WOW Michael Jackson ....dead?????

[jay10music]

Hi Arthur,Please chill. Differences of opinion are absolutely fine, but malice is far from necessary and not acceptable. I'm not patrolling the forum this weekend, but the mods who are have license to do whatever they need to. I've seen you make some nice contributions in the past, and hope you will continue to do more of that.This must all be my fault. A few hours ago I looked at the forum and thought, "It's nice to see things being so peaceful.... ahhhh." Jinx!!Thanks,Michael

[claire]

This must all be my fault. A few hours ago I looked at the forum and thought, "It's nice to see things being so peaceful.... -----------------------------------Well maybe we've lost some people. Or maybe it's summer. I doubt that it's all your fault Claire

[pitterpatter]

When I heard the news that MJ was dead, I was surprised by my own reaction. I don't know him personally but at first, I felt stunned and shocked. Then, I cried. I can't tell you why. It was just a very sad ending made even sadder by MJs use of drugs. He had everything that the material world could offer him and he still needed that crutch. Princess Diana affected me like this too. She had everything in the world a person could ever want except for a faithful husband and she was pretty unhappy at times. At least, she didn't need drugs to get through...although, you never know. They both had almost unlimited prosperity and they still weren't completely fulfilled or happy. What hope is there for the rest of us poor suckers? MJ was a brilliant talent in so many ways, as a dancer and a songwriter and a performer. 'The Way You Make me Feel", Billie Jean', 'Man in the Mirror' and 'Black or White' are top of my list for all time favourite songs. He will be missed. He will be remembered.

[ggalen]

They both had almost unlimited prosperity and they still weren't completely fulfilled or happy. What hope is there for the rest of us poor suckers? Lots of hope. It's nice to know that being rich is not the main thing that creates happiness.Studies of happy people show that it's having loved ones, a sense of purpose, work you enjoy, and enough food and shelter... that is what seems to create happiness. And recognizing the good things you do have really helps, studies find.

[pitterpatter]

Jul 3, 2009, 9:40am, ggalen wrote:They both had almost unlimited prosperity and they still weren't completely fulfilled or happy. What hope is there for the rest of us poor suckers? Lots of hope. It's nice to know that being rich is not the main thing that creates happiness.Studies of happy people show that it's having loved ones, a sense of purpose, work you enjoy, and enough food and shelter... that is what seems to create happiness. And recognizing the good things you do have really helps, studies find.This whole 'Money doesn't buy happiness' philosophy doesn't sit well with me so when immensely wealthy people can't seem to find happiness, it just confuses and depresses me. Poverty doesn't buy happiness either and you can quote me on that one. And I must point out that food and shelter cost money and if you have a job you enjoy you are probably making money. Poverty is a strike against anyone wanting to get married or have children so family status can be related to how much money you have too. I suppose there will always be exceptions to the rule but generally, money makes the world go round. I'm not sure a person can be happy without it. Because without it, you'd be dead...no food. I actually do get what you are saying. Look on the bright side of life and all of that. It does help people to feel better about their lives and circumstances if they dwell on the glass being half full instead of half empty. Me. I just want a full glass with continual refills. Why is that too much to ask? And why are the people who have full glasses with continual refills not happy?

[ggalen]

PitterPatter,You are right. Poverty can make you unhappy, no doubt about it.That's why I said "enough food and shelter".

[pitterpatter]

Duly noted.

[toddt]

Pitterpatter, no need to look at it the way you are and let it bring you down. The superabundance of money was a large part of MJ's problems - it was his immense wealth and a life without any of the normal constraints that created the possibility for him to feed his serious insecurities to a much greater extent than we normal people ever could, in a way allowing him to isolate himself further.Whilst poverty is a definitely problem that is quite easy for all of us to grasp, the opposite end of the scale seems to have its own challenges too.To quote a man much Bigger than I: "Mo Money, Mo Problems"...

[pitterpatter]

Yes. I'm sure you are right that having too much money presents it's own set of problems. I'd like to find out first hand what they are.

[mojobone]

With you on that, 'Patter. I have long observed that people who are driven to make lots of money tend to be among the unhappiest folks I meet. Small wonder that the profession that nearly always makes the top ten for happiest is that of undertaker. It's a recession-proof business in which one is constantly reminded to stop and smell the roses.