The Reliable Source

Washington Post columnists Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts were online Wednesday, July 8, at Noon ET to discuss your favorite gossip, recent celebrity sightings and their recent columns.

In recent columns: Did RFK and Jackie really have an affair? According to a new book, citing dead and/or anonymous sources. The Real World: Really here, not really that interesting. Kal Penn finally arrives in D.C., but you can call him Mr. Kalpen Modi. Nathan's closes. A spurned wife gets artistic revenge at Artomatic. Why are the Fenty kids playing baseball for a MoCo team? And look -- Kate Gosselin in Rockville!

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Amy Argetsinger: Or, you know, we could just talk about Michael Jackson, Sarah Palin and... well, is there any other news, really? Good morning. Looking forward to your questions.

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Logan Circle, D.C.: State of Play, the latest season of 24, The Real World, the Reese Witherspoon movie, the pilot with Minka Kelly -- is D.C. the next Hollywood?

Amy Argetsinger: No, I think D.C. is the new Vancouver. Or something like that. An interesting, arguably cheaper place for Hollywood to some shoots now and then. We've had a lot of Hollywood around here, but I suspect they may have overstated America's interest in us -- "State of Play" and "Body of Lies" were box-office disappointments, none of the D.C.-set TV pilots got picked up (sorry, Minka fans) -- and they'll probably retreat from here soon.

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Staples Center: What was the highlight of the Michael Jackson service? And the low point?

Amy Argetsinger: The highlight was definitely his daughter Paris taking the stage to talk -- I mean, it's still such an amazing novelty to see those children, and her speech was heartbreaking.

The low points -- trying to watch it on "live streaming video" from my desk. John Mayer's guitar face.

Your thoughts?

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Ohio: Is Norah O'Donnell still at MSNBC?

Amy Argetsinger: Last I checked. Just saw her on there the other day.

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Michael Jackson Memorial: I thought what the family did to Paris was cruel. Her message was heartbreaking, but sickening was the seeming machinations and manipulations of the Jackson family to this little girl. This innocent who CLEARLY wanted to be anywhere than on stage in front of the entire planet but had to put on a show, didn't she? Jacksons had to show the world, "See, he was a good father, he was loved by his children." No wonder MJ was so screwed up. I was appalled they made her do that. Reminded me of vultures the way they surrounded her, not love and concern. Ick.

Amy Argetsinger: You raise a good point. I guess it was heartbreaking from a couple perspectives. I'm surprised that after so many years of him shielding their faces from the public, we're suddenly seeing so many old images of them -- why haven't we seen those before? And by the same reasoning, I'm surprised the Jackson family put her out there. I don't know, though -- did you get the impression she didn't want to be on stage?

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Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'?: Okay, Is it me or is former Rep. Peter King just a little jealous of Michael? He sounds like a jealous tween who wasn't invited to party with the cool kids... Your thoughts?

washingtonpost.com: NY congressman's video calls Jackson a 'pervert' (Post, July 6)

Roxanne Roberts: The tone was a bit harsh, but I think he's objecting to the deification of Jackson. There's been a weird shift---not to mention the insane amount of coverage---in the sudden worship of a very odd (to say the least) pop music icon. You could argue that Paul McCartney's impact on popular culture is just as great, but there won't be the same reaction when he dies.

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Alexandria, Va.: This may be more a Howie Kurtz question -- but is there any chance that someday even soon the networks may regret this week-long Michael Jackson coverage-fest? As in could it have been just a teeny-weeny bit excessive?

Amy Argetsinger: It's all about the ratings, and I suspect they've done okay and will probably have no regrets.

I remember thinking the five-day blanket coverage of JFK Jr.'s death seemed way excessive, considering his fame was completely inherited. But you know, the news business isn't a public trust -- they're giving people (or trying to give people) what they think they'll want to see, to keep them from flipping the dial.

(Not that we have "dials" anymore, but you know what I mean. Click the remote.)

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Laurel, Md.: So who has won out here -- Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson -- as both fought it out on cable TV to see who could claim to be closer to the Jackson family?

Roxanne Roberts: Sharpton, by a mile. He got a prime speaking spot, Jesse got nada. A friend told me that Jesse was on stage at the end of the service and the Jackson family hustled him off as soon as they saw him there.

