Beyonce and Jay-Z dress Blue Ivy in mini Michael Jackson costume for Halloween

 Blue Ivy emerged in New York dressed as the King Of Pop to attend a Halloween bash with her parents Jay Z and Beyonce in the city's West Village.

She has previously claimed Michael Jackson made her the artist that she is today, and Beyonce again paid tribute to the late star on Friday with help from her only child.

The two-year-old clutched a microphone, while dressed in a replica of the top that was first worn by Jackson to the American Music Awards in 1984.

The little one was carried to the car by her father Jay Z while dressed in the Billie Jean singer's iconic red and gold jacket, while Beyonce, 33, channeled his sister Janet.

Beyonce continued the theme after opting to go as the late King Of Pop's sister Janet, with an outfit inspired by her Rhythm Nation video


.


Read more: dailymail.co.uk

The Thriller house is featured in Lindsay Blake's famous Movie Locations

Lindsay Blake whom I know of through her IAMNOTASTALKER website has posted an article in the Las Angeleg Magazine online, about The Thiller house from Michael Jackson's Short film.  Lindsay is a huge buff of movies scene locations and a MJ fan. She has posted various MJ locations on her own website since she published it in 2007.  Enjoy


Scene it Before: The Thriller House
Lindsay Blake lamag.com

Ola Ray and Michael Jackson in movie theatre scene from Thriller short film

A dilapidated Angelino Heights residence plays the role of an abandoned house in one of the most famous music videos of all time also happens to be the site of a rather famous spooky filming locale.

Halloween is almost upon us, and most Angelenos likely have their holiday plans in full effect. For those who have yet to cement their trick-or-treating itinerary, I have a tip for you: The 1300 block of Carroll Avenue in Angelino Heights is not only one of the most popular candy-grabbing venues in all of SoCal, it also happens to be the site of a rather famous spooky filming locale.

Dotted with gorgeous Queen Anne and East lake-style structures, most of them dating back to the 1800s, the street is nothing short of idyllic. Thanks to that ancient architecture, though, the area also gives off the air of being haunted.

Click to enlarge

The Sanders house in October 2010. Photograph by Lindsay Blake 

Carroll Ave. homeowners seem to embrace that notion. I have visited the neighborhood many times, almost always during the month of October, and the Halloween decorations gracing the majority of the residences look like something from a movie set. A friendly homeowner once informed me that come All Hallows’ Eve, lines of trick-or-treaters run twenty deep in front of each property all night long.

In the middle of the block, at 1345 Carroll, is the Sanders House, a 3,532-square-foot manor that was featured in Michael Jackson’s Thriller. The stately property, which has been undergoing renovations for years and always seems to be in a half-dilapidated state, was built in 1887 for a local warehouse operator named Michael Sanders.

Video still from the  "Thriller"  short film

The dwelling has long been a darling of the screen. It was featured in the Season 4 episode of Charmed titled “Size Matters” and in 1989’s Teen Witch. In Thriller, it is where Ola Ray runs while trying to escape a gaggle of dancing zombies.

To say that I am a fan of Thriller would be a gross understatement. My parents recorded Making Michael Jackson’s Thriller (on VHS!) when it first aired on television in 1983 and I proceeded to watch it religiously, to the point that the first few minutes of the tape eventually wore out. While the VHS may not have held up through the years, my obsession with Thriller never waned. Twenty-seven years after its release, I enlisted some of my friends to participate in a surprise performance of the Zombie Dance at my wedding. It wound up being incredibly difficult to learn, though (the dance consists of over two full minutes of intense choreography with virtually no repetition.) So we settled for performing the Jackson 5 medley instead, which proved much easier to master and was quite a hit with our guests.

Music video by Michael Jackson performing Thriller.(C) 1982 MJJ Productions Inc.

Thriller, which is recognized by the Library of Congress as “the most famous music video of all time,” was shot over four days’ time in Los Angeles in October 1983. The Palace theatre in downtown Los Angeles is where MJ comforts a frightened Ola (it is rumored that only the exterior of the theatre appears in the video and that the interiors were shot at the Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena). The Zombie dance was filmed at 3701 E. Union Pacific Ave. in Boyle Heights, and Griffith Park is where the 1950s werewolf movie scenes were lensed. The cemetery scene and interior haunted house sequences were both shot inside of a soundstage at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood.

If you do make it out to Carroll Ave. to get your candy on tomorrow evening, be sure to keep in mind Vincent Price’s gravel-voiced advice: “No mere mortal can resist the evil of the thriller.”

