Posted on 07/01/2009 3:23:44 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
LOS OLIVOS, California (AFP) – The plans for Michael Jackson's funeral remain uncertain, but that did not stop Desiree Crossley and her family from camping out for hours outside of his Neverland ranch.
Reports that the King of Pop would be laid to rest at his sprawling fantasy estate prompted a near stampede here to the rolling hills of Santa Barbara wine country, with hundreds of media satellite trucks parking outside the gate.
As newscasters broadcast live in multiple languages and traffic crews hurriedly erected no-parking signs, Crossley waited with a friend in foldable chairs, her two daughters sitting in the car.
"There've been mixed messages about what's going on, but you've just got to be patient and wait," said Crossley, 49, who drove up before dawn from Lancaster in Los Angeles County, 250 kilometers (150 miles) to the south.
"We're just trying to enjoy the atmosphere. He was the King of Pop," she said.
Further down the road of cattle ranches and elite estates, Belen Morales and her two brothers from Los Angeles spent the night camping out in a tent. For breakfast, they had Lucky Charms cereal with milk from their cooler.
"It was really cold last night. But this is definitely worth it," said the 14-year-old girl, wearing -- aptly enough -- a T-shirt for Michael Jackson's song "You Are Not Alone."
Hotel owners said that their phones started ringing moments after reports that the 50-year-old pop icon could be buried at Neverland, a 1,050-hectare (2,600-acre) ode to childhood that once had tigers, giraffes and an amusement park.
With hotels booked up, some local entrepreneurs smelled business.
Debbie Pollard, who works at a nearby grocery store, drove through the packs of journalists with her window down, offering a "guesthouse' on her property for 500 dollars a night.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Michael Jackson fan Karless Osby from Lancaster, California, waits next to the entrance of Michael Jackson's ranch, Neverland in Los Olivos, California. Reports that the King of Pop would be laid to rest at Neverland ranch prompted a near stampede here to the rolling hills of Santa Barbara wine country. (AFP/Gabriel Bouys)
Media satellite trucks line the street where the Jackson family compound is located in Encino, California on June 28, 2009. Nearly two out of three Americans believe the media gave too much coverage to the death of Michael Jackson and just three percent think it was too little, according to a survey. (AFP/File/Robyn Beck)
Somebody send Shatner out to give these people the “get a life” speech. I’ve been sad when musicians I like died, I understand it sucks, but really, gotta move on people.
Yup.
Most Americans believe Jackson coverage excessive
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2283550/posts
What’s funny is that most people, even for just a moment or too, will still stop and watch some of it. Darned rubber neckers.
I think Joe Jackson should sell “Michael Jackson 2009 Live From the Grave Tour” T-shirts as long as he is using this opportunity to market his new record label.
Perhaps a skilled Freeper can mock one up showing the tour dates at the mansion he died in, the hospital, the County Coroner’s Office, Neverland Ranch and the Staples Center where they hope to have the big blow out. Add in Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson as bloodsuckers.
"Get a Life!"
How pathetic!! They need to get a life.
How pathetic!! They need to get a life.
Joe Jackson leaves the rented Holmby Hills residence in Los Angeles where his music legend son Michael Jackson died last week. Jackson's will is set to be revealed in court here Wednesday as anticipation of an expected funeral service at the King of Pop's Neverland Ranch fantasy retreat reached fever pitch. (AFP/Mark Ralston)
The freak hasn't had a hit in years - he's a "has been" by every standard known to art. Is the liberal fuss a "celebration" of child rape? What else has he done in the last 15 years?
I don’t think it’s “the people” as much as it’s “the media”. This is the shallow superficial level network “news” reporters are best at... The networks are all Jerry Springer...
Only in America can a pedophile be morned like a god..how very pathetic..
I think it would be hopeless. Let us pray that beneath Neverland lies a hitherto unknown dormant volcano, and that when the crowd there is the greatest, the sonic waves from all the wailing and gnashing of teeth will break that last barrier up, and lava will engulf the whole damn bunch of idiots.
parsy, who would tune it for that.
Hell, I should run up there and buy out one of the bakeries and make a killing down the line.
I just read at TMz.com and it says that their will be no private or public viewing of him and that in fact they may not hold the services their at all because of hazard concerns.
if you do, ship me some bread and streudel, FedEx!
I am so confused can someone tell me what is going on with Netherland ?
I thought Netherland was foreclosed on earlier this year?
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