WRGO December 2015 Issue - Volume 2, Issue #12 by MJ Brookins

WRGO December 2015

Magazine Volume 2 - Issue #12

A TRUE MICHAEL “CHRISTMAS STORY”

TOYS COLLECTED AND DONATED TO THE CHILDREN IN THE RARE DISEASES DEPARTMENTS AND PEDIATRIC SURGERY OF THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN NAPLES

MJJ Tribute Events

Gary’s Toys For Kids Santa Forgot 2015 Rudy Clay, Jr. Partners With Michael Jackson’s Legacy Fans ~ In A World Filled With Hate - We Must Emulate L.O.V.E.~

REMOVING THE JUNK FROM THE COMMUNITY TRUNK ~In A World Filled With Hate - We must Emulate L.O.V.E.~ The purpose of this magazine is to provide the audience with specialized information from a unique community; dedicated to and built upon the Love and Light of Michael Jackson as well as some others who are making a difference. We bring you this material by way of groups and projects inspired by Michael Jackson, other artists and news sources.

This magazine will be dedicated to those projects with undertakings that build up the community; and actually possess the healing and light properties needed to help change a world filled with darkness and a community that has become divided because of different views. We wish to provide the Community Trunk with information about new and delightful support projects. There has been too much “Junk” in the old trunk and it is time we start anew by peeling away the old and rotted garbage and building a new community. Some old things we should keep because they are precious and should be preserved. We hope you will be a part of the solution and not the problem. There should be no room for old junk in a new trunk. The things of no value has been thrown away to make room for the new. We wish to be an avenue to the beautiful things and truth going forward by sharing those things in this magazine when possible. We want to appeal to the rooted fans as well as the innovative.

“What’s REALLY Going ON” A magazine to promote MJ Global Events/Projects And Other World News

Time for your Light to Shine 2

Featured Content - Front Cover FANS MATTER 37 A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MJ IN MANILA Gwen CariÃ±o

GLOBAL EVENTS /SPECIAL TRIBUTES 104 Highlights of August 2015 MJ Birthday Celebration in Best

LEGACY PROJECTS 96

TOYS FOR KIDS SANTA FORGOT 2015 - RUDY CLAY, JR. & MICHAEL JACKSON’S LEGACY

100 MJJ FOUNDATION NAPLES: TOYS COLLECTED AND DONATED TO CHILDREN IN HOSPITAL

Inside Content FEATURED FAN ART/ARTIST 08

ZALUSKI ART

Dave Jeffryes: “In The Shadow of Michael Jackson”

MUSIC 28

The Surf Speaks Project

MICHAEL JACKSON'S 'THRILLER' BECOMES FIRST-EVER 30 TIMES MULTI-PLATINUM ALBUM: EXCLUSIVE

How Artist Get Their Song(s) On Commercial Radio: George Howard

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 46 N.W.A. Joins Quartet of 1970s Hitmakers in Rock Hall 47 Cicely Tyson – daughter of Nevis immigrants – picked as 2015 Kennedy Center Honors recipient 48 About Kennedy Center Honors

CHILDREN/YOUTH/EDUCATION 50

KORY TERRELL DAVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL IN BRYAN ISD 8TH GRADER: 2015-16 TEXAN SPELLING BEE CHAMPION

THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO TURNED AROUND A SCHOOL DISTRICT - TIFFANY ANDERSON

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN 110 Bess Leung, Linda Durogene, Kelly LeFleur, William Guest 112 NATALIE COLE

PAGE

SECTION

WRGO MAGAZINE EDITORIAL

“KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ALIVE” BY: LAVORA BROOKS

MJ ARCHIVES

1982: MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER

MJ ARCHIVES

MICHAEL IN MAGAZINES - DECEMBER 1982 HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

20 22

BOOKS

THE SECRETS HIDDEN IN THE THOMPSON'S BASEMENT: PRESENTING BETTY CRUMBLE MICHAEL JACKSON: THE REAL COMEBACK JAPAN 2006 BY: BRODERICK MORRIS

VALENCIA DANTZLER

GLASS MCADAMS AKA “GLASS THE TRAMP”

MUSIC

UNCHARTERED W ATERS: NICOLE & SCOTTY

VIDEOS

SOLDIERS OF LOVE, BERLIN 2015 - 4LOVEPROJECTS.ORG, MICHAEL JACKSON’S FIRST CHRISTMAS 1993, A SPECIAL SESAME STREET CHRISTMAS - PART 5 OF 6

BIRTHDAYS

DECEMBER 2015

HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

STRANGER HELPS EVICTED 90-YEAR-OLD VETERAN BUY BACK HOME IN TIME FOR HOLIDAYS

CELEB W HO USE HIS POWER FOR GOOD – JACKIE CHAN

THE CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND LEAVE NO CHILD BEHIND®MISSION

GOFUNDME PROJECT

EDWARD B HARRIS FUNERAL FUND

SNAPSHOTS

RARE PHOTOS OF JACKSONS AND FANS

FLOWERS FOR MICHAEL

CHRISTMAS L.O.V.E.

SPIRITUAL DEVOTION

CALL FOR LOVE: SPARKLES BY DIANA FOLEY

POETRY

DILMA LOWRANCE, JANISE BULLARD

MJ CARTOONS

JEANNETTE FULLER

SHOUT IT OUT

SHOULD CENSORSHIP IN MUSIC EVEN EXIST?

LEGACY

MICHAEL JACKSON FANS FOR CHARITY

114

BLOGS

ANNEMARIE LATOUR’S BLOG, FOREVER MICHAEL JACKSON BLOGSPOT, MICHAEL JACKSON: CHANGING OPINIONS ONE AT A TIME

116 118

ADVOCACY

ADLLAW/CADEFLAW INITIATIVE CONTACT US/MAGAZINE HARDCOPY AND SHIPPING INFORMATION

119 120 - 122

123

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR WRGO MAGAZINE DISCLAIMERS & ADVERTISING PAGES ATTRIBUTIONS

WRGO Magazine Editorial “KEEPING THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS ALIVE” BY: LAVORA BROOKS smile”, we can also set aside a little time to send someone a “Thinking of you” card, email or a phone call. It is amazing how this can alter someone’s day or maybe even week. All of these acts of kindness are appreciated by the recipient and this is a way of sharing the spirit year round.

Christmas! THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Families, friends and acquaintances are not promised to be with us always, and unfortunately we never know for how long. So, why wait for once a year, to show extra love.

Christmas,

and the spirit that it brings. What a wonderful time of year. People are generally kind to one another and excited about the “Big Day”. Days before, families are preparing their holiday dinners, shopping for gifts, singing carols, and decorating their homes. What a wonderful time of year, but have you ever stopped to ask what exactly it is about Christmas that makes us feel the way that feel? We all know that it’s not just about the gifts, the tree or even the Christmas lights.

Just to share a personal story. One June afternoon, I was headed out on a lunch break. The day was a stressful one and I welcomed my hour to myself. However, leaving the office in route to pick up lunch, I saw a homeless man slowly walking towards me. As I walked by him, I smiled and spoke to him. He returned my smile and spoke back. He then stopped me in my tracks and thanked me for doing this. He went on to say that people just didn’t normally do that because of his appearance. He thanked me again for taking the time and acknowledging him as a human being. So, not only did I bless him that afternoon, but he in return blessed me and changed my outlook at work the rest of that entire day.

Christmas and the spirit of Christmas is all about love. The spirit of Christmas can linger throughout the year if we allow it to. There is no expiration date to giving love, and charity towards another human being. There are no time limits on showing kindness to others.

We never know what one is going through, so compassion, understanding, small acts of kindness, or a willingness to simply reach out to others in any way can all make a difference in someone’s life.

However, the root of the meaning of Christmas is stemmed from acts of loving, forgiveness, charity, gifts/giving, and random acts of kindness. It’s a time of the year that our spirits are on a high level of happiness.

Remember that everyone who crosses our paths are there for a reason. Whether, it’s the homeless man or woman on the street, or a friend or family member who is going through a hard time in life. Christmas is about blessing others with love and kindness, and most everyone would welcome it.

This holiday is celebrated throughout the world in many different ways and at different times. However, wouldn’t it be nice if we could make the Christmas Spirit last year round? Well, we can, if we simply take the time to do it.

Christmas is what’s in the heart, something we can share with others. It represents the LOVE that can be shared year round.

The spirit of Christmas can be exhibited in many ways through acts of kindness. Whether to a stranger passing by or a family member who has had a rough day. It only takes a few moments to say to someone “thank you, you’re welcome, or give a

SHARE THE LOVE!

https://extrememichaeljackson.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/mj-and-santa-31669534811.jpg

http://m.cdn.blog.hu/re/recorder/image/christmas-time-with-mikeypooh-michael-jackson-the-child-17530781-580-358.jpg 7

FEATURED FAN ART/ARTIST Visual Artist /Traditional Art

Zaluski Art Zaluski Art is a company formed by Kasia Zaluski a young creative artist. Kasia is an artist who specializes with pencil drawings but isn't limited to this medium.

https://www.facebook.com/ZaluskiArt 8

An example of the high quality prints you can purchase from Zaluski Art. High end equipment is used to scan the drawings to achieve a print that is as close to the original as possible, including a colour match process. Print paper used is heavyweight 315gsm fine art soft textured paper. For any print requests or commissions please contact business.zaluskiart@gmail. com for more details. SEE THIS ARTWORK HERE

Amy Winehouse 9

MICHAEL JACKSON

Michael Jackson sold 1 billion units

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Becomes First-Ever 30 Times Multi-Platinum Album: Exclusive

The new milestone continues Jackson's reign as the best-selling artist of all time, with over 100 million sales for "Thriller" worldwide and 1 billion total sales to his credit. Michael Jackson's Thriller has become the first album ever to be certified 30 times multi-platinum for U.S. sales, marking more than 30 million sales in the States. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) made the announcement Wednesday (Dec. 15) with the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, as the new milestone continues Jackson's reign as the most selling artist of all time with over 100 million sales for Thriller worldwide and 1 billion total sales to his credit. "RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau," RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said in a statement. "We are honored to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller's enduring spot in our hearts and musical history." Jackson's Thriller was released Nov. 30 1982 and spent nearly 2 1/2 years on the Billboard album chart with 37 weeks at No. 1, holding the modern day record. It was also the first album in history to spend its first 80 weeks in the album chart's top 10, which has only been replicated once since. The Quincy Jones and Jackson-produced LP was also the first ever certified RIAA 20 times multi-platinum, doing so after 112 weeks on the album chart -- less than two years in all. Seven tracks off the album became top 10 singles with three -- "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" -- topping the singles chart. Worldwide, Thriller topped charts in nearly every market, hitting No. 1 in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa. The album won a record-setting 8 Grammys with nominations in 12 categories -- another first. "It is crystal clear that Michael Jackson is simply the greatest and biggest artist of all time," Epic Records chairman and CEO LA Reid said in a statement. "Not only are his charts hits and sales stats staggering, but his pure musicality was otherworldly. Thrillerwas groundbreaking and electrifying...it was perfection. I am extremely proud that Michael is the heart and soul of Epic Records and he will forever remain the one-andonly King of Pop."

SOURCE: billboard.com

MICHAEL JACKSON'S THRILLER': SUPERB JOB By JOHN ROCKWELL Published: December 19, 1982

Since he caught the public's fancy as a bouncing, spinning, piping, 11-year-old minisuperstar in 1970, Michael Jackson has been a fullfledged celebrity, living a celebrity's life. That's worth remembering, because it means that today, one must guard against the assumption that he is a mature, fully formed artist and human being. He is certainly a seasoned veteran: His whole life has been shaped by entertainment, and he is a practiced - sometimes too practiced - performer, recording star and film actor. But he remains a young man, and with luck he will continue to mature. One begins a review of Mr. Jackson's new LP, ''Thriller'' (Epic QE 38112), with this curious cautionary note because it is certainly possible to point out flaws in Mr. Jackson's seeming perfection. Yes, he sometimes allows Quincy Jones to depersonalize his individuality with his superbly crafted yet slightly anonymous production. Worse, he sometimes hides his emotionality behind smoothly indistinctive pop songs and formulaic arrangements, defenses so suavely perfect that they suggest layers of impenetrable, gauzy veils. But these are quibbles. ''Thriller'' is a wonderful pop record, the latest statement by one of the great singers in popular music today. But it is more than that. It is as hopeful a sign as we have had yet that the destructive barriers that spring up regularly between white and black music - and between whites and blacks - in this culture may be breached once again. Most important of all, it is another signpost on the road to Michael Jackson's own artistic fulfillment.

Even though the family group from which he emerged, formerly the Jackson Five and presently the Jacksons, still shows signs of some sort of life, Mr. Jackson has long since established himself on his own. As an actor, he accomplished that with a charming performance in the film version of ''The Wiz.'' On records, his big breakthrough as a solo artist came with his last LP, ''Off the Wall,'' in 1979. It stayed high on the charts for nine months, spun off several topselling singles and sold millions of records and cassettes. There were solid reasons for such success. Chief among them is Mr. Jackson's ethereal tenor. His deployment of that voice, which he mixes subtly with all manner of falsetto effects, is the greatest example of this sort of erotic keening since the heyday of Smokey Robinson. Ever since the craze for the castrato in the 17th century, high male voices, with their paradoxical blend of asexuality and sensuousness, ecstasy and pain, have been the most prized of all vocal types, and Mr. Jackson epitomizes such singing for our time better than anyone, in any musical genre.

A second reason for his success is his personality. One may legitmately wonder how Mr. Jackson, locked inside a celebrity's cage since childhood, could possibly understand the everday dilemmas of life. But most such dilemmas are universal, and artistic empathy is hardly the prerogative of poor folksingers. Mr. Jackson seems, on the basis of his interviews, to have a genuinely childlike and emotionally open attitude toward life. Sometimes his fame seems to insulate him, but it also elevates him to fantasy status for his fans. A third source of his success lies in his creative relationship with Mr. Jones, his producer. Quincy Jones's work seems curiously variable. As a hyperactive record producer, he can slip into formulas inappropriate for the artist at hand, as in his efforts on Donna Summer's last album. But with Mr. Jackson, his refined synthesis of the latest trends in soul, funk, rock and pop works very supportively.

or two songs in which Mr. Jackson can deploy the full sensuality of his singing. Perhaps the most striking of those songs is called

It is that synthesis that offers a broader cultural hope. Black music lurks at the heart of nearly all American pop, but it is an old, old story that blacks tend to be slighted by white audiences, a few established older superstars partly excepted. Black performers' mass success waxes and wanes, and in recent years it has been waning. The dangers of isolation -more particularly, of whites being cut off from the roots of what they perceive as their own music - have only been reinforced by radio, with its ''demographic'' playlists that reinforce a musically insensitive and morally indefensible segregration.Mr. Jackson's appeal is so wide, however, that white publications and radig stations that normally avoid ''black music'' seem willing to pretend he isn't black after all. On one level, that's admirable, in that color distinctions are often best avoided altogether. But Mr. Jackson is black, and while he sings a duet here with Paul McCartney, enlists Eddie Van Halen for a guitar solo and observes no color exclusivity in his choice of backup musicians, he still works honorably within the context of contemporary black popular music at its fervent, eclectic best. If this album is anywhere near as successful as ''Off the Wall,'' it may remind white audiences of what they are missing elsewhere. ''Thriller'' follows the same rough pattern of ''Off the Wall'' in its predominantly brisk first side and a second side with a greater preponderance of ballads. There is no one show-stopping lament here on the order of ''She's Out of My Life,'' from ''Off the Wall.'' But there is a subtler mixture of fast and slow - fast songs with caressing vocals, medium-tempo songs and slow songs with a catchy undercurrent - and one

''Human Nature,'' which occupies the same spot on the disk - third song on the second side -that was alotted to ''She's Out of My Life.'' This is a haunting, brooding ballad by Steve Porcaro and John Bettis with an irresistible chorus, and it should be an enormous hit. But there are other hits here, too, lots of them. Best of all, with a pervasive confidence infusing the album as a whole, ''Thriller'' suggests that Mr. Jackson's evolution as an artist is far from finished. He is, after all, only 24 years old.

