The Daily News August 11

mariemarie

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Some recaps of the news we allready know. I'm excited =)

Michael Jackson's "This Is It," to be Presented In Theaters Around The World

MICHAEL JACKSON'S "THIS IS IT" TO BE PRESENTED IN THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD BY SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT AND SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT

-Film Drawn From Legendary Entertainer's Last Rehearsals and Behind-The-Scenes Footage Will Be Released October 30th in High Definition with Digital Sound-

CULVER CITY, Calif., August 10, 2009 - Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson's final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's This Is It.

This Is It is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state-of-the-art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.

The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.

Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film's release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.

The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.

The majority of the film's footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for "This Is It," the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.

This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson's meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.
Said Branca,

"Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael's legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael's three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it's only fitting that the relationship continues." Said McClain, "This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael's musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need."

"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Lynton. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage."

"Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art," said Rob Stringer. "He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect." Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson's creative partner on the This Is It concert,

"The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops.

It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry's most creative minds. This Is It was Michael's last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph."

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.
Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time and "Thriller" holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.

During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Source: michaeljackson.com



Today in
Michael Jackson History

1969 - Diana Ross invited 350 guests to a Beverly Hills club to see the newest Motown act, The Jackson 5.

1992 - Michael Jackson's single "Jam" was released.

jam.jpg
 
Excellent :D Just the news I was waiting for! I'll try and get tickets to the premier if its in London.
 
Excellent :D Just the news I was waiting for! I'll try and get tickets to the premier if its in London.


Me too and I hope the premier invites fans like when ghosts was premiered michaels fan clubs sold tickets for the premier.

I wouldn't like to watch it with with non fans
 
I have mixed feelings about seeing the movie, when it's over I'll bawl my eyes out knowing it truly is the last shot of seeing Michael "live" in that sense :cry: :cry: :cry:
 
I will go to see it,but it will be hard :cry: very hard :cry:
so this will be in every country?
 
more info here of the first article if ud like it


Michael Jackson's "This Is It" To Be Presented In Theaters By Sony Pictures & Sony Music
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Beginning October 30th, the world will have a front-row seat for Michael Jackson’s final concert, as Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment release Michael Jackson's This Is It.

This Is It is being produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and will be drawn from hundreds of hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage, captured in high definition with state of the art digital sound as the late singer was preparing for his concert series in London. The film, which will also offer select sequences in 3-D, will provide a unique career retrospective and feature interviews with some of Jackson's closest friends and creative collaborators.

The announcement was made by Michael Lynton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Pictures Entertainment, Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of the studio, Rolf Schmidt-Holtz, Chief Executive Officer of Sony Music Entertainment, and Rob Stringer, Chairman of Columbia/Epic Label Group, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment. The companies serve as the principal entertainment divisions of Sony Corporation.

Joining Sony in the announcement was The Estate of Michael Jackson, administered by his longtime attorney John Branca and veteran music executive John McClain, a Jackson family friend for more than 40 years. Proceeds the Estate earns from the film’s release will benefit the Michael Jackson Family Trust, the entity that Mr. Jackson specified in his will is to receive all of his assets.

The rights to the exclusive footage were acquired from AEG Live and The Estate of Michael Jackson. Sony Pictures and Sony Music will co-produce with AEG Live and the Estate, and Sony Pictures will distribute the film worldwide. Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware of AEG Live will serve as producers of the film.

The majority of the film's footage was shot in June, 2009 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California, and The Forum in Inglewood, California, as Jackson prepared for "This Is It," the series of fifty concerts Jackson planned to present at the O2 Arena in London.

This Is It will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer, his career, and the stage spectacular that would have been. The film will provide moviegoers with an unforgettable front row experience compiled from extensive footage that shows Jackson's meticulous preparation for his 2009 London shows.

Said Branca, “Our goal is to work with partners who treat Michael’s legacy with dignity and respect, while allowing us to substantially build the value of his estate for the benefit of Mrs. Katherine Jackson, Michael’s three children and the charitable causes that meant so much to him during his life. We are confident we found the right partners for this project in Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment. Sony and Michael enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial history together, and it’s only fitting that the relationship continues.”

Said McClain, “This film is not only a tribute to an artist who created excitement every moment he was on stage, but also is a fitting gift to the millions of fans worldwide who loved him and who he devoted his professional life to entertaining. John and I are thrilled to be working with Sony to build on Michael’s musical legacy in a way that will generate significant proceeds for his family and for children in need.”

