The Many Faces of Michael Jackson

Unless you've been under a rock, you know that Michael Jackson has died. I have conflicted feelings about Michael. I'm sorry to see such a gifted performer and musician pass away, but he had a host of troubles that he carried upon his shoulders, most notably being accused of being a pedophile.

The 12 year old prodigy appearing "normal"

This man, who in the end had so many plastic surgeries that it could be considered self-mutilation, was constantly scrutinized and accused of being a pedophile. A troubling and probable accusation. This odd man who had the heart of Peter Pan and behaved much like a 10 year old instead of his age transformed not only the music industry, but his looks as well. It was like a train wreck, you couldn't help but watch his face literally start to disintegrate.

The subtle transformation is taking place

His breathy, high pitched voice along with his hairstyle, lipstick, makeup and carefully arched eyebrows implied he considered himself to be transgendered. When actually, except for the boys; he seemed asexual. Yet, when he danced, he became overtly sexual...his movements were lightening fast and his singing perfectly phrased. But, that is only from the observations of one writer.

The waxy, strange look from too many plastic surgeries (self-mutilation)

He must have had a good heart, as many friends were devastated to learn of his untimely death. But, there is more to the story than the sadness of a child prodigy grown up and dying too soon. As Liza Minnelli and Deepok Chopra told CNN: "I'm glad we're celebrating his life and music now, because when the autopsy comes back, all hell is going to break lose."

His face is a dichotomy. Beard stubble is visible yet his makeup is impeccable along with the carefully plucked and shaped eyebrows. And his nose...what do you say?

Many are comparing his death to Anna Nicole Smith and Elvis Presley. They too, were very sad people who hid their addictions and meds from the public. Elvis even defending his drug use as the drugs being prescribed for him by his doctor. My feelings are mixed about Michael. From all the evidence presented, it seems obvious that he was a pedophile. How do you reconcile your feelings of respect for such a gifted artist when he abused innocent children? He should have been thrown in jail for his actions...I find myself struggling with his choices and how we should remember him. I, too am a dichotomy of my respect and admiration of Michael Jackson. He succumbed to drugs, regardless of his feeling that they were "prescribed."

A true artist.

Surely a doctor wouldn't resort to being a well-paid drug dealer now, would he? Sometimes the almighty dollar is just too tempting. Even if it results in the premature death of those addicted.

Sometimes the almighty dollar is just too tempting.

Even if it results in the premature death of those addicted.

More Musings Later- RIP MJJ

Otalia!

For those of you who don't watch Guiding Light the soap opera, I give you permission to skip this post. Although, you might want to find out what "Otalia" is!

For the first time in fictional Springfield, there is a plotline where 2 women on the show are discovering that they are in love with each other. Here's the kicker; they aren't really gay because this is the first experience and they don't understand it as they have always been with men. In real life, both women are straight, married and have children. Yet, on screen, they are acting their butts off!

In a day and age where so much homophobia runs rampant, it is truly a breath of fresh air to watch 2 successful, intelligent women play the role with such conviction and honesty. I especially appreciate the fact that their characters are floored about what is happening, but they can't deny what they feel. One woman's name is "Olivia" and the other is "Natalia". Hence, combining them for "Otalia."

I HATE the fact that Guiding Light is going off the air...I'm hoping they get picked up by some other network as I don't want to see the plot die. Oh well, for a soap cancellation, I guess it is fitting to see it end....I'm so depressed.

Yes, still on steroids.

More Musings Later-

I Don't Get It...

Last night, I was flipping through the channels on TV and of course, nothing was on. (Cue Bruce Springsteen's "Fifty-Seven Channels and nothing's on music)

I finally resigned myself to watch "The Bachelorette" especially since a friend was telling me that she LOOOOOVVVVVED the show. Heck, maybe it will be something decent to watch. So, I began to watch it and this woman had the task of picking between 6 or 7 men. (I lost count). When I realized it was a reality show, I could feel my eyes begin to glaze over.

Anyway, they were in Alaska (cue various Sarah Palin clips) and she was "speed dating" each one of these guys. Then, there came a point where she had to kick one guy out of the competition. She began to boo-hoo and the guy was all upset. You would have thought they had been dating for years, for God's sake. So, he's booted off and the other guys are acting like school girls, squealing about who would be next?

Then she began quizzing each guy one on one. Do you want kids? Do you want marriage? Do you blah blah blah blah blah blah.

They all started out, "I feel myself falling in love with you and yes, I want kids and Yes I want blah blah blah blah blah blah.

HELLO???? "I FEEL MYSELF FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU???" These people have known each other for a matter of days! You're in LOVE???? Give me a break.

Here's the kicker: The woman dumped the one guy because, "He didn't make a good living and she wants someone that makes alot of money."

Uh....what's wrong with YOUR hands and feet, Barbie?? Don't mooch off of someone else! Get over yourself woman!!!!!!