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Arlington, Va.: Saw the RW last night at Rhino in Gtown. They were all pretty friendly and happy people. They are just a bunch of young 20- somethings who happen to be followed around by Video Camera. It was definitely some amazing people, not so much watching them, but watching how different 20-somethings who didn't know them tried to interact. Most kept their distance, some flirted, a couple hated. It should be a interesting season as long as people have realistic expectations about the cast members and don't expect them to save the world.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for sharing. I wonder if the whole stalker/gawker dynamic is more intense in D.C. than in previous cities. And the stalker/gakwer dynamic is way disproportionate, suddenly, to actual viewer interest in this show. (The premiere of the latest got like 1 million viewers, which is nothing.)

Another reader told us that the Rhino Bar DJ kept reminding the crowd that the Real World would be showing up soon -- but once they did, everyone was vaguely disappointment. It's like, what do we all think is going to happen? All the drama happens back home in the hot tub, doesn't it? (Asks someone who last watched when there was a cast member named "Trishelle.")

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Eastern Snore : Are you as tired as I am of Michael Jackson? Nonetheless, one last question. If Diana Ross was such a great friend that she'd be appointed second guardian of his children, why wasn't she front and center at his funeral? Any speculation? Bad plastic surgery? A desire to distance herself from his scandals? Anything else? Anyone?

Roxanne Roberts: That was weird, too. But Elizabeth Taylor was a great friend---one of his closest---and she didn't come either. I'm willing to be generous about this and say they just couldn't bear to be there.

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A spurned wife gets artistic revenge at Artomatic. : Wow. I can see fantasizing about doing something like this, but to actually do it seems a bit out there. She says she knew she wouldn't be able to move until she did this. Really? She couldn't come up with some other say to get on with her life?

Amy Argetsinger: Deb Jansen, the artist, told us she needed to find an outlet, and she's gratified by this one. Whatever you think about the exhibit, it draws people in. She said strangers have called her crying, called her cheering.

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Washington, D.C.: I understand people running into the Real World cast around D.C. by chance and writing about it or sending you tips, but aren't the various gawkers, bloggers and would-be paparazzi hanging around outside the house, sort of pathetic? Especially the ones desperate to get into the house. Do they really think the producers are going to let some obsessed blogger anywhere near the front door?

Amy Argetsinger: The whole scene is beyond weird.

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Mr. Modi: So, where is he living? Eating out? Hanging out? That's what we really want to know!

washingtonpost.com: Transition of Star Power: Modi Is in Like Penn (Reliable Source, July 6)

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, he's been here, like, five days. He's probably still unpacking. Meanwhile -- you tell us where you see him. reliablesource@washpost.com.

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Bluffton, S.C.: Is Michael Jackson the biological father of Paris, Prince Michael or Blanket?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't see a lot of family resemblance. Their origins are largely mysterious, other than knowing that Debbie Rowe was the woman who gave birth to Paris and Prince.

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Jackson Funeral: Is it about time for John Mayer to go away? What on earth was he doing at the Jackson event? And where can I leave it in my will that John Mayer is not to perform at my funeral?

Roxanne Roberts: In the "Creepy Guys I Don't Want Performing At My Funeral" clause. You should also stipulate no emcee, no dresses cut below the navel, and Barbara Walters should do the special after the service. Section IX, Number 5, I think.

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New York, N.Y.: Paris clearly asked to speak yesterday. If you watch the tape back you can hear Jermaine say that Janet wanted to say a few words next, but Paris stops Janet and asks to take the mike.

These kids aren't babies anymore. Paris is 12, which I think is old enough to make the decision to speak at her daddy's memorial.

I also noticed that during Rev. Al's speech Paris literally jumped to her feet in a standing ovation when he said his "there wasn't nothing strange about your daddy line." Watch it again, she was one of the first in the family to stand up.

You can say a lot about the Jacksons, but that child wasn't forced to do anything yesterday.

Roxanne Roberts: All true, except I think she's 11. Her older brother is 12.

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D.C.: Did Heymann intentionally wait for all his sources to die before writing this book accusing RFK and Jackie O of having an affair? And if Gore Vidal knew this, wouldn't we assume he would have written a series of stories on this for Vanity Fair by this point?

washingtonpost.com: 'Bobby and Jackie': Oh, Brother! (Reliable Source, July 8)

Amy Argetsinger: You have to wonder. Heymann made claims of an affair in an earlier book -- but without much attribution, it didn't get much attention. Now there's more attribution, vague as it is, but most of the sources are dead.

Yes, I'd think Gore Vidal would have milked this for all it's worth. I flipped through his wacky, mesmerizing memoir "Palimpsest" in which he sort of vaguely claims in passing that, well, it certainly would have made sense for Jackie and Bobby to have an affair -- in retaliation, he hints, for Jack having an affair, supposedly with Jackie's sister. But he never really claims they had one.

