The Dumbest Words Ever Uttered... (a tribute)
“Sentimental music has this great way of taking you back somewhere at the same time it takes you forward, so you feel nostalgic and hopeful at the same time.” Nick Hornby (High Fidelity)
Thursday evening, June 25th, I joined my friend Kelly (and two others who shall remain nameless to protect their reputation) at a local pub for dinner and a beer. Michael Jackson, the undisputable “King of Pop,” passed away earlier the same evening, inspiring conversation of his life. I believe I opened the can of worms by stating, “I can’t believe Michael Jackson died. He was a weirdo but I cannot think of another more influential, more iconic entertainer. Maybe Elvis?” One nameless friend (whom I’ll refer to as "Betty" from here on out,) chimes in with, “Glad he’s gone. I never liked him.” The other nameless friend (whom I’ll call "Fred,") agrees with "Betty,"stating,“Yep, one less pervert in the world.” Completely appalled, I am immediately defensive, “Yeah, okay, again he was a strange duck but he contributed a great deal… more than anyone I can think of… to pop music. He paved the way for a ton of artists. The man was an amazing entertainer. Elvis (whom I don’t care for) holds a candle, but name another.” Prepare and brace yourself, sit down even, for THE all-time stupidest of stupid retorts ever uttered in the history of wasted words: “Rascal Flatts.” Yes friends, my friend said Rascal Flatts were better, more influential, more revolutionary entertainers. She also included “Keith Urban.” Uh huh. A person cannot invent this kind of stupidity, and I am stupider (intended blunder) for having the conversation.
I’ll allow a moment for the laughter (and disbelief) to subside.
Kelly and I were mortified, stunned speechless. This may have been more unbelievable than Jackson’s actual death. After the “wow” wore off I responded with, “Okay. I’m embarrassed to know you. You don’t have to like Michael Jackson. You don’t have to be affected by such a profound musical loss, but denying his obvious and unarguable effect on pop culture is just, well, dumb. His abundance of Grammy’s, #1 Singles, staying power (45 years,) and achievements (Google his name on Wikipedia and reserve an hour of your time to read the awards section, oh which includes “ MOST SUCCESSFUL ENTERTAINER OF ALL TIME” per Guinness World Records) prove more than an opinion-- which everyone is certainly entitled to possess.
The nameless female (whom I’ll no longer refer to as “Betty” as I've decided she's not worthy even a surname,) tosses in “The Beatles.” First, we’re discussing “entertainers,” not “musical geniuses,” (though I feel Michael was this as well.) Talk about apples and frickin’ oranges. And secondly, Michael was savvy enough to outbid Sir Paul McCartney, obtaining the rights to a great deal of the Beatles music. Don’t even get me started on the Beatles. My mother loved The Beatles like I love John Mayer and…well, The Beatles. Naming the Beatles in the same conversation as Rascal Flatts (who do I like, by the way) is like covering a turd with glitter. Your turd-like comment still lingers. A glitter-covered turd is still a turd.
My two nameless friends, “Dumb and Dumber,” also challenge me when I mention Michael wrote his own music. He certainly didn’t write all of it, but he wrote “Thriller” (you know, the #1 selling record of all time,) “Billy Jean,” “We are the World,” “Beat It,” and “Black and White.” He invented the “Moonwalk,” one of the, if not THE most well-known dance move in pop history. Well-known but not easily done. His notoriety alone sorta says a lot. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, black, white, young, and old, know who Michael Jackson is, e-v-e-r-y-o-n-e. Now, take a poll and see if everyone knows the Rascal Flatts. I challenge even the original commenter to name the full names of the three men who form the Rascal Flatts. They write a few of their own songs, like one per album and it's usually the shitty song everyone skips. Hell, again, I like Rascal Flatts, but the comparison was idiotic.
