I take that a bit personal. An attack on my Christianity. I certainly don't Idolize MJ, I see him for what he was a great musisican who was influencial in his music an staple of my childhood and teen music choices. Someone who provided the world with dance and music that no one had ever seen before.

Its not idolatry its respect for a man who provided the world with much. Just like I respect men and women of the armed forces, and great literary minds.

Where's all the publicity and coverage for Ed Mcmahon? A WWII veteran. Someone who served our country and made many other contributes. I don't see anyone going gaga over his death even though I was saddened by it.

Actually we have had rather decent coverage over Mr. McMahon's passing, it maybe because I live in a military town, but yeah there was and still is quite a bit of local and regional coverage. Not as much as MJ, however, media outlets do a lot of research to find out what the majority of people want to hear about in current news, and honestly that would be MJ right now, who knows maybe tomorrow it won't be maybe it will be something else that happens.

Cebsme is right...media outlets cover what a majority of people want to see. Did some want to see the funeral for Farrah or Ed McMahon? Sure...but not as many as wanted to see MJ's funeral. I mean...millions around the WORLD registered for a lottery drawing to get a chance to be in the Staples Center right now. It's been made into a bigger event than a normal funeral (whether it should be or not).

His family's been criticized for making such a spectacle of it, but that's obviously the way he lived his life by his own choosing - as a spectacle. Why else would the man buy/live in Neverland and do all the wacky things he's done? I think his over-the-top funeral is a fitting send off for someone who was as over-the-top as he was...

I don't disagree with the way they are doing his memorial. Yes, stars are there and some are performing. But most of these celebrities were his friends and this is their way of saying goodbye. It's not unusual for someone to sing at a funeral.

I thought this performance was beautiful and touching (Mariah Carey singing "I'll Be There"):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWffI4UP0OA

It's just what happen with people who are that high profile these days. There are probably more countries in the world where he is known than than those where he isn't so it's going to be a big deal when someone like that dies especially if its unexpected. Just look at what happened over here when Princess Diana died. It was wall to wall Diana on TV for days and people lined the streets for miles on the day of her funeral.

Just because they get a lot more TV hours doesn't mean they are anymore special than anyone else who died that day, week, month whatever just more well known. It's just the way the world is these days.

I completely understand that people feel a little confused about how to fee3l about MJ's life and his death. He's had some bad press, but what I think it all comes down to is how MJ made people feel . As an artist/singer/dancer he was truly amazing. Similar to Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and many others. But he touched so many peoples lives.

Yes, MJ had a awkardness about him,and was accused of some upsetting things. But in the grand scheme of things - he made people sit up and take notice when he performed, and it made people feel good...

Just my $.02

I think people want to pay respects to people who have touched their lives. Music touches man many people. Music greatly impacts my experiences, I associate many vivid memories with different songs. I am also a live performance addict and in the case of MJ from what I hear seeing one of his shows was an experience like none other. I was very eager for his up coming tour to hit the U.S. so I would have a chance to have the experience it myself. I believe a lot of people felt this way and to them his death was shocking...I see nothing wrong with wanting to pay tribute to someone that has touched your life.

If Michael Jackson did not touch your life...no big deal, just turn off your TV.

Cebsme, I don't think the poster meant to offend... if Jesus died tomorrow, it would be a huge media event that millions of people would care about, and no one would think it was "too much." Michael Jackson had a similar impact on people around the world (it's true, guys), so it's only natural that people want to say goodbye.

and as far as people only liking his music now that he's dead, that's crap. i bought the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller last year and listen to it all the time. in fact, i listened to Thriller and Beat It the day he died (which was my birthday, so for the rest of my life, i will always hear Michael Jackson on my birthday).

Hi All,
First of all let me say that I do not think the accusations against MJ were true- if I did,I could have no interest in any thing about him. For me the evidence is not there and people are not always truthful.

One a personal level I am not a big fan and really liked ony a few songs. My favorite is "You are not alone"

However I do recognize his talent as a composer,singer and dancer. I especially admire his agility as I am on the clumsy side.

Why I am obsessed with the coverage is a big mystery to me. I think it has something to do with his being such a tragic life. Certainly the medical community failed him as did those who no claim they were such great family and friends. Why didn't anyone appeal to Katherine that her son was in serious trouble and intervene in some of his mutilating behavior ? I think he would have been receptive to her.

Anyway I hope he is at peace.

I agree that Farrah could have had a bit more coverage.

Sheridan

Hi All,
First of all let me say that I do not think the accusations against MJ were true- if I did,I could have no interest in any thing about him. For me the evidence is not there and people are not always truthful.

One a personal level I am not a big fan and really liked ony a few songs. My favorite is "You are not alone"

However I do recognize his talent as a composer,singer and dancer. I especially admire his agility as I am on the clumsy side.

Why I am obsessed with the coverage is a big mystery to me. I think it has something to do with his being such a tragic life. Certainly the medical community failed him as did those who no claim they were such great family and friends. Why didn't anyone appeal to Katherine that her son was in serious trouble and intervene in some of his mutilating behavior ? I think he would have been receptive to her.

Anyway I hope he is at peace.

I agree that Farrah could have had a bit more coverage.

Sheridan

I've heard little tidbits here and there about MJ death and what not from the radio. I haven't otherwise seen anything but then again, I don't have cable.

I know a question came up as to why wasn't his music being played on the radio before his death? Uhhh it was. I would hear an MJ song at least a couple times/week from just the 15 minute drive to/from work. Although it really depends what station I was listening to because some stations really only play 'current' songs but stations that play a mix have been playing him for years (like 20 years).

Also, I will listen to an 80s/90s internet radio station at home sometimes and he was on there quite a bit.

Youtube has a station dedicated to MJ which was put up way before his death. I would watch his videos on it sometimes.

With his recent tour stuff going on, his ticket sales were definitely strong.

Before his death, I was thinking of buying some of his music although I already listen to a fair amount on the radio and from my sporadic listening on the youtube station.

I do feel he is one of the greatest musicians of our time and like other great musicians, he had a troubled life that really made me sad for him.

And although he did act questionably in his various relations with children, I do believe that he didn't act illegally. I think he really should've known better and had better advisors with as much money as he had, he was definitely a target for those that would want to get a little piece of his fortune. I also think in general that the parents should've acted responsibly in regards to their children as well and they seemed to fail that.

Hey EZ.......If Prince dies, I am buying a tic and coming to your great state!!Oh and FYI, im staying at your place.LOL dude!!!

Oh don't even say such a thing I don't think I could take him dying anytime soon.

I NO!!!I heart Prince.Hear he needs a couple of new hip...Thats what happens when you have been doing the splits for 51 years!LOL!