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June 26, 2009
Open Thread: Michael Jackson Edition
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I needed to revive the FGVOTD today to honour the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, who was by far the greatest entertainer of my generation, after the devastating news of his passing yesterday.
I grew up listening to and loving his music and, in terms of popular musicians I admired since childhood, haven't felt a sense of loss like this since John Lennon was killed in 1980.
Here are two videos: the first one shows the young Michael in his glory with the Jackson 5, while the second video is one I feel is appropriate after a couple of strange days in the Open Thread. Maybe Michael can bring us all back together, at least for a day.
I Want You Back
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfJu_Bom2sA
Black Or White
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI9OYMRwN1Q
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:16 AM
Housing prices in Brooklyn are going to beat it.
Posted by: josefsz at June 26, 2009 9:16 AM
In honor of Michael Jackson's passing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_hz2am90Hk&feature=related
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:17 AM
Good morning all.
Glidden is giving away free quarts of paint, no strings attached.
Get yours here:
https://www.glidden.com/promotions/free-paint-giveaway.do
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 9:17 AM
Thriller was released November 20, 1982, 13 days after my 27th birthday.
How old were you???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtyJbIOZjS8&feature=featured
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:18 AM
You lack of leadership and silence was appalling! I wonder do you condone such behavior when a person can use the "N word" ( In any context) with put any repercussions! I would like a answer Brownstoner, Thank you!
The What (It's not over for me!)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:19 AM
rip mj, fawcett, mcmahon.
sadly this will keep people from focusing on iran for a few weeks.
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 9:21 AM
Let's just ignore him today.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:21 AM
Thanks Biff
Thriller was my first album purchased. I was in 3rd grade. Such a shame to lose this icon so suddenly. I know he was a complex tortured person, but he had made beautiful music that will go on forever. A classic!
I have actually been in the same room as Michael Jackson on 2 very different occasions.Needless to say he actually wasn't as "freakish" looking as you would have thought.
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:21 AM
goldie, I had a poster of Farrah on my bedroom wall for years growing up. Not the famous one in the red one-piece swimsuit, but another one I got from some head shop downtown. It was this one, from a Playboy cover (but was just the picture without the words). She was unbelievably beautiful.
http://tinyurl.com/lywtsn
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:24 AM
What, other readers have already addressed your ridiculous accusations. DIBS wasn't calling anyone anything, he was discussing the usage of the word. Get a grip or it's penalty box time.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:25 AM
Can you imagine what this world would be like without the music of Michael Jackson.
:-(
Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 26, 2009 9:26 AM
What, other readers have already addressed your ridiculous accusations. DIBS wasn't calling anyone anything, he was discussing the usage of the word. Get a grip or it's penalty box time.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:25 AM
What or it's Get a grip or it's penalty box time????!!! What kind of answer is that???!!!!!
So your telling me that you condone this type of behavior??? Is that it???? You have everyone else speaking for you???!!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:27 AM
Reality check - he molested children and didn't make any good music for 20 years - MJ has been dead for a long time.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 9:28 AM
G10, I know he was tortured in many ways and certainly had some very serious accusations against him. I didn't know if and how to address that in the FGVOTD, but I'm just trying to focus on his contributions as an artist. He was a once in a lifetime performer. Even as a member of Team Hetero, I had a picture of him from his Thriller days in my locker at school, just above a picture of Katerina Witt.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:29 AM
It annoys me to no end that Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon have been mostly ignored (Fawcett coverage is 2 pages on p12+13) and Michael Jackson takes the first 10 pages of the Daily News.
Yeah he was a groundbreaking musician and video pioneer, but he has been irrelevant since 1991, creepier and freakier as well. And yes, he was acquitted of being a pedophile, but the allegations and implications are a bit to much to ignore in my opinion.
I think Jackson should be the p12 footnote and Farrah Fawcett should be the first 10 pages.
Posted by: christopher at June 26, 2009 9:29 AM
Someday this obsession is gonna end.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:30 AM
Who's Katerina Witt?
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:30 AM
what type of behavior? don't understand what you think he did wrong?
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:31 AM
DH, I must interject on that. Despite the fact that he hasn't put out anything for a long time, he was and always will be relevant in the music world. Like him or not, his musical/performance genius cannot be denied and will not die along with him. That, I think, is a good thing. I loved him as a child, not so much as an adult, but again, the genius is ever present.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 9:33 AM
"It annoys me to no end that Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon have been mostly ignored (Fawcett coverage is 2 pages on p12+13) and Michael Jackson takes the first 10 pages of the Daily News."
My sentiments exactly! Thank you Christopher.
I can only hope he finds peace in death since he wasn't able to while he was here.
I'm most worried for his children.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 9:33 AM
Don't put him in the penalty box. He's digging his grave on his own.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:33 AM
Guys
yes I agree he was a strange soul who might have molested children and I am hoping to God he didn't, but he made amazing music and was the one of the top 10 notable people of the 20th century - we can't deny that.
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:34 AM
Brownstoner I will say this-- GOD works in mysterious ways. Things have of way of working themselves out. If your OK with the usage of the "N Word" then I OK with it because I know Someday this war is gonna end. I got my "Answer" from you (If that is one) and thank you for replying. You behavior speaks volumes to The What.
The What ( 4 moths..)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:35 AM
Ugh, woke up this morning with a pimple. Then I turned on the boob tube and the biggest boob of them all was yammering on about MJ, Al Sharpton. Then I realized they day can only get better.
He changed music, but like most geniuses, he was certifiably unhinged and only got life half right, he died fast.
Posted by: DeLepp at June 26, 2009 9:35 AM
"Who's Katerina Witt?"
A gorgeous and graceful figure skater who won two Olympic gold medals for East Germany (in 1984 in Sarajevo and in 1988 at the Calgary Olympics).
http://www.jeffgoldsmith.org/images/katerina_witt4.gif
(Her name is Katarina...I spelled it incorrectly)
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:36 AM
christopher, i had a similar convo yesterday.
while the same media that giddily skewered him and played up his oddness now is celebrating him, i think its not so much ignoring the dark stuff/accusations (never found guilty if im correct), people right now are celebrating his works and influence.
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 9:36 AM
THL...hola! What did you think of the second part of the reunion? Or is that not to be discussed today (I just realized the OT said MJ edition...)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 9:36 AM
Come on, Michael jackson made music that will still be playing and entertaining people in 50 years time. Fawcett, may she rest in peace, was just good looking, there was no talent. No comparison.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 9:38 AM
Goldie - I will agree with you there on the media point!
THL/Insert - renunion 2 was WHOA - what the heck happened at the end?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:38 AM
What, stop using the N-word. You're just trivializing it.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 9:38 AM
He did pay $20 MM to a boy in a civil suit that he lost.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:38 AM
Mr. B, how can you not understand what the What is unhappy about? I think his point is that nobody should ever use the word, especially when one can be just as easily understood by using the expression "n-word." It's his opinion that the word, spelled out, should never be used -- no matter the context.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 9:39 AM
I agree with Dirty Hipster. Certainly an innovator of pop but hadn't made any really serious music since the mid 80's. If he wasn't so "eccentric" (if he was poor we'd be calling him a POS child molestor) people would have lost interest in him long ago. It's sad someone died but I'm sure there were others who died yesterday, anonymous people more deserving of a memeorial.
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 9:40 AM
"what type of behavior? don't understand what you think he did wrong?
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:31 AM"
Brownstoner have ever heard of the "Broken Windows" theory? All it takes is one thing to happen and it's like a waterfall.. Not one person had a problem with the usage of the "N Word". Let ask you a question- If The What stared to use Racial Slurs (In any context) what you thing the reaction here would be????!!! I never never never use any slur (Context or No context) and I feel there should be a penalty for that! I bring it us and you say to me "Get a grip or it's penalty box time." that speaks "Loud and clear" to me...
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:40 AM
Snappy!! Miss you!
The second half of the reunion was the bash and pity Danielle episode.
Here's my thought. Regardless of the level of involvement she had in these crimes. it was 24 yrs ago and she had children now. They need to let her move past her past and be a mom.
That said, I think she is very naive to not think this would come up at some point. When you expose yourself by being on a show yeah, things will be exposed.
Again, I go back to feeling horribly for those girls. I can't imagine that this isn't impacting them in a very harmful way.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 9:41 AM
goldie at 9:36...precisely. Yes, he hadn't done much in the last 20 years and he made the news for mostly all the wrong reasons. But his impact as a singer, dancer and all around entertainer is almost unmatched. Today should be a celebration and remembrance of his artistic accomplishments. All of the negative stuff, most of which he brought upon himself (and as a father I am not casually dismissing it) has been discussed for years and years. He deserves at least a day of honour.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:41 AM
What, it seems to us that there's a big difference between calling some the N-word (or using it disparagingly) and discussing its usage. We're open to being persuaded differently, but so far, as usual, you've resorted to ranting rather than reasoning. You've got the floor so why don't you try to explain why it was offensive to you in this case. Clearly, in the context it was used, there was no malice intended by the commenter. Now, that doesn't mean that it could not have unintentionally offended you or others, so let's hear it. And don't make it a personal attack on DIBS--make a reasoned case.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:43 AM
I will agree not to spell the word out again. Christ. Are we alright on that now??
I will not apologize for the use of the word in that context because I meant no harm to anyone. I did already apologize to everyone else for your shitstorm over it. I will expect a check from Mr. B for the increased number of pageviews and posts generated.
Now, can we discuss something else?
Are all you "f words" going to the parade this weekend?
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:43 AM
Biff - agreed with your 9:41 post
THL - but what do you think Danielle did to Dina that made Caroline lose her sh/t last night?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:43 AM
"I never never never use any slur (Context or No context)"
Every single person on here knows you use "retard" as a slur. Do you know how many people here have mentally handicapped relatives?
Why don't you STFU you hypocrite.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 9:44 AM
Top 10?!?