The “Thriller” video continues (and was while Michael was alive too) to be the "Godfather" of music videos. It’s the first video I recall ever seeing. I was young, three maybe, and my uncle Charlie had it playing on the TV. I watched, mesmerized. I recall it vividly, like yesterday. At age seven, I purchased my second cassette (first was George Harrison,) the Michael Jackson “Bad” cassette. My neighbor and I danced in the backyard, listening to the cassette over and over (in the days of “rewind” versus “repeat.” I am prepared for the “older” audience to tell me about remembering albums and eight-tracks. I remember those too.) Jackson's song, “Human Nature,” still remains one of the most nostalgic songs for me but “We are the World” is a real doozy. I recall listening to it in the car, with my mom. I was five. My parents, I presume, recall listening to "The Jackson Five" when they were young. And that’s the point, he was successful for 45 years, 90% of his life.
He was an icon.
A legend.
The.King.Of.Pop.
Like him or don’t, but don’t you dare compare him to the Rascal Flatts while giving RF more credit. Don’t or next time, I’ll use your name. I opened (and will conclude) this blog with a Nick Hornby quote from a novel infamous for noting “lists,” more specifically “top five best and worst…”
Top (two) Five Most Absurd Responses to the Question, “Who is a better, more iconic entertainer than Michael Jackson?”:
1. Rascal Flatts
2. Keith Urban
“…and it’s no good pretending that any relationship has a future if your record collects disagree violently, or if your favorite films wouldn’t even speak to each other if they met at a party.” Nick Hornby (High Fidelity)
***UPDATE***
Upon talking with my friend, "Betty," (and may it be quite publically known, I love and adore her,) she said this blog was a bit confusing and somewhat hurtful. She said she mentioned Rascal Flatts as being great performers (they are) and does not feel they are "better" or more revolutionary than Michael Jackson. She further stated, "Now I understand why you acted so strange at the time it was mentioned. I thought we were discussing great performers period. By the way, I mentioned Elton John too. I still think he is an example of an iconic performer (and I agree,) and though I am not a huge Jackson fan because I am not a huge fan of this particular genre of music, I certainty can't contest of his influence on music." May I also firmly state this was written in jest with intention of humorous undertone and definitely not as a means for personal attack. Those who know me well know I would never use this forum as a place to hurt (or misquote) anyone I care about, period. And exclamation point. Hoping I've offered deserved clarification. Might I also add ('cause I always say too much,) "Betty" and I share a mutual love for music and often times, the same music. Part of the joy of friendship is the common ground and even more special is the uncommon ground, so long as the ground is shared (common or not) by respecting adults. "Betty," thanks for your grace and desire for resolve. Therein lies the real tribute.
Comments
I once posed the question best old school hip hop artists of all time and had a friend say, without missing a beat, "Will Smith"
LAURYN: No need to argue, your friend just doesn't understand...
Posted by: Michael | July 13, 2009 08:18 PM
OK..Well....I know Betty...she's married to Archie now right? Veronica's friend? Just kidding that's before your time. Although, I loved some of MJ's music...loved "rock with you", billie jean, abc....rockin' robin (those were when he was about 4 years old...and I wasn't born yet...riiiiiight. I did like his music...then came the second phase of of my fanship...bewilderment, third stage ...befuddlement, fourth stage..what the hell, fifth stage...what the hell, sixth stage...sorrow for an obviously dessimated (sp?) human being. I wish I could dance like him. Loved his dance tunes....as for Rascal Flatts..never owned their stuff, probably never will. Couldn't name one song of RF's. Is MJ the King of Pop...I'll give him that. Elvis..King of Rock and Roll...yes. These two were road pavers...they put down the asphalt that paved the way for other greats. You know in the 40's it was Rodgers and Hammerstein..composers. As Bob always says when people disagree..."That's why we have chocolate and vanilla"...In MJ's case...we had swirl. Was he flawed...obviously. Could he dance and sing..Definately. Was he messed up...yeah...just look at his face...He had some deep seated self-hate somewhere in there. While we've all been inundated with the MJ news, the world (the one we live in...not Neverland) is crumbling around us..but...that's okay...we can debate Who is the King of Pop? Do we have any choices other than Keith Urban and Rascall Flatts? Who else did Pop? Pet Shop boys? I can't think of who else did Pop music? Alba? Those guys that sing "Free Credit Report Dot Com"? Rod Stewart? That is the question here Lauren....Name 10 people that are POP artists.
