I can’t help but mention that today is Michael Jackson’s 50th birthday. Even with all his weirdness of the past years - I still have a soft spot in my heart for Michael. And more than that, his life seems to me to be a reminder to let our kids enjoy their childhood and to not force them to grow up too quickly - something I fear that is happening more and more.

But anyways - Happy Birthday Michael - in celebration here are some classic Michael vids - starting with my most fav Michael song - one that is actually quite TakePart appropriate. I challenge you not to sing, dance in your seat and make a difference.

Maybe Barack Obama should use this on his campaign? It does contain the magic word…

More videos after the jump, including a Fred Astaire version of Smooth Criminal that will force you to dance and that Free Willy theme song

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The TakePart Top 10 Weekly Roundup is a compilation of the week’s most notable stories from our entertainment-meets-social-action blogging network. This week we celebrated some of our own favorite top 10 bloggers who work night and day to provide us up-to-date info on films, literature, and feminist news. Don’t miss these exciting and informative blogs, as well as some of our most popular stories of the week.

Katie:

“La Misma Luna Under the Same Moon,” Not the Same Old Movie

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Gadgets for Under $50

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Nicole:

Top 10 Literary and Book Blogs

NBC11 First Wind Powered TV Station

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Giulia:

Top 10 Feminist Blogs

Horton: The New Mascot for Pro-Life

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Gina:

Top 10 Film Blogs

Top 10 Films I Would See If I Was At SXSW

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Kerry:

Our Pharmaceutically Fouled Water Supply

Top 7 New Sins Against God’s Green Earth

Alas, I am not in Austin but in New York City - but if I was there at SXSW, these are 10 films I would be seeing. They’re all TakePart friendly (advocate social change and action) in their own particular way - even if it isn’t obvious right up front.

Check out the entire SXSW line-up HERE and to keep up to date on festival action.

1. Mister Lonely
Director: Harmony Korine. Writers: Avi Korine & Harmony Korine. Starring: Werner Herzog, Diego Luna, Samantha Morton, Denis Lavant.
A Michael Jackson impersonator lives alone in Paris and performs on the streets to make ends meet. At a performance in a retirement home, Michael falls for a beautiful Marilyn Monroe look-alike who suggests he move to a commune of impersonators in the Scottish Highlands. (U.S. Premiere)

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By Giulia RozziApparently Michael Jackson and his three kids are struggling to make ends meet. According to The New York Post the former King of Pop has been staying with friends while his home remains in jeopardy. Hopefully this makes the masses of 20-something year old couch surfers feel a little but better about their own hardships. And if that doesn’t do the trick, just be thankful your name isn’t Blanket.