Evening Anderson and everyone. Sounds like its going to be a very busy night.

What difference does it make if the children of MJ are being raised as Jehovah's Witnesses? Why do we raise such a fuss at a father's choice of who would care for his children. Do you think MJ didn't know his mother practiced this faith, whereas his father does not? You know, from my experience, it is usually the ones who know least about someone's religion that makes a fuss...if they have actual experience that is truthful, then they can step into the conversation.

Hey sweet peeps.....

Hopefully yer Thursday was nice :/

Evening Anderson!
Evening David (Indiana) and friends!

Helloooo Anderson, Erica, Ed Henry, David Gergen and my friends Twitter/Facebook Bloggers!!!!!
Ouch! Not good news to hear a explosion at a luxury hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. My heart goes to Jakarta Indonesia. My thought and prayer with Indonesia's people!

Hi Anderson.

Hi Bloggers.

Hi Anderson, Wish you have a safe show today!

An.

Hey guys, what up?? Crazy Explosions, not a nice way to begin!

Unbelievable ... Indonesia blasts

Hi Anderson and all. What's going on now? Terrible news and awful pictures. Why in the world did this happen?

Good Thursday evening, everyone.

These explosions in Jakarta are disturbing. I'm interested in finding out more....and who is behind it.

That is crazy and sad.

Good evening Anderson and Fellow Bloggers –

Breaking news is scary tonight - I have a good friend who lives in Indonesia most of the year - sure she's okay, but will rest easier once I hear from her.

Death toll keeps rising...I'm sick of hearing people dying....why can't we just get along?

Just a dream of mine....

Evening All across the pond.

Lots to discuss tonight by the looks of things, hope its a good show.

Good Evening Everyone!

@ Anderson

Is there is information from victims in Indonesia?

Cynthia, NC
I think terrorist did it put bomb in the hotel. I am sure, it was terrorists.

Evening y'all.

What is happening in the world?! All I hear about is death, death, death and bombs! Why can't the human race just get along? Geez!

hi bloggers..
Randi Kaye here in NY! back from covering Michael Jackson in LA.. doing a bit in NY for a couple days.. tonight i'll have more on custody for Jackson's kids.. and we'll tell you whether or not this seems to be a criminal investigation yet.. but... in the meantime, what do you think about american-branded hotels being targeted in Jakarta... what do you think spurs this on? good to have you all with us tonight...

This is truly devestating. As I have said in previous posts, I work for a luxury Hotel Chain. One of our hotels is also In Jakarta, just got word that they have posted armed police. Waiting to hear more, my former assistant is working in Jakarta.

I wonder who is going to claim responsibility.

Evening Anderson, All,

Good evening Anderson. Bombings in Jakarta look devastating. Did the blasts in both hotels take place simultaneously?

Terrifying stuff, Anderson; thanks for keeping us posted. This area does not need this...wasn't there a flash flood in Jakarta back in late March that killed almost 100 people?

Isabel • Brazil •
They will have information for us, They will find out how many victim. They are right now search people to find in the hotel.

@Randi, I don't really think it matters if the hotels are American brands....they've pretty much infested everywhere....

This is so sad!!!

Its sad that one group who hates another group has to involve another group that has nothing to do with either group and has to injure or kill others in the process

It is sad to see these people getting killed. I don't know what people really gain from this. People have all the wrong ideas about how to get what they want.

I was raised as a Jehovah Witness and I'm bringing my child up in this religion also. I think Michael knew what he wanted for his children. My husband does not practice this faith but urges me to keep my child in this faith....I feel the connection with Jackson family in so many ways!

@ Randi

Welcome back to NY!
What madness in Indonesia , huh!

Evening Anderson, Tom Foreman? Isabel, evening everyone. I didn't think I was going to see breaking news about explosions in hotels in Indonesia tonight. Sorry to hear about this violence and people losing their lives. From the pictures from Indonesia looks like they are in the middle of investigating the detonations. When did this happen? Sorry did catch that.

Evening Anderson, Erica, and AC360 team!

I have a friend vacationing in Indonesia right now and I hope he was no near the site. I'll be sure to check on him as soon as I can reach him. This is terrible news.

Thanks AC for the continual updates.

Anderson,
Hi!
It's unfortunate to hear of the American-targeted explosions–a sad way to begin the evening.

The world is indeed a scary place these days. It takes nerves of steel for the average tourist to get on a plane & go to large cities these days. Thanks for the in depth coverage of today's events.

