Anderson@Large

Twitter Update 2011

No, it’s not that kind of party.

This post is not about Rep. Anthony Weiner. The media’s Weiner roast is far more entertaining than entertaining thoughts of Weiner’s wiener.

The Pew Internet & American Life Project reports a significant increase in the percentage of Americans using Twitter:

• 13% of online adults use the status update service Twitter, which represents a significant increase from the 8% of online adults who identified themselves as Twitter users in November 2010. 95% of Twitter users own a mobile phone, and half of these users access the service on their handheld device.
• As in our previous research on Twitter use, African Americans and Latinos continue to have high rates of adoption of the service. Fully 25% of online African Americans use Twitter at least occasionally, with 11% doing so on a typical day.

Read more: Twitter Update 2011

For a G-rated tweet, listen to this Jackson 5 classic.

Michael Jackson Remembered

Today marks the one year anniversary of the death of Michael Jackson.

The Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network will remember Michael with a brief memorial service, at which Sharpton will reflect on the King of Pop’s life and legacy.

There will be a moment of silence at 5:26 p.m. (the exact time of Micheal’s death).

WHO:
Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network, and other community supporters and leaders

WHERE:
Harlem State Office Building Plaza
163 West 125th Street, New York, NY

WHEN:
Friday, June 25, 2010, 4:30 p.m.

King of Pop Finally Laid to Rest

Michael Jackson will be buried today in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Michael’s public memorial service will be televised, live-streamed and shown in some movie theaters beginning at 1:00pm ET, 9:00am PT. Tens of millions of people worldwide are expected to watch the King of Pop’s final act .

In a fitting irony, the real circus will follow the media circus into the Staples Center. But the clowns are already here.

Michael Jackson, R.I.P.

Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

It’s hard to believe that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, is dead at age 50.

I remember as though it was yesterday the first time I saw the Jackson 5 on “Soul Train.”

I still marvel at 11-year-old Michael’s soulful version of “Who’s Lovin’ You.”

Beyond his musical genius and iconic status, Michael was a humanitarian who raised hundreds of millions of dollars for famine relief in Ethiopia and children’s charities.

Quincy Jones told the Associated Press:

For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.

Indeed, Michael brought joy and pleasure to his legions of fans. I was on a flight to Toronto from San Francisco shortly after “Thriller” was released. I hit the repeat button and listened to “Billie Jean” nonstop for the duration of the trip.

In 1983, it was amazing to see babies who couldn’t talk or walk, sing and bop to “Beat It” in their strollers and cribs.

Michael Jackson was “Bad,” but he is in a better place. He now has the peace that eluded him in life.

Michael is “Gone Too Soon.” We love you and will miss you very much.