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Michael Jackson, R.I.P.

Michael Jackson, R.I.P.

Date: Jun 29 2009

Themes: News

Grammar: Future Progressive Tense

Intro

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2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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Michael Jackson was truly “The King of Pop.” He was officially the most successful entertainer of all time. He died last week. He was only 50 years old.

As soon as the news came out that Jackson had passed on, people began playing his music everywhere. Jackson’s pop songs could be heard coming from every car and every storefront. Some radio stations played nothing but Michael Jackson for the rest of the day. Even though Jackson has had health issues for a long time (you might notice in recent photos his skin is pale, not the brown color he was born with), people were surprised he died so young.

Though he hadn’t made an album since 2001 and had battled accusations of sexual abuse of children for many years, Jackson had planned to return to performing soon. Listen to Jason and Devan talk on the phone the day after Jackson’s death.

Dialog

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Devan

Devan

Jason

Jason

Devan:  Hey, how’s it going?

Jason:  Uh, good. What are you up to tonight?

Devan:  Oh, I’m on my way to go get a drink at the bar because I’m so sad.

Jason:  About what? What happened to you?

Devan:  Michael Jackson died!

Jason:  Oh, that.

Devan:  What do you mean, “Oh that”?

Jason:  Well, like, Michael Jackson, the one that I love, was kind of already dead, you know what I mean?

Devan:  But he was about to make this huge comeback. He had 50 concerts scheduled in London and he was going to redeem his crown as “The King of Pop” again. I feel like he still had a second wind in him.

Jason:  Yeah, it’s true. It’s pretty sad that his life had to end at such a low point, $400 million in debt…

Devan:  But I think he could have gotten it back again. He was such a talented guy. And for all of his troubles and all the weird plastic surgery and scandal and everything else, I think his talent conquered all and his music, that’s something that’s going to be played forever. I think our grandchildren will be dancing to Thriller.

Jason:  I don’t know. Have you heard the reports that he was skin and bones when he died? That’s not really something a nose job can fix.

Devan:  Yeah, that’s true. Maybe it’s best that he died with the belief that he was going to make a big comeback without trying and failing. That probably would have been worse.

Jason:  Oh wow, I hadn’t even thought of that. But the best thing would have been if he could have done those shows in London.

Devan:  Yeah, his last hurrah. It’s a shame. Anyway, if you want to come get a drink with us and have a toast to Michael, you should.

Jason:  OK, let’s do it. “Don’t stop till you get enough.”

Devan:  OK.

 

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Discussion

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“R.I.P.” stands for “rest in peace.” It commonly appears on tombstones. Michael Jackson led an exciting and sometimes tortured life. But now he is at peace.

Devan is upset that Jackson is dead. But Jason says that, after endless plastic surgery and charges of sexual abuse, Jackson has long been dead to him. Nonetheless, Devan and Jason agree that Jackson made some great music, particularly Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. So Jason quotes a famous Michael Jackson lyric and he and Devan agree to have a drink in honor of the star’s death.

How did you feel when you found out “The King of Pop” was dead? What’s your all-time favorite Michael Jackson song?

 

Comments

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BillieJean2

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

You know what..?!!!


Im gonna name my son michael and if dear God give me 2or3or more i will name them michael too because he is my hero

08:36 PM Apr 23 2015 |

1 person likes this

NIJ321655

NIJ321655

United States

I love him My last name is Jackson. he was good.

01:27 PM Apr 23 2015 |

BillieJean2

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

I was among my great exam for university and I passed out


I was crying and every one thought I was crying for the exam


it was 4th of Teer in Iran


the day I always keep in mind.


I was upset and I thought that the world doest worth any more


but now I feel better


not totally but better


God bless his soul he was one of my reasons for life


he was my big wish but now I feel there is nothing I can wish for…..



05:58 PM Aug 10 2013 |

lima58

lima58

United States

I was in the Lancster Public Library,Ca at that time when I heard someone talking by the phone that Michael had passed on! I couldn’t believe it!! Everybody was talking about his huge comeback!! My favorite song is “You are not alone” It’s my story with this song!! Peace out,guys!

03:06 PM Aug 10 2013 |

BillieJean2

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

some times I feel that I am the one who loves him the most


I love him even more than me



01:59 PM Aug 10 2013 |

1 person likes this

BillieJean2

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

I passed out when my friend told me about his death


and I threw the tv out not wanting to belive he is dead

01:49 PM Aug 10 2013 |

1 person likes this

BillieJean2

Iran, Islamic Republic Of

He was my spirit of life


now he’s gone


gone too soon


unfortunately there is no replacement for Mj the king.


