Michael Tried To Help Laura Ling & Euna Lee
By Gotham Chopra
– The last time I spoke to my friend Michael Jackson was about 3 weeks before his shocking death. He had called me late one night to ask about another of my close friends who he had read about in the news. Laura Ling, a former colleague and friend, was detained originally by North Korean border guards along with her colleague Euna Lee on March 17th. Since then, they have been imprisoned, had very little contact with their families or western officials, and endured a secretive trial at which they were sentenced to twelve years hard labor. At this present moment, it is unclear where Laura and Euna are – whether they remain in a government guesthouse, or moved to the infamous N Korean labor camps that many do not survive.
Michael had read some of the details regarding Laura and Euna’s predicament. As was often the case with him and global events he read about – from famine in Africa to victims of natural disasters in far off countries, to orphans created by wars – he felt a deep sense of empathy for Laura and Euna. When I shared with him that Euna had a four-year-old daughter, he was even more anguished.
He asked me whether I had had any contact with Laura. I told him I had written her a few letters and had been assured they were getting through. Outside of that, her own family had only heard from her twice in the over three months they had been imprisoned. When I told him that, Michael paused.
“Do you think,” he said hesitantly, “that the leader of North Korea could be a fan of mine?” (more…)
‘Planet Earth’ Poem Written By Michael ~
Planet Earth, my home, my place
A capricious anomaly in the sea of space
Planet Earth are you just
Floating by, a cloud of dust
A minor globe, about to bust
A piece of metal bound to rust
A speck of matter in a mindless void
A lonely spaceship, a large asteroid
Cold as a rock without a hue
Held together with a bit of glue
Something tells me this isn’t true
You are my sweetheart soft and blue
Do you care, have you a part
In the deepest emotions of my own heart
Tender with breezes caressing and whole
Alive with music, haunting my soul.
In my veins I’ve felt the mystery
Of corridors of time, books of history
Life songs of ages throbbing in my blood
Have danced the rhythm of the tide and flood
Your misty clouds, your electric storm
Were turbulent tempests in my own form
I’ve licked the salt, the bitter, the sweet
Of every encounter, of passion, of heat
Your riotous color, your fragrance, your taste
Have thrilled my senses beyond all haste
In your beauty, I’ve known the how
Of timeless bliss, this moment of now
Planet Earth are you just
Floating by, a cloud of dust
A minor globe, about to bust
A piece of metal bound to rust
A speck of matter in a mindless void
A lonely spaceship, a large asteroid
Cold as a rock without a hue
Held together with a bit of glue
Something tells me this isn’t true
You are my sweetheart gentle and blue
Do you care, have you a part
In the deepest emotions of my own heart
Tender with breezes caressing and whole
Alive with music, haunting my soul.
Planet Earth, gentle and blue
With all my heart, I love you
Michael Jackson So Loved The World
It is estimated that Michael Jackson donated over $500 Million to charities during his lifetime. He was also prone to giving away anonymously and impulsively.
These are just some of the charities that were close to Michael’s heart:
2007
March 14 — Michael gave complimentary tickets to orphans and handicapped and physically-challenged people so that they could attend a ‘Fan Appreciation’ event in Tokyo. At the event, Michael went onto the balcony to greet them all.
May 29 — Michael persuaded an auction house in Las Vegas to donate a portion of its profits of auctioning off memorabilia of the Jackson family to charity.
2004
April 1 — Michael received the Humanitarian Award from The African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association for his worldwide humanitarian efforts, particularly in Africa. Michael financially supported programs in Africa to build and equip hospitals, orphanages, homes, and schools and financially supported programs for Child immunization, HIV-AIDS, Education, and Apartheid.
2003
June — A family, who experienced serious damages to their belongings during a flood in Germany, was invited by Michael Jackson to spend three days at Neverland, meeting Michael and his children.
