Thriller named best music video in "The Box" poll
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Main News

Thriller is named best music video Sunday December 11,2005...
Michael Jackson's Thriller has been named the favourite music video of all time.

The scary scenes beat competition from Eminem's Stan and Madonna's Like a Prayer.

Robbie Williams' Rock DJ made fourth place, followed by Peter Gabriel's Sledgehammer.

When Thriller came out in 1983 it was the first big budget music video or short film, featuring all the latest special effects of the time.

The list of most memorable videos was voted for by the British public.

Vikki Timmons, spokeswomen for digital music channel The Box, which is broadcasting the video countdown, said: "Thriller was an instant hit in 1983 when it was released and it was well ahead of its time.

"It's amazing to think that although there have been huge advances in technology and some amazing new music videos over the past few years, Thriller still tops the list."

More than 7,000 votes were cast in The Box's search for the top 100 Greatest Music Videos of All Time.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News http://uk.news.yahoo.com/11122005/34...sic-video.html

Michael Jackson has not overdosed
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Main News
Contrary to rumors, his spokesperson denies report that singer overdosed

Access Hollywood
Updated: 5:51 p.m. ET Dec. 9, 2005

In an exclusive statement released to Access Hollywood, Michael Jackson's spokesperson fires back at reports that the pop star has suffered an overdose from drugs and alcohol.

In response to a story by The National Enquirer that Jackson suffered from an overdose from drugs and alcohol, his spokesperson and publicist, Raymone K. Bain, released the following statement to Access Hollywood:

“Michael Jackson and been working with several artists recording his Katrina Relief song, and with me all week, including today. He is doing fine and I have never seen him happier or healthier. Whomever these individuals are who are intent on disseminating false information throughout the media regarding Mr. Jackson, should begin hiring good attorneys; and the journalists who continuously rely on these ‘sources’ should begin checking them thoroughly, because Mr. Jackson's tolerance level has come to an end.

“The Green light that people have thought they have had to willfully impugn Michael Jackson's character and integrity has now become Red.”

Copyright 2005 by NBC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
? 2005 MSNBC.com

DESTINY'S CHILD STRUCK DUMB BY JACKSON
Mood:  suave
Topic: Main News
05/12/2005 17:38 (UK Date format)

R+B trio DESTINY'S CHILD were dumbstruck when their lifelong idol MICHAEL JACKSON approached them singing one of their songs.

The star struck SURVIVOR beauties, BEYONCE KNOWLES, KELLY ROWLAND and MICHELLE WILLIAMS, grew up listening to the THRILLER hit maker and insist meeting him at his 30 years in show business bash a few years ago was more than a dream come true.

Rowland says, "To finally meet someone whose music we've grown up listening to blew us away.

"And Michael was one of the nicest people we've ever met - he came up to us singing the lyrics to BOOTYLICIOUS!

"We just stood there like dumbstruck fans with our mouths open in shock - I think we may have even screamed!"

source: Contact Music

Michael Jackson has revealed details of an audacious singles release
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Main News
The global superstar, who has sought refuge from media attention in the Gulf States since the summer, will release 20 of his biggest singles from January to May 2006 on the new dual disc format. According to his label, the release will be the first time an artist has ever used Dual Disc, which contains two sides of audio and video, for a single release.

Starting January 23, 2006, SonyBMG will release one single each week for a five-month run, mirroring last year's campaign for Elvis Presley's singles reissue. "Thriller" and "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough" are the first to drop, released simultaneously on January 23, followed by "Rock With You", "Billy Jean" and many other of his biggest hits. The campaign ends May 29th with "Blood On The Dancefloor".

Each Dual Disc single will feature an exact replica of the original 7" or 12" artwork, enclosed in a limited and numbered card wallet. All the audio has been digitally re-mastered and will feature the original 7" or radio edit of the lead track plus a sought after remixes or related songs.

"Michael has been fully behind this project and the originality of the first ever dual disc single idea typifies the creativity of one of the most innovative artist in our lifetime," said SonyBMG's Darren Henderson. "The quality of each single, having the audio on one side and the video on the other, is a compelling proposition for his fans.'

Source: Sony BMG

Mesereau & Yu, LLP Launch New Website
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News
Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. named one of Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People


Los Angeles, CA Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. and Susan C. Yu are pleased to announce the launch of their official website, www.MesereauYu.com, establishing their newly created firm, Mesereau & Yu, LLP. The website was designed and developed by Zilk Inc. (www.zilkinc.com).