Did I mention that am still on steroids?

More Musings Later-

Run! I'm on S T E R O I D S

That's no lie. If you've been following this blog, you know that I periodically take steroids. Have you ever read the flipping warnings on the pill label? It ain't pretty.

"Prednisone is a drug that's commonly used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Common side effects include mood swings, increased hair growth, facial "mooning" (also known as "chipmunk cheeks"), increased appetite, night sweats, acne, headaches, weight gain, and many more too numerous to list here. Long-term use could result in steroid dependency and bone density loss."

Shall we sing a round of "I Feel Pretty?" Jeez my knees. After being on mega doses in the hospital last year, I found out that I have a lovely array of side effects!

This looked alot like me when I was n the hospital on steroids.

Notice the attractive, yet crazy bugg-eyed look.

Have you seen some of the people that use steroids? Especially athletes...they go nuts!!!! Whereas, I might find it fitting to cry for 45 minutes over the idea that I must write an article. You never know with that stuff....it's crazy. And, it makes ME crazy.

YOU try putting on a bra while on steroids!

So, you can imagine my angst when the doctor took one look at my vasculitis ridden legs/feet and began scribbling that familar name: Prednisone. YUK. But, it does the trick somehow. So, if you see me out and about, RUN....it's for your own safety!

So far, my sense of humor is still intact.

More Musings Later-

Drowning in My Disillusionment

Disillusionment: noun, rude awakening, lost innocence.

Yep, that sums up just a portion of my feelings about my experience June 8, 2009. I won't bore everyone with details, I'll simply say that I was in court yesterday and I am still reeling over the treatment my partner and I received. Especially my partner...

When we entered the courtroom, I knew we were in trouble. I immediately recognized "the good ole boys club" of lawyers milling about slapping the other on the back and belly laughing while talking about college football. I mean, I did grow up in Texas, hello?

We enter the courtroom: Me on a cane and my partner. We walk to the nearest bench and sit, keenly aware that the loud belly laughing has subsided while low talking and long stares ensued.

Homophobic: homo·phobic adj.:

1. Fear of or contempt for lesbians and gay men.
2. Behavior based on such a feeling.

Please let me be clear; I expected nothing less from good ole boy lawyers. My source of contention was with the judge. The court case was scheduled to be first, but the judge kept pushing it back. I had noticed that the judge kept staring at me during the day, I was tired due to my Parkinson's meds. I continued to listen silently. This continued until all cases were tried and or resolved which left the opposing party and ourselves as the only ones in the room.

I can't and won't go into detail, but the judge was obviously homophobic. The judge made every attempt to speak in a condescending tone, shout at us with sarcasm and treated us with such disrespect while snickering to the clerks and lawyer. Meanwhile, the opposing party was treated with professionalism and the other citizens were treated with respect and care. Once we were alone in this courtroom (amid the court clerk, baliff and lawyer) This judge completely morphed into a domineering, hateful and biased person who was of course, in complete authority. How shrewd of this judge to wait until everyone vacated the courtroom. This enabled the mayhem without being held accountable. As we left the room bewildered and upset, I felt my eyes sting as if I had been exposed to toxic fumes.

I usually don't get upset over this behavior...I usually get angry. But, here we are, American, taxpaying, law abiding citizens and we were treated as if we were murderers in a court of law. To know that a judge in America can treat 2 citizens this way, in THIS day and age, boggles my mind. This kind of treatment is not just hurtful, it's scary.

I've lost whatever respect I had for our judicial system. Even though I have cried about this, I'm still drowning in my disillusionment.

More Musings Later-

Goober says "Hey"

It's happened. Nashville has lost it's collective mind. The council has voted to allow patrons to go into a restaurant and carry a GUN with them. What the hell? Mayor Bredeson has vetoed it once, but the law was overturned by the council.

Okay, I'll bite...why would anyone in their right mind want someone to come into a restaurant with a gun? Please don't patronize me by saying it's an American's right under the constitution to bear arms. Do you really feel threatened in a McDonalds? I mean really...why would you carry a gun into a restaurant? Hello? I am bamboozled about this. Me thinks there is money changing hands...

I remember watching an old Jim Carrey standup special as he was talking about people carrying guns in their cars or trucks. He likened it to the old cowboy days...Picture being on a major freeway and someone is trying to pass you: Carrey with his best elastic facial antics pulls out an imaginary gun and taunts in true Clint Eastwood fashion: "Don't cut me off, boy...you feel lucky, punk? Well do ya? Go ahead,...make my day!" He finishes the sketch by quipping "If ya don't shoot'em, they won't learn nothin'."

So, the city that often gets compared to Mayberry will be packin next time one of their citizens decides to go to the Applebees or Shoneys. People won't "learn nothin' until somebody gets killed."

Goober says "Hey!"

More Musings Later (if I don't get shot at the Burger King)