7/17/2011

The Michael Jackson Trip 2.

Some more info:

Grammy museum: yesterday I visited the MJ exhibition down on the Olympic Boulvard. MJ has only one wall with appr. 7-9 costumes, majority of them owned by his Estate. Except two suites that is owned by John Branca. On the ground floor in the merchandising store you can get some MJ items licensed by Bravado or the Grammy museum (they are selling posters licensed by MJ Licensing Llc as well, hope the Estate people are aware of this).

Thriller house: the location where the famous video has been shooted is pretty empty now. Actually the house is falling apart and it's hard to even know if you are on the right place. Nothing shows the importance of that place.

Let me know if you would see actual pictures of the places and I will upload them.

7/16/2011

The Michael Jackson Trip

I made a trip to California to visit the famous MJ places. Though I can't say anything revealing, I share my experiences here (at the moment I'm sitting in the grass in front of the Neverland gates).

Gardener street elementary school: I was surprised how close it is to the center of Los Angeles. Nothing interesting to say, it's a small downtown school building. MJ' name still uncovered!

Hayvenhurst property: Surprised again. I knew that this compound isn't that big, but it was even hidden under some trees. No sign of fame or rich, all you can see is a big brown gate. Many security cameras, visible alarming system and a note from the local police. That's what shows that something is going on in. Related to the other MJ places Hayvenhurst isn't that "shiny".

Neverland property: I took a helicopter ride over Neverland so I could see everything pretty good. Everything is moved out, no animals either. However the property is in pretty good condition. I have been told that they are working on taking back the train, as well some elments of the entertainment park. Lots of people were moving on the ground, busy working on the renovation. The front gates are just as they are on the pictures. It can be seen that someone is taking care of things here. There is a 24 hours security next to the front gates. To show how busy things are here, two cars were leaving Neverland and a bunch of tourists stopped here over the past 30 minutes (most of them not recognising the gates for first).

Hollywood star: The only star where people gathered on Hollywood Boulvard. And I'm not saying this because I'm a fan of his. People were in lines to take a picture of his star.

Madane Tussaud museum: They have a special tribute to MJ, a room on the second floor filled with 3 MJ figures (little Michael, Bad era, Invincible era). A plate states that MJ was the most portraid in the history of the museum.

Carolwood compound: It's in pretty condition, and under sale. People were busy here as well, cars were coming and going.

Forest Lawn: Beautiful place, however not much to see there. The gates are closed and you can just imagine what is in there (glasses are darkened). Fans were coming and going, some emotional scenes to see there.

Captain EO: It can be found in Disneyland's Tomorrowland section. I attended 2 shows, that ran with almost full house. At the beginning the presenter asked who is an MJ fan: everyone screamed and clapped! The movie itself is good, but of course to see MJ again is what takes your attention. There is a merchandising store next to the theather with t-shirts and caps.

In a nutshell, I see big interest in MJ here, and definiaetly people's opinion just got better of him. There are some people, especially his Estate who are taking care of his legacy. However Neverland has great unused possibilities in my opinion...

7/03/2011

Iglesias Aner vs. The Michael Jackson Estate

You might remember for the case filed by Iglesias Aner, claiming that MJ didn't pay the rent fees for one of the homes owned by Iglesias. Here are some more details on the case:

On February 8, 2008 Michael Amir Williams, MJ's personal assistant signed an agreement in MJ's name for leasing the compound under 2710 Palomino Lane, Las Vegas. The term was for the period between March 1, 2008 and August 31, 2008.
On September 6, 2008 Williams notified Iglesias that they would extend the agreement to August 31, 2009. In the light of this, it's interesting to think about what would have happened if MJ would stay in this home...

The premises were vacated and turned over to Iglesias on September 17, 2009. Iglesias claims that everything has been paid until as it has been written in the agreement, however the period between September 1 and 17 wasn't paid. Furthermore he said that when the premises has been vacated the home was damaged.

Iglesias filed a creditors claim in September, 2009 for $324.000, and decided later to sue the MJ Estate because he felt he didn't get any response on time.

In late March the parties agreed that they settle the case out of court.