Mesereau & Yu, LLP is a boutique law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal services to its select clientele. The firm was formed by attorneys Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. and Susan C. Yu in the year 2005 following their stunning acquittal of music legend Michael Jackson in a five-month jury trial in Santa Maria, California. This was the most watched criminal trial in history. The jury found Mr. Jackson not guilty of fourteen counts: ten felony and four lesser-included misdemeanor counts.

The law firm is committed to both the immediate and long-term needs of its diverse clientele. Mesereau & Yu, LLP provides quality representation to a wide variety of clients who span the gamut from wealthy individuals and corporations to the poor.

Most recently, Thomas A. Mesereau, Jr. has been chosen as one of Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People of 2005. The program will also feature interviews with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Tom Cruise, Kanye West. Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People of 2005 will air on ABC, Tuesday, November 29, 2005. Check your local listings for times.


Source: Zilk Inc. / Mesereau & Yu, LLP

ATTENTION FANS OF MICHAEL JACKSON REGARDING THE ANTI-SEMITIC ACCUSATIONS
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Raymone K. Bain

November 23, 2005

Michael Jackson does not have a racist bone in his body. NEVER would he say anything, or do anything, that would be offensive to any ethnic group, or hurtful to any ethnic group. It is not in his character, or his being. He has spent his entire life reaching out to people throughout the world by spreading love through his music, and his philanthropic efforts.

It is unfortunate that these tapes are being disseminated throughout the airways without any "due diligence" with regards to the authenticity. However, Mr. Mesereau is representing Mr. Jackson in this matter and the truth will be revealed.

Because this is an on-going legal matter, we are not issuing any statements at this time.


Source: Raymone K. Bain/MJJForum

JACKSON TO FIGHT ANTI-SEMITIC ACCUSATIONS WITH JEWISH LAWYER!!
Mood:  bright
Topic: Main News

MICHAEL JACKSON's Jewish attorney has vowed to defend his pop star client against accusations of anti-Semitism.

America's Anti-Defamation League (ADL) demanded the THRILLER singer apologize for allegedly making a series of anti-Semitic comments on a voicemail message, which was aired on US TV show GOOD MORNING AMERICA on Tuesday (23NOV05).

The message was purportedly left by Jackson for his former advisor DIETER WIESNER two years ago (03) - Wiesner is currently suing his former employer for fraud and breach and contract. He is seeking $64
million (GBP35.5 million) in damages.

But Jackson's lawyer BRIAN OXMAN, who is himself a Jew, insists he has never seen a hint of anti-Semitism in the 15 years he has represented the Jackson family.

He tells the New York Daily News, "I have been with the Jackson family for 15 years, and I'm Jewish. I have never once seen anything anti-Semitic from him or from his family."

Source:ContactMusic..

BRITISH ASIAN MUSICIAN ON KATRINA CHARITY SINGLE!!
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News

A man described as the "godfather of the British Asian musical movement" has provided his vocals for Michael Jackson's Hurricane Katrina charity single.

"I got involved because I have worked with Chris Porter, an engineer and producer, who knew Michael Jackson was looking for an Asian musician for his new single," said musician Pandit Dinesh (pictured left).

The recording is said to have taken place during Michael's visit to London last month at Metropolis Recording Studio in Chiswick, according to the Edgware & Mill Hill Times, (a publication located in the London Borough of Barnet) and Dinesh recalled his experience, "(Michael) was lovely, very much a child though," he said. "It was not for long, as with things like this. You do your bit separately but it was nice to see him."

Dinesh also revealed the title of the song to be I Have A Dream, which corroborates what was said by Ciara (another participating artist) a few weeks ago. Although, the title of the song has not yet been officially confirmed.

Source:MJNI..

Michael Jackson Pleads for Money on Tapes
Mood:  quizzical
Topic: Truth Or Fiction
Two Former Advisors File Complaints Against Jackson

Nov. 22, 2005 — - ABC News has obtained phone messages placed by Michael Jackson to a former advisor who has filed a lawsuit against the pop star.

Marc Schaffel is suing Jackson for $3 million dollars, claiming he was unpaid $800,000 for his work on two television specials and $2.3 million in payments and loans over a number of years.

Jackson countersued Schaffel, saying he is the one that is owed money.

