Michael Jackson...memories of Pop Star's Death & the "Wake" at UCLA!

After gulping down the last tasty morsel of lunch, I headed towards the Research Library on the campus at UCLA on June 25th.

Once I stepped outside the cafeteria, I immediately spied a helicopter buzzing overhead.

Two teenage girls dashed by and were chatting each other up excitedly.

I managed to overhear a snippet of the conversation.

"I hear that Michael Jackson is in that helicopter and that he overdosed," one of the pretty students exclaimed in shock.

Say what?

I was knocked out by the news.

At this juncture, I tore up the front steps of the library and plunked myself down at the nearest computer terminal just inside the building to the left of the main foyer.

I began to conduct a search on Jackson and possible alerts on his health.

Nada!

Were the major news outlets afraid that the rumors were all a hoax?

Or, were they simply in the dark about the overdose, I wondered.

Now, the frenzy at UCLA was reaching a fever pitch.

"Michael Jackson may be dead," one conjectured, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Then - a few minutes later - one of my inside sources revealed the awful truth.

"Michael Jackson overdosed and was rushed to the hospital."

I immediately logged into "The Tattler" at the Blogger web site and proceeded to pen a post (which I summarily published a scant few seconds later).

On the heels of publishing the news alert, I proceeded to "tweet" a flash about the shocking news on Twitter.

Within minutes, the speculation about Jackson's untimely demise was streaking around the blogosphere at break-neck speed.

Then, I spied a tweet from TMZ, confirming that Jackson had - indeed - passed to spirit.

So - I posted an update on "The Tattler" - and followed up with another tweet.

Post:  06/25

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/michael-jacksondead-50-re-post.html

After scanning a few news releases which were flooding in from major media outlets around the world, I packed up my briefcase and strolled outside.

I took a shortcut across campus and trotted down to the UCLA Medical Facility where dozens of reporters, paparazzi, and TV crews were now parking their vehicles haphazardly along both sides of the street and scrambling up the front steps of the hospital.

By now, hundreds of Jackson fans - lookie-loos, too - were swarming into the tiny square to take up a vigil for the much-loved Pop Star.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the hospital attempted to control the ensuing chaos, by updating the media every few minutes or so about the specifics as the events unfolded before our eyes.

At long last, it was also announced that a doctor in the employ of UCLA (and a member of the Jackson family) would be issuing statements shortly.

Which they did.

There was a stunned silence when it was confirmed that the beloved King of Pop was dead.

Then, something phenomenal happened.

Fans hoisted up portable CD players - which began to ground out the Pop Star's hits - as they began to dance and make merry with each other.

The once-sad gathering suddenly became a celebration of the "thriller's" life!

Essentially, the evening turned into a magical uplifting wake!

Post:  06/25/2009

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2010/06/michael-jacksonfans-celebrate-life-of.html

In sum?

It was a remarkable memorable day - one that I shall cherish - the rest of my own short sweet life!
Amen!

http://www.thetattler.biz


 

Michael Jackson...dead @ 50! (re post)

I popped the last morsel of a late lunch in my mouth, took a swig of the remains of my Coke, and headed out the door and across campus.

Suddenly, a helicopter buzzed overhead and made a beeline for the UCLA medical center, just down-a-ways a tad.

Excited students and members of the faculty gazed skyward as whispers filtered about the campus that inside Michael Jackson was struggling for his life.

According to a Los Angeles Times news-bite on the Internet minutes ago, Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Steve Ruda reported to the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home,  so CPR was performed on the unconscious Pop Star.

Meanwhile, over at TMZ.com, Harvey Levin's team speculated that Mr. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest.

A family spokesperson noted that Mrs. Jackson is en route to the medical facility to be at her son's side.
Updates to follow hourly as details of Jackson's medical condition and prognosis filter in

UPDATE: 3:23 pm (Thursday June 25th)


MSNBC has just reported that Michael Jackson has been pronounced dead at the age of 50!

UCLA State-of-the-Art Medical Center

http://www.julianayrs.com

Dr. Conrad Murray...court rules in favor of doc!

California Judge Michael Pastor denied a request by authorities to revoke the medical license of Michael Jackson's former physician Dr. Conrad Murray citing "a lack of authority".

Consequently, Murray will continue to practice medicine in the State of California despite protests from die-hard fans of the Pop Icon who met his untimely death due to a lethal does of propofol that Murray administered without proper protocol.

The scandal-ridden doctor is currently facing a felony charge of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged complicity in the mysterious death of the Pop Icon last year.

The Judge also noted for the record that were no special circumstances that warranted the court reconsidering bail (set at $75,000.00).

Curiously, the court's ruling failed to illicit much of a response in Dr. Murray, who sat motionless when it was uttered up.

Michael Jackson's parents - Joe and Katherine - attended the solemn hearing with a couple of close members of the family clan in tow.

King of Pop's Parents

(Katherine & Joe)

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...Elizabeth Taylor arrives early at Funeral! Diana Ross a no-show! Entourage tardy...

Old habits die hard, but Liz shows for funeral early out of respect!

If you channel-surfed last night, the pickings were slim - especially when it came to coverage of the funeral service for Michael Jackson - who was finally laid to rest in a sumptuous Forest Lawn setting fit for an Egyptian Pharaoh in Glendale (CA).

Only a handful of media outlets were permitted near the outer  perimeter of the gravesite  - in what one guest referred to as a "serene" service - so there was a lot of straining going on on the frenzied sidelines as the paparazzi scrambled to capture coveted images expected to zip around the globe at the close of the solemn occasion.

Elizabeth Taylor - famously-known for arriving fashionably-late for high-profile events over the years - surprised the media when her limo purred up an hour-and-a-half  before the proceedings were to commence.

In fact, all the key players - Jackson's parents, Michael's children - showed up on schedule.

