May 20, 2010 -- As the first anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson approaches, Jackson's brother Randy is trying to allow fans to get into the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn to pay their respects on June 25. On Sunday, May 16, Randy Jackson posted this on his Twitter page: "I'm meeting with Forest Lawn and the City of Glendale. ... Although they have strict rules, I'll do my best 2 see if fans can visit & pay their respects beyond the gates of ForestLawn, on the 25th. ... I'll will inform you all soon."
(It's not clear, however, whether Randy Jackson means allowing fans inside the Great Mausoleum, or just allowing them inside the gates of the cemetery. Maybe he doesn't realize that fans are already allowed inside the gates.)
A few days earlier, Randy Jackson posted, "My family has plans to be at Forest Lawn on the 25th of June." So, apparently, he wants the fans to be around while the family is there -- another departure from previous practice.
As reported by TMZ, Randy Jackson's efforts are opposed by a relative of another celebrity buried inside the Great Mausoleum. Clark Gable's grandson, Clark Gable III, told TMZ that the GM "wouldn't be as sacred" if just anyone -- you know, commoners -- were allowed to go inside. (If that's the case, churches, synagogues, temples and mosques better start locking their doors to keep the riff-raff out.)
But another relative of a celebrity buried inside the GM, W.C. Fields' grandson Ronald J. Fields, said he thinks fans should be allowed inside because it would be "moving to them."
Ever since Michael Jackson was buried inside the GM, fans have been coming to visit, as documented by Lisa Burks' great "Adventures in Grave Hunting" blog. Like most people who visit cemeteries, they have been dignified and respectful. They come to visit and pay their respects, and they leave their flowers, cards and gifts for Jackson outside the door at the Holly Terrace entrance, where security guards pick them up and place them in front of Jackson's sarcophagus.
Over and over, the Jackson fans have proven that they're not there to cause any problems, they just want to pay their respects to a performer they admire. And I think Forest Lawn has been pleasantly surprised by their behavior.
The question I have is, why allow fans inside to visit now? Why the change of heart? Certainly, the Jackson family knew about the high security at the GM when they picked that location for Michael Jackson's final resting place, and they knew that fans wouldn't be allowed to visit. More than anyone else, Randy Jackson knew. In fact, according to Time magazine, "Security was highly critical in the final decision. Randy Jackson was tasked with checking out all of these places, and he worked with the family to make sure Michael will be protected all the time. That was a high priority." So, now he wants a one-day exemption from the rules?
They can't be surprised that fans want to visit. But they made the decision to have Jackson buried inside the GM, knowing the strict security, and knowing that fans wouldn't be allowed inside. If they wanted to create Graceland West, they could have done that, too.
As much as I would like to see the Great Mausoleum open to the public -- even for just one day -- it shouldn't happen just because the family of one person who's buried there wants to change the rules for everyone. If the Jacksons want fans to be able to visit and pay their respects, they should move Michael out of the Great Mausoleum. If they want to be able to set their own rules on who can visit and who can't, and then change the rules whenever they want to, they should open their own cemetery.
Which I still think the family will eventually do. It may not happen soon, but don't be surprised if the Great Mausoleum isn't Michael Jackson's final resting place. And if the family does create Graceland West, it won't be just about the money -- although that will be a major part of it. It will be about control.
There were reports that the Jackson family wanted to film inside the Great Mausoleum during Michael Jackson's memorial service in September, but Forest Lawn said no. And now Randy Jackson wants to allow fans to pay their respects on the anniversary, but first he has to meet with Forest Lawn and the City of Glendale and get their approval. And Forest Lawn will have to consider the request, and weigh the wishes of family members of others buried in the GM.
But if the Jacksons controlled the property, they could make the rules, decide on the access and have complete control over the entire operation. Until that happens, they should just let Michael rest in peace.
In the meantime, it will be interesting to see whether Randy Jackson will be successful in convincing Forest Lawn to waive the rules for a day to let fans "pay their respects."
May 18, 2010 -- The gravesite of actress Brittany Murphy, who died on Dec. 20, 2009, after collapsing at her home, has been market at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Murphy's grave is located in the Bright Eternity section.