Einstein, Gandhi, Churchill, Watson & Crick - dna, Shalow & Townes - laser, Tomlinson - email, Baird - t.v., Kilby & Noyce - microchip.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:44 AM
"THL - but what do you think Danielle did to Dina that made Caroline lose her sh/t last night?"
Dunno, but I think perhaps it may have been justified no?
Dina acts way too goody goody and tends to hide behind Carolines skirt.
She's the passive aggressive ice queen of the bunch.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 9:46 AM
SHAMONE
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 9:47 AM
SHAMONE
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 9:48 AM
i will admit i shedded a tear. i found out about his death from reading the Dog Log. my roommate left me a message he walked the dogs and that michael jackson and farrah died. and on the stereo was goodbye sleepy jean (seriously). and cuz of the news i was like whoa this version of billie jean sounds really strange. :-/ lol.
but it's sad. he was a very misunderstood person. i definitely identify with him. it's a shame that he got caught up in the child molestation crap, which was definitely not true btw, he would NEVER harm a child. he was a child himself.
farrah fawcet. eh. she was a little before my time.
i had no clue who the hell ed mcmahon was until someone told me on facebook last night. he was the publisher's clearing house guy. that tricked my grandfather ALL the time. imagine being a kid and your grandfather who you live with keeps telling you every few months that a million dollar check is in the mail soon :-/ so in reality, i do not mourn ed's death. he gave me many false hopes as a kid thinking we were millionaires. let him rot.
michael luv ya!
farrah never knew ya!
ed, youre dead.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 9:48 AM
The world is mourning Michael. I am too. For whatever his problems were, he will always be one of the best in the music world as far as I am concerned.
Posted by: breuckelen at June 26, 2009 9:49 AM
I never never never use any slur (Context or No context) and I feel there should be a penalty for that!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:40 AM
What about "retard" & "fucktard"??? And worse, you have been banned for threatening violence, as was someone else.
Free speech is free speech. Mr. B has rightly not banned it, but threats of violence do get banned. He's threatening to ban you not because of this discussion about the word but because you continue to disrupt because you simply cannot separate the use of the word in a discussion from the use of the word to call someone a name.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:49 AM
During the dinner finale Dina made reference to something Danielle said about her and her child. They never clarified what that was and I have a feeling that is what they were talking about last night. I was actually kind of proud of Dina for being willing to at least say (or maybe pretend?) that she would give Danielle another chance. I think Caroline needs to take a Xanax and chill. If Dina is willing to let the past be in the past, and apparently whatever Danielle did it was to Dina, then Caroline should buck up and get with the program. She doesn't have to be her friend or anything, but damn, leave the woman alone and stop calling her garbage.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 9:50 AM
The way caroline was acting you think it was Danielle who stuffed her father in the trunk.
Posted by: DeLepp at June 26, 2009 9:50 AM
Arkady
most people do not know who half of that list you named are - I know I don't. not a clue as to who developed email...
perhaps I should have said most famous?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM
cont'd MLK, Mandela, FDR, JFK - moon shot, Beatles (no MJ w/o them),...
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM
Goldie, yes he was aquitted, I mentioned that in my first post.
My point is I am annoyed that, like you say, the media skewers him as a freak (and basically convicts him in the media before his acquittal) and now they are completely ignoring that aspect of his life. As if once you die all your sins are forgotten and you can be held on high as a great person. A persons sins and transgressions follow them and work to define them. Death should not change that (imho)
I'll never disagree that he was a major musical and video pioneer and influence to many. I have a problem with the fact that he has been irrelevant since 1991 and the press is acting like he was top of his game. I guarantee most of his tearful fans holding memorial services haven't listened to a MJ song/album in years, nor have they thought about him. Now all of the sudden it's a great tragedy? Give me a break.
Posted by: christopher at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM
I was 20, DIBS. And I remember it well.
"Today should be a celebration and remembrance of his artistic accomplishments."
Yes, Biff, I agree. I feel that MJ deserves a day of peace and remembrance before all the dirt is dredged up and hashed over ad nauseum, which it will be.
So what will happen to MJ's children?
THL, so what did you think of Dina's response to Danielle, and the weird ending with Caroline acting like there is some "big secret thing" that happened that they won't speak about?
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM
Dave, just a small point, your first amendment right is something the government cannot infringe. Mr. B could make the choice to ban the word from the blog without any violation of the Constitution.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM
Yes - he was one of the greatest musicians of all time.
but he used the fame and fortune WE gave him to live above the law.
people who deserve our praise and mourning more than mj die everyday.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 9:52 AM
"What, it seems to us that there's a big difference between calling some the N-word (or using it disparagingly) and discussing its usage. We're open to being persuaded differently, but so far, as usual, you've resorted to ranting rather than reasoning. "
Really??!! This is calm for me. I feel at this point we are getting nowhere. Like I said before if your OK with it then I'm OK with it too.
" Clearly, in the context it was used, there was no malice intended by the commenter."
Context is perception Brownstoner.
"And don't make it a personal attack on DIBS--make a reasoned case."
Dave get a pass. Thank you Brownstoner for addressing my concerns, you have been a big help and far as I'm concern this matter is now closed.
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 9:52 AM
"Even as a member of Team Hetero, I had a picture of him from his Thriller days in my locker at school, just above a picture of Katerina Witt."
sounds like high camp to me also Biff : )
i named one of my dogs Tito after this Eddie Murphy skit of Michael:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhA_xRVl5Vo
Posted by: winthropst at June 26, 2009 9:52 AM
Gem10 - yeah, that makes more sense.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:53 AM
for me the reason why i am interested in talking about michael jackson is because it seems so shocking that he just died. obviously he was a very disturbed guy, but i didn't think he was physically unfit (except for the stuff he did to himself, like bleaching his skin, plastic surgery, etc). so for me i somehow find it more worthy of discussion than farah farrah fawcett and ed mcmahon because it was much more unexpected.
also, it is a very conflictual place to be in though - wanting to appreciate someone who has brought a great deal of joy to the world through his music but has also been accused of hideous crimes against children.
Posted by: bodhi_brooklyn at June 26, 2009 9:53 AM
THL - I agree. I think Dina does need to stop hiding behind Caroline - but again she did sorta stand up last night and say she would be willing to have a friendship with Danielle.
Am sorry, yes I think Danielle's past is the past, but she's a fruitbat who should be in therapy and not thinking her new "fans" are really there to love her - that part grossed me out!
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:54 AM
What - when are you going to apologize for using retard as an offensieve slur. Not in context, but as an offensive slur. You have a thousand posts like that. So apologize.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 9:55 AM
arkday - um no MJ without the beatles?
um what?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:55 AM
LOL, winthropst. Eddie Murphy making fun of Michael Jackson. As far as I remember, Michael was never stopped with a tranny in his car!!!!!
Who could rightfully impersonate Eddie Murphy?? Ricgard Simmons???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:56 AM
So does anyone know the cause of death for MJ?
Posted by: Kensingtonian at June 26, 2009 9:56 AM
"sounds like high camp to me also Biff : )"
LOL, winthropst. I was likely the only guy at school, or perhaps anywhere in the world, with that picture combination in his or her locker.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 9:57 AM
I couldn't believe that Dina denied flirting with the personal assistant she was hiring. If that wasn't flirting I'm not black!!! And then when Teresa outted the poor boy and the convo was quickly changed! Ooops!! I had to laugh at that.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 9:58 AM
I doubt he had much to do with the day-to-day care of his kids & they'll be well looked after. Hard to tell if his death were as sudden for them as it was for the rest of us. In London, the O arena is going to lose millions because his work is done - presumably they weren't alerted to the fact of his failing health. Maybe all the optional medical treatment he got over the years contributed to his demise. But it's hard to believe that those around him hadn't a clue it was coming.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:58 AM
Okay, we'll take you at your word, but, if you felt like it, it could be eye-opening and interesting for us and other readers to hear why it offended you in this context. Understand if you don't feel like sharing, but we bet that if it came from the heart, it would get people thinking and could lead to a good discussion. The New York Times, for what it's worth, has plenty mentions and discussion of the word.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 9:59 AM
Kens...so far, no.
he had been rushed in full cardiac arrest after collapsing at his nearby rental home.
Few details were known about the circumstances surrounding Jackson's death, but the entertainer was reportedly unconscious and not breathing by the time he arrived at UCLA Medical Center, and doctors were unable to revive him.
Brian Oxman, a spokesman for the Jackson family, told CNN on Thursday the family had been concerned about his health and had tried in vain to take care of him for months.
"Michael appeared at rehearsals a couple of times, he was very seriously trying to be able to do those rehearsals," Oxman said of Jackson's preparations for a series of 50 concerts that were scheduled to begin in London in July.
"His use of medications had gotten in the way, his injuries which he had sustained performing, where he had broken a vertebrae and he had broken his leg from a fall on the stage, were getting in the way," Oxman told CNN.
Authorities have scheduled an autopsy for Friday. But they cautioned it could take weeks to determine a cause of death, which will likely have to wait for the return of toxicology tests. Those tests will determine if Jackson had any drugs, alcohol or prescription medications in his system.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 9:59 AM
Will anyone here, besides me, admit to owning the MJ doll? I used to love that damned thing! Had the pants and the jacket too. Those were the days :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:00 AM
"So does anyone know the cause of death for MJ?"
No, I don't think so, not officially. The news said that the LA coroner will be doing the examination today, and that 'maybe' there would be a statement late today.
But it sounds like it was meds/drugs, to me from what Oxman said, and the discussion of recent injuries.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 10:00 AM
Gem10 - They set the entertainment industry up for music videos, movies, massive concerts, etc. Even the early Stones wouldn't've been as big an influence.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:01 AM
There are people out there, some in your own neighborhood who dedicate every day to making the world a better place. Michael SANG about it while pushing PEPSI that he wouldn't even take a sip of on little future diabetics. Yeah, I would say if anything MJ made this world a better place for the Sultan of Brunei and 3 of his concubines. AS far as MJ was concerned the rest of us were just Titos.