When is the violence ever going to end? How terribly sad.

Hi Randi K!
Nice see you tonight! Welcome back! I am really surprised there are bomb attacked by the terrorists in the hotel. I am really worried people lost love one.

Megan Dresslar,

Here in Brazil only one channel is reporting yet. We have almost no info.
This is so sad!

It should be noted that the Ritz-Carlton hotel is owned by Marriott. So when they attacked these two hotels they are attacking the same organization.

Ritz-Carlton is a Marriott brand. Can we connect the dots on this? Is Marriott being targeted, as opposed to other American hotel companies? Marriott's stock slumped today on the NYSE.

Four Seasons is a Canadian brand, not American.

@Megan Dresslar – I completely agree these bombings are terrorist related. Suicide bombers crossed my mind.....

Yikes, terrorists never give up. I hope the loss is minimal.

I think they do it partly maybe because they can't get to the ones they really want, whoever that is, so they go the route of taking innocent lives that have nothing to do with the ones they want. It is ridiculous.

you would think people would be more creative, when it comes to bombing....after all these years people are still doing this? It's a sign they're desperate....or they're grown up teens with nothing to do and a lot of amo..... :/

More and more sad news

Hi Randi Kaye – glad to see you on the blog.

In a nswer to your question re: bombings, i just don't know. Terrorism is now almost everywhere.

How we (ourGov.) choose to deal with it i very important going forward. I beleive we have the right leader in Pres.Obama.

PS-Randi-Kaye you work very hard! But we are greateful for your reporting and thank you.

Wow to the earth!

Greetings to All! I hope other hotels in Jakarta are on high alert....They don't need more of this.

Anderson - good interview with Peter Bergen - I like the background/reminder of the motiviation behind these bombings. With so many terrorist attacks in our world, it's hard to keep them all straight.

The only thing that would make sense in the Billings case was if they were some kind of spy operatives living undercover and some other group of spy operatives were out to get them. At least then it'd be something right out of a novel or tv show or something. I know I can't make head nor tail of it.

@ Casey, Palm Springs – that's great info!! Maybe it's really connected.

@Anderson
Thank you for bringing in the latest infos so promptly!

@casey Jones. I do not think it is a Marriott targeting. The Marriott and Ritz are easy access. Four Seasons is better protected by gates and security in Jakarta.

This bombing in Indonesia is frightening! I am traveling abroad in September but not staying at Four Season's or Ritz Carlton. Which hotel was hit the last time they had the bombing in Indonesia?

With all the terrible things that happen in this world sometimes I can't help but to think what is the true purpose for us being here. Is this what it is really suppose to be like. It doesn't seem right.

Maybe it's liable but I think Gonzolaz is this era's Charles Manson. Like I said, it's very Helter Skelter.

Judging from the picture of the windows with the curtains hanging on the outide with the glass underneath the explosion had to come from the inside the hotel

I agree, sharon, sydney, ns

This will be detrimental to the tourism industry in Indonesia.

Do we know if any of the arrested individuals had any association with the Florida auto or financial businesses that were owned by the Billings? Such as a customer or former employee?

Hi everyone and Anderson! Sad news about the hotels in Indonesia..

All of it is upsetting...hope to have more on this story soon.

It is really scary that Mr. Gonzales had HIs FAmily "practice" tactical performances.

There is something really frightening about that kind of mind set.

The news coming here (Brazil) now is that at least 4 people died

There has to be some kind of connection. I cant understand this happening without any kind of connection maybe from even 10 years ago.

What do you think will happen to the children. I hope the murdered couple was not involved in anything shady.

Wow! They found everywhere in the house!!!!! I am glad the suspects landed in jail! I hope they will learn own lesson what they did to them!!!! Thank you David Morgan for telling for us! They will stay longer in jail.

How creepy is it that one of the killers in Florida was a self-defense instructor for kids?

It seems like a terrorist bombing but is it that group that Peter Bergen just mentioned or is it another group or a splinter group?

Hi Randi Kaye. I think it's hard to tell what the motivation behind these attacks, if they are attacks, is. Various terrorists desire to attack soft targets, and hotels that are there to welcome people are soft targets.

what are they going to do with those children

With that many letters following them and none of them from a degree....this has to be something big coming down the pipe.

I think that is why they were doing the drills. They were just waiting until one of those agencies to catch up with them and to have a gun fight to get out.

