Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana

Helen S - Little Rock, AR

Michael was hated & misunderstood by many; mostly because of jealousy and hatred by racists. yes, his mind was messed with a nd it affected him in a big way. I'm sure many of us would be in the same shape if we were lied on because the less fortunate,less talented or non-talented couldn't do as he did; lied on because they hated Black skin; they didn't have a fraction of the money he had so they did what they did to take away his fortune. Now some of his accusers are admitting the lied, he never touched them in a sexual way. I never believed he did. They said he wanted to be white, my daughter has vitiligo just as Michael had. Her skin is practically white in every viewable area of her body--her legs, arms, more than half of her face--her hands look as though she's wearing gloves, but--know what? She's still pretty! She wears make-up on her face but the rest is left white. I don't love her less because of it, but she is talked about, scorned, etc., just as Michael was; not because she has money but because her skin is different. I pray very hard for her. She's only minutes from being a recluse at times. I understand what Michael was going through.

~~I BELIVE IN MIRCALES DO YOU~~ - Egypt

micheal was a american idol and he well be missed so much i remmebr him when i was teenage i lesten his songs and he make porblems not as bad there were. micheal u loved by so many ppl and never forget u,nay u rest in peace brother.

Jarvis K - Fayetteville, NC

Michael Jackson was The Messenger,he taught us to love one another it didn't matter if you were black or white,rich or poor.Every once in a great while a person of his significance come's alone.GOD had blessed his life for and example,of giving loving and being loved back from so many people all over the world.I personally Love MJ, because he made his own way.If we get anything out of this life,we have to put up with all the naysayer and the back stabber's.People that hate you love them anyway.Jesus was the only perfect one, three hung on the cross,it took seven day's to make the world,and then the 12 men Jesus chose one betrayed him,so you see a Prophet; is not honored in his on Land.I really belevie people didn't understand Michael Jackson but I did.He was tired and the LORD new that and called mike home to be with him forever,so long my Teacher and friend.Jarvis Killens

Lynda H - S Hampton, NY

Hi Ron,

You asked for thoughts on Michael Jackson,boy is that complex.I started following Micheal as a H.S senior when he and his brothers came out with ABC.I have watched him grow up(or not) in the media.I see /saw him as a man/boy,a multi-talented artist,a humanitarian and philanthropist and a very troubled human being.Michael always seemed to be searching for himself and I don't think he ever truely found out who that was .He in some ways tried to do manly things like getting married and having children ,but to me i was more about proving something the to the public more them himself.I think he kind of stopped growing as a child when he started getting hounded by the media and his fans and could no longer do things the way most kids do like making friends ,having girlfriends ,socializing.You also wonder about the whole black/white thing as you watched him gradually become white.Life must have been painful for him,yet and still musically and humanitarianly he transended all color boundaries.Imagine what he could have done if he had ever found true happiness and contentment within himself.HE WILL BE MISSED,NO MATTER WHAT.

So there you go,my thoughts,agree or not.

      MICHAEL JACKSON - BAD

Michael Jackson - BAD (DVD)
Uploaded by wonderful-life1989 - Watch more music videos, in HD!

!! PRAYER WARRIOR    -    

AN ICON THAT WILL BE GREATLY MISSED; BY YOUNG AND OLD. 

UNIQUE LIKE AN  UNCUT DIAMOND, CATERGORY BY HIMSELF.

YES; HE WAS LOVED BY MANY. 

NOT A SPEECH WRITER; THIS SUMS IT UP FOR ME

Rose    -    Minneapolis, MN 

i always loved micheal jackson's music and i liked him also  my granddaugther was very upset when we heard the news about his death

****D F****...{JDB PETHOUSE}   -   Arlington, VA

GOD BLESS YOU FOR THE MUSIC AND THING THAT YOU CONTRIBUTED IN SOCIETY FOR ALL. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AS THEY GO THROUGH, DEAL WITH AND MOURN YOUR DEATH AND THE LOSS TO ALL.

GOD'S BLESSING FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND MAY THEY ONE DAY UNDERSTAND IT ALL. REST IN PEACE MICHEAL FOR YOUR AT PEACE AND NO ONE CAN HARM YOU THROUGH WORDS, AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT YOU ENDURED. YOUR IN GOD'S HANDS NOW MICHEAL. ENJOY THE PEACE, QUIETNESS THAT IS DUE YOU AND THE MUSIC THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO LAST AN ETERNITY WITH YOU THERE. 

