Showing posts with label Michael Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Jackson. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson’s posthumous movie rakes in more than $200 million in 2 weeks.



In two weeks that Michael Jackson’s movie “This is it” hit the theatres, the King of Pop’s film grossed more than $200 million ----$61 million in North America and $140 million in other parts of the world.

"Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music," Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said.

Outside of North America, the film has performed best in Japan where it has earned $27.2 million, followed by Britain ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).”----
AFP/ Inquirer (11/13/09)

“This is it” is the first film after the popular singer died unexpectedly on July 25, 2009 at age 50 from drug overdose of prescription medicines. Enjoyed by fans, Michael's celebrated movie shows behind-the-scene footages of Michael’s rehearsals as he prepared for a comeback in sold-out marathon concerts in London. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Sony Pictures) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon “This is it” ---Michael Jackson and his adoring fans





If only to prove that he is really the King of Pop, thousands of enthusiastic fans and admirers attended the initial presentation of “This is It,” raking in millions to make Michael Jackson right on top of the box office.

The documentary film was culled from about a hundred hours of footages during Jackson’s rehearsals for his comeback concert which was cut short by his untimely death due to drug overdose in June at the age of 50.

The movie was artistically put together by Kenny Ortega who brought life to the hours of behind-the-scene actions as Michael prepared his magical best for that sold-out performance that could have been shown (if not for the tragedy) in London O2 Arena in July this year.

“Thoughout the rehearsals in the movie, Jackson imagines how live audiences will be lured in or dazzled by some bit of unexpected wonder yet to come: an onstage bulldozer in "Earth Song," a 3-D effect in "Thriller" or the sight of Michael himself doing what he calls "sizzling" -- stopping the music just to wait for the audience's love to wash over him. “---Good Morning America (10/28/09, Downe, H; Connelly, C.)

By the looks of the public reaction to the film’s global introduction in Nokia Theater in Los Angeles last Tuesday (October 27, 2009,) the movie is easy to capture the hearts of adoring fans all over the world.

Breitbart.com reports the initial screening of “This is it” has so far captured $20.1 million worldwide----from audience that wanted to get an early view of the unusual film released after the pop singer’s death.

Celebrities like Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, Mickey Rooney, Paula Abdul, Paris Hilton, Sugar Ray Leonard, Barry Gordy and others were among those who attended the premier, joining fans to celebrate the art and music of the legendary musical star. (Photo Credits: Netallica.yahoo co jp; Reuters/ Sony Pictures)=0=

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PostHeaderIcon Liz Taylor bids farewell to Michael Jackson



On Thursday, Septermber 3, 2009, movie actess Elizabeth Taylor went to the burial of close friend Michael Jackson whose death was ruled as homicide resulting from toxic levels of a cocktail of medications that included a powerful anesthetic.

Celebrities who attended the ceremony 70 days after his death were Lisa Marie Presley, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Macaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Mila Kunis and Barry Bonds.

Riding a wheel chair and clad in black, 77 year-old Miss Taylor came teary-eyed to the Los Angeles Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale to also pay her last respects. The private interment was attended by Michael's children, immediate family, and close friends.

The King of Pop was interred in a golden casket under very tight security. The cost of burial was estimated to be $1 million dollars on top of the $1.4 million dollars prviously spent in a televised memorial service last July. (Photo Credit: Getty Images/ BBB.nes.com) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson’s death ruled as homicide





After a month of investigation, the Los Angeles Coroners office issued a preliminary report ruling that Michael Jackson, the famed King of Pop, died of homicide. The initial toxicology result revealed Jackson had toxic levels of propofol, a potent anesthetic on the day of death on June 25, 2009. --- http://www.thesmoking gun.com/

Dr. Conrad Murray, the singer’s personal physician who said Jackson appeared to have developed an addiction to medications had been a subject of criminal probe. He claimed he attempted to pull him out of the habit. Aside from propofol, Jackson was injected two sedatives (lorazepam and midazolam) which probably potentiated the effects of profolol.

With homicide ruling, Dr. Murray, a cardiac surgeon in Las Vegas, will most probably face criminal charges. An affidavit of LAPD Detective Orlando Martinez gives a description of the circumstances surrounding the pop star’s intriguing death. (Photo Credit: ctv.ca) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson & his ancient Egyptian look-alike



She can be La Toya Jackson or Whoopi Goldberg---- or why not Michael Jackson?

Displayed in the Field Museum in Chicago is a 3,000 year old Egyptian limestone bust showing an unidentified woman supposed to be sculpted during the New Kingdom Period, 1550 BC to 1050 BC. The stone piece of art draws attention for its simiiarity to the look of pop idol Michael Jackson who is still mourned worldwide after his untimely death. (Photo Credit: YahooNews/ AFP/HO/File) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cebu Inmates Dance to the Tune of MJ’s “Dangerous” as Tribute to the King of Pop



Expressing their continuing facination to their fallen idol, the deceased mega- performer Michael Jackson, inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary who found attention in their group dances, wiggled at the tune of "Dangerous." Clad in black and orange garbs, the dancing inmates added another dimension to their rehabilitation while serving time in jail.

