|
|---|
Home / News Archive / News June 2010 December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January New Michael Jackson Video Game for Xmas. 15-06-'10 Michael Jackson is still on the cutting edge of technology, the King of Pop is set to star in a new revolutionary video game ... and the people in charge of MJ's estate are totally on board. The game -- currently untitled -- will essentially be "dance karaoke" ... which means gamers will see Michael Jackson dancing on screen and will then be challenged to imitate his moves. The game features iconic songs like Beat It and Billie Jean. Michael Jackson: The Game will be released this holiday season on the Xbox 360 for the Kinect and the PS3 for the Move. There will also be Wii, PSP and DS versions. Also in the Xbox version, the gamer will be judged based on full body movements. The game will process the movements and display the gamer's avatar on screen ... dancing right next to MJ. The game is being developed by Ubisoft -- the same people behind Assassin's Creed and Ghost Recon -- and we're told Ubisoft properly secured permission from the MJ estate ... so it's all legit. The game is scheduled to hit shelves sometime before Christmas. Source: Billie Jean Joe Jackson Wishes He'd Forced Michael To Quit Shows. 13-06-'10 Michael's father Joe Jackson wishes he had forced the King of Pop to cancel his This Is It concerts last year (09) - because he knew the gigs would be "too much" for the frail star. The Thriller hitmaker passed away last June (09), shortly before he was due to embark on a mammoth multi-date residency at London's O2 arena. The Jackson patriarch was pushing for the concert run to be reduced or scrapped altogether and even stormed out of a meeting with the singer following an argument over the excessive schedule. And Joe is full of regret because the angry exchange was the last time he spoke to his son. He tells Britain's News of the World, "Michael told me he had signed for just 15 shows, but was doing 50, and it was too much in one go. I warned Randy that Michael would be pushed to the edge. I got angry and started shouting, but Michael and his mother just sat in the corner laughing out loud. Just like Katherine, he couldn't cope with confrontations. Randy said he would look into these things, but nothing ever happened. "After that I left the room, and I said goodbye to Michael. I told him I'd speak to him soon - but I never did. It was the last time I saw him. I wish I had made him walk away from those shows. I knew he would never make them, but I never thought he'd die." Source: contactmusic / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Protest -- From Russia With Love. 13-06-'10 Michael Jackson fans as far away as Russia are organizing for a big protest outside the criminal courthouse in downtown L.A., where Dr. Conrad Murray will be making an appearance Monday. This poster (above) comes from fans in Russia. It will be among the many held up in indignation as Murray makes his way into the courthouse. The group organizing the event -- Justice4MJ -- will be competing with Dr. Murray's supporters, who are planning a rally in Houston that could be 1,000 strong. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Murray Still Fighting To Keep License. 12-06-'10 A lawyer for Dr. Conrad Murray filed papers Friday fighting new efforts by the attorney general of California to suspend his license to practice medicine in the state. Murray's lawyer accused prosecutors of renewing an old motion in front of a new judge in hopes of winning a different result. Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz previously declined to suspend Murray's license but ordered him not to administer anesthetics such as propofol, the powerful drug implicated in Michael Jackson's death. Murray's attorney, Ed Chernoff, argued that restriction is sufficient. Murray has a pretrial hearing before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor scheduled for Monday in his involuntary manslaughter case. The medical license issue is expected to dominate the hearing. Murray has pleaded not guilty in the death of the pop legend last June. Chernoff said in his filing that a motion filed last week by Attorney General Jerry Brown's office is the fourth identical effort filed on behalf of the California medical board. He said it has already been ruled upon and there are no new circumstances surrounding the case. Lawyers for Murray have previously argued it is unnecessary to revoke his California license because he does not practice in the state and they fear that a suspension would have a domino effect causing him to not be able to practice at his clinics in Nevada and Texas, where he is also licensed. "The order the attorney