LAURYN: AMEN!!! THAT was the precise question initially posed-- the conversation went elsewhere when "Rascal Flatts" was named better entertainers. By better, that's her entitled opinion-- but are Rascal Flatts pioneers? Hardly. Thus the inspiration to write this very blog. Who are pioneers, as entertainers (key word?) Elvis. Sinatra. Maybe James Brown. Hell, if you want to go country (Rascal Flatts are country,) how 'bout (as Wes and Steven pointed out,) Garth Brooks? I love Betty but was blown away at the response. PS- you used to buy me Archie comics when I was little, remember?
Posted by: Momster | July 13, 2009 08:29 PM
Actually, I don't remember saying Rascall Flatts except to say that Wes says they are great and put on the best show he's ever seen. I have never SEEN Rascall Flatts live. Ever. I like their music but can say nothing about how they perform. I have seen Keith Urban live a few times and I will say that while not as well known- he is one hell of a performer and entertainer and a phenomenally talented guitarist. His shows will physically wear you out. I actually thought that I mentioned Elton John- who I have also seen live and it was a once in a lifetime performance for me. I was in awe the whole time. I would love to see Paul McCartney as well. Who gives a shit if he was outbid? The man does not need money and does not seem to feel the overwhelming desire to make a public spectacle of himself like Michael Jackson did. So everyone knows who he is...so what? Most people know who Jeffery Dahmer and Charles Manson are also. This is not necessarily a good thing. I do think that MJ had talent. I think that his life was ruined by his father at a young age and I felt sorry for him. I also feel sorry for the other children who's lives he ruined by bringing them into his twisted, perverted version of life in "Neverland". I used to think that MJ was a pretty good artist, maybe even great- even though I wasn't a huge fan of that type of music. This was back when he was young, still black, still male, and vaguely normal. What he turned into was weird, twisted, and a true waste of talent. I just feel like that just because someone is talented and gifted that doesn't give them a blank slate to do "whatever". And in general- I think that the media pretty much OVER covers pretty much everything. By the time the man had been dead for less than 24 hours I was sick and tired of hearing about it and hearing every opinion about every move he ever made. I feel pretty much the same way about Elvis. He was talented. He is and will forever be an icon. Now, the man is dead. Move on. Actually, as I said to Wes. I don't hate the man- I don't love him. I just don't give a shit and I'm tired of hearing about him every time I turn on the TV or radio. I respect your opinion that he was great. That is fabulous! I don't think he's great. In the grand scheme of life if just shouldn't matter that much. It's like people seriously arguing over which sports team is better. I'm sure they all have good and bad points. It's entertainment- not brain surgery. It's an opinion and everyone has one- we don't all have to agree. And by the way- winning a bunch of awards does not necessarily do it for me- I think a lot of extremely talented people are overlooked by awards and many times the one who gets the awards and the publicity is not necessarily the "best", just the best known. And people also spend a lot of money on stupid things- that doesn't make it the best. Again, it's an opinion. I can't believe you wrote an entire blog slamming me for something that was apparenty misunderstood to begin with. I never said RF was more influential or iconic than MJ. I was talking about opinions of entertainment value. There are many people who think that Skynard walks on water. I want to puke everytime I hear Freebird. The same with that band that all those people follow all over the United States- you know- the ones who usually don't bathe much. They have a huge following. I personally can't stand them. That's my opinion. We are all entitled. Again, I can't believe you posted an entire blog slamming me because I don't care for Michael Jackson.