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Rockville, Md.: I had the impression that Paris wanted to talk. She did not appear to be forced. This was a little girl who wanted to tell people that she loved her daddy.

Amy Argetsinger: Okay, thanks for your vote.

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did you get the impression she didn't want to be on stage? : I did not. I thought it was something she wanted to do that was not in the script. I thought she surprised everyone.

Amy Argetsinger: Okay, thanks for your vote.

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Jackson Daughter: Thought that was by far the most touching part of the service. But as she was crying and just wanting to be consoled, there was Janet just telling her to speak up. Probably advice from Joe from many years ago. No wonder the Jackson family is all screwed up.

washingtonpost.com: Video: Jackson's Daughter

Amy Argetsinger: Here you go, see for yourself.

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Vienna, Va.: Did Rebbie Jackson attend the memorial? I don't recall seeing her.

Amy Argetsinger: I forgot there was a Rebbie Jackson! But yes, according to some news accounts, she was up there on stage.

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Amy Argetsinger: "Centipede." That was Rebbie Jackson's song. Thanks for the memories. Link to the video will follow. It is amazing.

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Washington: Argetsinger -- is that Dutch?

Amy Argetsinger: If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much. I've got some upstate New York Dutch heritage, but the name, we think, is actually German.

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Washington, D.C.: Is it a coincidence that Kal Penn starts his new job just a couple days after the White House releases the list of what its employees earn? Perhaps we would be curious to see if his salary is closer to Larry Summers or closer to the lower-level directors.

washingtonpost.com: Transition of Star Power: Modi Is in Like Penn (Reliable Source, July 6)

Amy Argetsinger: Coincidence? Hmmm... All I know is, everyone I know picked up the White House salary list and immediately went looking, in vain, for Mr. Kalpen Modi.

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washingtonpost.com: Video: Centipede (Rebbie Jackson)

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Sex and Gossip: There's a mention in your Bobby and Jackie post about sex being off limits for the media during the 60s. Do you two wish that was still the case? I mean, there were definitely gossip columns before we started hearing about who was sleeping with who, right?

Roxanne Roberts: No, I don't and yes, there were. The press collectively decided that private lives were essentially off-limits in those days---or were intimidated into believing that by the more powerful people they covered. Aside from the fact that it would be impossible these days (there's no one press corps anymore) I think that a public person's actions should mirror their professed beliefs, especially if they're asking people to vote for them.

The question of whether it actually impacts their ability to govern effectively is a separate debate, because it does prevent some people from entering into public service who have the professional skills but not an admirable personal resume.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I'm a white guy in his 40s and I definitely have some MJ vinyl in my basement. I'm saddened by his death although it's been 15 years since he impressed me with any new music.

The service on Tuesday could be dissected by a sociologist -- there were so many things (the casket, the clothes, the speeches, the shout outs, the music and the whole vibe) that reminded me of African and African-American memorial services that I've attended. Great stuff. (my own service will be a 45 minutes, tops)

I especially was touched when Paris spoke. For all the media coverage and stagecraft, her unexpected statements of love for her father stood out on this day.

Amy Argetsinger: You want some sociology? This is the Style section, you came to the right place. A link to Monica Hesse's thoughtful and evocative story about the memorial to follow...

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washingtonpost.com: A Transcendent Last Act (Post, July 8)

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You should also stipulate no emcee, no dresses cut below the navel, and Barbara Walters should do the special after the service.: What about having everyone wear big sunglasses? Yay or nay?

Roxanne Roberts: Oh, yeah. Looks so glam. Then again, you can't tell who is actually crying and who's faking it. But by then, does it really matter?

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Who's #2?: For the sake of argument, let's assume Michael Jackson was the Greatest Living Entertainer, as so many have been labeling him. Now that he's no longer with us, who takes over that title?

Roxanne Roberts: Aside from the fact that I don't dig that title, I haven't got a clue. Madonna? Beyonce? Willie Nelson? Elton John?

Chatters?

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Meanwhile -- you tell us where you see him. reliablesource@washpost.com. : And don't wait for the chat, and if you're not sure, ask him if it's him, and make note of what he's wearing, who he's with, and what he ate....How's that?

Roxanne Roberts: Perfect. Gold star!

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McNamara's affair?: Is it true that recently deceased Sec/Def Robert McNamara had a long-running affair with the wife of journalist Tom Braden (of "Eight is Enough" fame)? How could Joan have found the time and energy with 8 kids and a husband with a major career? Should we just refer to the late Bradens as Tom and Joan + 8?