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 10:02 AM
Jessibaby, you're confusing free speech with the Constitutionally protected free speech. Not the same thing, the latter is a subset of the former.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 10:02 AM
Snappy/THL/Gem: Was anyone else surprised that Teresa was so quiet throughout the two reunion shows?
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 10:03 AM
He was hooked on demerol. Too much demerol and the heart stops. He didn't weigh more than a hundred pounds so it would not even take much of a dose. He was a troubled soul as are so many geniuses. In a way, I am surprised he made it to fifty.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:04 AM
Gem10 - grandparents would probably say it was Sinatra & Nelson Eddy...
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:04 AM
I also love how people are shocked Jackson died... "I had no idea he was so sick..." or "I thought he was so healthy" or "It comes as such a shock"...
Shock? How does anyone know? No one has seen or heard from him for a decade. The guy has been a recluse for years, and for the the years before that he wore surgical masks and tons of makeup...
... for all anyone one knows he's been on deaths door for years...
Posted by: christopher at June 26, 2009 10:06 AM
God I leave for a couple of weeks and the What gets all soft. For someone that really cared it was like "please don't take away my privileges, I am fine now." Way to fold brah.
On another note Operating on the assumption that he never touched a child, I appreciate MJ being who he was. This world is so full of conformist, you could never call him that. He just did what he wanted to do. He named a mouse, kept a monkey (what happened to Bubbles?), sang, jumped on cars. He just did whatever, and maybe it was because he had money. He added life to the world and kept on trekking. He was no saint (paid hundreds of thousands to slaugher animals to put a curse on Stephen Speilberg) but he was unapologetic about being nuts. But everyone thought of his like a crazy uncle. I, for one, will miss the color he brought to everything.
Posted by: LincolnSlope at June 26, 2009 10:06 AM
Arkady
the Beatles had nothing to do with music videos as we know it at all - no way no how! - Michael was among if not the pioneer of music videos
please don;t say - but the beatles had a Hard Days night 20 min short movie blah blah blah
If it wasn't for old blues music coming from Black America there would be no Beatles, no Zep, no Stones, no Clapton
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:07 AM
I know this won't come as a surprise to most people, and I don't think it's being reported on quite yet, but Michael Jackson died of an overdose which sent him into cardiac arrest.
As a musician, I feel that he was extremely gifted, and we should honor that.
As for the rest...I'm not sure what to think. OJ Simpson was never found guilty either, but that doesn't mean anything to me. Michael was a mysterious fellow, which the human spirit seems to find very attractive. None of us can truly understand what it was like to become a superstar at such a young age. Some people are strong enough to handle it and some aren't.
If you take anything away from this, let it be to live each day to the fullest. Each day here is a gift.
Sorry, for the rambling. I'm hungover.
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 10:07 AM
quote:
he has been irrelevant since 1991
says who. you?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:07 AM
This convo just won't go away so I'm going to toss in my two cents and then put my wallet away...
Speaking for myself,it is not offensive to discuss the N-word, however, some people, apparently including the What, and myself for that matter, don't think it needs to be fully spelled out. The way in which Dave made reference to it was not offensive to me, however seeing it spelled out threw me for a loop. Apparently the What was offended by the context, spelling out, or something about it. Not a single one of us has the right to tell him that he cannot or should not be offended by it. No one has the right to tell anyone the whens, hows and whys of when they can be offended or not. We all have our own hot buttons. Clearly the What has many such buttons, but that does not take away from this issue and his being upset. No one here has to agree with him in his outrage, but if he is in fact outraged, that's his right. As far as the context, etc. of the conversation that took place that day, folks will just have to agree to disagree and try to move on. One day of B'Stoner posting does not define the entire blog nor the people who frequent it.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:08 AM
"The New York Times, for what it's worth, has plenty mentions and discussion of the word."
Brownstoner I don't need anyone "interpreting " anything for me. I know first hand the usage of the "N Word" thank you and case closed...
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 10:08 AM
I know this probably won't win me any fans but...
Is anyone else as sick of the Beatles as I am?
I understand the influence and how wonderfully they were blah blah blah...I know we're all SUPPOSED to worship at their feet but, meh, enough already.
Yawn.
(god, I hope this isn't one of the day's The Man of the Townhouse is reading our I'll never hear the end of this weekend).
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:08 AM
Gem10 - A 60s show in the UK - Top of the Pops - really started music videos.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:09 AM
Dittoburg, maybe I need to brush off my copy of Chemerinsky, but, all I'm trying to say is that "free speech" doesn't limit Mr. B's ability to put someone in the penalty box -- as we've seen with M4L and Rob.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 10:11 AM
Bringing the topic of Michael Jackson together with brownstoner Brooklyn, did you know that "Bad" was filmed at Hoyt-Schermerhorn? I remember the equipment and chairs lined up for an evening shoot - you could see them across the tracks where the Acquaduct Express used to run. They renamed the station, and had a directors chair with "Mr. Jackson" silkscreened on it.
Posted by: Stonergut at June 26, 2009 10:11 AM
shun na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na, knees, knees
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 10:11 AM
Cobble...Teresa should have tried staying quiet at the dinner finale! I think she only started howling and flipping the table because she wanted in on the action and she was embarassed when Danielle told her to pay attention. She was not connected in any way to what was going on wrt the book so she should have kept her mouth shut then as she did during last night's show.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:11 AM
wait. michael jackson was a BITTER RENTER!? that's f'ing awesome!!!! :)
renter 4 life!!!!
and im a firm believer in dying young btw. he made it to 50. that is the perfect age to live to.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:11 AM
shun na,na,na,na,na,na,na,na, knees, knees
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 10:12 AM
Snappy - Terrific articulation of it all.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:12 AM
"he has been irrelevant since 1991
says who. you?"
He's a singer - can you name any song he's made AFTER "Thriller" ???
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 10:12 AM
Oh, and QOTD to Snappy.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 10:12 AM
Arkady - Top of the pops didn't have produced videos
they were a variety show that artists went on and performed on stage
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:13 AM
THL - me and you are on the same page...
... Beatles mania baffles me. Like I'm a cave dwelling moron if I don't revere the Beatles...
... I don't get it...
Posted by: christopher at June 26, 2009 10:13 AM
Apologize What for offensively using retard as a slur. meant as a slur, and taken as a slur.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 10:13 AM
I heard the little drummer boy was one of the first and biggest influences on the music industry. Also, little know fact Mary played a kick ass lute solos.
They were the first musical influences.
Done and doner.
IMO- Hollywood Musicals were the first music Videos.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:13 AM
THL, I'm so not a beatles fan. I really don't get the appeal. I stream Q104.3 everyday at work and I turn the speakers off when they do their daily beatles block. ugh.
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:14 AM
> I will agree not to spell the word out again. Christ.
As a Christian I'm a offended by the use of 'Christ' in this sentence. In the future please use J.C.
Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 26, 2009 10:14 AM
Has Adam lost it????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:14 AM
Gem - There were many videos on TotP - unlike Hit Parade here where songs were just performed live.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:15 AM
When I was a kid, the Jackson 5 were the most popular group of my generation, being maybe 8 years too young to really get the Beatles and Stones on an peer level, although we loved them too. Michael was only a few years younger than I, so I grew up with them. I always felt sorry for him, in that he never really was a child when he should have been, and was never really an adult when he should have been either.
In spite of all of his personal issues, he was an enormously talented and intelligent man. He gave a lot of money to good causes, often behind the scenes, and his music brought joy and good memories to millions. I hope his legacy is mostly positive, he deserves that much.
I've loved a lot of his songs, but my favorite will always be the high, pure, poignancy of "Got to be there".
Posted by: Montrose Morris at June 26, 2009 10:16 AM
> Is anyone else as sick of the Beatles as I am?
um, NO!
;-)
Posted by: Expert Textpert at June 26, 2009 10:17 AM
I think Adam is enjoying rambling on his "new" name a little too much :o).
Posted by: Kensingtonian at June 26, 2009 10:17 AM
jessibaby - i'd agree with that
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 10:18 AM
DH - MJ had loads of popular songs since 1991
THL - agree with you on the Beatles
Arkady - am sorry but Top of the Pops wasn't influential at all in regards to produced music videos.
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM
Rob,
Yes, I said irrelevant after 1991. He put out, what, 3 albums after that? Can you name them? I don't think combined they sold more than 10 million copies.
So, yes, after 1991 he, as a musician, drifted into obscurity and irrelevance, only kept alive in the media and our conscious by his borderline behavior with small boys....
Posted by: christopher at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM
Part of MJ's appeal to the public, other than his great music, was that you never knew what he would look like next.
Seeing him made one cringe a little, and I think we enjoyed that. He was so out there. His life after "thriller" was sort of one long scary video. I would alternate between loving his music and finding him too creepy to bear. I think that boosted his celebrity enormously.
I believe he was very close to death during his child molestation trial, but he beat the charge and lived a good number of extra years. Hopefully he used those years to enjoy his children and watch them grow up a bit. All he wanted was a second chance at childhood, which most of us experience through our kids.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM
Alrighty. Given the discussion above, we'd like to ask readers in the future if it comes up in a non-slur way to not actually spell out the N-word. Thanks to everyone for their input on the matter.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM
"I turn the speakers off when they do their daily beatles block. ugh."
Yeah, they love to shove them down your throat. All it makes me do is gag.
I get it, but I don't need to get it all day every day until I die. Same with Led Zep or the Stones, I get it but I don't want to relive it all the time.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM
THL i am with you. i think the beatles are kinda lame. and if this conversation with the what continues about the stupid n word i seriously think im blogaciding from this site. it's really stupid and trollish and it's so f'ing obvious the what isnt really offended by the word, you dont have to be f'ing sylvia browne to know that, and to the people constantly engaging him in this issue, get a clue.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:21 AM
"This world is so full of conformist, you could never call him that. He just did what he wanted to do."
LincolnSlope - i think he conformed a lot by trying to make his nose and skin more caucasian.
Posted by: winthropst at June 26, 2009 10:21 AM
Townhouselady,
i was more worried about Mike's kids when he was alive...