The L.A. County Coroner's Office reported that the 32-year-old actress died of pneumonia, complicated by an iron deficiency, anemia and multiple drug intoxication. Officials said Murphy had gone into sudden cardiac arrest at her home in the 1800 block of Rising Glen Road due to "drug intake," and her death was classified as an accident.
Murphy was born Nov. 10, 1977, in Atlanta, Ga. In 1991, the 13-year-old Murphy and her mother moved to Burbank, Calif., so she could pursue her acting career. She appeared on television in episodes of "Murphy Brown," "Drexell's Class," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," "Almost Home," "Blossom," "Boy Meets World," "Nash Bridges" and many other series before making her breakthrough film appearance in "Clueless" (1995). She also starred in "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), "8 Mile" (2002) and "Sin City" (2005). She has also been heard but not seen, doing voices for several animated series, including "Pepper Ann" and "Futurama," and the film "Happy Feet" (2006), and she had a regular role as the voice of Luanne on "King of the Hill."
Dec. 24, 2009 -- Funeral services for actress Brittany Murphy were held on Christmas Eve at
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. Murphy, 32, died Sunday at her Hollywood Hills home after suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. After the private, invitation-only funeral service in the Church of the Hills near the main entrance of the cemetery, Murphy was buried in the Bright Eternity section.
Only about 25 mourners attended the co-denominational service, which was officiated by a rabbi and a pastor. A family friend told the New York Daily News that Murphy's family is planning a larger memorial service after the first of the year that will include more friends and even fans.
The Radaronline.com website reported that the service started with a recording of "My Funny Valentine" and ended with a recording of Murphy singing Charlie Chaplin's "Smile" -- which was also sung at Michael Jackson's memorial service earlier this year at Staples Center. Mourners also sang "Amazing Grace" at her grave.
Police officials and the coroner's office are investigating Murphy's death. The medical examiner has completed the autopsy, but said an official cause of death will not be announced until tests determine what substances, if any, were in her system. Although there have been reports that Murphy may have been suffering from an eating disorder, Chief Coroner Investigator Craig Harvey told the New York Daily News that Murphy weighed 115 pounds at her autopsy, which he described as "normal" for a 5-foot, 5-inch woman.
There was a noticeable security presence at the cemetery during the funeral service, with both Forest Lawn security and LAPD police officers driving around the property. The only visible media presence at the cemetery was outside the main gates, filming and photographing mourners as they arrived and departed.
Murphy was born Nov. 10, 1977, in Atlanta, Ga. Murphy's parents, Sharon Murphy and Angelo Bertolotti, divorced when she was 2 years old, and Murphy was raised by her mother in Edison, N.J. In 1991, the 13-year-old Murphy and her mother moved to Burbank, Calif., so she could pursue her acting career. She appeared on television in episodes of "Murphy Brown," "Drexell's Class," "Parker Lewis Can't Lose," "Almost Home," "Blossom," "Boy Meets World," "Nash Bridges" and many other series before making her breakthrough film appearance in "Clueless" (1995). She also starred in "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), "8 Mile" (2002) and "Sin City" (2005). She has also been heard but not seen, doing voices for several animated series, including "Pepper Ann" and "Futurama," and the film "Happy Feet" (2006), and she had a regular role as the voice of Luanne on "King of the Hill."
And, of course, with the stories on her burial come the mistakes. No, Lucille Ball is no longer buried at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills. And the New York Post and Us Magazine -- who should both know better -- are reporting that Michael Jackson was buried at FLHH.
Dec. 6, 2009 -- The grave of actor David Carradine -- best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine on the ABC TV series "Kung Fu" from 1972 to 1975, later known for his performances in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003) and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" (2004), and most recently known for his mysterious death in Thailand -- has been marked at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.
As first reported by fellow gravehunter Lisa Burks in her fabulous "Adventures in Grave Hunting" blog, Carradine's final resting place is located in the Lincoln Terrace section at FLHH, Lot 5144, Space 1, at the south end of the cemetery grounds, and just west of the Hall of Liberty, where Carradine's funeral service was held on June 13, 2009.
