Don't Get Me Started with Linda Sharp

Jenny Sanford Speaking Out

While I still bristle when people in these situations try to hide behind the Bible (Sanford is an indulgent ass, likening himself to David), it is refreshing to hear Mrs. Sanford is adjusting her earlier, willing-to-give-him-another-chance views based on the overwhelming evidence that her husband, despite being found out, despite attending counciling with her, and despite their agreement that he not see "her" anymore - is an arrogant, lying, cheating, self indulgent hypocrite.

Jenny Sanford: How I Found Out About The Affair

Just Push Play

I'm a grown-up - most of the time.  But given the opportunity to Cuisinart Iran's biggest douchebag?  Well, I'm all about a good Grande' Douchaccino.

http://joecartoon.atom.com/cartoons/972-ahmadinejad_in_a_blender

Stephen Colbert on Gay Exorcisms - Poltergayst (Love it)

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Gay Demon on the Loose
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Mark Sanford

Funny, The Things You Write, But Don't Remember

An MJ fan sent me the link to this piece from 2003.  I know I wrote it, but I honestly had forgotten about it...

~~~~~~~~~~

Hunting Season Open: Ducks, Rabbits, Deer, Michael Jackson...

by Linda Sharp

November 20, 2003

Some things in the media are very predictable, almost laughably so. Take the results of any reality TV dating program. Viewers know, long before the final rose is given out, who the Bachelor is going to choose. But because network bigwigs know how boring our own little lives are, they give us something to live for in the form of a "multinude" of bodies romancing via a hot tub. How considerate, how thoughtful, how ratings oriented.

How about the predictability of celebrities popping up in ads for everything from telephone service to Twix bars? Take Old Navy ads for example. I had still not figured out the whole Morgan Fairchild connection from last season, when wha t to my wondering eyes should appear? A Lil Kim rapper dressed up in ski gear. Lil Kim? Sweaters? Cargo pants? A bra? Yeah, I'm believing that this icon of "you are what you don't wear" is out clubbing in snow boots and a fleece hoodie.

OK, maybe I didn't see that coming, but there is one recent occurrence that simply has not surprised me at all. It was only a matter of time. A cyclical event, akin to full moons and celestial bodies. Only what is blinding me is not a solar eclipse, but the burning in effigy, once again, of a superstar.

Michael Jackson, accused of child molestation. And while the word accused should imply the pointing of a finger and what should be an "innocent until proven guilty" mentality, the media has done what they do best. They have displayed a willingness to forgo even a modicum of neutrality or objectivity, in favor of ratings. Sell the sizzle, not the steak guys, because when all is said and done, just like last time, that's all there is going to be.

As predictable as "Open Season" on Mr. Jackson has become, what is most notable is the fact that it has taken this long for another unscrupulous set of adults to emerge, willing to use a child for monetary gain. I mean what's a little pimping of your own child if you can grab millions of dollars? What it is, complete lack of evidence aside, is a very telling sign that some people are unscrupulous, unfeeling and undeserving to parent the children they exploit.

I said it last time, if I truly believed that someone had abused my child in any way, the only thing I would want are their eyeballs on a stick. No amount of money would ever make me "go away".

I don't think people realize how easy it is to level an allegation of this type and destroy a person's life. Anyone, at any time can go to authorities and accuse another person of mole station of a child. It is a serious, no tolerance crime, as well it should be, and one that must be taken seriously by prosecutors. And even in those instances when all investigations are exhausted and a person is proven innocent, the damage is irreversible.

But the dividends for the accuser can be just as life altering.

Millions of dollars are an appealing prospect to anyone, but personally I'd rather take my chances on a lottery ticket, not a person's life. Unfortunately for the people behind these current accusations, and I say people, because it is not the child spearheading this assault, they may have to settle for lottery tickets too. Michael Jackson will not throw money again to make people go away and regain some peace in his life. Once blackmailed, twice shy, you know.

That's not to say he won't be found guilty of certain things. They will dig and find he is a serial humanitarian. They will investigate and come up with evidence to prove he is the 20th century's leading champion of children around the world. And they will run every forensic test possible and come up with the irrefutable proof that he is human, just like you and me. And in the end, they will once again discover, much to their embarrassment, that he is not guilty.

