Michael Jackson, 1958-2009: The Talent and the Tragedy

The tragedy of "King of Pop" death at age 50. To understand all that Jackson had and lost requires wiping away three decades of plastic surgeries that deformed him, erratic behavior that made his name synonymous with the warping powers of fame, and a 2005 trial for sexually abusing a child that, even though he was spared of any finding of wrongdoing, made him a pariah to all but the most brainwashed of fans.

Jackson was born in 1958, the seventh of nine Jackson children, before reached age six Jackson had joined his brothers in the Jackson Five. Little Michael had a great talent in dancing and singing of the bunch, but he also had the mysterious thing that record bosses and studio chiefs crave: star power

At 22, Jackson not only became one of the most admired pop musicians in the world, but one of the globe's most famous people.

In 1981 release of "Thriller", which was to become the best-selling album of all-time (until it was eclipsed in the late '90s by The Eagles Greatest Hits, 1971-1975.)

After the release of 1987's Bad, a disappointing follow-up to Thriller, Jackson purchased the 2,800-acre Neverland Ranch in California, and his public weirdness became almost aggressive.

Given the tumult in his personal life, it's no surprise that the 1990s were a barren period for Jackson creatively. Celebrating his 30th anniversary in 2001 he managed to pull himself together enough to release Invincible and stage two concerts as a performer at New York's Madison Square Garden. The shows, held a few days before Sept. 11, were a capsule of all Jackson had become. There were bizarre cameos from friends Marlon Brando, Liza Minnelli and Eliabeth Taylor. Macaulay Culkin sat next to Jackson in a royal box. But several hours after the proceedings began, when Jackson finally took the stage, all the years of Wacko Jacko melted away. Then in his early 40s, he could still dance and sing better than almost anyone in the world, and he still had star power. The Jackson on display in those concerts was one the world admired and the one that will be missed.

Tag : Michael Jackson biography;history of Michael Jackson;The Talent and The Tragedy

Summary from : JOSH TYRANGIEL

Michael Jackson dies in LA hospital

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world, died Thursday 25, June 2009. He was 50. Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The circumstances of Jackson's death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m.

His 1982 album "Thriller" is the best-selling album of all time, estimated 50million copies sold worldwide.

The public first knew him in the late 1960s, when as a boy he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," "ABC," and "I'll Be There."

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Jackson caused a furor in 2002 when he playfully dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin while a throng of fans watched from below.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him, and of engaging in strange and inappropriate behavior with other children.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13.

Singer Dionne Warwick said: "Michael was a friend and undoubtedly one of the world's greatest entertainers that I fortunately had the pleasure of working with. ... We have lost an icon in our industry."

In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

Tag : Michael Jackson;King of Pop;dies in LA Hospital;Thriller;The biggest Celebrity

Summary from: By LYNN ELBER, Associated Press Writer

Jennifer Aniston For His Romance With John Mayer Votes

LOS ANGELES, California. -- John Mayer is rooting for his romance with Jennifer Aniston .

The rocker and Internet junkie admitted he visited People's Web site Monday to vote for himself in the site's poll, which asked "Is John Mayer a keeper?"

And according to John, he voted in the affirmative.

"I just voted on People's 'Is John Mayer a Keeper?' poll," he admitted in a Twitter post on Monday afternoon. "I clicked 'Love Him.'"

But, John noted, "'Lose Him' is winning at 63%."

And John defended his Internet ballot casting a short while later.

"Be honest, you'd vote for yourself if you came across it, as well. Wouldn't you?" he asked.

Angelina Jolie In Spy Thriller 'Salt'

LOS ANGELES, California. -- Debuted two new looks for her upcoming spy thriller, "Salt," and fans will be treated to a raven-haired Angelina and a rare blonde version of the actress.

She began filming her new spy movie in this week, as Evelyn A. Salta a CIA operative , on a mission to clear her name.
She's a character you never know," Producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura told People. "People who think they know the real her may or may not. Those who think they can tell whether she's in a disguise also may or may not ... She tells you her agenda, but are you supposed to believe it?"

George Clooney Joins Dad

George Clooney flew to Washington DC this month just to congrats his dad a Happy Birthday, and yesterday he was spotted with his old man, speaking at a local university.

The “Ocean’s Thirteen” stud and his father Nick Clooney gave a talk on the 2005 film “Good Night and Good Luck” at the Newseum and the American University School of Communication.

Always a charmer, with his trademark smile as he chatted alongside his father, his father is a Distinguished Journalist in Residence at AU.