FOR YOU SAFE IN GOD'S HANDS NOW, SO TO THE FAMILY KNOW THAT GOD HAS HIM NOW UNTIL YOU ALL ONE DAY TOO JOIN HIM.

MY SINCERE AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL.

! ! ! ! ! !~La'Netta F~    -    New Ams..., Guyana

Ok well thats easy he is legend and there will never be another, the first time i saw him perform it was magic and unreal. i have listen to all his songs and watch all his videos triller is my favourite.....U know ever one talk about Elvis he is so great and all but i think he was just a drug addict, Michael was special he was nice and most of all he was talented, and love by millions he will be missed and he will be remember for a lifetime.......and i cried like a baby when he died still crying.................the sad thing is he left those lovely children hope god protect them.............well thank u for thinking of my thought have a great weekend..... 

! ! *DIVAGIRL*$GET IT SHORTY     -  Norfolk, VA

Well i'm sorry that I dont have a whole lot to say about him, because of course I didnt know him personally... I did listen to several songs of his coming up but i've never been a fan... All that I can say is that he still lives on as a legend through his music, family, friends, and fans... he will be deeply missed by all

88 {LADY P HUSTLA } ( MW& PETS )   -   Brooklyn, NY

Whats done connot be undone, Micheal will be missed and never forgotton his music will continue to thrill us here on earth world wide. REST IN PEACE MJ.There will be more sweet sounds coming down on the night shift.

          BILLIE JEAN

Billie Jean
Uploaded by Michael-JACKSON-5 - See the latest featured music videos.

Lottie P   -   Kingsland, AR

I was raised on Michael Jackson music , avery talented young man, who never really got to be a child.

Jeanne B (Squid 4 Duck) # Pending   -   Red Bank, NJ

I grew up with Michael Jackson's music as did my children and grandchildren.  They loved him and were inspired to copy his dance moves every time they heard his songs.  My daughter used to say she was going to marry him when she was a teenager is how much she loved him and his music.  Michael Jackson was a musical genius that was integral to the music community.  His work enabled the Black musicians of today to be seen on MTV and other media as well.  He was instrumental in providing the groundwork for today's musicians in dance and music.  His creative and innovative videos spurred the videos of today.  His passing will be greatly missed by his family,, friends, musical community and fans.

Foxfire    -   Salem, AL

Michael was a person who had a lot to give, not knowing who he was he was trapped in a world of his own,  even though me made us happy with his songs and dance, he wasn't happy... He will be missed.....

Sugar and Spice    -    Atlanta, GA

I am very touched by the passing of Michael JAckson.  I feel that he will  have the peace that he so needed in life.  I pray for his family and loved ones of which I feel that we are all a part.  I think it quite ironic that he is now receiving all of the accolades that he should have gotten in life.  The Bible states that a prophet is never appreciated in his own land.  Michael was forced to seek love and fan support in foreign countries because of the injustices done to him here.  I just say, Finally...Rest in Peace.

Sugar and Spice(Brenda V)

THE JACKSON 5 - ROCK'N'ROLL HALL OF FAME

The Jackson 5 - Rock'n'Roll hall of Fame
Uploaded by choucoune92 -

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was part of the soundtrack to many of our lives we haven’t seen anything like him in his prime since and I seriously doubt we will. Michael first came to prominence as the pint-size nucleus of his family band, the Jackson 5. He quickly became the focal point of the group because of his pinup cuteness and, of course, that voice. What was so remarkable about the young Michael was his ability to communicate youthful innocence, or precocious wisdom, or sometimes both at the same time. But his watershed moments came after he came out of his awkward teenage years.

At 20, Jackson starred in the film version of The Wiz, at which point he met Quincy Jones, who agreed to produce his fifth solo album, Off the Wall. As stunning an artistic statement as Off the Wall was, it did little to prepare anyone for the cultural phenomenon that was his subsequent album, Thriller. The sea change Michael created with Thriller had less to do with the music than with the medium. At the height of MTV, Michael became the first Black artist who gained and sustained inter-generational, multi-ethnic and global appeal. He and the music video grew in tandem. Every music video he released was a major event, which is why MTV's lifetime-achievement statue at its annual awards show still bears his name. He was a major figure in U.S.A. For Africa, the project which gave us We Are The World. As a singer, as a songwriter, as a performer, as a dancer, Michael gave his all. His grasp of performance and presentation remains without parallel. There’s no denying he was the King Of Pop.