general is seeking would be financially and personally devastating to Dr. Murray," Chernoff said. Source: MJFC / AP / Billie Jean Slash Wanted MJ Duet. 12-06-'10 Rocker Slash was lining up Michael Jackson to feature on his solo album when the singer suffered a fatal cardiac arrest. The former Guns N' Roses star previously teamed up with the King of Pop to record guitar solos on a handful of his tracks and he regrets not asking Jackson to return the favor by singing on his first solo project. Jackson died on June 25, 2009 just days before he was due to launch his "This Is It" comeback shows in London. Slash says, "When I was thinking about who I wanted to work with, Michael crossed my mind. I thought about doing something that would see him totally cross over into rock." "But it was around this time last year and he was flat-out rehearsing for the London O2 gigs so in the back of my mind I thought, 'He's not going to have the time.' It's hard to believe he's gone." And Slash admits he is still angry about how the superstar was treated by the public after his child molestation scandal despite his acquittal at a 2005 trial. He adds, "There was this whole eight or nine-year period in the States where he was cast out. I like to believe he was innocent of the stuff he was accused of. He was acquitted and yet he was totally ostracized. Then he died and you had people crying in the streets. Bulls**t. It really hasn't hit home that he's gone yet." Source: Billie Jean Friedman: Vultures Circle June 25 For First Attack. 12-06-'10 Roger Friedman posted the following today in his column, Showbiz411: The vultures around Michael Jackson have circled June 25th–the first anniversary of his death– for their first attacks. That’s the day Ian Halperin, sleazy tabloid muckracker, airs his “Gone Too Soon” film on the TV Guide Network. Halperin has already feasted on Michael Jackson’s remains with a book last year. Now he comes with an editorial film in which he interviews the D list from the Jackson outer circle about their knowledge of Jackson’s life. It will be interesting to see how he handles not having Jackson’ s music in his film, let alone the people who really knew him. Expect much heavy weighing in from the illustrious Tohme R. Tohme. Even better: June 25th is also launch date for a, ahem, book by Leonard Rowe, erstwhile concert promoter. Rowe was in cahoots with Joseph Jackson before Michael died to try and wrest control of the London “This Is It” concerts from AEG Live. Rowe and Jackson actually called this reporter a few weeks prior to Michael’s passing, thinking they could enlist my help in this effort. I essentially hung up on them. For a short time, Rowe wormed his way into Michael’s good graces before he was fired. Yes, Rowe was fired in writing by Michael Jackson. Now he wants to sell his side of the story. The self published “What Really Happened to Michael Jackson, King of Pop” looks like it’s a hoot. On Rowe’s website he’s already given away the introduction. Rowe basically accuses AEG Live of killing Michael. My favorite of his assertions is that “not many people knew that Michael owned 50% of Sony’s entire catalog.” Uh, Leonard, I don’t think there’s a Sherpa in Nepal who doesn’t know that whole story. This is not exactly a revelation. Rowe writes: “I was also trying my best to fight what I perceived to be the evil that was surrounding him at that time.” He says: “In my opinion, AEG had a contract with Michael that was nothing less than a cocked financial gun pointed to his head. It is my belief that he was being totally exploited.” Indeed, the only people who certainly intended to exploit Michael Jackson were Leonard Rowe and his partner, Joseph Jackson. These two have their own long history. Joe Jackson actually sued Rowe in the 80s over a Jacksons tour. Not only that, but Rowe is an ex-con. He also lost a lawsuit brought against him as a concert promoter by R. Kelly and was ordered to pay $3.4 million. He also had to pay NeYo $700,000. In Rowe launched a lawsuit against the William Morris Agency, CAA and other group claiming racism as the reason he couldn’t promote more concerts. On December 30, 2005 ,after losing the case and appealing it, Rowe was finally crushed by a federal appeals court judge. A year earlier, another judge, finding for the defendants, wrote: “plaintiffs raised no genuine issue of material fact and that no rational trier of fact could find for plaintiffs on any of the myriad of claims made in this action.” According to one report: “Rowe spent time in federal prison in the early 90’s for being convicted of wire fraud for his role in the cashing of a fraudulent insurance check. He has had multiple arrests for writing bad checks.” Stay tuned because the lunacy