So even though they have declared open season on Michael Jackson, they'd better watch how they take aim. Misloaded weapons have a way of backfiring.

Reaching Back Seven Years

Long before the word "blog" had entered our collective vernacular, I was writing.  Writing about what pissed me off, made me laugh, roll my eyes, or what anyone paid me to write (meatloaf, anyone?).

Like the Michael Jackson piece I posted yesterday - written back in 2002 - I did several follow-up pieces as more details came to light. 

As I stated in the comments, each person is allowed to come to their own conclusion about what they believe / do not believe, think / do not think about Michael Jackson.  His talent cannot be denied.  And personally, neither do I believe can his humanity.

Read, don't read - your choice.  But this is where I was at with MJ back in 2002, and this is still where I am today.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jackson vs. Bashir: The Glove Comes Off

In what can only be described as a one-two punch in the ongoing media battle, Michael Jackson knocked British journalist Martin Bashir’s credibility flat on the mat.

In the past weeks since the airing of what has come to be termed Bashir’s “mock”umentary, the tabloids, chatrooms, newspapers and radio airwaves have become a battle ground.

On one side, a mob mentality media whose entire mind set has turned tabloid, on the other a defensive force to be reckoned with: Michael’s friends, family and legendary fan base.

I had stated in an earlier article, written after viewing the Bashir broadcast, that if you were to follow anyone around for eight months with a camera, you could then edit them to look either saint or sinner. (Follow me around for even eight days and you could edit me to look like Mother of the Year or Ozzy Osbourne.) But then add to that some innuendo laden voice overs and it became clear Bashir chose to firmly paint Mr. Jackson into the “sinner” camp.

I am happy to report I was right on the money. And said money is what Bashir was after. A sad commentary on our society, but sensationalism wins out over substance in the ratings game. And by offering up a perverted, bastardized version of the King of Pop, so badly maligned in the past, his “documentary” held much more sizzle for the network bidders.

Who needs journalistic integrity when millions of dollars are in the offing?

The “Footage That You Were Never Meant To See” special on FOX shined a much different light on Michael Jackson and exposed Martin Bashir for what he is: a social climbing, two faced, publicity seeking interviewer whose main skill is ingratiating himself to his victim and talking out of both sides of his mouth. To continue to call him a “journalist” is offensive to those who actually do hold integrity and objectivity to be of paramount importance in covering any story - whether current event or celebrity fluff. Oh, and there is also that pesky little word: TRUTH.

Mr Bashir seems to have a big problem with telling it.

But then, in watching the interview footage taken by Mr. Jackson’s cameraman, what I have always believed was reinforced. The TRUTH is simply not as interesting as the garbage people make up.

Last evening, Michael Jackson was “exposed” for what he is. A soft spoken, eloquent, thoughtful, caring, philanthropic, loving, nurturing man who would simply like to live his life in peace. Hmmmm, you’re right Mr. Bashir, it doesn’t sound as titillating as “perverted, child molesting, danger-to-himself-and-others, neglectful, paranoid, psychotic megalomaniac”.

Did as many people tune in to Michael’s footage as Martin Bashir’s? Sadly, I doubt it. But then given society’s reality TV appetite for greed, sloth, avarice and sex, it makes sense. They would have most certainly come away hungry and people have a long standing history of not wanting to be proved wrong.

There were also no headlines this morning revealing the truth about Martin Bashir’s obvious deal-with-the-devil documentary. That’s ok though. I watched. And I will be happy to be the first journalist to predict that Michael Jackson will go on. He will continue to touch the lives of millions around the world. He will continue to share the creative genius of his music. He will continue to welcome children to his ranch to play. And he will continue to offer compassion and charity to a world that has chosen to do little more than ridicule him for more than a decade.

And as for Mr. Bashir? I predict for him a wonderful career writing stories about three headed aliens, crop circles and talking hamsters as a “highly respected” tabloid reporter.