Posted by: bklyn1999 at June 26, 2009 10:23 AM
I agree with Rob about the What.
Yesterday he says the case is closed, then he reopens it again today. It is TOTALLY obvious he just wants attention because he's desperate now that there are as many stories about a recovery in the economy as there are about its demise. Probably more. He's grasping for straws to become relevant again.
Not unlike Michael Jackson has done since 1991. ;)
Essentially, the What as we knew him (NYMag) is dead. It's time to turn the page unless he has anything more evolved to add to this blog.
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 10:24 AM
THL, I must admit I am in love with Led Z and I like the Stones. Nothing gets my toe tapping like Fool In The Rain...I've been playing it every morning for a while now cause I do feel like a fool in the rain!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:24 AM
The Beatles were not lame at the time.
Now they seem like Old Testament figures.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:25 AM
and then video killed the radio star
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 10:26 AM
I'd call his nose elfin not caucasian.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 10:27 AM
Oy vey, If winelover or propjoe says anything anti-semitic (or anyone else in that matter), I am going all WHAT and Tango Uniform on them! I am waiting for one of those "hasidic jew land owners" remarks and then guys, just sit back and enjoy my rants :o).
Posted by: Kensingtonian at June 26, 2009 10:27 AM
"Now they seem like Old Testament figures."
ROFL!!!! Sam, that was gold! Are they so old that they owe Jesus a quarter? (ba dum bum, ding!) LOL
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 10:28 AM
musically speaking it's the same with MANY of our iconic music legends.
has Stevie Wonder done anything relevant since the 80's
how about Bob Dylan
Aretha Franklin
The Stones?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:29 AM
quote:
All he wanted was a second chance at childhood, which most of us experience through our kids.
i do it by watching Hannah Montana
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:29 AM
There's a story out that is not getting much attention. It seems that the Saudi ruling family may be bankrupt. This may spread to about $60B+ loaned throughout the Middle east to various family companies.
I think we will hear more about this in the near future.
Although I believe that the global financial system has been largely stabilized, these things come out of nowhere.
I always believed in th back of my mind that the What's predictions could come true but not from the financial part of the economy any more. His predictions could come true because of some purely egogenous event like Iran attacking Israel or N. Korea lobbing a nuclear warhead somewhere. These things are NOT discounted by the market.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:29 AM
Sorry bout the double postings. My browser is on the fritz. Just a like MJ tribute.
I dressed up like MJ for Halloween 3 years in a row when I was 7,8,9 years old. I had down all the moves.
He was destoyed by his own excess, but I will chose to remember him like he was when I was a child.
My money is on pain killers, what do you think killed him?
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 10:30 AM
His transformation from an adorable child to a handsome young man to a space creature is as fascinating as it is bizarre.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:31 AM
Brownstoner, what are you going to do about what's use of the word retard as an insult. A bare-faced blatant insult. Not contextual, not comparative, but as an insult.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 10:31 AM
Sam,
there's a little difference between re experiencing your childhood through your kids and sleeping with them or dangling them out of balconies. The guy was a freak show
Posted by: bklyn1999 at June 26, 2009 10:31 AM
I liked when you started that with "Alrighty." LOL
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:33 AM
Snappy, Don't get me wrong, I do mean to discredit them in any way, shape or form. I practically own the whole Zep and Stones catalogs but I don't listen to the constantly on loop and I don't invoke them every time a discussion about music comes up. They are brilliant and I enjoy it in moderation. I don't invoke them any and every single time a discussion on music happens. I wish to god the same were true with regard of the public's worship of the Beatles.
There are others who have done wonderful, inventive and groundbreaking things in the musical arena and will continue to do so.
I find it much more exciting to continue to search for the next, the new.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:34 AM
Dave,
How are the What's predictions really relevant though? Do you think it stopped anyone from buying a home, having a child, living their lives or enjoying their golden years?? All of the What's "predictions" have been covered ad nauseam by the news and having a couple month jump on that news has done nothing for me personally.
Has anyone else here changed the direction of their lives because someone named "The What" predicted certain things about the economy on this website? He's like a financial terrorist, and I find the best way to combat it is to continue living your life, not to give into the constant fear he likes to spread. It's absurd.
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 10:34 AM
i'm curious why so many people revere MJ. and i mean *revere* - that is what i find bizarre. he is worshiped by many people not only in the us but around the world. it begs the question, why?
Posted by: bodhi_brooklyn at June 26, 2009 10:36 AM
"My money is on pain killers, what do you think killed him?"
Fame
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:36 AM
my issue with the beatles is that it was a foursome of white guys. seriously. there is nothing cheesier than all male whiteboy bands that all look alike. like 99 percent of the music coming out of brooklyn these days.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:39 AM
11217, you're right. I think most people knew their properties were becoming overvalued. I didn't see a lot of people speculating in real estate because it was pretty obvious that it was becoming a bubble. In my case I saw that my Manhattan place could sell for more money that it was worth. I could have chose to rent but that's not the lifestyle I wanted. Yes, its all about what you want in life, the prices of that, not so much.
Like MJ, you never know when you might be gone so live life like you want to.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:39 AM
The Beatles were more influential then MJ.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 10:40 AM
What a bunch of dirty assholes. MJ was King! I Remember the Time Michael jacked prime time TV and showed that Dangerous Black and White video.
Posted by: lurks at June 26, 2009 10:41 AM
Rob,
Lest we forget, you're white. At the end of the day no matter what influenced you in life or however hard to try to get away from it you are white.
It's still not cool to hate even if it's on white people.
Don't hate who you are.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:43 AM
DH -are you kidding me?
in what regards?
I think "Lurks" is The What!
ha
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:43 AM
It wasn't an overdose that killed MJ it was food poisoning.
He was sucking on 12-year-old nuts...
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 10:43 AM
quote:
i'm curious why so many people revere MJ. and i mean *revere*
- he owned a monkey and named it bubbles
- he bleached his skin
- he married elvis' daughter
- he dangled a baybay off a balconey
- he put a curse on david spielberg
- he slept in an oxygen chamber
- he wasnt the baby daddy of billie jean
- i can go on and on and on
he was a freakshow extraordinaire. some of us aspire to his greatness. if you dont "get it" you dont "get it". i wasnt a fan of his music really but i was a huge fan of his lifestyle.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:44 AM
Agreed Dave. I knew (and said many times) when I bought my place...."How in the world could this small place ever be worth more than I'm paying for it" but I didn't care. I loved it and continue to love it as my home (and it's still cheaper than renting). It was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself.
I think The What likes to *think* he was the first to tell us that our properties were overvalued, but I think the VAST majority here already knew that. Even knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have rather waited to get my place at a 10 or 20% discount...the two years I've lived in my place have been some of the best years of my life because I finally have a real home in NYC...a place to escape some of the craziness of this great city. That is priceless to me.
It's just another way he's managed to draw attention to himself by making people think that he's given us information we didn't already know.
I've never found much interest in his posts whatsoever.
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 10:44 AM
DH,
Songs MJ made after Thriller:
Black or White
Man in the Mirror
You Are Not Alone
Smooth Criminal
BAD
Remember the Time
In the Closet
Butterfly
Posted by: faithful at June 26, 2009 10:47 AM
hereby removing myself from further discussion re: MJ
it infuriates me.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 10:48 AM
I think all of the Beatles haters should be banned.
The Beatles were one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed bands in the history of popular music, selling over one billion records internationally.[1] In the United Kingdom, The Beatles released more than 40 different singles, albums, and EPs that reached number one, earning more number one albums (15) than any other group in UK chart history. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, The Beatles have sold more albums in the United States than any other band.[2] In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Beatles number one in its list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.[3] According to that same magazine, The Beatles' innovative music and cultural impact helped define the 1960s, and their influence on pop culture is still evident today. In 2008, Billboard magazine released a list of top-selling Hot 100 artists to celebrate the chart's fiftieth anniversary; The Beatles topped it.
I prefer the music of The Stones and U2 and many other groups but hating the Beatles is just crazy talk.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:49 AM
You could have some magnetic poetry fun junmbling the words to all those songs...
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 10:49 AM
Both morphine and demerol can bring about cardiac arrest. MJ evidently used a lot of demerol. He had a lot of pain from injuries to his back and legs.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 10:50 AM
Beatles= real talent. Though I wish Paul would have a little talk with his trucking heiress girlfriend over some recent MTA decisions..
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 10:51 AM
Smooth Criminal was aweseome. I would always try and do that lean move that he did. I would always end up falling over but it was fun anyway.
They are saying now that it was an injection of Demerol and that the Dr that gave it to him is MIA.
The drama continues....
Posted by: Adam Incognito at June 26, 2009 10:53 AM
quote:
"It's still not cool to hate even if it's on white people.
Don't hate who you are."
you know im not white, right?
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:55 AM
@ 10:48
You Better Run, You Better Do What You Can
Don't Wanna See No Blood, Don't Be A Macho Man
You Wanna Be Tough, Better Do What You Can
So Beat It, But You Wanna Be Bad
Just Beat It, Beat It, Beat It, Beat It
No One Wants To Be Defeated
Showin' How Funky Strong Is Your Fight
It Doesn't Matter Who's Wrong Or Right
Just Beat It, Beat It
Just Beat It, Beat It
Just Beat It, Beat It
Just Beat It, Beat It
Posted by: lurks at June 26, 2009 10:55 AM
oh - and none of the beatles molested children
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 10:55 AM
Dibs - I can pull real stats and figures as I work at the label to attest how many units MJ has sold.
Did you know that ACDC actually were the # selling act in the world in 2008 - topping the beatles - did you know that?
DH:
come on now - don't pull out of this discussion
Am sorry MJ influenced the world - black and white. His career spanned 35 years since he was 5 years old - he sold more albums than the beatles, shit he owned 50% of the beatles catalog. He influenced fashion, videos, not to mention all pop,R&B,Hip hop acts today.