And as it turns out, Nick uses “Good Night, and Good Luck” (written and directed by George) to teach journalism to his students.

Katrina Bowden Leaves Los Angeles a SAG Winner

Leaving her stay in Los Angeles, Katrina Bowden was spotted making her way through LAX Airport on Monday (January 26).

The 20-year-old Cerie Xerox actress drink some soda while she waited to pass through security, ready to board her departing flight.

Her happened to be on the west coast for this past weekend’s Screen Actors Guild Awards.

She and her “30 Rock” castmates found the trip from New York City to be well worth it, as they ended up making a clean sweep of the comedy series categories.

Ben Affleck and Jen's baby's name

One week ago, second daughter of a couple Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck has announced their baby's name to People.

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our second daughter Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck to the adorable celebuspawn roster.

The Baby Name Wizard defines it as "derived from the Hebrew seraphim (burning ones), a name used in the Bible for the heavenly winged angels surrounding the throne of God."

As shown earlier today with her "Big Sister" shirt, Violet, 3, is excited about the addition to her family. Are you as excited about her name?

Rihanna set to marry Chris

The rumours from Pop star Rihanna, set to marry Chris Brown. The incredible engagement ring is shown while performing with Brown at the O2 in London.

She wore fingerless gloves and held her hand to her chest so people could see the ring.

“Rihanna was wearing the biggest diamond you can imagine,” the Sun quoted a source as saying.

Travolta son killed by seizure

FREEPORT, Bahamas – Death Certificate of Jett Travolta says he was killed by a "seizure," an undertaker said Monday, as the 16-year-old's celebrity parents prepared for a Florida funeral.

Glen Campbell, from the Bahamian funeral home handling the remains of John Travolta's son, he told that The Associated Press that the body is in "great condition," dispite authorities didn't release the results of an autopsy performed Monday.

"The only cause of death that was listed was 'seizure'," he said.

Late Monday, a black hearse traveled from the funeral home to the airport after the family said it would bury the teen near their home in Ocala, Florida.

Tags :Jett Travolta;The Death of Jett Travolta; Killed by Seizure

Iraqis Protest for Release of Bush Shoe Attacker

An Iraqi government official said on Tuesday the journalist who threw his shoes at US President George W. Bush has been handed over to the Iraqi military command in Baghdad.

A wave of support streamed in on Monday for the now famous "shoe thrower", Iraqi journalist Muntadar Al Zaidi who heaved both his shoes on Sunday at US President George W. Bush.

"I received a wave of support from human rights groups and journalist associations, such as Reporters Without Borders," Dr Abdul Hussain Sha'aban, managing director of Al Baghdadiya, told Gulf News.

His family told the AP that over time, he came to hate both the US military occupation and what he views as Iran's "moral" occupation too.

The Iraqi Journalists' Syndicate said Al Zaidi's "far from professional" and irresponsible conduct had placed it in an "embarrassing and critical" situation. Nevertheless, it called on Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki to release him for humanitarian reasons.

"It was the throw of the century. I believe Bush deserves what happened to him because he has not kept his promises to Iraqis," said Baghdad resident Abu Hussain, 48.

He would be tried on charges of insulting the Iraqi state, said the prime minister's media adviser, Yasin Majeed.

Arabs across the Middle East hailed the journalist as a hero and praised his insult as a proper send-off to the unpopular US president.

Also, Arab bloggers had a field day after the "shoe heard around the world" incident.

"Today is the day that 'Angry Arab' has been preparing itself for 3 years and finally it happened" remarked one blog.

It went on to joke, "please, please one shoe at a time"

Damascus was abuzz with the news; almost as if the entire city was watching a football match, and hurt that their favorite team, had missed a goal, a Gulf News correspondent reported.

"Al Zaidi did what Arab leaders failed to do," said Ghazi Abu Baker, a 55-year-old shopkeeper in the West Bank town of Jenin. "This journalist should be elected president of Iraq for what he has done."

On a more serious note, colleagues of the Iraqi journalist said they are worried about him as they have yet to hear news about him.

"They confiscated his mobile, I tried calling him but no answer. No one knows where he is now," Dr. Abdul Hussain Shaaban, managing director of Al Baghdadiya Satellite TV, told Gulf News.

Shaaban, who is also a human rights activists, said he was approached by several Arab laywers wanting to defend Al Zaidi and many journalist associations, like Reporters Without Borders have expressed concern.

Saddam Hussain's former lawyer, Khalil Al Dulaimi, said on Monday that he was forming a team to defend Al Zaidi.