Carradine was born John Arthur Carradine on Dec. 8, 1936, in Los Angeles, the son of actor John Carradine. He attended San Francisco State College, where he studied music theory and composition. While writing music for the school's annual revues, he discovered his passion for the stage, and joined a Shakespearean repertory company. After serving two years in the Army, Carradine found work in New York as a commercial artist and later found fame on Broadway in "The Deputy" and "The Royal Hunt of the Sun," starring with Christopher Plummer. He returned to Los Angeles, and appeared in a number of television series in the early 1960s, including "Wagon Train," "The Virginian" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," then landed the starring role in the short-lived TV series "Shane" (1966). In 1972, Carradine starred with Barbara Hershey in director Martin Scorsese's first Hollywood film, "Boxcar Bertha." The same year, Carradine starred in the "Kung Fu" TV series, which made him a star. In 1973, he was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, and in 1974, he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best TV Actor in a Drama Series. After appearing in "Kung Fu" for three years, Carradine left to pursue his film career.
Carradine received critical acclaim for his performance as Woody Guthrie in "Bound for Glory" (1976), and Carradine was again nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance. He also appeared in "Thunder and Lightning" (1977), "Gray Lady Down" (1978), "Deathsport" (1978), and the "North and South" TV mini-series in 1985 and 1986, for which he received his third Golden Globe nomination. In 1992, Carradine revived his Kwai Chang Caine character for a new TV series -- "Kung Fu: The Legend Continues," which ran for four years.
For the most part, Carradine faded from view for the next few years, until he reappeared in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2," and received his fourth Golden Globe nomination.
In June 2009, Carradine was in Bangkok, Thailand, for the filming of "Stretch." He had been expected to join the film crew for dinner on June 3, but he didn't show up. At about 10 a.m. the next day, a maid discovered Carradine's body in the luxury suite of the Swissotel Nai Lert Park Hotel in Bangkok, after she knocked on the door and received no response.
Carradine was reportedly found naked with his arms tied above his head, and attached to a bar in the closet of his hotel room. One end of a shoelace was tied around his neck, and the other end was tied to his penis. Although initial reports ranged from homicide to suicide, a Thai forensic pathologist stated the incident met four of the criteria for accidental death involving autoerotic asphyxiation, and police officials said closed-circuit cameras inside the hotel indicated that no other person was involved in Carradine's death
Carradine's family told the press that they believed the death to be accidental and not a suicide. And two of Carradine's former wives told the press that he enjoyed kinky sex and bondage.
Oct. 6, 2009 -- After months of speculation, there is some evidence confirming the final burial location of Michael Jackson -- inside a marble sarcophagus beneath the Ascension Windows in the Holly Terrace, inside the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Glendale. (This photo of the sargophagus was taken about a year ago.)
Fellow gravehunter Lisa Burks reported on her great "Adventures in Grave Hunting" blog that fans who recently brought flowers and cards for Jackson gave them to a guard at the Great Mausoleum, and then watched through a window of the Holly Terrace door as the guard walked to the end of the hallway and placed the items in front of this sarcophagus. The fans reported that "the small room at the end of the hallway is covered with flowers and balloons."
The fans also reported that they took photos and video through the window. "The guards were very friendly and they didn't try to make us erase the film," they said.
Also, TMZ is reporting that security at the Great Mausoleum has been "scaled back." TMZ reported that Forest Lawn hired a private security firm to protect Jackson's grave, but that the additional security has been removed. Still, the Great Mausoleum is closed to the public, except for a small area near the Last Supper stained-glass window, all doors are locked, and all areas of the mausoleum are under the watchful eyes of security cameras. TMZ also reports that cemetery staff says "there hasn't been a single suspicious incident since Jackson moved into the neighborhood."
Is this absolute proof that Jackson is buried there? No, not really. Not until someone sees his brass nameplace on the sarcophagus. It's possible that Forest Lawn is just putting the cards and flowers and balloons there either to throw fans off the track, or just because they don't have any other place to put them. But I'd say it's pretty good evidence that he's buried there.
I'm glad to hear that Forest Lawn is loosening their security grip, and I'm also glad to hear that there haven't been any security problems. Maybe they're finally realizing that the vast majority of fans just want to visit, leave flowers and cards, and pay their respects to someone they admire and who was an important part of their lives.
