Just What IS News???
Entertainment trumps Reality:
While it is rarely good news that someone passes away nor is the timing ever good either, the timing of Michael Jackson's passing was very bad in my opinion. Farrah Fawcett died the same day from a form of colorectal cancer that will affect many more of us than super stardom will and she winds up as a footnote on the news on that day. I have not heard a thing about her since. The world is obsessed with Michael Jackson. It appears he self-destructed like so many famous people have done. Too bad but it was his choices that caused it. Farrah got the bad luck of getting cancer.
While he was a big influence on pop culture for a generation, his other life, which I cannot call normal, was marred by allegations of child abuse, financial problems, and an apparent identity crisis judging by how he wanted to look like Diana Ross (except a while version).
More people will be affected by colorectal cancer than will be affected by becoming a Pop Star and self-destructing, yet the media insists on raising this person to almost sainthood and I do not see an end in sight.
Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States when men and women are considered separately, and the second leading cause when both sexes are combined. It is expected to cause about 49,920 deaths (25,240 in men and 24,680 in women) during 2009. More research on cancer needs to be done but it is overshadowed by this. It’s sad, many more of us will have to deal with cancer that with superstardom and self-destruction.
I felt that this was a great opportunity for more people to gain awareness of this horrible disease and possibly have more research done but instead all we hear is how great MJ was. Farrah was twice the woman Michael would ever have become.
-phil
Comments
-
I echo
And you know what's the worst Phil - it's not even over yet. The immediate hype might begin to flame out shortly, but with all of the digging, the Will and Estate, and custody of the kids, we're going to hear, rather there will be alot of coverage ongoing for awhile.
I feel bad for Farrah and her family; she just lost her battle on the wrong day became yesterday's news instantly and it has upset many in the cancer community. It took the attention of a major disease and shelved it in favor of someone else.
Good for you on sending your comments to the editor. At least you tried.
At least with Farrah's funeral tomorrow on Tuesday, she will get a bit more air time and maybe people will pay her some attention.
And hopefully both funerals will be separate.0 -
Cancer fightSundanceh said:I echo
And you know what's the worst Phil - it's not even over yet. The immediate hype might begin to flame out shortly, but with all of the digging, the Will and Estate, and custody of the kids, we're going to hear, rather there will be alot of coverage ongoing for awhile.
I feel bad for Farrah and her family; she just lost her battle on the wrong day became yesterday's news instantly and it has upset many in the cancer community. It took the attention of a major disease and shelved it in favor of someone else.
Good for you on sending your comments to the editor. At least you tried.
At least with Farrah's funeral tomorrow on Tuesday, she will get a bit more air time and maybe people will pay her some attention.
And hopefully both funerals will be separate.
I truly believe that because of Farrah Fawcett's fight with the Cancer beast that people will be getting screened in record numbers. Her public fight is not in vain. I am a 2 year survivor of stage 3 colon cancer, her death saddens me and leaves me with the knowing that the beast can come back. But I also don't want to waste the precious time that I have being Cancer free on worrying excessively. I hope that my fight with colon cancer with spare someone from this beast if they have early screening. If they are fighting cancer I'm here to give my love and support to them.0 -
Cancertiny one said:Cancer fight
I truly believe that because of Farrah Fawcett's fight with the Cancer beast that people will be getting screened in record numbers. Her public fight is not in vain. I am a 2 year survivor of stage 3 colon cancer, her death saddens me and leaves me with the knowing that the beast can come back. But I also don't want to waste the precious time that I have being Cancer free on worrying excessively. I hope that my fight with colon cancer with spare someone from this beast if they have early screening. If they are fighting cancer I'm here to give my love and support to them.
I remember that when Katie Couric had "hers" done on TV, it gained attention. I just have a feeling that other than us, who are in the loop, care. Most of the world cold care less unless it affects THEM and the funny part is, this CAN affect them and they will have their heads up their a$$es instead. With any luck, they may spot something.0 -
Getting more annoyedSundanceh said:I echo
And you know what's the worst Phil - it's not even over yet. The immediate hype might begin to flame out shortly, but with all of the digging, the Will and Estate, and custody of the kids, we're going to hear, rather there will be alot of coverage ongoing for awhile.
I feel bad for Farrah and her family; she just lost her battle on the wrong day became yesterday's news instantly and it has upset many in the cancer community. It took the attention of a major disease and shelved it in favor of someone else.
