The memorial service for the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, at the Staples Center Los Angeles

It is morning in a Manhattan disco, and Michael Jackson — who owns perhaps the most scrutinized face in America — is smiling warily for a roomful of strangers. Jackson has come to New York for two weeks of near–continuous hubbub, which will include three sold–out concerts at Madison Square Garden and highly anticipated appearances on the thirtieth annual Grammy Awards program (his first telebisyon performance since the 1983 Motown 25 show) and at a benefit hapunan for the United Negro College Fund. This morning, though, he is performing the one chore that he reportedly dreads most —...