So, for the time being, fans can go to the Holly Entrance door and look through the glass to see Jackson's sarcophagus -- which is closer than anyone has ever been allowed before. If there is a problem, however, it's likely that Forest Lawn will go back on lock-down, and prevent fans from getting anywhere near the Holly Terrace entrance.
I hope the truce continues. And for that to happen, fans have to continue to follow the rules, be respectful, and leave the shovels and crowbars in the car.
Sept. 26, 2009 -- Academy Award-winning actor Karl Malden has been marked at Westwood Memorial Park. Malden died July 1, 2009, at the age of 97.
Malden was born Mladen Sekulovich in Chicago, and was raised in Gary, Ind. When he started his acting career, theater producers wanted him to change his name, so he switched two letters in his first name and made it his last name, and took his grandfather's first name. Interestingly, Malden often found ways to say "Sekulovich" in films and TV series. In "Patton," Malden plays Gen. Omar Bradley, and calls out to one of his troops, "Hand me that helmet, Sekulovich." In "Fear Strikes Out," playing Jimmy Piersall's father, John, Malden introduces Jimmy to a baseball scout named Sekulovich. In "Birdman of Alcatraz," as a prison warden touring the cell block, Malden reads off a list of inmate names, including "Sekulovich." Malden's father was not pleased with that appearance of the family name, and he told his son, "No Sekulovich has ever been in prison!" The Sekulovich name got back on the right side of the law in Malden's TV series, "The Streets of San Francisco," when Malden was assisted in a few episodes by a police officer named Sgt. Sekulovich.
Malden began his acting career on Broadway in 1937, and made his film debut in 1940 with a small role in "They Knew What They Wanted," which starred Carole Lombard and Charles Laughton. After an interruption for World War II, during which Malden served in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to films, appearing in "The Gunfighter" and "Halls of Montezuma," both in 1950. In 1951, he appeared in "A Streetcar Named Desire" as Mitch, the best friend of Stanley Kowalski. For that role, Malden won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Malden was also nominated in the same category for his role in "On the Waterfront" (1954). Malden was also a five-time Emmy nominee -- nominiated four times for his role in "The Streets of San Francisco" before finally winning for his performance in "Fatal Vision."
Malden's acting career spanned 60 years, and he is perhaps best known
for his role in "The Streets of San Francisco" TV series, where he co-starred with Michael Douglas, and also
for a series of American Express television commercials -- "Don't leave home without it."
In 1988, Malden was elected president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a position
he held for five years.
His grave at Westwood is located just off the main street, around the corner from Farrah Fawcett, Rodney Dangerfield and Walter Matthau.
Sept. 21, 2009 -- At the end of every year, many newspapers list the names of the famous people who died that year. But they usually wait until the year is actually over. This year, they just can't wait. They're already coming out with the lists of people who've died during the past few months.
The Associated Press, sparing no drama, described the sounds of the summer as "a ceaseless and somber drumbeat, as idols of all walks of life passed away. From Walter Cronkite to Sen. Ted Kennedy, the nonstop loss of luminaries continued almost as if a seasonal occurrence -- as much a part of summer as hot dogs and humidity."
The New York Times described it as "the endless funereal season."
A columnist in the Washington Post wailed, "God, please stop taking away our celebrities.”
New York magazine even claimed a trademark on the phrase "Summer of Death."
Is the Grim Reaper working overtime? Are celebrities really being cut down in record numbers? What will happen when they're all gone? TV screens will go blank, movie theaters will be empty, and talk show hosts will have no one to talk to. (Actually, there won't even be any talk show hosts, since they're celebrities, too.) What will happen to a world obsessed with celebrities when there isn't anyone left to obsess about? Think of the gossip magazines and TV shows that will disappear. What will we read? What will we do? Oh, the humanity ...
Calm down. It's not as bad as all that. Or maybe it is, but not in the way you're thinking.
In fact, no more celebrities have died this summer than in previous years, according to Lou Ferrara, a managing editor in charge of entertainment and lifestyle coverage for the Associated Press, quoted in the New York Times. The perception of numerous celebrity deaths is not supported by the number of obituaries the news agency wrote, he said, because it was not a matter of how many died, but who.
