first post of November

Hmm so I think we can all agree that I am failing in my mission to keep this current and up to date.

HOWEVER

I would like to place the blame firmly at the door of the bitch-ass exams that are taking place next week, revision for which has absolutely destroyed any social schedule I may have had.  I'm not ready yet, but for some reason  The Fear has yet to hit me.  I'm not sure if you know about The Fear.  It's that moment prior to exams that halts you in your casual slow rolling steps, and makes you think "SH***********T I have exams in ___ days/ weeks" (please fill as appropriate).  The Fear usually causes that final burst of intense revision that gets you through the exams.

My exams are next week.

I have yet to feel The Fear.

I'm a little concerned.  Usually it kicks in about a week before.  But I have 3 days until exam number 1 and so far I'm feeling a little complacent.  Complacent people fails exams.  Retakes are in January - something to look forward to over X-mas I guess.


This is all very pessimistic - not like me at all.

To make myself feel better I have started the list of things I can do once revision is over:

1. I've booked VIP tickets for screen 11 at the odeon to watch the exploitation flick This is it - I missed out on the concert, I want to see what my £80+ would have got me.  Don't think I lack sentimentality, MJ's death was tragic (and possibly homicide - that doctor is going to get shanked in jail).  But this film has nothing to do with missing Michael and everything to do with AEG recouping their huge financial losses.  So in the spirit of exploitation I will be sitting in VIP (extra money to sit on a balcony). 
    
2. Learn French (again)  I have started and stopped and restarted and given up and now I'm starting again.  And this time the language of romance will stick.  I want to have dreams in french and watch La Haine without the subtitles.  (incidently, some1 still has that DVD and at some point I want it back).  To be honest I want to serenade Thierry Henry in his native language - at least I'm honest about my motives.
    
3. Learn Guitar.  This one was inspired by the return of Mrs Bailey Rae - whom I love and admire massively (and who I will be seeing on 23rd November at an intimate sold out gig at the Tabernacle - *excitement*!).  But I've wanted to learn an instrument for ages.  When it comes to music I'm a jack of all trades but master of none.  I have a problem sticking with stuff - a typical gemini trait if you're into that stuff.  So I hope that by the time I graduate I will be an insoucient french speaking, guitar playing, natty dreaded, salsa dancing dentist.
    
4. SALSA!  I've missed you my old friend.  Back to friday nights at Bar Salsa is a must.  I also want to check out the moves of the city boys since they're holding classes in Abacus now on Mondays.  It could be interesting.  I hope I don't bump into Babyface though.  It's where I met him and I know he likes to frequent it for after work drinks.  
5. 
   Study. Yeah I know this one is a little counter-productive (taking my mind off work with more work)  But I actually enjoy studying.  I started some reseach before revision hit that will make my academic CV pop, so I should probably finish it at some point before I have to start applying.

Yeah thats pretty much it - life starts again on 12th November - and I may even blog some more too!   YAY - I actually do feel better.

Back to revision

the michael jackson memorial - a breakdown

This is just a Breakdown of the events at Michael's memorial ceremony. Along with additional commentary from Badmind Eva, over whom I have no control.

Mariah was on stage earlier. I love you girl and your tribute was heartfelt.

Badmind Eva says: Mariah's ill, choked up with grief, or losing her voice. I hope its one of the first two

19:15: Stevie Wonder just finished singing to Michael Jackson's coffin. Best performance of the night so far. The pain in his voice was palpable

Badmind Eva says: When men with long hair have foreheads that start mid-scalp, they really should consider relieving the rest of the follicles of their duties

19:17: Some basketball players are discussing there experiences with MJ. I think it's Magic Johnson and someone else. Sweet memories. Who knew Michael ate KFC? But he is right, as sad as this moment is, this is his life that we are celebrating.

****update: LA Lakers players, apparently***

19:21: Jennifer Hudson is on stage. She owns that mic! Singing Will You Be There? One of my favourite songs by Michael, but I'm not feeling this performance. I guess when the original is so ingrained in your consciousness, it's hard to appreciate alternatives.

