Book Review: Before He Was King by Todd Gray


Hey everyone! 

I have been having a pretty good week. I was off for Martin Luther King. Jr. day and was fortunate enough to be able to stay home, relax, and watch the inauguration on television. Watching the First Family always means so much to me - super inspiring!

I am back with another review today with one of my favorite Michael Jackson photo books. With the Michael Jackson Opus leading the way, fans saw an influx of photo books published after Michael's death. (Ahh, typing "Michael's death just sent shivers through my spine-- I don't think I can ever get used to saying that.)

"Before He Was King" by Todd Gray, is something I've had on my Must Haves list for a really long time. It was published in November 2009 and retailed for about $25.00. Many of the pages contain little stories or anecdotes from Todd Gray's experience working as Michael's personal photographer from 1974-1984. I recently found a like new copy of this on amazon and knew that I had to grab it right away. If I had a coffee table, it would be right there on it.
For now it is on my kitchen table... :-)


Let's start with the title: I'd suppose that if you believe Thriller is when Michael Jackson officially became a "KING" in the world of popular music, the title would be accurate. I'd like to think that Mike was always a king in some sense of the word but I do love the title because it draws the average reader in.

Here is an excerpt from Gray where he reflects on these years spent photographing Michael:

"My photographs of Michael, from 1974 to 1984, show him as the engaging, charming, youthful person he was before the insatiable demands of his extraordinary celebrity bore so heavily on him. As I reflect, I realize now that this was the time before he was King."


This book contains 100 never before seen and high quality photos of Michael Jackson through the late 1970's and early '80's. I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes captures from the Triumph tour, like the one below.





In terms of packaging, this 144 page book is pretty sturdy and I haven't had any issues with it thus far (although I did see some reviews about the binding being a problem for some). I take care of my Michael Jackson collection pretty well and usually don't have problems with pages falling out.

What I like about "Before He Was King" is the fact that its so offbeat and it covers a topic and time in Michael's career that is so rarely spoken about. The Off The Wall era was special in so many ways and I'm grateful that this was made to document some of those special moments. Flipping through the photos in this was so nostalgic and I found myself daydreaming that I was in my car, driving down the highway into the sunset with "Girlfriend" on blast.

Oh, how I love that album.



Anyway...  GET YOUR COPY:  Michael Jackson: Before He Was King  ... it's on Amazon both new and used! 

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Lessons from Michael: You can't take away my light.


A lot of people will never walk in my shoes and I dare not ask them to understand where I am coming from when I say this-- but I refuse to let anyone bring me down. It's happened before and it's something that I promised myself I'd never let happen again.

If you have confidence in yourself and know that you've done things and gone places that you'd never imagined you'd experience-- what can anyone say to bring you down? Never let anyone try and belittle you or make you feel inadequate. You know in your heart that you are a special person and that you've done things to make yourself and whatever higher power you believe in PROUD.  You don't need to brag... or tell people what you do, where you went to school, what you've accomplished just to get recognition. But you KNOW within yourself you are special... and really, what else should matter?

I call that piece of self knowledge one's inner light.

As long as your light continues to shine... at the end of the day, that's all that matters. Everyone goes through ups and downs but one of the things I've learned is the importance of my inner light. Don't allow anyone to take that away from you or change your own perception of who you are. Once I realize that someone is just waiting for me to fail or "mess up" -- I realize that they are not someone who needs to have a strong presence in my life. Some might say that I'm being negative or not giving people a chance but it's important to always recognize the truth in what people show you. You shouldn't have to justify your intuition or self knowledge to anyone. I don't search for perfection but, I do search for loyalty and love in everyone. If I don't see that you have my best interest at heart, then I usually only let you but so far into my life. And there's no need to waste my time or energy explaining the decision or rationalizing why I don't want to be a story on someone's daily gossip timeline.



Don't let anyone dim your inner light. 



Michael held onto that inner light until the very end. With all that he had been through in the 50 short years of his life, he could still speak about "L.O.V.E.". That is so admirable about him. No matter how wrong people did him, no matter how much betrayal, or turmoil he had been through... he knew who he was. And no one could ever take that away.



Lessons from Michael:   No one is perfect. You may not be a perfect person, but refuse to let anyone tear you down or extinguish the light that shines from within.






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How to Meet & Make Michael Jackson Fan Friends

For a while now I have been talking about how much my MJ fan friends mean to me. We have a 

special bond 

because 

we are so closely connected to Michael 

that the way we connect to each other is 

THROUGH his music, his love, and his overall message. 