MICHAEL IN MAGAZINES - DECEMBER 1982

Dave Jeffryes CREATOR OF

“IN THE SHADOW OF MICHAEL JACKSON” FAN GROUP

History of Christmas Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion. Popular customs include exchanging gifts, decorating Christmas trees, attending church, sharing meals with family and friends and, of course, waiting for Santa Claus to arrive. December 25–Christmas Day–has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1870. AN ANCIENT HOLIDAY The middle of winter has long been a time of celebration around the world. Centuries before the arrival of the man called Jesus, early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of winter. Many peoples rejoiced during the winter solstice, when the worst of the winter was behind them and they could look forward to longer days and extended hours of sunlight. In Scandinavia, the Norse celebrated Yule from December 21, the winter solstice, through January. In recognition of the return of the sun, fathers and sons would bring home large logs, which they would set on fire. The people would feast until the log burned out, which could take as many as 12 days. The Norse believed that each spark from the fire represented a new pig or calf that would be born during the coming year. The end of December was a perfect time for celebration in most areas of Europe. At that time of year, most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter. For many, it was the only time of year when they had a supply of fresh meat. In addition, most wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking. In Germany, people honored the pagan god Oden during the mid-winter holiday. Germans were terrified of Oden, as they believed he made nocturnal flights through the sky to observe his people, and then decide who would prosper or perish. Because of his presence, many people chose to stay inside. SATURNALIA In Rome, where winters were not as harsh as those in the far north, Saturnalia—a holiday in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture—was celebrated. Beginning in the week leading up to the winter solstice and continuing for a full month, Saturnalia was a hedonistic time, when food and drink were plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down. For a month, slaves would become masters. Peasants were in command of the city. Business and schools were

closed so that everyone could join in the fun. Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra’s birthday was the most sacred day of the year. In the early years of Christianity, Easter was the main holiday; the birth of Jesus was not celebrated. In the fourth century, church officials decided to institute the birth of Jesus as a holiday. Unfortunately, the Bible does not mention date for his birth (a fact Puritans later pointed out in order to deny the legitimacy of the celebration). Although some evidence suggests that his birth may have occurred in the spring (why would shepherds be herding in the middle of winter?), Pope Julius I chose December 25. It is commonly believed that the church chose this date in an effort to adopt and absorb the traditions of the pagan Saturnalia festival. First called the Feast of the Nativity, the custom spread to Egypt by 432 and to England by the end of the sixth century. By the end of the eighth century, the celebration of Christmas had spread all the way to Scandinavia. Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger. By holding Christmas at the same time as traditional winter solstice festivals, church leaders increased the chances that Christmas would be popularly embraced, but gave up the ability to dictate how it was celebrated. By the Middle Ages, Christianity had, for the most part, replaced pagan religion. On Christmas, believers attended church, then celebrated raucously in a drunken, carnival-like atmosphere similar to today’s Mardi Gras. Each year, a beggar or student would be crowned the “lord of misrule” and eager celebrants played the part of his subjects. The poor would go to the houses of the rich and demand their best food and drink. If owners failed to comply, their visitors would most likely terrorize them with mischief. Christmas became the time of year when the upper classes could repay their real or imagined “debt” to society by entertaining less fortunate citizens. AN OUTLAW CHRISTMAS In the early 17th century, a wave of religious reform changed the way Christmas was celebrated in Europe. When Oliver Cromwell and his Puritan forces took over England in 1645, they vowed to rid England of decadence and, as part of their effort, cancelled Christmas. By popular demand, Charles II

was restored to the throne and, with him, came the return of the popular holiday.

As Americans began to embrace Christmas as a perfect family holiday, old customs were unearthed. People looked toward recent immigrants and Catholic and Episcopalian churches to see how the day should be celebrated. In the next 100 years, Americans built a Christmas tradition all their own that included pieces of many other customs, including decorating trees, sending holiday cards, and gift-giving.

The pilgrims, English separatists that came to America in 1620, were even more orthodox in their Puritan beliefs than Cromwell. As a result, Christmas was not a holiday in early America. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was actually outlawed in Boston. Anyone exhibiting the Christmas spirit was fined five shillings. By contrast, in the Jamestown settlement, Captain John Smith reported that Christmas was enjoyed by all and passed without incident.

Although most families quickly bought into the idea that they were celebrating Christmas how it had been done for centuries, Americans had really re-invented a holiday to fill the cultural needs of a growing nation.

After the American Revolution, English customs fell out of favor, including Christmas. In fact, Christmas wasn’t declared a federal holiday until June 26, 1870.

CHRISTMAS FACTS Each year, 30-35 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States alone. There are 21,000 Christmas tree growers in the United States, and trees usually grow for about 15 years before they are sold.

IRVING REINVENTS CHRISTMAS It wasn’t until the 19th century that Americans began to embrace Christmas. Americans re-invented Christmas, and changed it from a raucous carnival holiday into a familycentered day of peace and nostalgia. But what about the 1800s peaked American interest in the holiday?

Today, in the Greek and Russian orthodox churches, Christmas is celebrated 13 days after the 25th, which is also referred to as the Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the day it is believed that the three wise men finally found Jesus in the manger.

The early 19th century was a period of class conflict and turmoil. During this time, unemployment was high and gang rioting by the disenchanted classes often occurred during the Christmas season. In 1828, the New York city council instituted the city’s first police force in response to a Christmas riot. This catalyzed certain members of the upper classes to begin to change the way Christmas was celebrated in America.

In the Middle Ages, Christmas celebrations were rowdy and raucous—a lot like today’s Mardi Gras parties. From 1659 to 1681, the celebration of Christmas was outlawed in Boston, and law-breakers were fined five shillings. Christmas was declared a federal holiday in the United States on June 26, 1870.

In 1819, best-selling author Washington Irving wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, gent., a series of stories about the celebration of Christmas in an English manor house. The sketches feature a squire who invited the peasants into his home for the holiday. In contrast to the problems faced in American society, the two groups mingled effortlessly. In Irving’s mind, Christmas should be a peaceful, warm-hearted holiday bringing groups together across lines of wealth or social status. Irving’s fictitious celebrants enjoyed “ancient customs,” including the crowning of a Lord of Misrule. Irving’s book, however, was not based on any holiday celebration he had attended – in fact, many historians say that Irving’s account actually “invented” tradition by implying that it described the true customs of the season.

The first eggnog made in the United States was consumed in Captain John Smith’s 1607 Jamestown settlement. Poinsettia plants are named after Joel R. Poinsett, an American minister to Mexico, who brought the red-and-green plant from Mexico to America in 1828. The Salvation Army has been sending Santa Claus-clad donation collectors into the streets since the 1890s. Rudolph, “the most famous reindeer of all,” was the product of Robert L. May’s imagination in 1939. The copywriter wrote a poem about the reindeer to help lure customers into the Montgomery Ward department store.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Also around this time, English author Charles Dickens created the classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol. The story’s message the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind struck a powerful chord in the United States and England and showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating the holiday.

Construction workers started the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree tradition in 1931.

HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS

The family was also becoming less disciplined and more sensitive to the emotional needs of children during the early 1800s. Christmas provided families with a day when they could lavish attention-and gifts-on their children without appearing to “spoil” them. 21

Books The Secrets Hidden in the Thompson's Basement: Presenting Betty Crumble (The Adventures of Betty Crumble Book 1) Kindle Edition by Lakeesha Berry (Author), Carla Wynn Hall (Editor), Joshua Mancil (Editor) There are secrets in the basement of the Thompson's house and Betty Crumble will enlist the help of the Misfits of Marsh Mello Mount. The Thompson twins live in the most beautiful house, white with gold door knobs, and Betty Crumble will babysit them. As the story unfolds Mrs. Thompson becomes a key player in the adventure. This book will keep you reading until the end.

MICHAEL JACKSON: THE REAL COMEBACK Japan 2006 (Japanese) JP Oversized â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2010 by Broderick Morris (Author) You have all heard Michael Jackson's story from beginning to end and everything in between. You have heard all of the "exclusive stories" and have seen all of the "rare photos." Michael Jackson's history has been covered to agonizing depths and much of that information has resurfaced recently due to his post-death popularity. In 2006, Michael Jackson trusted Broderick Morris, Executive Producer of Positive Production, with his future in a time of personal strife. With exclusive commentary from Mr. Morris, the audience will be treated to an in-depth and personal look into Michael's trip to Japan in 2006. "THE REAL COMEBACK Japan 2006" will also give you the chance to make your own assumptions about the validity of the various allegations, rumors and negative publicity surrounding the world's best-selling artist. With never-before-seen visual and written accounts of the "King of Pop" in Japan, you will be newly acquainted with Michael Jackson: The Business Man, the Philanthropist, the King of Pop and the Loving Father. 22

Glass McAdams AKA “Glass The Tramp”

Glass McAdams AKA “Glass The Tramp”, is an eclectic, galactic, fireball of musical energy. SEE MTV BIO HERE http://www.mtv.com/artists/glass -the-tramp/biography/ I first met this British born GURU OF FUNK at the 2007 MTV AWARDS. Glass was performing in the group GYPSYS, TRAMPS, & PIMPS, and they put on an- out of this universe-performance.

pre-parties. CLICK LINK HERE FOR AMA PARTY SCROLL DOWN TO SEE GLASS THE TRAMP http://www.lasplash.com/publish/ Entertainment_Celebrity_Gift_Suites/ Sanctuary_Lounge_For_American_Music_AwardsReview_printer.php

After the show I had an opportunity to speak with Glass about the music business. Since Glass was born in England he was exposed to EDM/House music at a very early age. He often pays tribute to house music artists and DJS. Hear the interview on this link fast forward to 12:56

Glass The Tramp signature colorful boots have pinned him as one of the Funkiest and Best Dressed artists setting fashion trends worldwide. His 2013 debut album "Sticky Wicked Playground" , is still creating a major buzz in the music industry.

http://motherdivashow.podomatic.com/entry/2008-01 -24T14_31_17-08_00

PURCHASE “STICKY WICKED PLAYGROUND” ALBUM HERE

Glass is a multi-faceted as an Actor, Model, Recording Artist, and writer. Glass has opened for major industry events such as The American Music Awards

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sticky-wickedplayground-deluxe/id611664493 23

In his off-time Glass feeds the homeless in downtown LA and is part of the dynamic duo of “VasoRich:The Leak Radio”. Glass is also featured on radio network “LA Talk Live” , on the Legendary Comedian, “Michael Colyar Morning Show”. If he’s not in the studio, Glass is being snapped by paparazzi or walking the runway for High Fashion designers all over the world. Glass has been the face of major ad campaigns like Von Dutch clothing, 7 Lighting Bolt, French Vogue and his recent campaign for the 2016 TOYOTA CAMRY “ELECTRIFY YOUR ELECTRO FUNK”. The ad is currently running on digital billboards and websites all over the United States, including New York’s Times Square.

and celebrities including the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Michael and Glass were friends and discussed collaborating on some musical projects, which I believe with our modern day music technology can still be executed. People, visualize The King of Pop doing some funk eclectic music with the Guru of Funk GLASS THE TRAMP! What an amazing sound that would be! Check out Glass trying to protect MJ when he attempted to visit the Rock Style store. In this clip Michael Jackson is running from Paparazzi and Glass and others are trying to protect Michael. Background story on clip, Michael Jackson called up Glass and told him he was across the street at “Moist” clothing store, “Rockstyle” competitor. Michael asked Glass to come over there. Michael was having a conversation with Eva Longoria, who happened to be in the store and asked the store reps to close the store so he could shop. In the meantime Glass, Gypsy, ( a member of Gypsys, Tramps, & Pimps) Glass original group) and Nick Cannon who happened to own the store next to Rockstyle were all having a conversation. Gypsy was hired by Glass to design apparel for RockStyle. Gypsy also designed a pair of pants for Michael Jackson.

Glass film credits include: The Sundance Film, “Eye See Me” ,Glass portrayed a modern day messiah. “Friends & Lovers: The Ski Trip 2”, short film “The Great Venice Robbery,” and Documentary, “Chasing The Dream’ about struggling artists trying to succeed in the entertainment industry.

Michael had given the Rockstyle store an MJ doll and it was suggested to have Michael sign it, this is why you see the MJ doll being held in the video clip. All hell broke loose, because when Glass and Gypsy were on their way across the street to meet MJ at Moist Clothing Store, the paparazzi shows up. Apparently an employee of the store called the media and reported that Michael was there in co-hoots with their competition to collaborate on designs and other entertainment projects. Instead of Michael coming back to Rockstyle he asked Glass and Gypsy to just get him back to the car.

Glass and I have such a kindred spiritual connection while I was portraying the church lady on David E. Kelley’s Fox hit series “Ally McBeal”, Glass was portraying a music student on David E. Kelly’s hit series “Boston Public”. Glass television commercial credits include Chic-Fil-A and Sears, just to name a few. Glass was also the former spokesperson/general manager of a West Hollywood Melrose Ave. eclectic clothing store “RockStyle”. The store was owned by Shelly Moeller, a Hollywood socialite turned designer. Ms. Moeller designed jeans and other apparel for rock stars like Motley Crue, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Prince.

SEE VIDEO AND PHOTOS BELOW https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDj1w7LtCFk

(Continue on next page)

The store was often visited by many elite socialites 24

Gypsy and put it on a T-shirt and wore it on TMZ multiple times. SEE PHOTOS BELOW

MICHAEL WAS SO GRATEFUL TO GLASS & GYPSY FOR GETTING HIM SAFELY TO HIS CAR HE PUT THE PHOTO ON HIS WEBSITE www.mjjpictures.com (website no longer exists) Michael Jackson’s mother Ms. Katherine ScruseJackson, was so grateful to Glass for assisting her son, she personally asked Glass to escort her out of events. See photos below

Glass also was a former HOST/PERSONALITY, for famed Los Angeles, celebrity only hot spot The Spider Club, according to an anonymous source, The Spider Club was allegedly secretly owned by Bruce Willis and Dan Akroyd. Glass produced private parties at The Spider Club for Paris Hilton, Gwen Stephani & Justin Timberlake. Glass has also performed for Pool Parties for Kanye West and 50 cent in Las Vegas during MTV awards Pre Party events. See Glass pictured bottom right on next page.

This whole “saving MJ on Melrose” story went viral it made the cover of LA Weekly, a Los Angeles based Arts and Entertainment publication, and was a featured story on TMZ. One of the TMZ reporters was a huge MJ fan that captured the photo of Glass, Michael, and, 25

No stranger to LA celebrity drama, Glass was in attendance of the August 2014 MTV VMA Awards pre party hosted by Chris Brown, at 1OAK NIGHT CLUB, when a shooting broke out click links for details and scroll down to see Glass Photos. http://stargist.com/news/oh-no-chris-brown-almost-killed-duringshooting-at-vma-pre-party-in-l-a/ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2733045/Singer-ChrisBrown-shot-nightclub-party-three-people-rushed-hospital.html

Glass is a force to be reckoned with he has performed with the late Whitney Houston and has worked with Mariah Carey, Prince, Kanye West, Gnarls Barkley, and of course THE GODFATHER OF FUNK GEORGE CLINTON. Glass was the opening act for the premiere party for the hit TV series “Desperate House Wives”. Glass also worked with Janet Jackson on a remix single,“ So Much Betta” , from Janet Jackson’s 2008 album “Discipline” . The track only appeared on the hard copy CD. “Glass The Tramp” has taken the entertainment industry by storm. His social media followers claim that his music is the best they have heard in the industry. Even, The Dogfather of Hip Hop himself Snoop Dog, has given his stamp of approval endorsing Glass musical projects. See the two pictured below.

In April of 2015 Glass released the single “Crazy Lonely” ,featuring industry recording artist “Kanary Diamonds” The “Crazy Lonely “ video is in heavy rotation on Revolt TV. In recent news “ MTV JAMS” merged with BET for a new channel “BET JAMS”, the channel is 24 hours of hip hop and R&B videos. The “Crazy Lonely”, music video will be in rotation on the network.

To purchase single click here https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/crazy-lonely-feat.-kanary/id985083836?i=985083837 SEE “Crazy Lonely”,featuring Kanary Diamonds music video click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6MN_3KIjkI&feature=youtu.be FOR ALL GLASS THE TRAMP MUSIC https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/glass-the-tramp/id611664494 GLASS is currently working on his sophomore album due to be released in 4th quarter of 2016. The album will be dance orientated and pay tribute to house music pioneers. A true Entrepreneur, Glass also has an organic line of hair and body products called "Love Peace Passion By Glass" Like Them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Lovepeacepassionbyglass/?fref=ts PURCHASE ON WEBSITE

www.glassthetramp.com

FOLLOW GLASS THE TRAMP ON SOCIAL MEDIA twitter.com/glassthetramp instagram.com/glassthetramp facebook.com/glassthetramp2

STORY BY VALENCIA “MOTHER DIVA’ DANTZLER, TALKSHOW HOST/ MADAM AMBASSADOR OF HOUSE MUSIC follow on twitter @motherdivashow

MUSIC

Artist Spotlight

The Surf Speaks Project

Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson

The Surf Speaks Created by twin sisters Sheryl and Sherry Davis, The Surf Speaks: Voices of a Living History is a new research initiative dedicated to recording and preserving the historic Surf Ballroom's "February Family," the stalwart guardians of its Winter Dance Party legacy. Under the same banner as the fateful last tour of rock and roll pioneers Buddy Holly,Ritchie Valens and J.P. Richardson ("The Big Bopper"), the Surf's Winter Dance Party has become an annual commemorative event celebrating the lives and legacies of these innovative musical artists. Each year rock and roll fans from across the country and around the world make the pilgrimage to Clear Lake, Iowa, some having faithfully attended the event since its beginnings in 1979. The Surf Speaks will be a first effort in capturing this extraordinary community of everyday voices that represent the life source of the Surf's enduring Winter Dance Party legacy; a legacy memorializing the final career performances of Holly, Valens and Richardson on February 2, 1959.

