See Ya at What Gets Me Hot

July 4, 2009

Michael Jackson and Bubbles: Chimp Moonwalks (Press Conference - Japan 1987)

Remembering Bubbles the chimp and Michael Jackson:

Jackson's death posed questions about the singer's former pet, Bubbles the chimpanzee. Sanctuary staff haven't attempted to tell Bubbles about his former owner's death. "We haven't said anything to him yet," Ragan told People Magazine. And here's why!

BUBBLES' SUICIDE:

In late 2003 Bubbles attempted suicide but "was rushed to the hospital in time." No further details of that the attempt were forthcoming.

BUBBLE BULLETS:

Jackson rescued Bubbles from a Texas cancer research clinic in 1985 when the chimpanzee was three years old.

For several years the two were inseparable.

Bubbles slept in crib at the corner of Jackson bedroom, where he alone was allowed to use the singer's private bathroom.

Bubbles was, of course, part of Jackson's entourage -- and of his mystique -- in the 1980s.

He accompanied Jackson to events and and to the studio during the recording of Jacko's "Bad" album (some think the title sprang from Bubble's behavior during the recording).

When Jackson toured Japan, Bubbles was there.

Bubbles learned how to dance and Moonwalk, and was Jackson's escort for many important award ceremonies and events.

Artist Jeff Koons statue, "Michael Jackson and Bubbles," which sold for 5.6 million at auction in 2001.

Per London Times account, this high profile primate, with whom Jackson once shared his private toilet, was sent away from the singer's home after the chimp, nice clothes or no, started acting like an animal.

The chimp eventually faded from public view, with few references made to him until Jackson famous television interview with British journalist Martin Bashir, "Living with Michael Jackson," which aired in early 2003.

In the interview, Jackson told Bashir that Bubbles had become aggressive as he aged, and had been sent away over fears that he would harm Jackson's youngest child, Prince Michael II.

At one time the twentysomething Bubbles resided in Sylmar, CA with Hollywood wrangler Bob Dunn, since at least as early as 2002, when Dunn spoke with People Magazine.

"Bubbles is an adult chimp and wild animal," Dunn told the magazine." We don't let him out to play."

The trainer did say, however, that Jackson and his children had been to his Sylmar Ranch to visit the chimp."

The last time Michael visited, Bubbles definitely recognized and remembered him," he told the Telegraph .

WHERE IS BUBBLES NOW?

He is now living a quiet life at a ranch at the Center for Great Apes in Wauchulu, FL.

~ nichopoulooza

*with thanks to People Magazine, the Telegraph, and Discovery Network's Beast Blog. But most importantly, to the Japanese fellow who has the clip, but which was, in my opinion, not labeled correctly.

Michael Jackson Moonwalk King of Pop Bubbles Chimp Moonwaks Japan Martin Bashir Jeff Koons 1987 Prince Michael II Bob Dunn Sylmar ranch CA wrangler bad Wauchulu FL Discovery

Michael Jackson - Star Spangled Banner - World Series 1970 (Happy J5 Fourth of July from Me [::]!)

The performance by the Jackson 5 of Francis Scott Key's National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner), almost became an embarrassment, when the group realized shortly before their performance that they weren't familiar with the lyrics. Fortunately, the Jackson brothers were able to quickly prepare themselves in transit to the stadium and performed the song adequately.

Game 1, Saturday, October 10, 1970 - Cinergy Fld (Cincinnati Reds)
ATTENDANCE: 51,531

The 1970 World Series matched the American League champion Baltimore Orioles against the National League champion Cincinnati Reds, with the Orioles winning in five games.

In this series "Emmett Ashford" became the first "African American" to umpire in the Fall Classic. It also featured the first World Series games to be played on artificial turf, as Games 1 and 2 took place at Cincinnati's brand-new Riverfront Stadium.

This was the last World Series in which all games were played in the afternoon.

The Baltimore Orioles won the American League East division by fifteen games over the New York Yankees then defeated the Minnesota Twins, three games to none, in the American League Championship Series. The Cincinnati Reds won the National League West division by 14 ½ games over the Los Angeles Dodgers then defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, three games to none, in the National League Championship Series.

Series MVP - Brooks Robinson

1970 World Series
Team (Wins) Manager Season
Baltimore Orioles (4) Earl Weaver 10854, .667, GA: 15
Cincinnati Reds (1) Sparky Anderson 10260, .630, GA: 14½
Dates: October 10October 15
MVP: Brooks Robinson (Baltimore)
Television: NBC
TV announcers: Curt Gowdy, Jim McIntyre (Games 12), Chuck Thompson (Games 35)
Radio: NBC
Radio announcers: Jim Simpson, Chuck Thompson (Games 12), Jim McIntyre (Games 35)
Umpires: Ken Burkhart (NL), Red Flaherty (AL), Tony Venzon (NL), Bob Stewart (AL), Billy Williams (NL), Emmett Ashford (AL)
Future Hall of Famers: Orioles: Earl Weaver (mgr.), Jim Palmer, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson.
Reds: Sparky Anderson (mgr.), Johnny Bench, Tony Perez.
ALCS: Baltimore Orioles over Minnesota Twins (30)
NLCS: Cincinnati Reds over Pittsburgh Pirates (30)
1970 World Series (4-1): Baltimore Orioles (108-54) over Cincinnati Reds (102-60)

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

~ NICHOPOULOOZA

MICHAEL JACKSON JACKSON 5 J5 Star Spangled Banner national anthem FOURTH OF JULY JULY 4th FOURTH JULY INDEPENDENCE DAY United States of America USA America 1814 1970 poet Francis Scott Key FIREWORKS baseball World Series African American umpire Fall Classic Game 1 Cincinnati Ohio Riverfront Stadium Emmett Ashford October 10 1970 Reds baltimore orioles nichopoulooza