Amy Argetsinger: Joan and Tom Braden (he's the former Crossfire host who recently died; she was a Washington hostess who died about a decade ago) had an unconventional marriage that she sort of described as an open marriage in a memoir several years ago. She and McNamara had a very close, much talked-about friendship -- they traveled together a lot after the death of his first wife in the early 1980s. Everyone in their circles sort of assumed they were having an affair. Our former colleague Paul Hendrickson spent a lot of time on this question for a story years ago, and he later said (link to follow) that Joan Braden basically said, "well I'm not going to say it's not romantic" or something like that, and McNamara said, "well, whatever Joan says" or something like that. Fascinating.

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Now that he's no longer with us, who takes over that title?: Lyle Lovett. Have you ever seen him live?

Amy Argetsinger: I have. A couple times. He's a pretty incredible entertainer.

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Jackson Daughter: Thought that was by far the most touching part of the service: No-o-o-o-o! It was the most exploitative part of the service. The children should have either not been there at all, or at least placed somewhere that they wouldn't be in the public eye.

Roxanne Roberts: Hard call, if they wanted to be there. He's the only parent they've known, and frankly, old enough to have been there if they knew what was going to happen and wanted to attend.

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Woodbridge, Va.: So, how much you wanna bet that Raymone Bain is kicking herself for not suing MJ sooner? Now she can take a number and wait in line with all the other creditors.

Speaking of which, I read somewhere that the girl who was in the Thriller video all those years ago is now ALSO suing for her share of royalties...it never ends, does it?

Amy Argetsinger: You know, it's so relatively recently that Raymone fell out with MJ -- even if she had sued sooner, there's no way this thing could have gotten settled any sooner. The suit is still valid, I assume. And frankly, there's now more money there to fight for.

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Greatest performer: Bono. Duh!

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote.

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Chatters? : Sarah Palin puts on a pretty good performance.

Amy Argetsinger: She is an amazing entertainer.

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Liz Taylor: Her health has been problematic for some years, so if you combine that with her doubtless genuine grief, it's understandable that she might decide not to make a public appearance at MJ's funeral. But I gather she conveyed her condolences privately to his family

Roxanne Roberts: That makes sense to me. She hasn't been in great shape, and likely would not wanted to be photographed.

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Washington, D.C.: Amy Argetsinger: I don't see a lot of family resemblance.

Amy, sweetie, you just made me spew a mouthful of whole wheat couscous with mixed veggies and olive oil on my computer screen. You don't see "a lot of family resemblance"? Oh, really? Why do say that? Because the children were obviously fathered by somebody OTHER than somebody who was born with dark skin? (Unless, of course, MJ figured out a way to have his kids inherit his whitened skin tone.)

Come on, let's get real here. MJ is clearly not the children's biological father. He is, however, their REAL father, named on their birth (or adoption) certificates as such, who raised them from birth and who clearly did a very good job at fatherhood, whatever else his failings in life were. But let's not tiptoe around the fact that his DNA was not among his many contributions to his children's happiness, security, and health.

Amy Argetsinger: You guys are so cute, the way you insist on explaining the joke.

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washingtonpost.com: The Living and the Dead: Robert McNamara and Five Lives of a Lost War (Paul Hendrickson)

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Real World : How long are they going to be here? I'm getting laid off in 2 weeks and I need something to do. Hanging out pretending to be a blogger might work.

Amy Argetsinger: They'll be here for a couple months, I think. Stalking is uncool; you need to just hook up with one of them.

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Memorial: I didn't get to watch it live, but watched the DVR last night. I didn't have any particular issue with Mayer. He's a blues guy, blues guitar at a memorial made sense to me. I was more offended by Mariah Carey's dress. Eesh. That's just a lotta skin for a memorial. But I was sorta creeped out by the Jackson brothers matching attire. Matching suits, sunglasses and single sequined glove. It was... odd. Too performance-like, and not genuine. A lot of reaction seemed very faked. I thought Kobe was an odd speaker, but I loved Magic's story about eating KFC on the floor with MJ. I also thought Brooke Shields seemed genuinely distraught, and her speech was lovely and heartfelt. But my DVR cut off the end! So I missed Paris. I'll have to YouTube later.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote. Mayer's guitar playing sounded good, I just find him hard to watch.

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The Greatest Living Entertainer: The title, used with MJ, referred to musical performance since he wasn't really an "actor" in the traditional sense. He was great because everyone copied him, so whose style is most copied? Dylan? McCartney? On YouTube, it's definitely Beyonce....But the most versatile is Justin Timberlake -- he's great on Saturday Night Live!

Amy Argetsinger: Yeah, well, so is Alec Baldwin.