@ David, Indiana
The news report that the explosion occurred in an interval of 5 minutes and were in this Friday (local time – Indonesia)

Isabel-Brazil

Thank you, i got on the blog and program late and did not see how many people were hurt. Let's pray the injuries and deaths are very low.

@Julie-Boston. These targets were carefully picked, and it's no accident they are American owned. This wasn't random.

Hello Anderson,

Who is going to take care of these innocent children.

The police work in this case has seemed really fast and efficient.

Oh Christ! Interior cameras! Let's hope those images will never leave the precinct's vault. Obviously the sheriff indicated that the murders are on the tapes.

Hi Anderson,

Hope you had a good day. The news on Indonesia is very sad. It is very devastating!

Welcome back to NY, Randi!

And, thank you all for keeping us posted.

Shilpee
Austin, TX

good evening Anderson

Heather – Spokane, WA
Very Creepy!! Terrifying even. Make me shudder.

@Minou, it's probably just a matter of time that someone leaks the tapes from inside for a payoff.

The Billings' murder case is so sad. So many children without their mother and father. I understand that not all the Billings' children were home at the time of the murders, but all are safe now and with relatives. I had thought it may have been a kidnapping for ransom. There is a lot more to this story and I suppose it will be revealed in the near future.

This whole Florida murder investigation is unbelievable. It sounds like there is much more to come. What a bunch of crooks and thugs. Florida doesn't mess with folks like that. I don't think any Florida jury is going to be too sympathetic.

This is a on going investigation. They can't reveal too much of the investigation finding. Understood!

IOn a bad night, thank you for the penguin story.

I was under the impression that the DOD had limited the number of F-22s being produced, and that the production had already been fulfilled. Looking forward to the report on Dr. Gates's speech.

Penguins have soap opera lives like the rest of us do I guess

WOW on tape!! This is one of the most valuable reason's every family should have security inside and out.

@ Mike, Syracuse – yes! I'm not surprised, now that I've seen the sheriff.

Wow - 40 years ago (next Monday) for the moon landing - I remember being glued to the TV (yes, a fuzzy black and white) and how proud our nation was of this accomplishment.

Love the penguin story!

@Mike, Syracuse, NY,

"These targets were carefully picked, and it’s no accident they are American owned. This wasn’t random."

I agree, these bombings weren't random, they were carefully targeted.

I don't get it, who'd murder parents of 9? Like thats maddness!
Now what will happen to the children I wish the world would never have these horrible non-sense like I don't get it. It's kind of creepy to tell you the truth it really makes me shiver..

Goodnight fellow bloggers

Chris P-Winnipeg

@ Mike – geez, I nobody will leak the tapes. That would be so disrespectful and would only add to the families/children's pain.

Minou, New York City
I agree with you. I hope only the people that need to see the tapes see them and then they disappear. I really don't need to see the event happening. The whole story is gruesome enough.

President Obama's speech addressed a lot of the difficult issues that need to be faced in the African-American community as well as the continuing presence of racism, a very strong speech.

thanks for all your bloggin'....
what'd you all think of the president's speech tonight?

Yeah that's true.. I agree, some people in this worlds just crazy..

@Minou, New York City...

Sad thing it's that people change with money...

The speech rocked! He always does a great job (as he always does) what do you think about it Randi?

President Obama has such a diverse background, familiarity and credibility that he is able to give the tough speeches and people listen.

I was out all day and missed the President's speech as NNCP.

The clip you showed, just that small amount was very inspiring. It is so true that predudice needs to be left behind now.

Many of us have raised our children to welcome people from all over the world. To welcome our American borthers & sisters who appear different, but are not.

All types of media have exposed all of us to so many cultures, religions, etc. Predudice just has to stop, now i hope!

Randi, I thought Pres. Obama gave a great speech. As an African-American, it IS important for our children to have greater aspirations than balling like Lebron James or being a rapper like Lil' Wayne. (It is hilarious to hear "Lil' Wayne" come out of Pres. Obama's mouth!)

It's my dream to go to Africa. You're so lucky, AC.

I view the President speech , not so much as a speech but truth that needed to be said.

I also find Mr. Obama a very smart man, I think he always does a good job in speeches, i'm glad he's presedent (i'm not american but i still care) I actioly don't like McKane or however he spells it, or George bush (no offense to them) but it was Mr. Obama's destiny to be president,

@Anderson

Beautiful place that you talked with Imahkus Okofo. Where is it specifically?

Good evening Anderson,

Thank you for your report, especially showing the progress towards universal harmony.