On he tapes obtained by ABC News, Jackson is the one pleading for money.

"Hello Marc, it's Michael," one message to Schaffel begins. "Please, please never let me down. I really like you. I love you … Mark, I really need you to get … $7 million for me as soon as possible … Seven, seven and a half, umm, as an advance."

Schaffel says for over two years he was an advisor for and close confidant to Jackson. According to Schaffel, Jackson's bankers placed restrictions on the singer, so the star would use middle men like Schaffel to access his own money and arrange various loans.

ABC News has learned another former advisor to Michael Jackson named Dieter Wiesner filed a civil complaint against Michael Jackson in Los Angeles on Monday for $64 million.

"He uses people like Marc Schaffel and whoever he's currently using to get around the restrictions on his current financing," said Howard King, Schaffel's attorney.

Schaffel said Jackson often required large amounts of cash and sometimes he requested it in code. He said the money supported Jackson's lifestyle.

"You go to a restaurant, you have to close the whole restaurant down for the day, you know, pay for the entire day's receipts in the restaurant so that he can go in and enjoy a quiet meal," Schaffel said.

Schaffel said he once delivered $100,000 to Jackson in an Arby's fast food bag.

"When he wanted large amounts, he would call and say 'supersize them,'" Schaffel said. "The smaller amounts. The bigger ones went in duffle bags."

In 2003, Jackson turned to Schaffel to plan a response to the allegations that Jackson had had an improper relationship with a young cancer survivor. Later, Schaffel was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the California criminal prosecution of Jackson.

Schaffel says he has hundreds of voice mail messages from Jackson from 2001 to 2003 that show the nature of his relationship, including Jackson's darker side.

"Michael will yell at you, Michael will punish you, maybe not let you do something," Schaffel said. Schaffel's relationship ended just before Jackson's most recent criminal problems. Schaffel said he is not surprised that since Jackson's acquittal, Jackson has relocated to Bahrain, because it fits Jackson's pattern of looking for a new friend.

Jackson attorney Tom Mesereau told ABC News, "When the jury hears the evidence, they will know Schaffel isn't owed anything." Mesereau said he would not comment on the content of the tapes and could not comment on the Weisner lawsuit until he had seen it.

Reported by Senior ABC News legal correspondent Chris Cuomo on "Good Morning America."
Copyright ? 2005 ABC News Internet Ventures

COPS WANT JACKSON FOOTAGE
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Main News
BY AMIRA AGARIB

20 November 2005

The Dubai Police has written to the management of Ibn Batuta Mall to hand over the video clips of Michael Jackson taken by the camera monitors in different shops, or those taken by shoppers who saw the pop star during his visit to the mall last week.

Jackson visited many shops during his visit to the mall. The Dubai Police does not want any person or shop owner to use or exploit the situation by using photographs of Michael Jackson for any commercial purpose or otherwise. All the pictures handed over by the shops will be handed over to forensic laboratory.

The decision by the police to call in for all the pictures of the singer was taken following the flutter caused by Michael Jackson entering the ladies toilet in the mall to fix his make-up. His presence in the toilet had scared a woman shopper, who later took his photographs.


Police seek all Jackson video clips from mall
By Amira Agarib

20 November 2005

DUBAI — Apprehending commercial exploitation of the video clips and photographs of Michael Jackson, the Dubai Police have asked the management of Ibn Batuta Mall to hand over all shots of the pop icon during his visit to the mall last week. Besides the video shots that several shops would have from their close-circuit monitoring systems, shoppers too had taken snaps of the singer. Police are keen that people don't exploit the situation for commercial purposes

STATEMENT OF MR. MICHAEL JACKSON REGARDING THE DEATH OF HIS LONGTIME FRIEND MR. BILL BRAY
Mood:  blue
Michael Jackson releases the following statement regarding the passing, this week, of his longtime friend, Mr. Bill Bray:

Washington, D.C.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear and longtime friend, Mr. Bill Bray.

As I traveled throughout the world, Mr. Bray was there by my side. Bill Bray will forever have a special place in my heart. I send my love and heartfelt sympathy to the Bray family.


Source: Gail Felix (TheJusticeSystem.Net)

Oops! Jackson uses ladies room in Dubai
Mood:  silly
Topic: Main News
Pop singer reportedly applied makeup before realizing his mistake

The Associated Press
Updated: 12:21 p.m. ET Nov. 16, 2005

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Michael Jackson has stirred a small controversy in the United Arab Emirates by entering the ladies room in a shopping mall.

