The Michael Jackson Memorial thread-

[Morrigoon]

Brooke's eulogy was one of the best

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by innerSpaceman

This time, for the MJ Hoopla, estimated by the article to cost far more, the very same AEG has pledged to contribute zero ... while 3622 more teachers lose their jobs as a result.


I'm being facetious about the teachers. It's the City of L.A. that pays for both the Lakers and MJ debacles. The city is facing a shortfall of over half a billion dollars. Thousands of city workers are being laid off. It just doesn't sound as heart-rending as teachers. Although I suppose I could have blamed the Staples Center for taking life-saving medicine from AIDS victims.

The cost of providing police for the Jackson funeral/memorial comes out of $90 million already budgeted (well prior to Jackson's death) for police over-time for the fiscal year. While these 2 things may be the biggest, they are a small part of the over-time budget(s). Further, you can hardly blame the Lakers for city workers being laid off and lack of AIDS drugs; all of the Lakers money came out of last year's $80.7 million budget as the new fiscal year began July 1. (The rise to $90 million was largely due to COL increases in over-time pay.)

I hardly think it fair to charge the Jacksons for the same services (albeit mucho more manpower) provided for free to thousands of other Los Angelens (?) every year.

Does any of this mean that I don't think it would be lovely if AEG and the Jacksons offered to pay for part of it? No. I think it would be a nice gesture. On the other hand, if they choose not to, I don't think the impact on the budget is worth everyone getting in a tizzy.

[bewitched]

btw, I thought the memorial was surprisingly touching and dignified.

Michael's daughter brought me to tears...we should all be so lucky to be remembered thusly.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Disneyphile

Watched the memorial with like-minded company today, and it was just awesome.

After the service, in MJ's honor (and taking note from Magic Johnson's story), we ran over to pick up a bucket of KFC, returned, and sat on the floor to eat it while reminiscing about MJ's influence in our lives. I was especially moved by the note that Michael "raised the bar and then broke it", and how he "studied the best and made it better". It reminded me once again that I can achieve whatever I set my mind to. It added more fuel to my fire, and that I can soar instead of just fly.

I laughed at Brooke's story about them attempting to sneak a peek at Liz Taylor's wedding dress. From hearing about the more human aspect of his life, I wish I had known him personally. He was the type of person that I prefer to keep close to me - innovative, child-like, dreamer, playful, compassionate, giving, loving, inspirational, successful, talented, and strong. (With emphasis on that last part with all the crap he had to endure that would have caused most people to blow their brains out early on in the game, yet he didn't quit - he kept giving and loving people.)

I was considered "weird" when growing up, because I didn't follow mainstream or popular trends. And, I still walk to the beat of my own drum. Today, I was reminded that I should always keep my own beat, and not give a damn what anyone else thinks - to keep moving forward, always do my best, and love unconditionally. Those are the traits of a wealthy, fulfilling, and happy life.

T, while you were not at Staples, it sounds like you celebrated and mourned with just the right note. The KFC feast made me laugh!

I found the memorial to be tasteful, dignified and a lovely tribute to a human being not well known by the average person. I hope that he felt the love coming back to him. The eulogies were wonderful, the performances terrific and I really felt for the clearly emotional Mariah Carey having to come out first. I suspect she did not know the casket would be there in front of her too soon before she had to sing. Usher, amazing. Stevie Wonder, I wept like a child. I can only say that Mr. Jackson's mother Katherine must be an incredible person, it's clear she has the respect and love of many people, and not merely the immediate family. Second only to his 11 year old daughter, the words of his brother Marlon, that just ripped my heart out.

[bewitched]

As an update, it appears as though donations from fans and friends have probably covered the costs (and perhaps then some). As "icing" it is estimated that the city probably made $4 million+ in revenue generated by all of tourism associated with the memorial.

[Alex]

Raising the question: What if LA is the only one to make a profit off MJ's funeral. If people selling tickets on eBay were wankers, would this make all of the citizens of LA wankers?

[Not Afraid]

Aren't all the citizens of LA already wankers?

[Disneyphile]

Originally Posted by bewitched

As an update, it appears as though donations from fans and friends have probably covered the costs (and perhaps then some). As "icing" it is estimated that the city probably made $4 million+ in revenue generated by all of tourism associated with the memorial.

I figured that would happen. Now people can't whine about how much it cost. The only thing left to complain about now is the news that will still be lingering for at least a good six months and then taper off into an eternal occasional story (ala Elvis). But, there's a simple and quick solution for that too - people can just finally learn how to use a remote control or click on a different link.

I just really hope the media leaves his children alone. I'm really glad I no longer work in news, because some of the stories would get me fired by refusing to shoot or edit 'em.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I agree about the kids, DP. They've been pretty sheltered up to this point and I hope they get to live as normal a life as possible.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by alphabassettgrrl

I agree about the kids, DP. They've been pretty sheltered up to this point and I hope they get to live as normal a life as possible.

There is a big difference between "Sheltered from the press" and "Sheltered".

I wonder which is the case for the Jackson kids.