has only just begun. There’s word that Brian Oxman, representing Joseph Jackson, wants to file a wrongful death suit against AEG Live. And he is going to accuse AEG of violating the Americans With Disabilities Act, saying that they knew he was a drug addict. To paraphrase Michael Jackson, “I got to be there” when these actions are filed, just to see the looks on the faces of the court clerks. Oxman was disciplined by the California State Supreme Court last December, for the second time in a dozen years. He was fired by Tom Mesereau, Jackson’s criminal attorney, for among other things falling asleep in court during Jackson’s child molestation trial. Source: MJFC / showbiz411.com / Billie Jean TV Guide Network to Premiere Jackson Documentary "Gone Too Soon". 11-06-'10 TV Guide Network will premiere a new Michael Jackson documentary, Gone Too Soon, on June 25 to mark the one-year anniversary of his death. The two-hour special, which will air on the same day in more than 50 countries, comes from author and filmmaker Ian Halperin, who penned the 2009 New York Times best-selling book Unmasked: The Final Years of Michael Jackson. Culled from more than 300 hours of footage shot before and after Jackson's death, Gone Too Soon will focus on the end of Jackson's life, as recounted by those who were closest to him, including the singer's personal manager, chef, spiritual advisor, hairstylist and bodyguard. The film also includes exclusive audio and video of Jackson himself. "Michael Jackson was the biggest entertainer in the world," said Diane Robina, executive vice president of programming and marketing at TV Guide Network. "A year after his death, people are still fascinated with his life story. We're thrilled to participate in this global media event by presenting this gripping documentary to his fans across the U.S." Gone Too Soon premieres June 25 at 9/8c on TV Guide Network. Source: seattlepi / Billie Jean MJ Auction -- Distasteful or Good Business? 11-06-'10 Randy Jackson has been fighting like crazy to stop a flood of Michael Jackson memorabilia from hitting the auction block on the anniversary of MJ's death -- but the auction house is going full steam ahead. Randy has been on Twitter attack, calling the auction at Planet Hollywood in Vegas "distasteful." Darren Julien from Julien's Auctions claims it's pure coincidence the auction falls on June 25 -- "We have the same summer auction [of pop star memorabilia] at the same time every year." Julien says the auction date can't be moved. So there. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Lawyer for Michael Jackson's Dad Targets AEG. 10-06-'10 TMZ has learned ... Joe Jackson's lawyer is now gunning to make AEG one of the bad guys in Michael Jackson's death. TMZ has learned Brian Oxman, Joe's lawyer, will file two complaints with government agencies -- alleging AEG abused Jackson in a way that led to his death. Sources tell us ... Oxman plans to lodge a complaint with the United States Attorney General, alleging AEG violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. Specifically, we're told Oxman's theory is that AEG knew Michael was a drug addict and was effectively disabled, yet he was pressured to keep a grueling and dangerous work schedule to prepare for the London concerts. We're also told Oxman plans to file a complaint with the Medical Board of California, alleging AEG was dictating Michael's medical treatment to the point it became the unauthorized practice of medicine. Sources say Oxman will soon file a wrongful death lawsuit against Dr. Conrad Murray, alleging he was responsible for Michael Jackson's death. We're told Oxman will not name AEG when he files, but may add the company as a defendant if the discovery process unearths evidence that AEG is culpable. Attorney Charles Peckham, Dr. Murray's lawyer, would not confirm the story, but tells TMZ, "Mr. Oxman has some questions with regard to AEG's participation in the last days of Michael Jackson's life and he should ask those questions." We spoke with Michael Roth from AEG, who had no immediate comment. UPDATE: Brian Oxman tells TMZ the complaints with the Attorney General and the Medical Board of California will both be filed before the anniversary of Michael's death -- June 25. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Doc: Where are the Docs? 10-06-'10 Sources tell TMZ Dr. Conrad Murray will ask the judge in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case to delay the preliminary hearing, because prosecutors still have not anted up all the investigative files. L.A. County District Attorney spokesperson Sandi Gibbons tells TMZ ... her office has turned over approximately 3,100 pages of discovery, including all of the expert medical reports. Gibbons says, "Everything we have to date, they have." Gibbons says discovery is an "ongoing process," and as material comes in it's forwarded to the defense. Gibbons added the defense would be getting more discovery on Monday. Gibbons would not say if her office has received the entire LAPD investigative file -- but our sources say the D.A. got it last December. Dr. Murray's people tell us they still have not received the full LAPD file and everything else that's available. In fact, they think it's "suspicious" that they were initially told there were "hundreds of thousands" of pages of discovery -- something the D.A.'s office says was an error. Murray's team says there is no way they can be ready for a preliminary hearing when they don't know the facts. Murray's prelim is supposed to start on June 14 ... and Murray will be in court. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean California Renews Bid To Suspend Murray's License. 10-06-'10 The medical board of California is once again asking a judge to suspend the license of the doctor charged in the death of superstar Michael Jackson. In a brief filed on Monday the state attorney general's office argued that the current prohibition against Dr. Conrad Murray using anesthetics is insufficient. The filing states that there is nothing preventing Murray, who has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter, from practicing medicine in California. Murray's attorneys have opposed all efforts to suspend his license and have said the doctor will not practice medicine in California. Murray's fight to keep his medical license will most likely be the main issue when he appears in court on Monday. Source: MJFC / AP / Billie Jean Fans to Be Welcomed at Jackson's Cemetery on His Death Anniversary. 09-06-'10 Glendale Police officials have confirmed Michael Jackson's fans will be welcomed at the city's Forest Lawn cemetery on the anniversary of the King of Pop's death after a series of discussions between owners and the Jackson family. The news follows Randy Jackson's claims that the cemetery will be open to the public on June 25, so pop fans can pay their respects to his late brother. But devotees will not be allowed inside the cemetery's Great Mausoleum, where Jackson's body was interred in September. Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz tells the Los Angeles Times newspaper, "We understand that Forest Lawn is working with the Jackson family for some kind of commemoration." "We will be working closely with Forest Lawn to ensure the safety of those who want to pay their respects to Michael Jackson while ensuring the safety of others who are coming to the cemetery to pay respects to their loved ones." Source: Billie Jean Michael Jackson's June 26 Tribute Event Is Unauthorized. 09-06-'10 A lawyer representing Michael Jackson's estate has slammed plans for a memorial gala to commemorate the first anniversary of the star's death - insisting the event has not been given official approval. The Forever Michael tribute evening will be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on June 26 - exactly a year and a day after the "Thriller" hitmaker passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at his home. The gala is being organized by executives at The Jackson Family Foundation, a charity set up by the star's father Joe to fund a Jackson family museum in their native Gary, Indiana, in conjunction with VoicePlate Productions. A "portion" of proceeds will go towards the charity. A statement posted on the star's official website reads, "This Red Carpet event will be a dedication for Mr. Michael Jackson... The vision is to bring together Michael Jackson family members, celebrities, fans, supporters and the community to celebrate and honor his legacy." But Howard Weitzman, an attorney representing the late star's estate, has slammed plans for the event, insisting the gala is completely unauthorized. He tells TMZ.com, "No one ever contacted the estate to see whether or not they would approve, participate in, or allow the use of Michael's name, likeness, image or intellectual property for this event." Source: Billie Jean Forever Michael Memorial -- Not MJ Approved. 