"It was the least thing for an Iraqi to do to Bush, the tyrant criminal who has killed two million people in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Dulaimi. "Zaidi should be released immediately."

"This is a gift from the Iraqis, this is the farewell kiss, you dog!" Al Zaidi shouted just before he chucked his shoes at the US president during the live broadcast of the press conference.

"This is from the widows, the orphans and those who were killed in Iraq!" Al Zaidi shouted as he hurled his other shoe.

Al Maliki's security crowded in on him, beating him relentlessly. Mohammed Taher, reporter from Afaq, a TV station close to the ruling government of Al Maliki, described Al Zaidi "crying like a girl."

"All I can report is that it is a size 10," Bush joked, as other Iraqi journalists reportedly rushed to apologise for Al Zaidi's actions.

Al Zaidi's act was not spontaneous but planned, according to colleagues.

"Al Zaidi was kidnapped last year by an unknown militia and until now no one knows who was responsible. He was not only protesting from a general anti-US point of view, but a personal one," Al Shaaban said.

Al Shaaban declined to comment whether he supported Al Zaidi's actions. He simply emphasised that it symbolized the "catastrophe of the American government".

Al Shaaban said Al Zaidi has demonstrated what people around the world have been feeling for years about the Bush administration.

"Using shoes is just the Iraqi way," he joked.

Keywords : George W. Bush shoe attack;Zaidi attack on Bush;Shoe attack incident;Bush and the shoe;international day for shoes.

Sources : www.iraqupdates.com

Iraq Parliament clashes over fate of man who threw shoes at Bush

BAGHDAD: A session of the Iraqi Parliament erupted in an uproar on Wednesday as lawmakers clashed over how to respond to the continuing detention of an Iraqi television reporter who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush during a Baghdad news conference earlier this week, people attending the parliamentary meeting said.

As Parliament began to discuss legislation on the withdrawal from Iraq of armed forces from nations other than the United States, After Muntader al-Zaidi'shoes, narrowly missed Bush's head at the news conference on Sunday, Zaidi was subdued by a fellow journalist and then beaten by members of the prime minister's security detail.

The legislative session became so tumultuous that it prompted the speaker of Parliament, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, to announce his resignation, according to The Associated Press. A spokesman for Mashhadani, Jabar al-Mashhadani, refused to confirm whether the speaker had tendered his resignation, although he would not deny it. Some in Parliament say the government should release Zaidi immediately, while others say the judiciary should decide his fate.

How badly injured Zaidi was by members of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki's security detail is not clear. He has not appeared in public since his arrest, and his family members and his legal representatives say they have not been permitted to visit him. On Wednesday, Zaidi was scheduled to appear before a judge, but it was unclear whether that happened.

Dhiya al-Saadi, one of Zaidi's lawyers, said Wednesday that he was not sure whether Zaidi had appeared before a judge. As part of the Iraqi legal system, a judge typically determines whether bringing formal charges against a suspect is warranted, criminal lawyers in Iraq said. Zaidi faces up to seven years in prison if he is charged with and convicted of offending the head of a foreign state.

By : Timothy Williams and Atheer Kakan

'I was arrogant'

Tom Cruise has confessed that he was "arrogant" to criticise the use of post-natal depression drugs and therapy.

The Valkyrie star famously declared that drugs should not be used to treat depression when he appeared as a guest on The Today Show in 2005.

However, he returned to the US chatshow yesterday and admitted to host Matt Lauer that he "didn't communicate" his feelings the way he wanted to.

"It's not what I had intended," said Cruise. "In looking at myself, you know, that came across as arrogant.

"That's one of those things you go, 'Okay, I could have absolutely handled that better'."

He added: "I didn't communicate it the way I wanted to communicate it. That's not who I am; that's not the person that I am."

Sources : by Lara Martin

MADONNA, GUY SETTLE UP FOR $76 MILLION

The megastar and Ritchie have reached a settlement in their divorce, with her former bloke set to receive a windfall payout of at least $76 million.

Per Rosenberg, also takes into account the value of the couple’s massive English country estate and could ring in as high as almost $92 million.

While the deal marks the conclusion of the duo’s ongoing financial negotiations, there is a problem left and has yet been reached over the custody of their two children together, 8-year-old Rocco and 3-year-old David.

Madonna filed for divorce from Ritchie back in October, citing “unreasonable behavior” from her hubby. A British court granted them a preliminary decree of divorce last month.

