Just A Man (Chapter 9)

[Rickyrocks]

Hi

This section is for your questions and thoughts about CHAPTER 9 of the JAM online feature.

Each chapter will be divided into its own chapter so as to make it easier to post & talk about each chapter seperately.

thank You
Rickyrocks

[Momma Boss]

I call this chapter the beginning of the end. To me Michael got involved with the woman who could hang with him intellectually,Sexually, and booze and use drugs right with him. Men only think they are players,They have no clue!! When a woman is up on her game no man can do anything with her. Women get played many times because of low self-esteem and not realizing their own strength.Michael was a man who had a great deal of knowledge of women carnal and otherwise; paula began by hooking him in this chapter and started reeling him in. Actually she began hooking years ago when they met and apparently had a brief liason. Ok enough about that section!!!

Next She worked the damsel in distress angle like a pro!!The poor mother of three who was harrassed by the big bad dragon bob. Michael wanted so badly to be her knight in shining armor; little did he know she was playing him like the lottery.Michael began to get hammered in the english press with what was obviously at her instigation.

Ok totally unrelated section. I wonder just how much the rise in Helena's popularity played in the demise of their relationship?
Lynne

[missalissa]

As I was reading this chapter, I felt so bad for Michael that a woman like this was bringing him down. I started wondering if she was the one that was tipping off the press every time he turned around. He had always been out of the press to a point, but with her it was getting ridiculus!!! It seemed also that she really wanted to isolate him from anyone and anything that he loved. Sorry to go on but this part of the book really upset me!!

[moon]

I did not read to much about Michael while he was with Paula. Thank goodness i didn't i was already upset about him being with a snake. In reading this chapter it just confirms my believes I've had all along about her. A snake!

[sharon]

Wow! I agree with everyone here. I think Michael's self confidence was down and her was suffering from depression and Paula hit at that exact moment. And then her becoming pregnant sealed the deal. I know this because my brother is doing exactly that. I won't get off the chapter but I am so sad after reading this chapter. I think she kissed up to Michael's mom but I bet she could see when she met her match with Tina. I could tell just by this website that Tina is a very strong and sensible woman and Paula probably knew Tina would be able to see right through her so she could not let Tina get too close to Michael or get him alone because Tina might put some doubt (or sense) into Michael's mind. She had to isolate Michael so no one could actually find out what exactly was going on. Someone might figure her out and convince Michael of what was happening.

My one question to everyone in the UK is, being an American, I never knew who the hell Paula was and I am wondering was she all that popular that it would be believable that the press would be after her so relentlessly? Or would it seem obvious that she tipped them off?

Sharon

[Aussie]

Momma Boss you hit the nail on the head. To me you have described exactly what i think happened with Michael and Paula. She knew how to pull michael in, and she did as you say, hook, line and sinker. And as i read this chapter and also from reading Gerry Agars book, i believe Paula tipped off the press to where michael was, or where they both were. As said here Michael was hardly in the press as often as he was when he was involved with Paula. She made Sir Bob out to be a tyrant, i dont think he was. He was a man hurt that his wife had suddenly left him , and perhaps too he had always been jealous of michael in away. I mean come on Paula had michaels pic on the fridge with lights around it !! She was obsessed! from the beginning to the end, she was totally obsessed, and poor michael was the one she wanted.

Aussie

[Trixiiy]

Oh yes! I think one of the most unfortunate things that could ever happen to a man (or a woman when you turn it the other way) is an obsessed chasing lover. Obsession is sick indeed and it must have been hard for Michael although it seems he did not realize it like others who had the advantage of being in the position to can see it from outside. But its always the same: The moment you are the one who is involved you naturally lose most of your own objectivity. Another lesson to learn

Trixiiy

[Michael Always]

Paula Yates... such a complex person. All her dramas and histrionics not only destroyed Michael and herself, but it destroyed so many other innocent people caught up in the aftermath. And the saddest part of all....it was all self inflicted, self created and so unnecessary!

[missalissa]

I never followed anything with Paula or Michael, but I did hear he was dating her, and I thought whose that? And I was thrilled when he had a baby....Jealous maybe but happy....lol Then his passing was so hard to understand and I didn't have a computer etc. Then when I finally got one I started reading more and more, and learning all the heartache he went through. Then reading this chapter just left a bad taste in my mouth even more for her, I can't help but be so angry at her. I hope no one thinks I am being harsh, but I think of her and I get so mad.....I feel so bad for his family and all the things they missed out on with Michael and Tiger. I mean if you really love someone, then you don't play mind games and use their child against them. I mean it is just terrible to deny Patrica and Tina, the rights to their granddaughter and niece. And then to know that Tiger ended up with the person, Michael definately would not have wanted raising his child. That part I just don't understand or get it. I guess the laws are different than here in the states. But I truly belive in my heart she needs to be with Michael's family.