September 13 — Michael hosted a star-studded charity event at Neverland. Only 400 tickets were available for purchase. Ticket price at presale was $725, with proceeds going to charity. Among those in attendance were Aaron and Nick Carter, Mike Tyson, Penny Marshall, Pink, and BoysIIMen. When the Carter brothers presented Michael with a belated birthday cake. This led to a massive food fight, of course, Michael started! Michael addressed those in attendance: “Thank you all for coming tonight. For in my opinion, this is a very special cause and the cause is our future and the future is our children. I will continue to fight for them for the rest of my life.”
October 27 — Michael premiered the short film for his latest charity single titled “What More Can I Give?” in the conference area of the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The same day, the official “Music for Giving” web site was up and running. The charity single “What More Can I Give?” became available online for download for a donation.
October 28– Michael received the Radio Music Awards first Humanitarian Award.
November 9 — Michael Jackson donated painted shoes for charity. A shoe manufacturer named Tatami had the idea to create a charity titled “Shoes For Charity” for children suffering from traumas. Celebrities, including Michael Jackson, gave their donated shoes a special and unique touch by painting them.
Michael’s Anti Gravity Illusion – 1993
The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, was an inventor and received a United States Patent in 1993 for an invention. This creation provides a new design for shoes which allowed MJ to create the desired anti gravity visual effect during his performances.
1988 ~ LA Gear Commercial ~ Man In The Mirror ~ Bad Tour (USA, Europe) “Dirty Diana” (Kansas City) ~ Princess Diana ~ Pepsi ~ Speed Demon ~ Dirty Diana ~ Moonwalk ~ Neverland ~ ‘Moonwalker’ ~ Another Part Of Me ~ MJ on the ‘Flintstone Kids’ ~ Smooth Criminal
- January:
Michael became friends with Deepak Choprah
Katherine & Joe bought a house in Las Vegas.
Michael visited Siegfried & Roy at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas.
Michael attended the wedding of his attorney John Branca to Julie McArthur.
- February:
Tour rehearsals were held in Pensacola, Florida. Some footage was aired on Entertainment Tonight.
The single “Man In The Mirror” was released with a video without Michael appearing in it.
- February 23/24:
Michael kicked off the American part of the Bad Tour in Kansas City, Missouri..
ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES!! ♥
- March 1:
Michael attended a press conference arranged by Pepsi to preview the new Pepsi commercials featuring Michael (a four part story) and presented a $600,000 check to The United Negro College Fund.
- March 2:
At the 30th Grammy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York , Michael amazingly performed “The Way You Make Me Feel” & “Man In The Mirror” and received a standing ovation from the whole industry. During the telecast, the new Pepsi commercials were premiered.
- March 3:
Concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York City . During the show, Tatiana Thumbten replaced Sheryl Crow on “The Way You Make Me Feel”. Siedah Garrett sang “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” with Michael & Steve Stevens played electric guitar on “Dirty Diana”
Among celebrities guests were Brooke Shields, Quincy Jones, Prince, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, New York City Mayor and the whole Jackson family
Michael filmed the video of “Speed Demon”.
- March 4/5:
Concerts at the Madison Square Garden .
- March 9:
Michael attended a performance of Phantom Of The Opera with Jimmy Safechuck & Liza Minnelli.
- March 10:
Michael was honored by the United Negro College Fund as one of their highest contributors at the 44th annual anniversary dinner held at the Sheraton Hotel in New York .
Quincy Jones, Whitney Houston, Yoko Ono, Elizabeth Taylor & Liza Minnelli attended the event.
- March 12/13:
Concerts in St Louis, Missouri. US cable network Showtime aired “Michael Jackson: The Legend Continues”.
- March 15:
Michael hosted benefits for Saint Vincent ’s Residence.
- Mid March:
Michael & Katherine went to Gary, Indiana & to visit Katherine’s father, Prince Scruse.
- March 18/19:
Concerts in Indianapolis, Indiana
- March 20:
Concert in Louisville, Kentucky. Michael was on the cover of Jet Magazine.