There will be a generation of music lovers who will never know what it was to see an artist at the top of his game battling for spots in the Top 40 with other incredible talents, also at their peak. I think of how he, Rick James and Prince tore up the 80s, hitting the radio with instant classics one after another. Michael Jackson leaves an artistic void that no other artist could possibly fill. Michael's legacy will place him as the most gifted, imaginative, larger-than-life musician of any race that has ever come along. He didn't have a perfect life but, he was perfectly talented and among the greatest artistic gifts Black Americans have given to the world. Most of his biggest fans are beyond American shores. How ironic that he passes in June — Black Music Month. His ability to care for the sick, dying, the hungry, he also fought for Little Richard to be paid fairly for his songwriting royalties he was a gentle, caring man. Whatever changed about him over the years that certainly didn't.

The same fame that he thrived on, the fame that the music industry creates, I think Michael felt chained to; I think it was painful. I think Michael Jackson died of a broken heart and a broken soul. Michael Jackson is an icon, a legend that walked among us for a short time, under appreciated when he needed us most, and smothered by our love when he needed privacy. He lived and died in the spotlight, and in some ways, the circus has just begun. We must not let the media decided for us what Michaels’s legacy will be, we cannot be distracted by the negative aspects that surrounded him. I for one will be doing my own personal retrospective about this genuinely phenomenal and gifted artist-entertainer.

This was Michael's life

Michael Jackson Best of Dangerous Di Kuala Lumpur

Author...BJ - Fort Washington, MD
Michael Jackson was a genius, living legend, huge humanitarian and often misunderstood. He was a well loved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, no doubt. Like other geniuses, his life ended in turmoil but he was loved by most and was given the most sought after title of "King of Pop" selling more than 100 million records of one recording alone. He was a "master" at his craft, he was a loving and kind human being who will be greatly missed by the world. As L.A. Reid of Def Jam Records, put it and I quote; "Stop the chatter and turn up the music on Michael Jackson." After all, we only have one judge and that is our heavenly father and Almighty God, Jehovah by means of his son and our now reigning King Christ Jesus.

Love and Happiness - Asheville, NC
I grew up listen to the jackson five we they had just started as a group. When Michael went out on his own. I really saw what a special person he really was. he put on a show like I never could imagine. I love Michael thru all of his life. I alway wanted Michael to do a comeback show to show the world how wrong that was about him. I can feel how loney and misunderstood people thought about him. He had no childhood like orinary kids and I was brought up the same way. I love Michael and it seems like a part of me is gone too.

Rev. Shirley - New Carrollton, MD
Ronald, my tribute to MJ is that he was one who had a tremendous gift, not a talent, but a gift. A talent is something that one has to work on but a gift is from God. And that is what he had. Anyone who could produce hit after hit from a very early age in life is a gift. Gone to soon from us, but we know that Jesus knows best.

Rest in Peace Michael

! A~W.O.W.: Jesus is my Boo ! - Stkn, CA
The magnitude of Michael Jackson's influence, talent, and genious is etched in entertainment history. He is the greatest performer of all time. My prayers are with the Jackson Family

: : : IN GOD'S HANDS : : : - Buffalo, NY
I think Michael was a phonomimon. I grew up with his music. I was devistated over his death. It seemed like everyone song was a hit. Most of them were. He will surly be missed. I never believed he molested anyone. He had a good heart. I refuse to dwell on the negative. I will go on celebrating the possitive side of his life. Thank you Ron for putting this thing together. I hoped that I have helped in some small way. Michael will live in my heart always. Love Jackie

Antonio M - Capitol, SC
Hi Ron...I was just thinking how stunned I was after learning what was going on in L.A....one thing is for sure history does repeat itself and as usual great genius is never appreciated or celebrated until its gone from our midst...R.I.P. Mike..... 
 
Gwen S - Rincon, AZ
This is somewhat difficult because that is exactly what I've been doing for the last day or so..... sorting out the feelings I have for someone who has been very much a part of my family of entertainers. More than that, in essence, a family member. I, like the rest of the world sang, danced, cried and laughed as we watched Michael grow up; as we grew up with him. Yet, in the early days, many knew he could sing....as lead for the Jackson Five and then as a solo artist. We simply didn't realize during that time that he was that multi-talented and had so many facets to his creative nature; nor did we realize that he would take center stage early in his career - maintain it and impact the world. Michael's untimely death was very much like loosing a beloved family member or friend..........there is an empty place in the core of my being; I must now figure out how to fill it.