08-06-'10 For $150 a ticket, you can pay tribute to Michael Jackson on the one year anniversary of his death ... at the swanky Beverly Hilton Hotel. Problem is ... the event is not sanctioned by the people who control all things MJ. "Forever Michael" is being thrown by The Jackson Family Foundation and VoicePlate.com. Joseph Fahmy, the guy who runs VoicePlate, tells TMZ Joe and Katherine Jackson, along with Michael's 3 kids are expected to attend. But sources connected with the family tell us ... Katherine and the kids won't even be in town on June 26 -- the day of the event. According to the VoicePlate website, "A portion of the proceeds for this event will be presented to some of Michael Jackson's favorite charities at the event." As for what portion goes to charity and where the rest of the money goes ... Fahmy wouldn't say, although he did tell us he just hopes to break even. And there's this ... Fahmy says Jackson songs will be sung the entire evening. It's all news to the Michael Jackson estate. Howard Weitzman, lawyer for the estate, tells TMZ, "No one ever contacted the Estate to see whether or not they would approve, participate in, or allow the use of Michael's name, likeness, image or intellectual property for this event." Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Miu Miu Homage to Michael Jackson Collection. 06-06-'10 The glittery jazz shoe will forever be associated with Michael Jackson, and in honour of the King of Pop's career, Miu Miu have designed these dazzling brogues and loafers, all encrusted with grosgrain glitter. You won't be seeing the shoes in shops any time soon, but the OSOYou girls spotted the shoes on their recent trip to New York with HP. It's a good time for Miu Miu to be bringing out the unisex styles, which come at the height of our obsession with boyfriend shoes for the girls, and slightly androgynous-looking ultra-long shoes for the guys. Just coming up to a year since Jackson's death, it's already clear that his legacy won't only live on in his music, but in his inimitable, unmistakable sense of style. http://www.osoyou.com/Fashion/2.publisha Source: osoyou.com / Billie Jean MJ Fans -- Cemetery Ban Won't Stop Us. 05-06-'10 TMZ has learned tons of Michael Jackson fans are descending upon MJ's tomb on the 1-year anniversary of his death -- even though they've been banned from the mausoleum. As we previously reported, Forest Lawn Cemetery -- where Jackson is entombed -- claims they've adopted a new policy in which security is instructed to remove anyone hanging out in front of the King of Pop's mausoleum. But a rep for Justice4MJ -- the fan group organizing the mass pilgrimage -- tells TMZ they are "absolutely" still going to visit the singer's burial place on the big day .. June 25th. A rep for Forest Lawn tells us they have not yet figured out how they plan to handle the MJ anniversary ... but they will work with the Jackson family and abide by their wishes. As for the MJ fans, one member of the group tells us, "Nothing will stop us from being with MJ on the 25th!" Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Legal Fight Brewing in Jackson House. 05-06-'10 TMZ has learned four of Katherine Jackson's grandchildren will be moving from her house this month, and the mother of the kids has lawyered up for a fight. TMZ broke the story ... Katherine told Alejandra Jackson -- who had been living at the Jackson family compound in Encino with her kids, Jaafar, Jermajesty, Donte and Randy, Jr. -- that her brood had to move out, because Katherine had her hands full just watching over Michael Jackson's 3 kids. Katherine is allowing Alejandra and her kids to move into a nearby condo owned by the Jackson family, but Alejandra is pissed. Katherine is in Indiana until June 10. We're told when Katherine comes back, Alejandra has to move. But it's not going to be that easy. We've learned Alejandra has hired Trope & Trope, a powerful law firm, to negotiate a separation agreement of sorts. We're told Alejandra wants some assurance that her family will be financially protected if she moves. As a result, she may challenge the move or negotiate a separation package -- which would include a place where she and her kids will live (not necessarily the condo) and what financial support she gets. Alejandra has gone after Jermaine in the past for failing to pay child support -- and now that she's being forced to move, the money battle has been reignited. Jermaine is the father of two of the kids and Randy is the father of the other two children. Katherine asked Alejandra to move after the stun gun incident. TMZ broke the story that Jaafar ordered a stun gun online and was playing with it at the house -- something that triggered an investigation by the L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services. Source: TMZ / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Weekend. 