The pop star's publicist said Jackson, who arrived in Dubai this week as the guest of a champion rally driver, did not understand the Arabic sign on the door and left the bathroom as soon as he realized his mistake.

In the statement released late Tuesday, Jackson's publicist, Raymond K. Bain said: "Upon his exit (from the ladies bathroom), he was recognized and a crowd ensued. He had to wait in a nearby bookstore until police arrived to escort him through the crowd."

But local newspapers reported that the 47-year-old performer did not quickly leave the bathroom and was spotted applying makeup before leaving.

Jackson's host, the Emirates champion rally driver Mohammed bin Sulayem, dismissed the story as rumor.

"People are always interested in gossip and in portraying a negative image of (Jackson)," bin Sulayem told The Associated Press on Tuesday. "The reality is that he's an easy person to be with, not demanding and not difficult."

Bin Sulayem said Jackson was considering buying property in Dubai. This week's visit is his second after a stay in August.

"He likes the place and we want him to stay for good here. He likes what he saw and we should try to convince him to buy," he said.

Though it has been reported that Jackson has purchased acreage on Bahrain's Amwaj Islands, his publicist has denied it.

Since his June acquittal on child molestation charges, Jackson has made several trips to Bahrain as a guest of Sheik Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of Bahrain's king.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

? 2005 MSNBC.com
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10069639/

LA Investigators Clear Jackson of Abuse
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
The LAPD released a follow-up statement to their original press released two months ago. In the June 2 2004 release, Lieutenant Art Miller writes:

Los Angeles: On May 28 2004, Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department's Juvenile Division officially concluded their 2 month investigation into allegation of child abuse against Michael Jackson.

The person making the allegations claimed the acts took place in the City of Los Angeles in the late 80s. After an extensive investigation, which included hours of interviews with the person making the allegations, Detectives concluded there was no evidence that any crime occurred. No charges will be sought.

This is the second police force to clear Jackson of molestation with regards to the liar's claims; the first being the good ole' Santa Barbara Police Department. The claim was that the defamatory accuser "recovered" these memories from when he was 3 (yeah right) with the "help" of psychologist and all around loose-cannon (according to sources) Carole Lieberman.

Sources say that the two involved most in the LA claim even making it this far are psychiatrist Carole Lieberman and Attorney Gloria Allred. Both women have a history of ill-will toward Jackson. Both have actively sought to have Jackson's own children removed from his care without showing any cause why they should be taken away. And both of them were involved in this erroneous claim.

In an April 14 2004 report, Reuters reported about the involvement of these two in these false allegations:

The sources said that Beverly Hills psychiatrist Carole Lieberman, who filed a child abuse complaint last year with Santa Barbara County Protective Services against the pop singer, counseled the new [accuser] and helped him remember the alleged assault.

The sources also said that feminist attorney Gloria Allred, a prominent critic of Jackson's lifestyle, was also involved in bringing the recent complaint to police.

Both women told Reuters they could neither confirm nor deny their involvement in the case.

They could neither confirm nor deny? What could `confirm' Allred's involvement are the pictures that made it to the hideous foreign tabloid `News of the World'. In the pictures of the liar telling his story, you can clearly see that the background behind him matches perfectly with the background during all of Allred's press conferences.

Lieberman gave a very disturbing radio interview where she complained about Jackson needing psychiatric help and saying his children should be removed. This is coming from someone who hasn't so much as met Jackson, let along has ever been in a position to diagnose him. She has also been called "mentally unbalanced" by prominent attorney Jeff Fieger (see article). She sued him and lost, of course. He is by far not the only person to think Lieberman could stand to spend a few sessions on a couch somewhere herself.

In an April 19 2004 Fox news article, Roger Friedman (yeah, him if you can believe it) quoted Lieberman making some incredible statements about the "case". According to Friedman, she said that she wondered if Sneddon has a case at all. She, too, had her own feelings about the timeline the current district attorney is trying to push. She told Friedman:

"The dates in the case will be its downfall…I told Tom Sneddon, things don't add up… There's some kind of disingenuousness about the way he's handling the case, some kind of ambivalence."