Bella Donna - Ellicott, MD
My thoughts are that we have lost the consummate entertainer of the century. I believe that Michael was destined for greatness and there will never be another like him. I’m grateful to the Almighty for giving him to us for this season and I pray that he has found true peace and comfort

 Ladybae - Birmingham, AL
Rip Micheal..... We Loved You But God Loved You Best...You Will Never Be Forgotten  

LINDA R - Inglewood, CA
 SOMETHINGS ARE HARD TO EXPRESS. MICHAEL HAVE BEEN AN HOSEHOLD NAME FOR ASLONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. TO LOSE SOMEONE LIKE THAT IS LIKE LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY EXSPEACIALLY HIS MOTHER, I KNOW RIGHT NOW HIS FAMILY IS SO HEARTBROKEN UNTIL WORDS CAN NOT CONSOLE THEIR BROKEN HEARTS ONLY LOVE AND THE PEACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR CAN HELP THEM NOW. WE CAN PRAY AND ASK GOD TO HELP THEM AND RESPECT THEIR WISHES.  

! ! !1Sexyrican09! ! ! - Virginia Bch, VA
I'm very sadden by the lost of Micheal Jackson, I'm sure we lost him many many years ago. This time we have lost his flesh. I will keep him in my heart for as long as I live.  

!!1Queen www.banginmagazine.com!! - Desoto, TX
I grew up on Jackson 5; the music, the cartoons, watching some of his concerts that later aired on T.V. When I was little, my brother and I used to play "concert".....He would be Michael Jackson, standing on my mom's table (of course she wasn't home)....don't tell...lol.....I would sing and spin like Michael. I was the audience, screaming"Michael! Michael!" Those were fun times. I enjoyed the cartoons and all of his songs. Thriller and Billy Jean were my favorite. Michael was a very talented Man and great Entertainer!....

! ! ! ! ! ! CaramelDrip"HendrixKru" - Tucker, GA
Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace) was truly an icon to the African American musical culture representing talents on all levels. He crossed many genre's which is what earned him the title of the "KING OF POP" rightfully so! He was not only a singer, song writer, dancer, performer, & entertainer but he was indeed a musical genius. He paved the way for so many other African American artists today to be as expressive and as creative as they are because Michael was so skillful and so poised in his craft. His moves were like fluid in motion, he just made it look so simple, so easy, so natural, so Michael! Michael will sorely by missed, but never imitated and definitely not forgotten! His legacy will surely live on. WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL....God Bless!
Thanks, my name is Shon!

John B - East Vineland, NJ
When I think of Michael Jackson I am suprised. Here is a young man who spent 80 % of his entire life in professional entertainment and we never really some more than 10 %, probably, of his talent. This week since his death I have been viewiing the hundreds of videos he had done. The depth of his talent is amazing. The subtle things that are brought out in his videos and music will required reviewing and analyzing for years to come to totally understand. He is truly one of the masters of this generation. Only the future will prove his real position in the world and history of music. He along with Stevie Wonder may turn out to be the must iconic of all of the musical genius of all time. He is more amazing, each day I see something new all over again.
John Boykin June 28, 2009

 

USA For Africa - We Are The World

USA For Africa - We Are The World
Uploaded by GMRedskins

(Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Lyndsay Buckingham, Kim Carnes, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Shela E, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall And John O, James Ingram, Huey Lews & The News, Jacke Jackson, Mickael Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Al Jarreau, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins, Bette Mdler, Willei Nelson, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Ferry, Lionel Ritchie, S Robinson, D Warwick ...)


There comes a time, when we need a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, time to lend a hand
to life the greatest gift of all

We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're savin gour own lives, it's true
We make better days, just you and me

Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world ...

When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall

Let us realize that a change will only come
When we stand together as one

We are the world ...

(Michael Jackson)

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Earth Song



Barb B - Mansfield, OH
Michael, Michael, Michael, my heart is still aching, long befor e his tragic passing my heart ached for him. I had hoped and prayed his upcoming tour would be sucessful for him.
I like almost everyone that loved him, fell in love with him right from the beginning, all my kids loved him also.
One of my daughters had Michael Jackson some of everything all over her room, so in 1984 when I was able to get tickets for the Victory Tour,we were right there in the Pontiac Silverdome when he hit that stage and what a show that was. wish now I had, had more money to buy the stuff they were selling, we got a few items.
I spent the last 2 days going thru my albums looking for his, was only able to find 7 here in Ohio, hopefully the rest are in Michigan. I was elated when I found my December 2007 issue of Ebony with him on the cover! I have lots of VHS tpes, with videos of him onthem, now I will have make sure I tranfer them to cd's,
In short I really and truly Love Michael Jackson!