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Washington, D.C.: If I read your item close enough, did it seem that the basic reason for the Fenty family to send their kids to Maryland to play baseball is because D.C.'s little league is so screwed up, as so many other services in the District are? My interpretation, at least.

Roxanne Roberts: Pretty close. Despite attempts to rebuild Little League in the District, there are problems with boundaries and rosters that the Bethesda Chevy Chase league doesn't have. Fact is, the BCC is a stronger platform to play baseball, especially in the summer.

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MJ: I am so sick about hearing about MJ. Enough already. He deserves coverage, sure, but not front page coverage every day since he died. It's making me dislike him and it's not even his fault.

Amy Argetsinger: It hasn't been front page coverage every day since he died -- not in this paper. Someone tell me if I'm wrong, but while he made the front page on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday after his death (a quasi-criminal investigation into the circumstances pushed it out there), he hadn't been on the front for a week and a half until yesterday's probably viewership-record-breaking memorial service, which is arguably a big story. He hasn't even been on the front of the Style section in most of that time.

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Performer: Bruce Springsteen puts on a pretty great show.

Roxanne Roberts: Yeah---he should be on the list.

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Minneapolis, Minn.: Hi Ladies -- Did you catch the Capitol Fourth of July show? I thought it was fine, but had one question... did anyone else think it was weird that Natasha Beddingfield was one of the featured singers? She's British! Don't get me wrong, I think she's a wonderful singer and her songs are fun, but it is just me that thinks it strange and ironic that a Brit is featured at the 4th of July celebration in our nation's capitol? Weren't there any American singers available? (The fact that she messed up the words to Sesame Street's "Sing, Sing a Song" is a whole 'nother issue :) )

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, the Brits had a part in that whole Independence Day thing, even if they were on the wrong side of history...

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Los Angeles, Calif.: The greatest living entertainer is Lena Horne. Even in retirement she makes everyone else look like a rank amateur.

Amy Argetsinger: No, I think the rule has to be people who are still performing. Lena has been retired for decades.

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Calmut City, Ill.: This July 4th was also Malia Obama's 11th birthday and just wondering you thought of her press coverage of that and the Obama girls in general in Goldilocks terms: Too hard? Too soft? Just right?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know. I mean, what's anyone going to say about a kid's birthday? It's kind of a cute fluffy feature filler. I actually didn't see much of the coverage, since that corresponded with my own days off...

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Bethesda, Md.: With Nathan's closing, what will become of Carol Joynt. I'm probably one of the few fans of her Q and A Cafe.

Amy Argetsinger: Carol is working on her memoirs -- she already has a book contract.

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Greatest Living Entertainer: Is Madonna. Ever seen her live? Seriously, that woman knows how to put on a SHOW.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote. No, I've never seen her live.

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Greatest Living Performer: Britney Spears! Come on, we all loved watching her train wreck of a life even if we felt sorry for her. Plus she can dance. It's performer, not singer, right? Her songs suck.

Amy Argetsinger: She's sort of a performance artist, isn't she?

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Amy Argetsinger: They'll be here for a couple months, I think. Stalking is uncool; you need to just hook up with one of them: and find a new job before the footage airs!

Amy Argetsinger: Ha! Yes.

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you need to just hook up with one of them. : Okay. I'll have a little chat with my husband. It worked for Joan Braden, why not me?

Amy Argetsinger: He'll totally understand.

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re: Who's #2?:: But I think that's the whole point. We'll never see his like again. "Albums" are dead...now it's songs on iTunes that are popular for a few weeks then gone. No one can trust if the voice we hear is true anymore -- all the songs are produced to within an inch of losing any authenticity at all. No one spans generations like he did. I think that's a lot of what this coverage has been about -- the last world-wide mega-star is gone.

Prince may be more talented, but he's never had the pull. Madonna was popular, but she's so off-putting that people are done with her and she never really revolutionized anything other than the tarting up of female pop stars.

There is no #2.

Roxanne Roberts: That's a pretty good argument. I agree with you about Prince, by the way. Always thought he was way funkier and interesting, but less accessible to the kiddies--musically, I mean. Literally, too.

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7 Corners, Va.: Oprah didn't turn up at the funeral and hasn't been seen making any statements of condolence. What's up with her?

Amy Argetsinger: I don't know. Why should she? Unless we have reason to think she was a close personal friend, why does she have an obligation to play some role here?

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New No. 1 Entertainer: Timberlake and Beyonce and Chris Brown are total Michael Jackson knockoff. The obvious most entertaining person now -- easily Larry King. And he has been doing it for decades.

Amy Argetsinger: Oh, you are so right. His show is like the best kind of vaudeville.