Read  more at lamag.com


Lindsay Blake is an actress, writer, celebrity admirer and Los Angeles enthusiast who contributes to CityThink each Thursday. Her true love is filming locations, and she founded the Web site IAMNOTASTALKER  in 2007 to document her vast findings on the subject. For more “stalking” fun, you can follow Lindsay on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram

Book: Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics’

Susan Woodward examines Jackson’s cultural impact in ‘Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics’ - York, NY (PRWEB) October 29, 2014

“Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics”

Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Author Susan Woodward analyzes underlying factors that have contributed to the media hostility toward Michael Jackson, both before and after his death, in her new book, “Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics” (published by Lulu).

Woodward examines the origins and psychological underpinnings of the media's hostility by closely analyzing some of the most harshly critical writings about Jackson and taking a paradoxical look at his greatness and cultural impact. She reveals a perception that Jackson was extraordinarily powerful, in ways that went beyond celebrity and wealth, which she says contributed to the media’s criticisms.

Through research and careful analysis, Woodward explores the ways in which Jackson's power was seen, the largely unconscious response to his power, the functions of the media criticisms and the origins of the perceptions of Jackson's power.

An excerpt from “Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics”:

“The more interesting story of Jackson is how he could conceive of the goal of appearing to be ‘magic,’ manage to give the impression of near-divinity, and the wonderful and terrible consequences of doing so. Michael Jackson was not a supernatural being or a monster; he was a fascinating, complicated person who generated an intense, complex public response. One day we may be able to move past the polarized, unrealistic views of Jackson and come to understand more about the human being.”

More info and  customer reviews  Here


“Otherness and Power: Michael Jackson and His Media Critics”
By Susan Woodward
Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 96 pages | ISBN 9780578138022
E-Book | 96 pages | ISBN 9780578138176
Available in Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Legendary Puppeteer Bob Baker - Tribute to Michael Jackson

This Video is  to pay tribute to the legendary Bob Baker Puppeteer and his performances with Michael Jackson and his family and friends throughout the years and also for a special present for his fans. ~ Keith Holman.



Legendary Bob Baker Puppeteer, Puppet Tribute to Michael Jackson


Source: Keith Holman on Vimeo.

A Remake of Michael Jackson's "THRILLER" in 20 different styles

Just in time for Halloween, Singer Anthony Vincent, from "Ten Second Songs" on YouTube, has reinterpreted "Thriller" one of Michael Jackson's greatest tracks of all time and satires it in the styles of  rap, punk, blues, metal, symphony and more. He covers the voices of  Ozzy, Marilyn Manson, Stevie Wonder, Misfits, Tom Waits,  Rob Zombie, Avenged Sevenfold and many more.

Vincent's  opening Michael Jackson impression , could still use some work, ( a lot) but all in all a very remarkable job.

In order a list of the voices he emulates on the track:  Michael Jackson, the Misfits, Marilyn Manson, Spice Girls, Stevie Wonder, Ozzy Osbourne, Tom Waits, Oingo Boingo, Cannibal Corpse, "Monster Mash" singer Bobby "Boris" Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers, the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, Rick Astley, Jack Skellington , Rob Zombie, Harry Belafonte , Tenacious D and Type O Negative.

After hearing Vincent's interpretation, we should probably listen to the original "Thriller" and be reminded just how GREAT  it really is.

Michael Jackson “Ghost” featured as Twisted Music Video Of The Week

Michael Jackson “Ghost”  video was  recently featured  on the horror website Bloody-disgusting.com  as the Twisted Music Video Of The Week.  The Title twisted is of course considered  complimentary on that site. They really like all things twisted, spooky and scary. Myself I prefer Michael's light hearted versions of scary as my heart can't take the hard core horror flicks...

Enjoy the Maestro and 'Meet the family'

Twisted Music Video Of The Week Vol. 158: Michael Jackson “Ghost”  by Jonathan Barkan



We’re gonna get a little funky with this Twisted Music Video Of The Week entry by showcasing Michael Jackson‘s “Ghosts”!

We’re showing the shortened video, which comes from the long form Michael Jackson’s Ghosts, a near 40-minute video that was co-written by Stephen King and directed by FX wizard Stan Winston! That video was also awarded the title of “longest music video in history” by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2002.

The song “Ghosts” comes from Jackson’s 1997 remix album Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix. (The best selling remix album of all time)

The full  version of "Ghosts" is featured in Love Survives MJ Cinema 


Are you scared yet?  Visit  bloody-disgusting.com

Today in Michael Jackson History "THIS IS IT" Red Carpet Premier 2009

Michael Jackson & Oranthi rehearsing at the Staple Center LA. June 2009

Michael Jackson's “This Is It” made its world premiere at Midnight October 27th 2009 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. Michael’s brothers, fans and colleagues turned out to remember the King of Pop at the premiere as stars across the spectrum shared memories of either meeting, working with or otherwise admiring him. Anticipation ran high for the film, which was inspired from footage shot during rehearsals for Jackson's This Is It, shows in London.

