Life Is Unpredictable

Michael Jackson was supposed to be buried today.

If by now you are unaware that his death on 25 Jun 2009 has shocked the world, you probably have been living under some rocks. However, many might have forgotten that on that same day, Farah Fawcett (FF) passed away in a hospital across MJ's. She was 62. After that fateful day, the world talked about MJ, MJ and MJ. Few were talking about FF.


Even though FF may not be as famous as MJ, she nonetheless has left a significant mark behind in the entertainment world. FF rose to international fame when she first appeared as a private investigator in 1976 in the TV series, Charlie's Angels. FF was also known for her hairstyle which was keenly imitated by many wannabes. In 2006, she was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment since then.

FF passed away on that day in the morning and the media was all ready to report on her death, probably in a rather big way. However, the unexpected death of MJ a few hours later had shifted a huge chunk of media attention away from FF's passing.

So, FF left this world fairly quietly.


Today is 29 Aug 2009.

On 29 Aug 1958, MJ was born. By the time he was six, he was already having a career in singing.

On 29 Aug 1993, he came to Singapore as part of his Dangerous World Tour. I watched his great performance and 'celebrated' his 35th birthday on that day.


On 29 Aug 2008, I wrote "Every Dog Has Its Day" and I described his life as rather reclusive at that time. He had obviously wanted to make a come back. However, just 18 days before his much awaited "This Is It" concert was to begin, he left the stage for good.

Exactly a year after I wrote that article, I am now writing about him being buried, on his 51st birthday. Well, at least that was the original plan. For reasons best known to his family, MJ's funeral will be postponed to 3 Sep instead.

Before his death, MJ had a wacky life. After his death, at least till now, he still has a wacky 'afterlife'. While the fans mourn about his death, the police are working on a possible homicide case. While MJ's mother fights for her custody rights over MJ's children, a few people came forward to declare their biological linkage to these kids.

Totally wacky!


Today, another public figure is also to be buried.

While Edward Kennedy (EK) may not be as widely known compared to MJ, he is a very notable politician. He passed away on 25 Aug 2009, exactly two months after MJ's death. He was 77.

EK came from the very famous Kennedy family. One of his brothers, John F Kennedy was the 35th President of the US, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. Another brother, Robert F Kennedy, was US Attorney General and later a US Senator. He too was assassinated (1968).

Coming from such a background, it is not surprising to find EK also became a US Senator. He served from 1962 till the time of his death and became the third-longest-serving senator in U.S. history. If not for a motor accident in 1969 which resulted in the death of a female passenger, EK could possibly be one the Presidents of the US. It is believed that that incident had seriously damaged his political career.


Life can be totally unpredictable and fragile. We may live till the ripe old age or we may vanish tomorrow. It is no use worrying about when we will expire. We might as well be concerned about how we can inspire and aspire.

Take five minutes of your time and listen to Robin Sharma's podcast on "How to Live Forever".

Live life as if today is our last.