In contrast, the hangers-on (who cruised through the gates in expensive limos sporting ubiquitous black suits and spritely-colored red ties) were late - thus stalling the ceremony - about  ninety minutes or so.

The lucky persistent few - who scanned the airwaves like moi Thursday eve in search of a poignant moment or two - undoubtedly caught the intimate close-up shots of the family seated on white folding-chairs just prior to the commencement of the pricey service.

The humble seating arrangement was in stark contrast to the opulence all around.

Guests included child star Macaulay Culkin, athlete Barry Bonds, Director Kenny Ortega, Reverend Jesse Jackson, and Marlon Brando's son Niko.

A no-show by Diana Ross allegedly caused a few tongues to wag.

A memorable Gladys Knight performance also inspired a heartfelt message on twitter.

"She sang her little heart out", Reverend Sharp enthused in a tweet later on after the guests paid their last respects and headed homeward bound (unless they attended the swank after-party, of course, where a close-knit inner circle of friends and family were expected to celebrate Michael's life).

At the gates, meanwile, die-hard fans chanted:

"Michael! Michae! Michael!".

Earlier in the day, Police reported that a handful of overjealous music-lovers attempted to jump the fence to get an up-close gander at the King of Pop's burial site.

According to a representative of a Glendale Law Enforcement Agency, the individuals were ejected without incident.

A blimp-like inflated light affixed alongside a boom camera (strategically-placed in front of the expensive marble mausoleum) caused a bit of speculation amoung the mourners and media alike.

Some hinted that the footage was being captured for inclusion in the upcoming Michael Jackson documentary "This is it".

Jackson now rests in peace amidst the likes of such luminaries as Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, and funnyman W.C. Fields.

But, Forest Lawn Officials were quick to point out that after the burial, Jackson's vault will remain off-limits.

A portion of a mausoleum that displays "The Last Supper Window" is the closest they'll ever get to the Pop Icon's last resting place apparently.

Interested parties may  attend one of several ten-minute presentations held at that site regularly every day of the year.

Good night, sweet Prince!

Entourage in sleek black limos arrives late!\

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Michael Jackson...funeral at Forest Lawn today (September 3rd) ! Sumptuous digs beckon...

Pearly Gates at Forest Lawn

After unexpected delays - and intervention of the court over cost-issues - Michael Jackson will finally be laid to rest at Forest Lawn in the "Great Mausoleum" (Holly Terrace) where Hollywood's legendary greats have gone before him - Carole Lombarde, Jean Harlowe, and Clark Gable - to name a few.

According to my numerological calculations, August 29th would have been a more fortuitous day to send off the King of Pop, since the vibrations were more condusive to a transition from this realm of existence to the next.

The portents are not as good for the 3rd; in fact, family and fans may expect continued intrigues, unsettling mishaps, and a continuing swirl of controversy around the celebrated Icon for decades to come.

Not unlike an Egyptian King of yesterdyear, the Prince of Pop's tomb will be a sumptuous one decorated with bronzes of American Icons, pricey one-of-a-kind sculptures, and even a stained-glass window etched with an image of the Last Supper.

If we're to believe the scriptures, it is doubtful that God will be impressed.

But, what a send off!

Forest Lawn itself is not your typical "graveyard".

When the "great park" was designed, manager Hubert Eaton made a sacred pledge that Forest Lawn would be devoid of misshapen monuments and the customary trinkets symbolizing earthly departures - and in their place instead - towering trees would tickle the sky, tastefully-decorated water fountains wax poetic in the gentle wind , and noble memorials whisper about the dawning of man.

You got it!

There aren't any maps to shed precious light for the harried souvenir hunter or two who may have lost their way.

Indeed!

Unlike other ceremonious dumping grounds (Forever Hollywood, for instance, where lookie-loo's are allowed on the grounds to track down the plots of contented residents such as Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. & Tyrone Power) boisterous thrill-seekers in search of elusive Jackson will be sooshed away.

And perish the thought of surreptiously snatching up a nugget of stone from the headstone, to round-out a collecton of morbid memorablia which may include a Jim Morrison souvenir spirited away from the rock star's Paris digs.

According to a tour guide, it's iffy, in view of the fact management protects the celebrities there as if they were as sacred and rare as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

"The Great Mausoleum is the Holy Grail of grave hunters," the soft-spoken independent businessan whispered for fear he may be heard.

"The rooms are like mazes, almost like Escher drawings. There are cameras throughout it, and if you are just wandering about, they (?) will find you and kick you out," he warned.

Gosh, the Jackson "legend" is turning out to be just as intriguing (and mysterious) in death as it was when he opulently strode the face of the Earth.

As to "D"-day, cemetery officials are cool, calm, and collected.

After all, they aren't anticipating any crushing crowds, or expecting any delirious fans to throw themselves onto the Jackson casket (as a few of the broken-hearted were inclined to do at Rudolph Valentino's high-profile send off decades ago (we have the same birthday, by the way, May 6th).

Because the funeral is on private property, Sgt. Tom Lorenz (Glendale Police Department) underscored that the service would not be open to the public.

I expect a handful may sneak in the night before in a last-ditch effort to get a wee peak at the proceedings, before they're scouted down and tossed out on their sorry a**es.

Alas, fame is not fleeting at all, is it?

Finally, in closing, I thought I would share this lovely quote I stumbled on today because it is appropriate under the circumstances.

“We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”

Michael's legacy of music says it all.

Jackson companion beckons from beyond the grave!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Michael Jackson...reality film to screen in limited run!

Dangerous only to himself?

Rehearsal footage shot over a span of a scan few weeks (leading up to Michael Jackson's much-anticipated return to the stage for a series of sold-out concerts to kick-off in London before his unexpected demise) has been edited into a feature film slated to screen in a limited two-week run.