Source: E! Online

MADONNA AND RITCHIE STILL BATTLING OVER CHILDREN
The couple announced their split in October and finalized their divorce this month, with reports suggesting they had agreed to share custody of their sons, Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, with the boys splitting their time between their mother’s home in New York and Ritchie’s base in London.

Madonna’s 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from a previous relationship, is rumored to remain in the U.S. with the singer.

But new reports suggest the pair is still squabbling over custody rights, with the pop superstar allegedly determined to keep the family in America with her.

A source tells London newspaper The Evening Standard, “Both sets of lawyers have still got their heads down. It is very complicated.

“Ways need to be found to tie up claims both in New York and in London. I am sure they will both want to settle this amicably. They won’t want this aired in public.”

The publication goes on to suggest that Madonna wants to buy Ritchie an apartment in the Big Apple to keep him close to the children, while they are raised in the U.S.

A spokesperson for Madonna was unable to be reached for comment as WENN went to press.

MADONNA TO GET BRAZIL “STICKY & SWEET” AS TOUR WRAPS UP

Madonna arrived in Brazil on Friday ahead of the final concerts of her worldwide “Sticky & Sweet Tour” that showed that, at age 50, she can still sell out top-notch venues.

She is to perform two concerts in Rio, on Sunday and Monday, before going to Brazil’s biggest city of Sao Paulo for gigs next week on December 18, 20 and 21. The concerts are the last in her four-month tour across Europe, North America and Latin America, which kicked off August 23 in Wales, Britain. In all she will have played 58shows that raked in more than 200 million dollars, according to Billboard magazine.

During her spin around the globe, she has had to oversee divorce proceedings handled by her lawyers. On November 21, a London court granted a provisional “quickie” divorce to Madonna — full name Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone — on the grounds her husband Ritchie had acted unreasonably. The court released a document in which Madonna stated that she and Ritchie, 40, had not lived together at the same address for six months.

A decree formally dissolving the marriage is expected by early January. Contradictory accounts in Britain’s tabloids over the bust-up said either that Madonna thought Ritchie was lazy, tight-fisted and preferred the pub to his family, or that Ritchie thought she was a control freak obsessed with her Kabbalah faith. It was also variously reported that Ritchie either received a lot of money from the split — or none at all.

Madonna is regarded as the world’s highest-earning female singer — Forbes.com put her at the top of its latest “cash queens of music” list with earnings of 72 million dollars between June 2006 and June 2007. The pair are reportedly fighting over whether their two sons should live in Britain or the United States — and over who gets them for Christmas.

Source: AFP.

Shoes Fly at Bush

During a visit to Iraq the president dodges a pair of flying shoes.

Recently, President George W. Bush gets a shoe thrown by journalist at him while he was in a surprise conference in Iraq. Of course, I didn’t believe it when I heard so I had to see the video of a reporter throwing a shoe at Bush. Tell me it’s not funny?

All we can see Bush has some good reflexes. That is mean, damn, he actually managed to dodge two shoes thrown at him before his security team beat that guy to a pope.

Of course, the witty Bush came back with a funny response to the shoe attack. He states, “I’m okay… all I can report is it is a size 10.”

Angie Steps Out for Clint, Brad Steps Up for Jolie

After escorting Brad Pitt to his big movie premiere Monday, Angelina Jolie stepped out to support another man last night: Clint Eastwood.

The actress, whom Clint directed in Changeling, made a surprise appearance at the premiere of Gran Torino sans Brad.

But Pitt's still making headlines today while defending Angie in a new interview with Rolling Stone as he shoots down claims that she manipulates media, instead calling her "savvy."

"I get defensive," he tells RS. "[They're] talking about not only the woman I love, but one of the people on this planet who I have the greatest respect for. I think she's as honorable as anyone I've ever met."

And that's not all...

Brad is now echoing Angie's comment that she and Brad fell in love on the set of Mr. & Mrs. Smith (while he was still married to Jen Aniston).

When asked to name his favorite Angelina movie, he chose Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Why?

""Because you know...six kids," he told R.S. "Because I fell in love."

Michael Jackson is Selling "Billy Jean" Gloves

"The King of Pop" to Sell Famous Glittery Glove. Michael Jackson's glittery glove is going on the auction block. The glove, which inspired countless copycats, quips and Halloween costumes after it was unveiled in the 1983 video for Jackson's hit "Billie Jean," will be part of a five-day auction next year, Julien's Auctions announced Wednesday.

"The King of Pop" is also unloading the grandiose gates that once led to his Neverland Ranch, along with more than "two thousand" other personal items.

