and after all you're my wonderwall

This is in response to the article on cnnpolitics.com entitled "Rep. King on Jackson: There's nothing good about this guy" . Read it before proceeding with my blog.

I could have curse this person a million times for saying something like that to a person who have somehow influence me, but rest assured I will try my best to be objective in what I will write here.

First. The person just died. I think that is basis enough for Mr. King to keep his opinion to himself. at least for now. At this point in time, how could he say something like that to a person who just passed away? Like what one of the persons who commented on the article, how much lower can Mr. King go? True, it is highly unlikely that he is the only person who has that kind of opinion. But are those people afraid? Or are they just respecting the fact that he just passed away? With Mr. King publicly saying his comments, it is likely (as evidenced by the comments on the link) that other people will come out to say ill things like that without the feeling of guilt that they are bashing a person who just passed away.

Second. The person was not and was never convicted of child sexual abuse. So Mr. King's statement that he was a 'child molester' is incorrect if we take into account the rulings of the court. By court I might add the two grand juries who tried him in the 2005 case and that they never found him guilty of any charges.

Third. Mr. King's statement that "there's nothing good about Jackson" as we all know, is obviously incorrect. I may not know the actual numbers, but Michael had "donated and raised millions of dollars for beneficial causes through foundations, charity singles, and support of charities" (<- from wikipedia) . More than that, he was an inspiration to people with the disease vitiligo by helping increase awareness of the disease, and in doing so help spark research on ways to treat the illness and inspired people with the same illness to try to live a normal life. Also, who can deny the inspiration he was to musicians. Hundreds, probably thousands of them have cited jackson as one of their influence to write their own music. He was an inspiration to a lot of people, whatever color their skin are. My point is that he have done so many good things to people, no matter how directly or indirectly responsible he was with it (<-- I maybe subjective in what I had just written. forgive me)

Mr.King asked the people who have read or listen to his interview "what are we glorifying him for?" 

We glorify people not for the wrong that have been committed but for the good that they have done. In the case of Jackson. It was his music. History have already judged him as the most famous entertainer of all time. His albums as the greatest ever made. He is a human, and apart from that, he is an artist. .A musician. .A musician, as Noel Gallagher of the band Oasis have pointed way back in the 90s, should not be judged about his life, about his name, even about his humanitarian or environmental cause, but rather, about his music. Its always about the music that defined a musician, and that is what we are glorifying Michael for.

To sum it up. people who read this blog may disregard all the points that I have discussed, that is except for the first one. He just died. He should at least be given the respect that he deserves right now from everyone, including his detractors.

As I have written earlier, history have already judged him. lets wait in a few years or so if history will take into account the wrongs that critics claimed he had done.

I can only tell one thing. It is for sure that 40 years later, the radio will still play his music, MTV will still play his videos. New forms of entertainment will still bear his music. All the mess he was in will all be forgotten, but his music will continue. Even at this very moment, Thriller have already stand the test of time. Later in your life you will wonder who the hell Mr. King is and if he's even worth writing about. .

When the numbers in the Philippines grew to about thirty, I began checking th WHO website on a daily basis.100 plus cases in our country. Some of them have already been released from the hospital. It is a good sign that the virus is not evolving. You see, it takes about 5 to six months to develop an antidote against a new virus. And the flu is responding well against antiviral medicines.

Below is an article on the WHO website on what an individual can do to protect himself.

"The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:

• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?

If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?

You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).

What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

• stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
• rest and take plenty of fluids;
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
• if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
• use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
• inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.

Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?

No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.

What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?

No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.

When should someone seek medical care?

A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).

Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)

Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

(for more info check the World Health Organization Website at www.who.int