"This is it" (in retrospect, it truly was) premieres on October 28th with advance tickets expected to go on sale at Box Offices September 28th.

Sony's Columbia Pictures allegedly coughed up $60 million for the rights to transform the rare rehearsal footage into a viable commercial project intended to take a last-gasp peek at the backstage persona of the King of Pop.

With Kenny Ortega at the creative helm, Sony couldn't go wrong, in my estimation.

Prior to creatively partnering with Jackson on both the "Dangerous" and "HIStory" tours, Ortega established a solid reputation in the industry by virtue of successful collaborations on celebrated hits such as "Dirty Dancing" and "High School Musical".

In an interview recently, Ortega - a visionary with a myriad of creative skills - described the Jackson footage as raw, emotional, moving and powerful.

"For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before. A great artist at work."

And, catch him on film, making his final bow!

Life in a gilded frame!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Larry King..tries to trap Depak Chopra and place blame for Michael Jackson tragedy!

It should have been obvious to the keen observer last night that Larry King was clearly laying a trap for the New Age self-proclaimed Guru - Depak Chopra - or at a minimum was pining to toss a little of the blame for Michael Jackson 's untimely demise in his direction.

Was Depak one of the much-scorned inner circle enablers responsible for Michael Jackson's death now shrouded with mystery and intrigue?

According to Depak?

No.

The soft-spoken articulate man was inclined to offer up a handful of scenarios for the viewing audience to digest.

In one instance - when Depak mentioned that children who were abused were often susceptible to various disorders in their adult years - King was quick to interrupt and underscore that a news report released earlier that day stressed there was no evidence supporting that theory or line of thinking.

Ah, King was obviously laying in wait for unsuspecting Chopra!

Without doubt, the scandal-chasing talk-show host tried to seize the moment to discredit Depak on the air, without fair warning.

But, the Spiritual leader was quick on his feet and managed to out-fox the mouthy late-night talkpiece with the penchant for loud tasteless ties!

In fact, Depak not only adeptly sidestepped King's deceitful maneuvers, but managed to score points when he proceeded to clarify for the record that one respected journal just published an article on the issue in support of the theory based on a research project conducted with a handful of qualified subjects.

Without skipping a beat, King pounced.

"Are you saying they're wrong?"

"They're obviously not up on the literature," the best-selling author responded coolly.

Obviously miffed at failing to snare his prey, King sprang into the attack mode on a different front to save face.

"Some say (he didn't specify who) that you tarnished Michael's reputation," he retorted with an accusing tone in his voice.

In his defense, Depak noted in so many words that he simply refused to gloss over the facts.

Depak admitted on air last night, for example, that on occasion he spied an IV Drip in Jackson's bedroom.

In addition, he also witnessed the presence of pharmaceutical paraphernalia out-of-place in a home environment setting without medical supervision.

Michael knew that Depak had a license to write prescriptions for narcotics and tried to trade off of their friendship for access to drugs he felt he needed to alleviate his pain, according to Chopra.

"I refused to write the prescriptions, " Depak noted for the record without blinking an eye.

"Did Michael get angry?" King probed further.

"Yes."

On the heels of this admission, Depak added that Michael was quite a manipulative individual.

And, he added as an afterthought, Michael was difficult to refuse, on occasion.

"That is the problem with celebrity. Doctors are afraid to say no."

The sentiment echoed those expressed by a Jackson attorney on a talk show earlier.

"Michael begged me. He said - 'that machine runs the business' - so, I have to have it," the lawyer fessed up to the interviewer.

Based on that curious argument, the Pop Icon also demanded a doctor be hired 24/7 to administer the drugs at his home at his whim.

So, the handler complied with the request.

In the final analysis, Depak Chopra - in spite of what Larry King may think - is an honest individual who meant well.

In fact, Chopra is exalted in some quarters for a spiritual slant on the natural order of things, which some find quite insightful.

The truth of the matter?

In essence, his new age musings are just watered-down interpretations of the teachings of wise old masters, presented in a palpable new way.

Sadly, his quick-fix solutions were too flimsy to provide a lifeline for Jackson.

Clearly, it was the fault of handlers - business associates, superficial friends, doctors (even Jackson family members afraid to engage in tough love for fear of losing favor with Michael who held the purse strings) - that are responsible for his death.

In due time, the truth shall be revealed.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...brief encounter on set of Music Video! Directed by MJ...

Years ago, a casting office rang me up out-of-the-blue, and offered me a gig on a high-budget Michael Jackson Music Video shooting on the backlot at Universal Studios.

I was particularly keen on the fact that MJ was directing!

One of the main characters in the evil plot line was a nasty villain with a gang of thugs always on the lookout for trouble.

Although, I generally steered away from night shoots, it was difficult to resist a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with the legendary Pop Icon on the fast-track to super stardom.

Michael was at the height of his creative powers, having just come off of the gargantuan success of the multi-million-dollar best-selling album, "Thriller".

Although a few unsubstantiated rumors abounded about the King of Pop's fascination with plastic surgery (and an obsession over the alleged benefits of pure oxygen) the celebrated hit-maker appeared for-all-the-world a down-to-earth musical genius.

Shortly after I strolled up to the backlot at Universal to check in with the 1st Assistant Director, the wardrobe department corralled me and a handful of actors cast to play the mean dudes, and hustled us off to get fitted for our ubiquitous costumes which consisted of warrior-style uniforms - custom-made in imposing durable black plastic - with helmets to match.

Right from the get-go it was obvious the assignment was not going to be a piece of cake.

For instance, all the actors required assistance to facilitate the task of fitting each snugly into the high-tech threads in a body-fitting fashion, from behind.

In addition to being difficult to maneuver around in, the sinister slabs of armour were also inclined to obstruct the eyesight and hinder breathing as well.