I am so sorry for my rant and vent but I had to get that off my chest!!!!!
Melissa

[caz]

Here in the UK Paula was mostly famous for being Lady Geldof.

I have a friend who used to work for British Airways on 1st Class and Concorde. She saw many famous people in her time, including Michael. But whenever Paula was due to fly in, when she was with Bob or Michael, no one wanted to deal with her ever. She was always passed on to someone else.

She was very arrogant and loved the fact she was affectionately known as Lady Geldof and even when she was dating Michael she would make a point of this to people to get what she wanted. Whereas Michael was always very sweet and very humble. I won't say what they thought of Bob...LOL

I know some people often think why do we hit out at Paula, as she is the mother of Tiger etc etc...but the woman was truly demented and obsessed and made a lot of peoples lives very, very miserable indeed.

[blueorchid]

A time of change.
Were the cigars the turning point for giving up smoking? later using nicotine patches. I saw a picture of him smoking a cigar.
Michael also considering a career change? he did say he enjoyed acting and had previously had some experience. Exploring the possibilities?
With Helena, like previously said who knows what the dynamics of a relationship are except to those involved. Earache? genuine or Mr MH?
I liked that he was humouring you with dancing naked on the table for his 35th birthday.
Paula well she had already attempted to get into his world, make him notice her. I can undertsand that as a TV presenter and journalist she would have been chatty, witty and engage people in comversation.
At this point it seems that maybe she was not as forward than previously and not as confrontational.

I remember the TV programme where she made comments to his tight trousers. and didnt give up till he answered.
She also used to gain attention by being seen with him and photographed, we werent to know they were discussing her divorce with Bob.

She had begun the getting to know you phase instead. Maybe Bob was the scapegoat? Paula and Bob were a high profile couple.
It seems Michael was caught up in a whirlwind of press.
Sometimes as journalists try to get a story I've noticed they'll pose questions or a story to see if there is a response. and sometimes when they dont get what they were looking for they can become sarcastic and harrassing.

I am surprised that Paula was using heroin at a young age, not pot/crack something easily available to a teenager.
Interesting that when Michael was under more stress he turned to illegal drugs more.

I think Paula was desperate to have Michaels attention and in her attempt to find it tried every approach that she could.

The children sounded adorable. Understandable that Michael was taken with them. and how accepting they were of their mothers new boyfriend.

I didnt know that Paula had breast enlargement! I thought shed put on weight. filled out. oops.

The way $1 million cash has paid for property surprises me. Papers to follow? who gains from that.

How the tide turned with pregnancy. Not a planned pregnancy. Could this be when she realised he hadnt thought of her as long term? I wonder.
From the interview between Michael on Paula on a bed, Who in the right mind would do that? put those two together. I mean I saw that before it happened.

I wish Paula hadnt of been so fixated by Michael, I am glad that she Tiger lily. For a short time at least she brought him some happiness. I just wish it had been someone else or under different circumstances.

[missingmichael]

This chapter really struck a chord with me. My Dad was married for several years to a woman who apparently had the identical personality as Paula Yates. I completely understand how Michael did not recognize what was happening, as my Dad was married to this woman for almost 4 years before he started to realize anything. These women will tell any story they feel necessary to make themselves interesting and part of something. They tell so many fabrications that they eventually don't even know what is the truth anymore. Yet, have the ability to be charming and nice if they want to be. My Dad has been divorced (annulled) from this woman for 6 years, and she still to this day persists in making up stories and has even told other family members that my father is dead (news to him!)! Paula was manipulative and opportunistic, and took full advantage of Michael's decent nature.

[seline63]

I too know someone like this, it's just sad Michael couldn't get out of this relationship like your dad did. Love your name "missingmichael" and a big welcome to the site!!!!!!!!

[missingmichael]

Thanks Seline! Glad to meet everyone, just sorry at the reason that we are all here.


Betting that Michael did not even realize what was happening around him. She was obviously very good at her act (Paula).

[Rita]

I have a cousin who got so stressed out by the way his ex wife played him that he actually had a massive heart attack at 34 and died. He was in excellent health, just under a LOT of stress due to this woman's games and manipulations. It's amazing what the wrong woman can do to a man and vice versa!

Welcome to the board. I'm new myself. It's a great place...you'll enjoy it here.
Rita