They have Michael's vocals for the spoken verse - beautiful

19:25: Al Sharpton speaks, the voice of a true preacher. He looks like he presses his hair?

"There's nothing that can't be done if we raise our voice as one" - shown on the screen behind the tributes

So far I think this is the perfect antidote to BET's memorial fiasco

19:33: John Mayer on guitar - Human Nature - so subtle and understated. He's making those strings sing.

"why, why? Tell them that it's Human Nature"

The backing singers joining in on the chorus, still subtle, still poised

That really was amazing.

19:37: Brooke Shields is expected

Oh I didn't realise all the brothers are wearing a glove. What a nice touch?

19:38: Brooke Shields is absolutely stunning, she is only just holding back the tears. Her tribute is making me cry, the sincerity is absolute. This is hands down the best tribute so far. These memories are so personal, so warm, so moving.

19:47: Jermaine is on stage singing "Smile". I have no idea how he is managing to sing. At my grandmother's funeral I could barely breathe for crying, let alone sing. His voice is barely breaking. How is he holding it together? How? My heart is breaking for him. His vocal similarity to Michael is breathtaking. So very brave of him.

19:51: Now the children of Martin Luther King are speaking. The son, emulates his father's style exactly. Both are obviously great orators.

They say the sky is the limit, and to me that is really true - background screen

apparently usher is on soon.

19:59: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee - also a strong speaker discussing all the humanitarian work that Michael did, some that we may not have even heard of. Michael's life contains so many aspects that should be emulated, to "make the world a better place"

"Michael fought the good fight"

Resolution 600 - a Congressional resolution honouring Michael Jackson's humanitarian legacy - what a tribute!

Badmind Eva: This woman can chat na man?? Hurry up! Politicians *shakes head*

20:07: USHER! singing gone too soon. I forgot usher was actually vocally talented. His recent music hasn't showcased this at all. Usher is the 2nd celeb to breakdown and cry on stage (after Brooke Shields). He owes a lot to Michael, his style especially is a tribute in itself.

20:12: Video of "Who's loving you" Jackson 5 - I love that purple hat

20:13: Smokey Robinson (who wrote the previous song).

Badmind Eva says: how is it that Smokey looks younger now, than he did when he was young? I know black doesn't crack, but seriously Smokey - I KNOW you had help!

Smokey is discussing the soul, the passion and the blues in Michael's voice as a child that belied his years.

20:19: NO WAY! Shaheen from Britain's Got Talent is on here! Singing his heart out. This must be absolutely mindblowing for him! BUT it is glaringly obvious that even his talented self is a little out of his depth. He didn't compare to Michael Jackson as a child. Simon Cowell's eyes are spitting dollar sounds right now. Michael watched Britain's Got Talent and admired Shaheen and asked him to perform with him in London. Mind blowing. He's only 12!

20:23: Kenny Ortega? Not sure who he is

Presenting a performance from the THIS IS IT tour rehearsals!

*exciting*

Oh its a live performance. I though it was video footage. Singing we are the world, I think this is the finale. All famous attendees are on stage. Harmonising.

The introduction to Heal the world, the child's voice was a perfect ending. Heal the world

Fin

20:34: I'm obviously too damn fast for my own good - Jermaine offers his thanks on behalf of his family. All are on stage.

Janet looks fabulous

Badmind Eva says: what in the name of all that is holy is on LaToya's head?

The kids, Prince, Paris and Blanket look so comforted by the Jackson family. Jermaine couldn't finish speaking, Marlon took over, but broke down towards the end, when he mentioned his twin brother Brandon, already passed, and is in heaven with Michael now.

Janet is next. No Paris is speaking. So heartfelt. She loves her Daddy.

20:42: The casket is leaving the stage, carried by the Jackson brothers.

Fin (for real this time)