Too late to back out.

No matter; after all, I was what you called a "trooper" in those days.

The show must go on, 'ya know, and all that sentimental crap.

The production company was relentless.

The shoot often ground on for hours on end and required a lot of painstaking detail to satisfy the "man" in the chair.

Michael was a stickler for perfection, after all.

To make matters worse, the cameras didn't generally start rolling 'til around the witching hour, or wind down until the sun started to climb lazily in the East the following morning.

Maybe Michael was a Vampire - like the one he play-acted in Thriller - after all.

As to the elusive Pop Icon?

During the duration of the shoot he remained out-of-sight, directing from afar.

Yup!

One of his lowly handlers was assigned the heady task of hustling us in-and-out of our trailers, positioning us on the set, calling us into action, and what-have-you.

Not a peep from MJ the mega-Star at the helm of the million-dollar extravaganza!

On occasion when logistics slowed production down - the other dudes and I would twiddle our thumbs, chew the fat, or huddle up in the trailer to stay warm whenever a night chill chose to usher itself in unexpectedly.

The lot of us - trekked in-and-out, back and forth, this way 'n that - as directed.

But, no MJ in sight!

One fine night under a starlit sky - just as we were about to wrap - I spied the mysterious superstar nimbly stepping out of a trailer across the lot.

For one brief second he glanced in my direction - burst into a wide smile for a second or two - then departed into the good night with little ado.

A close encounter of the 3rd kind, alright!

And that, as they say, was that.

In spite of the fact the shoot was long and drawn-out and terribly boring - quite stressful, too - one thing made it all worthwhile.

Why, of course, all the pretty checks that flew into the mailbox shortly thereafter with gobs of golden time tacked on.

Time to party-hearty and raise a mug to MJ in thanks!

The King of Pop paid the rent that month, too.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...protestors disrupt memorial @ Staples Center briefly! One Child-molestor finger-pointer arrested...

(AP Photo/Nick Ut)

In a news flash a short while ago, CBS reported that at least one irate protester outside of the Staples Center - accusing Michael Jackson "out loud" of being a child molester - was arrested for being unruly and causing a disruption in the street as fans and invited guests prepared to attend the much-anticipated Memorial Service for the King of Pop.

In addition, a dozen or so cohorts allegedly held up disparaging signs that screamed out nasty comments in bold handwritten scrawls:

"You're Going to Hell", "Mourn for Your Sins", and "Jacko in Hell".

Obviously, the impromptu protest was directly related to past allegations that the celebrated musician once molested children who were guests at his Neverland Ranch just outside of Santa Barbara, California.

Jackson vigorously fought those allegations openly in court and was acquitted of all charges.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...tickets! Gone, Gone, Gone...

If you're as antsy as me, you probably checked your e-mail box non-stop yesterday, to determine if you'd been blessed with a couple of coveted tickets for Michael Jackson's Memorial Service downtown Tuesday (July 7th) at the Staples Center.

Fortunately, Ryan Seacrest zipped off a tweet and I was warned in advance that the organizers for the much-anticipated Jackson service, were not going to contact ticket recipients until Monday, July 6th (today).

So, I slipped out the door at dusk last night and hit the nightclub circuit to catch the tail-end of the 4th of July festivities.

This morning, when I plucked up the Los Angeles Times to give it a quick peruse, I suddenly spied a newspaper article which noted briefly that a handful of winners were informed by e-mail communication at about 5:45 pm yesterday afternoon of the outcome of their entries in the draw .

One thrilled couple back East were jubilant that their names were selected by the high-tech computer that must-have whizzed through the entries like lightning and quicker than you can say google!

At first, they were highly-suspicious, according to the reporter.

"They thought they were being scammed."

But, under close-scrutiny, they determined they pulled off the invite of the decade!

Heh, these folks deserve the privilege.

Imagine that, the dedicated fans are laying out cold hard cash to book flights, and fly in from out-of-town to attend the Memorial Service.

later, when I first logged on to the Internet - and opened up Yahoo - I didn't spy one peep from the Jackson folks.

Boo Hoo!

But, when I was scrolling down the in-box a couple of minutes later - an e-mail communication from staples.com - caught my eye.

I clicked on the link not knowing what to expect.

Darn, it was a polite message informing me that the computer ticket-picker, passed me by.

Here it is verbatim:

Thank you for your registration. Sorry, we regret to inform you that your registration to attend the Public Memorial Service for Michael Jackson was not selected. Hundreds of thousands registered, but only a few can be in attendance. S

Even still, I think the event-planners exhibited a lot of class!

I mean, instead of leaving a host of wistful hopefuls twisting in the wind - they were truly thoughtful enough to inform us first-hand - before the lucky few started boasting near and far.

Hats off to Staples, the Jackson's, and the whole slew of handlers organizing the event.

Cool, dudes!

Ironically, a curious news item published nearby in the same edition of the Los Angeles Times, caught my attention - and likewise - signalled that Jackson organizers may have to put up with uninvited guests, nonetheless.

According to the management at Staples, Barnum & Bailey is set to ring up the curtain on their 5-day Circus extravaganza at the stadium day-after tomorrow.

Get this!

Just shy of the hour the Jackson entourage, invited guests, and fans are scheduled to descend on the staples center to pay their last respects, a herd of Elephants is slated to parade down the causeway, too!

Although the organizers were trying to avoid a zoo-like atmosphere at the Memorial Service - ironically, as fate would have - a 3 ring Circus will head up the funeral procession!

Getting hit with a bit of bird sh** may be lucky, but a paddie of Elephant dung, I wonder?

In view of Michael's love for animals, all I can offer up in closing is, what a way to go!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...OD on prescription drugs? I relate to merry-go-round...

