Book Review: Michael!

Michael! is a book written by known author Mark Bego. The book was first printed in March of 1984, which is cool because I was born March of 1985. Who knows it may have been printed on my birthday. It was published by Pinnacle Books, which is the first edition that was printed anywhere at that time. I found this book surprisingly at a local dollar store but I'm sure there are copies available at bookstores or online.


Cover photo by Ebet Roberts

The book opens at the point where Michael has recorded the album Thriller and has made major success with hit singles and stunning videos. It mentions how Michael was a dynamite performer, like when he performed for Motown 25, but yet he was a very shy person.
The book highlights his life and career with his brothers as the Jackson 5. It talks about how they had many hits and also some issues as well. It marks how Michael decided to launch a solo career and his success rate skyrocketed, yet he still remained a man who would rather stay in a corner alone than join a crowd. The book reflects his Off the Wall era, how he was a sensation at discos all over. It talks about his experiences with people he worked with as the author interviews them. They mention how he revolutionized music videos, fashion and pop culture. This leads up to the middle of his Thriller era, where he is on top of the world. There are also over 50 photos. Even though they are in black and white, just remember it doesn't matter. :-) I would tell you more but then you won't buy the book.



I definitely enjoyed reading this book because it helped me understand an era that I never witness because I wasn't born yet or too young to remember. It was very visual and I was able to put myself in the story like I was there. Great work Mark! I would read it again.

Stay tuned for my next Book Review coming soon...

The Trial of Dr. Conrad Murray Begins

Michael Jackson's doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, will begin his trial today with opening statements heard by the jury. This trial is to show that he was responsible criminally for the death of Michael Jackson. As a medical professional, I feel he should be held responsible because he supplied Michael with drugs you can only obtain with a proper medical license. Then for him to react slowly as Michael laid there dying. I really don't want to go to indepth with this because it can become controversial. I do, however, pray that God please give Michael's family the strength they need to make it through this trial. Amen! There will be JUSTICE FOR MJ!

Panther Michael: D.I.Y.

Everyone should be familiar with the controversial ending to the "Black or White" video. This scene is known for Michael's superb tap dancing skills, breaking car windows with dorogatory words on them, tranforming into a pather, and his sexually suggestive dancing (body rubbing and crotch grabbing). I was always a fan of this scene because I loved the part when he spins, drops to his knees, rips his shirt and yells while splashing water on himself with sparks going off behind him. It shows intensity that drives me insane.

If you have the edge and flare like MJ, you can do it too.

All you need is:
Basic white v-neck t-shirt
Black button up shirt
Black Fedora-like hat
Black pants
Black or Brown studded belt
Black loafers
White tape on three fingers (pointer, ring, and pinkie)
White wrap around right arm
White socks
White arm cast (optional)

Michael and a beautiful panther


The King can move!




My favorite part!!!


I tried this look for Jermaine Jackson's book signing Sept. 19th in NYC for his book "You Are Not Alone, Michael: Through A Brother's Eyes." He said I looked great! Thank you and love you Jermaine!

Meeting Jermaine Jackson

9/19/11

Jermaine Jackson, the fourth child of Joseph and Katherine Jackson and Michael Jackson’s older brother, held a book signing yesterday at Barnes and Noble in New York City. It was the perfect way to end my vacation week. I was anticipating meeting him since I first found out about it in August. I went on this adventure alone and met my wonderful MJ family when I got there.











The night before, I was so excited that I barely slept and if I did, it was only about three hours. I know my friends Raquel and Nieesha barely slept because they slept outside to hold spots! They were amazing and brave. I truly commend them for doing that, too. I got up at 6:00am and got dress in the panther Michael from the end of the “Black or White” video. Now I was on my way to my very first Jackson family experience.











When I arrived, it was not too many people but Raquel moved me right up front with her and Nieesha. As time passed, we found ways to stay entertained so we began rocking out to Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 songs. More of our friends, such as Gadget Trish, Shelly, and more, began to arrive and we got even more hyped. We danced to “Beat It,” “Thriller,” and I did a solo of “Billie Jean.” I was definitely a crowd pleaser. I met so many people that day and it was nothing but Jackson family love.











