Most Controversial News

Autopsy planned after Jackson's sudden death

2009-06-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

By LYNN ELBER, Associated Press Writer Lynn Elber, Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES – Authorities are seeking to clear up the mystery surrounding Michael Jackson's death, including whether prescription drugs could have been a factor.

An autopsy was planned for Friday, though results weren't likely to be final until toxicology tests could be completed, a process that could take several days and sometimes weeks. However, if a cause can be determined by the autopsy, they will announce the results, said Los Angeles County Coroner Investigator Jerry McKibben.

Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

Brian Oxman, a former attorney of Jackson's and a family friend, said he was concerned about Jackson's use of painkillers and he warned the singer's family about possible abuse.

"I said one day, we're going to have this experience. And when Anna Nicole Smith passed away, I said we cannot have this kind of thing with Michael Jackson," Oxman said Friday on NBC's "Today" show. "The result was, I warned everyone, and lo and behold, here we are. I don't know what caused his death. But I feared this day, and here we are."

The 50-year-old musical superstar died Thursday, just as he was preparing for a series of 50 concerts starting July 13 at London's 02 arena.

He died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in the posh Los Angeles neighborhood of Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.

His brother Jermaine said it was believed that Jackson suffered cardiac arrest at his home. Cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. It can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems.

A handful of bleary-eyed fans camped out throughout the night with media outside the Jackson family house in the San Fernando Valley and near his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. People heading to work in New York on Friday were stopping at a makeshift memorial outside Harlem's Apollo Theater, where Jackson performed as a child.

Oxman, who said he was speaking on behalf of no one but himself, and other friends made the rounds among the news outlets Friday, adding to the intrigue of Jackson's early demise. Oxman claims Jackson had prescription drugs at his disposal to help with pain suffered when he broke his leg after he fell off a stage and for broken vertebrae in his back.

"When the autopsy comes, all hell's going to break loose, so thank God we're celebrating him now," Liza Minnelli told CBS' "The Early Show" by telephone.

In 2007, Jackson settled a lawsuit filed by a Beverly Hills pharmacy that claimed he owed more than $100,000 for prescription drugs over a two-year period.

After Jackson was acquitted on child molestation charges in 2005, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon argued against returning some items belonging to Jackson he labeled "contraband." Sneddon said those included syringes, the drug Demerol and prescriptions for various drugs, mainly antibiotics, that were in different people's names.

Stephen Hill, an executive producer for the BET Awards, said Sunday's show would be dedicated to Jackson because of his influence on music and pop culture.

"I think what you're going to find is that acceptance speeches for awards will have nothing to do about the artists themselves, but about the influence that Michael Jackson had on them," Hill said in a phone interview.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album, "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — is the best-selling album of all time worldwide.

Yet after selling more than 61 million albums in the U.S. and having a decade-long attraction open at Disney theme parks, Jackson died reportedly awash in about $400 million in debt, on the cusp of a final comeback after well over a decade of scandal.

As word of his death spread, MTV switched its programming to play videos from Jackson's heyday. Radio stations began playing marathons of his hits. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital. In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

The public first knew him as a boy in the late 1960s, when he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the singing group he formed with his four older brothers out of Gary, Ind. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There."

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched singing, punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks, as was his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie. Jackson's sudden death immediately evoked comparisons to that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.

"I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible," Lisa Marie Presley said in a statement. "I am heartbroken for his children who I know were everything to him and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

As years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice. He often wore a germ mask while traveling, kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions and surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, a storybook playland filled with toys, rides and animals. The tabloids dubbed him "Wacko Jacko."

Jackson caused a furor in 2002 when he playfully dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin while a throng of fans watched from below.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges that he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him, and of engaging in strange and inappropriate behavior with other children.

The case followed years of rumors about Jackson and young boys. In a TV documentary, he acknowledged sharing his bed with children, a practice he described as sweet and not at all sexual.

Despite the acquittal, the lurid allegations that came out in court took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary. He was 4 years old when he began singing with his brothers — Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie and Tito — in the Jackson 5. After his early success with bubblegum soul, he struck out on his own, generating innovative, explosive, unstoppable music.

The album "Thriller" mixed the dark, serpentine bass and drums and synthesizer approach of "Billie Jean," the grinding Eddie Van Halen guitar solo on "Beat It" and the hiccups and falsettos on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."

The peak may have come in 1983, when Motown celebrated its 25th anniversary with an all-star televised concert and Jackson moonwalked off with the show, joining his brothers for a medley of old hits and then leaving them behind with a pointing, crouching, high-kicking, splay-footed, crotch-grabbing run through "Billie Jean."

The audience stood and roared. Jackson raised his fist.

During production of a 1984 Pepsi commercial, Jackson's scalp sustained burns when an explosion set his hair on fire.

