BEL AIR—Famed author, psychic and motivational icon Uri Geller, who was one of the closest and best friends of the former pop star Michael Jackson spoke exclusively to Canyon News this week. The icon was friends with Jackson for decades and did as much as any good friend could to try to save Michael Jackson from death. Uri was credited with often sleeping on the floor of Jackson’s hotel rooms around the world in order to try to stop the singer, musician from using drugs and speaking with enablers in order to acquire drugs. “I feel this could have been avoided. I tried to do my best and we were very close friends, but I was unable to save him, I did not live with him or travel with him recently so I would try to talk to Michael whenever I could and ask him to get help, to help himself and heal himself before something bad happened,” said Geller.

Geller, who is a bestselling author, motivational speaker and writer let me see his report cards from youth. At an early age, he was making perfect marks in grade school in art and writing. Geller tells Canyon News, “I was always creating and giving my teachers as much of my imagination as possible. From the age of 12 on, I would gladly stand in front of the class and be a storyteller. It’s what I always loved doing and it’s probably why my first two books were autobiographies. I love creating.”

Geller has become a world icon, so much so that directors Andy and Larry Wachowski of “Matrix Reloaded” wrote a scene in their film that was inspired by Uri Geller’s spoon bending ability. The scene in which a kid is able to bend a spoon with his mind can be seen on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeevA9Mw8-k&feature=related

Geller reminds me, “There is no spoon. That is part of the mind’s own illusion. It is the mind that bends.” Geller added, “I am quite flattered and amazed Tommy, the two directors decided to instill in the movie a spoon bending segment. What was so deeply interesting, as well, is that something that I started doing many years ago has become a part of pop culture. Even singers like Kenny Rogers and Johnny Cash have mentioned this ability in songs. The band Incubus even mentions my name in one of their songs.”

Geller is very caring and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. He has written a book called “The Little Book of Mindpower,” which is available for free download on the author’s Web site: urigeller.com.  You can also see never before seen photos and a tribute to his friend Michael Jackson.  Geller’s official biography states, “Uri Geller is one of the world's most investigated and celebrated mystifier. Famous around the globe for his mind-bending abilities, he has led a unique life shrouded in debate, controversy and mystery. He is also related to Sigmund Freud.  Uri Geller was born in Israel on December 20, 1946.  At the age of 4 he had a mysterious encounter with a sphere of light while in a garden near his house. A retired Israeli air force officer, who was an eyewitness to this encounter, validated this mystifying event decades later.  He also served as a paratrooper in the Israeli army and fought in the Six-Day War of 1967 during which he was wounded in action."

More notable accomplishments of Mr. Geller's include, the fact that he has been studied by some of the world's leading scientists including a few who worked with Albert Einstein.  The world's most prestigious scientific magazin, Nature, published a paper on Geller's work at the Stanford Research Institute in California, a unique endorsement, and an irrefutable proof that his skills are genuine.  His work with the FBI and the CIA has ranged from using mind power to erase KGB computer files to tracking serial killers.  He's also attended nuclear disarmament negotiations to bombard adn influence the Russian chief negotiator with positive thought waves so that the Soviet delegation would sign the Nuclear Arms Reduction Treaty.  In addition, many celebrities have asked Mr. Geller for his assistance and coaching in positive thinking.

Being a seasoned interviewer, I have rarely been impressed by many of my subjects. But Uri Geller is a positive force and he tries to see things in a positive manner while encouraging people to use their knowledge and belief to make great things happen in their lives and in the world. The prolific writer has endured much scrutiny, but Geller is inspiring to those of us who have become more popular in recent times who are attacked by tabloid hacks who simply care about getting their name on a byline. Geller told Canyon News, “You have to remember that many people choose to stay in the darkness and they don’t allow light in their lives.”

When asked about the effect Michael Jackson’s work and life has had on millions of fans, Geller added, “Michael is a phenomenon. He will forever be remembered for his breathtaking dance skills and his heart warming songs. But if one thing positive can come out of his death, that young people who are either using drugs or considering them will choose not to do so. That would be an amazing legacy for a man who already has an incredible legacy as a musician, singer and dancer. For years I asked Michael to think about what he was doing and I had hoped he’d get help and stop being around the people he would often accompany himself with. I wish he had listened. But his death may have that effect on his fans and youth. Hopefully they will see what drugs did to a shining star in the universe and will decide to leave that life behind.”

His books are bestsellers and his words inspire countless millions of people to make a better life for themselves. Geller concluded, “If Michael’s tragedy and death can help others make a better choice in their lives and teach them there is a better way than a life of drugs, it’ll be worth it. He loved people and was loved by millions. Now we have to move forward and make this world a better place.”

Uri Geller is perhaps one of the most positive figures in the twenty first century. He was one of the few true friends of Michael Jackson’s who tried to help him and begged him to stop destroying his life and body with drugs. Geller would like Jackson’s fans to learn and grow from this experience of loss in their lives. “If Michael’s life means anything, it should be that people learn there is a better way and a healthier way to live. I mourn this tragedy along with his family and friends and only wish I could have helped him sooner. It’s a tragedy which we all need to find something positive from. Give up drugs and make your dreams come true,” concluded Geller.

Uri Geller now lives in London.

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