05-06-'10 The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum will honor the life, music and legacy of two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Michael Jackson beginning on Friday, June 25-Sunday, June 27. In addition to the Rock Hall's collection of Michael Jackson artifacts on display, fans will enjoy live music, highlights from Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, dance demonstrations and more. This weekend will culminate with the annual Rock and Soul festival on Sunday, June 27, featuring a live performance by singer Angie Stone and other artists in tribute to Jackson. The Rock and Soul festival is presented by Ohio Natural Gas and sponsored by KeyBank and Kia Motors. The Rock Hall will host a canned food collection in coordination with the Cleveland Foodbank. Please note that the schedule below is a preliminary schedule, more details will be posted in the coming weeks. Friday, June 25 · Meet the Curator Gallery Talk Saturday, June 26 · Dance Demonstrations · Meet the Curator Gallery Talk · Michael Jackson dance party presented by WZAK Sunday, June 27 · Rock and Soul Festival ***The first 2,000 ticketed visitors on June 26 and June 27 will receive a special Michael Jackson Weekend commemorative souvenir. Other giveaways throughout the weekend include an XM OnyX Satellite Radio with Vehicle Kit and Home Kit, plus a Free 3-Month Subscription to “XM Everything Plus The Best of SIRIUS” so you can listen to SIRIUS|XM at home or in your car. Source: rockhall / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Birthday Harbour Cruise. 04-06-'10 The Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration that is to be occurring in Sydney, Australia on August 27th 2010. This event is keeping MJ’s legacy alive with all funds being raised for charity (The VESA Volunteer group – who travel to remote villages overseas and help to rebuild the lives of families and children) Start Time: End Time: Location: Street: City/Town: We All Know That August 29th Will Have Been Michael Jackson’s 52nd Birthday And We All Feel The Need To Get Together, Dance, Shout And Celebrate The Life and Music Of Michael Jackson In The Best Way Possible! Let’s All Get Together & Honour MJ’s Birthday Aboard The Finest Glass Boat To Set Sail On Sydney Harbour - The “BELLA VISTA”. Sydney’s Finest DJ & renowned MJ Fan: DJ SAM BOUTROS ANDY ON ELECTRIC GUITAR FEATURING: ►Sydney’s ‘Beat It Boys’ performing: THE DRILL, THEY DON’T REALLY CARE ABOUT US ►Adelaide’s rising star JAAY-D performing his own Tribute to MJ ►Maihan Miakel, Our Dance Off Winner From Last Year’s MJ Cruise Performing His Very Own Tribute to MJ ►The mesmerizing Hipnotic Dance Crew HOUSE/RNB LEVEL: DISCOKID ►DRESS FOR THE OCCASSION IN YOUR BEST MJ GEAR _________________________________________________________ Keeping Michael’s Legacy Alive, This Is A Charity Event That Will Be Raising Funds For The Australian VESA Volunteer Group That Travel To Remote Villages Overseas And Complete Essential Volunteer Work And Help Rebuild The Lives Of Children And Their Families Through Ongoing Support And Assistance. THIS EVENT WILL REACH CAPACITY QUICK SO GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT. For More Info and Tix Contact: Source: capital.entertainment / Billie Jean Friedman: Fans Angry With Brian Oxman. 04-06-'10 Michael Jackson’s ardent fans are in an uproar. They’ve put up an internet petition asking Thomas Mesereau, Jackson’s criminal attorney from 2005, to step in and help them. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/mr-mesereau-you-are-the-chosen-one-will-you-be-there The fans are speculating additionally that Jackson family leech, Brian Oxman, an attorney on probation who speaks 24/7 on the subject of Jackson, was the source for the release of private trust documents to a British tabloid last week. Oxman is now reduced to giving interviews to obscure radio and TV shows. On this link, you can hear him complaining about the lack of released documents in the Jackson case. The interview aired a day before the trust papers suspiciously appeared in the British press.. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/7314075 The papers specified the trusts set up by Michael in 2002 along with his already published will. Each of his children are to receive $33 million apiece. Some of his nephews will get bequests as well. But by and large the revealed papers showed nothing new, just that Michael Jackson cut most of his family out of his estate. Dates to remember: June 14th, Dr. Conrad Murray comes to court in Los Angeles. June 25th: the anniversary of Jackson’s death. Source: MJFC / showbiz411.com / Billie Jean Orianthi Talks About First Meeting MJ. 03-06-'10 In a recent interview, Orianthi, Michael Jackson's guitarist from This Is It was asked what that first moment with Michael Jackson was like? To which she responded: "It was crazy, really crazy. I’m a big fan. I remember being really young, and he’d constantly come on TV and was like the coolest thing ever. When I got the e-mail to come and audition for him, I didn’t think it was real, but I went and auditioned, met him, and he was the sweetest guy ever, really encouraging. I just wanted to do my best for him — I’ve never been so nervous in my life playing, and he’s sitting right in front of me, and I played “Beat It,” and he hired us after that. It was pretty great." To read the full interview with Orianthi Click Here. Source: MJFC / theweekender.com / Billie Jean Gary, Indiana Moves Ahead With Museum Plans. 