When the media roared up to UCLA Medical Center with paparazzi in tow on that fateful day last week when it was announced that Michael Jackson did not respond to CPR efforts - and he consequently succumbed to cardiac arrest - there wasn't much speculation about the cause of the Pop Icon's untimely death.

Personally, it never occurred to me that Jackson was ever an a "drug user" - or abuser - for that matter.

For starters, the talented musician appeared to be obsessively focused on his appearance; therefore, the vain over-the-top efforts to transform his face into that of a handsome young white man were first and foremost in most people's minds.

Notwithstanding, Jackson was a well-informed individual, who was keenly aware that the ravages of alcohol and/or drugs would take their toll on his "looks" over time.

In retrospect, I would have to surmise that three major events in his life may have sent him down the path to his unexpected demise last week.

If you recall, years ago Michael was seriously injured when a special effects stunt went awry and set the Pop Icon on fire.

Apparently, he was in a lot of pain after that incident.

Understandably, he may have used painkillers and other potent drugs to alleviate that problem, and got "hooked".

After that hiccup in his dizzying jet-set lifestyle, Michael was later accused of child molestation - at which point - he was subjected to public scrutiny and scorn (for the first time in the glare of the spotlight), humiliating physical examinations by the LAPD, and intense mental and emotional distress when he was forced to go into a sort-of self-exile for a short period until the worst of the storm passed.

In recent years, bad luck - in the form of financial woes, pending lawsuits, and unexpected falling from Grace with a fickle public, may have pushed a few hyper-sensitive buttons in his troubled psyche and pushed him over the edge.

In that event, doctors may have prescribed sedatives so he could relax - and ultimately - cope with the growing pressures of his personal and professional life spinning out-of-control.

In the event of insomnia - or a sleep disorder - there may have been more heavy-duty drugs prescribed to alleviate the problem.

In today's paper, it was reported - for instance - that a drug that is used primarily as an anesthetic (and not available to the general public) was found in Jackson's house shortly after his death last week.

In particular, there were numerous bottles of "Diprivan", which is normally dispensed by an individual trained to administer anesthesia.

Typically, it's used in hospitals.

An expert in the field - Ethan Bryson - noted for the record:

"It's a very dangerous drug if self-administered or administered by someone not trained in airway management and cardiac life support. You need to have someone who knows what they are doing to administer it."

In the Jackson scenario, the obvious question is this then.

How long after the drug is administered improperly - or in too large a dose - would it take for the individual to go into cardiac arrest?

The answer to that question may be the key to fathoming whether the death occurred by Michael's "own hand" or due to mistake and/or misadventure.

After all, if no one else was in the house when Michael went into cardiac arrest, he must have been the one to provide the lethal does.

Right?

On the other hand - if there were others present in the tony estate that fateful day - and none were medical professionals qualified to administer the drug - an accusing finger would have to point in their direction.

Wouldn't it?

Until those issues are resolved, I don't expect I'll speculate any further.

However, when a newspaper reporert noted that drugs like Diprivan may be prescribed for sleep problems, it struck a chord in me.

A few weeks ago, I disclosed in one of my posts that I was recently diagnosed with a sleeping disorder which was causing me a number of difficulties.

For instance, at night I found it difficult to sleep or get a good night's rest.

During the day, consequently, I often fell asleep while sitting in a restaurant shortly after I plunked into a deep easy chair to relax and sip on a cup of hot tea - and once, if you can believe it - while at the wheel of my car driving down the highway mid-day!

After a number of tests were taken (by virtue of an overnight stay at a clinic where they monitored my sleep patterns and frequency of rem cycles) it was determined that I was being plagued by a sleep disorder (possibly Narcolepsy) which needed treatment.

So, my doctor prescribed a "stimulant" to ingest early in the morning to get me through the day, and a sedative to help me drift off into dreamland at dusk.

I recall the first day I took the pill designed to keep me "focused" and alert.

About two hours after I swallowed the "medicine", my heart started to palpitate furiously.

In addition, I became intensely aware of my surroundings.

In fact, at times, my surroundings appeared to be a bit surreal and intense.

A short while later, I caught myself "smacking" my lips and grinding my teeth a bit.

Suddenly, I realized that the stimulant prescribed for my condition was some form of "meth" or speed.

Albeit, a legally-prescribed one!

Because I have written posts about such addictions in the West Hollywood community in the recent past, it was evident to me - that if was not careful - I may end up heading down that unpredictable (dangerous) path, too.

I took a reality check.

Obviously, I would have to monitor myself over time to ensure my firm grasp on things did not "slip" away from me when I was unawares - and ultimately - lead me to a dependence on the drugs.

So, the next day, I broke the pill in two and consumed only half.

Even still, by the end of the day, I was forced to gobble down the sleep aid to relax me.

I was buzzie, felt wide-eyed and drained, and my body was aching and crying out for sleep.

Fortunately, though, I was intelligent enough to figure it out.

If I'm not careful, I may end up on an endless merry-go-round of uppers-and-downers - and eventually - lose control.

But, there were worse concerns on my mind that the physical ups-and-downs.

Within a few days I began to experience moments of euphoria.

Then - a few minutes later - I might into a bit of a depression, without knowing why.

Mood swings, uh-huh!

As the Michael Jackson story started to focus on possible drug abuse last week, it dawned on me then, that perhaps this was how the pop icon got caught up in the downward spiral he may have fallen victim to.

We'll have to wait until the Jury is in to know for sure.

When you consider that some of the drugs seized at the Holmby Hills mansion were written for Michael Jackson in multiple "pseudonyms" (aliases, which were slight variations on the correct spelling of his name) it is easy to understand why eyebrows have been raised and a full-scale investigation is underway.

Were his doctors engaging in a deceitful bold-faced effort to conceal his identity (and the illegal distribution of prescription drugs) from the authorities or the prying eyes of the press?