Good for you on sending your comments to the editor. At least you tried.
At least with Farrah's funeral tomorrow on Tuesday, she will get a bit more air time and maybe people will pay her some attention.
And hopefully both funerals will be separate.
I'm getting more annoyed with this whole thing. They guy knew how to grab headlines (along with his crotch) but so much hype over this is sickening. I wonder if all pedophiles get this attention. This just blows my mind and it just blows too0 -
The Sad TruthPhillieG said:Getting more annoyed
I'm getting more annoyed with this whole thing. They guy knew how to grab headlines (along with his crotch) but so much hype over this is sickening. I wonder if all pedophiles get this attention. This just blows my mind and it just blows too
I have to say that I don't think any celebrity with any kind of disease has caught my attention to do something about my own health. Sad as that may be, it's the truth. I mean, if our own families resist getting colonoscopies while they hold our hands throughout our ordeals, how does someone who has a bit of fame influence us to go get scopes up our hinders. If our own doctors aren't even telling us to get scoped while our sisters are dying of intestinal cancer how do we expect to get the message just because a poster babe had anal cancer? You know what I mean? When Sheryl Crow got breast cancer I surely didn't run out and get a mammogram.
WE have to be our OWN voice and create the bruhaha to bring attention to our plight. WE have to commit to the cause if WE want the change that WE are demanding.
Find your cause and commit. Find your voice and speak out. Good for you Phil that you spoke up.
Why are we surprised that the media has manipulated us once again and turned our attention to the circus coming to town.
peace, emily0 -
I agree
Phil,
You're right that it will probably make some people in your town mad, but I totally agree with you. While I enjoyed all of Michael Jackson's songs- I was in high school in the 80's when so many of his songs were big- it does sicken me to the extent of which people seem to almost worship the ground he walked on. Obviously no one can time when they die, but it's definitely a shame that so much of Farrah's "day" was taken over by MJ. It will be interesting to see what coverage her funeral gets, which is scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday).
Fight on!
Lisa0 -
Stars
"Hollywood types" have mucho psych problems including narscissim
whether they are Farah Fawcett or MJ....if they weren't full blown
when they started, they are at the end.....so I question how much
influence they have as well....it is just good fodder for the 24
hour cable news which is hard pressed at times to fill the minutes.
We ourselves and our caregivers are better promoters day to day.
Barbara0 -
You are SO right!2bhealed said:The Sad Truth
I have to say that I don't think any celebrity with any kind of disease has caught my attention to do something about my own health. Sad as that may be, it's the truth. I mean, if our own families resist getting colonoscopies while they hold our hands throughout our ordeals, how does someone who has a bit of fame influence us to go get scopes up our hinders. If our own doctors aren't even telling us to get scoped while our sisters are dying of intestinal cancer how do we expect to get the message just because a poster babe had anal cancer? You know what I mean? When Sheryl Crow got breast cancer I surely didn't run out and get a mammogram.
WE have to be our OWN voice and create the bruhaha to bring attention to our plight. WE have to commit to the cause if WE want the change that WE are demanding.
Find your cause and commit. Find your voice and speak out. Good for you Phil that you spoke up.
Why are we surprised that the media has manipulated us once again and turned our attention to the circus coming to town.
peace, emily
I'm, i suspect, a lot older than a good many of the good folk on this message board so I was never a MJ fan. Yep, I watched 'Charlie's Angels' back in the day. I admit being more affected by Farrah's trials and fight than Mr. Jackson's. Yes, he was the subject of a great deal of child abuse and fame-too-soon, but I just cannot mourn him the way a lot of people are. Right now I am focused on my own fight with the cancer monster and am more interested in that fight and the battle of all the people on this message board.
Currently I am reading a book...CRAZY SEXY CANCER by Kris Carr. I rather imagine it has been read by some or many of you ladies and gents; if not it is uplifting and gives a lot of nutritional advise(just like you, Miss Emily).
Good reminder post, Emily, thanx.
Sandi (Krystle singer)0 -
Point Well Taken2bhealed said:The Sad Truth
I have to say that I don't think any celebrity with any kind of disease has caught my attention to do something about my own health. Sad as that may be, it's the truth. I mean, if our own families resist getting colonoscopies while they hold our hands throughout our ordeals, how does someone who has a bit of fame influence us to go get scopes up our hinders. If our own doctors aren't even telling us to get scoped while our sisters are dying of intestinal cancer how do we expect to get the message just because a poster babe had anal cancer? You know what I mean? When Sheryl Crow got breast cancer I surely didn't run out and get a mammogram.
