Michael Jackson, Still Making News!

Michael Jackson, (and family) are still making the news. The King of Pop may have passed on, but his presence is still very much felt. Here is your Jackson round up:

Michael Jackson was recently named the top earning dead celebrity, according to Forbes, earning a total of 275 million in the last 16 months following his death. Fans have certainly not forgotten him, nor do I think they will for a long time to come. I know it was reported that when he died, he had left behind a lot of money troubles. Hopefully for the kids sake, those have been taken care of.

Since we are already on the topic of money, let’s move on to his father Joe, who has been trying to get the Jackson fortune in court. Well, a California Appeals Court ruled today that Joe can not have a say in the Administration of his late son’s estate, and unanimously ruled that he has no legal standing to do so. My guess is Michael would be releived to say the least.

In other news, Michael’s individual music videos are going to get released to DVD. The three DVD set will have 40 videos and cover Jackson’s solo career. Calling it “Michael Jackson’s Vision”, it will be released on November 22, and include such legendary videos as the full length version of “Thriller”, “Black or White”, “Bad”, and more. It is also set to contain more obscure videos of his, such as “Ghosts” made in collaboration with special effects legend Stan Winston. I have to say, Ghosts is one of my all-time favorites of his. If you haven’t seen it, it is certainly a must watch.

There is also a deal in the works from the Jackson estate to release an album of unreleased Jackson music, and a deal with Cirque du Soleil for a Jackson-themed touring show.

As you can see, Michael Jackson is still among us, and I believe he will be for a long, long while. Did you watch “This is It”? Will you buy the album or video collection? Are you still a Jackson fan? Let us know below or in the FORUM!

Paula Deen named Rose Parade Grand Marshal!

I just LOVE that I get to report Chef Paula Deen being named the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Rose Parade to be held in Pasadena on January 1. She is most definitely one of my all-time favorite people, and congratulations to her for this honor! Now, since she is going to be near me, what is the likelihood of me getting her to come on over to my house and making me some really yummy, really fattening food? Probably not too likely, but one can dream right?

Congratulations Paula! You deserve it!

Do you watch the Rose Parade? Let us know below or in the FORUM!

Rocky and Bullwinkle Creator Dies

CARMEL, Calif.  — TV cartoon artist Alexander Anderson Jr., creator of Rocky the flying squirrel and Bullwinkle the moose, has died. He was 90.

I can remember, as a youngster, sitting in front of the TV every Saturday morning and watching this classic show, the crazy plots, the smart squirrel prodding the not so smart moose. I have watched is as an adult as well, hearing all the puns and references that were inserted for adults, that just flew by our young ears. What a great, topical and pioneering show. If this show is on syndication, and you have not had a chance to see it, you must.

Anderson’s son Terry tells the Los Angeles Times that his father died at a Carmel nursing home on Friday after battling Alzheimer’s disease. The elder Anderson was a longtime resident of Pebble Beach.

Anderson had teamed up with his childhood friend and former UC Berkeley,fraternity brother Jay Ward to make low-budget TV cartoons, and they certainly succeeded.

Their creations also included Crusader Rabbit and his pal Rags the Tiger and Dudley Do-Right of the Mounties.

The syndicated “Crusader Rabbit” became the first animated TV series in the 1950s. “Rocky and His Friends” debuted in 1959 on ABC.

Thank you to Alexander for leaving behind this wonderful legacy.