This social history project will present the Surf Ballroom and Museum with its first historical record of the Winter Dance Party commemorative event as experienced through the eyes of its unique fan base, providing invaluable firsthand accounts for its archives and action-oriented insights for future heritage interpretation and programming initiatives.

room and to acknowledge their critical role in the sustainability of its legacy. More broadly, it will be an inaugural research effort to illustrate how experiences, emotional attachments to place and feelings of musical and environmental nostalgia drive new and continued stewardship and relevance of interpreted music heritage sites. "The Surf Speaks" project, like our 2300 initiative, focuses on the power of fans. Sheryl and I are going to document the personal accounts of Winter Dance Party fans at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, in February 2016. The Winter Dance Party is an annual event which commemorates the final career performances of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson. The stars performed at the Surf Ballroom on the evening of February 2, 1959 and departed on the ill-fated plane a short time later. The commemorative event started in 1979 and many fans have been attending since it started. These fans are in invaluable part of this early rock and roll history. Check out the short film "Iowa Icon: The Surf Ballroom" https://youtu.be/pplifSmRFVY

For more information about “The Surf Speaks” project visit website HERE. You can visit Sherry and Sheryl’s”2300 Make A Pact” Facebook community page by clicking on the Facebook symbol. You can also buy an exclusive The Surf Speak t-shirt and wear your support for rock and roll history! https://teespring.com/thesurfspeaks2016 The Surf Speaks Project GoFundMe Project

The Surf Speaks also represents an original ambi tion to document the February Family's personal connections to the Surf Ball29

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Becomes First-Ever 30 Times Multi-Platinum Album: Exclusive

Jackson's Thriller was released Nov. 30 1982 and spent nearly 2 1/2 years on the Billboard album chart with 37 weeks at No. 1, holding the modern day record. It was also the first album in history to spend its first 80 weeks in the album chart's top 10, which has only been replicated once since.

The new milestone continues Jackson's reign as the best-selling artist of all time, with over 100 million sales for "Thriller" worldwide and 1 billion total sales to his credit.

The Quincy Jones and Jackson-produced LP was also the first ever certified RIAA 20 times multiplatinum, doing so after 112 weeks on the album chart -- less than two years in all. Seven tracks off the album became top 10 singles with three -"Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" -- topping the singles chart. Worldwide, Thriller topped charts in nearly every market, hitting No. 1 in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Australia, Denmark, Belgium, South Africa, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and apartheid South Africa. The album won a record-setting 8 Grammys with nominations in 12 categories -- another first. "It is crystal clear that Michael Jackson is simply the greatest and biggest artist of all time," Epic Records chairman and CEO LA Reid said in a statement. "Not only are his charts hits and sales stats staggering, but his pure musicality was other-worldly. Thrillerwas groundbreaking and electrifying...it was perfection. I am extremely proud that Michael is the heart and soul of Epic Records and he will forever remain the one-andonly King of Pop."

Michael Jackson's Thriller has become the first album ever to be certified 30 times multiplatinum for U.S. sales, marking more than 30 million sales in the States. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) made the announcement Wednesday (Dec. 15) with the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings, as the new milestone continues Jackson's reign as the most selling artist of all time with over 100 million sales for Thriller worldwide and 1 billion total sales to his credit.

Story by: Colin Stutz Billboard Article Announcement: Thriller Certified 30x Platinum on MJStar Site

"RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau," RIAA chairman and CEO Cary Sherman said in a statement. "We are honored to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller's enduring spot in our hearts and musical history." 30

12/16/2015

HOW ARTIST GET THEIR SONG(S) ON COMMERCIAL RADIO By: George Howard Why is it that even with all of the changes that have occurred of late in the music business — changes that have altered the face of nearly everything — commercial radio today is still not that different than it was ten, twenty, or even fifty years ago?

weekends or late at night — when few people are listening), and it goes so well, that other stations pick up on it. All of the above seems (and is) fair and reasonable. Unfortunately, this type of organic, merit-based radio play usually does not end with an artist’s song actually being programmed and played. Instead, there is another, less reasonable way artists find their music being played on Big Time radio.

As Jeff Price rightly points out in his article “The Hidden Money In Radio,” commercial radio is the last stronghold of the majors. They lost control of perpetual copyrights when artists could fund their own recordings via the advent of ProTools. They lost control of distribution once Apple and TuneCore got in the game. And, arguably, they lost control of publicity once artists began using social media to connect directly with their constituent group.

This other way involves most everything you’ve ever thought it involves – primarily money (lots of it) and the old boys club of relationships. A major label (and that’s an important distinction) signs an artist, spends a bunch of money to make a record, and then must get that artist’s music on the radio in order to have any chance of success.

So…why not radio? Why has radio remained in tact when all the other elements in the industry have changed?

When you’re faced with a “must do” scenario, you do what you must. In this case, the labels first try to find some early supporters: program directors willing to “test” the song — give it limited play, and see if there’s a response from the stations’ listeners. If there is, great. If there isn’t…well, great. In either case, if the label decides they have to get the song on the radio, whether the “test” went well or not, they’re going to do what they have to do. And for what it’s worth, getting a “test” spin is no easy task in and of itself. Favors are given to those who have greased palms for years to provide the three and a half minutes of airtime at 2:30AM on a Thursday night to test a song.

To answer that question, it’s first important to understand how a song gets played on “Big Time” radio. By “Big Time” radio, I’m referring to formats like Adult Contemporary (AC), Hot Adult Contemporary (Hot AC), Contemporary Hits Radio (CHR), Active Rock, Pop, and Urban. There are other formats — college, Adult Album Alternative (AAA) — but, because their impact is smaller (read: less money can be made from them), they operate more in line with the way one would think radio operates: program directors try to pick music that the listeners of their stations will like, and if the listeners respond (calling in to request the song; calling in to ask what the song was, etc.), the song gets played more and more. If there’s little or no response, the song doesn’t get played for very long.

Getting a song “added” to a station’s playlist to get a certain number of plays per week involves a rather byzantine process that brings in various parties, called independent promoters (“indies”). These “indies” are first paid by the label. It’s important to note that the money the indies receive isn’t necessarily compensation paid directly to them for getting Program Directors to get a song played. Rather, they work more like an intermediary to pass the label’s money to the radio station. These indies, with the money paid to them from the labels, pay the radio station money for various listener give-aways, bumper stickers and so on. To top it off, these very same indies are often also paid a second time by the stations themselves as a consultant to advise the stations on what songs they should play.

“Big Time” radio doesn’t typically operate that way. For an artist to even be considered by a Program Director at one of these stations, a tremendous amount of other activity must be going on. For instance, the artist may have had tremendous (and I do mean tremendous) success at one of those lower formats (AAA or College); or the artist might have had their music used in a TV commercial or film; or (and this is rare) the artist could be blowing up (selling out live shows, etc.) in a local market, and one of these Big Time stations “tests” their music during one of their “specialty” shows (i.e. shows that feature local music, which are typically aired on 31

ing drive-time. And then you’ll be told that you need to “juice” some other stations. You can juice until your money runs out, but the chances of the record ever really breaking is almost zero.

Top indie promoters make a lot of money.

Confused? You’re meant to be.

Here’s why: You’ve come to these indies, and they’ve gone to the labels, and they’ve taken your money, and they know that you’re probably not coming back any time soon. On the other hand, the majors are coming every week with money and new artists. Who would you prioritize if you were in the indie/radio station’s shoes?

Smell fishy? That’s because it is. It’s all obfuscation. It’s all a way for the labels to avoid being seen as engaging in direct payment to a radio station in exchange for the radio station playing the label’s song. In other words: Payola.

So, the majors have a lock on this. Every once in a blue moon a song will be so powerful that it can’t not be played, and it doesn’t matter if it’s on a major or not. But this is so rare as to be almost nonexistent. The reality is the songs you hear on Big Time radio all got their the same way, and if you look at the label who released these songs, 99% of the time, they’ll be on a major.

Payola emerged pretty much alongside radio. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that anybody paid it much mind. At this point, payola was criminalized, and it’s been illegal to induce a station to play a song in exchange for money, without disclosing that money has changed hands, ever since.

It’s not all doom and gloom however. Any time a system exists that is as corrupt as what I’ve outlined, it eventually falls under its own weight. Customers who have been fed a steady diet of music that is not being played because it impacts the market, but rather because it was the highest bidder, eventually lose interest and look for alternatives. Up until recently, there weren’t alternatives, but now with internet radio, satellite radio, subscription services, and your own playlists on your iPod/iPhone, the alternatives abound.

The methods change; the labels always trying to stay one-step ahead of the government, and obfuscate just enough to keep the system churning along as it always has. The reason the majors are willing to take these risks, and bear these costs — and the costs associated with breaking a record on Big Time radio can easily reach the seven figures — is because when a record breaks — even today — the returns are massive. One could argue, in fact, that due to the ineffectiveness of other means of promotion, Payola has become even more frenzied and high-stakes.

Our challenge and opportunity is to not allow these alternatives to follow the same path that traditional radio went down.

You may ask, at this point, “well, fine, I get it…the majors pay a bunch of money, and they get their records played, but why couldn’t some non-major (indie label or investor) do the same — pay a bunch of money and get a hit record?” The answer ties us back to Jeff’s article, and explains why Big Time radio is still the purview of the majors. Assuming you had a million bucks or so, you very well could hire yourself some of these indies to “work” your record to Big Time radio, and, believe me, they’d take your money. Your record even might get a few spins (though likely only during times when prisoners, insomniacs, and long-haul truckers are listening), but those spins would peter out pretty fast. The indies would come back and say something along the lines of, “We’ve got our toe in the door with station KCUF, and if you can just give it a bit more juice, they’ll move it from overnights to drive-time.” And you may give them that juice, and it may get a few spins dur-

George Howard is the former president of Rykodisc. He currently advises numerous entertainment and non-entertainment firms and individuals. Additionally, he is the Executive Editor of Artists House Music and is an Associate Professor of Music Business/Management at Berklee. He is most easily found on Twitter at: twitter.com/gah650 Article can be found HERE

WEBSITE 33

7. "Problem" by Ariana Grande, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxT6kpiKTSQ

~Nicole & Scotty - Unchartered Waters

Happy New Years Fellow Travelers!!! Hope you're all having a most beautiful day so far. Can't tell you all how super excited we are for all that 2016 has to bring us!!! We have a strong hunch that this is going to be our biggest year yet, so get ready for the ride!!! Year In Review countdowns are one of our most favorite things in the whole world. There's something awesome about going back and mapping out a year in memories. So we decided to put together one of our own countdowns for you guys! Here are our Top 15 Videos of '15, ranked by us and hopefully in agreement with what you all enjoyed the most from us in 2015. Have a favorite video of ours from this year? Please share with us in our YouTube comments section! Happy New Years! Wishing each and every one of you all the very best in 2016! Love you guys tons and tons.

6. "Titanium" by David Guetta and Sia, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HFhiKJ5CUE 5. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iik2QM-EwA 4. "People Like Us" by Kelly Clarkson, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxZda8amzIo 3. "Ex's and Oh's" by Elle King, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaP-ICeo2kg 2. "Stricken" by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndEd0dWw2Z0

Nicole & Scotty's Top 15 of “15”

1. "Benefits" by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwYUPMdA1Fw

15. "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift, covered by Nicole & Scotty: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDJwlFBuDxM 14. "Can't Help Fallin' In Love" by Elvis Presley, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZrEvX6Vnqs 13. "Sing" by Ed Sheeran, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE_joKOrSgQ 12. "No Diggity/Thrift Shop" by Blackstreet and Macklemore, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_2Cbb-0c3Y 11. "Layla" by Eric Clapton, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3Js0uh23jU 10. "Riptide" by Vance Joy, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpdz7CzeVkM 9. "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oHNus4s4QY

Nicole & Scotty on Instagram - December 24, 2015 8. "Magnets" by Disclosure and Lorde, covered by Nicole & Scotty https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0HFoaz75qc

https://www.instagram.com/p/_sB2u4qqw1/

VIDEOS Soldiers of LOVE, Berlin 2015 - 4LOVEprojects.org Video Credit: 4loveprojects

Michael Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Christmas 1993 Video Credit: Gessy Sala

A Special Sesame Street Christmas - Part 5 of 6 Video Credit: sawing14s

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/photos/27300000/Merry-Christmas-Mikey-michael-jackson-27342702-486-650.jpg

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MJ IN MANILA By: Gwen CariÃ±o

A true Michael "Christmas story"... 37

meaningfully join the affair? I couldn’t possibly have him be with the kids in the palayok game or the pabitin as he might end up being mobbed! And since the annual event was really all about giving, I mustered all my courage and told the Mamarao guy that the best thing I could think of was for Michael to literally be present to help distribute the loot bags, sign autographs and pose with the children for photos.“Wow, that may not be easy. You’re talking about handing goodie bags to 300 children and I can just imagine the chaos. We’ll see. I’ll get back to you,” he said.

When I was a public relations officer at Manila Hotel, I was assigned to head the annual Orphan’s Christmas Party where 300 children from different orphanages around Metro Manila were treated to a day of fun and surprises. It was one of the biggest projects on my plate and it was such a challenge to focus on work the day before the big event, knowing Michael Jackson was billeted in the hotel.