Today, another thought occurred to me.

A person with a terminal illness might have to administer painkillers on their own in the event there was a sudden seizure or bout of uncontrollable pain which required immediate medical attention to bring relief to the patient.

In the event a doctor was not on hand to administer the drug in a professional capacity, wouldn't the individual suffering from the ailment - or a close friend or associate - have to take up the task then?

Is it possible Michael Jackson had a serious illness he did not want to disclose to the public?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...how to get tickets for Memorial Service!

Today, when I logged into Twitter, Ryan Seacrest (DJ) was thoughtful enough to post a tweet with instructions on how to take a shot at scooping up (free) tickets to the Memorial Service planned for Michael Jackson to be held here on the West Coast early next week.

Jackson family spokesperson Ken Sunshine (& CEO Tim Leiweke) appeared at a news conference Friday and unveiled the well-thought-out detailed arrangements to commemorate Jackson's recent passing into spirit.

Fans, tourists, friends, plain old folks, paparazzi - even members of the media - are invited to pay their last respects to MJ - and may do so - by entering a draw at staples.com web site.

Info: staplescenter.com.

The Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, July 7th, at the Staples Center (live) in the Nokia theater.

There will be simulcasts on three screens.

The broadcasts will commence at 10 am.

Tickets

There are 17,500 tickets available in total.

11,000 tickets will be handed out to people to attend the service inside the Staples Center.

In addition, 6,500 tickets will be reserved for individuals who wish to view the service from a simulcast at the Nokia theater.

A balance of 9,000 tickets have been reserved for the Jackson family to use at their discretion.

Draw Instructions

Fans have trouble registering due to high traffic at the web-site are asked to be patient!

Once the winners are drawn, they will be notified on Sunday between 11 am and 8 pm, and provided with a Code for a Ticketmaster ticket.

Winners are asked to arrive early at the Staples Center on Monday morning to pick up their two tickets and two wristbands in person.

Winners must pick up their tickets in the manner instructed because there will not be any future distribution of tickets at either the Staples Center or Nokia theatre.

Organizers are also recommending that individuals without tickets wishing to attend watch the Memorial Service from home since no spectators will be allowed to accumulate outside of the downtown Staples Center during the Memorial Service.

Registration

Once an entrant's registration has been received, accepted and processed at the staples site, the following online notice will appear on-screen with these final instructions:

"Your registration for your chance to attend the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service has been received."

"If your application is successful, you will receive an e-mail on Sunday, July 5, 2009 after 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time) with your exclusive unique code and instructions on how to obtain your two free tickets to attend the Public Memorial Service. "

"A valid ticket will be required to enter STAPLES Center & L.A. LIVE area on Tuesday, July 6, 2009."

"Tickets will be distributed for either the public memorial service in the STAPLES Center or at the live television broadcast in the adjacent Nokia Theatre."

"Please add info@staplescenter.com to your address book to ensure successful email delivery."

From moi?

Good luck!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

TMZ...Michael Jackson scoop! Stooping low, according to legit press...

On Sunday, I was perusing the weekend edition of the LA Times, when I spied a feature criticizing TMZ gossip-mongers for swooping down like vultures on the Michael Jackson tragedy - and patting themselves on the back after-the-fact - for scooping the rest of the ravenous blood-thirsty pack come press deadline.

"Everyone knows we broke the story," Levin boasted in so many words.

Frankly, I was a little surprised by Harvey's curious conduct in this regard.

For starters, in my estimation, it is pretty much a given on the cut-throat landscape of news (and scandal) reporting on the West Coast, that Levin - or one of his eager-beaver cub scouts - will usually nab a breaking-news feature long before the competition has finished scratching around trash bins and dirty laundry for the clues.

Is Levin feeling the heat?

Aw, come on!

Those other newsies are a bunch of jealous cry-babies, anxious to carve up your territory, Harv.

Yup, they're lookin' to knock 'ya off your high horse.

In this shake-down scenario, anyway.

"This is a critical moment for TMZ, " the Times' writers snicker.

Naw, don't think so.

You'd like to bet the farm on it, though, right?

After throwing a little scare into Levin, who was no doubt anxiously perusing the red-hot copy on the sidelines, the troublesome twosome proceeded to sing the TMZ host's praises for a paragraph or two.

"Its reputation for breaking big celebrity news has made TMZ.com an online sensation with an estimated readership of 4.1 million according to Web Measurement Services."

Then, Scott Collins and Meg James go in for the kill.

"But the Jackson drama puts the spotlight on TMZ at a delicate time: its tactics have stoked growing outrage among publicists (hate 'em!) and government officials (they come in handy, on occasion). "

For this reason, the dynamic newsies at the Times, conjectured that advertisers have been hesitant to plunk cash down for print ads at TMZ.com or for lucrative commercial spots on the TV version of the pot-boiler bill-of-fare which broadcasts in tandem with the webbie offering.

Others will come running, so what's the big deal?

In fact, just as I was pondering this, the article zig-zagged off and noted for the record that TMZ officials were pleased with the outcome in recent days.

After all, the Jackson "scoop" took TMZ to a new level of recognition.

And, some touted that outcome as a triumph of the new rich media over the staid old.

Even still, in spite of silly off-point hysterical musings over the issues that missed their mark for the most part - and a lot of positive press for TMZ - the slightly-harried-looking Levin complained that "no one" gave TMZ the credit - for not only getting the story right - but getting it on tap for consumer consumption before the ink at big gun media outlets was even dry.

On the contrary, when I penned and posted my report on Twitter at approximately 3:23 pm on the fateful day in question, I noted that Levin and TMZ.com were abreast of the story as it was unfolding.