Here are some of my personal tips and recommendations for finding and making lifelong friends within the Michael Jackson community.

(MJFanGirl with some of the THIS IS IT background dancers.)

1. Find Fans! 

In my years of making Michael Jackson fan friends, I have found that the most surefire way to find like-minded individuals has been on online Michael Jackson fanclubs and forums. Some of my favorites back in the day were MJJForum (now 

MJJCommunity

), the Michael Jackson chatroom on America Online, and believe it or not- just using yahoo.com to do random searches for Michael's lyrics and upcoming events, which would lead me to lots of those homemade Angelfire and AOL Hometown fan sites. Those were the ways that worked the best for me in finding other Michael Jackson fans in my age group. 

Now there are so many more options! With the introduction of social media, one can use Facebook, Twitter, fan forums, and even Instagram as tools to help connect with other Michael Jackson fans. I would recommend singing up for one of my favorite forums - 

MJJCommunity

 and creating a Twitter account. MJJCommunity is not as active as it used to be pre-June 2009 but, there are many threads (hundreds of them) and thousands in the archives, that will expose you to some of the pointed and intricate conversations that other MJ fans are having.  If you are a 

Facebook

 lover,  there are several groups for MJ fans that you can find by doing a simple search of MJ Fans, Dangerous Album, Michael Jackson Fans, or even Michael Jackson's smile. By writing on the wall or just reading what others are talking about, you can choose to participate in some really great and fun convos. Lastly, Twitter is helpful because it literally provides minute to minute updates on what is going on in the Michael Jackson community and if you're more into the gossip/scandal/latest happenings type of convo- this is definitely for you. I tend to stay away from the drama on Twitter but, find it to be easy to make friends because other fans are always talking about what songs they are playing, what Michael-related Youtube videos they are watching etc. (Psst- 

follow me on Twitter here!

) 

2. Share Your Favorites. 

A guaranteed way to make friends in the Michael Jackson fan community is to share your favorites! If you have landed upon this article because you were looking for a way to make friends in the fan world, you already have an idea that there's a huge difference between the general fan and the big Michael Jackson fan. If you are looking for those who have an understanding of Michael's music outside of "Billie Jean" and "Black or White", you need to open up and share what your favorite's are!  One of my best friends today is a woman who knows and loves almost every song I love--- she is like my MJ fan twin! 

I usually start off by saying

"What's your favorite song?"

. Michael fans usually can never choose just one- so that opens up conversation for a lot! You could also talk about your favorite Michael moments, maybe your favorite fan forum to visit, or even discuss how you became a Michael Jackson fan in the first place. 

I started off as a fan of the Jackson Five, so when I first got the chance to interact with other fans, I really craved getting to know those who loved Michael's music from the Motown era and when he was a part of a group as well.   I remember the first time I spoke to someone who shared my love for the song

"Someone Put Your Hand Out

". She was a fan from Australia who I'd met online back when I was in high school, and we went on to have many phone and chat messenger conversations. It was just this really cool friendship that we developed and as many MJ fan relationships, we are on and off friends. Our friendship is always there but it sort of moves in waves- despite this, I always love speaking with her when I get a chance and always remember how good of friends we were after sharing our favorite songs with each other.  

3. Start a Conversation - a non-Michael related one! 

One of the important things to realize about having Michael Jackson fan friends is knowing that you usually will have much more in common that just being a Michael Jackson fan. Many of the people that become fans of Michael Jackson actually have a LOT in common. Start a conversation! 

Don't be afraid to deviate away from the topic of the King of Pop around Michael Jackson fans. I find that many fans (like myself) have sort of obsessive personalities and have at LEAST one or two more things that make us tick. I have many other interests and I am always so amazed at how versatile and interesting other fans are. Whether you are talking about others in the Jackson family or your favorite television show or places you've traveled to... or even your favorite class in school-  Try it!

4. Choose wisely. 

I will be the first to admit that there are a LOT of different people in the Michael Jackson fan community.

Like any other situation where you are looking to make friends, I urge you to take it slowly and be observant before you jump head-first into a friendship. I've made dozens of friends throughout the years in the Michael Jackson community and I am happy to say that I am still friends with the majority of them.

However, just because someone is an MJ fan, doesn't mean that you have to be friends, that you will get along, or that you'll even have much in common besides loving Michael.