WE have to be our OWN voice and create the bruhaha to bring attention to our plight. WE have to commit to the cause if WE want the change that WE are demanding.
Find your cause and commit. Find your voice and speak out. Good for you Phil that you spoke up.
Why are we surprised that the media has manipulated us once again and turned our attention to the circus coming to town.
peace, emily
I thought about that, Emily and it is a point well taken.
My family, friends and co-workers have not gone to get any screenings at all, even after watching me and what I've been through from the start to today.
I've talked to them and written to them and used myself as an example, but alas, it falls on deaf ears. They have watched from afar and so far it has made little difference to any of them when I look back on it these past 5 years or so. Hmmm...
I guess nobody gets involved until it affects them personally and then the awareness begins. The light bulb clicks on then.
-Craig0 -
Ditto
I am with you on this one Phil - I've heard enough about MJ now. I am not minimizing his talent - it was there in spades, and for his loved ones, I'm sure it is a terrible loss as any death is. But he was obviously a very troubled soul that needed help early on, and shouldn't have had the access he had to young, impressionable, innocent, and often ill or troubled children. I have never understood how his family and friends - who are all praising him now - allowed him to spiral so out of control.
On the day they both died my daughter said ".. poor Farrah Fawcet will be forgotten about ..". I guess it is because Farrah's death was expected and MJ's was a shock, but enough already.0 -
I have something to say
I agree with you Phil. It's the MEDIA!!!
My huband has crc not me.I have MS and I do know that when the Stars with MS come out and let the public know that they have MS it sparks peoples attention to MS and they tend to give more money for research and ask more questions and it does help in that way. Annette F.,Michael L. (Squiggy)on Lavern and Shirly, Terri Garr, Montel, Clay Walker and some others have come forth and done a bunch of fund raising and called attention to MS. Is it enough..NO! Katie Couric did spark people to go get screened. Not everyone.
I know that my husband (JR) has got the attention of many people we know to go and get screened. My own brother who never would have gone in got screened. His sister's he is still working on. Several people he works with have gone in. So in this way it does help.
I wish Farrah would have got more attention. It did bother me. The world was shocked with MJ's death. I wish some how they could have done equal stories on them both but that is the media for ya...Oh and I fogot Richard Prior. There were people who thought he had it coming because of his lifestyle. I don't agree..Just my thoughts Paula G.0 -
Well I'm sure the people in my town will listen to me!2bhealed said:The Sad Truth
I have to say that I don't think any celebrity with any kind of disease has caught my attention to do something about my own health. Sad as that may be, it's the truth. I mean, if our own families resist getting colonoscopies while they hold our hands throughout our ordeals, how does someone who has a bit of fame influence us to go get scopes up our hinders. If our own doctors aren't even telling us to get scoped while our sisters are dying of intestinal cancer how do we expect to get the message just because a poster babe had anal cancer? You know what I mean? When Sheryl Crow got breast cancer I surely didn't run out and get a mammogram.
WE have to be our OWN voice and create the bruhaha to bring attention to our plight. WE have to commit to the cause if WE want the change that WE are demanding.
Find your cause and commit. Find your voice and speak out. Good for you Phil that you spoke up.
Why are we surprised that the media has manipulated us once again and turned our attention to the circus coming to town.
peace, emily
I hear you Emily, My experience with family and friends was different than many others was it seems. I easily had a dozen people get scoped after I was diagnosed. Probably more. I don't get how people do not heed the warning but then again, I don't understand a lot of how the majority of people think.
I agree that a celebrity will probably not influence people when it comes to health issues like Oprah can with a book recommendation. That alone says something is seriously wrong with how the media decides what is news. I will say this, when Sheryl Crow came out with her breast cancer news, I was looking at every breast I could. I do think it may have had some positive influence to the fight though. Nothing that MJ contributed other than music, was helpful to people. From holding his kids over a balcony, to having sleepovers with young boys, to distorting his face until he looked like a freak. But America LOVES the Jerry Springer mentality.
Thank God for movie channels and the History channel.0 -
NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN...
I just got an email from the editor of the local paper. He said:
Phil -
Best letter I've read in some time. I'll look to include it in this week's paper.
Thanks.
