LOS ANGELES: Doctors conducted an autopsy on the body of Michael Jackson on Friday but could not immediately determine what killed the "King of Pop," amid reports he had been injected with a narcotic painkiller shortly before collapsing.
Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when paramedics arrived at his rented mansion in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles on Thursday afternoon, with his personal physician trying desperately to revive him.
The 50-year-old pop superstar was rushed to nearby UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead without regaining consciousness.
"The cause of death (determination) has been deferred, which means that the medical examiner has ordered additional testing such as toxicology and other studies," Los Angeles County Coroner's spokesman Craig Harvey said. "Those tests we anticipate will take an additional four to six weeks."
Speaking to a throng of reporters outside the coroner's office, Harvey said, "There was no indication of any external trauma or indication of foul play to the body of Mr. Jackson."
Police said they were seeking to question Jackson's personal physician, identified by news media as Houston-based cardiologist Dr. Conrad Murray.
Jackson's body was moved to a mortuary at the family's request on Friday night, assistant chief coroner Ed Winter told reporters. He did not disclose the location and there was no immediate word on when Jackson would be laid to rest.
Celebrity website TMZ.com, citing an interview with an unidentified "close member" of the Jackson family, reported the entertainer was injected with Demerol about half an hour before he went into cardiac arrest.
Daily shot of Demerol?
TMZ, citing family members, said Jackson received a daily shot of Demerol, a narcotic painkiller, and that the family believed his death was caused by an overdose of the drug.
Detectives searched Jackson's home and impounded Murray's Mercedes from the driveway, saying it might contain evidence.
An unidentified man called a 911 emergency phone line from the mansion at 12:21 p.m. local time, saying Jackson was unconscious and not breathing.
In excerpts from the call released by authorities, the caller said the physician was the only other person present and was frantically performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the unconscious Jackson without results.
"He's pumping, he's pumping his chest but he's not responding to anything, sir, please," the man said.
A senior law enforcement official told ABC News that Jackson was "heavily addicted" to the painkiller Oxycontin and was injected daily with that medication, along with Demerol.
Lawyer Brian Oxman, a Jackson family spokesman, said he had been concerned about the prescription drugs Jackson took due to injuries suffered while performing.
"I do not want to point fingers at anyone because I want to hear what the toxicology report says and the coroner says but the plain fact of the matter is that Michael Jackson had prescription drugs at his disposal at all times," Oxman said.
Fans and fellow pop stars revived memories of Jackson's musical genius, tarnished over the past decade by accusations of child molestation and eccentric behavior.
US President Barack Obama called Jackson a "spectacular performer" but said he believed aspects of his life were "sad and tragic," the White
House said.
Jackson feared dying like Elvis, says ex-wife Presley
LOS ANGELES: Michael Jackson told ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley he feared dying young like her "King of Rock 'N' Roll" father Elvis.
In a blog on her MySpace page titled "He Knew", Lisa Marie, who was married to Jackson for just under two years between 1994 and 1996, said her ex-husband had once confided his fear of dying suddenly.
"Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general," Presley wrote.
"I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Father's Death. At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, 'I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did.'"
Jackson's sudden death Thursday from an apparent cardiac arrest triggered an outpouring of grief that has evoked comparisons with the 1977 death of Elvis at the age of 42.
Presley also used her blog to hit out at the constant swirl of rumor and speculation surrounding her marriage to Jackson, which some critics derided as a public relations stunt designed to burnish the star's image after 1993 allegations of child abuse.
"I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once," Presley said.
"Our relationship was not 'a sham' as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a 'Normal life' found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much," Presley wrote.
"I wanted to 'save him' I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened."
MJ asked Rahman to compose another 'We are the World’
Mumbai, June 27: The untimely demise of Michael Jackson has left a deep void in the global music scene. Indeed, Michael Jackson was the ‘King of Pop’, who ruled the music industry for decades with his foot-tapping numbers and astonishing dance moves. Remembering the legend of pop, Indian music prodigy AR Rahman extolled Michael Jackson and described him, “one of the greatest musicians of our time.”
For Rahman, Jackson was an exceptionally gifted musician who catapulted pop music to unbelievable heights during 80s and 90s.
Remembering his recent meet with Michael Jackson post the Oscar ceremony in Los Angeles, Rahman said that Jackson “Loved India and the people of the country. He told me that he heard good things about me and he was praising the chord progression of ‘Jai Ho’s’ chorus.”