Sincerely,

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

It must be strange to go to a land that your ancestors came from and to be called a stranger.

They don't feel part of the new country and the old country doesn't accept them fully either....so where do they belong?

@Randi Kaye CNN

I think President Obama's speech was outstanding and spoke of much of the issues for African-American's and the issues that are still going on in our country that shouldn't. It is time for everyone to be treated equally no matter race, color, nationality, woman or man. Change is not effective until everyone accepts everyone no matter what walk of life they come from. I can still see that little boy at that swimming park with tears running down his checks from last week. It is sad that individuals feel it is necessary to treat people so disrespectfully, especially a child.

Moving interview! Wow!

I'm so glad the media has seized this opportunity to bring race relations out in the open....it's so long overdue. We can't go forward until we address the past. The President did an excellent job!

Powerful report from Cape Coast Castle. Interesting that Ghanaians consider immigrants with African heritage strangers.

I gruinely love this woman who moved to Africa.

Her reactions to that place are appropriate and akin to what all of us should feel, remembering what happended there to individual human beings. God bless her for sharing her feelings with us.
'
She truly touched my life.

Returning Home
Incredible segment. Very bittersweet. Thank you.

Anderson,
I love your interview really special lady to return home in Ghana! I can't wait see African Journey with our president Obama this weekend! That's so cool program!

I always get teary eyed when I see that interview with Imahkus Okofo. Its such a powerful story.

Wow - the "returning 'Home'" segment was powerful - looking forward to your special tomorrow night, Anderson. Have enjoyed the segments all week, but looking forward to the entire presentation in one sitting. Thanks for making the trip and bringing these stories to your viewers.

Oh man... now its up to 6 victims from the hotel... this is so sad...

Anderson,
That was a truly moving interview! Had the tears flowing...

Anderson,
Your report on African-Americans returning to Ghana is powerful and very moving–I'm looking forward to your special.

It's very moving to see the powerful emotions that African-Americans who've returned to Ghana experience when being in the presence of their ancestors and the pain that they suffered as a result of slavery. Great report.

Loved the interview with Ms Okofo Anderson! That was excellent!!

Cindy..Ga.

Anderson, what was it like for you going to the slave area of Africa and how did it make you feel knowing and understanding what it was like going through something like that?

Hi Randi. I think the President's speech was inspirational.

Anderson, I look forward to your special this weekend, "President Obama's African Journey. "

I hope the Jakarta bombings are not a result of Al Queda's dislike for the Western world (since Pres. Obama once lived in Indonesia). It is tragic, nonetheless.

Marriott reported dismal financial results today (as expected). Were the attacks planned to leverage the public attention on Wall St today?

Marriott has strong ties to the Mormon church. Do you think there is a connection with the bombings (something anti-Mormon in an apparent radical Muslim attack)?

How did they get inside with it, with all that security?

Maybe an employee who would not be checked as readily...supposed to be a safe individual.

Randi, I thought the speech failed to go far enough in emphasis on personal responsibility. It seemed an afterthought, but what you become is 95% from you and just 5% from what others do to you.

@ Heather – Spokane, WA

Me too... that interview its just breathtaking, so moving.

Amazing job Anderson!

@Isabel, five minutes apart, thanks I didn't hear that, but I wonder at what time the blasts occurred. An hour ago? less than that? more?
I wonder if there is information about the victims, too.

I remember my family, my brother and I staying up watching the moonshot and moonlanding when I was a kid in 1969. Such a hopeful and inspiring achievement, so imaginative and inventive. An odd contrast with the breaking news out of Jakarta.

It's always amazes me how Obama can take such complex difficult issues and somehow motivate, inspire, and educate with his eloquent words. We live in interesting times.

Yeah how did they get through the security? They have alot (as I heard )

Anderson, I just watched your "Going Home " segment re Africans in America returning to the Continent of Africa. Thank you for being sensitive, careful, and deliberate with your reporting especially in your usage of the words slavery, enslved Africans, etc. You continue to exhitibit a level of insight and empathy that many others should emulate.

Continue the inportant work that you do. I will continue to stay tuned.

Such a good interview – I know what she meant about the knot in your stomach and how your ancestors seem to be all around you and trying to comfort you. Thank you for showing us this interview tonight. IT was very compelling.

This bombing happened a few weeks after election, and a few days before Manchester United comes to Jakarta.

Kim, he also has an excellent speechwriter.