Bob Quinn
Usually I write about there being no signs in town that tell you when you have to feed the meter or the one time we saw what looked like a rabid skunk walking in circles during the day. My wife called the town who gave her a number of an guy who would remove it for a fee.
I was PISSED about that one.
-p0 -
Great PhilPhillieG said:NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN...
I just got an email from the editor of the local paper. He said:
Phil -
Best letter I've read in some time. I'll look to include it in this week's paper.
Thanks.
Bob Quinn
Usually I write about there being no signs in town that tell you when you have to feed the meter or the one time we saw what looked like a rabid skunk walking in circles during the day. My wife called the town who gave her a number of an guy who would remove it for a fee.
I was PISSED about that one.
-p
I am so glad the the editor of your paper got back with you.It was a great letter and I am glad they will include it in this week's paper.
The skunk thing would have pissed me off too. P.G.0 -
Great job, Phil!PhillieG said:NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN...
I just got an email from the editor of the local paper. He said:
Phil -
Best letter I've read in some time. I'll look to include it in this week's paper.
Thanks.
Bob Quinn
Usually I write about there being no signs in town that tell you when you have to feed the meter or the one time we saw what looked like a rabid skunk walking in circles during the day. My wife called the town who gave her a number of an guy who would remove it for a fee.
I was PISSED about that one.
-p
Love the letter. Love the answer from the editor. Really displeased about the rabid skunk.
Hugs,
Kirsten0 -
I LOVE THAT BOOK!krystle singer said:You are SO right!
I'm, i suspect, a lot older than a good many of the good folk on this message board so I was never a MJ fan. Yep, I watched 'Charlie's Angels' back in the day. I admit being more affected by Farrah's trials and fight than Mr. Jackson's. Yes, he was the subject of a great deal of child abuse and fame-too-soon, but I just cannot mourn him the way a lot of people are. Right now I am focused on my own fight with the cancer monster and am more interested in that fight and the battle of all the people on this message board.
Currently I am reading a book...CRAZY SEXY CANCER by Kris Carr. I rather imagine it has been read by some or many of you ladies and gents; if not it is uplifting and gives a lot of nutritional advise(just like you, Miss Emily).
Good reminder post, Emily, thanx.
Sandi (Krystle singer)
I took it on vacation with me and laughed my hinder off sitting at the lake.
Her blog is just as fun.
peace, emily0 -
T & APhillieG said:Well I'm sure the people in my town will listen to me!
I hear you Emily, My experience with family and friends was different than many others was it seems. I easily had a dozen people get scoped after I was diagnosed. Probably more. I don't get how people do not heed the warning but then again, I don't understand a lot of how the majority of people think.
I agree that a celebrity will probably not influence people when it comes to health issues like Oprah can with a book recommendation. That alone says something is seriously wrong with how the media decides what is news. I will say this, when Sheryl Crow came out with her breast cancer news, I was looking at every breast I could. I do think it may have had some positive influence to the fight though. Nothing that MJ contributed other than music, was helpful to people. From holding his kids over a balcony, to having sleepovers with young boys, to distorting his face until he looked like a freak. But America LOVES the Jerry Springer mentality.
Thank God for movie channels and the History channel.
Does that mean when Farrah came out with her anal cancer were you scoping on nice tushes too?0 -
Town CrankPhillieG said:NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN...
I just got an email from the editor of the local paper. He said:
Phil -
Best letter I've read in some time. I'll look to include it in this week's paper.
Thanks.
Bob Quinn
Usually I write about there being no signs in town that tell you when you have to feed the meter or the one time we saw what looked like a rabid skunk walking in circles during the day. My wife called the town who gave her a number of an guy who would remove it for a fee.
I was PISSED about that one.
-p
Are you the cranky constipated guy in town who is always writing letters to the editor? HA! Keep us posted when it gets in.
The rabid skunk issue just stinks.
(sorry, I honestly couldn't resist)
peace, emily0 -
Excellent!PhillieG said:NEWS FLASH - THIS JUST IN...
I just got an email from the editor of the local paper. He said:
Phil -
Best letter I've read in some time. I'll look to include it in this week's paper.
Thanks.
Bob Quinn
Usually I write about there being no signs in town that tell you when you have to feed the meter or the one time we saw what looked like a rabid skunk walking in circles during the day. My wife called the town who gave her a number of an guy who would remove it for a fee.
I was PISSED about that one.
-p
Kickin' "butt"
Excellent!
Kickin' "butt" and taking names!0
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