A great big pickle...sigh.

[Minnie&Nana]

Rip

los angeles -- los angeles have confirmed to ktla that pop star michael jackson has died at the age of 50.

Jackson was rushed to ucla medical center by ambulance this afternoon after suffering from cardiac arrest, fire officials confirm.

Los angeles fire department captain steve ruda said paramedics responded to a 911 call at jackson's home around 12:26 p.m.

The 50-year old was not breathing when they arrived. The paramedics performed cpr and took him to ucla medical center, ruda says.

Jackson is renting a home in the holmby hills in the 100 block of carolwood drive off sunset boulevard. It is only a few minutes from the ucla medical center.

Jackson's mother, katherine, arrived at ucla around 2:30 p.m.

Jackson's father, joe, who is in las vegas, told reporters his son is "not doing well."

his sister latoya reportedly ran from the hospital emergency room in tears after hearing the news.

The emergency entrance at the ucla medical center has been roped off thursday with police tape.

News trucks surrounded the hospital, helicopters flew overhead, and traffic was being redirected.

No word on the location of jackson's 3 children, michael joseph jackson, jr., paris michael katherine jackson and prince "blanket" michael jackson ii.

Ucla officials are not releasing any details about the pop star's condition.

Michael jackson debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of the jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "king of pop" in subsequent years, five of his solo studio albums have become some of the world's best-selling records: Off the wall (1979), thriller (1982), bad (1987), dangerous (1991) and history (1995).

In the early 1980s, he became a dominant figure in popular music and the first african-american entertainer to amass a strong crossover following on mtv. The popularity of his music videos airing on mtv, such as "beat it", "billie jean" and "thriller"-credited for transforming the music video into an art form and a promotional tool-helped bring the relatively new channel to fame.

Videos such as "black or white" and "scream" made jackson an enduring staple on mtv in the 1990s.

With stage performances and music videos, jackson popularized a number of physically complicated dance techniques, such as the robot and the moonwalk.

His distinctive musical sound and vocal style influenced hip hop, pop and contemporary r&b artists.

Jackson has donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through his foundation, charity singles and support of 39 charities.

Other aspects of his personal life, including his changing appearance and behavior, generated significant controversy, damaging his public image.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

edit - yup, CNN is reporting it now.

 

[eeyoresnr]

they are about the only ones that haven't reported it yet then

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Wow. I am shocked.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Me too.

CNN is showing the Billie Jean video...never thought I'd be teary over the passing of Michael Jackson or Farah Fawcet..or Ed McMahon.

It is a sad week for the entertainment industry.

May God be with their families during this difficult time. Michael may be almost 51, but he is still the child of his parents and the loss of a child is always and forever devastating.

I don't know if Farrah's parents are still lving, but if so, my heart goes out to them as well.

RIP, Michael. You touched all of our lives.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

This song got me through many days and nights...hours and minutes after my son passed...not all the words fit, but I made it fit in my heart. So Michael Jackson helped me get through one of the most difficult times of my life. The video one can hear Michael singing, showing the lyrics.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWKtrrg7Sg8&feature=related
Another day has gone
I'm still all alone
How could this be
You're not here with me
You never said goodbye
Someone tell me why
Did you have to go
And leave my world so cold

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
You are not alone

All alone
Why, oh

Just the other night
I thought I heard you cry
Asking me to come
And hold you in my arms
I can hear your prayers
Your burdens I will bear
But first I need your hand
So forever can begin

Everyday I sit and ask myself
How did love slip away
Then something whispers in my ear and says
That you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart
And you are not alone


Whisper three words and I'll come runnin'
And girl you know that I'll be there
I'll be there

You are not alone
I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
You are not alone
I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

You are not alone
For I am here with you
Though you're far away
I am here to stay
For you are not alone
For I am here with you
Though we're far apart
You're always in my heart

For you are not alone​

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Big BIG hugs for you, sweetie. *sniff*

 

[LuvvsMickey]

 

[KatMark]

Chrstine, I wish I was there to give you a big hug right now. I am glad that Michael Jackson's song was able to give you comfort at such a difficult time in your life.

I admired Michael early in his career and then he kind of fell out of favor with me. However, there is no taking away the talent the man had and he made a huge impact on pop culture, music, and the world during his short lifetime. His family and friends and fans are in my prayers.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Aww, you guys are soo sweet! I so look forward to enjoying WDW together some day.

I feel the same as you about him, Kathy. He was no doubt a great talent, but in the last several years...well....we all know the changes.

I am so sorry to upset you guys!! I share too much sometimes...guess you know I wear my heart on my sleeve!!

The song came back to me when I heard the news.

Hey, on a lighter note - another song I listened to everyday for months was Rainbow Connection sung by Kermit!! Toby sent us rainbows for the first year -it was amazing!! Watching,listening to this song still makes me smile!!

Sharing anything about Toby gives me joy - thank you for letting me share the memories.

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4s155_rainbow-connection_shortfilms
Kermit: Why are there so many songs about rainbows
And what's on the other side?
Rainbows are visions, but only illusions,
And rainbows have nothing to hide.
So we've been told and some choose to believe it
I know they're wrong, wait and see.
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers and me.


Who said that every wish would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that, and someone believed it,
And look what it's done so far.
What's so amazing that keeps us stargazing
And what do we think we might see?
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.


All of us under its spell,
We know that it's probably magic...


... Have you been half asleep? And have you heard voices?
I've heard them calling my name.
... Is this the sweet sound that calls the young sailors?
The voice might be one and the same
I've heard it too many times to ignore it
It's something that I'm s'posed to be...
Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection,
The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

Laa, da daa dee da daa daa,
La laa la la laa dee daa doo...

 

[LuvvsMickey]

I wear my heart on my sleeve too, Christine. Gets me into a LOT of trouble.