03-06-'10 Work could begin next year on a $300 million museum and arts center dedicated to Michael Jackson in his hometown, Gary, Indiana (USA), his father Joe Jackson and Gary officials announced Wednesday. Michael Jackson last visited Gary in 2003 to talk about the project, but no progress was made on it before his passing last year. Joe Jackson, said Wednesday that he was "just carrying out his legacy" by getting involved. This is a happy day for me because this is something that my family and Michael have always wanted," Joe Jackson said. "We're bringing something back." Gary Mayor Rudy Clay said the project would create thousands of jobs and, when finished, was expected to bring at least 750,000 visitors a year to the city. He estimated it would generate $100 million to $150 million in income for the community each year. "This project will be the magnet that will draw people from all over the world," Clay said. The money to build the Jackson Family Museum and Hotel and the Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center and Theaters will come from investors and donations, Clay said. As a fan, you can help this dream become a reality by joining the Jackson Family Foundation and ordering a copy of the Limited Edition Las Vegas Hollywood Magazine. The magazine features Joe Jackson, patriarch of music's Royal Family, and encompasses Michael's life, the lives of his brothers and sisters and most recently, the honoring of Joe Jackson and the Jackson Family with a Brenden Celebrity Star. All net proceeds of your purchase price goes directly to the Jackson Family Foundation, which will allow the memory of Michael to live forever! After years of promises about the project but no action, residents were cautiously optimistic. People said they were hopeful because Wednesday's announcement was the furthest along the project has ever come, with the city's donation of 300 acres of land. Police Chief Gary O. Carter was impressed by Joe Jackson's presence. "Why would he come all the way here if it wasn't" going to happen, Carter said. Seretha Harvey, 24, grew up in Gary and said she hoped the project would happen, and that it would bring jobs and help change people's image of the financially struggling city. "I've been in and out of Gary for the past few years, and I've seen it deteriorate. I'm worried about whether this is actually going to matriculate," she said, but added, "I'm optimistic about it." Source: AP / Billie Jean Jackson Family Foundation Press Conference Today. 03-06-'10 The Jackson Family Foundation is moving forward in a BIG way! Later this morning, Mayor Clay and several Jackson Family Foundation Members will announce a major move for a Jackson Family Museum and Michael Jackson Performing Arts and Cultural Center In Gary, Indiana. The event will take place at 11:00 A.M.(CST) and last until 2 PM at The Genesis Convention Center located at One Genesis Center Plaza (5Th And Broadway) in Downtown Gary. Joe Jackson and Clay spent Tuesday publicizing their latest "major announcement." Clay said it has potential to lure 750,000 visitors and $150 million annually to the community, and he said it's won the approval family matriarch Katherine Jackson. Answering questions for City Hall's public-access television show, Joe Jackson said he wants to bring his son's museum and performing arts center, as well as the money it could generate, to Gary despite pressure to build it in larger, established destination cities. We're bringing something back," Jackson said. City Hall officials kept quiet about the details of today's 11 a.m. news conference, which is open to the public. It's unclear if other members of the Jackson Family will attend. Clay said the public will hear specifics about the site of the museum and the architects and engineers who will build it. Though Clay and Jackson looked to downtown Gary for the museum most recently, and Small Farms before that, the mayor said it is now likely to be built near Gilroy Stadium and South Gleason Golf Course, close to Broadway and Interstate 80/94. The land could even be transferred to the Jackson Family Foundation one hour before the news conference, when the Gary Board of Public Works holds its weekly 10 a.m. meeting at City Hall. Council member Carolyn Rogers, D-4th, said she was one of four council members who had dinner Monday with Jackson and Clay in Merrillville to