Then it was time. We got in line and they let us in. I was the fifth in line and I began to feel nervous. Then he finally came out. He waved, smiled, and blew kisses at us all and people were trying to photograph every moment. The line began to move and the butterflies came. As I approached him my heart rate sped up to non-existent a speed, but I ignored it and proceeded.


Me: “Hello, how are you?”

Jermaine: “I’m good, how are you?”

Me: I’m blessed. It’s an honor to meet you.

Jermaine: “Thank you. It was an honor meeting you as well.







I walked away in a struck manner with a huge smile. I couldn’t believe what had happened. I wanted to yell out loud and cry at the same time. I did manage to keep my composure. There was a part that stood out mere because the people told us we couldn't take photos with him at the podium. Yet after I finished, people started taking individually. The woman behind us told us. I went and told my friends and Gadget Trish helped us get back there to get our photos. I walked up to him with my "MJ swag" and he was impressed. I gave him a hug, a kiss on the cheek, and took my photo. We even exchanged some kinds words.

Me: "It's me again"

Jermaine: "I see. You look great!"

Me: "Thank you so much"

Jermaine: "You're welcome"

Me: "Aww, I love you"

Jermaine: "I love you, too"

It was such a beautiful experience. I was so happy to have met Jermaine. I've been a fan of Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5's music since I can remember and this is definitely a moment I will never forget.

Photos taken by me and Gadget Trish and various friends

Flashback MJ: Dangerous World Tour 1992-93

The Dangerous World Tour is the second worldwide tour of Michael Jackson featuring songs from his Dangerous album. This followed the success of his Bad World Tour (1987-1989). The tour ran from June 27, 1992 to November 11, 1993. The tour ended in 1993 after Michael became hospitalized but was said he had become dependent on painkillers. All profits from this tour was donated to Michael's Heal the World Foundation and other various charities.

I decided to wear my Dangerous tour outfit on the 98.7 Kiss FM MJ Birthday Cruise. If only MJ was on this boat with me.

MJ Birthday Fan Brunch & Help Shannon's SHARE Foundation

9/10/11

I am so disappointed that I had to work earlier that day and miss majority of the celebration, but from the look of photos on Facebook, it was beautiful. The event was a birthday tribute to Michael Jackson, Shannon Tavarez who starred as young Nala in the Lion King Musical on Broadway who died at the age of 11 to leukemia and to the victims lost on September 11th 2001. Still in all, I was glad I still managed to be a part of a great day and memorable moments. This time my mom was a part of this adventure. We were on our way to the Riverwalk Bar & Grill on Roosevelt Island in New York City. We had a few delays with trains and buses but we made it there with an hour to spare. Plus it was my first MJ tribute performance. Of course I practiced like crazy and was a nervous wreck, not to mention my allergies had to bother. I did not let that stop me at all. The show must go on.









I performed the live version of "Billie Jean" wearing the signature sequins jacket and glove along with my sequins hat. When I was being introduced, I felt my nose starting to feel stuffy, I began to worry. Then as I began my routine, my nose tried to run. Yet once I began, it seemed like the sickness eased away and I gave them my all. I truly pushed hard. I felt MJ's spirit with me and I took it to a new level.



















After my performance, we all received a white balloon. We walked by the waterfront and began to sing "Heal The World" as a tribute to Michael, Shannon Tavarez, and the victims of September 11th. As we were singing, the sun came out a shined upon us all. Then after we released he balloons at the end of the song, as we began to celebrate Michael and dance, the clouds around the sun formed a heart. We felt that they loved our gifts. Then while walking back to the restaurant, I looked up and saw that the heart then formed into an "M." We all couldn't believe our eyes. You had to see it to believe it. Then it formed into Michael doing the "Toe Pose." Such an amazing and unforgettable moment. The power of MJ!







Photos taken by various members of Michael Jackson Fans of New York City, Gadget Trish and myself