So, why the panic? First, we did lose a bunch of big names over the past few months -- Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, David Carradine, Ed McMahon, Karl Malden, John Hughes, Robert McNamera, Les Paul, Mary Travers, Don Hewitt, Dom De Luise, Dominick Dunne, Frank McCourt, Robert Novak, Cronkite and Kennedy. But you can probably pick any three-month period during the past few decades, when we actually started caring about "celebrities," and find a similar number of big names. Maybe not huge names, but certainly some big ones.
Second, a bunch of them were pretty young. Jackson and Billy Mays were 50. Fawcett was 62 (although most of us don't think of her as being that old). Adam Goldstein, better known as DJ AM, was 36. Swayze was 57. Hughes was 59. When we start reading obituaries for people who are younger than we are, we start to notice and start to think.
"Many of them are people I looked up to, like one does with authorities or with parents," psychologist Michael Bader told the New York Times. "But that means my generation -- me -- is next. We're up at the plate, not on deck. That's unnerving. It's like they blocked our view of the edge of the cliff and with them gone, it's all too clear."
Another reason is the wide reach of the Internet and the growing use of social media sites. As soon as someone dies, notices and updates spread on Facebook and Twitter. People create memorial websites and discussion groups.
"It's relentless because of the impact of the Internet," Adam Bernstein, the obituary editor of the Washington Post, told the AP. "Twitter feeds go out. Every death seems to become more of a tempest rather than just the simple news of what it is."
And, of course, we can't get enough celebrity news, especially celebrity deaths. "Any time you have someone that's even a moderate celebrity, they make more news now than maybe they would have before," Claire Noland, obituary editor of The Los Angeles Times, told the AP.
"Our measure of celebrities is different than before," said Ferrara. "DJ AM, when you look at his celebrity status, he was a D.J. that hung around certain people, dated certain people, became a celebrity. We probably didn't have that 10 years ago or even five years ago."
Luckily, summer officially ends tomorrow, which means an official end of the "Summer of Death." So now we can start keeping track of the "Autumn of Death" and the "Winter of Death." And that should be really interesting, since statistics show that the death rate is higher during the winter. I just hope we'll have enough celebrities left.
Sept. 11, 2009 -- She died early in the morning on June 25, with quiet class and dignity, a few hours before Michael Jackson. Because of that, her death escaped the media spotlight.
A private family funeral service -- just one -- was held on June 30 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in downtown Los Angeles. There was no video feed from her memorial service, and no plans by her family to try to profit from her death.
Farrah Fawcett was quietly buried at Westwood Memorial Park after the funeral service -- across the cemetery lawn from another iconic blonde beauty, Marilyn Monroe -- and her grave was marked this week.
For fans who want to visit, Farrah is buried along the road, just past the Westwood chapel, between Rodney Dangerfield and Merv Griffin.
There are no guards who will try to stop you from visiting, saying a prayer, leaving flowers or paying your respects, and photography is allowed. In fact, her grave is between two benches, so you can sit and spend some time with her, if you'd like to thank her for sharing her talent, or for setting an example of courage and bravery.
Sept. 6, 2009 -- The day after Michael Jackson's memorial service -- his third -- and his burial Thursday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale -- his first, so far -- his brother, Randy, issued a statement about how upset the family was that media helicopters "severely disrupted" the event.
"I was dismayed last night and again today at the coverage I saw on television of our ceremony for Michael," Randy Jackson said in a statement. "We had asked the media to respect the privacy and the sanctity of this event; to give us one moment of privacy to mourn as a family out of the public spotlight. Unfortunately, despite a no-fly zone around Forest Lawn, many media organizations decided to ignore our wishes. They employed helicopters that not only surreptitiously recorded our private family ceremony, but also severely disrupted it".
"I therefore ask today that media organizations airing helicopter footage of the ceremony we held for my brother immediately pull that footage from their air and refrain from airing it in the future."
(As a slight clarification, the Los Angeles Times reported that, although the Glendale Police Department had warned private pilots about flying around the burial because of increased air traffic, there was not an actual ban on planes and choppers around Forest Lawn.)