The Beatles are great in their own category and I will never discredit them - but I don;t feel you can compare the two and then say the Beatles were more influential than MJ
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:55 AM
gemini, the Beatles broke up in 1970.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:57 AM
as of today
Michael has sold 140 million albums in total
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 10:58 AM
Not hating them Dave just really sick of them.
We know they are wonderful but enough already. e get it. Seriously. Enough.
They do not need to be yanked into every conversation about music for god sakes. It's like no one can talk about anything without the constant "Yeah but they'd have been nothing without the Beatles" line...
So everyone else should stop making music? No one should ever try to achieve anything lest they be thrown under the shadow of the Beatles.
Puh-friggin-leeze....moving on...
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 10:59 AM
quote:
oh - and none of the beatles molested children
maybe not, but i bet they molested a lot of women. im sorry but i find them very ugly and very blah. but i understand they have lots of fans and people see a lot into their music, that's cool and stuff.
on that note, MJ probably died from overdosing on Fentanyl patches. frail people like him can't handle those.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 10:59 AM
I for one, and I may be alone here, do not hink that MJ ever molested children. He dangled his kid from a balcony in Berlin, yes, but that was just idiotic, it was not child abuse.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 11:00 AM
im pretty sure i was dangled from balconies a few time as a kid too. big woop.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 11:03 AM
Dibs - yes I know that! - but am talking catalog sales
ACDC surpassed the Beatles actually in 2007(without releasing any new material) and then again in 2008
I appreciate the Beatles influence on Music, but they aren't the best selling act of all time forever and ever the way people make them out to be! - that's all
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 11:03 AM
Rob - its clear that you were dropped on your head a couple of times
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 11:04 AM
MJ was a song-and-dance routine. The beatles were composers/musicians. Yeah, Michael was influential, you can blame him for all the no-talent crap you had since him from New Kids On the Block to Chris Brown. Thanks music industry, sale shqave never been worse and you A & R's are getting exactly what you deserve. Crap in, crap out.
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 11:04 AM
I remember sitting up in my attic in 1984 listening to Thriller on a turntable with a huge pair of Koss headphones.
Posted by: infinitejester at June 26, 2009 11:05 AM
"I appreciate the Beatles influence on Music, but they aren't the best selling act of all time forever and ever the way people make them out to be!"
People are stupid - didn't Lil Wayne sell 5 million copies?
Talent and commercial success aren't always correlated.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 11:09 AM
THL, you're The Fool On The Hill. Cry Baby Cry. Please, Act Naturally.
Don't Bother Me (anymore) but Don't Ever Change.
I Should Have Known Better. I'll Be On My Way.
We Can Work It Out,
All My Loving,
DIBS
To Know Him IS To Love Him
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 11:09 AM
quote:
Rob - its clear that you were dropped on your head a couple of times
wow. you're like so psychic or something :-/ and you totally bit off my complaining about the what making fun of "retards" i brought that up yesterday but it was completely ignored. which i find funny. you brought it up like 10 x today and it was ignored again. brownie's coddling of the what is very curious indeed, especially considering i was put on time out for basically nothing :-/ but what and others can continue to troll this site like non other. i think brownie thinks people like the what bring in page views or something. perhaps, but i doubt it's positive ones.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 11:09 AM
rob, what woman wouldn't have wanted to be molested by any of the beatles???? :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 11:11 AM
rob, I think you are on target.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 11:13 AM
Weak.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 11:13 AM
I never saw the Beatles perform but I did see george and Ringo at the Concert For Bngladesh. I never saw any of the Jachsons but I thought a few of them were cute, Michael in his earlier years and can't remember which other one.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 11:14 AM
When were you put on time-out Rob?
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 11:15 AM
It's funny because I think MJ wanted at first to look like Diana Ross, then he wanted to look like Brook Shields, and he ended up looking a little like Yoko Ono on a bad hair day.
His speaking voice was pure Jackie O.
He was indeed a strange guy.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 11:16 AM
JOE:
What are you talking about? MJ composed his music too!
also I am not in A&R.
Lil Wayne sold 3million units in the US on his last album
I agree commercial sales do not go hand in hand with talent
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 11:16 AM
DIBS - are you eating a toffee or something?
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 11:17 AM
"Alrighty. Given the discussion above, we'd like to ask readers in the future if it comes up in a non-slur way to not actually spell out the N-word. Thanks to everyone for their input on the matter.
Posted by: brownstoner at June 26, 2009 10:19 AM"
I see the one man lynch mob has been victorious.
Posted by: northsloperenter at June 26, 2009 11:18 AM
I wasn't directing the A & R comment directly at you.
Posted by: Joe from Brooklyn at June 26, 2009 11:22 AM
I always felt sorry for MJ. So many "talents" of that era were totally effed up by too easy fame & fortune & lack of values in their families. He was bright & talented & attractive but royally screwed up.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 11:24 AM
Sam,
Would you let your 9 yr old son spend the weekend with Mike at Neverland ranch ??
Posted by: bklyn1999 at June 26, 2009 11:28 AM
William Shakespeare really hasn't done anything noteworthy since 1616. How lame of him. I guess he didn't have an impact on anyone or anything.
I can concede one can get tired of the Beatles, but one can't deny the genius in their music. Yes, they were heavily influenced (and completely acknowledged it) by African American artists, but they also completely changed Rock and Roll. The music they put out in an 8 or 9 year span is remarkable.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 11:29 AM
Is anybody else dying to see what the picture of the ROTD will look like today?
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 11:33 AM
Good one, Biff!
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 11:33 AM
****JUST IN!! Michael Jacksons is alive in hospital, but is having a stroke in the childrens ward.***
LOL just heard that joke. sorry if it's old
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 11:34 AM
"Is anybody else dying to see what the picture of the ROTD will look like today?"
God help the day we get an action shot on the ROTD of hipsters.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 11:36 AM
See Biff, that's exactly what I'm talking about.
"I guess he didn't have an impact on anyone or anything."
Of COURSE he did. No one would deny that. The thing is we don't bring up Shakespeare when we discuss current authors works.
Yet, for some reason people are compelled to continually remind, reflect and compare all musicians and their influences and success against the Beatles. Why?
Can't we have a discussion that DOESN'T involve them? Or is that not o.k.?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 11:36 AM
even funnier lol
Farrah Fawcett died & went to Heaven. When she got there, God gave her one wish. Farrah wished for all the children of the world to be safe. Then Michael Jackson died
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 11:36 AM
more jokes can be found at
deadmichaeljacksonjokes.com
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 11:37 AM
THL - "Out! Out! Damned What!" "Et tu, Mr. B?"
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 11:40 AM
I agree with THL
I feel that the Beatles are used as the premier musical icon to compare all other musicians to and it's simply wrong
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 11:41 AM
LOL Arkady!!
Rob, You should have followed those jokes with ... Too Soon?
Distasteful as they are, they're really funny.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 11:45 AM
"Yet, for some reason people are compelled to continually remind, reflect and compare all musicians and their influences and success against the Beatles. Why?"
I would say the fact they are always mentioned and used as a benchmark in assessing other artists is a testament to their talent, influence and popularity. Nobody is comparing emerging musical talents to Kajagoogoo (with all due respect, DIBS).
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 11:45 AM
I feel the same way about the Monkees
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 11:45 AM
I sense that Biff is posting an ad on Craigslist as we speak for a new trivia partner...
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 11:46 AM
THL, NEVER! We can disagree on things and still be blog buddies.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 11:48 AM
I wonder if benson likes the Beatles??
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 11:50 AM
Good day, Sunshine!!!
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 11:53 AM
"I would say the fact they are always mentioned and used as a benchmark in assessing other artists is a testament to their talent, influence and popularity."
No one (not me at least) is disputing they were talented.
Lets do this. Let's compile a list of the lets say top 50 most influential bands/musicians of all time and any time we discuss any other bands/musicians we will then compare them one by one to said list.
This way at least the Beatles fans won't look near as obnoxious in their quest to discredit all others in the genre.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 11:58 AM
I've never seen THL so riled up about something so utterly ridiculous. :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:00 PM
Who cares what Benson liked?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:01 PM
"Thriller was released November 20, 1982, 13 days after my 27th birthday.
How old were you???"
Ah, so DIBS you are a Wood Sheep!
Posted by: WonTon at June 26, 2009 12:02 PM
Who dares be first on the ROTD thread?????
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:03 PM
ROTD up. this should be good.
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 12:04 PM
No, WonTon, I am a walrus, cu cu cachoo
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:04 PM
WHo brought up the Beatles? wasn't it THL?
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 12:07 PM
"Let's compile a list of the lets say top 50 most influential bands/musicians of all time"
James Brown should be top 5.
Posted by: etson at June 26, 2009 12:07 PM
Bananarama
Nilli Vanilli
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:11 PM
I give MJ his due- he was magic. On stage he was incandescent and he was a brilliant musician. It was painful to see how damaged and frail he was as a person. For all the fame and money, he must have been one of the most unhappy people on the planet.
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 12:12 PM
this would be a tough list as there are SOOOOO many genres
should we only mention people who would be WORLD famous, top selling,most recognized?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 12:13 PM
Arkady brought them up and said "No MJ without them"
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:14 PM
Just out of curiosity (since I can't keep up with everything on this site), why have people decided to ruin the restaurant reviews?
I always thought they were one of the more useful things on this site. I mean, I eat out more often than I shop for a new home.
Posted by: northsloperenter at June 26, 2009 12:16 PM
Nope.
"cont'd MLK, Mandela, FDR, JFK - moon shot, Beatles (no MJ w/o them),...
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 9:51 AM"
---------------------------------------------------------
arkday - um no MJ without the beatles?
um what?
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 9:55 AM
----------------------------------------------------------
Gem10 - They set the entertainment industry up for music videos, movies, massive concerts, etc. Even the early Stones wouldn't've been as big an influence.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 10:01 AM
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:17 PM
"Let's compile a list of the lets say top 50 most influential bands/musicians of all time"
I'm listing my band as #1, to hell with all of you. :-)
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:17 PM
There have been millions of popular musicians to come out of America. How many of them can be named by virtually every living person? Michael Jackson was a musician and artist of supreme talent. The music he created with his brothers and on his own will be played for generations to come. He almost single-handedly created the music video form, and his innovations in that area are copied to this very day. He was a once in a lifetime artist, and nothing can ever change that.