"People who have seen this footage are astounded by the amazing quality of Michael Jackson's performance," said Lynton. "This historic recording of the last time he sang and danced on stage shows the legendary artist in an incredibly powerful way, with crystal clear images and sound. We understand the importance of producing a film that pays tribute to Michael as an artist, and are honored to work with the Estate of Michael Jackson to give audiences the gift of his final performances. I know this film will serve as further proof that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers who ever graced a stage."

"Michael lives on through his songs, his creative genius, his body of work and his passion for his art," said Rob Stringer. "He was a perfectionist on stage and through this unique film, audiences will be able to see, many for the first time, how much Michael poured into making his performances as special as they were perfect."

Said Kenny Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the This Is It concert, “The world will see what our team was so fortunate to experience, which was the full commitment, passion and creativity that Michael put into this project. He was the architect of This Is It, and we were his builders. The footage that was captured from the early stages of the production to our technical rehearsals at the STAPLES Center in L.A. will show Michael as he truly was, creatively involved with every aspect of the production, from the staging and choreography, to the music, lighting, production design and conception of the original short films and video backdrops. It will also show Michael as one of the greatest entertainers in the world and one of the industry's most creative minds. This Is It was Michael’s last theatrical work and although it was still a work in progress, I think the footage will show that the process was something that Michael deeply enjoyed and that it was clear that he was on his way to another theatrical triumph.”

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

Peter Schlessel, President of Worldwide Affairs, negotiated for the footage on behalf of Sony Pictures. Branca represented The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Michael Jackson, one of the most widely beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time, leaves an indelible imprint on popular music and culture.

Five of Jackson's solo albums - "Off the Wall," "Thriller," "Bad," "Dangerous" and "HIStory," all with Epic Records, a Sony Music label - are among the top-sellers of all time and “Thriller” holds the distinction as the largest selling album worldwide in the history of the recording industry with more than 70 million units sold. Additionally, singles released from the Thriller album sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, another all time record.

During his extraordinary career, he sold an estimated 750 million records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award's Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson started in the music business at the age of 11 with his brothers as a member of the Jackson 5. In the early 1980s, he defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking videos as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the epic "Thriller." Jackson's sound, style and dance moves inspired subsequent generations of pop, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com

About Sony Music Entertainment

Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars. The company boasts a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. It is home to premier record labels representing music from every genre, including American Recordings, Arista Nashville, Arista Records, Aware, Battery Records, Beach Street Records, Black Seal, BNA Records, Cinematic, Columbia Nashville, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Essential Records, Flicker Records, Fo-Yo Soul, GospoCentric, Hitz Committee Entertainment, J Records, Jive Records, LaFace Records, Legacy Recordings, Masterworks, Polo Grounds, RCA Records, RCA Nashville, RCA Red Seal, RCA Victor, Reunion Records, Slightly Dangerous, Sony Classical, Sony Music Latin, Star Time International, Verity Records, and Volcano Entertainment. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America. For more information, visit www.sonymusic.com


from michael jackson facebook!
 
L. A. times article on guardianship of children




http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-jackson-hearing11-2009aug11,0,895789.story?track=rss


Special guardian sought to oversee Jackson children's interests



[COLOR=#333333 ! important]A judge is concerned that no one is speaking for the interests of the youngsters in talks about the pop star's music empire. Also, a deal has been reached to release a film of his final rehearsals.[/COLOR]
[COLOR=#999999 ! important]By Harriet Ryan
August 11, 2009 [/COLOR]
The judge overseeing the settling of Michael Jackson's affairs ordered the appointment Monday of a special guardian to represent the legal and financial interests of the pop singer's three children, who are heirs to his lucrative music empire.

L.A. County Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff came to the decision during a day-long hearing in which he also announced that he had approved a $60-million deal that will transform 80 hours of rehearsal footage from the final months of Jackson's life into a feature film.



Jackson's mother supported the plan for a Columbia Pictures release set for October.

But the judge said her objections to other business deals hammered out by the administrators of her son's estate convinced him of the need for an independent attorney who could advocate for the performer's two sons and daughter.

The judge said he was concerned that although Katherine Jackson, the other major beneficiary of the singer's estate, fought with administrators over merchandising plans and a traveling memorabilia exhibit, no one was speaking for Prince, 12; Paris, 11; and 7-year-old Prince Michael II, known as Blanket.


In his 2002 will, Jackson placed his assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions, in a private family trust in which his mother and children each hold a 40% share.

The remaining 20% goes to charities.