At this point, I think Randy Jackson is absolutely right. Let's not ask why the family arranged for elaborate lighting and multiple cameras to film this "one moment of privacy to mourn as a family out of the public spotlight." (Apparently, it's OK if they control the spotlight.) Let's not ask why the service wasn't held inside the Great Mausoleum, where there's a great space in front of the Last Supper stained-glass window with plenty of room for everyone, and there would be absolutely no possible problems with surreptitious helicopters recording this private family moment. (But maybe the lighting and the sound isn't as good in there.) And let's not wonder why the post-burial dinner for family and friends was also filmed. (But maybe now we know why the Jacksons were 90 minutes late for the service -- Randy was watching the coverage on TV and being dismayed.)
(UPDATE: According to the Glendale News Press, the reason the burial service wasn't held inside the Great Mausoleum is because Forest Lawn wouldn't allow any photographs or video to be taken inside. Apparently, the original plan was to have the service inside, with the Jackson family film crew, and one media pool photographer outside, providing all the photographs for the media. But when Forest Lawn rejected the idea of any photographers inside the GM, the Jacksons were forced to move the service outside, and decided they wouldn't need a media pool photographer, since they would provide their own photos and video to the media. According to the Glendale News Press: "Now, this is speculation, but here goes: The Jackson family wanted exclusivity and control over these images. If the News-Press and ABC7 were also shooting outside the Great Mausoleum, those images would no longer be exclusive. Bye-bye media." And what would be the point of having a private, intensely personal family moment if you can't have a bunch of cameras to record it?)
Let's just leave them alone to privately mourn their brother, son and father. Let's be content with the memories we have of Michael Jackson the performer, and leave them with their memories of Michael Jackson the person.
Let's not further invade their privacy by watching the upcoming A&E special and possible reality series -- tentatively titled "Jackson Family Dynasty" -- about the surviving Jackson brothers and how they're dealing with life after Michael. Let's not watch it because it will almost certainly include footage of the memorial services, burial and after-party, since that would violate "the privacy and sanctity of this event." And let's not purchase or watch the upcoming memorial DVD and/or film about Michael's life and death.
Let's just leave the Jackson family alone.
Sept. 3, 2009 -- In a recent Associated Press story, Forest Lawn Glendale spokesman William Martin was asked about the cemetery's tight-lipped policy regarding the celebrities who are buried there.
Martin acknowledged there was a time when Forest Lawn boasted about its celebrity crowd, but no more. "We don't advertise, we don't market it," he said. "It is just inappropriate."
While watching the coverage of the Michael Jackson burial ceremony tonight, I couldn't help but have the same thought. It is just inappropriate.
My impression is that if the Jackson family -- or whoever is making the decisions -- could take Michael's body on a world funeral tour, they would. Tonight, LA. Tomorrow, New York. Next week, London and Paris. C'mon out and watch the family mourn. T-shirts and CDs will be for sale outside the gates. This is at least the third "funeral" service they've had for him -- the public ceremony at Staples Center, the private family service at FLHH, and now this, more than two months after he died.
For the first time, I'm actually shocked and appalled at what they're doing. Say whatever you want about Michael Jackson as a performer or as a person. He was a human being, someone's son, brother, father, cousin, uncle and friend. To be trotting his corpse around like this, for whatever financial gain, is absolutely horrible. Why can't they let him rest in peace? Whoever is making these decisions should be ashamed.
Thursday's event at Forest Lawn was supposed to be a "quiet and private" service for family and friends. A chance to say one final farewell before he's buried -- more than two months, and at least two other funeral services, after his death.
As I was watching, I couldn't appreciate it as a memorial service. All I could think of were questions.
Why did they get the FAA to ban traffic in the air above FLG? The only reason I can think of is because they didn't want any news helicopters, so they could have the only video of the service. Why? What do they plan to do with it? The memorial video, or perhaps for the A&E reality show? Or something else they can make money on?
The networks were told that there would be one pool camera at the service, but there were at least three, plus audio. Why was it necessary to so completely record the event if this was supposed to be a "quiet and private" service for family and friends?
If this was supposed to be a private event for family and friends, why did the family PR flack announce the exact date, time and specific location? If they wanted a private service, they could have easily had one inside the GM -- with absolute and complete privacy and no chance of prying eyes or cameras -- and then announced the next day that it was over.
