NEWS: AEG still target of handouts by LA over Memorial

Just 5 short months ago, the world watched Los Angeles host a Memorial of the world's most famous and beloved entertainer, and its most famous resident. Today brings a reminder some within the Los Angeles city government are conducting a criminal investigation surrounding Michael.

Not involving his death but his Memorial!

The Los Angeles Times is still following this controversy as councilwoman Jan Perry urges City Attorney Carmen Trutanich to move forward or drop the allegations there was "criminal wrongdoing" by AEG or others in the preparation of Michael's Memorial.

No open allegations have been published (that I've seen) but allegations were made known in a closed door session a few months back. What criminal activity? For a Memorial Service? Seriously? The longer Los Angeles drags this out, the worse the City of Angels appears in the looking glass.

Costs were reportedly $3.2 million and tax revenues from fans who arrived totalled over $4 million, meaning $800,000 in revenue. Who knows how much was added in the days from June 25th to July 7th when people flew from all over the world to stand vigil outside Neverland and the Encino compound. Add into this the $40,000 fans donated via Mayor Villaraigosa's office produced that bungled website that called upon the grief of Michael's fans to pay for his Memorial. There were so many hits the site crashed.

How much has been spent into investigating the costs of the Memorial? More importantly, let us remember Michael, the man, is dead and the doctor who has been named responsible still walks free. Honestly, what is a more important focus since your books have been cleared?

The conversation continues and we continue to watch with mouths agape.

Previous posts & LA Times articles about Memorial costs:
July 5
July 6
July 9
July 14
August 20
August 27
October 25
October 24
October 22
October 22
November 19
December 6
December 7

NEWS: Flash Mob Janet in LA

Do you live in Los Angeles or Will You Be There on November 14th? Plan to attend a Flash Mob to celebrate Janet Jackson's Number Ones. Get details from her site here.

Los Angeles look east to Boston.

The past few weeks have seen some tragic losses. Iconic losses. As one fascinated with history, it is interesting to reflect on the lives of those we have lost through speeches, videos/film, etc. Something was made prominent while watching CNN AC360 this evening... the thousands of people lining the streets of Boston on the motorcade route for the beloved Senator Ted Kennedy.

This comment is not meant to compare the lives of Michael and Teddy. Both men tried in their own ways to make the world a better place and both had aspects of their lives that were troubled. But this comparison is to look at how the cities, who were selected to host the location for thousands to grieve, handled it.

I did not witness any riots in Boston. I did not witness any police baracades. There were no pro-tem mayors asking the public to donate money being braodcast to the world. There was no one telling people to stay home because they would not be welcomed.

So Los Angeles, maybe you should send a team to Boston and see how they respectfully and gracefully welcomed the mourners who came to pay their last respects.

We should have been able to witness the same for Michael.

Michael Jackson's Memorial Cost LA $1.4 Million

Michael Jackson's Memorial Cost LA $1.4 Million: "In a letter to the emergency management department, Greuel criticized the nearly $49,000 expense for police officers' lunches, which were ordered from a restaurant located 80 miles from Los Angeles.

Greuel said her office called a local sandwich shop that could have provided box lunches for less than $17,500. The purchase would have had the added benefit of supporting a local business, she said."

Wow. After reading this from Huffinton Post, I for one truly believe that the LAPD & LA city officials should pay out of their own pockets the $50k lunches.

Just because they are on duty, doesn't mean that the city should have provided lunches! Were these lunches for the 1,000+ officers and staffers who were also sent home early because the fans listened to the repeatative requests of them to stay home (which would have more than paid for any services the city provided).

This just gets MORE disgraceful by the minute for LA & LAPD.

UPDATE: Here is a link to LAPD's blog post on the costs of the memorial. Interesting read.

MEMORIAL: Anything for Moeny

"Beware the man who shouts while standing on another man's casket," Tim Leiweke, AEG executive.