Katherine Jackson, who has custody of her grandchildren, has a team of attorneys to plead her cause, and the charities are represented by the state attorney general's office.

After reviewing a pair of agreements recommended by the administrators and opposed by Katherine Jackson, Beckloff told lawyers he was missing input from an important "player" in the deals.

"I don't know how I approve these [contracts] without the children, who are not represented," Beckloff said.

Beckloff said he planned to choose the attorney, known as a guardian ad litem, this week so the person could quickly get up to speed on the complicated business decisions facing Jackson's estate.

"I am inclined to have a [guardian] look at everything," Beckloff said.



The judge postponed rulings on the proposed contracts with concert promoter AEG Live and merchandiser Bravado International Group Merchandising Services.

Under those contracts, Bravado will be responsible for developing and marketing a wide array of merchandise, from clothing to wine decanters, and AEG, which was mounting Jackson's planned comeback concerts, will put on a three-city tour of the entertainer's memorabilia.

Lawyers for the estate administrators, John Branca and John McClain, have estimated that revenue from the contracts and other deals could be in "high eight figures."

An attorney for the administrators told the judge that naming a representative for the children "would not have any material impact" because Branca and McClain had already ensured the best possible agreements.

"These are remarkably good deals for the estate," said lawyer Paul Gordon Hoffman.

But Katherine Jackson's lawyers presented the judge with what they described as thoughtful, detailed ways the agreements could be improved.

Their suggestions were not filed publicly, but in comments in court, a lawyer for the 79-year-old matriarch indicated she was uncomfortable with AEG.

Jackson's father, Joe, has expressed suspicion about the entertainment company, and Katherine Jackson's attorney mentioned elsewhere in the hearing that the family wanted to be free to share information in the AEG contract with "regulators and law enforcement agencies."

The promoter had drawn up a contract with Dr. Conrad Murray, the Las Vegas cardiologist whom the pop star selected as his personal physician, but the singer had not signed the contract. Murray is the target of a manslaughter investigation.

Kathy Jorrie, a lawyer for AEG, told the judge that the promoter was willing to provide information to investigators, but that no one had asked for any.

"We are not aware of any investigations that involve AEG," Jorrie said.
 
Streams of Fans Continue to Pay Tribute at Neverland

Friday and Saturday’s (August 8, 9, 2009)photos and updates from Neverland are posted at wildweezle.

Updates include:Click on to see lots of current pictures of fans visiting Neverland: :cheers:
http://www.mjonlinememorial.com/General Galleries.html

Shots from around Neverland. It has gotten interesting over the last week. Now the tour buses are getting involved. Most of the tours are out of Los Angeles but Neverland is a stop which means the folks are doing the two hour drive to Los Olivos. You can see tour buses in the photos. Interesting sites around the ranch included several kids who were performing their best Michael Jackson moves for the camera. By the way, the guard did inform the crowd that the Jackson Family was well aware of the visitors at Neverland. It still remains a decision for Mrs. Jackson. Jermaine even mentioned this on Larry King Friday night. He implied that “everybody” wanted the move to Neverland, except Mrs. Jackson. He felt the fans didn’t get much out of the memorial. Well one way to solve that is simply open the gates to Neverland and let the fans do a walking tour around the place while they decide where his final resting place will be. The fans would pay anything to get inside those gates.

Click Below to read Wildweezle's Neverland Blog:

http://wildweezle.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/neverland-update-friday-saturday-august-8-2009/
 
Re: Streams of Fans Continue to Pay Tribute at Neverland

Friday and Saturday’s (August 8, 9, 2009)photos and updates from Neverland are posted at wildweezle.

Updates include:Click on to see lots of current pictures of fans visiting Neverland: :cheers:
http://www.mjonlinememorial.com/General Galleries.html

Shots from around Neverland. It has gotten interesting over the last week. Now the tour buses are getting involved. Most of the tours are out of Los Angeles but Neverland is a stop which means the folks are doing the two hour drive to Los Olivos. You can see tour buses in the photos. Interesting sites around the ranch included several kids who were performing their best Michael Jackson moves for the camera. By the way, the guard did inform the crowd that the Jackson Family was well aware of the visitors at Neverland. It still remains a decision for Mrs. Jackson. Jermaine even mentioned this on Larry King Friday night. He implied that “everybody” wanted the move to Neverland, except Mrs. Jackson. He felt the fans didn’t get much out of the memorial. Well one way to solve that is simply open the gates to Neverland and let the fans do a walking tour around the place while they decide where his final resting place will be. The fans would pay anything to get inside those gates.

