not for him the farming out of his children to the care of Nannies. He was hands-on all the way! 

It has just bought back exactly what we have lost and hardest of all what his children have lost!

More importantly it has also highlighted the absolute evil which resides in the world lurking in the shadows just waiting to take advantage of those with innocent souls such as Michael's.

This is precisely why I will continue battling for Justice and against these dark forces!!  I want nothing more than for one day, the real truth to come out about the circumstances surrounding his death, 

Listening to all David had to recount, made me think once again about other news that came to me yesterday. Apparently there are rumours that Michael is being considered by the Pope for Cannonisation (Sainthood). Although I agree that there is no one more suited to the job, actually mulling it over today made me think that Michael would be shaking his head and laughing at the thought of this! Firstly he is not of the Catholic persuasion and secondly he would have said it was too grand a position for him.  The beauty of our Michael was that he tried his hardest to stay grounded, not just because that was the way he was but also because it kept him connected to those who really mattered to him, the children! Michael was never into Pomp and Circumstance and apart from anything else, we  his fans will still love him and continue to worship him Sainthood or not! 

Please if you get the chance listen to this amazing interview,it is  guaranteed to bring a tear to your eyes and warm the cockles of your heart

Thank you David for so eloquently sharing your memories with us

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

I had to share this with you.

I very rarely read my Parish leaflet ( I am ashamed to say!). However the title of this one - see above - caught my eye! 

This is was the introduction by our Vicar Judy French. Who for those who have every watched the wonderful t.v. series 'The Vicar of Dibley' is a slimmer version of Dawn!

" The dark mornings have come as quite a shock. I had got quite used to getting up in the daylight! As the daylight hours become shorter, and the dark hours longer, we pause to reflect on the winter ahead of us. How can we keep going through the dark and cold, especially if we are going through tough times.

The rescue of the Chiliean miners seems to have involved  a lot of faith and hard work. How hard it must have been for them and their families to keep praying, and not to lose heart, but to keep believing they would be rescued, that would emerge alive after so long trapped underground. What a dreadful ordeal. One of the miners when he emerged on the surface is reported to have said "I was with God and the Devil;  I fought the Devil and won." He didnt give  up or give in!

Jesus told us a parable to encourage us to keep praying and never loose heart. It was about a widow who wanted justice, but the judge was not the slightest bit interested in her case.  But she was so persistent and badgered him so much that he finally gave in and gave her what she wanted. Isnt that what  prayer feels like so often?  There we are hammering away at God's door and apparently not getting answer. Jesus doesn't solve the mystery of answered and unanswered prayers. He just says 'Keep praying and never loose heart.  I will come.'

Faith is not only about telling God what is on our wish-list, but about constantly lifting up every joy and concern, every fear and doubt, every lament and plea to the One who hears and answers.  Answers may not come when or how we think they should but Jesus insists 'God will help, he will not delay, he will grant justice.'  Our prayers are not simply a list of unanswered pleas, rather, they are a way for us to take part in what God is already doing to make things right. Living in hope, we work, we pray, in whatever ways we can for the peace and justice that will come to us and the world. Our prayer, our hope, may at times seem like a candle flickering feebly in the darkness, but as St John reassures us. 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.'

KEEP THE FAITH GUYS, KEEP THE FAITH!

<3 <3 <3

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