Natasha Richardson was so tragic because no one expected death from a minor head injury.

Jett Travolta was tragic because no one knew how knew how sick he was and every knew how young he was.

Ed McMahon, no surprise, almost a relief.

Farrah Fawcett, again, because of the reports, no surprise, almost a relief.

Michael Jackson, total shock.

Poor Ryan O’Neal got pushed right off the front page —  trying for months to sell the death of that poor woman. 

Michael Jackson, while shocking, was such a train wreck that it was almost expected.

I have issues about the words "reigning King of Pop" and "…leaves an empty throne."  Media hype words. Michael’s career has been on the demise for some time now.  Please.  All of this weekend hoopla is shock value and the freak show of his life.  You’ll be back to Lindsay snorting dust bunnies and Britney’s bad weaves in no time. 

 I’m more than willing to discuss death, and in some very blunt terms, since I’ve seen some horrendous behavior across the board during those times.  See enough of it not done well, and you can become quite cynical in your views of the evolution of man. Down to the baseness of pulling off diamond rings of the ripped fingers of airplane crash victims.

I remember when Jerry Garcia died, one comedian said, "Gee…he was such a health nut…who saw that coming?"  That sums up my feelings on Michael Jackson’s death.

P.S. The only thing "moonwalking across my kitchen" is a mop.

And I have an issue with "…celebrities are just ordinary people who work in extraordinary fields"––they may be ordinary in ordinary ways,––like putting one foot in front of the other–– but celebrities ARE extraordinary otherwise they would be just like most of us ordinary folks, which they most certainly are not.  I, too, am more than willing to discuss death and do quite often, and there are no angels involved or gates made of pearls. Most of these icons do not affect my life in any way and although I may feel something about their death, it is not visceral. But when writers die––writers whose words I have lived with for years––I grieve. I still think it terrible that Updike is no longer living. John Lennon’s death was horrible. Political figures shot down before their time––the Kennedys’ and King––these are deaths that sting.

Love the moonwalking mop––does it do its thing in sunlight too? 

It is a performing mop, Phyllis, given to fears that it will never be known for it’s greatness.  I have to keep telling him to push forward and his day will come.  When I told him that I mentioned him on wOw this morning, he told me to "beat it."  He’s rather sarcastic at times.

Funny you mentioned Updike.  I just got his book of Endpoint poems from the library; a lot of them tied into his impending departure, and his past.

I saw a picture of Michael taken two days before his death.  He looked happy and like the old Michael before his partial face mask and pajamas in court days.  No doubt he was looking forward to his 50 upcoming sold out concerts.  But like Elvis, perhaps Michael’s moment of greatness had passed and it was time for the finale.   If anything, that picture reminded me how fleeting life is and what unexpected events life hands us, including death….. just when we least expect it. 

I chose to remember the best in people when they die.  We all hope to leave a positive legacy that will be remembered with smiles and laughter. 

I will remember Ed’s gregarious laugh, Farah’s pretty hair and flawless smile, Natasha’s twinkle in her eye and Michael’s music and performance genius. 

The good things are the only ones that really count.

Great performers are very different from other people - by their talent, they are set aside from the "norm"; by their ambition, they are living in a higher-pressured world that others; and by the attainment of their ultimate goal - success and fame - they are isolated from the very people who adore them.

Thinking about Michael Jackson’s death, I have to say it came as a brief shock, as the sudden death of any person in what is now regarded as the prime of life would be. But after the first shock, the only thought I had was how amazing it was that he lasted as long as he did. Was he truly the "king of pop"? Yes, at a bygone thrilling point in his life, he most certainly was, but that moment had long vanished. When I heard he was planning a 50 concert series this summer, I was stunned. Just couldn’t see how that frail, wan figure would be able to muster up the superhuman energy and strength to endure such a grueling schedule. I truly relish the memories I have of Jackson in his glory days - and wish I could forget the nightmarish cartoon he became over time. And I wish someone, somewhere, somehow could have helped him unlock the prison of his lifestyle so he could have lived a LIFE.

Michael Jackson Cultural Icon

God knows Michael Jackson had his alleged demons and unresolved psychological issues. There have been and will be those who will eagerly remind us of those.

In an earlier posts I wrote that I choose to speak of Michael Jackson the Artistic Cultural Icon. I choose to celebrate his "Homecoming" remembering his artistic and philanthropic contributions.

While Elvis Presley and The Beatles were known internationally and loved by millions so was Mr. Jackson. Mr. Jackson changed the face of music. He had a major impact. In the history of music there has NEVER been an artist that has sold as many cds, dvds, videos, memorabilia and sold out concerts than Mr. Jackson!

This in no way diminishes the contributions of other artists. Mr. Jackson was an innovator.

Historically, it is well known that Elvis Presley loved Black Music. He would come to the Apollo Theater and other theaters to watch Black performers. He would return to his community and mimic the gyrations and sound of Blacks. This is old news. This was the norm for many white performers.

Mr; Jackson was a philanthropist . He donated millions of dollars to charities nationally and internationally. He did not seek photo opts and publicity while doing his good works.

Mr. Jackson is also the owner of the copyrights and music of several well known artists such as The Beatles.

I choose to respectfully honor the dead but that’s just me.

 The others did as well. The fact remains