Michael Jackson May Not Live in U.S. Again
Mood:  blue
Topic: Main News
1 hour, 13 minutes ago

Michael Jackson will come back to the United States, but it's unlikely the King of Pop would ever make it his home again, says his father.

"He'll come back to visit, but not to stay, not to live," Joseph Jackson told The Associated Press in a recent interview.

Jackson said his son, who was acquitted in June of child molestation, has received lots of threats in the United States. The superstar now lives in Bahrain and his lawyers have said that he no longer considers his Neverland Ranch in California as his home.

"They didn't treat him right here. I know if I was him, I wouldn't come back," his father said.

However, the elder Jackson said he expects Michael to return to his music career — and hopes it would include a reunion with his brothers.

"I'm trying to motivate them to go ahead and do this record," he said of his other sons. "They want to do it, but they're too slow. They'd rather do it with Michael."

Michael Jackson is working on a charity single for hurricane relief with stars such as R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg.

Copyright ? 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of

The Associated Press.
Copyright ? 2005 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved.

To all premium members of www.MJJsource.com web site
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News

There will be no loss suffered by members. The web site plans to come back online in the near future at this moment and if that changes all members will be informed. As you have seen in the past members found membership expiration dates rolled back and offsets for inconvenience and that is the marker of good intent. Even if Michael feels he can not depend on those he must choose from to handle his web site and decides he is better off just shutting it down. you can rest assured that refunds and compensation will follow.

Behind the scenes at Michaholics web site we are appauled at the mis-trust and panic that seems to have broken out with a lot of fans and we would like to ask that everyone just wait and see. If what you are saying online is true and you have gotten nothing for your membership then what is the big deal in waiting a little longer with nothing until the story unfolds.

You have said the web site would not respond to emails and has not updated news for days, even after important items surfaced elsewhere. They did not report on a possible shutdown even though they had to have known in advance.

Well there you go then...

Michael needed to reach out and pull the plug and unless he "can not" get any help he will put a team together and fix the problems.

The Sponsor of this web site is reported to have offered a hand to Michael through associates to work behind the scenes and to make sure any new site features and functions run smoothly and he knows what he is talking about when it comes to web sites running smoothly and members being pleased.

We have heard of no official response to this and merely wanted to make the point that everyone knew long before the shutdown that there was a problem.

Why have we taken the time to post these comments:

Because we are aware and would like to inform everyone that no matter who is at fault and what else happens; Michael Jackson will not "rip off" anyone!

Especially his own.

Thank You for your attention.
_________________
Michaholics Security

UPDATE:


To the premium members/regular members of MJJsource.com, and members of MJJDiscussion.com:

[Nov. 4th, 2005|07:25 pm]


We have been informed by Taunya Zilkie, site manager for MJJsource.com, that all data from MJJsource.com is safe and sound. Ms. Zilkie conveyed to us that "MJJsource.com has always been in Michael's hands, not just now."

Any additional information/inquiries regarding MJJsource.com should be addressed to and will be provided by Raymone K. Bain, Michael Jackson's official Spokeswoman.

Ms. Zilkie thanks us for allowing her to go on the record about MJJsource.com. She does not want inaccurate information circulating about this important issue.

Source: MJJsource.com/MJJD

Jackson close to wrapping relief song
Mood:  happy
Topic: Main News
Singer working with 12 other artists on hurricane-benefit single

Updated: 12:17 a.m. ET Nov. 4, 2005

LOS ANGELES - Michael Jackson is close to completing his charity single for Hurricane Katrina relief and hopes to release the song sometime this month, his spokeswoman said Thursday.

From his new base in the Middle East, Jackson has been working through global satellite and phone connections with the 12 recording artists who are participating, spokeswoman Raymone K. Bain told The Associated Press.

“All that remains is for two or three more artists to do their tracks, and Michael will then add his vocals,” Bain said in a phone interview. “He is now on the fast track, and we’re happy with the progress.”

Last week, Jackson coordinated recording sessions with artists who were visiting Los Angeles for the Black Entertainment Television awards and went to studios to record their parts.

Meredith O’Sullivan, a spokeswoman for rapper Snoop Dogg, and Sonia Muckle, who represents singer R. Kelly, said those artists have participated in the recording sessions.Jackson is the writer and producer of the track, Bain said.