The Jackson Brothers, Jermaine, Tito, Jackie and Marlon attend TII Premier

Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts at London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June 2009, this film was drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. In raw and candid detail, Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his planned final London shows.

Additional behind the scenes footage includes dancer auditions and costume designs for the show. The footage was filmed in California at the Staples Center and The Forum where Michael was rehearsing, and features a clip from London's O2 Arena where Jackson publicly announced the concert series in March of 2009.

The film's director Kenny Ortega confirmed that none of this footage was originally intended for release, but after Jackson's death it was agreed that the film should made for posterity. Ortega stated that he had gotten the idea to use the rehearsal footage from Jackson's fans after his death: "At first I got so many messages from fans around the world asking to see the shows, asking to see the footage and eventually I realized the journey wasn't over and we had to do this".  Ortega also stated that the film "is for the fans and the film will show the development and intentions of the show, and the concert as it moved closer to London."

Despite originally being set for 30 October, the film's release date was re-scheduled for 28 October 2009, due to a strong demand by Jackson's fans. The film was given a worldwide release and a limited two-week theatrical run from 28 October, to 12 November 2009, but due to popular demand the theatrical release was later extended. On 27 September 2009, the first day of ticket sales, all 3,000 tickets to the advance screenings of the film had "sold out within two hours. Fans had reportedly waited in line for days.

Tickets went on sale a month early on 27 September 2009, to satisfy a high anticipated demand; to date, the film has broken numerous records via tickets both pre-sale and sales worldwide. Much the same way Jackson's tickets to the This is It concert sold out  and broke all records. Joel Cohen, the executive vice president of MovieTickets.com, said of the ticket sales: "Michael Jackson is such an iconic figure, with a fan base that transcends even some of the most bankable stars in Hollywood. We expected there to be a large demand for tickets for an 'event' film like this one, but MovieTickets.com has never seen such a high volume of sellouts this far in advance for any movie."

The release of the movie was a bitter sweet  experience for the fans of Michael Jackson  because although they loved watching Michael perform and prepare for his concerts, it is a sad reminder of the circumstances that led to his death.

This Is It received very positive reviews from both critics and Jackson fans alike; the film's portrayal of Jackson and his performances were praised, while criticism mainly consisted of both critics and fans having felt that Jackson wouldn't have wanted the film released because he was a perfectionist.

The movie sold $32.5 million over its first five days in the U.S. and Canada, and $68.5 million in 97 other countries—making the number one film at the box office and making it the fifth highest-grossing Halloween debut. On its theatrical run, the film's worldwide revenue gross was in total $261 million and become the highest-grossing concert film of all time.

A companion "This Is It"  Album was released which featured the music that inspired the film and later a DVD of the movie was released. Both set records.

  &nbsp

   myplaydirect  Amazon  iTunes                        myplaydirect  Amazon  iTunes

The Album was released on 26 October 2 days before the movie premier and debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart with the sales of over 373,000 in its first week of release. The two-disc album features the  music 'that inspired the movie'. Disc one features the original album masters of some of Michael's biggest hits arranged in the same sequence as they appear in the film" and the disc ends with two versions of the 'never-released' "This Is It".  This song was featured in the film's closing sequence and includes backing vocals by Michael Jackson's brother. The second disc featured "previously unreleased versions" from Jackson's 'catalogue and also include a spoken word poem  entitled "Planet Earth" page commemorative booklet with "photos of Michael  from his last rehearsal"

This Is It was released on DVD and Blu-ray in North America on 26 January 2010. It sold over 1.5 million units in U.S., alone within its first week of release, setting a new record for the first week sales of a music DVD. By the end of 2010, in USA alone DVD sales stood at 2.8 million with gross earnings of $45 million. The film was released on the same day in Japan, also breaking records, with $18 million in sales on the title's first day of release.  The DVD became the joint-third best-selling music "record" in terms of units, going 5x Platinum by the end of 2010.      

Source: Michael Jackson.com - MTV - Wiki

Unseen footage from Michael Jackson Bad World Tour 1988 in Landover, MD released on Youtube

Photographer Ronald Baker has just released several videos  on Youtube of unseen footage from Michael Jackson's Bad world Tour, performed at the Capital Centre in Landover, MD on October 18, 1988.  To date there hasn't been any footage released from this concert. 

