CNN interviews Michael Jackson's father on BET Awards Red Carpet

It's been well documented that Michael Jackson had a rough childhood.... in fact, its been said by the man himself, that he had no childhood. After this interview with his father just days AFTER his death, it is clear to see why the King of Pop spoke so unhappily about growing up.

The psychological effects of being raised by Joe Jackson, a man with such a dearth of compassion, were clear for the world to see when observing Michael's life, and Joe Jackson's lack of remorse in the video below is vindication for what Jacko proclaimed about his father.

Joe Jackson used the CNN interview to get his publicist to speak from a piece of paper on his behalf, and, most shockingly and disrespectfully, he brought his business partner into the interview to speak about a business venture.

Below are some pics of Jackson at what would sadly be his final rehearsal, just a day before his passing. It's amazing how even in death, he is still a magnet to loads of unnecessary drama and controversy.

Infomercial King dead at 50

I never bought his products, but I sure do remember seeing his infomercials religiously at 4 in the morning.... R.I.P.

Just days after the death of the "King of Pop", Billy Mays, the well known pitchman was found dead at his Tampa, Florida home this morning. The body of the "king of infomercials" is now set to undergo an autopsy, according to a CNN report on the matter.

Yesterday, the 50 year old Mays was a passenger on the US Airways flight from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Tampa on Saturday that had a hard landing at Tampa International Airport when the plane's front tire blew out.

While there were no reported injuries on Flight 1241, Mays told a local Tampa station: "All of a sudden as we hit you know it was just the hardest hit, all the things from the ceiling started dropping. It hit me on the head, but I got a hard head." Below is video coverage of Mays' accounts of the incident.

Rather eerily, this was his final interview, and there has been no word as yet as to whether his death is related to the incident.

NY Times: Political shifts on gay rights lag behind culture

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

Performers from Broadway and beyond commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots on Thursday in Times Square.

I am fairly ambivalent about gay rights. While I understand their efforts to be respected, I do not like the over-the-top nature of some of their protests. Simply put, just like heterosexuals, there is good and bad. We are all humans, and we all deserve some level of respect regardless of our sexual orientations. That said, The New York Times published an article on the topic of homosexuality being accepted more by the society, than it is by politicians in America.

In my opinion, this can be applied to most, if not all societies and cultures around the world, and the only answer I can provide as to why politicians are yet to fully embrace homosexuality, is that the society as a majority, hasn't. Politicians will do (or at least promise to do) whatever the majority of his/her electorate desires, and the "divide" on Gay Rights in the White House is (once again in my opinion) testament to the fact that the whole of America hasn't come to terms with homosexuality as yet. When the sentiments of the majority begin to change and embrace homosexuality, then the politicians will follow suit and pass every bill in support of, or related to Gay Rights.

Gov. Sanford's wife knew about affair since January!

AP – Jenny Sanford, wife of South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, speaks about her husband's recent affair admission

In an interview with the Associated Press, Jenny Sanford, the wife of the under fire South Carolina Governor, revealed yesterday that she knew about the affair for a while now, and was hoping that her ultimatums would have gotten through to him...... (Mrs. Sanford, your husband either doesn't care, or he isn't the sharpest tool in the shed). Needless to say, Gov. Sanford went to Argentina and continued the affair, while Mrs. Sanford somewhat naively held hopes that he was "hiking on the Appalachian Trail as his staff had claimed."

More tributes for Jacko....

The tributes are still flowing in for Michael Jackson, and as you can expect, they will last for a while. Less than 24 hours after his death, some artists from the Hip-Hop and R&B community put together this tribute to MJ, and all things considered, the effort is highly commendable. Listen here

Desperate times call for desperate measures

Could they be anymore suggestive?

Michael Jackson's death explained

With the autopsy report due to be completed today, I took it upon myself to research Michael Jackson's cause of death, as was reported last night by his brother Randy Jackson. CNN.com (you've gotta love them) has an interesting piece, explaining the difference between cardiac arrest, a heart attack, and a stroke...... To be honest with you, I thought cardiac arrest was the same as a heart attack, so I am glad that CNN cleared this up for me.

Feel free to watch the video tribute below. If you weren't a fan of any of his music, you've really missed out.

South Carolina governor under scrutiny over adulterous affair

Oh dear. Just when you thought it couldn't get worse for the Republicans, this happens.

BEFORE:

Above: (In happier times) Gov. Sanford, probably soon after his inauguration

AFTER:

Above: Gov. Sanford during the confession of his affair to the media

When will they ever learn? It seems like yet another American politician has been "caught with his hand in the cookie jar". Gov. Mark Sanford of South Carolina admitted a few days ago to having an affair with a woman in Argentina last year, and he is now facing the consequences. There are now increasing calls for his resignation as a result, and (sadly for the Governor) there are still some missing pieces to this puzzle and it seems like the authorities are relentless about the investigation. The extent of his Argentinean exploits is still unknown.

So....... what's next for the embattled Governor? He is probably going to be forced to repay the State after using its money to conduct his political interests. After that, he will probably face more scrutiny, which will almost certainly hasten the demise of his political career. As for his "mistress", as she was so affectionately called in the media....... her name is reported to be Maria Belen Shapur.

R.I.P. Jacko

Reports of Michael Jackson's passing sent millions around the world into mourning this evening. Jackson died with an album release and tour in the works, on the cusp of what many were anticipating as his resurgence..... It might be cliche to say this, but even though he may be gone, his music will live on. May he rest in peace.

I wouldn't be doing his legacy any justice without posting some of my favourite songs and videos from him.... *sigh* the nostalgia. What would we do without YouTube?

Unfortunately, the embedding is disabled for most of the videos/songs I love. It's a shame, but oh well. R.I.P.

Stanford pleads not guilty......

Above: From riches to rags.... Allen Stanford decked out in new attire on his way to a different kind of meeting

According to reports, Sir Allen Stanford made his first appearance in court today, where he pleaded not guilty to 21 charges of fraud, conspiracy and obstruction of justice. If found guilty, he will face up to 250 years in prison for what authorities described as Ponzi Scheme, which caused his investors to lose an estimated $7 billion..... Let's see if his crying will get him acquitted.

If that interview and the arrogant smile he is wearing above are anything to go by, Sir Allen will return to funding cricket matches for the people of the Caribbean in no time....... time will tell.