I don't mean to sound disrespectful or critical of the family. Exactly the opposite. I'm sure this has been a horrible ordeal for them. So why put his mother through this three times? Why put his children through this three times? Why put his family and friends through this three times? Isn't once enough?
The answer, of course, is money, and lots of it. The estate of Elvis Presley -- who died in 1977, 32 years ago -- earned $55 million last year. The excecutor of Michael Jackson's estate estimates that the payday for Jackson's estate could be at least twice that amount. Why not start as soon as possible? Why not take advantage of the pain and emotion while it's still fresh?
So don't be surprised if you see the footage from tonight's burial service -- the parts you didn't see on TV -- show up in some sort of special memorial DVD set, on the brothers' A&E reality show, or in some other money-making form. I hope I'm wrong. But I don't think so.
And that would be absolutely, completely, totally and morally inappropriate.
Sept. 2, 2009 -- The final memorial service and burial of Michael Jackson at Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale is scheduled for tomorrow, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m., and the cemetery property is already at DEFCON 2 high-level security alert and lockdown. I haven't seen any F-15 fighter jets zooming overhead, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
Streets will be blocked all around the cemetery for the service, and parking restrictions are already in place. The Glendale Police Department will be handling security, with an estimated cost of $150,000 -- which will be passed on to the Jackson family. The security measures will include canine teams and air support. There have also been reports that the police helicopters will be equipped with heat-detecting cameras to find anyone who might try to sneak onto the property and hide in a tree or something.
Glendale Police Sgt. Tom Lorenz had a message for fans or other gawkers who are thinking about going to the cemetery: "Don't even try and come, because you won't even be able to see the green of the Forest Lawn."
People magazine is reporting that the Federal Aviation Administration has restricted airspace over the cemetery. Seriously. Apparently, this is that important. And don't give up on seeing those F-15s.
I went out to Forest Lawn this afternoon to do an interview with the BBC, along with the lovely and talented
Lisa Burks, who writes the wonderful "Adventures in Grave Hunting" blog. The BBC people knew they couldn't film anything on the Forest Lawn propery, so they set up their camera on the sidewalk in front. While they were making their preparations, two FLG security trucks drove up and told them they had to move. The BBC people pointed out that they were located on the public sidewalk, not FLG property. After some discussion and a few radio calls back to FLG HQ -- which I imagine looks something like the War Room in "Dr. Strangelove" -- the camera and the reporter were allowed to stay.
I realize that this is a big deal, and if the family wants privacy, those wishes should absolutely be respected (although, if they really want privacy, why have the family PR representative announce the exact location, date and time of the service?). But don't you think Forest Lawn might be ... oh, I don't know ... over-reacting just a bit?
These aren't people trying to climb over the wall with crowbars and shovels. They aren't breaking any laws or Forest Lawn rules or even -- Heaven forbid! -- taking pictures. They're standing on the sidewalk. And that brought out two Forest Lawn security trucks and a guard who tried to kick them out. ("Scramble! Scramble! Attention all units! Security breach in Sector 7! Proceed with caution. The subject wearing the sport coat and tie appears to be holding a dangerous weapon! Or it might be a microphone!")
It's ironic that Hubert Eaton, the man who made Forest Lawn what it and changed the nation's thoughts and feelings about cemeteries, wanted to create a welcoming, inviting place for visitors to come and enjoy the beautiful grounds and scenery. Today, you can't even stand on the sidewalk in front without being asked to leave.
Lisa said she heard of a Forest Lawn property owner who tried to visit a loved one in the Great Mausoleum recently. He was told that he would be escorted by a security guard to his intended location, and the guard would stay with him until he left the building. The visitor declined, saying, "I'll come back when things get back to normal."
Whenever that might be.
Aug. 25, 2009 -- Think we're the only ones who care about where Michael Jackson might be buried? Think again.
In July 2008, 18,765 people visited ForestLawn.com, according to a website analysis. Over the next 10 months, the numbers declined a bit, with monthly totals ranging from 10,326 to 17,700. Still, a nice, steady traffic flow. In June 2009, 13,428 people visited the site. Then Michael Jackson died on June 25, and the website traffic in July rose to 95,919 -- an increase of more than 614 percent!
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Forest Lawn Gets Massive Surge in Online Traffic