Much Luv From Tess! Top Notch - Tallahassee,Fl
After learning about Micheal jackson death I was shocked as everyone else until I watched the BET awards last night. when Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo starting singing the last song right before Janet came out to speak. then I notice my 10years old great nephew crying and it suddenly hit me that this Man was actually gone from the face of this world. So with saying that I will miss him and was really looking forward in to hearing his next upcoming Dc. With my prayer to the family and other MJ fans Just remember him as he was and rememeber, everyone has faults in their lives his just happen to be in the public eye

!!!Kae Kay**Pretty Black** - East Chicago, IN
I think Mike got a bad deal. I feel that he was so nice and caught up in child like behavior that people exploited it. I really feel that Milke did not get to enjoy his childhood, so once he was an adult he still behaved as if he was still a child. I do not think he molested anyone, but I do feel that he himself was molested. I think that is why he only felt completely comfortable with children, because he knew that they could not hurt him.

! ! ! Pastor MP ~XPA~ - Berkeley Lake, GA
Alot of his songs were prophetic, weather they were meant to be or not. I found them to be an inspiration .
I will miss Micheal Jackson.

Jackie E - Kingston, Jamaica
Micheal is my idol and his memories will always live on, may his soul R.I .P

Linda G (TEAM MERCY)#029 - Tampa, FL
MICHAEL WAS JUST LIKE A PERSONAL FRIEND ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET HIM I FEEL THAT HE IS A MUSICAL GENUIS AND HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART WE GREW UP TOGETHER


Michael Jackson - Jam

Michael Jackson - Jam
Uploaded by mjjunior11

Michael Jackson - Cry

Michael Jackson -Cry
Uploaded by foxysoul

Michael Jackson - You Rock My World

Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
Uploaded by djoik

Michael Jackson - Man In the Mirror (1989 Grammy Awards)

RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD! - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY OTHG!



THE FULL TOWN MEETING ON FATHERHOOD & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY




Thank you Kitty

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Charles Durning PBS



NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT National Guard PBS



BILL MOYERS JOURNAL Honoring Veterans PBS



NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Salute to the Services PBS



Memorial Day Concert - Gladys Knight "If I Could"



Gladys Knight "Let There Be Peace On Earth"

Native American Women

Native Voices: Tribute to Women
This is a special video dedicated to the women who have guided, are guiding, and will guide, the peoples of their native cultures. History tried to erase them, but their spirits continue to endure.


Lakota Women



The feminine world of Native Americans

Healing Waters Project

 Open Hand International Outreach "Healing Waters Project"

PO Box 2196
Salisbury, MD 21802
301-356-2772

We provide food, medicines, wells, safe drinking water, water containers, water purifiers, irrigation services, sponsorship, books, bibles, hygiene products, shoes and clothing. As a non-profit organization, we distribute 100% of the funding to the needy children, orphanages and widow families. 

CHILDREN DIE EVERYDAY FROM LACK OF FOOD

Every day, more than 16,000 children die from hunger and poor water-related causes--one child every five seconds. 852 million people across the world are hungry, up from 842 million a year ago.



 

  LETTING GO OF HATRED

  Rev. Kay

1 John 4:14-21 Sometimes we find it easy to love God, but have difficulty loving other people. Yet true spiritual renewal means that we must grow to love God and others. God has so intertwined our love for Him with our love for others that when we seek God and surrender to Him, He requires us to give up our hatred and prejudice. We must love others with His love. And we can only do this through forgiveness.

The Apostle John wrote, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him...If anyone says, 'I love God,' yet hates his brother , he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."

If we love God, God doesn't give us the option of hating our brothers and sisters. He doesn't even give us the option of hating our enemies. Jesus said, "I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" (Luke 6:27-28). When we surrender to God, we must release our hatred, our prejudice and our bitterness to them. Surrender to God means forgiving and living a life of love.

  Moses Hogan Chorale - I Thank You Jesus



Ron's American World

WHY

 

Tell Me Why- Declan Galbraith (with Lyrics)

Stamps goes up Monday, May 18, 2009

WASHINGTON (AP) — It'll cost Americans an extra 2 cents to mail a letter starting Monday.

