To those of you who adhere to the adage, “spare the rod, spoil the child (and to hell with CPS)” take comfort in the Rev. Al Sharpton claiming that we need more fathers like Joe Jackson.

Yes, the Joe Jackson who has long been alleged for treating Michael Jackson like his personal piñata is being praised like a model father by an ordained minister.

While awarding him for his parenting skills, Rev. Sharpton said: “The arrogance of [people] attacking a man for being a stern father. I wish we had more stern fathers – then we wouldn’t be shooting each other up.”

No, they would spend the rest of their lives repressing their physical abuse through eccentric vises…and avoiding the psychotherapy they need.

In response to Sharpton’s praise, Jack ‘Em Joe said, “This feels great. I feel like I’m someone very special.”

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Um, wow.

I noticed actress LisaRaye McCoy and Al Sharpton have been appearing at events together over the past several months, but not even in my imagination would I have penned them a couple! Still, the rumors have hit the internet led by TheYBF.com who says they’ve got a “major” publicist source who confirms that the barely divorced couple is in fact an item. They say  she just wants to get into “society and political” events and he is happy to have the arm candy.

The two have been  spending alot of time together: last night the Revy Rev guest hosted WWE Monday night RAW and LisaRaye was on set, the two partied it up at several events during the recent Congressional Black Caucus weekend in DC, hit the NAACP Image Awards together and LisaRaye even accompanied Al’s to Michael Jackson’s memorial services.

Some reports say that Al is simply LisaRaye’s “spiritual advisor” but today Al addressed the issue on Twitter and said it’s all about education. He Tweeted:

“Others asking whether I am dating Lisaraye since we are working closely on the education issue. I guess they will ask next if Wyclef and I got something. Don’t get distracted in mess. Stay focused on the message. We must save education for for children.“

Thanks Al, I’d rather avoid the mental picture of you two together and just believe you’re buddies (though I do imagine they hit the salon together for press and curl appointments while “discussing education”).

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Yesterday in New York, fans packed the legendary Apollo Theater  for a public tribute to Michael Jackson (after all this is the theater that helped launch the Jackson 5’s careers when they won Amature Night in 1969) and the scene was unbelievable!

All over the streets vendors peddled bootleg copies of “Moonwalker,” buttons, shirts and other memorabilia while thousands of fans wrapped around the block (many waited for hours in the sweltering heat, and later on in the evening: pouring rain!) just to experience the event. The crowd was full of people showing off their dance moves, singing songs and rocking some of Michael’s signature styles.

Groups of 600 were rotated in and out of the theater for a tribute that was simple, but extremely lively. Inside, the Apollo set up floral arrangements and blown up photos of the star that fans took pictures with before they took their seats. On stage (which was decorated with a fedora, shades and one sparkly white glove in remembrance of Michael and then later in the evening became cluttered with a sea of letters, posters, flowers and stuffed animals left by fans) a DJ from New York radio station 107.5 rocked the house with all the MJ classics we’ve grown to love. (Side Note: did you hear that MJ’s albums and other Jackson albums currently hold the top nine positions on Billboards Top Pop Catalog chart!?)

Spike Lee came to the theater to show his respects and at one point took to the stage with Al Sharpton, who attended to offer a offered a eulogy for Michael after each group finished rocking out. At 5:26pm (the exact time the East Coast learned that MJ passed), there was a moment of silence in Michael’s honor.

There was so much love for Michael in Harlem, it was truly amazing! Below are pictures from the event! If you happen to be in New York, be sure to check out the Apollo again tonight: the theater is dedicating its weekly Amature Night to Michael and there will be special performances and dance features such as a moonwalking contest.

The funk don’t stop!

Click here for a full photo gallery of the Michael Jackson tribute at the Apollo in New York City.

First, don’t even suck your teeth and hiss at the screen.

Ya’ll know Michael Jackson was cool with Reverend’s Al and Jesse, so naturally, they’re going to be on TV talking about what’s going down.

The family reached out to Jesse Jackson to handle the pariahs all in their business – and more importantly, getting into the business of Michael’s exact cause of death.

Rev. Jackson said too many unanswered questions remain, including about the role of the personal cardiologist, Conrad Murray, who was with the singer at the time of his death. The doctor went missing as soon as Michael was pronounced dead.

Though he has surfaced and reportedly spoke with the LAPD over the weekend, Dr. Murray also has yet to speak with Michael’s family. I would imagine if you were the last person to see him alive, it would behoove you to communicate what went on prior to his passing with his kin, no?

Jesse seems to agree.

He told the AP:

“The routine inquiry is now an investigation. They [the Jacksons] didn’t know the doctor. …He should have met with the family, given them comfort on the last hours of their son.”

The family will seek an independent autopsy to find Michael’s exact cause of death.

R.I.P. King.

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