- March 23/24:
Concerts in Denver, Colorado
- March 30/31/April 1:
Concerts in Hartford, Connecticut
- April:
The single “Dirty Diana” was released.
A duet between Michael & Stevie Wonder titled “Get It” was also released.
- April 8/9/10:
Concerts in Houston, Texas
- April 13/14/15:
Concerts in Atlanta, GA
- April 14:
The video for “Dirty Diana” was premiered on MTV. It was filmed in Long Beach, California
- April 19/20/21:
Concerts in Chicago, Illinois where Michael was presented with the keys to the city by mayor Eugene Sawyer.
- April 20:
“Moonwalk”, Michael’s long awaited autobiography was published by Doubleday and became a best
seller.
- April 25/26/27:
Concerts in Dallas, Texas
- May 4/5/6:
Concerts on Minneapolis, Minnessota which ended the first part of the tour.
- Mid May:
Michael moved out of Hayvenhurst and moved into his newly purchased ranch in the Santa Ynez Vallez. He bought the Sycamore Ranch for $17 millions dollars and soon renamed it “Neverland Valley Ranch”.
- May 16:
Michael was on the cover of Jet magazine.
- May 18:
Michael’s movie “Moonwalker” was previewed at the Cannes Film Festival
- May 19:
Michael arrived in Rome and stayed at the Lord Byron Hotel .
- May 21:
Michael visited the Sistine Chapel.
He visited children who suffer from cancer in the Bambini-Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. He signed autographs and gave away sweets and records to the little patients. He also donated a check of 100,000 pounds to the hospital.
- May 22:
Michael visited with sick children at a local hospital.
- May 23:
Michael began the European part of the Bad Tour in Rome .
An after-show party was held at the 16th Century Palazzo Taverna where Michael made a brief appearance. He was greeted by guests Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida Federico Fellini & Georgio Armani.
- May 24:
Second concert in Rome .
- May 25:
Michael was the guest of honor at a party held at the house of film director Franco Zeffirelli.
- May 29:
Concert in Turin
- June:
Michael was on the cover of Ebony magazine.
“Michael Jackson : The Legend Continues” was released on home video.
- June 2:
Concert in Vienna
- June 5/6/7:
Concerts in Rotterdam, Holland
- June 11/12:
Concerts in Gothenburg
- June 16:
Concert in Basel attended by Elizabeth Taylor & Bob Dylan.
While in Basel , Michael visited with the Charlie Chaplin family.
- June 19:
Concert at the Berlin Wall
- June 20:
Michael arrives in Paris with young friend Jimmy Safechuck, PR Bob Jones and bodyguard Wayne Nagin. They stayed at the Crillon Palace .
While in Paris, mayor Jacques Chirac presented Michael with La Grande Medaille de la Ville de Paris.
- June 27/28:
Concert at The Parc des Princes attended by Grace Jones & Johnny Halliday among others.
- July:
The single “Another Part Of Me” was released
- July 1:
Concert in Hambourg
- July 3:
Concerts in Cologne
- July 8:
Concert in Munich
- July 10:
Concert in Cologne
- July 11:
Michael arrived in London .
- July 13:
Michael visited sick children at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London .
- July 14/15:
Concerts in Wembley attended by Jack Nicholson, George Lucas, Harrison Ford & Jane Seymour
- July 16:
Prince Charles & Princess Diana attended the third Wembley concert. Michael met the Royal couple backstage to present 
them with a check for the Prince’s Trust and another check for the Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.
- July 18:
Michael & Jimmy visited Elstree Studios where Steven Spielberg was directing Indiana Jones and they both meet Harrison Ford.
- July 20:
Michael visited sick children again at the Great Ormond Street Hospital .
In the evening, a banquet was held in his honor at the Guildhall.
- July 22:
Mickey Mouse & Donald Duck presented Michael with a pair of specially engraved ice skates backstage before his fourth concert in Wembley.
