Adoption

Is Adoption in the Cards for Elton John?

Elton John and his partner David Furnish plan to adopt a child from the Ukraine. The 62 year old singer and songwriter had deliberated about the international adoption because of his travel throughout the world. Parents of children adopted from other countries need to be focused on acclimating their child to their new environment. However, Elton John changed his mind.

International Adoption

The paperwork and requirements for an international adoption can be quite complex. Elton John and David Furnish will try to get through the issues their age and homosexuality bring to the adoption.

Private Adoption

If this method of adoption doesn’t work for them, perhaps a private adoption would. In a private adoption, birthmothers can take an active role in choosing the adoptive parents for their child. Hopefully, the thought of the glamour and money the child would be surrounded in wouldn’t be a factor in the adoption. Adoption is not something to be taken lightly. When you adopt a child, you take on all the emotional and financial responsibilities of caring for a child. It is important that you work with an adoption attorney who has handled private or international adoptions, or an adoption agency that comes with good references.

Hopefully, Elton John and David Furnish’s plans have a happy ending. The child they want to adopt, a 14-month-old boy named Lev, would have a remarkable start in life. John and Furnish would be joining the ranks of celebrities who have adopted children to grow their family. At least we know that they aren’t adopting to save their waist line like other celebrities!

Thousands of Michael Jackson news stories have surfaced this week.

Custody of Michael Jackson’s Children

Earlier in the week a judge granted child custody to Michael Jackson’s mom, Katherine Jackson. Jackson’s ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, who is the mother of two of his three children, is deciding whether or not she is going to pursue custody of Jackson’s children. Rowe received a delay on the custody issue from a judge. I saw on the cover of a well-known newspaper that she is seriously going to try to win custody.

Michael Jackson’s Will

Earlier in the week it was reported that Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister, was the executor of his estate. There will be a court hearing on Monday regarding the distribution of Jackson’s assets. Jackson purposely left Rowe out of his will. Supposedly the Jackson estate has loads of debt. I am sure Jackson’s family law attorney has his hands full with the custody battle and filing the will in probate.

Neverland Ranch – Michael Jackson’s Former Home

Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch was his pride and joy for many years until he was accused of molesting a boy there a few years ago. I caught some stunning photos of Neverland ranch the other day. It’s actual address is 5225 Figueroa Mountain Boulevard in Los Olivos, CA 93441. Neverland was saved from foreclosure last year, and five years ago was said to have been worth approximately $120 Million. However, there have been different values for the ranch in a variety of news articles. If you are looking to see what the local real estate is in Los Olivos, go to realtor.com to search for Los Olivos homes. I am sure the price of homes in Los Olivos have come down substantially.
Jackson’s Memorial Service and Burial

Jermaine Jackson said the other day that his brother update wanted to be buried at Neverland Ranch. However, California burial statutes say that burials can only be in cemeteries in California. They were going to have a memorial service on Thursday at Neverland Ranch but that was stopped. Instead, Jackson’s memorial service will be Tuesday at the Staples Center in California. I found a handy map in Google Maps for the Staples Center.

Did Michael Jackson’s Doctors mess up?

The answer to this question is maybe. The DEA is looking into fraudulent prescription meds that Jackson was taking at the time of his death. There were also cases of Jackson receiving meds under a few aliases. Wonder if there will be a case of wrongful death or medical malpractice?

I watched the 2007 Disney Movie, Meet the Robinsons last night. Like most animated movies, there are some known stars providing the voices of characters in the movie. For example, Angela Bassett, Laurie Metcalf, and Tom Selleck are some of the well-known celebs that played a part.

For those Back to the Future fans, you will see a similar story line, but not enough to be confusing. Although it would have been cool if Michael J. Fox had some sort of part!

For those of you that have adopted children, it’s a feel good movie with a good message at the end about adoption. In the photo is Dan Hansen who gave life to Lewis. Hope there’s a Meet the Robinsons 2.

It’s been a sad few days in the music industry ever since Michael Jackson, Motown musician and legend, was pronounced dead on Thursday, June 25, 2009 from cardiac arrest.

Michael Jackson has given the baby boomer generation what Elvis Presley gave to his generation. Michael Jackson’s music and dance moves were ground breaking, and his videos, especially Thriller, were at cult status level. Thriller, recorded in 1982, is the biggest selling album of all time.

Michael Jackson broke barriers that were remarkable for one so young…color, race, and age barriers. His popularity transcended generations, and he received numerous music and humanitarian awards during his lifetime.

What I like to remember Michael for is his help fighting AIDS in Africa, and his creation of the song ‘Heal the World.’ He also provided Mt. Sinai NY Medical Center with equipment for its 19 bed facility for cancer victims. Part of the money from his Victory Tour was donated to three charities.

Throughout the years botched plastic surgery, criminal accusations of child molestation and pornography, and surrogacy and child custody issues kept Michael in the limelight. He was a victim of ridicule unfortunately, as many celebrities are that go down an unusual road.

However, he is still a son, and a father, and a brother. He will be missed by many people, as well as the millions of fans he had around the world. I wish, however, people would stop the jokes in bad taste, and the gossipy investigation into his estate, his corporate holdings, and the negative aspects of his life.

If there really is a Rock-n-Roll Heaven, Michael is probably there, finally at peace.