She added that Jackson has rewritten the song several times and is changing the title from the original, “From the Bottom of My Heart,” to a new, undisclosed title. Jackson found he did not need as many artists to participate as originally planned, she said. The final tally will be about 12, she said.

Jackson’s plan is to provide disaster aid through three funds: the Bill Clinton-George Bush Katrina Fund, the Push-Excel Hurricane Katrina College Relief Fund and a disaster fund set up by the National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences.

? 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jackson Lawsuits Live, Come Bahrain or Shine
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News
By Joal RyanTue Nov 1,10:37 AM ET

Michael Jackson may be in Bahrain, but he'll always have Department 42.

The Los Angeles courtroom is where one of Jackson's myriad ongoing lawsuits was settled last week. According to legal experts, the pop singer's gift for litigation, both as a defendant and a plaintiff, will not be thwarted by his move to the Middle East.

"You can't stop a lawsuit just by moving away," said Jean Rosenbluth, a University of Southern California law professor.

Not only that, but you can start a lawsuit even if your new address is on the other side of the globe. "If he's that far away, maybe he'll lose interest [in initiating litigation]," Rosenbluth said. "But I've got to believe he's got attorneys working on them anyway."

That he does.

Last week in Santa Monica, Jackson's attorneys brought a countersuit on their client's behalf against a former business partner. Frederic Marc Schaffel, whose name regularly was invoked during the pop star's molestation and conspiracy trial (he was an unindicted coconspirator), previously sued Jackson for breach of contract.

The Schaffel case is one of several major court battles involving the perennially embattled entertainer. The others include: A sexual harassment lawsuit brought by a New Orleans man; a lawsuit brought by Jackson against the ex-manager, Marcel Avram, who successfully sued Jackson for backing out of two Millennium's Eve concerts; and a breach-of-contract lawsuit brought by the company that helped Jackson refinance a monster-sized bank loan.
Off the books is a lawsuit by a L.A. area antique store that sued Jackson for allegedly not paying in full for more than $375,000 in decorative doodads, including a pair of candelabras. That was the lawsuit resolved last week in Department 42.

Despite current evidence to the contrary, longtime Jackson family attorney Brian Oxman expects more of the latter (i.e., settlements), and less of the former (i.e., lawsuits, lawsuits, lawsuits) from the Bahranian-based Jackson.

"They are rapidly being settled," Oxman said of the various active cases. "I would say it's getting back to business and taking care of business [for Jackson]."

Also getting back to business: The New Orleans federal courthouse where Joseph Thomas Bartucci Jr., sued Jackson for allegedly abusing him back in 1984 when the defendant was 18. Closed since the city was flooded by Hurricane Katrina in late August, the court is to reopen Tuesday.

"The [Jackson] case will get back on the regular track," said Charles F. Gay Jr., the singer's attorney in the harassment lawsuit.

The case first got off track in July when Jackson failed to send either himself or a lawyer to a hearing. The transgression earned the pop star a $10,000 fine from the offended judge.

The punishment should be a lesson to Jackson, who likely won't find takers for the but-I'm-in-Bahrain excuse should he be called to appear or testify in an ongoing case.

"Anyone who's a litigant [is] subject to the process of the court. So, he'll have to comply, of course." Gay said of Jackson. "There's no reason to believe that he won't."

Indeed, even though Jackson had more than one close call abiding by the judge's strict attendance policy during his molestation trial, the entertainer, whether in pajamas or no, managed to sit through all 66 days of the proceedings.

Of late, the only thing Jackson has asked to skip is jury duty--he recently was called to serve in Santa Barbara County, California, where his molestation trial was held and where his famed Neverland Ranch is located. Jackson's camp asked for the singer to be excused on account of he no longer considered himself a local resident. Bahrain, where he arrived shortly after his June 13 acquittal, was his new home, it was said.

Asked whether Jackson was a Bahranian for good now, Oxman said: "There is no such thing as 'for good' in Michael Jackson's life. He is there until he decides otherwise."

Or until a court date comes calling.

Jackson Helps To Shift 1 Million Video Downloads!!
Mood:  surprised
Topic: Main News

Less than three weeks after unveiling its video iPod, Apple Computer has sold 1 million videos that play on the portable device.

Top downloads from the company's iTunes online service include music videos from Michael Jackson and Kanye West, Pixar's "For the Birds," and episodes of ABC television shows "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives, "Apple said yesterday in a statement.