Lunch break came and it was the most hurried one I ever took in my life. It wasn’t until after 5 p.m. that Michael’s aide came back and said, “Michael is more than happy to do whatever you suggest. How do we go

Two nights before, I had been fortunate to be part of his welcome line at the hotel lobby together with the rest of the PR and sales staff and saw him walk by. The day before, a guy claiming to be Michael Jackson’s aide from Mamarao Productions came to the office. I couldn’t recall his name but he looked for the “person in charge“ and said his boss had read the announcement about the event in the Dear Guest flyers we had circulated to all the rooms a week before. Michael wanted to know how he could help. His aide went up to the Penthouse and down to the PR office several times after we gave our suggestions. Michael offered to fill up the 300 loot bags with goodies and toys, candies and chocolates. But after getting close to 50 sponsors, it was actually a problem for us to dispose of everything.

a b o u t i t tomorrow?” I wanted to scream. I had to calm myself and regain composure as the Lizzie Maguire in me said, “Get real, get back into focus.” We agreed that Michael would come in after the games, musical

So I thought hard... how can the King of Pop 38

program and snacks, at the last part to give out the loot bags. My colleague Annette Africano and boss Dulce Agnir requested for additional security around the garden and the stage area as this was where we decided to distribute the gifts. We made sure the children would form an orderly line. Then the moment arrived. It was at the Champagne Gardens on Dec. 7, 1996. I was surprised to see him walking towards us, guided by his aide. Michael came up to me as I had to brief him. “Hi, how are you? Thanks so much for letting me in, I know I’m early ’cause I didn’t want to miss the program.” I said, “Are you kidding? Thanks so much for volunteering! Here’s what Michael – why don’t you just sit here and watch the musical numbers before we get into the gift giving. I will have to tweak the program a bit.” He replied, “Sure, anything you say... (pausing to look at my name tag) Gwen!” I was stunned at how incredibly sweet and modest he was. And in my mind it was, “Oh my God, this is really happening!” Amazing how he patiently sat through the whole program. Carol Banawa, then an “Ang TV” mainstay couldn’t believe MJ was watching her perform. She had her red blouse signed by him right after her number. Then followed Stefano Mori’s dance number. Later, his back up singers and dancers came up on stage followed by select kids from different orphanages who danced to the beat of ‘Billie Jean’. Oh, the smile on Michael’s face was just amazing. Then we announced that Michael will be distributing gifts onstage. I explained to him that there’s a loot bag for the younger kids and another for the older ones and he nodded. The thrill and excitement he gave those children was incredibly touching. It was in between the gift bag distribution that I caught a glimpse of MJ, not as a performer but as a person. It was one in the afternoon. Santa Claus (David Endriga, a friend of fellow PR officer Francis Capistrano) was with us. The heat was scorhing and I was worried that Michael felt so hot with his black long-sleeved signature attire and hat. “Are you alright Michael? We can let you take a break,” I asked. 39

He said, “I’m cool, Gwen. Just imagine how Santa feels inside his velvet suit and beard. We’ll be fine.” I never heard him complain or say a word about how hot it was or how long the line was. He had the most beautiful manners. He didn’t even ask for a drink or a towel to wipe his sweat but one of our banquet staff made sure he got a glass of fresh orange juice. An hour passed and we were halfway through gift-giving when we noticed that the garden was getting filled up. Suddenly, there were people from media, politicians, officials and hotel guests, including those in a wedding reception at the nearby Champagne Room who deserted the newlyweds just to get a glimpse of the King of Pop. “Oh, this isn’t supposed to be, I’m so sorry,” I said. “It’s all right, we’ll get through it,” Michael said, smiling. As we finished giving out the last loot bag to an 11-year-old orphan, a new line of more kids and adults formed. Michael’s bodyguard, Wayne, said. “We can leave now.”Michael replied calmly, “We can’t leave when there are still people in line. It’s Christmas, dude.” I felt my heart beat faster and the hair on my arms and the back of my neck stood up. He wasn’t just the most electrifying performer, but the most generous person.One of the most memorable moments was when a lady came up to him for an autograph. Laughing and holding his tummy, he said “Hey Gwen, you’ve gotta check this out.” He whispered, “It’s a blank check. The lady is making me sign on a blank check.” We laughed hard and little did we know that it wasn’t even half of the comedy. He later showed me and Wayne other stuff people would use or pick up on the ground when they couldn’t find paper for him to sign on. One lady made him sign at the back of her elegant, designer Filipiniana gown. One teenager came up to him holding a dead leaf and another one, a 40

popped balloon. Imagine how our laughter ballooned as well. It was an amazing, genuine experience. At one point he asked if I was going to catch his History concert and I said, “Tomorrow night.” “Oh, you’ll have a blast!” Michael told me. At this point he became concerned about the stage as adults outnumbered the kids. His face had nervousness written all over it but he still didn’t complain. He tapped the wooden floor with his foot several times making sure it was sturdy enough not to fall apart. “I’ve experienced the stage collapse and I just want to make sure we’re all safe here,” he explained. Half of me wanted the line to finish because we were literally melting and worried about our safety, but half of me didn’t, knowing that once the line ended, Michael would leave. At some point it did end. I managed to get an autograph for my sisters and me before our general manager, Clem Pablo, requested him to sing ‘Give Love on Christmas Day’. Cesar Sarino, one of the hotel’s officials, addressed his thank you note to the King of Pop. Then I saw his guards and aides whisking Michael off stage. I said in my mind, “Oh man, I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye.” Suddenly, I saw Michael return on stage and say, “Thanks so much to you and your team, Gwen. This really means a lot.” Then he held me beside him and said, “I’ll see you at the concert.” As Michael Jackson is laid to rest and returned to pristine condition in the afterlife, these two incredible acts of the King of Pop – volunteering for charity and unselfishly spending time with the less fortunate – will forever be the way I will remember this man.

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH MJ IN MANILA

By: Gwen CariÃ±o

My birthday wish for ALL of you is that you continue to love life and never stop dreaming. May beauty and happiness surround you, not only on your special day, but always. Happy Birthday.

Andi Al Qadri Syarif

Elvira Del Biondo

Terri Harris

Edward Anderson, Jr.

Lynda Kelleher

Kathy Choe

YU Wang

Karen Ralph

Charlotte Burney

Gema Rico

Jeanne Marie Decklar

Artis Knox

Kimberly Warner

Aysun Aktaรง

Robert J. Austin

Jessica Montgomery

Nancy Cassidy

Robbie Watson Holmes

Pepper Simone

Jullyana Jackson Cobrir

Julie Noel

Nora Graf

Cynthia Edwards

Elizabeth Olney

Michelle Mary Jackson

Jessi Cee

Barry Friedberg

Denise Majette

Pamela Sherrill Chavez

Mick Dancer Ayari

Isabel Byrnes

Rocky Jackson

Brian Moore

Steven Michael Kennedy

Tyler Clay

Marcel Travers

Rita Barry

Dilma Lowrance

Taaj Malik

Shante Christian

Maryann Cateland

JaMerian Brookins

Monica McNair

Carmen Mauus

Lupe Johnson

Michael Firestone

Karmen Veena

Matilde Beatriz Latini

Irma Jackie

Tiffany Bianca Carter-Tabb 43

Dlw Williams

Dorita Orzaes

Rietha Smith

Veronica Deverger

Evangelia Atzoletaki

Patty Anderson

Daniel Hernandez

Erika Jackson

Angelique Morel

Giuliana Marsico

Jesse Mitchell

Michelle Romano

Roula Aliri

LaVelle Smith Jr.

Stefy de Amicis

Silvia Mj Bufarini

Ashley Landis

Patricia Anderson

Irene Elsharkawy

Ineke Olthuis

Raven Woods

Advait R Sonpethkar

DLisa LiberianGirl

Teresa Meisinger

Divina Lisa

Michael Montgomery

Nรกdia Alves

Street Princeopal

Mekia Brooks

Wilesta Ballard

Merilyn Ramirezcubillo

Ra Shawn Chisolm

Quinta Vince

Happy Birthday

Genevieve Jeremy Jermaine Valencia 44

Cicely Tyson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; daughter of Nevis immigrants â&#x20AC;&#x201C; picked as 2015 Kennedy Center Honors recipient

N.W.A. Joins Quartet of 1970s Hitmakers in Rock Hall

N.W.A. Joins Quartet of 1970s Hitmakers in Rock Hall NEW YORK (AP) — The groundbreaking Los Angeles rap act N.W.A. will join a quartet of 1970s era FM radio rockers — Chicago, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple and Steve Miller — as 2016 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Midwestern favorites Cheap Trick succeeded with a highly-amped version of Beatlesinfluenced melodies on hits “Surrender” and “Dream Police.” Their “Live at Budokan” album is one of rock’s best-known live sets. Guitarist Rick Nielsen and rumpled drummer Bun E. Carlos gave them an indelible live presence.

N.W.A., led by Dr. Dre and Ice Cube, was elected after three unsuccessful nominations in a year when a movie about their career, “Straight Outta Compton,” was a box office hit. Their hard-core tales of life on the street on songs like “F— the Police” made them a provocative chart presence in the late 1980s and influenced an empire of other acts.

The guitar riff for Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” remains one of the most recognizable in rock history. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore was a stalwart in a hard rock act that competed with Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath for the loyalty of metalheads.

Both Miller and Cheap Trick made it during their first year on the ballots.

Before they shortened their name from the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago was known for its jazz-rock fusion. Behind the vocals of Peter Cetera, they had a string of pop hits including “Saturday in the Park,” “25 or 6 to 4,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “Does Anyone Really Know What Time it Is?” More than 800 voters of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation selected the inductees. The influential disco-era band Chic is becom-

The induction ceremony for the Clevelandbased hall will be held April 8 in Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. HBO will televise highlights later in the spring.

ing the Susan Lucci of music, failing to win in-

Guitarist Miller came out of the San Francisco rock scene and became a dependable maker of pop hits like “Take the Money and Run,” “Fly Like an Eagle,” “Jet Airliner” and “Jungle Love.”

Follow David Bauder at twitter.com/dbauder. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/david-bauder

duction in its 10th year as a nominee. Janet Jackson, The Cars, Los Lobos and Yes were among the other nominees rejected.

Read article HERE 46

Cicely Tyson – daughter of Nevis immigrants – picked as 2015 Kennedy Center Honors recipient Cicely Tyson, the daughter of Nevis immigrants who started as fashion model and became an awardwinning actress, was honored on a national stage as a 2015 Kennedy Center Honors recipient.

vision." The center also noted that Tyson won "the triple crown of theater awards: the Tony , Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Actress in a Play" for "The Trip to Bountiful" after a 30-year hiatus from Broadway stage. Miss Tyson returned to the Broadway stage in October of 2015 in “The Gin Game,” which opened at the John Golden Theater and co-stars James Earl Jones. READ ENTIRE ARTICE HERE BY JARED MCCALLISTER

Recognized for her impressive performances in Broadway plays and the groundWALTER MCBRIDE/WIREIMAGE breaking TV specials “Roots,” “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” and the movie “Sounder,” Miss Tyson was in great company for the annual lifetime artistic achievement honors on Dec. 6th which also saluted singer-songwriter Carole King, “Star Wars” filmmaker George Lucas, actress and singer Rita Moreno, musical conductor Seiji Ozawa, and members of The Eagles rock band. The awards event was broadcast on Dec. 29th on CBS.

As a special salute to Miss Tyson Cece Winans, along with the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing & Fine Arts, song one of Miss Tyson’s favorite songs “Blessed Assurance” and it seems everyone in the audience cried including Miss Tyson. Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts

Tyson was born in Harlem to immigrants from Nevis. Her father was among the “huddled masses” that came to America through Ellis Island. After becoming a successful fashion model, she performed in OffBroadway productions and was eventually cast in the movie “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” in 1968. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1972 film Sounder and won acclaim – and two Emmy Awards for her portrayal as a 110-year-old former slave in “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman,” a 1974 CBS TV movie. In 2013, she won the award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for "The Trip to Bountiful."

was featured in INSIDE JERSEY 2014 Best High Schools for Performing Arts. Click on the Facebook image to view entire performance. A late congrats to Miss Tyson.

The Kennedy Center acknowledged the "actress, advocate, and humanitarian" for “her portrayals of strong female characters on stage, screen, and tele47

About Kennedy Center Honors The Kennedy Center Honors is an annual honor given to those in the performing arts for their lifetime of contributions to American culture (though recipients do not need to be U.S. citizens). The Honors have been presented annually since 1978, culminating each December in a star-studded gala celebrating the Honorees in the Kennedy Center Opera House. George Stevens, Jr. created the Kennedy Center Honors with the late Nick Vanoff, and produced the first gala in 1978. He was the producer and co-writer through the 2014 awards, after which he sold the production rights to new producers. The Kennedy Center Honors started in 1977, after that year's 10th-anniversary White House reception and Kennedy Center program for the American Film Institute (AFI). Roger L. Stevens, the founding chairman of the Kennedy Center, asked George Stevens, Jr., (no relation), the founding director of the AFI, to hold an event for the Center. George Stevens asked Isaac Stern to become involved, and then "pitched" the idea to the television network CBS, who "bought it." With the announcement of the first honors event and honorees, CBS vice president for specials Bernie Sofronski stated: "George [Stevens] came to us with this. What turned us on is that this is the only show of its kind. In Europe and most countries, they have ways of honoring their actors and their athletes. England has its command performances for the queen. We see this as a national honoring of people who have contributed to society, not someone who happens to have a pop record hit at the moment...Our intention is not to do just another award show. We're going to make an effort in terms of a real special The first host was Leonard Bernstein in 1978, followed by Eric Sevareid in 1979 and Beverly Sills in 1980. Walter Cronkite hosted from 1981 to 2002, and Caroline Kennedy hosted from 2003 until 2012. Glenn Close was host in 2013 and Stephen Colbert hosted in 2014 and 2015.[5] Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment were selected as Executive Producers of the 38th annual Kennedy Center Honors (2015) after George Stevens, Jr. stepped down. [6] This is one of the few awards shows that does not air live (with the exception of closed-circuit venues), but a re-edited 92-minute version generally airs on CBS after the Christmas holiday.

Selection process Honoree recommendations are accepted from the general public,[7] and the Kennedy Center initiated a Special Honors Advisory Committee, which comprises two members of the Board of Trustees as well as past Honorees and distinguished artists. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees selects the Honoree recipients based on excellence in music, dance, theater, opera, motion pictures, or television. The invitation-only weekend-long ceremony includes the Chairman's Luncheon, State Department dinner, White House reception and the Honors gala performances and supper. Surrounded by the Honorees, the luncheon is held on Saturday at the Kennedy Center, with a welcoming speech by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. At that evening's reception and dinner at the State Department, presided over by the Secretary of State, the Honorees are introduced and the Honors medallions are presented by the Chairman of the Board.[8] On Sunday, there is an early-evening White House reception[9] hosted by the President of the United States and the First Lady, followed by the Honors gala performance at the Kennedy Center and supper. For the 2015 gala performance, President Barack Obama did attend, after addressing the nation in a live telecast. [10] There have been two occasions where the President did not attend the gala performances: President Jimmy Carter did not attend the December 1979 gala performance during the hostage crisis,[11] and President Bill Clinton did not attend in 1994.[12][13] READ MORE ON THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

YOUTH CHILDREN EDUCATION

Black 8th Grader: 2015-16 Texan Spelling Bee Champion The Spelling Bee championships are a big deal in this country! Kids from all over the state fight against each other to rule supreme and show their smarts. Honestly they amaze me, their brains are fine tuned and as funny as it can sometimes be you have to respect these little brain powerhouses and what they can do. So, we want to celebrate a young man by the name of Kory Terrell who attends Davila Middle School in Bryan ISD. He is the 2015-16 Texan Spelling Bee Champion according to a post by his school (http://on.fb.me/1I3lHbZ). We can’t find many more details yet but we can only assume it means the 8th grader will be heading to the Scripps National Championship to show his stuff and maybe even take the top prize! These stories of young black men and women pushing ahead and doing so well are inspiring for the community and need to be spread far and wide. Just as a side note… If you are interested why it’s called a spelling bee, here is what the organizations site says! The word bee, as used in spelling bee, is one of those language puzzles that has never been satisfactorily accounted for. A fairly old and widely-used word, it refers to a community social 50

gathering at which friends and neighbors join together in a single activity (sewing, quilting, barn raising, etc.) usually to help one person or family. The earliest known example in print is a spinning bee, in 1769. Other early occurrences are husking bee (1816), apple bee (1827), and logging bee (1836). Spelling bee is apparently an American term. It first appeared in print in 1875, but it seems certain that the word was used orally for several years before that. (http://urbanintellectuals.com/) Were you ever a champion? Are your kids spelling whizzes? ARTHUR DAVILA L. MIDDLE SCHOOL serves approximately 660 students in grades 6th through 8th. Not only are we striving to provide an excellent education for these students, we also offer a wide range of activities to meet their numerous interests. The dedicated faculty and staff of Davila Middle School, in partnership with the community of Bryan, will achieve our mission to provide positive education experiences that ensure high school graduation and post-secondary success for every student.

Principal Shannon McGeHee welcome you to tour the school facilities and visit the Davila website for current information about activities occurring on campus. You can even look us up on Facebook! 51

The Superintendent Who Turned Around A School District Tiffany Anderson from the schools, she says. And health care: "If a child breaks an arm, come to school, we have a pediatrician there," Anderson says. Students who would otherwise have had to travel long distances to see a doctor can now stay in school. Through a partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, a clinic opened in Jennings Senior High School this year. In addition to medical care, the clinic offers "mental health counseling, case management and wellness education," according to the university. The newest effort is Hope House, which opened in November. The school office building was vacant, and "I don't think schools should sit vacant," Anderson says, so they refurbished the house. The foster home now houses at least eight children, with foster parents from the community, according to the school district. One house resident, formerly homeless 17-year-old Gwen McDile, told The Washington Post that since she's moved in, "I've eaten more in the last two weeks than I've eaten in the last two years."

Tiffany Anderson is credited with turning around the school system in Jennings, Mo. Bill MacDonald/Courtesy of Tiffany Anderson We often hear about school districts that struggle with high poverty, low test scores and budget problems. But one district has faced all of these and achieved remarkable results. In just over three years, Superintendent Tiffany Anderson, who oversees the Jennings School District in Jennings, a small city just outside St. Louis, has led a dramatic turnaround in one of the worst-performing systems in Missouri.

There's more: washers and dryers in schools, free to use in exchange for one hour of volunteering; free groceries at parentteacher organization meetings; parenting classes.

Anderson has embraced a holistic approach to solving the problems of low-performing students by focusing on poverty above all else, and using the tools of the school district to alleviate the barriers poverty creates.

In addition to her efforts to remove barriers to students and families, Anderson wants teachers to think differently about how they approach problems in the classroom. Anderson says training in dismantling racism is one of the first trainings for teachers in districts where she has worked. There's also equity training. She recently placed many teachers in poverty for a week in a simulation. And all staff in the school district will soon have training to deal with trauma and how to defuse tense situations.