:D

I think that's GREAT! I hope they will work it out so that Neverland can be a Graceland type of place with all of Michael's furnishings, awards and things, even if Michael is not buried there. The tour buses bringing people in is a perfect compromise.

The town people won't have anything to complain about because Michael used to bring the children in that way with no problems.

Thanx for posting :cheeky:
 
Re: Streams of Fans Continue to Pay Tribute at Neverland

Friday and Saturday’s (August 8, 9, 2009)photos and updates from Neverland are posted at wildweezle.

Updates include:Click on to see lots of current pictures of fans visiting Neverland: :cheers:
http://www.mjonlinememorial.com/General Galleries.html

Shots from around Neverland. It has gotten interesting over the last week. Now the tour buses are getting involved. Most of the tours are out of Los Angeles but Neverland is a stop which means the folks are doing the two hour drive to Los Olivos. You can see tour buses in the photos. Interesting sites around the ranch included several kids who were performing their best Michael Jackson moves for the camera. By the way, the guard did inform the crowd that the Jackson Family was well aware of the visitors at Neverland. It still remains a decision for Mrs. Jackson. Jermaine even mentioned this on Larry King Friday night. He implied that “everybody” wanted the move to Neverland, except Mrs. Jackson. He felt the fans didn’t get much out of the memorial. Well one way to solve that is simply open the gates to Neverland and let the fans do a walking tour around the place while they decide where his final resting place will be. The fans would pay anything to get inside those gates.

Click Below to read Wildweezle's Neverland Blog:

http://wildweezle.wordpress.com/2009/08/09/neverland-update-friday-saturday-august-8-2009/
I think this is great. I was invited back in 1996 but I did not go because Michael was not going to be there. This would be great for people who do not know thier way or who do not want to drive. I also love what a Chicago based has done to give tours to gary, IN.
 
thanks but I donot believe nothing the mirror say.
Yeah, I know... But the fact that they admit MJ is the bio-dad makes me think there's some truth in it. The Mirror would never say a good word for MJ just like that...I dunno...
 
Yeah, I know... But the fact that they admit MJ is the bio-dad makes me think there's some truth in it. The Mirror would never say a good word for MJ just like that...I dunno...
ALot of media outlets are saying good things now that he is dead. they know people will be up in thier tail. tome it does not matter if MJ is the bio father or not, he took care of them and they will benefit from him, so he is there father in the eyes of law.
 
Updated Michael Jackson News:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iMkoNA7ANMxeUu2iZ9hdf_Vr1FfQD9A103UO1


AP Source: Jackson doc bought anesthetic in Vegas


By KEN RITTER and THOMAS WATKINS (AP) – 1 hour ago
LAS VEGAS — The potent anesthetic that Michael Jackson's doctor gave him as a sleep aid came from a Las Vegas pharmacy searched Tuesday by federal drug agents and police, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
Authorities are investigating Jackson's June 25 death as a manslaughter and believe the anesthetic propofol he was given at his rented Los Angeles mansion was a major factor. Propofol normally is used to render patients unconscious for medical procedures and only is supposed to be administered by anesthesia professionals in medical settings.
As investigators build their case, a central issue is what drugs were in Jackson's system when he died and how those medications were obtained. Jackson's physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, is the focus of the investigation. He has told investigators he administered propofol and multiple sedatives to Jackson in the hours before he died, the law enforcement official told The Associated Press.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.
Los Angeles and Las Vegas police and Drug Enforcement Administration agents served a sealed search warrant Tuesday morning at Applied Pharmacy Services in Las Vegas, which the official said legally sold propofol to Murray. Investigators discovered large amounts of the drug and other medications in Jackson's home after his death. DEA agents were able to track the anesthetic back to the Las Vegas pharmacy.
Through a spokeswoman, Murray's attorney Edward Chernoff said he had not seen the warrant and had no immediate comment.
Murray has talked to detectives but has not spoken publicly since Jackson died. Chernoff has said Murray gave Jackson nothing that "should have" killed him and specifically said the physician did not give Jackson the narcotic painkillers Demerol or OxyContin.
The cause of death for Jackson and details about what was in his system will be revealed in the final autopsy report prepared by the Los Angeles County coroner's office. It announced Monday that it has completed its work but won't release findings while the police investigation is ongoing.
Weeks ago authorities served search warrants at Murray's Las Vegas home and his businesses in Las Vegas and Houston, where they seized computer hard drives, medical equipment invoices, phone records and other items. Officials also sought evidence pertaining to the purchase of propofol in those warrants.
Investigators also are looking into Jackson's interactions with at least six other doctors, court documents show.
Michael Flanagan, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA in Las Vegas, said Tuesday's warrant was issued without incident at the single-story business in a strip mall with several other medical services and insurance offices on Flamingo Road, several miles west of the Las Vegas Strip.
The pharmacy staff was cooperative, he said, adding that authorities were searching for any and all paper documents and electronic records. He declined to provide any details.
Tuesday's warrant remained sealed, and Clark County District Court spokesman Michael Sommermeyer said he had no information when it was issued or which judge signed it.
Investigators could take up to 10 days to submit documentation about what they sought and what was obtained. That information became available three days after authorities served warrants at Murray's home and office on July 28.
A woman who answered the phone at Applied Pharmacy Services after agents left refused to identify herself and declined to comment on behalf of the store and its owner.
A telephone voicemail message said Murray's Nevada medical practice, Global Cardiovascular Associates, was "temporarily" closed, effective Tuesday.



