Sorry, I can’t separate the *man* from his art. I grew up during the height of M.J.’s popularity, and to hear people compare his death to 9/11 or JFK’s assassination saddens and disturbs me.

Here’s some well-meaning young ladies on the beach in Los Angeles today who don’t share my cynicism. Ah, the innocence of youth - something that M.J. knew all too well.

Early return on C.O.D.: Overdose of a painkiller, which rules out death-by-stairmaster.