Michael Jackson Keeps Neverland In The Family

Reports circulated earlier in the week saying Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson’s personal Touch Mahal, was in jeopardy: If the debt-ravaged superstar failed to pay the $24,525,906.61 required of him, the estate, including all “fixtures and appliances, furniture, and…merry go round type devices, any rides” on it, would be put up for auction March 19 at Santa Barbara’s downtown courthouse. Now comes the happy news that the necessary financing is being drawn up, and that no auction will take place. Also, records show there was a release of lien on February 4, showing Jackson “paid off all or part of delinquent taxes to the state of California.” Perhaps, finally, the rusted arms of the Great NeverClock will start up once again, the llama skulls and monkey bones will finally be cleared from the yellowed lawn, and the ghostly halls of Jackson’s kiddie Valhalla will fill with the sound of children’s laughter, their overjoyed host calling out, “Last one to the bottom of the IKEA ballroom in their underwear is a rotten egg!!!”

• Michael Jackson’s Neverland Foreclosed; Auction Date Set [foxnews.com]
• Michael Jackson seeks to keep Neverland Ranch [cnn.com]