http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1618537/20090811/jackson_michael.jhtml


Michael Jackson Hits To Be Remixed By Neptunes, Dallas Austin, More

Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite will feature retooled versions of Jackson 5 songs and solo hits.


By Jayson Rodriguez



Michael Jackson inspired a slew of singers to follow in his footsteps, but the Gloved One also left his indelible mark on a number of the music industry's top producers as well.
Some of the biggest producers in urban music will remix MJ's work for an upcoming Universal Motown project titled Michael Jackson: The Remix Suite. The 20-plus-song set will focus mainly on the Jackson 5 catalog of hits. A bundle of the songs were leaked last week, and Salaam Remi was among the first producers to rework the tunes with his reggae-flavored version of "ABC."
"That song was one of the first songs I remember hearing on my own," Remi told MTV News. "I think it came out around the time I was coming up as a kid. A remix ... it isn't just changing the music ... to me it's about reimagining the vibe. I wanted to do something that, when it pops up it makes you say, 'Wow.' And to feel like it could be performed that way, not like it was just glued together."
The sound for Remi's take was stored in his laptop for years. The frequent Nas collaborator worked on a previous Motown remix project a few years ago and in the process he started thinking about the Jackson 5's "ABC," one of his favorite tracks. When Universal Motown head Sylvia Rhone called him for this project, the producer said he immediately knew what song he was going to rework.
Dallas Austin ("I Wanna Be Where You Are") and the Neptunes ("Never Can Say Goodbye") are among the other musicians to take on some of the late pop icon's hits. Austin's (TLC, Pink) take on the classic Jackson 5 tune is quirky, with loopy synths; while the Neptunes "Never Can Say Goodbye" features the duo's space-age sound.
"This is my mom's favorite record," Pharrell ad-libs on the track. "I hope you don't mind me doing this."
New sets of remix suites will be released digitally in the coming weeks, according to the label. Producers such as Q-Tip, Ryan Leslie, Polow Da Don, Tricky Stewart and Stargate will each twist the studio knobs and rearrange some of Jackson's finest hits. Eventually the full collection of suites will be released as a complete project on October 27.