- July 23:
Fifth concert in Wembley. Michael was on the cover of Hello magazine.
- July 26:
Concert in Cardiff
- July 30/31:
Concerts in Cork.
The live video of “Another Part Of Me” was premiered.
- August 5:
Concert in Marbella
- August 7:
Concert in Madrid
- August 8:
Michael was on the cover of Jet magazine.
- August 9:
Concert in Barcelona
- August 21:
Concert in Wurzburge
- August 23:
Concert in Werchter
- August 25:
Katherine joined Michael in London
- August 26:
Michael & Katherine went to the Madame Tussaud Museum .
Concert in Wembley.
Michael dedicated “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” to Elizabeth Taylor.
- August 27:
Last concert at Wembley.
- August 29:
Concert in Leeds where 90 000 fans sang Happy Birthday to Michael
- September 2:
Concert in Hannover
- September 4:
Concert in Gelsenkirchen
- September 6:
Concert in Linz
- September 7:
Michael received the MTV Video Vanguard Award from Peter Gabriel during a special presentation via satellite.
- September 8
Michael was presented with an award for his seven sold out concerts at the Wembley stadium which earned him another entry into the Guinness Book Of Records.
- September 10:
Concert in Milton Keynes
- September 11:
Michael performed his last European concert in Liverpool in front of 125 000 people
- September 12:
Michael & Katherine flew back to Los Angeles and went directly to Michael’s new home : Neverland. Upon arriving they were greeted by all the ranch’s employees
* September 15:
The “Flintstone Kids” aired a 30 minute “Just Say No” television special which featured Michael Jackson’s music. So cute:
- September 26/27/28:
Concerts in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
- October:
The single “Smooth Criminal” was released.
- October 3/4/5:
Concerts in Rutherford, New Jersey
- October 10/11:
Concerts in Richfield, Ohio
- October 13:
MTV premiered the video of “Smooth Criminal”.
- October 13/17/18/19:
Concerts in Landover, Maryland
- October 23:
In a brief ceremony outside the old Motown Studio in Detroit , Michael presented Esther Edwards & Berry Gordy with a $125 000 check for the Motown museum.
- October 24/25/26:
Concerts in Detroit, Michigan
- Late October:
“Moonwalker” made its debut in Japanese theatres.
Michael canceled three concerts in Tacoma, Washington when his vocal cords become swollen.
- November 7/8/9:
Concerts in Irvine Meadows, Laguna Hills, California
- November 13:
Concert at the Sport Arena in Los Angeles.
Michael cancels five concerts in Los Angeles due to illness. They were rescheduled for January 1989.
- December 9/10/11/17/18/19/24/25/26 :
Michael performed nine concerts a the Tokyo Dome in Japan.
- December 26:
“Moonwalker” was released in Europe
Michael visited David Smithee, a 12-year-old whose father had set him on fire
The World Must Know
I found this lovely article that expresses so much similarity to my own feelings about Michael Jackson. Actually these could be words from my own heart. It is beautifully written and describes all the wonderful attributes the legend displayed through his music. I would like to share it with all true MJ fans. Together we can continue Michael’s lifelong passion of loving the world. His legacy will live forever and his music will play on for all time.
Michael’s Dance Moves
Michael Jackson in Billy Jean video in 1983
First lesson – the moonwalk:
The moonwalk is surely the most famous move of Michael that people want to learn. Everyone with two healthy feet is able to do it with enough practice. So read on if you’re interested…
The magic about the moonwalk is that you move the foot that is on the floor but you stand on the other so you must try hard to stand on your toes on one foot – try to stand on your toes on one foot without the other foot – the moonwalk is a combination of this elements – you stand you your toes on one foot and push the other foot back in smooth motion and then rapidly you must change it – you stand on the other foot and push the first foot back in smooth motion – that’s it ! At the end of “JAM” Michael teaches Michael Jordan how to do the moonwalk.