For Rahman, Jackson was a rare musical prodigy who was the reservoir of talent. “He told me that every dance move he did, came from his soul,” said Rahman. Recalling Jacko’s dancing abilities, Rahman said that he was mesmerized by Jacko’s five second-demo as “It was a stunning example…like a lightning striking.”
Indeed, Jackson was an enlightened person who was concerned about greater issues such as war and global warming. “He asked me to compose a unity anthem on the lines of ‘We are the World’ for him. I nodded in awe,” said Rahman.
In Los Angeles, Jackson introduced Rahman to his kids and when the latter wished him luck for his upcoming concerts, Jackson politely said, “God bless you.”
Expressing disbelief on Jackson’s sudden death, Rahman said, “It took me time to believe that he is no more.”
Recollecting how his crew drew inspiration from the star performer, Rahman maintained, “I remember, my late sound engineer Sridhar brought me a video of the premiere of ‘Remember the Time,’ when I was recording ‘Kadal Rojave’ for my first film ‘Roja’. We were all so inspired that afternoon. Now, there is no Sridhar and no Jackson anymore. I hope all of us value people’s existence more and respect them when they are alive. Life is short. Artists and their art live forever. Jai Ho, MJ! We love you for your music, regardless of all the controversies.”
Kashmir was near resolution in 2001, claims Musharraf
Islamabad:Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf has claimed that the Kashmir problem was near resolution during his regime and dismissed accusations that the powerful army did not want the settlement of the issue.
Musharraf claimed he and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had, during the 2001 Agra summit, even agreed to the draft of a joint declaration under which all issues, including Kashmir, could have been resolved.
"But the Indian leadership changed their mind at the last minute and did not support the joint declaration, saying that the Cabinet had not approved it," Musharraf said in an interview to 'Dunya News' channel.
Accusations that the Army does not want a resolution to Kashmir issue are ‘vicious propaganda’ and the need for the Army would remain even if the problem is resolved, he said.
Musharraf said he held talks with all stakeholders in the Kashmir issue, including the Hurriyat Conference and the leadership of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, for the resolution of the issue "but no one could guide me in the right direction."
He also said he had convinced the entire leadership in Kashmir, except hardliner Ali Shah Gilani, about his four-point formula which envisaged de-militarisation and joint control of the region.
Maoists flee as security forces capture Ramgarh
Ramgarh (WB):Security forces captured key Maoist stronghold of Ramgarh as they launched a two-pronged attack to reclaim areas in West Midnapore district under control of Left-wing ultras who offered stiff resistance by detonating landmines and opening gunfire.
Maoists also torched an office of the Leftist trade union AITUC when they were refused sanctuary in the building shortly before the security forces entered Ramgarh.
Security forces headed from Lalgarh in the south and Kadasole, which was secured yesterday, in the north towards Ramgarh this morning, a senior CRPF officer said.
"We have secured Ramgarh. We will establish a police outpost and a camp. The police will restore normalcy. The operations will continue," IG CID (Special Operations Group) Siddhinath Gupta said.
Three landmines exploded as 10 companies comprising 1000 men of the CRPF, the India Reserve Battalion and Rapid Action force set out from Kadasole, braving heavy rains and reached Mohultol, with the Maoists also firing at them.
The security forces retaliated with AK-47s, mortars and rocket propelled grenade launchers overcoming the resistance swiftly, the officer said.
In the south, 11 CRPF companies comprising 1100 men reached Boropelia village, the home of the agitating People's Committee Against Police Atrocities leader Chhatradhar Mahato.
They were attacked by Maoists at Pathardanga where two landmines were detected. But the naxals retreated after retaliatory action.
People came out in droves to greet security forces as they arrived. The locals offered drinking water to the fatigued troops.
"We are smiling after many months. We were waiting for the security forces to arrive. They must have faced great difficulty in reaching our village," a resident said.
‘Govt to monitor crude oil prices before fuel price hike’
Panaji:The Government said that it will watch the situation on international crude oil prices before deciding on the petroleum price hike.
"Unfortunately the international crude oil prices have gone up. We are watching the situation," Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Murli Deora told reporters in Panaji.
He said the government will wait for little more to check whether the prices stabilise. "The cabinet will discuss the crude oil prices before deciding on the matter," he added.
The minister was in the state to participate in the conclave of oil companies. Deora along with Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Jitin Prasada met Goa Chief Minister Digamber Kamat and other state government officials.