I do believe in boxing terms that would be called a TKO.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It’s A ONEderful Life

 

Over the past months I have been privileged to receive and exchange thousands of emails with fans of Michael Jackson from around the globe.  And I mean around the globe.  Name a country with Internet access and I have an email from someone there. 

 

I have received emails in languages I could not understand.  I have waded through emails where the writer’s attempts at English are both heartfelt and heartwarming.  I have received loving stories about how Michael Jackson has touched an individual’s life.  I have read lengthy diatribes in which the writer vents their anger and frustration with the poor treatment of this man.  I have heard from people whose email addresses pay homage to him in the form of song titles: thrillermj,  or simple adoration: iluvmj4evr.  And contained in them all, I have been repeatedly asked a single question.

 

Are you a fan of Michael Jackson?

 

In a global media which certainly seems hellbent on castigating Michael Jackson and turning him inside out for ratings and increased circulation, I admit I must stand out like a sore thumb or a die hard fan.

 

The sore thumb I will cop to.  I simply refuse to get swept up in the tidal wave of hype, choosing rather to cling to a life preserver called objectivity and perspective.  But as for being a die hard fan?  No.  What I am, and have been, is an ardent admirer of Michael’s for more years than most of the emailers I hear from have been alive.

 

Certainly I appreciate his immeasurable talent.  But what has always drawn me has been his charity.  His acceptance of his fellow man.  His willingness to embrace his inner child.  And yes, his open and innocent love for children everywhere.

 

So when I watch the news or read the paper and see another distorted headline or grandstanding public defender, I am compelled to respond to the stinking hypocrisy.  Take for instance the recent public statement by everyone’s favorite candidate for a Queer Eye segment, Tom Sneddon.  He now wants a gag order on the case, in order to protect Michael’s chance at a fair trial.  I see, Tom.  Make love to that podium and microphone until facts begin coming to light such as Michael Jackson not being in the same state with the child on the dates in question.  Yeah, I can see where that information making its way to the public would make you gag. 

 

And the hoopla in the past month regarding the Nation of Islam.  Are they controlling him?  Are they in charge of his finances? Life? Choices?  I don’t care if Louis Farrakhan himself is counciling Michael on “paper or plastic” at the grocery store or if the Nation of Yard Gnomes is paying his bills.  It is none of our business and when this is the lead story on the nightly news over a report on new casualties in Iraq, something is terribly wrong with media perspective.

 

 

Even after his interview with 60 Minutes’ Ed Bradley, all the media could do was derisively dissect his every word and gesture.  Words like “ignorant”, “grotesque” and “liar” hung heavy in the Good Morning America-Today Show air.  It had been a solid interview, but even the bunch on CNN were not above weaving in innuendo and heaping on the sarcasm.  He simply can’t win.

 

Or can he?

 

That was my thought as I sat down to watch the delayed airing of the CBS Number Ones special, along with roughly 10.5 million other folks.  For an hour I was pleasantly swept away, back to the 80's and 90's, powerfully reminded of Michael Jackson’s talent, staying power and contributions to the music industry.  His voice, his moves, his passion for serving up more than we deserve.  And when the show closed out with his new song, I realized something irrefutable.

 

While he is described by friends and fans as one in a million, that simply is not right.  One in a million implies there are others like him out there.  And when it comes to living life beautifully, fully and with conviction, he is unmatched.

 

Michael Jackson is not one-in-a-million.  Michael Jackson is simply ONE.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

Reflection Of The Man In The Mirror

 

“Don’t expect too much from human nature; remember, man is made up of pounds of muscle, but only ounces of brain.”

 

I have been asked repeatedly why I publicly support Michael Jackson.  And in light of the fact that just about every journalist, TV anchor and reporter have practically formed a club dedicated to vilifying him, it’s a fair question.

 

I suppose one reason is that I have never been a joiner, never considered it wise to mindlessly follow the crowd.   Look at lemmings.  These poor ratlike creatures take off running, one after another because it looks like the right thing to do and where do they end up?  Plummeting off a cliff into the sea, that’s where.

 

