Michael Jackson alloy Conrad Murray to be condemned Tuesday
Michael Jackson’s personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the pop singer’s death
(Credit:
Al Seib)
(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Michael Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, returns to a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday to learn his sentence for involuntary manslaughter in the pop superstar’s death.
Pictures: Michael Jackson’s Doctor Trial
It will be the cardiologist’s first courtroom appearance since he was convicted Nov. 7 for giving Jackson a lethal overdose of the anesthetic propofol.
Prosecutors are urging the maximum sentence of four years in prison, plus restitution. Defense attorneys say the physician should be placed on probation, adding he will continue to be ostracized for his role in Jackson’s death.
It’s unclear if any Jackson family members will speak during the proceedings.
Complete coverage of the Conrad Murray – Michael Jackson case on CBS News
Cirque’s Jackson reverence an burdensome spectacle
CONCERT REVIEW |
The late pop superstar Michael Jackson set a high bar for concert spectacle.
But if any outfit could up the ante, it’s Cirque du Soleil. In the modestly titled enshrinement “Michael Jackson: The Immortal,” at Seattle’s KeyArena Wednesday and Thursday, the artful Montreal circus threw every whiz-bang special effect they’ve got into this touring homage.
That includes souped-up light and laser displays, flying acrobats, breakdancers, a leering she-cellist in a glitter bikini, a thundering rock band, and the songs, voice and video image of Michael Jackson, presiding over it all like a virtual deity.
Wednesday night’s show at the Key started late and, rare for Cirque du Soleil, had a couple of technical breakdowns. It ran over by a half-hour, but the packed, mixed-age crowd sat tight through the pauses and the elaborate sensory onslaughts.
A lengthy sequence of energetic dancer-clowns (the Fanatics) on a pilgrimage to the King of Pop’s Neverland Ranch opens the show.
Then a couple dozen Jackson tunes (and a few Jackson 5 hits) are interpreted in numbers spread across and above two stages, and a phalanx of video screens.
The staging (by Jamie King, director of mega-concerts by the likes of Madonna and Pink) doesn’t ebb, flow and peak, nor does it encourage singalongs.
Some up-tempo numbers (i.e.,”Dancing Machine”) are so frenetic they’re vertigo-inducing. It’s hard to know where to look: you can miss a cool acrobatic feat on one stage if distracted by the mile-high mohawk of a guitarist, or the video displays morphing at warp speed, on the other.
More focused is a “Lion King”-like parade to the sweet ballad “Ben.” And such exquisite acts as aerialists in LED-lit body suits swooping and soaring like clusters of stars to “Human Nature” remind you that, yes, this really is Cirque du Soleil.
Jackson’s agile tenor is seamlessly mixed with the live band, while clips from his innovative music videos (i.e. “Smooth Criminal”) play off the live action.
Jackson’s sincere but simplistic pleas for ecological harmony and children’s welfare are heard, and they may inspire or gag you. But that’s part of the mystique of this great entertainer and troubled boy-man, who may well have loved this lavish, garish, exhausting paean to his glory.
Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com
Justin Bieber: The Fever!
Justin Bieber: The Fever!
Justin Bieber is the world’s hottest new pop star and every music fan’s favorite heartthrob! After being discovered on YouTube, Justin’s singles have taken the music world by storm! Since then his career has continued to heat up with an appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live and features on the covers of People and Billboard. Fans around the world can’t get enough of him, and this book will answer all of their burning questions, including:–What was Justin’s childhood like growing up with a single mother?
–How has his life changed since becoming a pop superstar?
–What are the latest details on his next album?
–How did he teach himself to play so many instruments?
–Who are some of Justin’s celebrit
Justin Bieber: The Fever!
Biebermania
Biebermania
“Biebermania” tells the story of the meteoric rise of singing sensation Justin Bieber. From his first YouTube video, where he was discovered by manager Scooter Braun, to his meeting with Usher, who launched Bieber into a career as a platinum-selling recording artist and concert phenomenon, this is a fascinating look at the making of a pop superstar and the fans who adore him.
Biebermania
Jackson Doc’s Defense Calls First Witness
Michael Jackson’s personal physician has been called inept, frantic, distracted, self-serving and irresponsible during testimony from 33 prosecution witnesses in the doctor’s involuntary manslaughter trial.
Conrad Murray Trial: Prosecution Witnesses, Propofol Guidelines, Detectives’ Interview
On Monday, defense attorneys began countering those claims with testimony from their own witnesses. The defense began with testimony from Donna Norris, a member of the Beverly Hills Police Department, after Conrad Murray’s attorneys finished questioning a key prosecution drug expert who has been on the stand since late last week.
Dr. Steve Shafer’s scathing criticism of Murray’s care for Jackson began late last week. He claimed a series of errors, including Murray’s failure to provide proper monitoring equipment at the rented Holmby Hills mansion where he was caring for Jackson, led to the pop superstar’s death.
Shafer is considered a leading expert of the drug blamed in Jackson’s death — propofol. In an interview with Los Angeles Police Department investigators two days after Jackson’s June 25, 2009 death, Murray said he gave the superstar the powerful surgical sedative after Jackson pleaded with him for something to help him sleep.
Prosecutors played that two-hour interview for jurors earlier in the trial, and it’s likely that will be the only time jurors hear from Murray — the Houston-based cardiologist probably will not be called to the stand. Defense attorneys will probably call on police detectives, character witnesses, their own propofol expert and other medical experts to make their case.
The defense is expected to argue that Jackson self-administered the fatal dose of propofol when Murray was out of the bedroom June 25, 2009. They also might argue that Jackson swallowed several pills of the sedative lorazepam.
“People don’t just wake up hell-bent to grab the next dose in the syringe, draw it and shove it in the IV again. It’s a crazy scenario,” said Shafer. “(Murray) is responsible for every drop of propofol in that room, every drop of lorazepam in that room.”
The defense case might wrap up late this week. Attorney expect to call about 15 witnesses.
As the trial nears a close, Jackson sister Janet Jackson announced she will reschedule a series of concerts in Australia to be with her family in Los Angeles.
Murray has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces up to four years in jail and loss of his medical license.
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