LAURYN: You certainly did mention Elton John and I agree with you on that one-- and should've mentioned this point. I remember Kelly stating Prince. He too, is incredible-- but I think Michael was an influence for him too. Now, where we agreed, Michael ultimately was subhuman, super weird. Can't argue that, but what he did for music (which still is seen today) is massive. Massive in the sense, I can't think of a more influencial pop artist. THAT was the initial question. I've seen RF live too. Twice. Was it a fantastic show? Oh definitely, absolutely, but it wasn't "new," or "earth shattering" for music in general. They will be forgotten. Are you entitled to like RF more? Sure. Are you entitled to think they are better performers? Yeah. But challenging the notion of them being more...more...well more for music/entertainment as a whole is ridiculous. I'll agree on awards as well-- but the "Best Entertainer in the world" award was based off record sales/etc. The masses bestowed this title, not a crew of money making business men. Perhaps I misunderstood you and "Fred" but I recall a mound of negative associated with MJ's later years, nothing that supported him as a musical visionary. I was challenged on him writing the music and the music itself. Period. The same evening I mentioned Elvis, said there were a handful of songs I liked but-- there is no denying his influence. Sure, there are more important things to argue/fuss over-- and as you know, the conversation at hand doesn't get much air play in my daily life (I've avoided the news spectacles,) but as a fellow music lover (it certainly has huge room in my life,) you should see the relevance in posting this.
I'll leave you with one last Nick Hornby quote (he wrote the book "High Fidelity," later made into a movie- you'd like it,) "I used to think we were defined by what we like, movies, music, etc. but now I believe we are defined by what we are like, who we are." It's sorta the point of the book but it doesn't ruin the show for ya. I love you. We share many like-minded opinions-- musically and otherwise. This blog was written about one (important to me) opposing view. It was written with a smile and in jest.
Posted by: Kate | July 13, 2009 09:18 PM
While I don't really care for the man that was Michael Jackson and while I feel, as a human being, unaffected by his passing (notwithstanding the inane media preoccupation while U.S. Troops and civilians die at the hands of terrorists across the globe) I can certainly not deny him the worldy denouement as that of "King of Pop". The influence, the fanfare, the hype, the sheer talent was all there, and is recorded in pristine digital archives for us all to remember and enjoy. HOWEVER, the man that I am discussing here, IMHO, died along time ago. I could rant here for a while about Jackson and the reasons I dislike and then delve into all the reasons that we are to blame...blah, blah, blah. But the point of your post here Lauryn is right on. The musical legacy left to us by Jackson is undeniably awesome irregardless of how he decided to waste the fruits of his talent. But to say that Rascal Flatts or Keith Urban (and trust me I DON"T like either one) is even comparable is like comparing sky diving and farm sex. I have to ask...do I know these people? If so, please don't tell me who they are, ignorance is bliss. If I don't then for the love of God don't bring them around me; not because of their musical tastes, but because they apparently have IQ's comparable to the contents of my vegetable crisper. Morons.
LAURYN: You know (and love) her. You don't know "him" but I think you'd dig him as well. Sky diving and farm sex, wow. Is that kinda like "when pigs fly?" I didn't cry or become overwhelmed by the passing of MJ as though I knew him-- but his music reminds me of my childhood...and I know myself very well, thus affected in the nostaglic sense.
Posted by: Aaron | July 13, 2009 09:25 PM
As a 50 plus yr old,I can tell you that we danced, sang, and danced some more ... All to the joy, brilliance , and sheer energy of Michael. He was A gifted man and a tortured soul. God bless you , dear , and rest in peace.
We are here in Santa Barbara, minutes from your Neverland...
Aunt Wiz
LAURYN: See, now that's just bragging (the Santa Barbara part, not so much the Neverland part.)
Posted by: Aunt Wiz | July 13, 2009 10:58 PM
The lead singer of RF sounds like Kermit the Frog...just sayin...
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July 14, 2009 07:49 AM
All, two comments....
First, I am SO very glad i don't live in a glass house.
Second, Thank goodness we have such a wide variety of music out there to choose from, since we all have very different likes and dislikes I'm glad there is a variety.
I too am of that 50+ generation, i remember watching Jackson 5/The Osmond cartoons on saturday morning while talking to my best friend on the phone...so we could watch together...I also love Rogers and Hammerstein music, i know them all word for word, Raschal Flatts, Rod Stewart...and WOO HOO, Jimmy Buffet.
Thank goodness for the variety that the music world provides.