Another reason would have to do with my love of fairness and my hatred of hypocrisy.  I see a media burning the candle of Michael Jackson at both ends.  For years, so happy to use him for ratings and circulation when he so much as sneezed, now equally as thrilled to abuse him for those same ratings and magazine sales when lies and sordid allegations are levied.

 

But drowned lemmings and libel aside, my biggest reason for speaking out in support of him is that I see myself in his actions with children, and I “get it”.  I’m the anti-grownup where I live.  As opposed to the majority of adults in this world, I make myself accessible to children.  I love kids, I play with kids, I hug them, I kiss them on their heads, I laugh with them, I listen to them, and in turn, they fill my life and heart with hope and happiness.  In my daughters’ schools, I no more than walk in and children come running from all directions.   In the grocery store, it is not uncommon for these children to come out of nowhere and throw themselves around my waist for a hug. 

 

It is when I see the expression on the face of the parent, that I easily see how my own actions could be totally misunderstood.  The parent does not know me, and is visibly freaked out by the fact that their child has an obvious comfort level of touching with me.  But pedophilia and perversion are worlds apart from cherishing and championing. 

 

Here’s an example: Several nights ago, I sat in a darkened room, a five year old child - not mine - between my legs, As I kissed and caressed her, she pressed firmly against my breasts. 

 

Ready to call Child Protective Services on me?  Given that information, I would call the authorities on me!

 

Now, try this: Several nights ago, while sitting in the dark with my daughter’s soccer team, watching Harry Potter, the younger sister of a team member came and sat in my lap.  I rubbed her shoulders and back, she fell asleep.  As she leaned back against me, I kissed her on top of her little head.”

 

See how even the most innocent of scenes can be spun into a tale of debauchery?

 

Michael Jackson is a victim of an open heart, a loving mind and a simple soul.  He is guilty of trusting the only people in our society who can truly be trusted, the children.  They are born into the world as blank slates.  It is unfortunate to see how the adults in their life choose to “write upon them” with their own bigotry, ignorance and fear.

 

The media is unfortunately a fairly unstoppable force.  They will continue to pay money to people who claim to be “insiders”, publishing stories that are more fiction than any Grimm Fairy Tale.  And in that is the grim truth about people.  The basest part of human nature is an inherent fear of  anything or anyone who is different, and the media is more than willing to dish up garbage to a public who is ready to believe the worst - the stinkier the better.

 

He is innocent.  I believe it in my gut.  I understand it in my head.  I feel it in my heart.  And like the millions upon millions of Michael Jackson fans around the world - I will continue to voice my support and when I look in the mirror, see the reflection of that part of Michael that lives inside me.

In Memory Of Michael Jackson

I wrote several pieces on MJ years back at the height of the Bashir-bashing that was taking place.  I stand by them today.

Regardless of what you choose to believe about his life style or the salacious rumors which swirled around him, the world has lost one of its most talented, unique personalities today.

In memory of Michael, I'd like to post one of my pieces from 2002...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Maybe I'm Wacko Too

Maybe it was all the publicity. Maybe it was an accidental switch of the channels after Will & Grace. Maybe it was just plain and simple curiosity. Whatever it was, I joined the millions of people in the United States who tuned into 20/20 to watch the highly, hotly, hugely hyped broadcast of British journalist Martin Bashir's documentary of Michael Jackson.

I like to think of myself as an open-minded, thinking individual and went into the viewing knowing that 8 months worth of interviews, footage and folly would be "packaged" into a mere 90 minutes. And that those 90 minutes would not be filled with him brushing his teeth or eating his breakfast or any of the other mundane rituals that fill anyone's average day, celebrity or not. I think we have seen enough interviews, exposes and "behind the scenes" shows to know that if there ain't sizzle, the steak ain't gonna sell.

That said, the televisions across the USA were pungent with the "sizzle" of Michael Jackson's life being first grilled to medium well, then well done, and finally to charcoal burnt.

