The Man in the Mirror

Wow--it's been a long time, nearly 2 months! Sorry about that. I want to finish up my MJ posts, and today is fitting since his burial is tonight.

There's so much about his life and career that's been covered, and left for speculation, that I think I could go on and on about him. I tend to view him in a positive light. Probably more positive than I should, since he's never been an actual idol of mine. Did he have plastic surgeries? Yes, according to him. Did he have more surgeries than he accounted for? Maybe. Is he the first person or the only person to have plastic surgeries? No, so what's the big deal?

Back in July, I wanted this post to be about him as a person, and about what he's done for not just the music industry, but for the world. Like I said, I could go on and on, but I'll keep it short. As a young boy, he impressed the people around him. I like watching videos of the Jackson 5 performing; I am always fixated on MJ and am constantly asking myself, "How does he do that? Where did he get that rhythm from? He's so young!" You can imagine what I'm thinking as I watch more videos of him through the years. "How does he do that? Where did he get that rhythm from?"

This may sound odd, but to me he is a picture of perfection and love. I have to explain this, b/c of course no one is perfect. And he didn't always make great decisions, but his music and the way he executed it was pretty close to perfect. He was a perfectionist, so much to the point that I think it led to his demise, but he knew what he wanted and for most of the time had the right connections to make it happen.

I think it's interesting when I listen to/watch/read interviews, and he's asked about where the music comes from, where he gets the ideas. Of course he (or somebody) came up with the lyrics and music, but on multiple occasions I've heard him answer that question with, "It just comes from above." When asked if he believes in a "higher power," he answers, "Yes, I believe in God." Also, if you've never heard him sing a cappella, you've got to check him out. He does this singing/beatboxing/"he-he" thing that's amazing! (See video below.)

Before I leave, I wanted to throw some numbers out there:
10 - how many pounds he would lose each night after being on stage
2000 - the average number of people that fainted at during each of his concerts (I've also heard 5000) Each show!! Women, children AND men!
$1,500,000 - The settlement he received from Pepsi after being burned during the filming of a commercial.
$1,500,000 - The money he received from the settlement, that he donated to a burn center for children.

May he rest in peace, and may his legacy forever live.