talk about the project. Rogers said she was joined by council members Shirley Stanford, D-2nd, Mary Brown, D-3rd, and Kimberly Robinson, D-5th, as well as Jackson Family Foundation President Simon Sahouri. Additionally, Clay and Jackson dropped by the family's old home in the 2300 block of Jackson Street on Tuesday. A granite monument to Michael Jackson, originally placed at the U.S. Steel Yard, has been moved to the home's front yard and covered. The mayor said it will be unveiled near the anniversary of Michael Jackson's death later this month. Joe Jackson, filmed by a documentary crew, ate lunch at The Stadium Buffet and Grill near the minor league baseball stadium. But first, he answered questions for "Eye on Gary," City Hall's public-access show. There he talked about raising his children in Gary and his hopes for a museum honoring his son. I'm here to carry on his legacy, going back to Indiana," Jackson said. Check MJFC later today for updates from today's press conference! Source: MJFC / JFF / Gary Post Tribune / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Trading Card Set To Launch August. 02-06-'10 For those Michael Jackson fans, you have a lot to look forward to this August when Panini releases their 2010 Michael Jackson Trading Card Set. There is no doubt that one of the most popular parts of this product will be the authentic relics which can be found around 1 per case. This will be the first time collectors have the chance of pulling authentic Michael Jackson memorabilia cards from a product. It will be very interesting to see how much those things sell for. Go to the site: SportsCards Source: SportsCards / Billie Jean Michael Jackson: The Making of “Thriller” (Book). 02-06-'10 Michael Jackson: The Making of "Thriller" is an illustrated tribute to the King of Pop and his groundbreaking music video, with never-before-seen photos of its creation. The book will be released on October 6th, 2010 and will feature over 200 exclusive, behind-the-scenes photographs of the artist on set during the 1983 production of the Grammy award winning video directed by John Landis. Considered to be the most successful project of all time, "Thriller" is beloved the world over, inspiring imitation and a cult-like following of millions of fans. Documenting the creation of the most popular and iconic music video of all time, this book will celebrate the artist and his music at the top of his career. Celebrated photographer Douglas Kirkland and journalist Nancy Griffin were the only members of the media allowed on the set of the video. The resulting photos capture Jackson both in high performance mode and relaxing on the set and depict his transformation into the characters in the video as well capturing the public and private faces of Michael Jackson. Compelling, intimate photos of the artist will be accompanied by interviews and quotes from musicians and celebrities. With a holographic cover that transforms the artist into his zombie character, the book will be an impressive gift to be treasured by fans and music lovers everywhere. To order go to Amazon Source: Amazon / Billie Jean Michael Jackson’s Will Published Online. 02-06-'10 The 23 page will of Michael Jackson shows how the King Of Pop’s legacy has been completely transformed since he died. Lawyers running his estate have managed turn the fortunes of Michael’s estate around. Movie, music and other deals have made his estate worth an estimated $300m. Under the terms of the Michael Jackson Family Trust fund, first drafted before he had children, and signed off in 2002, Michael’s three kids are today each worth $33m (£23m) – Marketing experts reckon that with future commercial ventures and interest, they will have $300m each in the pot by 30. And by the time they are 40 that could easily have soared to a billion, especially for youngest Blanket who will have to wait until 2042 for the full sum. Click to read full Will Source: newsoftheworld.co.uk / Billie Jean Michael Jackson Calendar 2011. 01-06-'10 This 2011 Calendar features Michael Jackson, the seventh child of the Jackson family whose professional music career began at just eleven years of age. His career now stretches for almost four decades and he remains one of the most popular and best selling artists on the planet. Go to Amazon Publisher: Browntrout Pubs This Michael Jackson 2011 calendar features 12 fantastic A3 wall poster format images of the star to take you through 2011 - a 'must have' for any Michael Jackson fan! Go to Amazon Publisher: ML Publishing Group Ltd Source: MJ (Triumph International) / Amazon / Billie Jean December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February / January |
Updated: 12/02/2010 11:55 AM Billie Jean Web Radio Player |
|---|