Baker attended the concert with his brother Donald on October 18, 1988. He with a rented new format HI-8 video camera and his brother with a Minolta film camera.  He shot the show from his seat in Section 8, Row V, Seat 15. The videos are a little shaky from being filmed under his coat, but the sound quality is very good. Baker said The ticket was $25.00 and the show started at 8:00 pm. Twenty Six years later to the month, he  found the video and transferred it for our enjoyment.  
.
"Thanks to all of the MJ fans for checking out my 1988 Michael Jackson video clips. I've giving the best I have from 26 years ago to my fellow MJ fans...  It's not production quality but it's pretty good considering I captured it with my coat covering the camera. Enjoy and share with others who love the "King of Pop" ~ Ronald Baker

The video posted below is from the Thriller performance, just uploaded Oct 25th as a Halloween gift for the fans. Click the links below to view the rest of the performances uploaded on Ronald Bakers Youtube Channel.  

Michael Jackson LIVE at the Capital Center October 18, 1988



Thriller
Smooth Criminal
Rock with you
You are not alone - She's out of my life
Billie Jean

Baker also has an ibook out from a Destiny Tour photography assigment


"These are a few of the photos from my iBook "One Day Assignment The Jacksons"

One Day Assignment The Jacksons - Ronald Gilbert Baker

With more than 110 photos from the 1979 Jacksons Destiny Tour stop in which he covered the Jacksons for Ebony Magazine. You will see photos of the Jacksons arriving,  backstage in the Green Room,  performing on stage and leaving. These photos are priceless and they are over 35 years old. It's a great e-book and it's only $4.99 available in the Apple Bookstore for Macbook, Mac station, iPad, iPad Mini and iPhone owners.

To view more of Ronald Bakers Photos visit his website Solidimage.com

‘Love Never Felt So Good’ is Pre-Nominated at the NRJ Music Awards 2014

‘Love Never Felt So Good’ from Michael Jackson's Xscape is pre-nominated for Best International Song of the year at the NRJ Music Awards which will take place on the 13th December 2014 in Cannes.


Voting is open!

From today until November 2  20:00 you can vote on the site for the first NRJ pre-nominations. Select up to four artists from the six proposed class.


List of pre-nominations


International Song of the Year

- "A Sky Full Of Stars" - Coldplay

- "Problem" - Ariana Grande feat. Iggy Azalea

- "Love Never Felt So Good" - Michael Jackson & Justin Timberlake

- "We Are One" - Pitbull feat. Jennifer Lopez

- "Chandelier" - Sia

- "Happy" - Pharrell Williams


Michael Jackson in 2007 sends message to fans at NRJ

Rap Artist, Tyga Debuts L.A. Gear Sneaker line and Preview of Michael Jackson Design.

The superstar rap artist ,Tyga has been eyeing the most suitable footwear to compliment his Last Kings clothing line.

You may remember the once prominent brand L.A. Gear for their light up sneakers, Reebok Pump replicas or unlikely endorser in Michael Jackson.

The Los Angeles based company enjoyed their glory days back when the Young Money rapper was still in diapers but Hip-Hop’s love for all things retro is everlasting and the cycle has reached its full circumference.

“T-Raww ‘6ams’ running shoe coming soon!,” Tyga posted while posing in a pair of bright orange low top sneakers with his nicknamed embroidered on the tongue.

He also unveiled a basketball shoe and special Michael Jackson design that were likely inspired by the late King of Pop’s look during his BAD album era.

See more at: Hip Hop Wired

New Photos of Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson at her 1991 Wedding to Larry Fortensky at Neverland Ranch

Larry Fortensky, Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Jackson - HERB RITTS
Click photos to enlarge

The  Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation has released photos  to PEOPLE of her lavish 1991 wedding  to Larry Fortensky  hosted at Michael's Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

Beautiful Elizabeth is dressed in a pale yellow Valentino gown valued at $25000.00. It was a gift from her designer. In the photos she is pictured  with her groom,Larry  Fortensky  and with her close friend, Michael Jackson, who hosted the lavish wedding for 160 high profile guests on his 2,700-acre Santa Ynez Valley, CA. Estate

Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor - HERB RITTS

 Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor - HERB RITTS

This inside look commemorates PEOPLE Magazine's  Oct. 21, 1991, cover story on one of the biggest and most media-saturated wedding in Hollywood history.


Read More: Inside the Big Day  at Peoples.com by K.C.  Baker.

Single Again: Interviews Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm – ‘Smooth Criminal’

In this  edition of 'Single Again', Dan Weiss of Radio.com spoke to Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm. Dryden discusses their new album and the 2001 #1 rock cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal,” that was accompanied by a popular, fun video with multiple Jackson references.

Pre-order the band’s first album of brand new material in 5 years! Always & Forever

Do you consider “Smooth Criminal” to be a blessing or a curse?
Uh…I don’t know. I wouldn’t call it either, really. I mean, it gave us a platform to show our band and allowed us to buy homes, I wouldn’t call that a curse.