Posted by: Randi Smith | July 14, 2009 08:36 AM
As I was reading, I seriously thought, "Who in the hell is Rascal Flatts?!! I don't know him. And I didn't know Keith Urban made music... I just knew he was married to Nicole Kidman and has been in rehab."
Then I got to "Now, take a poll and see if everyone knows the Rascal Flatts." and you sort of negated my confusion.
I have nothing but reverence for MJ. His musical talents are nonpareil. He started more than just a trend with the moonwalk - he started dance and fashion trends left and right. People have tried to emulate him for as long as he was in the public's good favor - moonwalk, jumping onto his toes, spinning in place, the red leather jacket, the glove, the penny loafers, the captain's jacket...
The saying goes "You can't judge a book by it's cover." I was so happy to hear Al Sharpton say (even if I do think he's a blowhard) to MJ's kids, " "There weren't nothing strange about your daddy. It was strange what your daddy had to deal with but he dealt with it." I maintain an opinion of innocence in his favor. I do not and never will believe he was guilty of any of the charges brought against him.
I DO believe that he was a kindhearted, naive, innocent soul who was often taken advantage of, who never had a chance for a real childhood and did a superb job in trying to raise his kids to his best ability - our glimpse at the memorial service gave insight into confident, loving, well-behaved, normal, and kind children. I hope that in the years to come, he's remembered for his incredible legacy rather than the monster the media would have him be.
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July 14, 2009 10:21 AM
I think Aaron put it quite well- the MJ that he USED to be died a long time ago. I think that was closer to my point- but he obviously expressed it better. As for having so many followers- it seems that the stranger he became, the more some people worshipped him. And yes, I did say worshipped, because for some people he became more of an idol than just an icon. For some reason, certain people become MORE fascinating as they deteriorate rather than less. Look at Elvis...he is far more well-known and famous from his LAST years in life, as his world self-destructed around him, than he was in his earlier years when he was still a young guy with a lot of talent and mesmerizing eyes. As we discussed last night- I didn't actually say that RF was more of an icon- we were obviously on 2 different conversations and lines of thought. I thought I was saying one thing, you thought I was saying another- we have that worked out. :-) And as for the other comment...farm sex? Aaron always has a way with words...
Posted by: Kate | July 14, 2009 12:50 PM
Is this what you people blog about here? I just moved here from a larger city with a better commuter paper, but this was boring. How did your friends not fall asleep at what you were talking about. REALLY, you don't think MJ is a pervert? So you condone that type of behavior. Whether he's an icon or not, you didn't hear about James Brown doing that. Some legends are legends for being freaks like MJ, and some like Elvis and James Brown are there b/c they've truly shaped history. MJ, while shaping history, also touched people inappropriately. If you're excusing that, then it makes sense that you write for a liberal rag. I feel sorry for you.
LAURYN: I, in no way said I condoned the alleged (alleged because, well he was found "not guilty" in a court of law. If he DID do it, God will judge him accordingly) molestation accusations. No, no-- what I said was, MJ has been a huge influence for music. Like him or not. I didn't say I wanted to befriend the guy (accusations of molestation or not, dude was a nutcase.) I said his music paved the way for others. It did. As far as entertainers go, he will be regarded as a great. I personally am not a huge Elvis fan, however, stating he isn't an icon, and an influence would be asinine. The conversation inspiring this blog (and hopes of precise conversations occuring in the form of comments) was "who is as iconic as an entertainer-- as Michael Jackson, besides Elvis?" Still, no real opinions given outside of a few. Keep in mind, Elvis died of a drug overdose, he wasn't wearing a halo either. Oh, and I know who you are. I also know, you'lll more than likely check this site, more specifically-- this very blog-- for response. It inspired you to comment so, in essence, I it was an effective post.
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July 14, 2009 12:58 PM
Hi, I am the above "Fred" referred to in the article.
Lauryn I am thinking you thought that above comment was mine, when it actually was not.
I would like to make a couple of comments though. One to clarify what I said and two, on the tone and attitude you displayed in this piece.