"We serve the whole child," Anderson tells NPR's Michel Martin. "The leverage point for me is the school system." The school district of 3,000 students has taken unprecedented steps, like opening a food pantry to give away food, a shelter for homeless students and a health clinic. "My purpose is to remove the challenges that poverty creates," she says. "You cannot expect children to learn at a high level if they come in hungry and tired."

Part of the funding for these efforts comes from donations from Jennings residents and many local businesses. But for programs like these to continue, "we're going to have to have buy-in from a lot of people, inside and outside of Jennings," Anderson says.

That unconventional approach has had big results. When Anderson took over in 2012, the school district was close to losing accreditation. Jennings had a score of 57 percent on state educational standards. A district loses accreditation if that score goes below 50 percent.

The district still has a lot to improve upon. As the Post noted, "just 36 percent of the graduates in 2015 scored high enough on the ACT, SAT or similar tests to meet Missouri's definition of 'college and career ready.' " But Anderson largely ruminates on the positive, of what can be done, rather than the roadblocks along the way.

Two years later, that score was up to 78 percent, and in the past year rose again to 81 percent, Anderson says. She points to a 92 percent four-year graduation rate, and a 100 percent college and career-placement rate.

In 2016, she's weighing the possibility of adding dental care to the services in schools, while continuing to grow and improve existing programs and academic performance.

Anderson is quick to give credit to the entire community for the improvement. "No one person can do this," she says. "The staff, the teachers, the board ... have worked together collectively to demonstrate that our kids can exceed at very high levels."

"In Jennings we changed how we served people. We see ourselves in their shoes. What happens to them matters because what happens to them affects me," Anderson says. "That's a whole different way of thinking, and inspires people to do more."

Anderson talks of "removing barriers" like the barrier of hunger. The district has a food pantry that gives out 8,000 pounds of food each month. Between 200 and 400 families are getting food

READ STORY HERE by NPR Staff

HUMANITARIAN PROJECTS

Stranger Helps Evicted 90-Year-Old Veteran Buy Back Home in Time for Holidays

A WWII Navy veteran who was evicted from his home will be spending the holidays in his house again thanks to a stranger who rallied the community to help him buy it back.

Elwood, 41, who said he felt an emotional connection to the story, decided to start a crowdfunding page to get Hodges out of the temporary apartment he was living in and back into his home. After Yahoo Real Estate covered the story in October, readers rallied behind the vet and the fundraising goal was met within hours.

"I'm very happy to be back...and spend Christmas with my family in my home," Johnnie Hodges Sr., 90, of Buffalo, New York, told ABC News. There's nothing like being with your family. This is a beautiful home I have and it really is a pleasure to be here."

The donations reached over $110,000 in five months, to Elwood's surprise.

Hodges' daughter, Robin Hodges, said both her parents lived in their house for almost 60 years but prior to her mother Flora's death on July 11, 2014, Hodges stopped making his monthly mortgage payments and faced eviction.

"Our original goal was $50,000, that was the amount that Robin needed to purchase the home back," Elwood told ABC News. "It's just a wonderful feeling to know that he'll be back in that home to be able to celebrate the holidays with the family. He has a lot of memories in that home. It's very clear he was close with his late wife Flora and I just feel good knowing that he's at peace.

"I can't say he wasn’t able to make the payments," Robin said. "He was focused on taking care of my mother with Alzheimer's and he never told me [about the missed payments], he never told my brother." On July 9, 2015, Robin said the bank officially evicted her dad for non-payment of his second mortgage. "He refused to leave," she said. "He told the police to put the handcuffs on him and they wouldn’t do it, so they called the paramedics." Robin said her father was brought to a VA hospital in Buffalo for evaluation, where he was released later that day.

Last month, Hodges and Robin met Elwood face-to-face on Hodges' front porch during a "Welcome Home" party thrown by locals.

"As long as they didn't try to hurt him, just as long as my dad was OK I was fine," Robin said. "That’s his house. He just did not feel like he should leave. He's 90 years old. It's been his house for almost 60 years where he my mom and him had so many memories."

"I can't say enough about Greg," Robin said. "From day one he's had a heart of gold. He just wanted to help and it touched so many people."

Prior to his eviction, an article about Hodges' ran in the local news, which was seen by a stranger named Greg Elwood of Williamsville, New York.

Robin said she, her father and her three children will be sharing the holidays with Elwood and his family. 54

As for Hodges, he said he is overjoyed to be back living in his house that he loves so much. "I feel really good about the donations that everybody gave," Hodges said. "I'm always happy when I'm in my home. I walk around, sit on my porch when it’s a nice day and I enjoy the nice weather and my friends will come by...there's no place like home." READ ARTICLE HERE by NICOLE PELLETIERE December 3, 2015 Good Morning America

Celeb Who Use His Power for Good Jackie Chan Actor/director/producer Jackie Chan grew up poor in Hong Kong but transformed himself from a stuntman/fighter to an unlikely leading man. His unique blend of masterful martial arts and screwball physical comedy has helped make him an international film star.

Now one of Asia’s premier philanthropists, Chan announced in 2011 that he would donate half of his assets to charity when he dies. Chan says he always regretted his lack of a formal education, so he launched the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation in 1988, which gives scholarships and other assistance to young people. Its services have expanded to include medical services, help for the poor and quick responses to natural disasters. In 2004, Chan inaugurated the Dragon’s Heart Foundation, which builds schools and helps children and the elderly in remote parts of China. To insure its success, he enlists kids from around the world to contribute. He matches all of the funds—and keeps all of their letters. After China’s Sichuan earthquake in 2008, he donated more than $1.3 million to relief efforts. This summer, he visited Nepal, giving out Red Cross aid in Kathmandu’s Lalitpur district in an effort to keep the earthquake that devastated the region in the spotlight. In the wake of two deadly explosions in Tianjin, China that killed more than 100 people last week, Chan has already pledged more than a half a million dollars to the rescue efforts and publicly praised the firefighters. http://www.biography.com/news/celebrity-humanitarians

The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind®mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.

CHILDREN’S DEFENSE MISSION The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind®mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. CDF provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown. CDF began in 1973 and is a private, nonprofit organization supported by individual donations, foundation, corporate and government grants. 56

HISTORY OF THE FUND

WHAT THEY DO The Children's Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for more than 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. We champion policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. We are a national organization with the capacity to work for children at federal, state and community levels across the country. We have our headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices in California, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. Through these offices, we expand our work into North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, Louisiana and New Jersey. CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, Tenn., is our home for spiritual renewal, character and leadership development, intergenerational mentoring, and interracial and interfaith dialog about children's issues. 57

The Children's Defense Fund grew out of the Civil Rights Movement under the leadership of Marian Wright Edelman. The first Black woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, Mrs. Edelman directed the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund office in Jackson, Miss.; worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as counsel for his Poor People's Campaign; and dedicated her early career to defending the civil liberties of people struggling to overcome poverty and discrimination. In 1969, Mrs. Edelman began the Washington Research Project, a public interest law firm that monitored federal programs for low-income families and, out of that initiative, she founded the Children's Defense Fund in 1973. From our inception, the Children's Defense Fund has challenged the United States to raise its standards by

improving policies and programs for children. Over the years, we have become known for careful research on childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s survival, protection and development in all racial and income groups and for independent analyses of how federal and state policies affect children, their families and their communities. We let the public know how effectively their elected officials stand up for children. Through this work, we have influenced the child policy agenda and helped define the results for which we, as a nation, should strive.

For decades, we have partnered with numerous organizations and worked with policy makers to build bipartisan support to enact laws that have helped millions of children fulfill their potential and escape poverty because they received the health care, child care, nurturing, proper nutrition and education they deserve.

Yet, in the wealthiest nation on earth, millions of children still do not get the head start in life they need and the opportunities to fulfill their God-given potential. That is why we must continue to be a loud and persistent voice for every child. Today, over fifteen million children in rich America live in poverty. More than 20 percent of children under age five are poor, including more than 40 percent of Black children and 35 percent of Hispanic children. The best hope these children have of lifting themselves out of poverty is a quality education. Yet for far too long, the most vulnerable children in America have been denied this opportunity. Inequities in educational funding, resources and opportunities have placed poor and minority children in low-performing schools with inadequate facilities and ineffective teachers. Together we can help guarantee that all children have access to high-quality early childhood development and learning opportunities. Call Congress and tell them to support the Strong Start for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Children Act.

CHILDREN'S DEFENSE FUND PROGRAMS For more than 40 years, CDF has worked closely with state and local child advocates as well as national and state organizations serving children to level the playing field for children through a variety of programs and initiatives. CDF has worked to educate the public on our children at risk and provide them with the necessary tools to apply pressure to the political establishment to improve the lives of children. Current programs build upon this long legacy of success by empowering communities and advocates to create the change our children urgently need.

CDF BEAT THE ODDS® PROGRAM The CDF Beat the Odds program honors outstanding high schools students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and given back to their communities. Started in 1990, the program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. CDF holds five high-profile awards events to send a clear signal that someone does care and understand what it takes to stay in school and do well while coping with adversity in their

personal

lives.

The

program

held

each

year

California,

Washington,

D.C., Texas, Minnesota, New York, and Ohio. Not only do these awards events celebrate the scholarship recipients, they demonstrate that behind each successful child is at least one caring adult. They also are meant to inspire community leaders and citizens who want to help children struggling to overcome adversity. CDF encourages you to attend one of these events and learn more about how you can help support outstanding high school students.

CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS® PROGRAM The CDF Freedom Schools® program seeks to build strong, literate, and empowered children prepared to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, nation and world today. By providing summer and after-school reading enrichment for children who might otherwise not have access to books, the CDF Freedom Schools program plays a much needed role in helping to curb summer learning loss and close achievement gaps – and is a key part of CDF’s work to ensure a level playing field for all children. In partnership with local congregations, schools, colleges and universities, community organizations, and secure juvenile justice facilities the CDF Freedom Schools program boosts student motivation to read, generates more positive attitudes toward learning, increases self-esteem and connects the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities. Since 1995, more than 125,000 preK-12 children have had a CDF Freedom Schools experience and more than 15,000 college students and recent graduates have been trained by CDF to deliver this empowering model. 59

The CDF Freedom Schools model incorporates the totality of the Children's Defense Fund's mission by fostering environments that support children and young adults to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference Site coordinators and project directors are also trained by CDF to provide supervision and administrative oversight.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT & LEADERSHIP

Policy in action is a distinguishing CDF characteristic. Through nationwide initiatives and communitybased programs, we plant the seeds to develop the next generation of servant-leaders who will continue to reweave the fabric of community for children and youth. Our vision is to create a successor generation of servant-leaders who will drive community and national transformations and inspire and make long-term improvements for children.

FAITH BASED ACTION

For more than 20 years, CDF has worked closely with national religious leaders and organizations, state and regional bodies, and local congregations, leaders, and lay people. Religious people and organizations—with millions of members, deep roots in communities across the country, a history of caring for children, and moral authority—are indispensable to building a successful Leave No Child Behind® movement. 60

In October 1993 Michael Jackson donated $100,000 to the Children’s Defense Fund, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the Atlanta Project, and the Boys and Girl Clubs of Newark, New Jersey. What about you?

TAKE ACTION! Join dedicated child advocates across the country and speak up and speak out to champion policies and programs that lift America’s children out of poverty, protect them from abuse and neglect, and ensure their access to healthcare, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Together our voices will make a difference to ensure every child a healthy start, a head start, a fair start, asafe start and a moral start in life and successful passage to adulthood.

http://www.childrensdefense.org/take-action/

GoFundMe Projects EDWARD B HARRIS FUNERAL FUND Fundraising page created January 1, 2016 by Dilma Lowrance On be half of the loving Harris Family of Baltimore Maryland . Edward B. Harris passed away on December 27, 2015 from a heart condition. He leaves his wife of 47 years Deloris and 3 children Yvette, Ronald and Angenette. Edward was a very hard worker in his home town of Baltimore and very involved with several churches. Edward worked at Saint Ann Catholic Church for 12 years and after he retired from there, he worked at other places. He helped the homeless people as well as many senior citizens to move and gave financial assistance to many people. He later did home improvement work for people who owned homes and also did work for 2 churches, Gethsemane Baptist Church and New Covenant Tabernacle, including the pastorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home. . Mr. Harris worked at Francian Center later in life. Edward was a jack-of-all-trade. He would do everything and anything for those that were in need

Now this family is asking for some help to give Edward, beloved husband, father, brother and friend, a proper burial. Please support the Harris family by giving a donation of whatever amount you are able to afford. May Edward Harris rest in peace. Share the love that he gave to so many. Please donate the money to: March Funeral Home http://www.marchfh.com/obituaries/Edward-Harris-7/#!/Obituary 1101 East North Avenue Baltimore, MD 21202 410- 727-3300 or 1-888-727-3349

May God bless you and thank you. ~ The Harris family ~

GoFundMe Page https://www.gofundme.com/2pguzmfq

SNAPSHOTS 63

Michael Jackson and Leslie Uggam Friday December 8, 1978 CBS TV Special 64

Michael, Tito and Deloris

http://images5.fanpop.com/image/ photos/27300000/Sylvie-Merry-Christmas-michaeljackson-27344856-397-524.jpg

http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33100000/MERRYCHRISTMAS-MICHAEL-michael-jackson-33141345-1200-1080.jpg

Linda Dee

Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Area near MJ Memorial Bench

Linda Dee & Randi Nelson MJ Memorial Bench 66

Marlon, Michael and Tito Jackson pictured with Natalie Cole

Broderick Morris & Michael Jackson

Pictured from left to right: Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Jack Nicholson

http://belovedmichaeljackson.blog.onet.pl/ files/2012/12/Michael -Jackson-christmaslove64945285309.jpeg

FLOWERS FOR MICHAEL

From Hong Kong and Taiwan Fan-mily

SPIRITUAL DEVOTIONS

Call for Love Sparkles ~Diana Foley~

Call for Love December 20, 2015

Sparkles They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. (Zech. 9:16, NIV) This time of year, we are surrounded by sparkling lights. I love to watch them as they blink and flicker. When I was a very little girl, I was a majorette. The mothers of the members of our drumand- bugle corps made our uniforms. We always looked classy, and won many prizes when we marched in parades. I really loved the majorettes from other groups, though. I thought they were simply beautiful in their uniforms which were full of sequins: I loved the sparkles. But I was told that kind of uniform wasn’t for me. To this day, I don’t know why, but it probably had something to do with expense. Our organization operated on a shoestring budget, and in fact was fairly dependent on all that prize money. It’s funny how we take our parents’ messages to heart. Until the late ‘90’s, I never owned a piece of clothing with sparkles. Sparkles weren’t for me. It has come to my attention that little girls like sparkles. So among their gifts for Christmas, I gave my great-nieces glitter ink pens. I’m not sure I knew there was such a thing, but as I traversed the store looking to spend the rest of my allotted budget, I began to ask myself whether it was OK for me to buy a set of those glitter pens for myself. Michael has taught me many things. Among the lessons I have learned is to appreciate the sparkle, the glitz, the glitter. It says something. Sequins and glitter reflect light and motion. The subtle flicker of light given off by sequins always seems happy. But more than that: I think there is a message in the sparkles. They show me how beautiful it is to reflect light. And that we are beautiful when we are like them, reflecting light for the rest of the world to see. Our Christmas cards went out, signed with love in glitter ink. Maybe it will make someone smile. And maybe they will appreciate the light.

~ Diana Foley ~

Spark Background

http://static.brusheezy.com/system/resources/previews/000/001/131/ 77

Poetry

TODAY Outside my window, a new day I see, And only I can determine What kind of day it will be.

I can be busy and sunny, laughing and gay, Or boring and cold, unhappy and grey, My own state of mind is the determining key, For I am only the person I let myself be. I can be thoughtful and do all I can to help, The Woman....................

Or be selfish and think just of myself.

My face is a mask. The only thing I own

I can enjoy what I do and make it seem fun,

is the woman beneath it. The woman

Or gripe and complain and make it hard on someone.

who silently screams for someone to come and save me from myself. The woman whose tears are like acid; they

I can be patient with those who may not understand

burn deep enough to melt my heart. The

Or belittle and hurt them as much as I can.

woman who uses every fiber in her being

But I have faith in myself, and believe what I say

not to harm herself. The woman who

prays

constantly

for

strength.

The

And I personally intend to make the best of each day.

woman who hides behind closed doors because the world is so cruel and judgmental. The woman whose life is like

~ Janise Bullard ~

a field of grass. Nobody minds if it's cut short.