What was the worst thing about your biggest hit being a cover?
These are all kind of negative questions…what’s the worst part of it? I don’t know what you want me to say. The worst part of it was…I don’t know, these questions I guess.

Here, I’ll give you a positive one—
I’m not trying to be a dick, it just sounds like those first two questions were like, curse, worst part…is the third question going to be like, “Do you stick sequined fingers up your ass?”

I apologize. What I wanted to know was like, what sort of unique issues come with breaking on a cover?
I mean, like we immediately thought like, “Do you want to blow up on a cover?” I mean, not really. So that’s the first thing that comes into their head, and then you think, we’re the ones that recorded it, you know. So we had to step up and deal with it. That it got as big as it did, you just have to kind of embrace it, you know?

Of course. And the song sounds—and the video looks—like it was insanely fun to make.
We’ve all never been a fan of bands that were cool, and I mean [“Smooth Criminal”’s] music’s cool, but the whole image thing, maybe we’re not really a metal band but growing up, being like, “the cool band” didn’t really appeal to us. So the more fun we could inject into videos or imagery…I see kids coming to our shows and I have to admit they look like they come from fun. videos or something like that.



Did you ever hear personally from Michael Jackson’s camp about it?
Just via his people or via email, never with him. We got invited to do a show of his. He was kind of bummed when we sent the video over first, because the little kid is wearing the mask. He said he really liked the video and the song but he didn’t like that the kid was wearing the mask. So we re-shot the video without the mask, and then he came back and said he liked it with the mask .....


Read the full interview and more about the new album  Here

CHECK 15 Turns Michael Jackson's Classic "THRILLER" Into a Cancer Survival Anthem.

CHECK 15 is a movement to help inform and break down barriers around the cancer conversation.

Cancer Awareness Months are fantastic, but unfortunately, cancer is a year round problem. So, at CHECK 15, the goal is to create a Monthly Cancer Awareness Day, to be aware of our bodies and the warning signs of cancer and not be afraid to speak openly about it.

On the 15th day of every month, they hit the internet with a reminder to break down barriers around the cancer conversation (with a healthy dose of humor).

This month, they turn Michael Jackson's classic music video "THRILLER" into a cancer survival anthem.

Neumann Presents U 47 fet Collectors Edition microphone to Bruce Swedien, esteemed audio engineer and producer.

Premium audio brand, Neumann made a very special presentation of a new U 47 fet Collectors Edition michrophone to esteemed recording engineer and producer Bruce Swedien. During the 137th Audio Engineering Society Convention last week

Swedien, who counts the recording and mixing of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album among the highlights of his lifetime of career accomplishments, was presented with serial number 82 of the U 47 fet Collectors Edition, in honor of the year that the Thriller album was released to the public. The presentation was made by Neumann President Wolfgang Fraissinet at the Neumann booth on Friday, October 10th.

The original U 47 fet was used extensively by Bruce Swedien throughout the recording of Thriller, so the event was especially fitting as Neumann launched its new U 47 fet Collectors Edition to a new generation.

Wolfgang Fraissinet commented: “It is a very special honor for our company to honor Mr. Swedien in this way. He has not only left an indelible mark on the recording community at large, but his contributions to the recording of Thriller and countless other recordings have had a tremendous influence on our culture.”

The Neumann U 47 fet microphone was iconic in shaping the sound of the ’70s, ’80s and beyond. As the transistorized successor of the U 47, it permitted the processing of very high sound pressure levels for the first time, and engineers were able to place it directly in front of extremely loud sound sources such as guitar amplifiers and kick drums, as well as in front of more delicate sources such as vocals and acoustic instruments. The combination of the U 47 fet’s ability to capture high sound pressure levels and the unique capsule design derived from its famous tube-based predecessor, the U 47 fet contributed to many legendary recordings.

Now, the U 47 fet Collectors Edition has been faithfully reproduced using the original production documents and schematics. The Collectors Edition is supplied with a high-quality wooden case with special packaging, and an individual certificate with the serial number of the microphone and signature of Neumann President Wolfgang Fraissinet.

The U 47 fet is now shipping  and is priced at $3,999.95.For more information, please visit u47fet.neumann.com.


Read More Sound & Video Contractor

The King Of Pop Remains Royalty Among Forbes Top Deceased Earners

One again, the King of Pop was No. 1 on Forbes‘ Top-Earning Dead Celebrity list. The beloved music icon held the top spot in 2011, 2013 and takes it again for 2014. The only time he was bumped from that position was in 2012 when Elizabeth Taylor topped the list..

More than five years after his passing, the King of Pop remains royalty among deceased earners, bringing hundreds of millions every year since his passing.

