The King of Pop and the King: How an icon's death boosts a local economy

It's been less than two weeks since his death, and Michael Jackson already is becoming bigger than he was in life. The funeral for the King of Pop has reportedly pumped $4 million into the southern California economy, according to the Chicago Tribune, as fans cram into hotel rooms and restaurants that had been hurting in the recession.

Never mind that most of these visitors couldn't secure tickets to Jackson's services. "This is going to be a nice shot in the arm" for the region, says Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.