I can always feel the pain in my heart when I look at his face all over my house.


there is nothing I can do.


I cant help it but I like this huge pain because its like a fire burning in my heart and keep it warm.



01:37 PM Aug 10 2013 |

1 person likes this

Vaneska

Vaneska

Brazil

I love Michael Jackson.

08:57 PM Dec 17 2012 |

Rockyy01

Rockyy01

Pakistan

Wow… I saw this lesson too late…
Everyone who knows me… also knows how much I love Michael Jackson not only for his Music but also for his efforts for Humanity…

If you take him as an artist…
It’s mentioned above that Thriller…
THE BEST SELLING ALBUM OF ALL TIME

If you take him as a Humanitarian…
I’d like to share that HE’S STILL ON THE TOP IN THE ARTISTS WHO DONATED THEIR MONEY FOR CHARITY THE MOST

Well… I was sleeping when He died…
& My brother came & wake me up Hey get up see what’s happened…
& I woke up & keep changing the channels just to see exactly what happened with this PURE HUMANITARIAN & MUSICAL GENIUS

I felt really bad…
It’s the biggest loss to Music according to me…
He wasn’t THE KING OF ONLY POP
TO MEHE WAS SIMPLY THE KING OF MUSIC

& I love most of his songs…
I HAVE A LIST FOR EVEN ALL TIME FAVOURITE FROM HIM

Like…
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
SHE’S OUT OF MY LIFE
WHATEVER HAPPENS
WHO IS IT
EARTH SONG
BILLIE JEANS
THEY DON’T CARE ABOUT US
THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL
I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU
SCARED OF THE MOON
SMOOTH CRIMINAL
STRANGER IN MOSCOW

& MANY MORE

I feel comment has changed into ‘AN ESSAY…’ ;)

MOST OF US SAY IT’S TRUE
JUST A FEW SAY IT’S A LIE
THAT YOU’RE A LEGEND
& LEGENDS NEVER DIE

REST IN PEACE MICHAEL

YOU’RE ALWAYSIN MY HEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAART… :)

02:36 PM Jul 18 2011 |

ciccleo

ciccleo

Brazil

He's one of my favorite singers and I felt as I had lose a friend that I had not seen for a long time. During about 3 months all the radio and tv programs presented his videoclips, interviews and people talking about how he had touched their lives. 

My favorite music is Smooth Criminal and You're not alone.

Videoclipe I like the one he recorded in my country: They Don't Care About Us. That place now has his name.

 

02:10 AM May 23 2010 |

1 person likes this

Freya777

Germany

he changed the world obviously!!!

04:51 PM Mar 15 2010 |

1 person likes this

-alinaelena-

Romania

Aaron you are so stupid, that you believe any crap. After Michael Jackson died, that child who accused him of molestation, said that his father forced him to sue Michael…for money!!!

The value to your brain are directly proportional to charges made against Michael!

I LOVE YOU, OUR SOULS KING :MICHAEL JACKSON!

12:18 PM Mar 15 2010 |

CN_GIFT

CN_GIFT

Thailand

ohhh  my gege may be like this lesson.

 

03:01 PM Feb 12 2010 |

1 person likes this

Kona

Kona

Hungary

Michael is a very kind and handsome person and he is the best artist I think.

He wants change the world . rest in peace :(

12:27 PM Nov 16 2009 |

1 person likes this

isaac25

isaac25

Chile

Hee-Hee

04:47 PM Sep 03 2009 |

1 person likes this

Sweetjelly

Ukraine

Michael Jackson was a really wonderfull artist.Yes, artist because he wasn't only a brilliant singer, he was also an exciting dancer.I love him.MJ you're a superstar of all over the world

08:12 PM Aug 11 2009 |

nurlan_91

nurlan_91

Azerbaijan

M.Jackson king of pop.He no died.Michael Jackson Live my hard

08:44 PM Aug 04 2009 |

1 person likes this

Sculpture

Latvia

I think, that MJ is alive!!!! We will hear about him!!!

09:06 AM Jul 20 2009 |

1 person likes this

anima281

Germany

U know him? In real life?

 No, so don'tn talk about him ok??

 He has the right to die alone and calm.

 

Please… U remember him when he dies! It's very unfair for the oldest fans! 

02:54 PM Jul 14 2009 |

1 person likes this

Daniel Jean Claude

Haiti

He really was one of a kind, and we will miss for ever. May he heaven walk safely!

R.I.P. Mike,

We love youl

03:08 PM Jul 08 2009 |

1 person likes this

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