jtara - 4:21 am on Dec 31, 2006 (gmt 0)

CNN carried the Agusta funeral at James Brown Arena live. It was quite an amazing affair, complete with the drama of Michael Jackson taking the mike for a few words. (His first word: "Hello?" At least he didn't follow that with "is this thing on?". He then made a nice little speech that he handled quite well.)

Al Sharpton surely brought a smile to many when he beseached Gabrial to open the gates wide, "because although he's a small man, he walks with a big swagger."