This week...

First, hello to all my beloved friends and fellow MJ Fans.  I have missed you!  (And apparently our friends in Guernsey and Covetry have missed my posts, since they have been spending a bit of time scouring my blog again recently.  Ignore those comments that appear.  I will answer them, if I think it is necessary). 

I would like to send a special note of appreciation to our new co-admin of my blog, Martijn Peskens (aka MJTKOP-NYTRAM to many of you).  During my absence, he made some fabulous changes here to the layout and kept things running smoothly.  THANK YOU MARTIJN.  I truly L.O.V.E. it!  Martijn and I started discussing some layout changes many months ago, and he has worked very hard on the new format, and it's something that may never have happened without him- I am sometimes technology challenged.  LOL 

More importantly, this is a difficult week for us all, as the second anniversary of Michael's passing quickly comes upon us.  I have started a new personal project that I will be sharing with all of you soon, but in the meantime I would like to suggest a few things you can do on Saturday to remember, and honor, Michael's memory and the committment he made to the world in his undying efforts in charity.

Consider visiting some veterans of your country's military in a veteran's home, or aged facility.  Take a few things with you that might cheer them.  They don't have to be expensive, just something to show they are remembered. You can do the same at any aged resting home.  Take some flowers for their dining facility, some nice grooming items such as soaps, body washes, perhaps after-shave or deodorants-- something that isn't 'facility issue' that will make them feel remembered.  (Suggestion:  try to find things for sensitive skin and not highly perfumed, since elder skin is much more delicate and perfumes could act as an irritant).  I would not recommend taking food items (or candies) unless you have contacted the facility administrator prior to taking such items, since the residents likely have restricted dietary guidelines.

Go door-to-door in your neighborhoods and ask for food donations and take your collection to a local charity, or food-bank, to help those who have little money or any affected by the recent world-wide disasters.  Personally, I take some of my food and tolietry collections to the local AIDS food bank since I know locally their programs were cut by more than 50% over 2 years ago.

Do not forget the animals!  While asking for food donations, ask your neighbors if they have an extra can of food, or bag of treats they could spare and take those to a local animal rescue or shelter.  It is amazing how quickly one can/bag here and there can add up!  Governments the world over are cutting programs in an effort to save money, and it is usually those who need the help the MOST who are cut FIRST.  I just took about 12 lbs of cat food, 20 lbs of dog food and bags upon bags of treats to my veternarian and asked them to distribute to rescue groups they personally work with, since many of them are clients as well).

I never ask for personal recognition- I simply say I am doing this in honor of Michael Jackson and in his memory.  They know my face, but not my name.

Remember, this is something that can be done year-round, not just every June.  If you think you don't have the time, then try to rearrange your schedule at least once a month to carve out at least 2 hours, more if you can afford it.  This type of activity is also a FANTASTIC way to get your children involved in so many ways. The life lessons are PRICELESS.

Lastly, I am a bit computer challenged right now.  My main (newest) laptop was shipped to the manufacturer's repair center since my video card died.  My older laptop, well, thanks to my security company's latest "update" has replaced an operating system file that has rendered the OS instable.  (Oh yippee!) So I am doing most of my reading/writing from my phone.  Please give me some time to get my laptop back from repair.  (Dang! It is ALWAYS something! Sigh)

Much L.O.V.E.,
Cali

PS.  For those who are able to see CNN US-- have you seen the new commercial for a special this weekend about Michael?  (His last days or something like that).  What are your thoughts of the IV drip they use as the backdrop for their special? 

Interesting things from around the net

Larry King Live has a poll  What is your favorite MJ album?  10 days left to vote.

Don't forget the CNN poll is going to close soon (on/before August 25th): Who are the top 5 Music icons? We already know who will win #1... if we vote, that is.

Kraken Opus went digital-- a new iPhone app was announced for the Saatchi Opus. Appears they are creating a series of apps for Apple products, actually.   Question:  How many of you have phones that are app-friendly?  How many have iPhones/iPad/iTouch, etc? 

New events have been added to the Upcoming MJ related events calendar here.  If you know of an event for MJ's birthday, please send me a link so I can add it to the calendar!  Thank you!

Mexico City- Hector Jackson's Funk and Drill  Remember his event that made it into the Guinness Book of World records last year?   See lots of video here.

Los Angeles - (Aug 28th) Unveiling largest US MJ Mural
                       (Aug 28th) Fans' trip to Neverland (link coming)
                       (Aug 29th) Film viewing of The Way He Makes Them Feel
                                         Pre-order the DVD here

Trashy rumors:  Mr & Mrs Jackson might be getting a divorce.  UPDATE:  Well, according to Roger Friedman (takes grain of salt), his column reports it as, well, sort of confirmed.  Hmmm. Read here.

Don't want to leave you on a sour note, so here's an ABC report titled How Michael Jackson Won the West.  Pretty great video.

CNN Polling: Top 5 Iconic Musicians

Voting is on NOW.  Please use this link

It was kind of confusing on how to do it.  They want you to rate your top 5 of the ones below.  So, go to one and then select what number you want them in your vote.  Example (of course), Click "rate" under MJ's picture, and select #1.  If you scroll back up to the top of the page, you'll see MJ in your #1 box.  Complete #'s 2 through 5 the same way, then click submit. 

Results will be on their site on/after August 25th.  So hurry and vote.

PS.  HEY CNN-- WHERE'S FRANK SINATRA Chairman of the Board !?!?!

Larry King's announcement

Source/CNN

SNEAK PREVIEW CNN: Michael Jackson (June 25th) Video

Below is a sneak preview of Don Lemon's special that will air this Friday.  Thank you CNN for sending this.  More tomorrow!

MICHAEL JACKSON-THE FINAL DAYS

Premier: Fri. June 25 at 8 p.m., 11 p.m., 2 a.m., (one hour; all times Eastern)

One year after the death of music legend Michael Jackson, CNN’s Don Lemon speaks with friends and family members about his last days. Lemon interviews the performer’s brothers, Jermaine and Tito Jackson, as well as close friend Dr. Deepak Chopra,

INTERVIEW: CNN's Larry King with Dr. Klein's attorneys

Placed on 8/20/09 as date of interview.