First of all, I don't really give two sqauts about Michael Jackson. One way or another. He was accused many times of child molestation and I personally find it very hard to believe that there would be that many of the same allegations spanning 15-20 yr time period without there being some truth behind it. Many people do not get convicted in court, especially wealthy ones who can afford a good legal defense.
I feel that child molestors are the lowest of the low in soceity. They destroy innocent young people's lives. I could never have any respect for anyone personally or artistically or in any way for someone who does something like that.
Secondly, since I was at the table when "betty" made these comments. I feel you greatly misrepresented what she said by your selective quoting of her, althouh the addendum you added makes it a bit closer to the truth.
Also the words you use and the tone of the article are pretty insulting to your "friends". Calling your friends "stupid" and "dumb" on a public blog without giving anyone a heads up about what you are going to write is extremely disrespectful to "betty" and I and shows a great lack of integrity on your part, and I am very disappointed in you.
I consider this the best blog you have written only because it has given me a profound insight into what kind of a person you really are and therefore have saved me from wasting anymore time on our frindship.
LAURYN: Conversation went as follows (maybe not verbatim, but pretty darn close):
L: Wow. Michael Jackson died. He was a whack job, no doubt, but I can't think of another performer who is as iconic. He was amazing and influeced many. Who else fits in this category? Elvis? I don't really care for him, but he is in this category. Madonna?
"B": I couldn't care less. Don't care for him-- personally or his music, never did.
J: (YOU) One less pervert as far as I am concerned.
K: I agree with Lauryn. He was a freak, but he was a legend.
L: Ok, pervert or not, like his music or not, name someone who has had as much influence.
B: The Beatles.
L: I love the Beatles, untouchable musically. I'm talking entertainers. I can't think of one outside of MJ and Elvis.
B: Rascal Flatts. Keith Urban. I hear RF is incredible live.
L: Seen 'em twice. They are. They are not legendary. No where close to the same.
B: Elton John?
L: YES! Good one.
K: What about Prince? He's amazing and has written a lot for others too.
L: Torn on that one. He is amazing, but he was post MJ, influenced some by MJ.
**This inspired the writing comment as it was mentioned Elvis did not write a lot of his own stuff-- far as I know. I said MJ did.**
J: I don't think MJ wrote any of his stuff.
L: Really?? I'm gonna have to check it out because I think he did.
The rest of the conversation surrounded what a nut job Michael is... If he did molest children (he's still nuts even if he didn't) he'll be judged accordingly-- as well he should. I'm not saying he didn't-- 'cause I don't really know. I've said, "Why would a parent allow a child to stay with a person accused, guilty or not, of molesting children!?" I still wonder. But, this was not the posed question. The posed question was, who are other legendary entertainers? I asked it because I really could not (still can't) think of many. "Betty" now states she was simply naming great performers. OK, I let her off the hook-- but they were named when I asked of revolutionary icons. Hence the miscommunication.
Your threatening, violent, angry, accusatory texts over such a trivial subject-- an event/conversation I wrote about based on truth as I see it show your true colors. Wishing death on someone, especially someone regarded as a friend is both concerning and telling. Folks are entitled to their opinion all day long, but when they are vastly opposing, it makes for a good discussion, opportunity to poll. I offered "B" an apology as my intention was never to hurt her-- and I feel awful in doing so. The intention was comical in nature, or was the intention. Hey, as I stated earlier, at least we agree on one thing...
Posted by: Major Dad | July 14, 2009 02:14 PM
The apples - MJ was one of a kind. He gave up any chances of a normal life to push music to a place it had never been before. He was simply an artisit. That is what artists do, they see things that aren't there yet and bring them into being. They create, they discover, they improve.They explore. They also are human. they have faults and vices and sins and secrets, which brings me to the oranges: MJ had a horrible personal life and hacked up childhood which left him with a sick relationship with kids and he made some mistakes that cannot be overlooked, which by the way, no one is trying to overlook. It was not right, and everyone knows he was wrong for it. Even though I am not from a "Bigger City" I would like to think that you can still have an open mind being from the "sticks". I would hope that a big city boy like yourself could see the difference between apples and oranges.