~ Dilma Lowrance ~ 79

MJ CARTOON Jeannette Fuller

“SHOUT IT OUT”: CORRINE MONTORFANI

SHOULD CENSORSHIP IN MUSIC EVEN EXIST? 81

The idea of censoring is repressive. Society moves forward thanks to controversial ideas, and censoring only inhibits this and leads to unrest. Although there are a lot of things in music/media that many people would argue are inappropriate for children, censorship really isn't helping anyone. How can a government think that they can silence what a person feels and believes? How can the government silence the emotions that the musician is expressing through music? Another reason why we should not have music censorship is because is that it makes people aware of what is going on in the world. It opens ideas, and brings a whole new meaning to “art”. Music brings people together whether it’s rap, rock, the blues or any other genre that might contain profane words within songs, because its art. Through certain types of songs and lyrics many people might gain a sense of understanding towards one race or another’s way of living. An example is children from the suburbs gain a sense of what life is like for some people ( especially minorities) growing up in an urban area through rap music. Within the First Amendment the phrase “ freedom of speech” goes hand in hand with music. So why do governments and some parents still have a great concern for censoring the music that their children listen to? It is a learning process. Also, censorship in music is really hurting the artists. They choose music to express themselves and censorship doesn't allow them to do that. Music is a free expression of the ideas, traditions and emotions of individuals and of peoples. It may express musicians’ hopes and aspirations, their joys and sorrows, their very identity as a culture. Yet these expressions may conflict with those of people in power. The ideas themselves may simply be unpopular or outside the current thinking or practices of a regime or special interest group. For there are those the world over who are threatened by the very nature of a free exchange of ideas. There are those who will stop at nothing to stifle them. 82

HERE A RIDICULOUS LIST OF SOME BANNED

SONGS IN MUSIC AND THE RELEVANT REASONS.

1954 Rock and Roll had just been born when Michigan congresswoman Ruth Thompson introduced a bill in the House that would prohibit mailing any pornographic recording. The offence would be punishable by five years imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. Just who would decide what is pornographic, is unclear. Britain's BBC bans the song "Such a Night" by Johnny Ray after listeners complain about its 'suggestiveness'. 1955 Police in Bridgeport, Connecticut cancel a dance at the Ritz ballroom featuring Fats Domino. Authorities say the cancellation is because they discovered that "rock and roll dances might be featured" and justify their action by citing "a recent near riot at the New Haven Arena," where rock & roll dances were featured. 1956 ABC radio decides not to play Billie Holiday's "Love For Sale" because the lyrics are about prostitution. They were also successful in getting Cole Porter to change the lyric of "I Get A Kick Out Of You", a hit for Frank Sinatra. Porter's original words were "I get no kick from cocaine". The cleaned up version was "I get perfume from Spain". Mitch Miller, who was then the music director of Columbia Records, hosts a program on CBS TV with two psychiatrists to point out the "potentially negative effects of rock 'n' roll on teenagers". 1957 Ed Sullivan's producers decide that their cameras would only shoot Elvis Presley from the waist up, as they considered his hip swinging to be too suggestive. 83

Disc Jockey Al Priddy of KEX, Portland, Oregon is fired for violating the radio station's ban against playing Elvis Presley's rendition of "White Christmas". After hearing reports that many U.S. radio stations had banned Elvis' Christmas album because of their shock over "the Pelvis" singing religious songs, DJ Allen Brooks of CKWS in Kingston, Ontario, plays the entire album and invites listeners to call in their opinion. Of 800 callers, only 56 disapprove of Presley's sacred music.

1958 A Minneapolis based Catholic youth magazine, "Contacts", launches a campaign for "clean lyrics in pop songs." Songs they target include Elvis Presley's "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" because it promotes going steady.

1963

Bob Dylan cancels a booking on the Ed Sullivan Show in February after he is told by the show's producers that he cannot sing "Talking John Birch Paranoid Blues." 1964

1959 Even though it has no lyrics what so ever, the guitar instrumental "Rumble", by Link Wray was banned by many U.S. radio stations, who feared the title would promote teen violence. Despite the boycott, the song would still sell over a million copies and Link would follow it with a tune called "Jack The Ripper".

The Kingsmen's version of "Louie, Louie" is the subject of much controversy and was banned from sales and airplay in Indiana because of its indecipherable lyrics, which were rumored to contain some naughty words. The Kingsmen have always maintained they sang nothing lewd, despite an off-mic shout after a mistake at the end of the instrumental, where Jack Ely started to sing the last verse one bar too soon. England's The Pretty Things saw their second release "Don't Bring Me Down" become a top ten hit in Britain but it was banned in America for its "objectionable lyrics": I met this chick the other day; And then to me, she said she'll stay; I get this pad, just like a cave; And then we'll have, our living made; And then I'll lead her on the ground; My head is spinning round.

1960 Ray Peterson's, "Tell Laura I Love Her" is banned from many radio stations who objected to the "death theme" of the song. In spite of spotty air play, the song is still a huge hit for RCA, reaching #7 on the national record charts in August, 1960. On the other side of the Atlantic however, England's Decca Records destroyed thousands of copies of the record, claiming it was "in bad taste". A rival record company felt differently and recorded a cover version by a singer named Ricky Valance, which went to #1 on the British chart.

1965 The Shangri-Las' "Leader of the Pack" was banned by ABCTV and Rediffusion-TV in the UK because it glorified motorcycle gangs. Despite the ban, the song still reached #1 in the US and charted four times in the UK between 1965 and 1976, peaking at number 3 in 1972 (by which time the BBC ban had been lifted). The Rolling Stones early hit, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction", is taken off of many radio station's

1961 Britains' BBC Radio bans the song "100 Pounds of Clay" by Gene McDaniels because it has a reference to women being created from building materials, which the network considered to be blasphemous. 1962 After refusing to sign an oath that says they have never been members of the Communist party, the popular folk group The Weavers are removed from the line-up of NBC-TV's Jack Parr Show. 84

play lists, after they receive complaints about the "sexually suggestive lyrics". Jimi Hendrix's single "How Would You Feel" is given little airplay on radio because of the song deals with the plight of blacks in America. After Frank Zappa refuses to change it, MGM Records electronically alters the recording of his song, "Money", because it contains a sexual reference.

The Byrds "Eight Miles High" was banned by many US radio stations because programers thought the word "high" was a drug reference. The band claimed it was inspired by an airplane flight where singer Gene Clark asked guitarist Roger McGuinn how high up they were. McGuinn told him 6 miles. Clark later said that when he wrote the song, he changed the 6 to 8 because the Beatles had "Eight Days A Week" on the charts.

1966

1967 The BBC bans the Beatles' "A Day In The Life" from its airwaves, claiming it contained explicit drug references. Because of its vague reference to masturbation, many radio stations ban The Who's single "Pictures of Lily". Sonny & Cher are barred from Pasadena, California's Tournament of Roses Parade for supporting some Sunset Strip rioters. Radio programmers refuse to air Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" because the lyrics refer to premarital sex and teenage pregnancy. Morrison records an alternative version with more acceptable lyrics and the song becomes his first solo hit in the U.S. "Society's Child" by Janis Ian is banned by some US radio stations because the lyrics refered to interracial dating. Many other stations felt differently and the song rose to #14 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Some retailers refused to stock The Mamas and Papas album "If You Can Believe Your Eyes And Ears" because photo on the front cover showed the group laying together in a bath tub with a toilet in the corner. The picture was quickly altered to include a printed banner covering the toilet which says "Includes California Dreaming".The first of many controversies that John Lennon would be involved in started in March of 1966, when he told a reporter that "the way (some fans) carry on, it's like we're more popular than Jesus Christ". Thousands of Beatle records are smashed and burned at rallies across America and some radio stations refuse to play their music. Lennon would later apologise, claiming that he was mis-quoted. Van Morrison's group, "Them" had their song "Gloria" banned by Chicago radio station WLS for objectionable lyrics. The song was covered by Chicago's "The Shadows Of Knight", who took the song into the national Top Ten after changing the words slightly, from "she comes to my room, just about midnight" to "she comes around here, just about midnight."

1968 Chicago mayor Richard Daley ordered local radio stations to not play the Rolling Stones' single "Street Fighting Man" during the National Democratic Convention in anticipation of the rioting that did occur during the convention. The ban gave the song huge publicity, air play and sales. In November, the UK book and record chain W.H. Smiths refused to display The Jimi Hendrix Experience album "Electric Ladyland" due to the 85

naked girls featured on the sleeve. The album was later made available as two albums with changed artwork.

issue two different covers, although the 'clean' version doesn't sell nearly as well. For a time, "Come Together" by The Beatles was banned by the BBC, as they believed the song's reference to "shoot[ing] Coca-Cola" could be construed as a cocaine reference.

1969 The Doors Jim Morrison is arrested for indecent exposure after he asks the audience, "Do you wanna see my cock?" and gives them the full Monty, during a Miami concert. 30,000 copies of John Lennon and Yoko Ono's album, "Two Virgins" are seized by Newark police when the records arrive at the airport. The vice squad

1970 Fearing more violence following the shooting deaths of students at Kent State University, Ohio Governor James Rhodes orders radio stations to ban the song "Ohio" by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. The ban made the record more popular than ever and sales grew stronger. No further violence was reported. Jefferson Airplane is fined $1,000 for onstage profanity in Oklahoma City. Janis Joplin is convicted of violating local obscenity laws during a performance in Tampa, Florida. She was fined $200. Two days after Jimi Hendrix played his feedback filled version of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Atlanta Pop Festival, Georgia Governor Lester Maddox says he will seek legislation to ban all rock festivals in the state.

shuts down a retailer carrying the album, which shows the couple naked on the cover. Concern over political and drug references in songs by the Jefferson Airplane cause their record label to delay release of their Volunteers album. The band solves the dilemma by leaving the record label and forming their own. Despite its status as the number one selling single in the country, many U.S. radio stations refuse to play "The Ballad of John and Yoko", because the song's lyrics contain references to Christ and the Crucifixion. ("Christ, you know it ain't easy") Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ric Grech and Ginger Baker saw their debut album, "Blind Faith" banned by several retailers because the cover showed a naked 11 year old girl. Atco Records was forced to

1971 Frank Zappa's January concert at London's Royal Albert Hall is cancelled because of obscene lyrics in the score of "200 Motels". Officials in Illinois release a list of popular music that contain drug references. The list includes the popular children's song "Puff The Magic Dragon" by Peter, Paul and Mary, as well as The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine". The cover of Alice Cooper's album "Love It To Death", which showed a picture of the group with a stray thumb that some thought resembled a penis, is recalled and the offending digit is air brushed away. 1972 86

Radio stations across the country ban John Denver's hit song "Rocky Mountain High," fearing that the song's "high" refers to drugs. In early February, Chuck Berry achieved his first UK #1 single with a live recording of "My Dinga-Ling", a song that morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse had unsuccessfully attempted to have banned. On February 19th, Paul McCartney releases "Give Ireland Back to the Irish," his commentary about the Britain-Ireland conflict. The song is immediately banned by the BBC, but the notoriety the song receives from the banning only increases its popularity in England, and it soars into the Top Twenty. In mid-April, one of John Lennon's most controversial singles, "Woman Is the Nigger Of The World" is released. The song actually reaches #57 on Billboard's Hot 100, despite virtually every radio station in the country refusing to play it. In November, Paul McCartney's Wings release "Hi, Hi, Hi" which is banned from the BBC because of its "unsuitable lyrics." The song still managed to be a hit, reaching #5 in the UK and #10 in the US early the next year.

1973

While Curtis Mayfield is lip-synching a performance of his hit "Pusherman" for television's Soul Train, he learns that the show's producers have edited the song to delete drug references. The Rolling Stones single "Star Star", from the "Goat's Head Soup" album, was banned from airplay on England's BBC because it contained the word "Star-fucker" in the chorus. It's not just sung once, but the word is repeated a dozen times. 1974 Three Dog Night tried pushing the envelope again with the cover of their L.P. "Hard Labor", which showed a female creature giving birth to a record album. To keep retailers happy, the center of the picture was later covered by a large file folder. 1975 Loretta Lynn's country song, "The Pill" is banned by radio stations across the United States because of its references to birth control. Reverend Charles Boykin of Tallahassee, Florida, conducts his own survey of 1,000 unwed mothers and determines that 984 became pregnant while listening to rock music. The rest apparently were having sex. A song called "Cortez the Killer" by Neil Young and Crazy Horse is banned in Spain. The tune is about Hernâ&#x20AC;Ąn Cortez, the Spanish conqueror of the Aztec Empire who is regarded as a hero in Spain. 87

1976

reports with a blank line where the title should be. Lou Reed was banned from appearing at The London Palladium because of his punk image.

Rod Stewart's hit "Tonight's The Night" is removed from RKO radio play lists until the lyric "spread your wings and let me come inside" is edited from the song. Following a series of arrests and incidents in the U.K., the Sex Pistols have trouble obtaining work permits to tour in the United States, because officials thought the band's music lacked artistic value. The group was eventually allowed to briefly tour the U.S.

1978 The staff at England's EMI record pressing plant refused to press copies of The Buzzcocks forthcoming release "What Do I Get" because of the title of the B -side track, "Oh Shit".

1979 The New Wave band, Blondie was forced to replace some of the words to their number one hit "Heart Of Glass" to gain airplay on US Top 40 radio. The words "Once I had a love and it was a gas / Soon found out, I had a heart of glass" were inserted over top of the original words "Once I had a love and it was a gas / Soon turned out to be a pain in the ass" .

1977 According to the Reverend Jesse Jackson, disco music promotes promiscuity and drug use and he calls for its removal from U.S. radio stations. This is the same Jesse Jackson who admitted in January, 2001 that he fathered a child out of wedlock, behind the back of his wife of 38 years and their five children.

1980 Pink Floyd's hit single "Another Brick In The Wall (Part II)", with its chorus of kids chanting "We Don't Need No Education". is banned by the South African government. Black children, upset about inferior education, adopt the song as their anthem. The government says the song is "prejudicial to the safety of the state." 1981 Olivia Newton John's hit "Physical" is banned from radio stations in Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah because its

Jefferson Starship was prevented from staging a free concert in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, because of a city by-law against the use of electronic instruments. The ban was lifted two years later. Two weeks after signing the Sex Pistols, Virgin Records releases "God Save the Queen" to coincide with Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee celebration in June. The tune is banned from British airplay because of its "treasonous sentiments." Nonetheless, it becomes Number One in the U.K., listed in some

sexual innuendoes were found unsuitable for their Mormon audiences. 1983 A Baptist youth minister from Emporia, Virginia, named Roger Wilcher, petitions city council to

remove MTV from the local cable system. 88

1984 Bruce Springsteen's monster hit album, "Born In The U.S.A." comes under fire from critics, after some say that the cover depicts "the Boss" urinating on Old Glory. BBC Radio 1 announced a ban on "Relax", by Frankie Goes To Hollywood after DJ Mike Read called it 'obscene', a BBC-TV ban also followed. The song went on become a #1 and spent a total of 48 weeks on the UK chart.

its explicit sexual content. It is also banned in Britain by the BBC. Heavy metal icon Ozzy Ozbourne is unsuccessfully sued by the parents of a 19 year old boy who claimed their son committed suicide after listening to Ozbourne's song "Suicide Solution".

1985 On March 26th, radio stations in South Africa banned all of Stevie Wonder's records after he dedicated the Oscar he had won the night before at The Academy Awards to Nelson Mandela. An ultra-conservative group lead by the since disgraced Reverend Jimmy Swaggert, persuades Wal-Mart to discontinue selling rock and roll magazines such as Rolling Stone, Hard Rock, Spin, and Tiger Beat. Record company presidents and CEOs are contacted by The PMRC, requesting a rating system for music lyrics and imagery. The letter specifically targets music by AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Cyndi Lauper, Def Leppard, Judas Priest, Madonna, Mary Jane Girls, Mercyful Fate, Motley Cr端e, Prince, Sheena Easton, Twisted Sister, Vanity, Venom, and W.A.S.P. 1986 Frank Zappa's album, "Jazz from Hell" has an "explicit lyrics" warning sticker put on it by Meyer Music Markets, even though the album is entirely instrumental.

1989 Religious groups are offended by the new Pepsi commercial set to Madonna's song "Like A Prayer". The ad campaign is quickly dropped. After the singer/ songwriter formerly known as Cat Stevens endorses an Iranian death threat on writer Salman Rushdie, many radio station remove his songs from their playlists. KFI talk host Tom Leykis holds a Cat Stevens record smashing party. Also that year, Missouri adopts legislature prohibiting the sale of records with questionable content that do not have parental warning labels and the lyrics printed on the album cover. Similar legislation is considered in Maryland, Delaware, Florida and Kansas.