Jackson brought in $140 million in earnings over the last 11 months, in part due to his second posthumous album release, Xscape, which debuted at No. 2 on the charts. Then the success of two Cirque du Soleil shows—Immortal, one of the ten top grossing tours of all time, and  Michael Jackson One, a permanent show in Las Vegas and  earnings from half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire and his own Mijac catalogue.

To compile the list Forbes talks  to estate managers, agents, music publishers and other experts to come up with estimates of what each estate brought in between October 2013 and October 2014. They don’t deduct for taxes, expenses or  management fees.

Others on the list include Elvis at #2 with an estimated $55 Million, Elizabeth Taylor #3  with $25 Mil,  #4 Cartoonist Charles Schulz, with $40 million and #5  Bob Marley, with $20 million.

Read more at Forbes.

Michael Jackson's Xscape Has Been Nominated for Three Soul Train Awards:

Wonderful News from the  Michael Jackson Estate

Buy on  Amazon - Download on  iTunes

Hi MJFam:

We are thrilled to share that Xscape has been nominated for three Soul Train Awards: Album of the Year for Xscape, Song of the Year for “Love Never Felt So Good,” and Best Collaboration for “Love Never Felt So Good.”

These nominations further highlight the enduring appeal of Michael’s music and the undiminished appreciation of his art. For USA fans, you can watch the Soul Train Awards on November 30 on CENTRIC and BET.

Cheers,
MJOnline

The Official Online Team of The Michael Jackson Estate™

Xscape is nominated in the following categories

Album of the year:  Xscape
Song of the year:   Love Never Felt So Good
Best Collaboration: Love Never Felt So Good

Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams, Beyonce, John Legend along with Drake, Janelle Monae, will be competing for album of the year.  The 2014 Annual Soul Train Awards will be hosted by Wendy Williams and presented on Nov. 7 in Las Vegas.

The awards will air on Nov. 30 on Centric and BET.

Go HERE  for complete list of nominees listed on Billboard.

Extravagant Halloween Light Show Naperville IL, Features Michael Jackson's, Thriller

Thomas Halloween 2014 Naperville 
Thomas Halloween Display 2014, 96 LOR Channels
Conan Doyle Rd, Naperville IL.

This Years Light Extravaganza, features Michael Jackson's Thriller

Friends Steve Jandick and Nick Thomas  have colaborated for the last 15 years to deck out Thomas' Illinois home with decorations and recently  a  musical light display that shows how Halloween should be..

The men were planning for the light show throughout the year leading up to Halloween.  Last year was their first year putting on the light show and thousands of people showed up to see it in person.

This year Donations are being collected for Gigi's Playhouse.

Gigi’s playhouse is an established series of down syndrome achievement centers. Serving children and adults of all ages, each Playhouse provides educational and therapeutic programs at no charge to families; and in a format that individuals with Down syndrome learn best


Come out and see the light show and donate, or donate HERE


Thomas Halloween Light Show 2014, Michael Jackson, Thriller. 




Update: 10/13/2014
Check out all the decorations for the display in the daylight.

Michael Jackson's Flamingos find home at Cape May County Zoo

The Cape May County Zoo now cares for  13 Chilean Flamingos from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. They acquired the Flamingos in 2008. 

They  reside in the Flamingo Yard at the Cape May County Zoo. They spend  summers outside in the Flamingo yard and winter inside the World of Birds Aviary.

16 flamingos reside at the zoo, 13 of them being the Chileans. The Chilean Flamingos are the smallest flamingos in the yard.

 Flamingos are Carnivores and eat invertebrates such as shrimp. The Cape May County Zoo, orders Flamingo Fare; a special food just for the flamingos. Uniquely this bird is a filter feeder like the baleen whales. They take up water into their hooked beak and expel the water trapping shrimp and other invertebrates with comb-like structures in its bill called Lamellae.

They often stand on one leg and will shift back and forth one up and one down to rest. What appear to be a flamingo's knees are actually its ankles.

Chilean Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseu

http://www.capemaycountygov.net/

The Cape May County Park & Zoo in Cape May Court House, New Jersey, provides free year-round admission to a collection of over 550 animals representing 250 species in 85 acres (34 ha) of exhibits. The zoo is located at 707 Route 9 North, in the center of Cape May County's Central Park, Its principal exhibit areas are a 57-acre (23 ha) African Savanna, a free-flight aviary, and a reptile collection.

The zoo is open every day except for Christmas, weather permitting. The hours of operation are from 10:00 am until 3:45pm in the winter and 10:00am until 4:45pm in the summer. Time changes occur with Daylight Savings.  Official Website 

Richmond UK Michael Jackson Themed Bonfire Night.

