The East Coast Overture Blog

As I write this, Twitter is caving in on itself as celebrity gossip mongers and 80’s music fans rush to their computers and mobile phones and Tweet about the rumors of Michael Jackson’s death.

Did it really happen? It seems unclear right now. TMZ announced his death first but I wouldn’t consider them a super reliable source. I’m waiting for more information to surface before I go throwing a Michael Jackson Is Dead party.

Personally, I heard the first news of his (possible) death on Facebook when someone updated their status. Then more and more and more people changed their status to something similar. A Facebook group titled “Michael Jackson RIP” is, as I type this, closing in on 2,000 members. Impressive.

I also Googled “michael jackson dead”. Someone even bought the domain michaeljacksondead.com, which is a bit tacky. But anyway.

And even as I write this, CNN is carefully saying on its main page: “Reports: Michael Jackson dead”.

Seems like TMZ got it right. Good on ya for getting the news out first. And kudos to Twitter for helping the spread of celebrity gossip move along faster than an STD in a college dorm.

Ohhhhh, OK. Wikipedia just confirmed his death. That must mean it’s true… right?

Rest in peace, Michael Jackson (whether you be dead or alive, it’s still hard to say). May people be playing “Thriller” at Halloween parties for years to come.

(Speaking of Twitter, make sure to follow ECO on Twitter!)