Posted by: East New York at June 26, 2009 12:20 PM
amen to that, ENY.
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 12:22 PM
There is a new set of Beatles CDs being released in the fall, being re-mastered from the original tapes using the latest technology. Looking forward to it.
http://www.elusivedisc.com/products.asp?dept=1618
Posted by: denton at June 26, 2009 12:23 PM
ENY is correct, and most of the others were bands, not individuals. Only maybe Elvis, Stevie, Aretha & James Brown can really stand on their own.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:24 PM
I guess I'd have to add Madonna.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:25 PM
MJ didn't have any money. He spent $20 million a year more than he made. I wonder how you can do that.
Posted by: denton at June 26, 2009 12:26 PM
can someone explain something to me? i like various websites about real estate and architecture and stuff, this is the only one i actually comment on, but that's not the point. this website switched to registration only and it seems to have been a good thing, but curbed did it and that site is SO boring now. SO boring. the comments on that site were what made it. of course you had to wade thru a bunch of crap, but it was still decent.
what is the point of a blog where every single entry gets zero replies? i thought for sure curbed would eventually life the registration option.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 12:26 PM
did the MJ album with "sue me, jew me, kick me, kike me" ever get reissued in a censored form?
Posted by: Art Salt at June 26, 2009 12:27 PM
ENY - thanks for articulating those points!
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 12:27 PM
Mr. B took the snarky comments off the ROTD thread.
Posted by: East New York at June 26, 2009 12:29 PM
A few other notable individuals
Bob Marley
Miles Davis
Ray Charles
Bruce Springsteen
Chuck Berry
Bob Dylan
Marvin Gaye
Prince
Louis Armstrong
Ella Fitzgerald
Frank Sinatra
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:30 PM
I would add the Police, Led Zep,The Supremes,Tina Turner,Celine Dion,Simon and garfunkel, Dylan,
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 12:30 PM
Mr. B has been much more active these days. He also removed most, if not all, of The What's comments from the other threads today.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:31 PM
I think that's good ENY. I felt bad about pillaging another ROTD thread as soon as I made my first comment.
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 12:32 PM
Celine Dion?
Posted by: East New York at June 26, 2009 12:32 PM
Yes, 11217, I agree. Yesterday was a unique situation. I understand why he took today's comments down. Enough is enough.
Posted by: East New York at June 26, 2009 12:34 PM
Other Notable/Influential Groups
Queen
Rolling Stones
Pink Floyd
U2
Public Enemy
Pearl Jam
The Clash
The Ramones
Grandmaster Flash
The Who
Beach Boys (yes, the Beach Boys)
Sugarhill Gang
Nirvana
Run DMC
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:35 PM
I can't disagree with Jon removing the ROTD snark.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:35 PM
Sex Pistols
Grateful Dead (yuck- but influential)
Black Sabbath
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:38 PM
George Clinton and Parliment
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:38 PM
David Bowie
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:39 PM
"i thought for sure curbed would eventually lift the registration option."
They really should. I've stopped checking their site more than once a week.
I think Brownstoner survived the transition to registration-only comments better because it is both more focused and less sarcastic than Curbed.
Both of those things make it easier to get people interested enough and comfortable enough to register and participate.
Curbed has a broader appeal, but it is shallower. I never bothered registering there...
Posted by: northsloperenter at June 26, 2009 12:39 PM
Eric Clapton
Bob Dylan
Bruce Springsteen
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:39 PM
Jimmi Hendricks
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:40 PM
The Velvet Underground
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 12:42 PM
DIBS, stick with the program, I already mentioned Dylan and Springsteen. I should've include Hendricks and Clapton too.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:42 PM
Biff, if you're gonna throw in Miles & Armstrong, you've opened it to a new type of music altogether. In that case I pick Beethoven and Poulenc :-)
Posted by: denton at June 26, 2009 12:42 PM
THL, get thee to a dictionary!!! Your spelling makes me long for the days of BRG :)
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 12:43 PM
Dammit THL, you got me screwing up Jimi's name too!
Denton, good point. I'm adding:
Mozart
Beethoven
Bach
Tchiakovsky
Handel
Vivaldi
Brahms
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:44 PM
completely agree with Biff
yes am going on the record(no pun) with saying that Celine Dion is influential not only being the top femal seller of all time (152 million units sold) and having like 10 top hits etc - she's world famous and frankly a really nice person
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 12:44 PM
ew madonna. i know ill lose any remaining gay credit i have, but she sucks. she claims to be the innovator of everything, but all she does is rip off styles and genres like 3 years after they've already been popular. i really do not like her at all. thank god she finally shaved lourdes' unibrow. that thing was getting out of control! i like some of her songs though.
*ROB*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 12:45 PM
The savings rate has jumped to 6.9%.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 12:48 PM
the smiths
the pixies
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 12:54 PM
mr b's panties have been madly twisted lately. apparently it's okay to make fun of androgynous youngsters and not large and in charge ladies. (tho i do think it is tasteless to do so ahhah)
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 12:58 PM
Goldie - um the smiths and pixies would never be on a top 50 list of most influential musicians
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 12:59 PM
The savings rate has jumped to 6.9%
-that's not good, people need to go out and buy more shit.
Especially cars.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 1:01 PM
Dibs
so does that mean if I open up a savings account at a bank, I will get 6.9% on my money??
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:02 PM
"Mr. B has been much more active these days. He also removed most, if not all, of The What's comments from the other threads today.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 12:31 PM"
I want to point out the hypocrisy here at Brownstoner!!!!!!
Yo, whassup, my niggas?
Posted by: Park Dope at June 25, 2009 9:20 AM
This post is still up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
People I'm so glad that this "N word" thing happen! It's shows clearly the Covert Race/Class Warfare here at Brownstoner! You see most of you are pussies and are scared of real Black Men! You know deep down if you would approach a Black Man and used that word, you would get you asses kicked! Thanks guys for confirming my suspicions!!
Michael Jackson died and all you can do is bring up "White" artists, LMMFAO! The Beatles and Led Zeppelin sampled Black music! Losers...
The What (ROTFLMMFAO RETARDS!!!)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 1:03 PM
gemini10. wrong.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2006/jul/16/popandrock.shopping
there, its a top 50 list, and smiths are on.
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 1:04 PM
quote:
You see most of you are pussies and are scared of real Black Men!
the sad thing is, he's probably correct about that.
tho im curious what a fake black man is. do i count? i think i do.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 1:06 PM
"Michael Jackson died and all you can do is bring up "White" artists, LMMFAO! "
What, I'm not sure who you're talking to, but not only was my first post a big tribute to MJ (and then I went on to defend his legacy after that), I also mentioned a number of influential non "White" artists, including.
Public Enemy
Grandmaster Flash
Sugarhill Gang
Run DMC
Bob Marley
Miles Davis
Ray Charles
Chuck Berry
Marvin Gaye
Prince
Louis Armstrong
Ella Fitzgerald
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 1:10 PM
THE GUARDIAN!
um ok - whatevs!!!
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
that list is Horrible!
sorry the Velet undergound although I do like them shouldn't be #1
also that list is the top 50 ALBUMS THAT CHANGED MUSIC!
not the top 50 artists that are the most influential
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:11 PM
Kraftwerk is an excellent choice on the Guardian list that goldie posted.
Also agree with him re The Pixies.
Posted by: etson at June 26, 2009 1:12 PM
What - exactly
I have been championing Black Musicians as being the root of all the Brit bands
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:13 PM
"You see most of you are pussies and are scared of real Black Men! You know deep down if you would approach a Black Man and used that word, you would get you asses kicked! Thanks guys for confirming my suspicions!!"
I think that anyone who used that word in that way deserves what they get but this is typical of your constant condoning of violence. Assault is not an appropriate response to a slur and should land the assaulting party in jail.
This is something you need to learn.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 1:13 PM
Sam Cooke fathered 95% of that list
Posted by: jack slade at June 26, 2009 1:13 PM
And hello.....What. It was I who added Aretha, Stevie & James Brown as individuals who warranted praise above any band.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 1:15 PM
"I have been championing Black Musicians as being the root of all the Brit bands"
It's undeniable, which is also why I said the Beatles acknowledged that African American artists influenced them tremendously.
jack slade, great call re: Sam Cooke.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 1:16 PM
Such blatant baiting...sad.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 1:17 PM
Marvin Gaye! - did anyone see him - I forgot to add him
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:18 PM
*** ATLERT******
The Rules Of Engagement has been changed! As of now everyone is viewed as a Enemy Combatant. All "friendship" options as now off the table and I will use all means at my disposal, including but not limited to SLURS!
Everyone is viewed as a Target!
The What (Lock and Load!)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 1:19 PM
"Such blatant baiting...sad.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 1:17 PM"
Yeah anit it THL!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 1:21 PM
G10, yes, I mentioned Marvin Gaye twice!
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 1:22 PM
What I'm with you on the use of the N-word. It's offensive and considering that Dave lives in Bed Stuy he should know better.
If Dave wants to discuss the use of the word, he should have a discussion with one of neighbors and be sure to say the word exactly how he spelled. And then he can come back to Brownstoner and tell us what he learned.
Posted by: 7andfive at June 26, 2009 1:23 PM
Biff
sorry - am getting totally bent outta shape with these lists -gotta go take a break!
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:25 PM
Biff
sorry - am getting totally bent outta shape with these lists -gotta go take a break!
Posted by: gemini10 at June 26, 2009 1:25 PM
Tick.. Tick.. Tick...
