Reflections of Jacko

Michael Jackson dead at 50. Thank goodness for Drudge. I saw after the headline broke at around 4PM. I was shocked needless to say. Now, I've never been a huge Michael Jackson fan. I do have a lot of his music mainly because of the memories they bring. I will admit a mixture of feelings for him.

I was in third grade. My parents raised us very conservatively and secular rock music was a huge no-no. One of my closest friends named John Victoria invited me over to his house in the neighborhood. He broke out the brand new Thriller album by Michael Jackson. I would for the next few months, go over to his house and listen to it there...I know...I was EVIL. : ) Human Nature stuck out and I remember the Rosemont High School band playing it for the Elementary school that I was attending. My friends had parachute pants, red leather jackets and white gloves. I was not allowed to wear this stuff, but I remember wanting to have my own pair.

Then there was college. My roomies at LBC had his History album and popped it in from time to time. I never understood that, but the song Do You Remember stuck with me as did Man in the Mirror.

I remember going to the National Youth Worker Convention and Chris Tomlin's band warming up the crowd by playing the music for Billie Jean. I also remember my cousin Doug playing Will You Be There full volume on his stereo at my aunt and uncles house.

His potential pedophilia is obvious. We can't overlook it. It just seemed to convenient to not be true. I know God will know. I think there was some serious mental issues.

I remember hearing about his upbringing which I'll admit played a part in me starting to sympathize a little bit for him. His family makes the Simpsons and Bundys look like Ozzie and Harriet. His dad stole their childhood by forcing them into the music business. The after effects obviously impacted him by him living out his childhood well into his adult years.

My heart hurts for his children who had a very confused father. I hope for the best for them. I hope he knew Christ. Such a gifted musician and a confused individual. Even his debt is shocking. He had no guidance or he lived in another world. He spent money he didn't have. Such a sad story.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4s16pzRYqU

R.I.P. Tim Russert

Wow. Two media deaths in one week.

Tim Russert was about the only guy on mainstream news that I could actually stand. I really liked the man. He could make electoral college actually interesting! He introduced us to the map with the numbers on it and showed all the possible patterns a candidate would have to do to win. Now everyone imitates him. I heard him on Rush several times and he seemed like one of the democrats I could sit down with and have a great discussion with even if we didn't agree. He was real and a charmer. I don't know one person who hated him other than politicians that he nailed to the wall. May God bless his family.

Review: The Bucket List

You gotta love free movies online that aren't even on DVD yet : )

I broke down and watched the Bucket List tonight. Morgan Freeman is one of my fav's and Jack Nicholson is okay. I heard the premise before- two guys about to die make a list of what all they want to do before they go. I really enjoyed it! Their chemistry was great and I liked Morgan's character. There were some great moments about faith in there which were awesome. It's a good view. It made me think about my own life and how each day is a gift.

What would be on my bucket list?

-See an Eagles Super Bowl
-Walk barefoot on through fields in Scotland and grass in Ireland
-Visit Columbine one last time
-Sit on a beach in California with my guitar, a bonfire, a full moon, and my true love
-Work an hour at Geno's Cheesesteaks on 9th and Passyunk
-Have my body or ashes buried in Willow Grove PA
-Preach to all the students that I've ever had the opportunity to serve...one last time
-Drive a Corvette
-Take my entire family on one last vacation to Ocean City NJ
-Walk in a snowstorm

There are so many more I could add! I hopefully have time though.