By the way, if you go to any 25th anniversary screenings, keep an eye open for Larry King's cameo in "Ghostbusters." He hasn't aged a day since then.

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Houston, Tex.: RE: MJ's Creditors People need to realize that Michael's estate will be highly lucrative -- once all of the bequests, etc., are settled. Jimi Hendrix and Elvis' estates make huge amounts of money each year, to name two that Michael's will rival.

Everyone will get paid.

Amy Argetsinger: I agree. There's a lot of money. But with everything in flux, I don't blame any creditor for scrambling to make sure they're in place.

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Montclair, N.J.: What exactly is Kalpenn Modi's new job? What will he doing? Will he mainly be inside or outside Washington, D.C.?

Roxanne Roberts: He'll be working on public outreach with youth, arts and South Asian communities---so I'm guessing he'll split his time between DC and appearances around the country.

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The saddest thing: at the MJ memorial service was looking at those three children and contemplating their futures. Jackson did attempt to protect and nurture them (in his bizarre fashion), but I doubt that the remaining adults in their lives are going to be looking to the kids' best interest first.

Amy Argetsinger: Also, you kind of wonder how isolated they've been from other kids. And now they're stupendously famous. It's hard for any kid losing a parent, but this will be especially difficult.

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Washington, D.C.: Perhaps Mayor Fenty should run for reelection on the platform of improving the Little League. Not everyone in the area has the option to easily cross the border into Maryland.

Amy Argetsinger: Good point.

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New York, N.Y.: Call me crazy -- but I kind of see a family resemblance between MJ and the children. When Paris and Prince were standing with LaToya and Janet I thought that their skin tones were really similar to their aunt's.

And I have a couple of black friends who have blue/green eyes. It's not that unusual.

But regardless, I thought that the memorial showed that these kids were very comfortable with their extended family and I hope that their wishes are taken into consideration if there is a custody battle. And I hope that they aren't split up.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks for your vote.

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D.C.: Dearest A and R......

Greetings, it's the Mary Pinchot Meyer man (you remember me, methinks! Cherries in the Snow.)

Hey, getting back on your 'Oh, Brother topic in today's RS....... before everyone vilifies Mr. Heymann, have you or any of your minions actually listened to the purported 'interviews' that the authors claims to have done? And can the voice prints be verified to which they are ascribed? Thanks, and keep up the good gossip. P.S.; my friend, Peter Janney, whose mother was the roommate of Mary Pinchot Meyer, has a book coming out this fall called "Mary's Mosaic", which can be reserved on Amazon.com..... it's full of juicy acronyms like JFK, MPM, CIA, LSD, and yes, UFO!!! Thanks for your consideration. Namaste'...........Blaze

Amy Argetsinger: Hey, thanks so much for writing! Good to hear from you. No, haven't listened to Heymann's tapes. And we don't have any minions -- should we look into getting some?

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How can the coverage of an 11-year old girl's birthday be "too soft?": I mean, are there some tough questions that didn't get asked?

Roxanne Roberts: The only question that matters: Who picks up the tab? The Obamas are pretty careful about that, so I expect they wrote a check for the party.

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What's up with her?: Being a victim of childhood sexual abuse, Oprah has steered clear of MJ since the accusations against him.

Amy Argetsinger: She interviewed him in 1993, which is when he announced that his lightened complexion is a result of a skin disorder.

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It is amazing. : Good amazing or bad amazing? I can't watch until I get home.

Amy Argetsinger: The "Centipede" video? It's just... very 1980s amazing. The song isn't as good as I remembered it. But the video is insane.

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Washington, D.C.: Thank goodness Mr. Modi finally showed up in D.C. Intriguing that he is taking the bus. Do we know which route? Do you think he uses a SmarTrip card or gets a weekly bus pass?

Roxanne Roberts: We don't. My guess he gives it up if people start bugging him. So be cool, folks. Look but don't touch.

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washingtonpost.com: Video: Centipede (Rebbie Jackson)

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Memorial and Mariah's Dress: Are you kidding me? That's the most cloth that Mariah has ever donned. EVER.

Amy Argetsinger: ha!

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Arlington, Va.: The greatest living entertainer is Lena Horne? Out of curiosity, what is the average age of this chat? Sometimes I feel like I'm reading a transcript of a nursing home social hour. No offense of course.

Amy Argetsinger: Ha!

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Mariah Carey: It's so obvious to me that if Mariah Carey could go through life naked, or a least the parts where she's on camera or being photographed, she would. No doubt she thought the dress she worn at MJ's memorial was the model of decorum and decency. Straight out of Jane Austen almost.