Richmond’s Annual Family Fireworks Display

Bonfire Night sponsored by Falcons School

Sunday 2nd November 2014 - Richmond Athletic Ground.
Twickenham Rd. ,Richmond, Greater London UK

Gates open 4.30pm, Entertainment from 5:30, Fireworks start 7pm, After Party 8pm

Richmond Athletic Association’s  Bonfire Night event  sponsored by Falcons School, is the biggest in the borough with 6000 people in attendance every year. A whole host of entertainment is on offer.

This years event will be an  enormous bonfire and a spectacular display choreographed to the music of the legendary King of Pop,  Michael Jackson,  by multi-award winning Phoenix Fireworks,

There will also be a dazzling funfair, mulled wine, hot food and an after party in the Members Bar starting at 8pm. We will be supporting the charities Homelink and Momentum, who will be collecting on the night.


Phoenix Fireworks – Once again, multi award winning Phoenix Fireworks will choreograph the entire explosive display with innovative design and complete professionalism. Set to the music of Michael Jackson and always aiming to be better than the year before, we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store!


This Year’s Entertainment

Four Femmes on the Thames –  A four piece London-based vocal delight, the femmes are sure to captivate every member of the crowd and put a glow through the crisp November evening.

Rock Choir Richmond –  Achieving a fantastic reputation across the UK, their contemporary style and fun atmosphere really shows in their musical performance as well as their sense of community. Rock Choir Richmond will be singing a host of their favourite arrangements including Michael Jacksons ‘Man in the Mirror’.

Studio K – Newly opened dance space ‘Studio K’ will be exploding onto the main pitch with their adult crew, really showing us how motivational Michael Jackson was in the world of music. Taking inspiration from his most iconic moves, this uplifting and engaging troupe will lift your spirits and get you moving along in no time.


Supported Charities

Homelink: specialises in helping the family relationship and focuses their care on creating a safe home environment for anyone who needs help. Their services include befriending, where they help guide families through emotions and core issues from the safety of their own home, as well as individual and group therapeutic work. Homelink will be collecting on the night.

Momentum:  was set up in 2004 to help children and their families survive the traumatic ordeal of dealing with childhood cancer.They provide emotional support for parents, improve hospital conditions and grant wishes to young children facing the terminal illness to name only a few of the incredible projects they work on. Momentum will be collecting on the night.


Don’t miss out on the after party and Michael Jackson dance-off in the Members Bar from 8pm!

CLICK HERE TO BUY ADVANCED TICKETS

Read More : Richmond Athletic Association

Government forces African leader's Son to Relinquishh $30 Million Mansion, Michael Jackson Memorabilia.

Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

PRESS RELEASE
Office of Public Affairs
Friday, October 10, 2014

The Department of Justice has reached a settlement of its civil forfeiture cases against assets in the United States owned by the Second Vice President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue that he purchased with the proceeds of corruption.  

Second Vice President of Equatorial Guinea Agrees to Relinquish More Than $30 Million of Assets Purchased with Corruption Proceeds

According to court documents, Nguema Obiang, the son of Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, received an official government salary of less than $100,000 but used his position and influence as a government minister to amass more than $300 million worth of assets through corruption and money laundering, in violation of both Equatoguinean and U.S. law.  Through intermediaries and corporate entities, Nguema Obiang acquired numerous assets in the United States that he is agreeing to relinquish in a combination of forfeiture and divestment to a charity for the benefit of the people of Equatorial Guinea.

The  Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement after the settlement was signed and lodged with the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

“Through relentless embezzlement and extortion, Vice President Nguema Obiang shamelessly looted his government and shook down businesses in his country to support his lavish lifestyle, while many of his fellow citizens lived in extreme poverty,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell.  “After raking in millions in bribes and kickbacks, Nguema Obiang embarked on a corruption-fueled spending spree in the United States.  This settlement forces Nguema Obiang to relinquish assets worth an estimated $30 million, and prevents Nguema Obiang from hiding other stolen money in the United States, fulfilling the goals of our Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative: to deny safe haven to the proceeds of large-scale foreign official corruption and recover those funds for the people harmed by the abuse of office.”

Under the terms of the settlement, Nguema Obiang must sell a $30 million mansion located in Malibu, California, a Ferrari automobile and various items of Michael Jackson memorabilia including life size statues from Neverland, purchased with the proceeds of corruption.  Of those proceeds, $20 million will be given to a charitable organization to be used for the benefit of the people of Equatorial Guinea.  Another $10.3 million will be forfeited to the United States and will be used for the benefit of the people of Equatorial Guinea to the extent permitted by law.

Nguema Obiang must also make a $1 million payment to the United States, for disbursement to the charitable organization,  representing the value of Michael Jackson memorabilia  which includes a Thriller Jacket and white rhinestone-encrusted glove from Bad Tour that was already removed from the United States

Michael Jackson's glove from the 'Bad' tour (Equatorial Guinea's Press and Information Office)

The red "Thriller" jacket and the rhinestone-encrusted glove from the Bad tour, went on display last year in the Equatorial Guinean capital as part of an exhibit.