According to a LATimes article, Mr. Leiweke blasted the LA councilman for the manner in which Los Angeles officials handled the request for money to cover the city's costs of Michael Jackson's memorial service. Amen Mr. Leiweke.

Early on, as seen below, this blogger believes the manner in which LA handled themselves overall was horrifying. First to have councilwoman, and temporary mayor, Jan Berry, come out and tell the general public to stay home and not come to pay their last respects was assinine. Why? Let's take a look.

In 1997 when Princess Diana was tragically killed in a car accident, the world went into shock. An outpouring of grief just materialized. People came from all corners of the world. The front gates of Buckingham Palace were adorned with seas of flowers, messages, gifts. The crowds were peaceful, respectful and clearly mourning. Never did anyone hear "don't come."

Shops closed the day of her funeral out of respect. The media descended in masses. Likely fair to say that England saw an remarkable increase in tourist dollars spent in London in the weeks surrounding her death and funeral. And there was controversary around the Queens of Hearts, including a claim & belief that the monarchy was somehow involved in her death.

Thank you Los Angeles for showing the world that we are more worried about money than sending one of the greats off in style. What a bungled mess!

LA Times Article

Michael's Estate Control

While I am sure it is disappointing to the family that the control, even temporarily, has been given to "The Johns" (Branca and McClain), it was the best thing so far I've seen happen since his death.

Keeping in mind Branca & McClain's involvement in MJ's life over the years, their knowledge of the business as well as (I am sure) the inner workings of his family, will give them the ability to make smart unbiased business deals, keeping Michael's wishes in mind....and without their hand out.

When the announcement was made today that they were given immediate temporary control, I did a happy dance. Finally, someone is listening to what Michael wanted... not what THEY want.

Hope is on the horizon.

LAPD's status report on ticket distribution for Memorial

LAPD's blog gives a status update on how the distribution of the tickets for those selected to attend Michael's memorial tomorrow at LA Staples' Center.

Los Angeles should hush and let Michael's fan arrives in the millions!

In my opinion, I don't believe the Jackson family should have to pay AT ALL for the services of LAPD. It is not the fault of the Jackson family that California is broke. California has profited dearly by Jackson's residence in their state. They will profit again in his death by the fans arriving and staying at local hotels, local eateries, gas tax for the cars they have rented to drive from LA to Neverland while they are visiting to name just a few ways.

LAPD did not raise an eyebrow during the Lakers' celebration. AEG should not have to pay the costs either. Temp Mayor Jan Berry has already stated that LAPD has a fund set aside for this type of event (meaning, they DO have the money), albeit likely not the final cost. But the fact that the city government is trying to keep fans of MJ away from his service is ridiculous.

EVERYONE is profiting from his death, and EVERYONE has their hand out--thinking just the use of his name will line their empty pockets. Airlines are seeing an increase in travel, not just from UK, but US as well. Newspaper sales saw a spike in the days after his death for people wanting a tangible memory of his shocking death. Every magazine is splashing his picture while many of the stories inside are a minor part of their total coverage. The record companies who hold the rights to his music are probably hiring people to start counting the money rolling in hand over fist.

Bottom line, LA could probably use the spike in tourism and would probably run the risk of losing tourism by his fans should they continue to try to keep them away. I saw an article from some time back that Sony made a statement about wanting to own outright the Beatles catalog. They have refrained from doing so because they feared that MJ's fans would boycott all Sony products seeing it as Sony taking advantage of their beloved Michael. I think LA would be smart to remember that. Can they really afford a boycott?

LA wake up. You will never again see the likes of tourism originating from your most beloved and famous resident. Show him (and his friends) respect by welcoming them with open arms. They won't riot, they are there to mourn. Let them!!!! You need money? WELCOME THE FANS... their attendance would probably put LA back in the money just from one day.

To Michael Jackson fans everywhere-- Go! Show the world and naysayers how beloved Michael is. Set records! Remember, be polite and orderly!!