1987 George Michael's single "I Want Your Sex" is removed from the play lists of radio stations in Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Denver, and New York, because of

1990 A Tennessee judge rules that 2 Live Crew's "Nasty As They Wanna Be" and N.W.A.'s "Straight Outta Compton" are obscene under state law. Conviction for selling these records could bring fines from $10,000 to $100,000, depending upon the involvement of minors in the offence. In one of the most famous cases of music censorship, police in Dade County, Florida set up a sting to arrest three retailers selling copies of a record by 2 Live Crew to children under the age of 18. Objections to

The Beastie Boys become the first act censored on "American Bandstand". 1988 Prince's album, "Love Sexy" is removed from store shelves because the record's cover contains a nude, yet unrevealing, photograph of Prince.

2 Live Crew started with the break-thru of their hit "Me So Horny". Similar prosecutions regarding 2 Live Crew record sales happen in Alabama and Tennessee. No prosecutions result in standing convictions. Members of 2 Live Crew were also prosecuted for performing the material live in concert. Members of the rap group N.W.A. receive a letter from the F.B.I. saying the agency did not appreciate the song "F*ck The Police". Law enforcement groups all over the country agree. Representatives of the Italian Catholic Church announce they'll attempt to put a stop to Madonna's concerts in Rome because of her alleged inappropriate use of crucifixes and sacred symbols. The group was successful in halting the shows.

often exhibited without the last 4 1/2 minutes on MTV and other television outlets, which resulted in many viewers only seeing the optimistic, poppy, racial and global harmony parts of the video and not being aware of the portion that pointedly juxtaposed scenes of prevalent racist, war-torn, and blighted city streets. In contrast to images of Jackson dancing with people from around the world, black and white babies sitting together on a globe, and diverse, smiling faces morphing into one another as they joyfully sing the pop song, in the latter section, Jackson performs his signature dance moves, but they are deliberately laced with anger, even violence, as he destroys the racism and prejudice emblazoned on graffiti-marred public property, and through his dance, takes ownership of the public space of the street.

1991 House Speaker Newt Gingrich tells Broadcasting and Cable magazine that he strongly encourages advertisers to pull all advertisements on radio stations that broadcast rap music.

1994 Police in Jacksonville, Florida, arrest singer Marilyn Manson for violating the "Adult Entertainment Code." Police believed that Manson was inserting a dildo into his anus while urinating on the audience. The Smashing Pumpkins were banned from appearing on BBC TV's Top Of The Pops because of the lyrics of their current hit single "Disarm".

"Black or White" video from MichaelJackson's Dangerous album censored. The 11-minute uncut version of Michael Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Black or Whiteâ&#x20AC;? music video was released six months after the March 1991 Rodney King beating by four Los Angeles police officers, and offers a complicated commentary on contemporary race relations. The video was most 90

1995 Michael Jackson changes the lyrics to his song "They Don't Care About Us", following protests that the record is anti-Semitic.

1996 Sheryl Crow's self-titled second album is dropped from Wal-Mart shelves because one of the songs contains an unflattering comment about the giant retailer's gun sales policy. 1997 Florida legislator John Grant pushes through an initiative to withhold $104,000 in Florida Department of Education funding for public radio station WMNF. Grant's objection to the station noted that the station frequently aired programming he felt was 91

inappropriate for a publicly supported station. Objectionable material included on-air praise for Kurt Cobain, and heavy air play of a social-protest song "Wasteland" by singer Iris DeMent (containing the lyric "We got CEOs makin' 200 times the workers' pay, but they'll fight like hell against raisin' the minimum wage"). Because he was wearing a Marilyn Manson tee shirt, 18-year-old John Schroder is arrested in a New Braunfels, Texas, grocery store and charged with making an obscene display. A band called "The Crucifucks" and their label, Alternative Tentacles, are sued by the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police, for featuring a photo of a dead policeman on the cover of the band's album, "Our Will Be Done". "The Great Milenko" by Insane Clown Posse, is removed from store shelves because of the album's lyrical content, just hours after it was issued. The group is quickly released from their recording contract and the band's label, Hollywood Records, is dumped by their parent company, Disney, even though company officials had known of the album's content for nearly a year. Techno band Prodigy found their new single, "Smack My Bitch Up" resulted in their album being pulled from K-Mart and WalMart store shelves. The album had been out for almost six months before the single was released. Chain stores that banned the record had themselves sold more than 150,000 copies of the record without receiving a single customer complaint.

School in Holland, Michigan, is suspended for wearing a tee shirt promoting the band Korn, even though the shirt contains no images or words except the band's name. At Fort Zumwalt North High School in St. Louis, the school band is forbidden from playing the Jefferson Airplane hit "White Rabbit" because of drug references in the song's lyrics, even though the band's version of the song is entirely instrumental. 1999 The school library at Kettle Moraine High School in Wales, Wisconsin, requires all students to show ID in order to view Rolling Stone magazine. Even though a child of any age could purchase it at local stores, the school board decides that students must be 18 years of age to view the magazine's contents. A Portsmouth, New Hampshire school superintendent, forbids students from wearing Marilyn Manson tee shirts or any other "Goth" attire. The song, "Slow Motion" by Third Eye Blind, was removed from the band's second album, "Blue". The group agreed to the removal song, which contained multiple references to violence, drugs and youth murders similar to the Columbine shootings earlier in the year. Eminem's song "My Name Is" was dropped by The National Football League for a series of four commercials because they felt the song was too controversial, even though the made for TV versions contained none of the original lyrics. 2000 14-year-old Daniel Shellhammer is ordered by police officers in Northwood, Ohio, to remove his shirt, which features slogans for the rap group Insane Clown Posse. The officers inform Shellhammer that Insane Clown Posse clothing is "banned" in Ohio and that they will rip the shirt off his back and arrest him if he does not comply.

1998 Eric Van Hoven, an 18-year-old from Zeeland High 92

Four students at a private school in San Antonio, Texas, are suspended for one day, for attending a Backstreet Boys concert. The students were said to be violating a school policy forbidding "involvement in inappropriate music [or] dancing."

2001 The Catholic Charismatic Renewal Group in Scotland ran a petition in an attempt to pressure the promoters of the Glasgow Green festival, into banning Eminem and Marilyn Manson, claiming that "the violent lyrics of Eminem and the disgusting stage show of Marilyn Manson" are "totally unacceptable."

Bruce Springsteen is placed on the boycott list of The New York Fraternal Order of Police. They called for the cancellation of his New York performances, after The Boss sang a song about the shooting of Amadou Diallo called, "American Skin".

2002 A song about money and its corrupting effects on rock music called "The Last DJ" by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers kicked up considerable controversy, with some U.S. radio stations seeing the song as a slap in the face and banning it from air play.

Police intervened in the middle the "Up In Smoke Tour" (staring Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, and Eminem) because during the concert, a video is shown that featured a robbery and partially-naked women.

2003 In November, a New Jersey classic rock station removed all Jethro Tull songs from their playlist after Tull frontman Ian Anderson made some comments regarding the American flag in the Asbury Park Press. In the article, Anderson said, "I hate to see the American flag hanging out of every bloody station wagon, out of every SUV, every little Midwestern house in some residential area. It's easy to confuse patriotism with nationalism. Flag waving ain't gonna do it." The station's program director said that the decision was brought on by their listeners, who voted "99 percent in favour of the ban."

Many radio stations across North America, including Florida's WKZY as well as Toronto's CHFI and CHUM, pulled Michael Jackson's songs from their play list after the singer was arrested on suspicion of child molestation. Television network CBS announced that they were postponing a Jackson music special that was set to air.

2005 In May, coffee shop chain Starbucks, which stocked CDs at its branches in the US, banned the sale of Bruce Springsteen's latest album "Devils and Dust" over concerns about its adult content. 2009 Classic rock station Eagle 106.9 in Birmingham, Alabama edited the lyrics of The Eagles’ "Life in the Fast Lane" by changing "We’ve been up and down this highway, haven’t seen a goddamn thing," with the "god" snipped off the "damn" and replaced by lyric-free music. The station manager justified the move by saying "people find it offensive." 2011 Dire Straits' 1985 tune "Money for Nothing" was deemed unacceptable for radio play by the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council who said that the use of the word "faggot" in the song contravenes the human rights clauses of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters' Code of Ethics and Equitable Portrayal Code. The song has been aired countless times since its release and won the Grammy for the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with a Vocal in 1985 at the 28th annual Grammy Awards. Lady Gaga's single "Born This Way" was edited by Malaysian radio to remove lyrics that break the country's rules on promoting homosexuality. The offensive lyrics were: No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track, baby. A spokeman for the country's top radio operator, AMP Radio Networks, said that "the issue of being gay, lesbian or bisexual is still considered as a 'taboo' by general Malaysians." 2012 The liquor control board in Montreal, Quebec, told incoming managers of a bar called Le Pionnier, to outlaw Rap and Hip-Hop music if they wanted any hope of acquiring a license to serve alcohol. A spokeswoman for the liquor board said the action is "normal" and went on to say "We are the guardians of the permits - a permit is not a right, it's a privilege." A song called "Die Young" by Ke$ha was removed from radio station playlists across North America following the Newtown, Connecticut school massacre. http://www.123helpme.com/search.asp?text=music+censorship

http://www.lehigh.edu/~infirst/musiccensorship.html

Toys For Kids Santa Forgot 2015 95

Toys For Kids Santa Forgot 2015 Rudy Clay, Jr. My dad, Rudy Clay, the former Mayor of Gary, Indiana, dedicated his entire life to helping people. He passed away June 4, 2013 after a long battle with prostate cancer. For more than a decade his annual Toys for Kids that Santa Claus Forgot (But God Remembered) giveaway at the Genesis Convention Center became the channel for distributing toys, bikes and clothing to hundreds of needy families in Gary, Indiana and the surrounding communities. Parents would arrive with their children early and stand in long lines to make sure their children received gifts that were being distributed. My dad's happiest moments were seeing the smiles on the children's faces after receiving the handouts. I am committed to keeping my dad's legacy alive and will distribute Toys to Kids that Santa Claus Forgot (But God Remembered) again on Saturday, December 26, 2015 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Genesis Convention Center located in downtown Gary, Indiana. We need your help. All donations will be used to purchase toys and bicycles for the distribution. We want to make the 2015 giveaway bigger than last year for more children. Please click on DONATE and send your donation today. Thank you for your donation and continued support for helping us keep the late Mayor Rudy Clay's legacy alive and the kids smiles alive every year after year. ~ Rudy Clay, Jr. ~ In 2014 over 2000 children were given toys and gifts. SEE VIDEO HERE https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ha9v0c_CZEU 96

In 2015 Michael Jackson’s Legacy partnered with Rudy Clay, Jr., to continue his father’s, Rudy Clay, Sr.’s, annual toys for kids drive.

to keep Michael's legacy alive. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Michael Jackson really does have the greatest fanbase in the world. The fans may not always agree on every issue and at times things can become pretty stormy. Nevertheless, when it comes to giving I don’t think they can be beat as humanitarians.

On December 6, 2015 the announcement for the special project was posted on the community page. We are overjoyed to announce a very exciting, short but sweet Christmas initiative that will surely warm your hearts AND those of the children of Gary, Indiana. We are joining with Mr. Rudy Clay Jr. in collecting toys for the many deprived children of Gary. Mr. Clay, a childhood friend of Michael's, is the son of Gary's late Honorable Mayor Rudy Clay. A friend of the Jackson family for several years, Mayor Rudy Clay was a man with a big heart who, for 14 years, conducted this toy drive for children who would otherwise have no gifts at Christmas time. We are proud to join Rudy Clay Jr. in carrying on this tradition, and in doing so, honoring both Michael and the former Mayor, and helping these dear children by giving them a little bit of Christmas joy. We have just TWO WEEKS to collect donations between now and December 20th, and toys will be distributed in the days following the culmination of this drive. Let's hear it for 'Toys for Gary' and let's see just how many children's faces we can put a smile on this Christmas, in Michael's memory! Please send whatever you can to: Paypal: hello@michaeljacksonslegacy.org

When they stand together a lot is accomplished and many children, globally, have been blessed because of Michael’s fans.

Rudy Clay, Jr. created this GoFundMe page last year in February. Let’s hope he create it early in 2016 so MJ fans can support this again and annually.

TOYS FOR KIDS SANTA FORGOT FOUNDER 2015

AND read what was posted two weeks after the announcement. On December 21, 2015 MJL posted this message on their Facebook Community page:

Santa might have forgotten them, but YOU didn't. Michael's Army, you did it again! 52 hearts around the globe have collectively raised a staggering £2569 GBP for the children. That's $3699.78 USD to be spent on toys for the most deprived children of Gary. Over half of that was given by Rob 'Maker of Dreams' Swinson, and what's more, he has pledged to bring the figure up to $4000! Yes, that's $4000 raised in just TWO weeks, for the children of Gary, Indiana. Children from Haiti to Sri Lanka to Gary will be smiling this year, because so many of you cared enough

Photo of Rudy Clay, Jr. & father, Rudy Clay, Sr.

Late mayor's toys for kids program returns to Gary Rudy Clay Jr. talks with Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson on Saturday during the Toys for Kids that Santa Claus Forgot (But God Remembered) giveaway at the Genesis Convention Center. The program provides children with toys and clothing. December 28, 2013 â&#x20AC;˘ John Luke, The Times 98

THE IDEA IS

SIMPLE.

1£/$/€ PER MONTH. "MICHAEL JACKSON MONTHLY

EVERY SINGLE MICHAEL JACKSON FAN, GIVING

WHERE 100% GOES TO CHARITY*. WE CALL IT

GIVING" 'Michael Jackson Monthly Giving' (MJMG) is our monthly donation and voting system that fans can participate in. They donate from just 1 £/$/€ per month, then get to vote on 3 charities individually chosen. Through this main project, we have donated thousands of pounds to various charities covering our 3 areas of focus, Animals, Children, Environment... we call it A.C.E. You can view our previous donations to date right here. http://www.mjffc.org.uk/accounts-alldonationsasimages THE 100% CHARITY MODEL: 100% of every, non-UK gift aid, penny you donate goes to charity less any applicable transaction fees. Because MJFFC is a recognized charity, in some cases we can claim an extra 25% on the donation. When we can, we spend this on our admin and fundraising. See more at: http://www.mjffc.org.uk/about-mjmg#sthash.uoeP5Xf6.dpuf

With ONLY “46” donors see all the great work MJFFC has done, but they need more donors to do an even GREATER WORK. http://www.mjffc.org.uk/accounts-alldonations http://www.mjffc.org.uk/about-mjmg 99

Respect for the rights of the child must be anchored in the World Treaties if we are to guarantee protection for children in principle. Many good-hearted people celebrated with MJJ Foundation November 20, the Day devoted to the children rights. Toys have been collected and donated to the children in the Rare Diseases Departments and Pediatric Surgery of the Children's Hospital in Naples.

100

They not only donate a smile to all the sick child’s but gave a bit of relief to their family. With this wonderful action MJJ Foundation celebrated the those innocent children, not aware about wars, sadly witness of sufferance and victims of mistreatment by enemies, hate, resentment and revenge ..

delight two departments: Rare Diseases and pediatric surgery but …after hear ing the joyful noise and the music all the other departments joined the party.

Sharing love is all we have left in this hostile world and the smiles of children, their laughter, the will to live and play, the desire to love and be loved without prejudice and conditions it is a real profound joy our hearts. On November 20, was an afternoon of activities games, music, gifts and lots of It was a unique experience. Members and fun for the children of at the Pediatrics volunteers of MJJ FOUNDATION NAPLES, Federico II – Policlinic of the University in armed with so much joy and serenity greeted the Naples. MJJ Foundation was allowed to children and followed their activities improvising dance and ballets with incredible sweetness and sympathy and cheered the children with exceptional drawings!

101

Many others helped to fill the Santa's sack with nice gifts that made the happiness of the child’s. The nurses’ staff of the Pediatric Polyclinic received MJJ Foundation warmly allowing the 'Abio Association” in the play area to join the activities together with the smiling mothers that put everybody completely at ease.

However the biggest THANK YOU goes to the children that despite great difficulties and some painful distress got up from their beds like true heroes!

Once again they have taught us that LOVE is the real weapon that heal all illness.

