Pop stars are never more present than immediately after their deaths, and Exhibit A is Michael Jackson -- whose posthumous concert movie, "This Is It," arrives today in the Triangle. There's a long and storied tradition of such artifacts, too. For more, see the story in Wednesday's paper.

Once again, the WarmTV bloggers elected (begged) my mom to be our Dancing with the Stars correspondent. After each show, she calls me with her report...

Last night's episode of "Dancing with the Stars" proved once again that
the show is just as much a popularity contest as it is a real dancing contest. How else can you explain the dancers in the bottom group, much less the dancer who so undeservedly went home? But hey, that's what you get when you let America vote. We end up with the dancer we deserve. 

But despite the crushing  disappointment of the elimination, my mom thought it was a great episode. 

...So unless you've got a sincere pumpkin patch onhand, you'd better get busy planning your light display for that night's festivities. This dude has a big jump on the season (resolution isn't the best, but watch in full-screen mode and you'll get the idea).

(Found via Pop Candy).

Courtesy of youtube, here's a snippet from the N.C. Central University marching band's recent tribute to Michael Jackson.

They performed during the Duke/NCCU football game Saturday at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham.

One of the consequences of Michael Jackson's death is that his family has regained the spotlight, and like a lot of us, Michael has some crazy folk in his family.

Which brings us to LaToya Jackson.

But before we go there, last night's Video Music Awards on MTV opened with a tribute to the King of Pop, with Janet Jackson. (Kanye West: rude jerk. Beyonce: class act.)

MTV Video Music Awards (9pm, MTV) - Controversial British comedian Russell Brand (left) returns to host the 26th annual VMAs, which has Janet Jackson opening with a tribute to her brother Michael Jackson. Jay-Z, Taylor Swift, Green Day and Pink are among scheduled performers. Beyonce and Lady Gaga have tons of nominations. 

True Blood (9pm, HBO) - It's the second season finale and I can only hope for the sake of the show that Maryann is destroyed or sent back to hell, or whatever it is you do with a dead maenad. She has Sookie involved in her big "sacrifice" ritual tonight, which is sure to be entertaining. Evan Rachel Wood is back as vampire queen Sophie-Anne, with strict instructions for Eric on how to handle Bill. We also get to see what fate awaits our favorite shape-shifter, Sam. They better not harm a hair on his nekkid little self.

Mad Men (10pm, AMC) -  Somehow, this show manages to top itself each week. Tonight, Don and Betty are called to the school over Sally's troubling behavior. Not sure what they expect after the way she was ignored while attempting to grieve over the sudden death of her grandfather. So it looks like it'll take state involvement to prompt Don and Betty to actually interact with their daughter in a way that goes beyond, "Go watch TV." Am I the only person seeing our budding ballerina-bartender as an estranged teenager living in a drug commune in California by 1972? 

If you haven't completely burned out on Michael Jackson specials, this could be your chance.

Today is Michael's 51st birthday, so there's more MJ programming on than usual. And on the heels of news that his death has been officially declared a homicide, interest could be as strong as ever.

E! has Jackson shows on pretty much all day, with just a few gaps here at there. At 10am, "Forbes Presents: Michael Jackson - Follow the Money" takes a look at Jackson's precarious financial . . .

Major League Baseball All-Star Game (8pm, Fox) - The All-Star game is back in St. Louis for the first time since 1966. Derek Jeter (left) was the top vote-getter in AL balloting.

Better Off Ted (9pm, ABC) - Linda is the scapegoat when Veridian is sued over a perfume that causes hornets to attack women.

Primetime: Family Secrets (10pm, ABC) - Tonight's focus is Michael Jackson's family. Primetime reports on how they are coping, and interviews Joe Jackson and Michael's siblings.

Saving Grace (10pm, TNT) - Grace's spiritual beliefs are tested when the team investigates the death of a Hasidic Jew found near a herd of deceased cows. 

The Cleaner (10pm, A&E) - William is asked to help a drug addicted star, but discovers the star's parents also need help. Shirley Jones guest stars (wouldn't it be cool if the troubled younger star was played by Danny Bonaduce or David Cassidy?).

Guest blogger Lenni G.:

Loved the opening "NappyTabs"
routine. These contestants are really, really athletic - throw in
great costumes and camera angles and they look positively professional.

Speaking on his 60th birthday, Nigel spoke to the public's request for a "Michael Jackson" night. He indicated all the choreographers, dancers and show folks were certainly on board.

See photos from a memorial service for Michael Jackson held in Raleigh. Photos by staff photojournalist Corey Lowenstein.