Serving like a “therapy,” dancing has a calming effect on the Filipino prisoners. Their performances after practice have attracted the attention of approving spectators throughout the world. You Tube displayed their hilarious and entertaining presentations which had become popular in the internet.

In their earlier repertoire was Michael Jackson’s famous "Thriller" which brought 10 million hits since it became available in cyberspace. Another was a reenactment of scenes and songs from the movie Sister Act.

The 1,500 inmates thankfully attributed their fame to the phenomenal King of Pop whom they idolize. Boredom and trouble in their jail quarters had been low since they started dancing. (Photo Credit: Huffington Post/ Byron Garcia) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson touches the hearts of Filipinos





In these two faded photographs, Michael Jackson, the recently deceased phenomenal King of Pop, visited the Philippines in the '70s. In a noontime show "Student Canteen" hosted by Eddie Ilarde, Jackson and company woowed his audience with his electric presence and a song. The photos were sent to me in an egroup. (Photo Credit: Karan Mae Gutierrez) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Cebu jailbirds dance in homage to Michael Jackson





As the tragic details of Michael Jackson’s life are revealed to the world, many of his admirers cope up with the his untimely demise in many ways. Immediately after learning the grim news, many fans converged outside the UCLA Medical Center to find out what happened. In Apollo Theatre at the Harlem section of New York, a crowd gathered to remember and pay tribute the fallen music giant.

Half way across the globe, in the Philippines, about 1,500 inmates of the Cebu Penitentiary staged “Thriller” the dance they performed before that caught the fancy of You Tube viewers throughout the world. Their performance was viewed by almost 25 million people after it was made available in the internet. Grieving for their idol, the prisoners of the maximum security jail last Saturday gave their all dancing to the tune of Michael Jackson’s hit songs.

“After being told of Jackson's death Thursday in Los Angeles, the 1,500 inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center hit the exercise yard, practicing for nine hours Friday night – and into the wee hours of Saturday morning – for the show.

They took breaks only to eat or when it rained, said professional choreographer Gwendolyn Lador, hired by the prison to teach the inmates the dance.

"I felt sad because we lost our idol," said inmate Wenjiel Resane, who plays the role of Jackson's girlfriend in the video
.”----GMANewsTV / AP (06/27/09, Cerojano, T)

As the world tries to cope and make sense with the passing of a legendary musical entertainer, the sordid details that lead to his early death are starting to surface.

The controversial singer of incredible talent and fame who was adored and at the same time reviled by the public has left three innocent children. His finances are in disarray with about $500 million in outstanding debt. The series of concerts in London that should have ignited his stressful come-back in the entertainment world in July this year is in limbo---in part, because it's a freak creation of reckless, greedy, and manipulative people that managed the star during his career.

Amidst talk of abuse of prescription medications, the result of the pop star’s autopsy has been put on hold pending test results. In anger and frustration, the bereaved family and fans demanded a second autopsy---something that won’t change the sad fact that the king of pop is dead. (Photo Credit: Markiiboi; AFP/ Yahoo.News/ Aljibe, T) =0=

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PostHeaderIcon Reactions to Michael Jackson’s Passing



“For so great a talent, his death is too soon. He has been taxed all his life. The guy of great fame has been under extreme pressure to keep an extraordinary life going. A wonderful human being that generations all over the world will remember.”---AFM, UP Ibalon-Bicol (06/26/09)

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels. Words fail me."---Lisa Marie Presley, ex-wife of Michael Jackson. http://www.mtv.com (06/26/09, Vena, J)

"It's horrible news, so unexpected. The world has lost an icon and music has lost treasures. He wrote songs that generations of yesterday, today and tomorrow will all keep on singing. What he wrote was amazing."---Sophia Loren, Italian Actress. AP (06/26/09, Katz, J.)

"A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."---Rev. Al Sharpton, http://www.wcbstv.com/ (06/26/09, Dow J.)



"It's so sad and shocking…I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones." ---Sir Paul McCartney, Former Beatles. Telegraph,co.uk (06/26/09, Swain, J; Moore, M.)

“My son is 8 years old, and… he’s listening to this song, brand new, from him. Like, I’m rediscovering Michael Jackson again. It feels like when Kennedy died, when Elvis Presley died.”---Celine Dion, recording artist. New York Times (06/26/09, Paredes, J; Sisario, B; Stelter, B; Barnes, B.)

“I can’t stop crying over the sad news…I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”---Madonna, singer. US Post Today (06/26/09)

“I talked to him about it this morning. He said to me that obviously Michael Jackson was a spectacular performer and a music icon and I think everybody remembers hearing his songs and watching him moonwalk on television during Motown’s 25th anniversary. But the president also said aspects of his life were sad and tragic…His condolences went out to the Jackson family and to fans that mourned his loss.”---- White House Press Sec. Robert Gibbs about Pres. Barack Obama’s reaction. The Christian Science Monitor (06/26/09, Orr. J.)