I tend to gravitate towards people who not only love solo Michael but also appreciate the Jackson 5/Jacksons eras, those who are climbing the career ladder (like myself!) and also those who are laid-back, like to shop, and are open-minded people. Not everyone in the

#MJFam

is like this... but I don't sweat it! There are always plenty fan-fish in the sea ... :-).

6. Don't sweat the small stuff. 

"But they told me... a man should be faithful and walk when not able and fight til the end but I'm only human..."      The last and perhaps, most important point is--- remember, we are all human. We all make mistakes, have quirks and slip-ups. We all have things about us that make us unique and depending on the day and time-- can make us annoying! Don't sweat the small stuff!

(Me on the far right at my very first fan event-- making a banner of support for the trial in 2005!)

Remember, most Michael Jackson fans have not have experiences with best friends. I have found that many of us find the best friends we will ever have in other fans. It's taken me a lot of learning and years of trial and error to figure out how I can be the best and most supportive friend. It takes time!

PS:

Don't argue about Michael!

Michael Jackson is the reason why you became friends in the first place-- why argue about whether he looked better in Wayfarers or Aviators, or gold pants, or whatever.  Relax, chill, enjoy  :) .

Well everyone, those are my tips for making friends in the Michael Jackson fan community. 

Please feel free to share your tips with me and let me know what you think!

Happy 2013! Review of the Michael Jackson Slot Machine

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 
Hello everyone and welcome to 2013! I know I am a bit late but hey... better late than never?



Today I want to share a brief review of my first time playing on the Michael Jackson slot machine. 
For NYE a friend and I spent our time in Atlantic City and to my surprise, we were able to find the Michael Jackson slot machine right at the Tropicana Hotel. This Bally Technologies machine is awesome fun for both Michael Jackson fanatics and the everyday fan of his music in general.  Featuring songs like "Billie Jean" "Beat It" and "Smooth Criminal" playing this slot machine was one that I really enjoyed. 

There were a number of things that impressed me about this machine. #1... it was a penny machine! 
Amazing. But for those of you who are familiar, a lot of the new slot machines have minimum bets. You can bet in intervals of 40 cents a time, up to $3.20.  The chair is situated so that the speakers are playing Michael's music right behind your ears, which makes it an even more fun and interactive experience. I found myself having to set personal limits of 3-4 presses of the bet button per minute to ration out my money. 40 cents a pop doesn't seem like a lot until you are pressing every second trying to get Michael to dance across the screen. :-) 

I would have to say though, the most fun part about this machine was the bonus round. You don't have to play a higher number but my friend insisted that he would take over and bet a little higher... much to my pleasure we entered the bonus round!!!


Here's a short clip of us at the "Beat It" bonus round.... 




Tip.... once you win--- CASH out! I totally thought that Michael would shine down from the heavens and bless me with the Jackson Jackpot but... no such luck! Haha, Michael took my money :'( I don't think I lost too much but I can say that the experience was worth it. I give the Michael Jackson slot machine a thumbs up and I will totally be returning to play again.


Have you ever played this machine? What was your impression? 

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Fancy words will only ruin it.

"Touch" is one of those Jackson 5 songs that you listen to... enjoy... then realize what you just heard.  
This song is from the album Skywriter and super sensual in its content. 


Darlin' just relax
You melt me like hot candle wax
One touch and my whole body melts
You just say, you say you can't express yourself

Oh, just keep doin' what you're doin'
Fancy words will only ruin it
Touch (touch me)
That very special touch
If I satisfy you (if I satisfy you)
How can you satisfy me baby

Don't you worry baby why
You see these tears of love in my eyes
I feel this love flowin' through
Like a river girl straight through me to you

Your touch mean than words
Than any language ever heard
Touch (touch me)
That very special touch
Every brand new day (every brand new day)
I wake up wanting you the same ole way...

 "Touch"  Skywriter 1973.


What is a 12 year old Michael Jackson doing about pleasing women in such a manner?



 But with this song Michael does it, as he does most things very well. This song, as many songs that the Jackson 5 recorded was a tune performed originally by the Supremes. One of the things I really hate hearing is how Michael was "too young" to be singing about certain subjects. Well, to me, Michael's voice expresses such deep and raw emotion on certain songs that at times I've been moved to tears. Now many of these instances, I was a high schooler myself but, there are times now as I embark on my adult life that I sit back and listen to what he is saying and I truly do believe it. 

 Now I won't comment on the underlying sexual innuendos found in the lyrics of this song but... hey.
I'll just say that I'd totally encourage you to take a listen (if you aren't familiar with it already). I'd like to think that this would sound even more awesome performed by a mid-20's Michael. 