Share away. I'll always listen.

 

[KatMark]

We're always here for you, Christine, as we are for here for all our "new" friends.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Hoping everyone had a good nights' rest!

I'm about to hop in the shower, then have an app't with the bankruptcy attorney, then meeting a friend for a movie. Not really in the mood for a movie today and it's going to be a very serious movie, which isn't the best option for me with Toby's angel date approaching, but hesitate to say anything to my friend. She does not have children and so would not understand - she is a kind and lovely person.

It's supposed to be another 90+ day and she wants to go for a walk!!! Thanks, but no thanks!


Have a good one, my friends,. Will catch up later!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Oh my. I would say have a great day, but not sure that's appropriate?? How about, I hope you have a wonderful day!

I just started a hardcore 5 week diet. I need to fit into muh pants!!!

 

[KatMark]

Hoping everyone had a good nights' rest!

I'm about to hop in the shower, then have an app't with the bankruptcy attorney, then meeting a friend for a movie. Not really in the mood for a movie today and it's going to be a very serious movie, which isn't the best option for me with Toby's angel date approaching, but hesitate to say anything to my friend. She does not have children and so would not understand - she is a kind and lovely person.

It's supposed to be another 90+ day and she wants to go for a walk!!! Thanks, but no thanks!


Have a good one, my friends,. Will catch up later!

You'll have an emotional day to say the least with the attorney visit. I'll be thinking about you. Do check in with us later.

Oh my. I would say have a great day, but not sure that's appropriate?? How about, I hope you have a wonderful day!

I just started a hardcore 5 week diet. I need to fit into muh pants!!!

I have complete faith in you! You will do GREAT!

And we will be helpful friends and refrain from talking about fo**.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

YUM!! Now there is a novel idea. We're not getting the dining plan so this could be mighty costly for us. Ack!!

Actually, I think you'll do fine. You could actually both order an appetizer and share an entree. I havent been to WDW in almost 2 years, but the portions were so big..we felt like we were wasting food on the Dining plan...we could have easily shared meals. Also, if you go for lunch instead of Dinner to the pricier places, you can save a few bucks right there.

This song got me through many days and nights...hours and minutes after my son passed...not all the words fit, but I made it fit in my heart. So Michael Jackson helped me get through one of the most difficult times of my life. The video one can hear Michael singing, showing the lyrics.

It is amazing how music can get you through the tough times. I had several miscarriages in between having Chris and Martina, and it was a song by Lonestar that got me through.

You are Not alone is a beautiful song. I'm glad it brings you comfort.

[

Aww, you guys are soo sweet! I so look forward to enjoying WDW together some day.

I feel the same as you about him, Kathy. He was no doubt a great talent, but in the last several years...well....we all know the changes.

I am so sorry to upset you guys!! I share too much sometimes...guess you know I wear my heart on my sleeve!!

The song came back to me when I heard the news.

Hey, on a lighter note - another song I listened to everyday for months was Rainbow Connection sung by Kermit!! Toby sent us rainbows for the first year -it was amazing!! Watching,listening to this song still makes me smile!!

Sharing anything about Toby gives me joy - thank you for letting me share the memories.

I have to agree with you on both of those things, Christine....

I may not have agreed with everything MJ did, but he was a superstar entertainer and broke the boundaries for many. He was also a Father, Son and Brother. I really feel for his family right now.

I also tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, and sometimes it gets me in trouble. I'm glad to have "met" you all who "get it."

I wear my heart on my sleeve too, Christine. Gets me into a LOT of trouble.

Share away. I'll always listen.

Hoping everyone had a good nights' rest!

I'm about to hop in the shower, then have an app't with the bankruptcy attorney, then meeting a friend for a movie. Not really in the mood for a movie today and it's going to be a very serious movie, which isn't the best option for me with Toby's angel date approaching, but hesitate to say anything to my friend. She does not have children and so would not understand - she is a kind and lovely person.

It's supposed to be another 90+ day and she wants to go for a walk!!! Thanks, but no thanks!


Have a good one, my friends,. Will catch up later!

Hang in there, Christine! I think your friend will understand if you tell her you would rather see a different movie. She doesn't have to have Children to understand that this is an emotional time for you.

I'm with you on the no walk thing....The only place I will walk when it's 90 degrees is Disney, and I even try to avoid that by going in the fall or winter.

Oh my. I would say have a great day, but not sure that's appropriate?? How about, I hope you have a wonderful day!

I just started a hardcore 5 week diet. I need to fit into muh pants!!!

Good luck with the diet. I'll try to behave and not talk about cookies and food porn!!!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Thanks for the luck. I'm going to need loads of it! So far so good today...

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for the luck. I'm going to need loads of it! So far so good today...

Well, if you just need somone to babble to to help you through...just post or send me a PM. I'm here for you.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Thank you! I'm going to hook up an IV line for water... it's my only hope! LOL

 

[karibritt01]

Hello friends!

I have been so busy the last few days... I should be able to slow down a bit on Monday. I came home from Charlotte with a raging case of strep throat. Went to the Dr this morning and got antibiotics. Then went to Tucker's 5th grade graduation and party at school. Then tonight to a pool party for them. Tomorrow and Sunday we have Bible School. And to top it all off, I have had insomnia lately, too. Some nights I lay in bed for hours and can't fall asleep. Then when I do, I dream that I am still awake trying to go to sleep... which is more exhausting than not sleeping in the first place!

Tracy... good luck on your diet! You are so much better than me. I just go to the second hand store near my house and grab a few pairs of new capris! They have a HUGE selection of plus sized name brands in good shape, and they are $3.50 a pair. I can usually find Eddie Bauer or Lane Bryant everytime I go in there. But, you are gonna get back into your old pants, so no worries! Are you gonna add any exercise?