Free Republic

First Lady Michelle Obama may be America’s brightest star—outshining leaders from Washington to Hollywood. In a favorability poll conducted by Gallup in July, she topped the list, ranking higher than Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton and Al Gore. Last month, CNN placed her approval rating at 65%—20 points above her husband’s—and Forbes named her the most powerful woman in the world. With every TV appearance or press shot, she moves markets. Research by New York University business professor David Yermack, published in this month’s Harvard Business Review, reveals that Obama’s style choices have contributed $2.7 billion to the retail sector. Companies...

Brando granted Jackson island retreat 6.05PM, Mon Apr 4 2005 Movie legend Marlon Brando granted Michael Jackson lifelong sanctuary on a tropical island, it has emerged. Brando, who died in June 2003, transferred the use of half an acre of land on his private Pacific island to the singer "in consideration of gratitude and affection", according to deeds. It happened a year before Brando's death and was in thanks for Jackson hosting a birthday party for his daughter Nina who is now 15. Brando's son Mike had worked briefly as a bodyguard for Jackson - currently on trial in California...

Michael Jackson's booking photo and personal information are shown on this copy of a release from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department after Jackson was booked on child molestation charges, Nov. 20. Were it not for a slice of luck, it could have been a little Japanese boy who fell into the single-glove clutches when the superstar stopped blowing bubbles and decided to pan in on peter at Neverland, according to Shukan Bunshun (12/4). Michael Jackson has long enjoyed an affinity for Japanese children and, were it not for earlier allegations of sexual abuse of a little boy than the...

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Michael Jackson has donated to so many charities that the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 listed him as the world record holder for "most charities supported by a pop star." Now, as the singer faces new allegations of child molestation, charities, schools and even cities that benefited or hoped to benefit from his largesse are reconsidering their affiliation with the "King of Pop." Others say they will distance themselves only if Jackson is convicted of a crime. Despite concerns by sponsors and other groups, the allegations shouldn't hurt Jackson's popularity if he escapes prosecution...

OK...so Jacko, the King of Strange is on the hot seat again. There are lots of "I heard that..." comments flying around concerning what happened in the 1993 Jordan Chandler case, this old GQ article covers some ground that most never were aware of.