Saudi family group feels the pain
By Andrew England and Abeer Allam
Published: May 27 2009 22:49 | Last updated: May 27 2009 23:40
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/d0ad9b8c-4b06-11de-87c2-00144feabdc0.html?ftcamp=rss&nclick_check=1
It wasn’t supposed to be this way. Ahmad Hamad Algosaibi & Brothers Company is one of the oldest and most respected family-owned conglomerates in Saudi Arabia. It was a group that could borrow on reputation alone, with a son of its founder on Forbes’ world rich list.
Huh, Rich people getting the shaft???!!
But since one of its wholly owned subsidiaries, The International Banking Corporation (TIBC), defaulted on financial obligations to other banks this month it has sent jitters across the market.
BLACK SWAN EVENT coming right up! This fall is going to be beautiful!
Here's the money shot!
The Algosaibi group has not responded to several requests for comment. But the fact that one of its subsidiaries defaulted has raised broader questions about the state of the oil-rich Gulf’s secretive family-run businesses as they grapple with the downturn.
The What (Buh bye! Thanks for the memories)
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 1:26 PM
I just noticed the title of this thread is
"Open Thread: Michael Jackson Edition"
Was that there from the start? I missed it.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 1:26 PM
What...I posted that above... I don't know why its not getting more press. This is serious.>>>>>
There's a story out that is not getting much attention. It seems that the Saudi ruling family may be bankrupt. This may spread to about $60B+ loaned throughout the Middle east to various family companies.
I think we will hear more about this in the near future.
Although I believe that the global financial system has been largely stabilized, these things come out of nowhere.
I always believed in th back of my mind that the What's predictions could come true but not from the financial part of the economy any more. His predictions could come true because of some purely egogenous event like Iran attacking Israel or N. Korea lobbing a nuclear warhead somewhere. These things are NOT discounted by the market.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 10:29 AM
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 1:28 PM
"also that list is the top 50 ALBUMS THAT CHANGED MUSIC!
not the top 50 artists that are the most influential"
oh gemini, now you're just picking peanuts out of poop.
say it. you love moz.
Posted by: goldie at June 26, 2009 1:29 PM
Yes, Biff it was.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 1:29 PM
what does "Yeah anit it thl" mean?
Posted by: Art Salt at June 26, 2009 1:29 PM
"What I'm with you on the use of the N-word. It's offensive and considering that Dave lives in Bed Stuy he should know better.
If Dave wants to discuss the use of the word, he should have a discussion with one of neighbors and be sure to say the word exactly how he spelled. And then he can come back to Brownstoner and tell us what he learned.
Posted by: 7andfive at June 26, 2009 1:23 PM"
WHAT A VOICE OF REASON?????!!!! You mean I can stop taking my Meds for today?????!!!
The What (Put the Straight Jacket Back on)
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 1:31 PM
"You see most of you are pussies and are scared of real Black Men!"
No wonder no one is afraid of you.
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 1:35 PM
Did you even see the original post, 7andfive??? I bet not. It was actually a discussion of words.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 1:35 PM
Still waiting for your apology on your near-continual use of "retard" as a slur What.
hypocrite.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 1:44 PM
As per ROTD thread.
So it's NOT okay to make fun of the physical appearance of people - but it is okay to make fun of the physical appearance of where they live?
Horror Show Friday anyone?
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 1:46 PM
Does anyone else feel like the whole world has somehow gone severely off balance lately? Like apeshit crazy?
Is this the beginning of a brownstoner rebellion?!?
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 1:49 PM
No.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 1:51 PM
Yeah no shit 11217 - very negative and tense today.
Perhaps I'll just focus on work! Have a good weekend everyone!
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 1:51 PM
Crazy World of Arthur Brown.
James Brown.
The Fugs.
Telemann.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 1:56 PM
"Horror Show Friday anyone?"
I was thinking the same thing. I think it's time to leave the office and see what that big yellow thing peaking out from among the clouds is all about. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Posted by: East New York at June 26, 2009 1:57 PM
Yeah, I'm outta here for today too. Enjoy the weekend all.
Happy Gay Pride!
Posted by: 11217 at June 26, 2009 1:57 PM
Yes ditto. I should get a special apology for being called the "Alpha retard." But I won't wait for that.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:12 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjAVsGsQ4_o
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 2:19 PM
I'm sure you've got more than just a musical interest in Coco Lee, Biff.
Mine would be Aaron Kwok...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpNq1qIg_FA
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:25 PM
WTF. What a weird day on here. Very very odd.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 2:26 PM
The Brownstoner Rules:
It's NOT okay to make fun of people's attributes.
It IS okay to make fun of their personal taste, especially if they are fans of exposed brick and recessed lighting and anything that isn't "modernist".
Posted by: WonTon at June 26, 2009 2:28 PM
Wll, Mr. B started it all with the scantily clad contortionist typist about 2 years ago!!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:32 PM
"WTF. What a weird day on here. Very very odd."
It's odd because the veneer of Covert Race/Class Warfare has been ripped off!
Brownstoner and it's posters are flat out hypocrites, racists and liars!
Don't believe me just read for yourself...
I would say "Have a nice weekend" but I will say "Go f*** yourselves"!!!!!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at June 26, 2009 2:33 PM
We will have to remember to include a copy of The Brownstoner Rules in the PLUSA welcome packages going forward.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 2:34 PM
Yawwwnnnnnnn......oh look- another exciting, insightful and original post from ROTW.
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 2:36 PM
"Wll, Mr. B started it all with the scantily clad contortionist typist about 2 years ago!!!!!"
DIBS, you sure it didn't start with the bikini clad Brazilian woman in Brighton Beach (with the Russian babushka on the payphone on the other side of the pic)?
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 2:36 PM
What, if you want an apology for my use of that word then so be it.
I apologize.
That still doesn't mean you were right though. It was a discussionm of the two words and why they are both equally wrong. NO MORE, NO LESS.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:36 PM
Well Biff, I also remember making a remark about that hot latin guy on the piece of heavy equipment.
Damn, I wish I knew how to find that thread. Muy caliente.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:38 PM
"I'm sure you've got more than just a musical interest in Coco Lee, Biff."
DIBS, are you saying there's something to like about her other than her voice?
http://k41.pbase.com/v3/31/95731/1/44463316.IMG_0588cocolee4R.jpg
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 2:40 PM
And there was that hot chica in front of the Taco restaurant.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:42 PM
WonTon...I used to see Anita Mui all the time where I got my hair cut in Hong Kong on Pedder Street.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:48 PM
the scantily clad contortionist typist was on some thread about a Gehry building, I think. I remember talking about the new design. The thread was hilarious.
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 2:49 PM
What, still waiting for you to apologize for all the ablist insults.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 2:52 PM
And after that you can apologize for you misogyny, your racism and your homophobia if you like.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 2:53 PM
This is my all-time favourite Asian performer. I've never loved the violin so much.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eCvTx5nDDA
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 2:55 PM
WOW, those lips are something!!!!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 2:57 PM
What has completely jumped the shark.
Any pretext of him being anything other than an attention whore and pointless blowhard is gone.
The sooner this site gets an "ignore" feature the better.
P.S. Am I the only one who pictures him as a less well groomed version of "the comic book guy" from The Simpsons.
Posted by: northsloperenter at June 26, 2009 3:02 PM
NSR, don't forget, he can be totally hilarious, too.
Posted by: jessibaby at June 26, 2009 3:17 PM
Where has everybody gone??? It's awful outside...100% humidity.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:17 PM
quote:
DIBS, you sure it didn't start with the bikini clad Brazilian woman in Brighton Beach (with the Russian babushka on the payphone on the other side of the pic)?
OMG i totally remember that picture!!! that was back when i was a lurker.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 3:17 PM
I hope Biff's gone trying to find the pic of the hot guy on the bulldozer for me.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:21 PM
I can't believe the LAPD still can't find Michael Jackson's doctor. That is really weird. Fittingly weird perhaps.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 3:22 PM
"I hope Biff's gone trying to find the pic of the hot guy on the bulldozer for me."
DIBS, I would be looking for the scantilly clad contortionist, if anything!
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 3:23 PM
Breaking news....
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:27 PM
Forget the Beatles, forget Aretha, forget them all!!
Kim Kardashian is working on an album
"I’d have to hear a song and feel it out and see if it’s something I’d sound good at. I would like the music to sound a bit like Lady GaGa, Britney Spears and J.Lo with a bit of an R’n’B twist to it… Filming the video would be fun, that would be the best bit…”
WFT???
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:29 PM
"NSR, don't forget, he can be totally hilarious, too."
Just because someone is the class clown doesn't mean that he can't also be an offensive, narrow-minded bore whose understanding of his subject matter is inversely proportional to how much he has to say about it.
Maybe comic book guy is the wrong image. The What is more like the Rush Limbaugh of Brownstoner, without quite so much talent.
P.S. I believe Rush Limbaugh's talents can be favorably compared to singing voice of a constipated dog.
Posted by: northsloperenter at June 26, 2009 3:29 PM
Oh yea, that Brighton Beach picture. I was in love with that chick. Bring it back - kens would like to see it.
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 3:29 PM
What's the news??? You don't hate the beatles anymore???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:29 PM
You realized you can't go on without benson?
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 3:34 PM
You haven't mentioned cats all day?
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 3:36 PM
So benson hasn't been back, has he. Hmm.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 3:38 PM
Ditto, how dare you bring up the "C word"!
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 3:38 PM
"So benson hasn't been back, has he. Hmm."
Oh please, of course he has, his ego wouldn't allow him to not see if people aren't talking about him.
Look at this...a whole pile of them...
http://www.theittybittykittycommittee.com/
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:41 PM
Anyone have one of those days where everyone/thing angers you?
That would be today for me!
Posted by: dirty_hipster at June 26, 2009 3:42 PM
I have an announcement to make.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 3:43 PM
You can blame ditto for the gratuitous moment of cuteness.
Hey, don't forget to get your free quart of paint from Glidden! It's the perfect size for a project.
https://www.glidden.com/promotions/free-paint-giveaway.do
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:44 PM
You're gay???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:45 PM
?
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 3:46 PM
biff- you're pregnant?
You're leaving Mrs. Champion and the Champettes for DIBS?