The price of a first-class stamp will climb to 44 cents. It's the third year in a row that rates have gone up in May under a new system that allows annual increases as long as they don't exceed the rate of inflation for the year before.

While the increase will bring in added income, the post office continues to struggle financially as more and more lucrative first-class mail is diverted to the Internet, and the recession discourages businesses from sending their usual volume of advertising.

The Postal Service lost $2.8 billion last year and is $2.3 billion in the hole just halfway through this year.

Postmaster General John Potter has asked Congress for permission to reduce mail delivery to five days-a-week. The agency is offering early retirement to workers and making cuts in other areas.

Even so, the rate increase is unlikely to cover the losses and the possibility remains that the post office could run out of money before the end of the budget year, Sept. 30.

The post office could have cited extraordinary circumstances and asked the for larger increases, but officials worried that would only result in a greater decline in mail volume.

Postal officials estimate the increase will cost the average household $3 a year.

"None Of Us Are Free"

Solomon Burke _ "None Of Us Are Free"

SWINE FLU INFECTIONS SPREAD

Swine flu infections spread to more locations across the United States and around the world, while the World Health Organization considered raising its pandemic threat alert level.

By Rob Stein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 30, 2009

The World Health Organization took the unprecedented step yesterday of warning that the world is probably on the verge of a pandemic, as new cases of swine flu mounted, the first death was reported in the United States and the dangerous virus appeared to arrive just outside the nation's capital.

The Geneva-based agency raised the alert level for the second time in three days, elevating it to one notch below a full-scale pandemic, after concluding that the virus was causing sustained outbreaks in the United States and Mexico.

The heightened alert is intended to prompt every nation to activate an emergency response plan, to spur pharmaceutical companies to increase production of antiviral drugs and help speed development of a vaccine, and to prod bankers to help poor countries afford measures to fight the virus, officials said.

The dramatic pronouncement came as officials in Maryland announced that they were investigating six probable cases of the disease -- three each in Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties -- and as at least 10 more were under investigation at the University of Delaware.

The first death from the disease in the United States came when a 22-month-old boy from Mexico City succumbed Monday at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston. The child, who had unspecified "underlying health problems," according to U.S. health officials, had taken a flight with his parents from Mexico City to Matamoros, Mexico, on April 4 to visit family in Brownsville, Tex.

After developing a fever April 8, the child was hospitalized in Brownsville and then, with his condition worsening, was transferred the next day to Houston.

State health officials were trying to determine when and where the boy became infected and how many people came into contact with him and his family, but they said no other relatives or anyone else had fallen ill.

"Texans need to know there is no cause for panic, and Texans can be assured that the state will take every necessary precaution to protect the lives of our citizens," said Gov. Rick Perry (R), as he issued a "disaster declaration" in response to the outbreak. Officials suspended high school sports events statewide until May 11 and shut more schools, sending more than 53,000 students home for at least two weeks.



President Obama offered his "thoughts and prayers and deepest condolences" to the toddler's family and to other victims and their loved ones. U.S. authorities are monitoring the spread of the virus carefully, he said, and he urged local authorities to report all suspected cases and close schools where infections are reported. Obama said people should wash their hands frequently, stay home from work or school if they are sick, and cover their mouths when coughing.

U.S. public health authorities have been worried that the virus would start producing the severe pneumonia and deaths that so far have been limited to Mexico, where the epidemic began. "The clinical picture in the United States is looking a bit more like the Mexican situation," said Nancy Cox, a flu expert at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The number of known cases in the United States hit at least 91, with infections confirmed in at least six new states -- Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arizona, Indiana and Nevada -- more than doubling the number of states with confirmed cases. A Marine stationed in California also has a suspected case of swine flu.

The WHO's action came after the agency convened an unusual "global virtual science meeting" involving several hundred experts and officials to help assess the situation. The agency raised the alert from "phase 4" to "phase 5" two days after elevating it for the first time because the never-before-seen virus was spreading in Mexico.

Saying influenza viruses are "notorious for their rapid mutation and their unpredictable behavior," WHO Director General Margaret Chan told reporters: "This is an opportunity for global solidarity as we look for responses and solutions that benefit all countries, all of humanity. After all, it really is all of humanity that is under threat during a pandemic."

The new alert level could prompt a variety of measures, including more intensive efforts to identify cases and stricter measures to prevent the illness's spread, such as discouraging or banning public gatherings.