"Everyone’s sad... Malaki talaga si Michael Jackson sa programa namin. Kung ‘di dahil sa kantang ‘Thriller’ ‘di magkakaroon ng global recognition ang mga inmates ng Cebu." ---Byron Garcia, provincial security consultant of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) Philippines. GMANews.TV (06/27/09, Ubalde J. H.)

"My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael."---Brooke Shields, actress. People (06/26/09, freeman, M.)



"Michael Jackson enriched our lives, made us happy. The accusations, the persecution caused him so much financial and mental anguish. He was vindicated in court, but the battle took his life. There is probably a lesson here for all of us."---Imelda Marcos, widow of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. AP/ GMANews TV (06/26/09)

“We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.”--- Arnold Schwarzenegger. California Governor. TMZ (06/25/09)

“Michael Jackson will be remembered, most likely, as a shattered icon, a pop genius who wound up a mutant of fame. That's not who I will remember, however. His mixture of mystery, isolation, indulgence, overwhelming global fame, and personal loneliness was intimately known to me. For twenty years I observed every aspect, and as easy as it was to love Michael -- and to want to protect him -- his sudden death yesterday seemed almost fated.” ---Deepak Chopra, author. The Huffington Post (06/26/09) (Photo Credits:AP/ Getty Images; AP/ Lefteris Pitarakis; AP/ Michael Mariant; AP/ Ibrahim Usta)



RELATED BLOG: "King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead" Posted by mesiamd at 6/26/2009

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PostHeaderIcon King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead





King of pop Michael Jackson, 50, suffered cardiac arrest this afternoon June 25, 2009. Rushed to UCLA Medical Center in California in deep coma, he died at 3:15 PM PT in spite of heroic application of emergency measures.

Paramedics responded to a 911 call from the Jackson home and went to assist Michael whose heart stopped and was not breathing. All resuscitative measures failed.

The popular celebrity with prodigious talent and monumental fame started out as a child star in a band called “The Jackson 5” in the ‘70s catapulting him to full stardom. He was slated to have a series of 50 shows this year, all sold-out, starting this month in England.

“Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits include "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.”----OMG (06/25/09).

His grieving fans and supporters in California and elsewhere are starting to gather as the news of his untimely death is known. A man of contrasts, the pop star with a generous heart and astounding worldwide following left three children----Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

The cause of his death is yet to be determined. But there are persistent rumors that Michael's health has not been good. He has been under extreme pressure lately because of his upcoming stage performances. His death is confirmed by TMZ.com, LA Times, AP and Fox News. (Photo Credit: http://www.jacksonmichael.net) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008; "April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit" Posted by mesiamd at 3/25/2009

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PostHeaderIcon April yard sale of Michael Jackson’s glitzy memorabilia in Beverly Hills faces lawsuit





Controversy has been sparked by forthcoming auction of some 2,000 items of Michael Jackson’s interesting memorabilia from his once-glorious 2,800 acre fantasy estate, the Neverland. The sale pieces which have been exhibited in the Newbridge Silverware Museum in Ireland drew crowds of Jackson's curious fans and admirers.

Set in April in Beverly Hills in California, Darren Julien, president of the the Julien Auctions said it is moving ahead with the 4-day sale slated on April 22 to 25, 2009, in spite of demands from Jackson’s representatives and lawyers to postpone the sale because of “danger” posed on the auctioneers. The company handling the sale hopes it will prevail over in a lawsuit in which Jackson asserted he did not give permission to sell many of his personal belongings.

Included in the sale are Jackson’s personal items, decorative arts, and fascinating antiques which are estimated to raise $10 to $20 million---- cash that the legendary King of Pop badly needs at this time of financial difficulty. Five percent of the sale will be allotted to charity. (Photo Credit: LA Times/ AFP/ Getty Images x 2; European Pressphoto Agency)=0=



RELATED BLOG: "Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale" Posted by mesiamd at 12/15/2008

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PostHeaderIcon Michael Jackson's white sequined glove for sale



King of Pop Michael Jackson had known what economic downturn means early on. Before the money crunch of Wall Street hugged the news, Michael already met his own financial rut. Because of insolvency, Neverland, his fabled private 2,800-acre (1,100 hectares) amusement park in Los Olivos, California was a subject of foreclosure proceedings. Last month he had to settle out of court with a Bahraini prince on a lawsuit of a failed music deal. This is on top of a child molestation case he had ot endure a few years back.

The 50-year old reclusive music star is now about to tap cash from his personal effects. It was announced that the famous beaded white glove he used in the “Billie Jean” video will be put out for sale along with other items. To woo the highest bidder, the glittery glove and some 2,000 pieces of his memorabilia will be auctioned to realize cash, part of which will be used to support charities.

Jackson’s story continues to befuddle his fans. His life tells of a tragi-comic tale of a ride in a world that is often solicitous, but at times--- harsh and forbidding. Looking at the state of things, what is clear is money problem affects not only the poor but the super rich as well. (Photo Credit: www. Bongo News.com) =0=

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