The High Price of Justice

Santa Barbara now finds itself on the media map, as a result of the Michael Jackson trial, and as such can "enjoy" the benefits that fame can bring.

However, as with everything in life, there is a price to be paid. In this particular case, it is estimated to be around $426K to date.

This covers the pretrial hearings held from January 2004 to date. Once that the trial "for real" is up and running, in 2005, the cost per day is estimated to be around $50K.

Whilst these cost estimates include the security and other staff costs, they do not include investigation and prosecution costs.

Rather wistfully Michael Brown, the County Administrator, is hoping for interest in the case to wane.

I suspect that, once the trial starts, the interest in it will rise exponentially.

A Nice Day Out

It is reported that Michael Jackson will attend court next week, in order to watch prosecutor Tom Sneddon take the stand.

Michael will also be accompanied by his parents and siblings.

The appearance by Sneddon is in relation to the surveillance that he carried out of the office of Bradley Miller, a private investigator.

The prosecution deny that they knew that Miller was employed by Mark Geragos, Jackson's attorney at the time.

Foregone Conclusion?

Michael Jackson's ex wife, Debbie Rowe, is reportedly convinced that she will win her custody battle for her two children (Prince Michael and Paris).

Her belief is based on the fact that Jackson faces trial for child molestation, a second time that such allegations have been made against the singer.

Personally, I would say never take anything for granted.

Friends Like These

It seems that in the world of showbusiness, friendship can be somewhat transitory and superficial.

Macaulay Culkin, a "friend" of Michael Jackson, is reported to be reluctant to help out his chum; by coming to his defence, in respect of the child molestation allegations.

Culkin is of the opinion that any defence that he offers, would be shot down by the riposte; "Well, weren't you ten years old when you hung out with him?".

To my view, that should not prevent him trying to help his friend out.

A Fool and His Money

It seems that Michael Jackson is not too perturbed about his forthcoming trial, in January, for alleged child molestation.

It is reported that he, and his expensive entourage of lackeys, is in South Beach Miami; on a house hunting trip.

I would venture to ask, given his current poor level of finances, how can he afford another house?

I understand that the room charge per night, in the hotel which he will be using in Miami, is around $2500; before he even touches the minibar!

So where is the money coming from?

Nature Abhors a Vacuum

The absence of new information concerning the forthcoming Michael Jackson trial, in January 2005, has caused consternation in the media.

In order to fill the void, they are now forced to make stories up; albeit that they are clearly spoofs.

One such spoof was played on Channel 955 Detroit. It consists of a phone interview with "Michael Jackson", concerning his alleged fatherhood of quads.

To listen to the spoof, visit Channel 955 Detroit.

Family Sticks Together?

Michael Jackson's sister, Latoya, has spoken out in support of her brother; in relation to his forthcoming trial for alleged child molestation in January 2005.

In a TV interview, she said that she believed that everything would work itself out. Adding that the crisis has brought the Jackson family together.

However, this new found sense of sticking together didn't quite demonstrate itself at last month's 76th birthday celebrations for Michael's father Joe. None of his children turned up to the event, leaving Jackson senior feeling "hurt".