The Union Minister said the Congress-led-government is fully aware that poor people suffer due to price hike and hence had cut down the prices when international prices are reduced.
Air India offers special monsoon fares
MUMBAI: After private air-carrier, Jet Airways, it is now the turn of national airline, Air India, to offer monsoon special fares to customers on select destinations on its domestic network.
Tickets under this offer can be purchased between June 27-July 3 for travel up to September 10, a company press release said here.
Under these special fares, travel from Mumbai to Delhi/Chennai/Bangalore/Hyderabad would cost Rs 2,479 all inclusive except user development fee, the release said.
Similarly, the fares for Mumbai-Kolkata would be Rs 2,729, whereas fares for Delhi to Mumbai and Kolkata would be Rs 2,479. it said.
However, the fares for travel from Delhi to Chennai, Kochi, Guwahati and Goa would be Rs 2,729, the release said, adding, fares on short sectors will be Rs 1,979 only.
Indian Sports News| Sports News |Indian Cricket News
Yuvi's ton helps India draw first blood
Kingston:A merciless 131 in 102 balls from Yuvraj Singh helped India to a 20-run victory over a battling West Indies in Jamaica on Friday in the first in a series of four one-dayers.
Singh's powerful hitting helped India amass 339 for six, the second highest one-day international score at Sabina Park, but the determined hosts ran them close as they were bowled out for 319 in the 49th over.
Chris Gayle (37) and Runako Morton (42) put on 65 inside 10 overs for the opening stand before Ramnaresh Sarwan (45) and an aggressive Shivnarine Chanderpaul (63) kept West Indies up with the run-rate.
The home team needed 25 to win off the last three overs with two wickets remaining but Rudra Pratap Singh bowled Sulieman Benn for seven.
Wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who had kept the flame burning with a smart 29 in 26 balls, was then caught by Harbhajan Singh off Ashish Nehra.
Before Friday's game only Pakistan, against Zimbabwe in the 2007 World Cup, had managed to surpass 300 in an ODI at Sabina Park.
West Indies's total was a second-innings record at the ground.
After WC win, Pak players seek 'revised' IPL contracts
Karachi:Pakistan captain Younis Khan has advised his fellow players to revise their contracts with the Indian Premier League following the team's Twenty20 World Cup victory.
"After all, these players are now World champions and highly marketable. There is more value on their performances. Why should they keep on having contracts with the IPL franchises on same old contracts," Younis said.
He pointed out that top players like Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul and Misbah-ul Haq had signed contracts for USD 100,000 or less with the IPL when it was launched in 2008.
"But now the scenario is different. These players should talk to their agents in India and ask them to go for a hike in price from the IPL franchises," he said.
Pakistani players could not take part in the IPL second season which was shifted to South Africa from India due to security reasons.
They were advised against travelling to India for the IPL because of the strained relations between the two countries after the Mumbai terror attacks.
But IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said after Pakistan's World Cup win that he saw no problems in Pakistani players returning to play for their franchises in the IPL next year provided the Pakistan government gives them permission and the Indian government also clears them to play in India.
Younis said any money earned by the players from the IPL would be beneficial for them and for Pakistan as the money would come to Pakistan.
"I am happy if any of our players can be better packages in the IPL for next season," said Younis, who ended his contract with the Rajasthan Royals before the second season of the IPL.
Bhupathi faces Prakash in Wimbledon doubles’ pre-QF
London:Mahesh Bhupathi and Prakash Amritraj set up a pre-quarterfinal clash of the Wimbledon championships against each other after winning their men's doubles second round matches along with their respective partners in London on Friday.
Qualifiers Prakash and his Pakistani partner Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi quelled a late challenge from Australian Rameez Junaid and Philipp Marx of Germany to carve out a 7-5 6-4 6-7(3) 6-7(3) 8-6 win.
Earlier, fourth seeds Bhupathi and his Bahamian partner Mark Knowles defeated Philipp Petzschner and Alexander Peya 6-3, 7-5, 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 in their second round match.
Prakash and Aisam were crusing comfortably and a straight set looked on card but Junaid and Marx staged a brilliant comeback and almost toppled their rivals.
However the Indo-Pak pair got their act together, held nerves and eventually triumphed after four hours and 18 minute struggle on the court.
Bhupathi and Knwoles wrapped up the first set under half an hour, converting one of the two breakpoints that came their way.