What are these killers motive? Blasting buildings and killing people has been a custom lately. This is very terrifying!

Shilpee Shrestha
Austin, TX

my husband gets frustrated when he sees anything in reference to our heritage. he believes the past is the past and has no bearing on today. he has no interest whatsoever in what slaves went through in africa. i on the other hand totally disagree with him. although it saddens me and bring me to tears, i welcome any all information regarding my ancestors. keep up the good work ac.

@ Anderson

This same hotel, Marriott, was seriously damaged by a bomb attack a few years ago. This is fact?

Well, AC, if you are on Letterman tonight, Sir Paul will be a hard act to follow. I'll bet you did just fine!

Hello Randi Kaye. Good to see you back.Personally I am stunned and am not really sure to say and I'm not that often speechless. I am of course referring to Jakarta.

Dona Wood
Lexington, Tennessee

Wild, that seems be a unsettled spirit of 'no return' because of the cruelty which went on there at the Cape Coast Castle.

Anderson, your special on the Obama trip to Ghana was just wonderful, very powerful. Well done, as usual.

Sumera- Maryland and Danette
The couple's daughter will take care of 16 children right now.

Why do these silly men take women out to sea and do harm to them? Makes no sense. Like duh, you're on a ship - you're going to get caught!

hahaha I love Letterman, he's hilarious

Conan's joke was hilarious!

Thanks for the reminder about AC on Letterman tonight – I almost forgot!

Conan's one to talk!!

Haha, Anderson is the new Waldo

Yeah Anderson, you blend....

Hi
Our President is an awesome speaker. he is great in every thing he dos, I am very happy with hem

I would love for Janet to get custody. The kids just seem so close to her.

@David, Indiana
I hope there is not a lot of injuries and deads.
Terrorism is something that frightens us so much! Nobody is immune!

Those kids need to stay together

That is why I felt she would ultimately be the one the kids end up with.

I love my favorite Conan O'Brien love joke Anderson was talking about his trip, so funny!!!! Cool! Good joke Conan!!! LOL

Good night Anderson, Erica, David G, Ed Henry and my friend twitter/facebook bloggers!!!!!!!
Have a great night and sleep tight everyone!!!!
See you tomorrow night!!!!

Anderson,
Have a great night, good sleep at home after work!!!! See you tomorrow night!!! Have a plenty sleep!

Good Night Everyone! Sweet loving and kind dreams!

I can see Janet taking Michael's kids

I think Janet would be a much more appropriate mother than Michael Jackson's mother. Seeing how Paris turned to Janet in tears after speaking at her dad's memorial was very telling.

I'd love to see Janet Jackson raise MJ's kids... They (the kids) seemed to be very close to her when I watched the memorial service, specially Paris.

Debbie Rowe does not deserve those children — she sold them like commodities. Katherine Jackson is a great choice, because she is who Michael wanted and clearly outlined in his will. Janet is also a terrific alternate given her mother’s age. Janet is only 43, has her own millions, and clearly does not have money as her driving force in this matter!

I don't think it matters what religion, if any, they are brought up in. By the time they are "of age", they'll decide for themselves what they want to do as far as religion is concerned.
Night everyone.

Good to hear and a relief that the children of MJ "melt" into Janet J. arms. It seems logical to have them with her and healing too. She certainly was very close to her brother at one time (don't know how close lately). But she would be my pick.

Hope the judge(s) listent to children. Also hope the children can chooe their own religion too.

Anderson, i knowyou said you're on until MN tonight, but i am guessing the blog will be closed. So thank you and good night and Team 360 et al too (especially Randi Kaye).

Good night fellow bloggers, hope better news tomorrow.

Goodnight everyone!

I found those two intvws at Cape Coast Castle arresting even as I am sitting here thinking about the explosions in Jakarta. Imahkus Okofo is talking about an overwhelming experience and emotionally. Somehow it is very easy to connect with her.

Thanks Randi for the report on the Penguins, I hope things work out for Harry and Linda, and Pepper finds another penguin he can hook up with.

Good night Isabel, good night everyone.

Anderson,
Good evening and thank you with the latest news!

Good night David, Indiana
I was missing yesterday because the connection to the internet not cooperating!

I hope, sincerely, that we have good news from Indonesia! May God protect the Indonesia!

See you tomorrow!

Good night Anderson, Randi Kaye and Fellow Bloggers –

Hope everyone has a good Friday .....
Until tomorrow night ..... peace....