Amy Argetsinger: Exactly.

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NYT blog about the MJ service: It was just odd to me. Like they had never seen a church service before. They were saying the "Soon and very soon" song was odd because it says "going to meet the King"--but, it's a church song. One I've heard at funerals. And the King isn't MJ. It wasn't referring to him.

I just feel like if you are going to cover something, you should at least learn a little about the culture. By all accounts, the memorial was very similar to a lot of African American services, and some of the religious side was familiar to me as well.

washingtonpost.com: Live Blogging the Jackson Memorial (The New York Times, July 7)

Amy Argetsinger: I haven't read this, will check it out later. Thanks.

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"Who clearly did a very good job at fatherhood, whatever else his failings in life were.": This ridiculous phrase always cracks me up, especially when applied to celebrities and their children -- especially their celebrity children (heard it a lot last year applied to Miley and Billy Ray -- before she spent the last couple of months trying to be the next Lohan). You have no idea whether "he" is a good father -- basing it on a planned public show is no indication of the character of the children. You know when someone's a good parent? When you can look at those kids when they are 25 and have turned into decent, honest human beings then you can make a judgment. Until then, spare us the armchair psychology.

Amy Argetsinger: I'm with you here. A lot of us have a tendency to say, "oh, she seems like such a good mom!" based on seeing some possibly-staged paparazzi shots of a playground trip. Same with that impulse to say, "oh, they seem like such a good couple!" What do we know, really .

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And we don't have any minions -- should we look into getting some? : Does minion pay well? I'm going to need a job if the Real World stalking gig doesn't work out for me.

Amy Argetsinger: Is it similar to being a serf? Because I could use some of those.

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Jackson question: Logic would say that there are only five members of the Jackson Five. So of Michael, Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie, Randy, and Tito -- who was not a member?

Amy Argetsinger: They're all members of The Jacksons -- Randy was too young to be in the Jackson 5, and didn't join until the ripe old age of 15, when they changed their name to The Jacksons.

Then you've got three sisters: Rebbie, LaToya and Janet. Nine kids in all.

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Kumar's wild ride?: Taking the bus, really? He could walk to the office from where he's supposedly living. It's one of the great, often under-appreciated pleasures of this city to be able to walk to work. We're not so big or crowded that walking a mile and a half is onerous. Well, okay maybe in late July and August when it's 90 degrees with 90 percent humidity...

Amy Argetsinger: yeah, man, don't judge.

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Get You Some Minions!: As the author of a magazine column myself (I reserve anonymity -- so you'll just have to wonder who this is) I have to urge you two to arrange for a couple of minions each. They're very useful and, at times, great fun.

Amy Argetsinger: You'll have to email us and tell us what, exactly, your minions do for you that is so fun. I'm liking this idea.

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Turnaround: How does he go from suspected pedophile who admits giving a 10-year- old wine so he'd 'relax,' to a Hero? He left the country, laid low -- how did he turn it around without donating millions to charity?

Roxanne Roberts: Well, he DID donate millions to charity and that didn't turn it around. Dying young did: His last extreme makeover.

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Focus, please!: Paris-Michael Katherine Jackson, along with her brothers, lost a parent. Children deal with that in many different ways. She clearly spoke because she wanted to, and in that reminded everyone that she had lost a father that she loved. Anyone who has lost a parent, at any age, knows how difficult this life transition is. When she is an adult and writes her book, then we can criticize. Until then, it's her grief to express how she wants.

Amy Argetsinger: Thanks.

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That's the most cloth that Mariah has ever donned.: Okay, so she was actually trying to be tasteful.

Roxanne Roberts: In an "I'm a superhot diva" way. Someone get that woman a decent stylist ASAP, please?

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Amy Argetsinger: I have to run -- Rox will take it from here. Be nice to her, okay?

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Do you think he uses a SmarTrip card or gets a weekly bus pass?: Who cares!? Is that really of interest?

Roxanne Roberts: Sure. Stars! They're just like us! People eat it up.

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Good Celeb Moms: I have personally seen Reese Witherspoon with her kids and she does seem like a caring mom. FWIW

Roxanne Roberts: I assume (hope) that is the norm with most Hollywood types and we only hear about the exceptions. Plus, it's easier to be a good mom with money and a good support system: The kids can travel with her, bring a nanny, tutor, etc.

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Baltimore, Md: I am a 27 year old black man (I don't know why I read this either) and the comments about Michael and the coverage, Paris and his lack of greatness hurts me as racist. And I am not a racially sensitive person. If you listen to what people said yesterday about his impact on black people and the world you have to realize his impact on culture and his giving nature was unmatched. He was the first black face on MTV. He was the first black face that Asia, the USSR and Eastern Europe had ever seen. Let's get a little perspective.