With the virus now clearly being transmitted person-to-person in the United States, WHO officials said the outbreak appeared to be on a trajectory toward the highest alert level -- "phase 6" -- which is marked by sustained transmission in at least two regions of the world. That would mark the beginning of a pandemic -- a global spread of the virus.

"It's clear the virus is spreading, and we don't see any evidence of this slowing down at this point," said Keiji Fukuda, the WHO's interim assistant director general for health security and environment.

While there is a chance that the epidemic could stop on its own, officials said that such an outcome is impossible to predict and that governments around the world should plan for the worst.

"There may be a possibility that the virus will die out and stop, and that would be the best for us. But it can turn the other way. So the important point for us is to continue to maintain our vigilance and track its movement," Chan said. "Influenza pandemics must be taken seriously precisely because of their capacity to spread rapidly to every country in the world."

Asked whether the higher alert level will change the U.S. government's posture, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said: "We have been preparing all along as if this is going to be a stage six. Our efforts have been to stay ahead of whatever number the WHO assigns."

So far, U.S. officials have referred 49 travelers with suspicious symptoms entering through border checkpoints to federal, state or local health officials. Eight cases remain under investigation, and the other 41 were negative, Napolitano said.

In addition to the new U.S. cases, infections were also confirmed for the first time in Austria and Germany, among people who recently returned from Mexico. Cases had previously been identified in Spain and Britain -- where three new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to five -- as well as in Israel, Canada and New Zealand. In France, where 30 possible cases are under investigation, the government announced that it will urge the 27-nation European Union to suspend all flights from member countries to Mexico.

VIDEOS FOR MORE INFO:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/video/2009/04/27/VI2009042702810.html?sid=ST2009042900988

FOUNDATION FOR CHANGE -100 DAYS

Hey Guys, Please click to explore the progress in your state..., to look at the issues, or listen to stories by people like yourselves....Things are beginning to WORK! God, bless Obama!


Tomorrow will mark the President's hundredth day in office. A lot of attention will be given to this largely symbolic day, and the truth is that what we do every day after it will be just as important -- if not more. But our accomplishments in this time have been remarkable, and they're having real effects on people and communities throughout the country.

You built the movement that made this possible, and it's up to you to show Americans that real change can happen when ordinary citizens work together.

Explore this interactive map to learn about the progress we've made in the last 100 days and the stories of real Americans whose lives have already been touched. Then spread the word by passing it along to your friends and family.

With the country in crisis, the President took office and acted quickly to restore confidence and stability to our economy. But just as important were the steps we've taken toward building a new foundation for our prosperity, so that we never go back to the system that led us to crisis in the first place.

In just one hundred days, we've made crucial investments to create jobs and improve education, energy, and health care. All of this is a down payment for a new economic vision -- one where skilled workers fuel our economy rather than debt and speculation; one where American leadership on clean energy fuels 21st century innovation; and one where families and businesses are no longer weighed down by crushing health care costs.

Delivering on the promise of change is the reason we built this movement. Now, President Obama is counting on all of us to build support for this foundation and create a lasting recovery for America.

Take a look now at these critical first steps we've taken together and pass it on for others to see:

http://my.barackobama.com/100days

This new direction would not have been possible without you. But our biggest tests are yet to come, and the future is ours to shape. Let's seize this moment together so history will show that, at this defining crossroads, a generation of Americans put their country on the path to long-term security and prosperity.

Thank you,

David Plouffe

Rear Admiral Michelle Howard

Rear Admiral Michelle Howard
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

Rear Admiral Michelle Howard is a 1978 graduate of Gateway High School in Aurora, Colo. She graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1982 and from the Army’s Command and General Staff College in 1998, with a master's degree in Military Arts and Sciences. Howard’s initial sea tours were aboard USS Hunley (AS 31) and USS Lexington (AVT 16). While serving onboard Lexington, she received the Secretary of the Navy/Navy League Captain Winifred Collins award in May 1987. This award is given to one woman officer a year for outstanding leadership. She reported to USS Mount Hood (AE 29) as chief engineer in 1990 and served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She assumed duties as first lieutenant onboard the USS Flint (AE 32) in July 1992. In January 1996, she became the executive officer of USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and deployed to the Adriatic in support of Operation Joint Endeavor, a peacekeeping effort in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia. 60 days after returning from the Mediterranean deployment, Tortuga departed on a West African Training Cruise, where the ship’s Sailors, with embarked Marines and U.S. Coast Guard detachment, operated with the naval services of seven African nations. She took command of USS Rushmore (LSD 47) on 12 March 1999, becoming the first African American woman to command a ship in the U.S. Navy. Howard was the Commander of Amphibious Squadron 7 from May 2004 to September 2005. Deploying with Expeditionary Strike Group 5, operations included tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia and maritime security operations in the North Persian Gulf. Her shore assignments include: course coordinator/instructor for the Steam Engineering Officer of the Watch course; action officer and Navy’s liaison to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Military Services in the Bureau of Personnel; Action Officer J-3, Global Operations, Readiness on the Joint Staff from 2001-2003; executive assistant to the Joint Staff Director of Operations from February 2003 to February 2004; and deputy director N3 on the OPNAV Staff from December 2005 to July 2006; deputy director, Expeditionary Warfare Division, OPNAV staff from July 2006 to December 2006. She was the senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy from January 2007 to January 2009 and currently serves as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