The sales demonstrate demand for the video service and dispel concern that people wouldn't want to watch programs on the iPod's 2.5-inch color screen.

"Selling 1 million videos in less than 20 days strongly suggests there is a market for legal downloads, "Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, said in a statement. "Our next challenge is to broaden our content offerings."

The videos, priced at $1.99 each, can also be played on computers running iTunes software. Apple debuted the video iPod, which costs as much as $399, on Oct. 12.

While sales continue to sore, Michael Jackson remains the number one video download with the complete Thriller video.

Source: NY Daily News / MJSTAR

Jackson attorney honored by L.A. mayor and police chief
Mood:  a-ok
Topic: Main News

LOS ANGELES - Gospel music rocked the rafters Sunday as the mayor and police chief of Los Angeles joined hundreds of members of a black church to honor Michael Jackson's lawyer, Thomas Mesereau Jr., as "a champion of justice."

Mesereau, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Police Chief Bill Bratton swayed and clapped as a band played and a choir of young people sang religious songs in a rock tempo. They also presented a medeley of upbeat numbers in praise of America.

"We are here to honor a man who is setting an example for all of us," the mayor told the packed chapel at Brookins Community African Methodist Church. He noted that Mesereau is "a white man who has for many years now marched with the mothers of Watts against gang violence. He co-founded a legal clinic for the indigent."

He noted that Mesereau also travels to Alabama every year to defend a death penalty case free of charge.

"Anytime I get the opportunity to acknowledge those among us willing to reach out as Tom has, I'm truly honored," said the mayor, who presented Mesereau with a city proclamation.

The pastor of Brookins, Rev. Dr. Frederick O. Murph, said, "When I look at Tom I see a rainbow. I think of Tom as a brother."

The Rev. Cecil "Chip" Murray, recently retired pastor of the First AME Church of Los Angeles and an icon of the black community, remembered separate occasions when Mesereau brought Jackson and former client Robert Blake to church with him.

With Sunday's service focusing on a reading from Daniel, Murray described Mesereau as "an attorney not intimidated in the lion's den."

"You saw him with Michael Jackson doing the impossible," said Murray. The remark brought sustained applause.

Also attending the service was Carl Douglas, a member of the O.J. Simpson defense team, and Susan Yu, one of the lawyers who helped Mesereau defend Jackson.

Bratton said outside the church that he and his wife, attorney and TV personality Ricki Kleiman, met Mesereau several years ago and became familiar with his work.

"This is a city of many neighborhoods," said Bratton. "It's important to have people like Tom who reach out beyond their own neighborhood."

Mesereau told the group: "I am so touched, so honored and so privileged. I thank all of you very much."

Jackson was acquitted of child molestation charges in June after a five-month trial in Santa Maria, Calif. The singer has been living in Bahrain since then.

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/13038258.htm

Mother Of Michael Jackson Accuser Appears In Court On Welfare Charges
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Main News
POSTED: 1:07 pm PDT October 28, 2005

LOS ANGELES -- The mother of a boy whose accusations of molestation against Michael Jackson were rejected by a jury made a brief and apparently reluctant court appearance Friday on welfare fraud charges.

At first, the woman was absent from the hearing, sending her lawyer to handle a postponement.

But Superior Court Judge David Horwitz demanded that she come to court. After a two-hour delay, she rushed in, clad in a jogging suit.

The Associated Press has withheld the name of the woman to protect the identity of her son.

With her hair pulled back in a barette and no makeup, the woman was barely recognizable as the witness who testified at length in the Jackson trial.

She is accused of perjury in falsely applying for welfare aid.

Prosecutors allege that she collected $18,782 in fraudulently obtained welfare payments between November 2001 and March 2003, failing to disclose that she had received a $150,000 settlement of a lawsuit against a department store chain.

The 37-year-old woman didn't speak during Friday's proceeding. Her lawyer agreed to a postponement until Dec. 19 for further scheduling.

Accompanied by a friend, the woman rushed out of the courtroom with her head down and refused to answer reporters' questions.

At the Jackson trial in Santa Maria, she invoked Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination on the welfare fraud issue and did not testify about it.

Jackson was acquitted of molestation charges last June. Many jurors said the lack of credibility on the part of the woman and her children on the witness stand were major factors in their verdicts.

September 6, 2005: Mother Of Michael Jackson Accuser Pleads Not Guilty To Fraud