You're quitting the deathstar to write for the Onion?
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 3:48 PM
I did want to mention, THL, lately you're -ahem- falling down on the cute cat post job. I realize benson isn't here to inspire you to greater heights of cat speak, but your fans are still here, waited with tuna-baited breath for the good stuff :-)
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 3:51 PM
He's not my type, bxgrl, you should know that.
But that announcement by rob that he's going to find himself a boyfriend this weekend has me intrigued.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:51 PM
Moving to 110 livingston?
Posted by: DeLepp at June 26, 2009 3:52 PM
I know, dibs. Perhaps he suffers from his unrequited love for you?
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 3:53 PM
You're benson?
Posted by: dittoburg at June 26, 2009 3:54 PM
but....I...
Heck, I have two live baby kittens I'm trying to get adopted. I just posted the incredible website Itty Bitty Kitty Committee of the lady that fosters micro kitties til they're old enough to be adopted.
I'm trying Bx...really I am...
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:55 PM
Michael Jackson was the most talented child molester of the 20th century. There's no disputing that. Lots of people loved his music and he made a lot of money for a lot of people. If he porked a few kids along the way, well so it goes.
Posted by: w45poywwttgwt at June 26, 2009 3:55 PM
He's Cher's daughter Chazz.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 3:55 PM
Ah, the lightheartedness has returned to the OT...finally! THL, love the kitties...I needed a reason to smile today. And as for Kim Kardashian, WTF indeed!!!
Posted by: InsertSnappyNameHere at June 26, 2009 3:55 PM
You're moving to Hong Kong?
Posted by: WonTon at June 26, 2009 3:55 PM
"You're benson?"
Please, I'd rather be a pregnant gay male living at 110 Livingston! (just kidding if you're here lurking, benson).
No, you're all a bunch of drama queens; it's nothing that exciting. My announcement is...shoot, hold on, gotta take this call...
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 3:57 PM
Your announcement was to say you're making an announcement?
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 3:58 PM
Biif, some of us here resent the use of the word "queens." I may be a RQ and a BQ and a DQ but that doesn't give you the right to call me that. From now on it shall be the "q word"
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 3:59 PM
we're going to kill biff..... I have free pitchforks and torches. (I can't take the suspense!)
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 3:59 PM
Snappy, if you click on any of the pics she has of the kittins you'll connect to her flickr photos where you can see all of the other "families" she's had.
This current batch are The Darlings (I have a weakness for Rhoda Darling).
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:00 PM
some of us resent the use of the word "pregnant." I insist we use "p-word".
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 4:01 PM
I prefer 'knocked up' thank you very much.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:02 PM
Sorry, THL- you are doing your best :-) I reserve the special tiara for you. (You can wash off the hairball in warm soapy water).
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 4:02 PM
Bxgrl...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lalalaurie/2342252802/in/set-72157604145902419/
I can't even take the ridiculous cuteness of this one.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:03 PM
NO, Lionel, with his tongue sticking out, is cuter...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lalalaurie/2342252464/in/set-72157604145902419/
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 4:05 PM
Although, if I had my druthers I'd prefer everyone just refer to it as being sperminated. It's just got such an elegant ring to it.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:05 PM
"Biif, some of us here resent the use of the word "queens.""
My deepest apologies to Elizabeth, Victoria and RuPaul.
Nothing so exciting. My announcement is that I'll be away on vacation next week, so please don't send out any search parties (not that you would) or posit any outlandish theories as to my whereabouts and try not to miss me too much.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 4:06 PM
"Although, if I had my druthers"
THL, who has your druthers?
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 4:06 PM
Is vacation code for hiking the in the Appalachia?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:07 PM
that was IT?? You had us all worried and excited for THAT?!! (the nerve- I'm really getting the pitchfork now. where did I put the angry villagers?)
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 4:10 PM
Oh that is really cute. He just has no idea. His sister is pulling the Christ woman! Is another fricking picture really neccesary??! tude.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:12 PM
Have a great week away from the OT, I may take part of the week off myself.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 4:14 PM
Thanks cobble, I might check in from time to time as I'll miss the craziness.
Posted by: Biff Champion at June 26, 2009 4:16 PM
Well, Friday is a holiday.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 4:16 PM
OMG OMG OMG!!!
For the RHNJ fans. This is SO not safe for work!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgZOU4ZYooQ&feature=channel_page
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:41 PM
The one and only 99Luftballoons makes a special appearance at the end!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:44 PM
Ok, that was so sick, hilarious, but sick!
Most valuable PLUSA award of the day goes to THL! : )
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 4:50 PM
Phewww, I came in just before closing!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:52 PM
Biff is visiting his mistress in Argentina.
copycat.
Posted by: sam at June 26, 2009 4:53 PM
ugh! no one believes me about my dentist's office in soho! i have a cleaning on monday and im excited because they serve wine in the waiting room (well actually you just serve yourself) and he will give you laughing gas even for just a cleaning!!!
is this a common practice? honestly ive never seen wine available in the waiting room anywhere before though.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 4:53 PM
I'm going to be needing that address Rob.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 4:55 PM
THL, thank you for the comic relief, it's been quite a week!
Really Rob? I'm going to ask my dentist about this...
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 4:58 PM
In the past, I have given my dentist wine or scotch for putting up with me! I am the world's worst patient, I wear him out because I am soo tense. HATEHATEHATE the drill.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 4:59 PM
You sure it wasn't just something off the cleaning ladies cart?
Rob, "Wow look at this bar cart. It's so SOHO trendy that they had designers put all the alcohol in spray bottles. That is like so total hip. I go to the COOLEST dentist!"
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 5:00 PM
def. ask your dentist about it cobblehiller.
dipster, my dentist is on your street i think. it's on spring street right before bowery on the left side next to the chiropractic office. walk in one day and look at the table with all the bottles of wine and wine glasses :)
quite the perk :)
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 5:01 PM
Have a good time, Biff.
I find the d-word offensive. Please don't talk about teeth at all. Other oral topics are fine.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 5:03 PM
That really is the best idea ever.
Excuse me, Do you have an appointment?
No, I'm just waiting with my friend (as I make a very vague gesture towards some random person in the waiting room).
Posted by: TownhouseLady at June 26, 2009 5:04 PM
i love love love the drill, especially with laughing gas. tho im always like pump it up pump it up! they play good music in the office too so it's totally like tripping.
i definitely hope he finds some new cavities. i probably should refrain from brushing this weekend just in case!
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 5:05 PM
Is it ok to have wine with novacaine? That would be super! But it sounds like it could be dangerous mixing alcohol with that, no?
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 5:06 PM
Has anyone called those guys in white coats for rob? :-)
Posted by: bxgrl at June 26, 2009 5:08 PM
"I find the d-word offensive."
Arkady, I JUST SPIT WINE EVERYWHERE!!
Rob, my old dentist in SF used to give me gas, definitely made the whole experience much more bearable. NY dentist won't do it, he told me why but, as usual, I retain nothing.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 5:09 PM
Rob, sorry. I've just left your fan club.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 5:11 PM
I see that while I was in the subway all I missed was dentist talk. Pathetic Losers. Can we still at least say that here???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 5:13 PM
Rob, I guess it's understandable - you pay someone to inflict pain on you & you get off on that. A lot of things are falling into place...
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 5:15 PM
i dont think wine and novacaine would have any effect as the novicaine you get is local and not general anaestheia which would affect your respiratory system. local anaesthsia (can never spell that word) doesnt affect the respiratory system.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 5:17 PM
DIBS, I used PLUSA earlier, and I haven't generated 400 posts, so I'm gonna say yes.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 5:18 PM
Rob, but it's still in your system with the wine. I'm thinkin' that wine with local or gas would be a NO-NO.
Posted by: cobblehiller at June 26, 2009 5:20 PM
I need lidocaine on my gums even for cleaning. The drilling bothers me less than the cleaning.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 5:20 PM
I just can't admire anyone who likes going to the d-word.
Posted by: Arkady at June 26, 2009 5:21 PM
HEY WHAT...I'd like an acknowledgement that you at least saw my apology above at 2:36
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at June 26, 2009 5:44 PM
i take full responsibility for the 2 biggest OT fiascos- first when mr b called the PLUSAs out for piling on me and now this F word N word nonsense. i am not sure if i should be proud or sad, but for those who say i never contribute i say you are wrong.
Posted by: randolph at June 26, 2009 5:56 PM
Did you guys hear? Michael Jackson died!
Posted by: the chicken at June 26, 2009 6:12 PM
That's nice randi, i guess you get the PLUSA Tiara. it is gay pride weekend afterall.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at June 26, 2009 6:22 PM
I think Michael Jackson died of a broken heart. No wonder he was on pain-killers. People were after him, taking him to court, suing him, trying to take his kids away. Lawyers tortured him by taking personal photos that he could not refuse. The media twisted even nice stories about him.
Most of the time the press was trying to dig up stuff about him -- any small detail -- his personal life was under continual threat. Then late-night comics having a field day with his life. It would take a boatload of pain-killers to deal with all the above.
First MJ was the most adored guy on the planet, then the media did a tear-down job on him for years. It was good for business.
Michael is gold for the media. They relished destroying him; now they adulate him and will milk everything about him for days, weeks, years to come: his estate, his kids, his wives, everything. Stories about MJ make them money. A sensitive artist is cold hard cash to cold-hearted people.
Some people in media think they can tear down people and it is not supposed to hurt -- something like some commenters on Brownstoner and other anonymous blogs -- name-calling, insults, whatever. If we don't know someone in person they don't exist.
Whether MJ was offensive with children I don't know. I am inclined to think he was not. He was a big kid. But when vile accusations are made, they do not leave people's minds. That is an ultimate tear-town.
I hope MJ is in Eternity in peace forever. Life was hard for him.
Broken heart.
About MJ, I tend to agree with post by: sam at 11:00 AM
Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 26, 2009 8:01 PM
thank you Rob
Posted by: BklynSoFar at June 27, 2009 5:45 PM
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