Further more, don't speak on things you don't know about. You say he was not an icon, But I just watched Lionel Ritchie, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, and many others bow to him in respect and tell the whole world that THEY saw him as an Icon. a legend. The King. ...hmmm, who should I beleive? go back to your bigger city dumbass.
Posted by: Your Mother's Mother | July 14, 2009 03:02 PM
Hey Fred, why don't you cry about it. Maybe you should take a look at the man in the mirror...make that change , Fred, make that change....
Posted by: allergic to whiners | July 14, 2009 03:08 PM
Lauryn,
Don't apologize when you're right.
LAURYN: I was apologizing for hurting someone I care about-- that is, "Betty." I do apologize for that as it was not my intention. I don't, however, apologize otherwise. I wrote of my perception of the opposing opinions/conversation. I was not personally attacking, threatening. You know, I mentioned people are entitled to opinions and that includes ME. Those who feel MJ offered nothing to music possess a dumb opinion in MY opinion. Doesn't mean I don't love "Betty" 'cause I do but I stand firm in my opinion otherwise. Now, I attacked an opinion and called it dumb. I spared names. I wrote of MY understanding of the conversation. And for that, I offer zero apologies.
Posted by: wes | July 14, 2009 04:23 PM
Lauryn,
Don't apologize when you're right.
LAURYN: Ok, ok...
Posted by: wes | July 14, 2009 04:28 PM
Wes, it's all good with Lauryn and Betty. I promise. She was right to apologize for hurting me, she was also right to not apologize for her opinion. I don't apologize for my opinion either. "Love means never having to say you're sorry"-which, by the way, is total BS. Love (and friendship) is actually saying you're sorry- even when you don't totally think you're wrong, or when you're partially wrong, or when you're right, but it hurt the other person anyway. Wes, you lovely little pea picker you. You're so cute! LOL!
Posted by: Kate | July 14, 2009 05:09 PM
Well, this one got some potatoes boiling in the pot and some ruby slippers spinning...didn't it? Now dorothy, I mean Lauryn...Here's the question...How many readers out there have heard of Amadeas Mozart? Or Johann Sebastion Bach? How about Ella Fitzgerald? Anybody out there seen my movie..."The Wizard of Oz"? Not "The Wiz" but the real 'Wizard of Oz"? Are these works that will live on and on and on (No, Not Stephen Bishops' song "on and on")?
We can't dub anything iconic until it's Lived on beyond OUR years. MJ's song HiStory...is not about history...but His Story...corny...a little. Time will tell...If my great, great grand children are listening to "That Dog Gone Girl is Mine"....then I guess he survives as King of Pop. When the super space aged elevator goes up to the 1100th floor in the year 2287 and the music piped in is MJ's "Ben" or "Rock with Me" done by Tech 17 with Horn blaster alchemist violins...then we will know....He was realllly, the King of Pop. Right, my pretty?
LAURYN: Nice. True...
Posted by: Aunty Em and toto | July 14, 2009 09:39 PM
I'm up here in Heaven.....and I haven't seen Michael Jackson yet....but when I do I'm going to ask him to teach me some moves. If I don't see him soon, I'll say a prayer that he gets here.....that's the nice thing to do and he'd be nice to know. Heaven is really better than earth because you can see all your friends from the comfort of a cloud, even when they're still on earth....and you can watch people be unkind to each other over stuff that doesn't matter and you can only watch and blow them kisses to make them think...you know those moments when you have..an earthly epiphany? but then again...I see nice stuff going on down there too. Fred be nice to Lauryn...Lauryn be nice to Fred...Betty, it's okay to like Keith Urban...he's nice. Don't call names like pervert...you don't know because you weren't there. Parents be good to your children so that they don't grow up to be so devastated and self consciecious and do things that are ridiculous and harmful to themselves and others. Remember the golden rule...Do unto others as you would have others do unto you....It's a big rule here in Heaven. If anyone sees Ryan...tell him "I do". Right now Ed McMahan and Johnny Carson are telling really funny jokes...and Billy Mays just got a nasty stain out of my angel wings. Jimi Hendrix is chasing Janis around with a butterfly net made of Marilyn Monroe's bra cups...Paul Newman is shooting pool with Jackie Gleeson, all of the Saturday Night Live gang have been on a roll...Gilda Radner is really funny. Chopin is arguing with Abraham Lincoln about the perfect fruit, cherries or blueberries, while Davinci and Michaelangelo have done some great portraits up here...the heavenly kind. The nice thing is everyone is having fun....especially George Burns and Bob Hope. George and John have really put down some music up here...you wouldn't believe what George can do with a harp. By the way, Adolf Hitler, Stalin, Ted Bundy and Jeffrey (I hate you Jeffrey...remember that) ARE NOT here.