Murray marches on, Hewitt back to best
London:Andy Murray made light work of a tricky tea-time assignment at Wimbledon on Thursday while Lleyton Hewitt, the man who has already lifted the trophy the Scot so cherishes, rolled back the years to cause a big upset.
In front of 15,000 Centre Court fans and thousands watching the match on Henman Hill's giant screen, Murray devoured Latvian Ernests Gulbis 6-2 7-5 6-3 to clear another hurdle towards becoming Britain's first men's singles champion in 73 years.
Murray was joined in the third round by dogged Australian Hewitt, the 2002 champion, who produced a vintage display to dispatch fifth seed Juan Martin del Potro in straight sets.
Women's third seed Venus Williams, who along with her sister Serena has collected sackfuls of silverware here, powered past Ukraine's Kateryna Bondarenko to remain firmly on course for a hat-trick of singles titles.
The American five-time champion, who played with a strapping on her left knee, powered into the third round with a 6-3 6-2 victory and was joined in the last 32 by Russia's world number one Dinara Safina and French Open winner Svetlana Kuznetsova.
DAZZLING MAURESMO
On another day of record-breaking crowds mercurial Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo, champion here three years ago, also progressed, dazzling the sun-roasted fans on Court Three with a comfortable defeat of Kristina Kucova.
Argentina's Del Potro, occupying the place in the draw vacated by injured champion Rafael Nadal, was given a lesson in grasscourt play by Hewitt who posted a 6-3 7-5 7-5 victory.
Hewitt, backed by a vocal section of Australian fans decked out in yellow and green, moved his opponent all across the court and even flicked some lobs over the towering 20-year-old.
Venus keeps knee status a mystery at Wimbledon
Wimbledon (England):Venus Williams ambled onto sun-splashed Court 1 at Wimbledon, a slight hitch in her step and an odd-looking wrap around her left knee. White tape here, brown tape there.
Good thing the five-time Wimbledon champion didn't need to run to hit serves, huh? Powered in part by her big-as-can-be deliveries, Williams overwhelmed 73rd-ranked Kateryna Bondarenko of Ukraine 6-3, 6-2 in the second round to stretch her All England Club winning streaks to 16 matches and 27 sets.
Afterward, Williams was coy about the bandaging, saying it was "just for support." "I really hate tape - like, hate. But I just needed it this time. I accepted that, and I realise that this is Wimbledon. So since it was Wimbledon, I taped," said the American, trying to become the first woman since Steffi Graf in 1991-93 to win three consecutive titles at the All England Club.
Asked why she needed help for this match after not wearing anything on that leg in the first round Tuesday, Williams said: "Well, what happened was, I needed some support, and then I went and got the support, and then I wore it in the match. ...I mean, I think all the players might start wearing it, because it's so supportive."
At last month's French Open, where Williams lost in the third round, her father, Richard, said she had pain in her left knee. Her mother, Oracene Price, wouldn't offer an explanation on Thursday after watching Williams hit six aces at up to 191 kph Bondarenko, saying only, "Maybe she'll tell you. I'm not going have her screaming at me."
Paes-Dlouhy crashes out, Sania in doubles second round
London:In a major upset, French Open champions India's Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy of Czech Republic crashed out of the Wimbledon men's doubles even as Sania Mirza and Chia-Jung Chuang battled hard to make it to the second round in women's doubles, here Thursday.
Paes and his Czech partner went down to the unseeded US pair of James Blake and Mardy Fish 4-6, 4-6, 3-6 that brought an end to their campaign in the first round itself.
However, there was some cheer for India as Sania and her Chinese Taipei partner defeated Americans Jill Craybas and Carly Gullickson 6-4, 6-2 following a 79-minute battle.
Lot was expected from Paes and Dloughy after their triumph in the French Open early this month.
However, the third-seeded Indo-Czech duo failed to match their American opponents and went down in one hour 49 minutes.
The third-seeds paid for 11 double faults and 12 unforced errors compared to their rivals' one.
They also converted just three of the 19 breakpoints while Blake and Fish's converted six of the 12.
Sania and Chuang faced stiff competition from unseeded Craybas and Gullickson in the first set.
The 15th seeded Indo-Taipei pair had to wait till the eighth breakpoint of the fourth game to get their first break.
The Americans saved seven back-to-back breakpoints but the effort wasn't enough against their equally unrelenting rivals.
However, the compliment was returned in the next game as Americans converted their second chance.
Sania and Chuang were, however, unfazed and broke their rivals at love in the sixth game to get back the lead.