Michael actually dances more versions of the moonwalk. There is his sidewalk, his moonwalk without going back or the combination of moonwalk and turning around.
Second lesson – the sidewalk:
The sidewalk is basically the same as the normal moonwalk, but Michael added some elements to it so that it is also very special. If you wanna do the side walk, you have to move your feet to the side but one foot is also slightly before the other so that they cross and in that moment you change like in the normal moonwalk. Michael also moves his arms like walking and puts his hat down and moves his body very special…perfection!
Third lesson – the moonwalk without going back: You put your foot forth again after doing the normal moonwalk and repeat everything with the other one. But again Michael adds something to the move that’s magic, he combines it with a little sidewalk…dazzling!
Forth lesson – the moonwalk with turning around:
Michael uses this move many times. It’s especially in Smooth Criminal. He does his normal moonwalk and pushes the right foot back. Right after that he turns right on his heels but also moves his arms and his shoulders magically. And then there he again moonwalks back with his right foot….Fabulous!
The Jacksons “Victory Tour” – July 6 – Dec 9, 1984
The Victory Tour
July 6 – December 9, 1984
The Victory Tour would be Michael Jackson’s last tour as the lead singer of The Jacksons. All of his future tours would be as a solo artist.
The tour began on July 6, 1984, and ended with 6 shows at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium on December 9, 1984 – crossing the US and Canada. Over 2 million people came to see The Jacksons during the 55 concert, 5 month tour, which grossed a record $75 million.
Michael donated ALL of his proceeds – nearly $8 million – to charities (T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer Research, The United Negro College Fund, and the Ronald McDonald Camp for Good Times).
During the last concert, Michael said, “This is our last and final show. It’s been a long 20 years, and we love you all.”
Michael, You Will Always Be The KING Of POP – Jan 1984
On January 27, 1984, Michael and other members of the Jacksons filmed a Pepsi Cola commercial at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. In front of a full house of fans during a simulated concert, pyrotechnics accidentally set Jackson’s hair on fire. He suffered second-degree burns to his scalp. Jackson never fully recovered from this injury. Pepsi settled out of court, and Jackson donated ALL of his $1.5 million settlement to the Brotman Medical Center in Culver City, California, which now has a “Michael Jackson Burn Center” in honor of his donation.
Billie Jean – 1983
Michael Jackson wrote Billie Jean and recorded it in just one session. He won at the 1983 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Vocal Performance and Best Rhythm & Blues Song for Billie Jean. It was the first video by a black artist to get regular airplay on the MTV channel, which debuted March 1983.
In May 1983, there is a two hour special Motown 25th: Yesterday, Today & Forever featuring for the first time since 1975, a performance of the six Jackson brothers for a medley of the Jackson 5 hits followed by a solo performance of Billie Jean during which Michael showcases his first ever public performance of the Moonwalk. The show is watched by 47 million Americans and Michael’s dancing talents are recognized when legends such as Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly call him and congratulate his performance.
The Year of Michael’s “Thriller” – 1983
- Early January:
Michael hired Marlon Brando’s son, Miko Brando
The single “Billie Jean” was released by Epic.
Michael recorded a video for the song directed by Steve Barron.
- February:
Michael went to London to work on songs with Paul Mac Cartney.
While in London , he attended the British Awards to accept an award on behalf of Barbara Streisand and he also visited his friend Mark Lester.
- February 8:
Michael & Paul Mac Cartney were on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine
- February 17:
Michael was on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine with exclusive photo and an interview by Gerri Hirchey.
- February 25:
At a CBS Records press conference, Jane Fonda presented Michael with a Platinum certification for “Thriller”.
- Late February:
The single “Beat It” was released by Epic.
- March:
The video of “Billie Jean” was added to MTV’s playlist
Michael was on the cover of Rock & Soul magazine.