Sophia and Dorothy are having cannolli's with Lauryn's Grandma Grace while her Poppy is playing Harmonica with Dean Martin so I better go watch all the entertainment up here...and
John Lennon says to remind you that "in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make".
LAURYN: Brilliant. Tupac and Biggie are friends again too. No guns in heaven. Ole yeller is pretty darn cuddly. Heath Ledger finally has some peace. River Phoenix found peace as well. Patsy Cline no longer falls to pieces and Richie Valens isn't afraid to fly, really fly. Stevie Ray is his co-pilot-- Buddy Holly fills in when SRV is busy fishin'. Janis, Morrison, Cobain, Bradly Nowell write a lot of songs everyone will sing-- karaoke style--up here. And everyone will sing on key, perfect harmonies. There's a bunch of singing and dancin', drinking and laughin', eating and sleepin'. It's all good.
Posted by: Farrah | July 14, 2009 10:12 PM
To Farrah and Lauryn...nicely done!!! I am so very impressed!
LAURYN: But let's not forget your mom (as in, your mom-Barbara, not the commenter)-- million dollars says she's drinking a margarita and teaching my Grandma Grace how to play Phase 10. I hope heaven allows a little smack talkin' as your mom was the best when it came to Phase 10 smack talk. :-)
Posted by: Kate | July 15, 2009 10:48 AM
I agree with what many are saying, MJ was one of a kind. His music and dance steps were ground breaking. He had lots of good songs that I still like. AND he was one weird dude. I think that the old saw that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely applies to MJ.
On the lighter side, I heard that since MJ was 90% plastic, that they are going to melt him down and make him into lego toys. That way kids can play with him instead of the other way around.
I know... I'm wrong...
LAURYN: Wow...
Posted by: Charlie | July 15, 2009 10:50 AM
Hey horse face, I've never met you, but some of your "friends" say you stink like cigarettes. You can reply to me until you're blue in the face, but I know how much your "friends" dislike you.
LAURYN: Hey, "anonymous"-- also known as "your mother"-- that's the best you got? You're new to town and you don't know me but you're inspired enough to post not one, but two insulting comments? Guess my boring blog isn't too boring as it's brought you here twice now. Heh.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 15, 2009 02:27 PM
You do smell like smoke. I'm just sayin'....
LAURYN: Haha. Birds of a feather. Been stealing yours for, oh, 13 years now?? :-)
Posted by: Wes | July 16, 2009 05:30 PM
I love new people to town. They are all high and mighty until they realize that they don't know anyone, and other people know everyone. Welcome to Little Rock douche.
LAURYN: And Little Rock is... well, little. It's a great place and very warm/welcoming to the welcome-able.
Posted by: sweeeeeet | July 16, 2009 10:05 PM
Holy Shit people.
Posted by: Aaron - Your Whyle Mothers Family | July 17, 2009 10:10 PM
I stumbled on to this site...found some of the quips comical...and the subject matter perfect for an argument...I couldn't help but note that some responders were really angry...either they can relate to being an object of desire from an unwanted source...Or their off their meds (eg. anonymous)...why would a debate on MJ bring about a personal assault on the blogger...unless there was something in his/her haunting past....Interesting verrry interesting.
LAURYN: Sounds to me like someone hasn't made any friends in their new town. Cannot imagine why. Then again, I've not given it much thought either because well, I don't care. Thanks for reading.
Posted by: Inter vivos | July 19, 2009 12:56 PM