How many of the artists on the radio today had the power and the heart to move souls like Michael Jackson did? 


I'd argue not too many. 

Breaking News: Legacy of Love NY MJ Fan Club Makes Headlines!




So proud. 

I never could have imagined that this small little club could become something so big, so meaningful, and so much fun for so many fans along the East Coast. 

If you are looking for a sure-fire way to make friends, this is certainly it.

<3


To join Legacy of Love check us out here (oh and tell em that MJFANGIRL sent cha). 

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Michael Jackson Fan Holiday Gift Guide 2012 - For the Fan Who Has Everything


Hey everyone! 

I'm coming to you today with some fun gift ideas for the Michael Jackson fan in your life (who has everything!) And check it out... these are ALL under $40.00! SCHWEET!





1. Gifts & Decor Quartz King of Pop Michael Jackson Memorial Wall Clock
Okay so maybe I am a bit biased because I have not one but TWO (yes TWO) of these on my wall. I love these clocks. They are so stylish and they're a really good gifting option for the Michael Jackson fan that has most of the typical items that any collector might have. I am really not sure where to buy this, apart from Amazon because I received my clocks as housewarming presents from family. I actually didn't bother putting batteries in mine because they look pretty without all of the ticking and trouble that goes along with having more than one clock working in the same area :-). The only real downside to this item is that the dates are printed at the bottom. For some this is a big issue and it used to be for me but, not so much these days. These are very high quality and well worth the price -- my top choice for the season! 


2. Jackson Five: The Completed Animated Series  
I am so excited about this one! I think that the Jackson 5 Cartoon DVD release is one of the things I am most excited for in 2013. I did a quick entry about how excited I was to hear about this a few weeks back. I would most recommend this for fans who love the Jackson 5 era, who are open to learning more about it, or for the young Michael Jackson fan in your life. I'll admit, if I had children, I'd be popping this in the DVD player for them to watch. The stories are fun and musical, yet easy enough for a young child to understand and enjoy. 

3. Colorforms Michael Jackson Dress-Up Set
This is super vintage and fun! I kinda want this JUST to have it. This is one of those less popular and more difficult to find items. Recommended for any fan of the Off The Wall Era! Would be cute packaged together with The Jacksons Live CD !


4. Michael Jackson Puzzles Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition 500 Piece Puzzle
We gave one of these babies away at the last Legacy of Love Halloween party. It was a huge hit. At the time they were retailing for about 20 bucks but now they're down to just under $12 on Amazon. SCORE! I don't really have the time to devote to something like this now (or the space) but I plan on making time in the near future.  If anyone wants to buy me this for Christmas, they are totally welcome to do so! 
5. Continental Accessory Corp. Michael Jackson 1 Subject Notebook, Twin Wire, 80 Sheets, 8.5 x 10.5 inches, Assorted 6 Pack (593)
I did an entry (here) waaaaaay back in the day about these but I LOVE THEM. I honestly wish that I had purchased more when they were just 3 dollars each at my local drugstore but, leave it up to good old Amazon to still have them in stock! Don't let the small picture up top fool you, these are each 80 sheets of pages that are just about letter size. Perfect gift for your Michael Jackson fan that is still in school and needs a little dosage of Mike during class to stay focused.
(That was me alllllllllllllllll the way!). 



What do you think of some of these suggestions? Are you a Michael Jackson fan who has everything? What would YOU like to recieve for the holidays?
Leave a comment below :)



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My favorite Christmas candles


This season has been so insanely busy for me- I can hardly keep up! I am so happy things will finally slow down though. By the time this entry is posted, I will be in Japan on business. Two of the things that help me prepare for long journeys are listening to music and lighting candles.



My two favorite candles at the moment are Home for the Holidays by Yankee Candle and Merry Mistletoe by Slatkin & Co. Burning candles always helps to put me in a calm and serene mood. This is only my second candle from Slatkin & Co and I was super pleased with how evenly this candle burned and how good of a throw it has. Merry Mistletoe smells like a mix of fresh pine, light citrus, and a bit of floral. I'd HIGHLY recommend this candle to anyone, especially if you're just looking for something subtle. Home for the Holidays is a bit more spicy but, it also works to help put me in the Christmas mood. I've heard for years that Michael Jackson's previous home, Neverland, was always so sweet smelling and peaceful.

What helps to get you all in the Christmas mood?