Updated: 21 April 2009 MAERSK-ALABAMA CAPTAIN RESCUED BY ONE OF REAR ADM. MICHELLE HOWARD'S SHIP ( the Bainbridge CO's CO ) Nope, this is one you SURE DIDN'T HEAR on the news. The ship that rescued the Maersk-Alabama's captain was one of a group of ships commanded by a BLACK FEMALE REAR ADMIRAL ? Get OUT of here! If you're like me, you briefly saw her, briefly, in some news clips, and (like me) probably figured she was a medical tech. You GO, girl! On the other hand, in an ideal world, no this SHOULDN'T BE "news." Anymore than that it should be "news" that we have female B-52 pilots or black admirals, or (say) a black President. Another PHOTO and story you won't see on CNN or the mainstream media. Sunday, April 5, 2009 Rear Adm. Michelle Howard Assumes Command of Counter-Piracy Task Force CTF 151, ESG 2 GULF OF ADEN (April 5, 2009) Rear Adm. Terence McKnight shakes hands with Rear Adm. Michelle Howard after she assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4). McKnight served as Commander, ESG 2 since November, 2007 and Commander, CTF 151 since January, 2009. Boxer is the flagship for CTF 151. CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John J. Siller.) GULF OF ADEN (Apr. 5, 2009) - Rear Adm. Michelle Howard relieves Rear Adm. Terence McKnight as commander of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 and Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), April 5. Boxer is the flagship for CTF 151. CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laura A. Moore.) USS BOXER, At Sea, April 5, 2009 -- Rear Adm. Michelle Howard assumed command of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 during a ceremony held on board USS Boxer (LHD 4) today and relieved Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, ESG 2’s commander since November 2007. In addition to relieving McKnight as the ESG 2 commander, Howard assumes command of several U.S. 5th Fleet task forces, including Combined Task Force (CTF) 51 and 59, as well as CTF 151, an international maritime coalition created to disrupt, deter and thwart piracy. “I’m very fortunate to follow behind Admiral McKnight,” said Howard. “He and the staff have done a terrific job in standing up CTF 151. His leadership will be missed on the waterfront.” As commander of ESG 2, McKnight was responsible for all of the amphibious assets based on the U.S. East Coast and upon deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations in January 2009, he assumed command of CTF 151. McKnight said commanding ESG 2 has been an incredible experience and one he will never forget. “This has definitely been one of the more exciting assignments of my career,” he said. “Not only did I never think I’d be sailing the ocean chasing pirates, I certainly never thought I’d be doing it alongside the navies of so many different countries, especially Russia and China.” “My time at ESG 2 has been amazing,” McKnight continued. “In addition to all the exercises and contingencies we were involved with before we deployed, I was privileged enough to have hosted a Great White Fleet event in New York City along with my staff and we also played a big part in the grand re-opening of the Intrepid museum during Veterans Day Weekend 2008. Those two events will certainly remain cherished memories when I look back at my career.” As the first African-American woman to command a U.S. Navy ship, Howard said she understands the magnitude of bridging cultural and international gaps. “ESG 2 has executed the three missions they’re responsible for without missing a beat,” she said. “My top priority right now is to deter piracy here in the Gulf of Aden. I want to continue the extensive international coordination Admiral McKnight started. That’s the true key to defeating piracy. Piracy is a problem that affects all maritime nations and requires an international solution. I’m looking forward to working with naval professionals from around the world on this vital mission.” CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. Howard previously served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of the Navy. (Report by Lt. John Fage, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Public Affairs.)