Specifically - I gave Levin and his team the nod for getting the word out to fans and the public in general - about Jackson's cardiac arrest, the CPR efforts by a firefighter to revive the ailing Pop Star, and the subsequent whirlwind emergency flight by helicopter to UCLA Medical Center.

Apologies accepted, Sir!

The front-page article went on to probe some of the tactics TMZ has allegedly facilitated in the past to unearth documents and obtain highly-sensitive information with the sinister aim of securing said for "exclusivity" rights.

Hard-core critics like Rob Silverstein - Executive Producer at Access Hollywood - griped that the TMZ staff were not beneath paying for top-secret paperwork and crucial eye-witness testimony.

Along with high-profile rivals, Silverstein contended that Levin and his company have been engaging in unethical journalistic practices which most news-gathering organizations do not allow reporters and editors to entertain from the get-go.

"But, I don't have absolute proof," the annoyed Exec fessed up.

In response, individuals on the other side of the battle lines simply shrugged, and innocently argued that people "just wanted to get their stories out".

Levin, who usually sidesteps the issue, confided to a New York Times reporter (in the wake of the pointed fingers and raging controversy) that the site paid "tip fees" that usually led to stories.

But, spokespeople for TMZ stressed for the record that the mad money laid out for "leads", were not used for "buy outs" or "exclusivity agreements".

The lawyer-Levin - well-versed in the law - is no fool.

The New York Times would probably scrounge about - and ferret out any smoking gun by simply enlisting the sniffing capacities of their own well-placed moles - so the genial gossip maven was smart to "admit" up front.

All of the characters in this tawdry tale sound like scrappers and dirty street-fighters to me.

To add a little color to the mix - and twist the knife in just a tad - the Times' staff writers also took a brief foray into the shadowy realm of TMZ's routine sleaze-ball coverage - sensational peak-a-boo out-takes and scandalous low-brow celebrity teases, for instance - they argued sullied legit attempts by TMZ to gain solid footing in mainstream reporting around the country where ethics in journalism are a prerequisite.

What is the crime committed here?

TMZ led the horses to water, and they slurped it all up, naturally.

Which segues into the next titillating point.

Popularity is up!

"We're very pleased with the ratings," quipped the Senior Vice President of programming for Fox, which airs TMZ on 17 stations around the country.

It is no mystery then as to why Fox intends to broadcast TMZ for at least two more years.

If he isn't already, maybe Levin should start slipping a little something into that designer cup glued in his hand during broadcast - brimming with a mystery elixir 'til now - to help him relax.

Is that the next scandal brewing?

News at 11!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson..."wake" celebrates the life & music of Pop Icon! UCLA unlikely host...

Michael, what happened?

This morning's papers were awash with news about Michael Jackson in the wake of his unexpected death yesterday afternoon at the UCLA Medical facility in Westwood (CA).

Many of the insightful detailed reports echoed each other.

There were eye-witness accounts of mourning fans, thoughts on what amounts to a colossal loss to the creative end of the music industry, reports on weepy candle-light vigils, and up-close and personal interviews with contemporaries who sang the Pop Icon's praises now that he has departed from this mortal coil and passed into spirit.

From where I stood, however, the overwhelming news event smacked more of a celebration of Michael's life & music.

A "wake", if you like.

Indeed, in a mass turn-out in front of the UCLA Medical facility late yesterday afternoon and early into the evening, fans demonstrated their love for a performer who was many things to many different people.

Yes, Jackson was a musical genius, an original given to unexplained excesses, a talented artist prone to self-destruct at any moment, you name it.

Once the news swept out from the inner recesses of the UCLA medical facility that doctors were desperately trying to work their magic to restore life to a frail shell of a human being that was fast expiring - fans descended on the well-manicured courtyard outside the hospital - and began their vigil.

But, what I beheld before me was not a teary-eyed assembly of mourners, grief-stricken beyond comprehension - but rather - a joyous throng of devoted fans who chose to celebrate his life and music the best way they fathomed they could.

The spirited music-lovers mimicked his style (many turned out with gloved hand, signature Fedora-style hat, outfitted in eye-catching outerwear festooned with sequins that glittered like stardust in the mid-afternoon sun), as they sang out the catchy - at times tricky - arrangement of notes and words of a dozen or so of his memorable hits.

Occasionally, emotions took hold - at which point a handful of high-spirited fans - broke into a contagious dance that continued on into dusk.

When the familiar strains of "Thriller" hit the air, the mood shifted gear and the fans went into a wild frenzy.

Young tots, hip teens - even older snazzily-dressed Jackson fans - let loose and danced individually and in pairs (even trios, at times) - inside a "magic circle" like moths drawn to a flame.

At one point, a beaming Afro-American male spied my own lithe bod gyrating to the unique beat of the mega hit from yesteryear and was inclined to give me a nudge.

"Go on, man. Get in there. It's your turn."

Hesitant, but willing nonetheless (dancing is my first love), I stepped into the glare of the spotlight at the heart of the hypnotic beat of the pop hit and danced up a storm.

A roar went up from the crowd.

"That was the beauty of it," I thought to myself.

This "wake" was all inclusive.

At this point, for me anyway, the lines blurred somewhat.

One moment, I was logging the "historical event" from a reporter's point of view for posterity; in the next, I was swept up, across a great divide.

All the walls came tumbling down as I relaxed into the warm and fuzzy moment.

The world shifted.

I was transformed from an unbiased commentator on the sidelines into a bona fide fan capable of appreciating the remarkable compositions of a uniquely gifted musician who had just passed into spirit before his time.

Even still, Michael Jackson's rich legacy of sound - pure in it's creative genius - shall march on.

Such was the potent power of the Prince of Pop's musical gifts.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...media circus @ UCLA! Debacle reminiscent of Elvis...