Michael Jackson's possessions will be on display before the auction begins on April 21. Bids will be accepted either in person and online. The sale is to be broadcast live on Auction Network.

Jackson plans to donate a portion of the proceeds to MusiCares, a charitable organization founded by the Recording Academy to help musicians in need.

The singer has been plagued by financial woes since he was acquitted of child-molestation charges in 2003. He went into default on his sprawling Neverland property earlier this year, before an investment company bought the loan. Last month, Jackson's lawyers reached a settlement in a $7 million breach-of-contract case brought by a Bahraini sheik.

Jennifer Aniston Talks Motherhood, Takes Aim At Vogue

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Jennifer Aniston has had enough of the tabloids - and apparently, she thinks Vogue magazine falls into the same category.

In a new interview with Entertainment Weekly for the magazine's December 12 issue, Aniston took aim at Vogue, over comments she made to the mag calling remarks made by Angelina Jolie "very uncool."

"I was just surprised that Vogue would go so tabloid," Jennifer said of the quote the fashion mag used on the cover, and one she says was taken out of context.

"I was bummed. But you almost expect it," she continued. "Big deal. Done. Next."
But the former "Friend" and star of the upcoming comedy, "Marley & Me," also took exception with various tabloids printing pregnancy rumors about her.

"It's almost going to take away the fun from actually being able to say one day, 'I'm pregnant!'" she told Entertainment Weekly. "Everyone will be like, 'Yeah, right.' It's the boy who cried wolf. Stop stealing my thunder, motherf***ers!"

And Aniston, who plays a mom in "Marley & Me," said babies could be in her future.

"I feel like that's in my future and I'm on the verge of it in some way," she said. "So it was great to sort of dip your toe in it."

Though her face - like it did for Vogue - helps sell magazines around the world, Jennifer said she feels different than the woman on the cover of the glossies.

"There's this character - it's like my Hannah Montana. That's how I feel. There's my Hannah Montana and then there's me," she said, referring to Miley Cyrus' television alter-ego - a pop star who can't live a normal life.

And while her life might not be normal, Jennifer admitted she's made mistakes like the rest of us.

"Not everyone's a winner," she said. "Not every episode of 'Friends' was great. Not every guy you choose is great."

These days though, things seem to be on an upswing.

"I don't know if I'm just a late bloomer, but I feel like everything is just beginning," she added.

And that new beginning may include stepping behind the camera.

"It's about schizophrenia, a woman who overcame the odds against her," she said of her in-the-works, as-yet-untitled directorial project - which she won't star in.

"Team Aniston" supporters would argue that she's seen enough craziness already, but as for Jennifer, she seems to be taking things in stride.

"It's my history," she said. "It's my memory. That's all it is to me: Something that happened, something that was really quite poignant and good in the long run."

Sources :By Access Hollywood

President George W. Bush and Sylvester Stallone

They have same Date of Birth July 6, 1946

These two man have more in common than you might realize. Their oratorical skills have been criticized, but at their peaks, both were immensely popular. Their secret: people love a war… provided they win. They each have a past that they would rather forget. In the early 1970s, Bush had a drinking problem and multiple arrests; Stallone (as a struggling actor) was debasing himself in a skin flick. Bush has a history of failed business ventures; Stallone has had his own corporate disasters, like Planet Hollywood, his ill-fated co-venture with two of Bush’s friends, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Stallone’s two most famous roles also seem perfect for Bush. Like Rocky, Bush was an underdog, who triumphed (in the 2000 presidential election) without actually outscoring his opponent; and like Rambo, he has been keen to settle old military scores. Of course, neither Bush nor Stallone are as popular as they used to be, proving that celebrity is fickle business, however you achieve it.

Sources : yahoo.com

Alison Carroll is the New Lara Croft

Alison Carroll replace Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft.

With Angelina Jolie tending to her ever-growing brood of children, a new woman has stepped into the role of Lara Croft - British gymnast Alison Carroll.

Earlier today (August 11), Alison appeared before the media for the first time during a press conference at Pineapple Studios in London, England.

For the new Tomb Raider game, slated for a November release, Carroll will be the face of Croft, joining the long list of ladies who have held the title, such as Karima Adebibe, Lucy Clarkson, Jill de Jong, Lara Weller, Nell McAndrew, Rhona Mitra, Ellen Rocche and Vanessa Demouy.

The 23-year-old brunette babe is definitely fit for the part, with a stunning combination of beauty and athletic ability. She’s won multiple first place trophies in regional and national competitions and, well, she’s hot!

sources :www.celebrity-gossip.net