Roxanne Roberts: I honestly don't thing it was intended that way. Michael was such an unusual man---so talented, so conflicted, so controversial---that people have a wide range of feelings about who he was and what he meant. All the firsts you mention are true, but that doesn't erase the rest of his personal history. I respect your feelings, but please understand not everyone shares them for a variety of reasons----and should not be labeled as racist if they don't.

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Ummm...: the chat is almost over, and nothing about Steve McNair. Who was doing some serious cheating and his wife apparently knew nothing? This is some story -- one of those sad all around for everyone.

Roxanne Roberts: You gotta wonder what was really going on and what his wife knew. On any other week, it might have been Topic A. And yes, very sad, especially for his kids.

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Fenty/Little league: I find it appalling that Fenty, the Mayor of D.C. and a D.C. resident is allowed to sign his kids up for LL in Maryland. Why is this allowed even?

Roxanne Roberts: It's not Little League, which has geographical boundaries. The BCC is a different, independent league and allows kids from the entire region---Maryland, Virginia and DC---to play together. The Fentys, like any other District family, had every right to sign up if they thought it was best for their sons.

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Joan Crawford : appeared to be a good mom, the best is what Hollywood said. We'd never know the truth if her daughter hadn't been brave enough to write a book.

Roxanne Roberts: Point taken.

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Re: Real World: Once they showed up the crowd definitely picked up. A couple of the cast members were making out with girls pretty soon after they came in. The crowd didn't seem bored to me. The bar was full and everyone was dancing.

Roxanne Roberts: Making out? With people they just met? Classy. Real classy.

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Elizabeth Taylor: A distraught Elizabeth Taylor hit her Twitter account to confirm she will not attend Tuesday's public memorial to her late friend, Michael Jackson, despite being asked to participate in the event.

"I've been asked to speak at the Staples Center. I cannot be part of the public whoopla," Dame Elizabeth wrote on her Twitter page on Monday.

"And I cannot guarantee that I would be coherent to say a word," she added.

-- As reported on Access Hollywood Web site

Roxanne Roberts: Good to know.

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Washington, D.C.: In defense of the 27-year-old black man (28-year-old black woman) I think the issue is this. I personally feel like Sarah Palin is deified by the media. But I'm not out there wailing that it's not warranted, even if I feel it isn't. It's hard when I think of myself as colorblind, and to be honest, most of the hateful comments on this situation are coming from my white friends. I could write pages on why, but I'll leave it at this, it really 'feels' racist.

Roxanne Roberts: One opinion.

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Midlothian, Va.: I was accused by a friend yesterday of being racist because I disagreed with her assertion that Michael Jackson was the greatest person that ever lived. Now, Baltimore says I'm racist if I don't think Michael Jackson was some kind of great hero? That's nuts. Whatever Jackson was in his youth, he spent the second half of his life as a reclusive freak, dangling his child over a balcony, turning his children into freak shows, mutilating himself. Jackson was no hero.

Roxanne Roberts: Another....

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Racist reactions and coverage: Well the thing about racism is that just because you don't think you are, doesn't mean you aren't. There has been a lot of blowback this week about the accusations of pedophilia, the observable weirdness, etc., and lots of shouting about MJ being unworthy of adulation. I can think of another popular musician who had a really weird life and a proven (not alleged) relationship with a child, but he's still worshipped as The King: Elvis. So why is MJ a weird criminal who doesn't deserve a lavish public sendoff, but Elvis is The King who is still worshipped by millions who go on pilgrimage to Graceland?

Roxanne Roberts: Who knows? The best test will be to compare Michael's reputation 30 years from now, after his personal life becomes separated from his musical legacy. Time (usually) is more forgiving.

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Roxanne on her own: Whoo-hoo! What a treat! Seriously, though, what do we have to look forward to for the rest of the summer? Things being filmed? Congressional testimonies by Hollywood hotties? Mariah Carey testifying about the lack of good American fabrics to cover her body?

Roxanne Roberts: Let's see: Sotomayor's hearings start next week, which should be good for a few entertaining moments. We need to find out who's summering where (or stay-cationing.) Summer also seems to be prime time for breaking sex scandals, so I think we're good for the next few weeks.

That being said....you know how much we love your sightings and tips, especially with the new blood in town. Write us (ASAP---not a week later) with all the details at reliablesource@washpost.com.

Until next week....do a memorial moonwalk, just because.

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