Press Release http://www.justice.gov/  Edited by Love Survives

This Week @ 'Vintage Vinyl' The Best of Michael Jackson

Best of Michael Jackson @ 'Vintage Vinyl'

Jeffrey Lee Puckett and Tom Heiser share their favorite songs by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson -- and even show off a couple of dance moves.

The best of Jackson's music does seem touched by a higher power, and there was a long stretch where his considerable gifts were nearly unmatched. As a child, his singing was already at a profound level, so direct and pure that every word seemed vitally important. As an adult , his songwriting and production were, for a while, game changers.

His legacy is such that choosing 10 favorite songs is tough work. This week, C-J music writer Jeffrey Lee Puckett and C-J web producer Tom Heiser do just that by dedicating "Vintage Vinyl" to their favorite MJ songs @ www.courier-journal.com/music

Vintage Vinyl produced by Mary Ann Gerth and Scott Utterback 

Mayra Alvarez Gains a Spot on 'The Voice' Season 7, singing Iconic Michael Jackson Song.

Mayra Alvarez successfully navigated the selective final round of blind auditions on Monday's (Oct. 6) "The Voice," and grabbed a spot on Gwen Stefani's team.

The Texan backup singer and vocal teacher wowed both Stefani and fellow coach Blake Shelton with her smooth rendition of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature." And despite Shelton's attempts to woo Alvarez with his southern connections and charm, she ends up going with Stefani who shrieks with delight when her name is picked.

Alvarez will compete against a number of other talented female artists from Team Gwen in the Knockout Rounds, hopefully she will be unique enough to stay in the running.


Source: http://www.zap2it.com

Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy Celebrates 70th Birthday at "Michael Jackson One"

By NORM CLARKE - LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

The 70th birthday celebration of Roy Horn, on the 11th anniversary of the near-fatal tiger attack, included an emotional twist involving Michael Jackson and several surprises.

Siegfried and Roy (Birthday celebration)  at Michael Jackson ONE Oct 3 2014

Gordan Vukovic / Cashman Photography

The first surprise came when longtime Jackson choreographer Kenny Ortega and “X-Men” producer Bryan Singer showed up to join Friday’s birthday party.

The twist came when Horn’s party of seven attended the 7 p.m. show of Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson One” at Mandalay Bay.

Five of the six had not seen the Jackson show because they weren’t ready to, according to local Realtor Zar Zanganeh, one of the five.

The group included Siegfried Fischbacher, RoyHorn, Kenny Ortega, Lynette Chappell,( the “Evil Queen” in the long-running Siegfried and Roy show) Siegfried and Roy protégé Darren Romeo, Brian Singer and Zanganeh.

Siegfried and Roy (Birthday celebration)  at Michael Jackson ONE Oct 3 2014

Gordan Vukovic / Cashman Photography

everyone came out of the show blown away. “What they do is just incredible,” said Siegfried, Ortega added, “Jamie King (the show’s director) has done a fantastic job, and the cast is amazing.” _ “It was really emotional, but happy and positive,” said Zanganeh, whose friendship with Jackson began a decade ago as the pop star’s real estate broker.

After the Jackson show, the group went to RM Seafood for the birthday dinner. When the birthday cake arrived with 70 lit candles, Siegfried began a tribute speech to Horn. Ever the prankster, Horn started blowing out the candles when the speech ran a little long.

As far as Horn knew, that was the end of the party.

But Chappell had a surprise. As they left the seafood restaurant, a big screen in front of Holly Madison’s club, 1923 Bourbon &Burlesque, flashed birthday greetings to Horn. Horn and his group were invited inside, where 60 close friends and birthday balloons greeted them. The party ran until 2 a.m.


 Source: Reviewjournal.com

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Michael Jackson * Mind Is The Magic!  Siegfried & Roy

This song was written by Michael Jackson with Bryan Loren in 1989 for Siegfried & Roy's 'Beyond Belief Show' in Las Vegas. Jackson gave his permission for Siegfried & Roy to release this song in their German album Dreams & Illusions in 1995. It was released again on their "Magicians Of The Century" Album in 2009. Michael used the  introduction from this song to form part of "The Drill" segment planned for his "This Is It" concerts. 

Mind Is The Magic - Magicians Of The Century (2009) includes Pop tracks by Siegfried & Roy and an exclusive Michael Jackson track for the magicians' Las Vegas show!!! Includes: Mind is the magic, The secret gallery, Magic, Saltimbanco, Magicians of the century, and many more. You can order the CD  or just the mp3 song for your collection.