Charity Claims Dubious Link to Jackson

Wednesday, 12 August 2009 Los Angeles, CA -- CBS News has learned that a charity claiming to be affiliated with Michael Jackson has no connection to his estate.
In the days after Michael Jackson’s death there were numerous news references to the ongoing charitable work of his “Heal the World Foundation”. However Jackson’s charity officially closed its doors in 2004. A new charity also named the “Heal the World Foundation” leaves the impression it is the same charity but CBS News has discovered it has no connection to the pop star’s current estate.
The foundation’s website has been a magnet for fans searching for a Michael Jackson “charity”. In recent weeks the foundation has begun asking for donations from visitors who want to post or read material on the site that is dominated by comments from fans around the world. Records provided by the charity indicate the website received $6,191.57 in donations during the month of July through PayPal.
The charity is run by Melissa Johnson who also runs a home health care business for the elderly called “Angels Embrace” run out of the same office in Palm Desert, California. A call to Johnson’s home was answered with, “Angels Embrace,” by a man who said his name was Chris Johnson.
According to state records the current "Heal the World Foundation" started in March 2008. Federal records show the organization received its IRS tax exempt status in January of 2009. In response to questions about the charitable work of the foundation, Johnson told CBS News, "our only actions have been to protect the property of the charity and console the fans and people who want to pay tribute in their own way."
Johnson obtained the trademark “Heal the World Foundation” according to the US Trademark Office in October 2008. But a month after Jackson’s death she filed for a new trademark, “Michael Jackson Heal the World Foundation”. In her application she notes that she wants to provide, “Charitable services, namely, providing a website that enables children of a school district to communicate with a charity of their choice; Computer services, namely, creating an on-line community for registered users to participate in discussions, get feedback from their peers, form virtual communities, and engage in social networking; Hosting of digital content on the Internet.”
Melissa Johnson also filed three applications to trademark “MJ” in July of 2008 to be used for “athletic apparel,” “audio and video recordings”, “digital media”, “downloadable music”, “video games”, “toys… talking toys… and toy and novelty face masks” according to the US Patent and Trademark office.
But representatives of the Jackson estate say the foundation is not linked, "The Michael Jackson estate has no connection whatsoever to the "Heal the World Foundation” run by Melissa Johnson," said Terry Fahn, a spokesperson for John Branca, the special administrator of the Jackson estate.
Branca has been embroiled in a back and forth debate for the last few weeks with the Jackson family over the estate.
A spokesperson for Katherine Jackson’s attorney L. Londell McMillan could not confirm or deny a connection to Melissa Johnson. Johnson told CBS she has not been in touch with the Jackson family since his death.
The foundation plays up its connection to Michael Jackson. The charity’s Twitter account with 587 followers says, “Heal The World Foundation was started by Pop Star Michael Jackson in 1992. Anyone interested in comitting(sic) themselves to Healing the World is most welcome here”. The site notes that following Jackson’s London tour he was planning to, “live a long and full life, devoted to [Heal the World Foundation] and serving his God and his fellow man, with his fans leading the way”.
“The Jackson management that reports to you now is NOT his management staff of many years,” said Johnson of the current "Heal the World Foundation" in an email to CBS, “They recently replaced a crew of managers and those people had been working with us for years.”
Johnson told CBS News that she worked with the firm of Raymone Bain, Jackson’s former spokesperson, and particularly with Bain's former partner Van Alexander. But a representative for Bain told CBS News that Bain “never worked with Melissa Johnson or with the Heal the World Foundation.” Alexander, who no longer works with Bain, did not respond to messages left requesting comment.
The Heal the World Foundation website boasts an exhaustive list of projects related to Michael Jackson: the Michael Jackson Annual Telethon, Michael’s Army (of volunteers), the MJ Film Company, a newspaper and publishing company, Kid Care Centers, a Michael Jackson movie, “animal projects” and “Learning Centers”.
 
'Official Michael Jackson Opus' will pop with photos, tributes
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The Official Michael Jackson Opus will feature photos, essays and poetry, all bound in leather.


By Elysa Gardner, USA TODAY
The first new book about Michael Jackson sanctioned by his estate will be published Dec. 7, and it promises to be as razzle-dazzling as the late pop icon himself.
Kraken Opus, whose opulent publications focus on major figures and brands in sports and the arts, begins accepting pre-orders today for The Official Michael Jackson Opus at michaeljacksonopus.com, michaeljackson.com and through Ticketmaster. The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry, at least half of it exclusive — all handbound in leather and enclosed in a silk clamshell case.
Where other projects have been priced at more than $2,000, the Jackson book will cost $165. "Michael wanted this to be accessible to as many people as possible," says Kraken CEO Karl Fowler.
Kraken reached out to Jackson last year through the singer's attorney Peter Lopez. "We wanted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of Michael Jackson the entertainer," Fowler says. The plan was to include Jackson's concerts at London's O2 Arena, which were set to start in July.
While Jackson was in rehearsals, he invited Kraken executives to his house in Los Angeles. When Fowler mentioned they were working on a Disney Opus, Jackson reacted "like a boy in a sweet shop. He asked if he could contribute and get a copy."

Lopez says Jackson was impressed by the Opuses' "sense of grandeur" and "expressed a definite desire to get on board." But Lopez and Kraken were still in negotiations when Jackson died June 25, which required the company to seek approval from his estate — and amend its strategy.
The chronicling of the London performances "will be sorely missed," Fowler says. "But everyone involved in that tour wants to take part."
Celebrities and insiders who knew and worked with Jackson also are expected to contribute. "We're asking people to write a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter," says Kraken's Jeff Wald. "We expect a huge turnout."
All books include Michael Jackson Opus Reality membership, which provides access to interactive footage with periodic updates.
Five copies signed by a variety of famous fans will be auctioned to benefit five charities favored by Jackson
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2009-08-11-jackson-opus_N.htm
 
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