Let me also state that I do not know the man personally. I have never attended his concerts, seen him in person or been invited to ride the Merry-go-round at Neverland Ranch. That does not prevent me from being compelled to play devil's advocate.

I will be the first to state that I do not believe anymore than anyone else watching that the man has only been under the plastic surgeon's knife twice. Yes, it is normal for a person's face to change as they age, but people do not spontaneously grow clefts in their chins, permanent eyeliner under their eyes, or noses that shrink to the size of a Barbie doll's.

But, he is also not the only person in this world to make repeated visits to an aesthetician. I have lived in southern California and Dallas, Texas and can tell you that plastic surgeons are not hurting for business. I can also tell you that I have been a patient, and unless I choose to tell someone what I had done, it is none of their damned business.

That same rule applies to Michael Jackson, or at least it should.

What about his lifestyle and spending habits? An amusement park ranch, millions spent on single shopping sprees, and security so tight that Peter Pan himself could not fly into his airspace unannounced? It is his money, he earned it, he has every right to spend it any way he sees fit. There have been enough trailer park lottery stories to see that average people can be just as extravagant, childish, or just plain strange in their desires and purchases. So if Elmo Earlobe from Armpit, Arkansas wants to spend his lottery winnings by adding to his Star Trek memorabilia collection, buying new mopeds for all his buddies and one of Elvis' original Las Vegas jumpsuits, it is Elmo's money.

And as for the security? Quite frankly my dears, if I were that famous and had that much money, I would ensconce myself in the same way. How many celebrities do we need to see stalked, shot, killed before we understand that we force their seclusion. We do not allow them to have normal, go-to-WalMart-on-Saturday lives.

Finally, the issue of children, his and the ones he welcomes to his ranch and yes, gasp, into his bedroom.

Beginning with his own childhood, I don't think anyone would argue the fact that his childhood was nonexistent. Started in poverty and lived under the oppressive abuse of a father hell bent on making his children music icons, Michael Jackson was not a Boy Scout, he did not climb trees with other kids or hang at the Mall on Friday nights. His puberty was lived in the glare of a spotlight, and normalcy could never be experienced, let alone hoped for.

That does not make him dangerous. Eccentric maybe, emotionally different - yes, but dangerous? I do not consider his Neverland Ranch to be dangerous or warped. I believe it is the embodiment of everything he was never able to experience as a child, plain and simple.

I was never allowed to experience concerts by my favorite performers when I was a child. As a parent, I have been known to fly my daughters across this country to sit in the front row of the Backstreet Boys and Nsync - as much for their enjoyment as for mine.

As to the characterization of his children and the ways in which they were conceived? Again, so what? Every single day, average people desperate for a child of their own, travel to other countries, employ technology, and yes, contract with surrogates to fulfill their wish to be a parent. If we consider it normal for Joe and JoBeth Schmoe, why do we look sideways at Michael Jackson? I'll tell you. Because he is Michael Jackson. And we have an impressive track record of loving to build up our celebrities, only to be able to revel in knocking them back down.

Oh, and in his case there is that nasty issue of the molestation allegations from the 90's.

Bear in mind, I am again playing devil's advocate here, but how many times a year do people cave in and quietly settle lawsuits brought against them? Not because the charges have actual merit, but because the person does not want their life, family and reputation dragged through the filthy spotlight that would be shined on them? Everyday, doctors, companies and individuals throw money at unworthy plaintiffs, simply to shut them up and make them go away. Remember a little old lady and her hot coffee? Our society has a very unfortunate attitude that nothing is their fault, and if money can be made by pointing a finger, point, point, point till paid.

Michael Jackson was a very easy target at which to point. In his situation, I would have done the same thing. Get out the checkbook and get on with my life, subtracting both the millions and the friends who had traded a friendship for easy wealth. One need only look at the people who set up Space Shuttle Columbia debris auctions to be reminded that many in our society have no moral compass.