THE FAIRY, THE EPIPHANY AND SANTA CLAUS DID VISIT EARLY THEM AND WISHED TO ALL A PROMPT RETURN TO THEIR HOME

102

Once again thank you Michael

Michael Jackson is a true Humanitarian, an example to us all. He has devoted much time and money to a wide range of charities. He loves children and takes time out when touring secretly visting sick children. He also has special rooms at his home Neverland for sick and terminally ill children to stay over. He was listed in the 2000 edition of the Guiness Book Of World Records for breaking the world record for the "Most Charities Supported By a Pop Star". It states that Michael Jackson has supported 39 charity organizations either with monetary donations through sponsorships of their projects or by participating in their silent auction.

103

Special Tributes

Highlights of August 2015 MJ Birthday Celebration in Best 104

Highlights of August 2015 MJ Birthday Celebration in Best

29-08-1958 ~ Forever Every year we organize around Michael's birthday a pleasant and dignified Michael Birthday Party. This day is to honor him, to remember and above all to celebrate his life and to enjoy everything that Michael has given to the world. On this website you will find information on the upcoming MJ Birthday Party. We are happy to welcome you on Saturday, August 27th, 2016 in Best!

The MJJ Tribute Event Team

Yvonne

Justine

Berry Verkuyl and Dave van Hummel

http://mjj-tribute-events.nl/

105

It was great that Richard Nilsson of World Peace Night came over to The Netherlands to join the Army of Love. There were artists from the Netherlands, United Kingdom and France. Even the Mayor of the place Best (where the HIStory statue stands) came to join the MJ Birthday Party and gave a wonderful speech where he remembered Michael. The event made it to the local television and newspapers. A video of the day is still on the way and will be launched soon. Mayor

Best

wearing his official chain,

Richard

Nilsson on the end with Yvonne standing

beside

him

giving the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peaceâ&#x20AC;? sign, other MJ Artists,

Barry

and

Dave pictured also.

106

This picture of Richard Nilsson, Berry and Yvonne Wolfs. Richard is holding the Heal The World banner at the HIStory statue, just before we start to walk in Michael's Army to the venue where the party will take place.

https://www.facebook.com/MJJ.Tribute.Events/photos/ a.332554463434374.75022.332553990101088/98377 2504979230/?type=3&theater

The Global MJ Birthday Cake of 29th August 2015

* For those who cannot get enough of the pictures that were taken at the MJ Birthday Party in Best, The Netherlands, you will find at the above link the very last album that we can offer you. Next Global MJ Birthday Party that will take place on Saturday the 27th of August 2016.. TO ALL MOONWALKERS AROUND THE GLOBE We are very happy to share with you another great album with pictures that were taken on Saturday, the 29th of August 2015. Thanks again to everyone of you who came out to join Michael's Birthday Party in Best to help make it such a wonderful success! A Special thank you goes out to Mr. Toon van Genugten, owner of the wonderful venue Quatre Bras, as well as to the Mayor of Best, Mr. A. van Aert and to peace fighter Mr. Richard Nilsson from Cannes, founder of World Peace Night Cannes; we are very proud that they attended our event on Michael's birthday and joined all the festivities! Love & Peace ~ MJJ Tribute Team. United in Love we stand. We are the world! Find All photos here of the event https://www.facebook.com/MJJ.Tribute.Events/ photos_stream 107

108

109

Psalm 34:18

(ESV)â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś.The Lord is near to the

brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

Bess Leung Linda Dee Kelly LaFleur

William Guest Natalie Cole 110

MAY THEY REST IN GOD’S HOLY PEACE As we approach another year I’d like to remember the three beautiful and faithful MJ sisters we’ve lost. These women were true warriors for justice. Bess Leung - Our MJ Sister from Hong Kong supported anything that had to do with justice for Michael. She shared Michael’s music with the younger generation in her community by making CD’s and sharing them. She wanted them to know about Michael Jackson and his music. Long live the memory of Sister Bess who was also supportive of a few advocacy and vindication projects. Memorial Page Linda Durogene - Another warrior for justice and truth. She was instrumental in getting fans to support a Memorial Bench in Michael’s honor located in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. She was also very supportive of many justice and advocacy campaigns. Memorial Page Kelly LeFleur - A true advocate for everything Michael Jackson and children. Kelly was instrumental in assisting with the creation of “What’s REALLY Going on magazine and was also the creator of the “National Children’s Day” campaign. Facebook Page

TRUE warriors who exhibited great courage in the ongoing warfare for justice. They will always be missed. God bless the memories of Bess, Linda and Kelly.

William Guest

original member of the group “Gladys Knight and the Pips” passed away on December 24th. He was 74 years old. Read story here

111

Natalie Cole Natalie Cole, legendary R&B singer and daughter of legendary Nat King Cole has passed away at the tender age of 65. Natalie rose to musical success in the midâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;1970s as an R&B artist with the hits "This Will Be", "Inseparable", and "Our Love". After a period of failing sales and performances due to illness, Cole re-emerged as a pop artist with the 1987 album Everlasting and her cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac". In the 1990s, she re-recorded standards by her father, resulting in her biggest success, Unforgettable... with Love, which sold over seven million copies and also won numerous Grammy Awards. She sold over 30 million records worldwide. MS. Cole died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natalie_Cole

UNFORGETTABLE Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole Video Credit: Nelson Doroso

Sunrise February 6, 1950

Sunset

This image was originally posted to Flickr by dbking

at http://flickr.com photos/65193799@N00/1155704120. It was reviewed on 11 September 2007 by the FlickreviewR robot and was confirmed to be licensed under the terms of the cc-by-2.0. 112

December 31, 2015

http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/33100000/MERRY-CHRISTMASMICHAEL-michael-jackson-33141347-700-809.jpg

113

114

Annemarie Latour’s Blog Culture, music, art, religion, and all things beautiful.

MICHAEL JACKSON’S ‘LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE’ https://annemarielatour.wordpress.com/2015/12/22/michaeljackson-little-christmas-tree/

Forever Michael Jackson Blogspot http://forevermichaeljackson.blogspot.com/2015/11/o-unico.html

Michael Jackson: Changing Opinions one at a time http://michaeljackson-opinions.blogspot.com/ Collection of interview pieces of Michael speaking about the type of women he like and how he feel about them. A vast history of false comments from the tabloids suggest that Michael wasn't interested in women. Found on this blogspot is a compilation of statements from Michael himself, setting the record straight. 115

ADVOCACY

Petition

Adllaw/Cadeflaw Initiative We are petitioning the U.S. Congress to author a bill that would make it unlawful to defame a person who is deceased. Slander and libel are not protected under the First Amendment while a person is living. The same protection should be extended to a person after they are deceased. The loved ones of someone who has passed on should not have to live with the continued defamatory stories and false accusations that can so easily be paraded as fact. 116

WRGO MAGAZINE WATCHMAN

The Watchman will return in 2016. Until then I hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year. ~The Watchman~

117

CONTACT US can contact us at the following: Group home page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/whatreallygoingon Group email address: whatreallygoingon@yahoogroups.com Facebook Community Page Here

MJ Brookins—https://www.facebook.com/MJsDC Simonetta Delfi —https://www.facebook.com/simonetta.delfi

INFORMATION

FOR SHIPPING MAGAZINES

HARD COPY PRICING http://www.joomag.com/en/hard-copy-pricing Hard Copy Printing Prices are determined by the number of pages. Some prices may be lower or higher, according to the number of pages in the issue.

Volume 1 - 2014 Issues Issue #1 Issue #8

Issue #2

Issue #3

Issue #4

Issue #9

SPECIAL ISSUE Issue #10

Issue #5

Issue #6

Issue #11

Issue #12

Issue #7

Volume 2 - 2015 Issues Issue #1

Issue #2

Issue #3

Issue #4

Issue #5

Issue #6

Issue #7

Issue #8

Issue #9

Issue #10

Issue #11

Issue #12

Click on each hyperlink, above, to open the corresponding magazine issue, where you may read online or order hard copy.

WRGO Magazine

Click on the HARD COPY PRICING link above to determine printing cost for number of pages and shipping charge for countries outside the United States. Shipping Cost of printing price for hard copy of magazine (information in gray charges are surprisingly reasonable. box) above will be based on 22 pages for one copy shipped in the U.S. 118

NOTES FROM THE EDITORS INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING AN ARTICLE , EVENT OR PROJECT

If you have a story, photos you’ve created, an advocacy or vindication project, a human interest story, children’s project, legacy project, special video, a book, artwork or you may be a support group; we will be delighted to promote you or your group in this new fan based magazine. Our goal is to support the Michael Jackson fan community by sharing your journey with Michael before and after June 25, 2009. We are very interested in your creations and reading about your journey with Michael. Your story may be that prescription that encourages beginners to move forward with the gift that they have been holding onto out of trepidation to share. What you have to offer is important to us. We consider no person or project to be mediocre. You are important to us. If you wish for anonymity, we will honor that request. Many of the fans have been bullied and aren’t comfortable sharing for fear of being ridiculed. We’re happy to report that the community has more Love than Hate. Let us promote you or your project in “What’s REALLY Going ON” magazine.

Time for your Light to Shine It’s all for L.O.V.E. Send Submissions to: whatsreallygoingonmagazine@yahoo.com

119

WRGO MAGAZINE DISCLAIMERS Disclaimers: This is a Not for profit magazine and was created to share, with the world, the beautiful people and projects inspired by Michael Jackson. This magazine can be read online or a hard copy issue may be purchased via the online hosting website owners. The cost of printing, perfect binding and shipping cost will be determined by the price list of the host magazine owner(s). Many of the photos and graphic images are not the property of “What’s REALLY Going ON” magazine and were obtained from different sites on the web. We claim only ownership of the name, logo and wherever content is not credited to another source. The Jackson family or the Michael Jackson Estate Managers are engaged in or have anything to do with this magazine. This is solely a fan magazine. The content in the magazine is the opinion of the blogger or person(s) submitting and is not intended to “malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.” Our “intention” is to do no harm. To not injure others, defame, or libel. What is written in this magazine is not to be taken as fact nor absolute. Where information is taken from another site a “link” will be provided redirecting the reader to that site. It is not our “intent” to violate any copyright that belong to someone else. If we have knowledge of the origin of information or if it is copyright protected that information will be provided. Again, This magazine was created to support the Michael Jackson Community endeavors and to share with the community and the world the gift he had and still have for connecting people, globally. Disclaimer of Endorsement The inclusion in this Magazine of advertising, logos or Web site links, or reference to any products, process, service, trade name, trademark, or manufacturer, is not an endorsement by "What's Really Going On?" Magazine of any such advertisers, links, entities, products, services, names or marks. External links are made available to assist the Internet user in his or her search. WRGO has not screened individual links or organizations that appear in this magazine or that may be electronically linked to the magazine. WGRO strongly urges all users of this site to conduct their own investigation of any individual, organization, product or service appearing in the magazine or that is electronically linked to the magazine. WGRO neither endorses links nor approves of links external to this magazine. WGRO has no control over and takes no responsibility for any such link's operation or content.

120

WRGO MAGAZINE ADVERTISING PAGES Deborah L. Kunesh

Rajinder Singh - Artist

Writer and Scentsy Independent Consultant

 Black and white pencil drawing

Scent Your Surroundings...Scent Your Life. Wickless candles  Personal and laundry scents.  Shop with me online or  Host an online party to earn free product!

 Color pencils drawing  Oil pastel drawing  Acrylic Painting

https://thescentedlife.scentsy.us

 Watercolours painting

https://www.facebook.com/r.singh.art Email Address rajinder.1100n@gmail.com Phone number- +918968895753

Professional writing services:  Website copy  Ad copy, bios, letters & more. Contact me @ http://www.officialdeborahkunesh.com

LISS SILVERWING - ARTIST

Michael Jackson: Innocent 28 February 2005

 Colored pencil drawing  Acrylic  Watercolor and oil painting  Handmade jewelry

By: D. Francis #1 in Books Biographies & Memoirs ( J ) Jackson, Michael Amazon USA 28, 29 May, 23 June + 2, 7 July 2013 (also an International Bestseller on Amazon) Hailed as the criminal trial of the century. Two years of speculation in the media. Wall to wall media coverage from 2003 to 2005, 2000+ accredited journalists, yet the defense case was invisible. The public were bombarded with salacious prosecution focused media commentary.

CONTACT INFORMATION Email: liss.silverwing@gmail.com http://lisssilverwing.tictail.com/products https://www.facebook.com/pendantparadise

On 13 June 2005 Michael Jackson was acquitted of 10 felony charges and 4 misdemeanors. Those disgruntled in the media, labelled the acquittal celebrity justice. If you want to find out the truth, start reading this book. This is a unique book looking at the trial testimony. It provides an indepth look at the trial from the first day. It offers the reader an insight into the case that was not provided by the media coverage in 2005. This mini series shines a light on the defence case, and the trial testimony.

28 February 2005 was the first trial day.

Michael Jackson Innocent WordPress

121

WRGO MAGAZINE ADVERTISING PAGE VALENCIA “MOTHER DIVA” DANTZLER COOL COMMERCIAL CONCEPTS

MOTHER DIVA SHOW PROMOTIONS

MOTHER DIVA SHOW LINKDEDIN

YOUTUBE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

310-927-8184

FANS RESTORING GARY, IN IN HONOR OF MICHAEL JACKSON WEBSITE Facebook Community Page Facebook Group

The Dancer (U Got the music in U) [feat. L-Marie] By: Rob Ra

U.S.A. 122

iTunes U.S.

iTunes GB

ATTRIBUTIONS Back page background: http://happyholidays2016.com/christmas-baubles-background/ Christmas Flower and Candle background: http://www.flowervector.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Abstract-Floral-CandlesChristmas-Background.jpg Christmas Tree Ornaments http://www.clipartpal.com/_thumbs/pd/holiday/christmas/Christmas_tree_decorations_large_T.png William Guest: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/12/26/gladys-knight-and-the-pips-member-william-guest-dies-at74/77924412/ Amy Winehouse Art: https://www.facebook.com/ZaluskiArt/photos/pb.1379111295705856.-2207520000.1451575143./1398166180467034/?type=3&theater History of Christmas: http://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas A Close Encounter with MJ in Manila: http://www.philstar.com/news-feature/485359/close-encounter-mj-manila Photo of Christmas tree at Neverland: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/07/01/article-0-058D8C01000005DC-176_634x476.jpg The Surf Speaks Project: http://www.thesurfspeaks.com/

https://www.gofundme.com/thesurfspeaks2016

Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' Becomes First-Ever 30 Times Multi-Platinum Album: Exclusive columns/pop/6812781/michael-jackson-thriller-30x-multi-platinum-album

http://www.billboard.com/articles/

How Artist Get Their Song(s) On Commercial Radio http://www.tunecore.com/blog/2011/09/how-to-get-your-song-on-commercialradio.html N.W.A. Joins Quartet of 1970s Hitmakers in Rock Hall https://www.yahoo.com/music/n-w-joins-quartet-1970s-hitmakers -rock-hall-073355284.html

Free background for Natalie Cole’s Memorial Page: http://www.wallpaperlite.com/images/VedioImages/white-sun-flower-and-candlewallpaper-free-download.jpg Natalie Cole photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nataliecole2007.jpg Unforgettable - Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uE9zy5UKCTU Michael Jackson’s Legacy Facebook Community Page: https://www.facebook.com/michaeljacksonslegacy/photos/ pb.123963597682359.-2207520000.1452032624./953714941373883/?type=3&theater TOYS FOR KIDS SANTA FORGOT FOUNDER 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doMQWXb7jDI Stranger Helps Evicted 90-Year-Old Veteran Buy Back Home in Time for Holidays https://gma.yahoo.com/stranger-helps-evicted90-old-veteran-buy-back-224000018--abc-news-house-and-home.html 8th Grade student, Kory Terrell, is the 2015-16 Texan Spelling Bee https://www.facebook.com/BryanISDDavila Arthur Davila L. Middle School - Website: http://davila.bryanisd.org/ Cicely Tyson picked as 2015 Kennedy Center Honors recipient http://www.nydailynews.com/services/new-york-then-now/queens/ carib-cicely-honored-kennedy-center-honors-recipient-article-1.2392851 Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing & Fine Arts http://tysonse.eastorange.schoolfusion.us/ Video of Cece Winan & students singing special tribute song to Ms. Tyson https://www.facebook.com/Official.CeCe.Winans/ videos/931546333548125/?pnref=story Kennedy Center Honors https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_Center_Honors The Superintendent Who Turned Around A School District http://www.npr.org/2016/01/03/461205086/the-superintendent-who-turnedaround-a-school-district? 123

"When we remember a special Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special." ~Katherine Pulsifer~

124