- March 9:
On Skid Row, east of Hollywood , Michael began filming the video for “Beat It”, directed by Bob Giraldi & choreographed by Michael Peters with 25 dancers and 50 actual Los Angeles gang members. The video was $ 150,000 to make.
- March 20:
Michael attended the opening night party of the stage show Dreamgirls with Latoya.
- March 25:
Michael & The Jacksons rehearsed for ‘Motown 25th Anniversary Show’ at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
- April:
“Beat It” was added to MTV’s playlist.
- April 6:
Michael attended a post concert party for Liza Minnelli at the New Universal Amphitheater, Hollywood with Quincy Jones & David Geffen.
- April 9:
All the Jackson brothers (including Jermaine) rehearsed and recorded their segment of the Motown 25th Special at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
- April 16:
Michael & Samir Kamoun wore Charlie Chaplin outfits to pay tribute to him on his birthday.
- April 25:
Michael was on the cover of Jet magazine.
- May:
The single “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin” was relased by Motown.
- May 16:
NBC broadcasts the two hour special ‘Motown 25th: Yesterday, Today & Forever’ featuring for the first time since 1975, a performance of the six Jackson brothers for a medley of the Jackson 5 hits followed by a solo performance of “Billie Jean” during which Michael performed his first ever public performance of the ‘Moonwalk’.
At the end of the show, Michael joined Diana Ross and all the Motown stars on stage to pay tribute to Berry Gordy.
The show was watched by 47 millions Americans and Michael’s dancing talents are recognized when legends such as Fred Astaire & Gene Kelly call him and congratulate his performance.
- June:
Michael was on the cover of Cream magazine.
- June 22 :
Michael decided not to renew his managing contract with Joe, Weisner & DeMann.
- July:
Michael worked with Steven Spielberg on a new adapatation of the children fairy tale Peter Pan.
The single “Human Nature” was released by Epic.
- July 9:
Michael appeared on the cover of the teenage magazine Top.
- August 20 :
Pre-production begins on the “Thriller” short film directed by John Landis & choreographed by Michael Peters.
- September:
It was announced that The Jacksons would tour in 1984.
Michael was on the cover of Black Beat magazine.
- September 6 :
Michael signed an agreement through his production company Optimum Productions, that will pay John Landis 50 per cent of net profits from both the “Thriller” video and the documentary.
- September 25:
Michael’s performance at the Motown 25th was shown at the Emmy Awards Ceremony where it was nominated but does not win.
- September 30:
The Jacksons signed Don King, as the promoter of their forthcoming tour.
- October:
Michael was on the cover of People, Interview, Globe & Rock & Soul magazines.
The single “P.Y.T.” was released by Epic and it featured Janet & Latoya doing background vocals.
- October 4:
A new duet between Michael & Paul Mac Cartney named “Say Say Say” was released by Columbia Records.
Michael & Paul recorded the video in Santa Ynez Valley, California
- October 11-20:
Michael recorded the “Thriller” short film in Los Angeles. Jackie Kennedy Onassis visited him on the set and has dinner at Hayvenhurst.
- November:
Michael & Diana Ross were on the cover of Ebony.
Michael attended a James Brown’s concert at the Roxy and went on stage to sing and dance
Michael & Quincy returned to the Westlake studios to interview about “Thriller”.
- November 11:
A $5 million endorsement contract was signed between The Jacksons & Pepsi Cola involving sponsorship of the Victory Tour & two TV commercials.
- November 30:
Michael attended a press conference at New York ’s Tavern On The Green to announce plans for the Victory Tour. He is accompanied by his parents, sisters, his brothers, and Emanual Lewis.
- December 2:
The 14 minutes short film of “Thriller” premiered on MTV.
- December 8:
Michael left for New York to promote the “Thriller” video.
- December 14:
“The Making Of Thriller” was released on VHS and it became the most biggest selling music video of all time!
The Most Famous Feet In The World..
Michael Jackson Tribute 