So his children wear masks in public? You don't think there are more than a few sick individuals who would love nothing better than to snap their unmasked photos for the Enquirer or worse, kidnap them for a huge ransom? There are numerous celebrities who guard their children's privacy and identities, whether by blacked out car windows or blankets thrown over their heads, or full-time body guards. If this, or any other eccentricities, makes them suspect or criminal, then no celebrity should be allowed to procreate. Personally, I never take my eyes off my daughters when in public. And I thought the Mardi Gras masks worn by Michael's children were cute. For the record, one of my daughters wore a crown, taffeta dress and sparkly shoes for a solid month when she was three. Did I get strange looks? Sure. Only from people who have no children.

To the issue of him dangling his baby over that balcony? Bad, hideous decision. No doubt about that, he has admitted it. But he did not intentionally endanger that baby any more than you or I intentionally set out to hurt our children by tossing them into the air as babies, swinging them around like airplanes, or buying them a bike that they fall off of and break their arm. I have yet to meet the "perfect parent", and highly doubt that I ever will.

Finally, the issue of the "other" children in his life. He surrounds himself with them. He welcomes them - sick, impoverished, challenged or healthy to his Ranch. He rides the Merry- go-round with them, climbs trees with them, watches Disney movies with them. Everything he never got to experience as a child. I believe he is more comfortable with them than with adults.

I have news for you, so am I.

Children are innocent, honest, they enjoy simple things, they are not contrived and they do not have hidden agendas. I like children far more than adults.

If that makes me warped or "Wacko", then make some room at the ranch for me, Michael.

And I totally agree with his assessment of what is missing in so many children's lives: love, compassion, attention, and parents. Yes, parents. I spend time every week in my daughters' school and have seen it for years - children who desperately want only to be hugged, listened to, wanted. It is shameful to know these children have parents who don't give a damn about the children they brought into this world. Whether outright physical abuse, or the more subtle abuse of emotionally ignoring their child, I see it first hand every single day.

And while it is not condoned or politically correct, I hug them, I get on the floor at their level and talk to them. I ask about their interests, I joke with them, I touch them, I hold their hands, and when they sleep over at my house I kiss them good night. I make them feel special.

That does not make me a pedophile.

No, I do not think it sounds right to have him say they sleep in his bedroom, or in his bed. But that is because I also agree with him that it is a sad fact every thought and notion we have somehow manages to filter through S.E.X. And yes, there are thousands of people who have no business being on the same planet with a child, let alone in a bedroom, but I do not believe Michael Jackson is one of them.

If anything, he strikes me as asexual, nonsexual in every respect. I do not believe these children are in danger of being molested. Perhaps in danger of being cared for, coddled and doted on, but if that is the definition of danger, then all children should be put in such peril.

Again, 8 months were edited, angled and spun into a minuscule 90 minutes of footage. I daresay that if you or I were filmed for almost a year, it would be extremely easy to show only the outbursts, tantrums, nose picking and farting. And no one would be any closer to knowing the real us, than we are closer to knowing the real Michael Jackson. So until that invitation to Neverland Ranch shows up in our mailboxes, maybe we need to stop judging him and begin judging ourselves.

As my mother always told me, "Sweep your own doorstep". You'll have to excuse me now, I need to go get the broom and dustpan.

Not Thrilling News

UPDATE: 445pm:  Michael Jackson has died at age 50.

~~~~~~~~~

God I feel old.  Michael Jackson has suffered a cardiac arrest and has been rushed to the hospital.  Family members are quoted as saying, "He's in really, really bad shape." (And no, that's not a pun.)

Thoughts with him and his family.

Shia LOVEbeouf

I love it when a celebrity acts like a human being - this is really sweet...

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Charlie's Angel Truly An Angel Now

The poster that launched a million fantasies...

The hair that made teen girls weep in frustration as they tried in vain to replicate it...

Farrah Fawcett passed away this morning, she was 62 - Rest In Peace, Angel.

Cat-Dog Detente: Why Can't We Humans Get Along This Well?

This story made me smile...

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