By late afternoon, once the shocking news of Michael Jackson's death streaked across the Internet - and beyond into local businesses and the cozy homes of devoted fans - the skies here in picturesque Westwood were black with helicopters buzzing the frenzied masses below.



Meanwhile, on land routes that normally accessed the state-of-the-art UCLA hospital with ease, were now cordoned off for the most part as University security hand-directed the traffic flow in a bold-faced effort to avoid a potentially dangerous gridlock.



Two dozen or so media outlets were inclined to screech to an abrupt halt in their vehicles and park along the median strip haphazardly - at which point - they bolted up to the front doors of the medical facility where the Pop Icon passed into spirit a few scant hours ago.



It was an impromptu media blitz, if ever there was one, and was reminiscent of the debacle that followed in the wake of Elvis' death decades ago.



Fans held brightly-colored signs etched with loving tributes - and on occasion - broke into a hypnotic chant.



"Michael! Michael! Michael."



Did they half expect their Crown Prince to rise up from the dead - and "moon walk" once last time - before taking a final bow forever?



One fan turned up the sound on his CD Player - and within minutes - bodies were writhing to the strains of the "Man in the Mirror".



My own included.



Catchy little ditty, that!



Did the emboldened hordes descend on Michael's final resting place because the image of the man - though distorted and misguided at times - still inspired them to recognize the power of song?



All of the media heavyweights were in attendance, too.

(MTV, CNN, NBC).



Each news team waited patiently (albeit a bit frustrated with the cards they had been dealt) for the doors of the temporary press room to swing open wide so they could surge forward - animals that they are - and stake a claim at a News Conference guaranteed to satisfy not only their audiences but the curious madding crowd to boot.



One reporter next to me in line shrugged.



"What can the doctors or Police Officials tell us that we don't already know?"



She answered her own question in a cynical tone of voice.



"Time of death. Who he is survived by. Yada Yada Yada."



On the contrary, I pointed out.



In this instant case, enquiring minds were probably pining for all the juicy tidbits.



Was the death accidental?



"No way," one reporter snapped back incredulous at the thought.



Was the unexpected death brought on by natural causes, his own hand, or due to drugs?



Also, there were nagging questions surrounding the hour of death.



Allegedly, Jackson died at approximately 1:21 pm this afternoon.



But, for some inexplicable reason, the legendary POP star was not pronounced dead until about two hours later at approximately 3:23 pm.



I know.



I was sitting at a computer terminal when MSNBC flashed a news alert to that effect.



Bottom line?



Expect the unexpected.



And, a lot of drama, Hollywood-style!

Michael Jackson...concerts sold out! Is an Ebony & Ivory gig on horizon?

Although Michael Jackson's concert tickets weren't snapped up in 7 seconds flat - and failed to mirror the frenzied rush for hot-ticket seats for the McCartney gig slated for April - the Pop Icon was able to boast sold-out shows a few hours after the box office opened its windows.

A thriller is obviously second banana to a mop-top!

Unlike the former Beatle, Jackson pitched his concerts tickets well-in-advance.

Maybe the Pepsi-pusher wasn't sure he'd be able to fill the house; in that event, a sell-out no doubt boosted the child diddler's morale somewhat.

Opening night is slated for July, with a series of gigs to span through the year, and into February of 2010.

Although the unpredicable King of Pop is titling his tour - "This is it" - to signal a final curtain bow, I expect he'll return amid a blaze of glory for an encore, and abtly title the extravaganza - "That was it, then" - or something appropros.

Cher's been pulling that stunt for years, and getting away with it ad nauseam, go figure!

A kind-of eureka moment hit me like lightning out-of-the-blue this morning.

Maybe McCartney & Jackson should team up for a duet on the rocky road back into the spotlight.

Ebony & Ivory!

Great gimmick, eh?

Colonel Parker look out.

http://www.julianayrs.com

Michael Jackson...to tour concert circuit for $10 million? That buys a lot of surgery...

One of the local disc jockeys rustled up his pals in the sound booth at the crack of dawn this morning with the news a news flash hot off the wire from Jolly old England.

Apparently, Michael Jackson is "this close" to signing a lucrative deal with concert promoters overseas, in a bold-faced effort to revive a flailing music career.

Outside Organisation, a PR company that handles musicians, invited media types to attend a News Conference on Thursday (March 5th) to be held at the 02 arena in London.

The King of Pop may have fallen on hard times (and popularity) on these shores, but the Brits still hold a torch for the controversial much-surgically-manipulated musical genius of the hour.

If the pact goes forward, it is rumored that the entertainer will be paid a whopping $10 mil for ten high-profile concert gigs around the circuit ($1 mil a pop).

No doubt, such a tour is rife with the potential to launch a comeback for the kid, and revive a musical act that has been floudering about amid a sea of wild accusations, ongoing litigation, and mounting debtor's woes.

Recently, John Landis (who directed Thriller a dozen or so years ago) filed suit against Jackson in a local court, alleging in the causes of action that the spoiled celebrity reneged on a contractual agreement to pay for creative services performed.

Then, there is the curious scenario that unfolded when Jackson fled America at the height of embarrassing personal dilemmas, to seek refuge in Dubai by virtue of a free meal ticket and the generous hospitality of a young prince enamored of the superstar.

When Jackson made a sudden exit from the ritzy enclave, the jilted son of a member of the Royal Family, embarrassed the Pop Icon further when he publicly scorned the freeloader for failing to pay back the unsecured loan.

In his defense, Michael asserted to shocked Americans who had been following the brewing scandal in the tabloid rags, that the cash was not a loan at all - but rather - a "gift".

I say poppycock.

Tongues wagged and Jackson appeared to be free falling into an abyss of no return.

Undoubtedly, the concert dates being offered up at this juncture, are a Godsend.

Don't blow it, Michael!

http://www.julianayrs.com