He had strong follow-up albums with 1987's "Bad" and 1991's "Dangerous," but his career began to collapse in 1993 after he was accused of molesting a boy who often stayed at his home. The singer denied any wrongdoing, reached a settlement with the boy's family, reported to be $20 million, and criminal charges were never filed.

Jackson expressed anger over the allegations on the 1995 album, "HIStory," which sold more than 2.4 million copies, but by then, the popularity of Jackson's music was clearly waning even as public fascination with his increasingly erratic behavior was growing.

Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, and they divorced in 1996. Later that year, Jackson married Deborah Rowe, a former nurse for his dermatologist. They had two children together: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, now 12; and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11. Rowe filed for divorce in 1999.

Jackson also had a third child, Prince Michael II, now 7. Jackson said the boy, nicknamed Blanket as a baby, was his biological child born from a surrogate mother.

Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde said Jackson's star power was unmatched. "The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it," Werde said. "He's literally the king of pop."

Jackson's 13 No. 1 one hits on the Billboard charts put him behind only Presley, the Beatles and Mariah Carey, Werde said.

"He was on the eve of potentially redeeming his career a little bit," he said. "People might have started to think of him again in a different light."

Michael Jackson dies in LA hospital

2009-06-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY and DERRIK J. LANG, Associated Press Writers Nekesa Mumbi Moody And Derrik J. Lang, Associated Press Writers – 17 mins ago

LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted child star who rose to become the "King of Pop" and the biggest celebrity in the world only to fall from his throne in a freakish series of scandals, died Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. He was 50.

The person said Jackson died in a Los Angeles hospital. The person was not authorized to speak publicly and requested anonymity.

The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear. Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 p.m., Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times. The paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center, Ruda told the newspaper.

His 1982 album "Thriller" — which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" — remains the biggest-selling album of all time, with more than 26 million copies.

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched voice punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks second only to his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

By some measures, he ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. In fact, he united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie.

As years went by, he became an increasingly freakish figure — a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grownup life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice. He surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, often wore a germ mask while traveling and kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him. The case took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital as word of his death spread. The emergency entrance at the UCLA Medical Center, which is near Jackson's rented home, was roped off with police tape.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died," a woman boarding a Manhattan bus called out, shortly after the news was annunced. Immediately many riders reached for their cell phones.

In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

Ateneo, La Salle now face common foe: A(H1N1) virus

2009-06-10T20:18:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines - La Sallians need no longer fear new taunts by their archrivals during the coming UAAP basketball tournament. The A(H1N1) virus has been detected in Ateneans too, indicating not only the continuing spread of infection but the rapid response of schools and health authorities to a global crisis.

Three high school students of the Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday tested positive for A(H1N1) infection, prompting school officials to suspend their classes for 10 days starting today.

In an announcement posted on its Web site, ADMU said Ateneo High School (AHS) principal Fr. Raymund-Benedict Q. Hizon, S.J. received the information from the Department of Health (DOH) Tuesday afternoon.

The announcement said the three cases were declared mild by the DOH, but following the government’s existing guidelines on dealing with A(H1N1), classes must be suspended for at least 10 days.

“The three infected boys are in fact already feeling better, and were advised to rest at home and continue with their self-quarantine, with no need for hospitalization," the announcement read. It also advises students to stay home and avoid crowded areas during the suspension of classes. Not all schools are ready for virus

The detection and quick quarantine of the infected high school students resulted from a heightened public awareness about how to contain the spread of the virus. But not all schools are as well-equipped to handle reports of infection as quickly as the Ateneo, which has adequate health services and communications systems. Other schools could already harbor the infection but don't have efficient means of identifying infected students and subjecting them to tests.

Calls made to various Metro Manila universities indicate that the most elite schools had the quickest responses, while others were still trying to decide what to do. A number of universities even opened classes last Monday in defiance of the Ched's order to postpone. University officials claimed that they were not informed in time by Ched, although the media had reported Ched's action over the weekend.

Ateneo hotlines

Meanwhile, as a precautionary measure, the Ateneo Grade School said it would also suspend elementary classes for two days starting Wednesday, June 10.

The AGS said it was established that the three infected high schools students have no siblings in the grade school.

Ateneo said all their offices would remain open and those with flu-like symptoms are advised to call Ateneo hotlines (426-5930 or 0918-9144633) for instructions on how to deal with the illness.

The designated referral center closest to the Ateneo is the Lung Center of the Philippines at Quezon Avenue with telephone number 924-6101 & 924-0707, the announcement said.

Other referral centers are the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (809-7599) and the San Lazaro Hospital (732-3776 to 78).

Ateneo is the fourth school in Metro Manila with students positive for swine flu. The other schools are: De La Salle University with 13 cases, Far Eastern University-East Asia with one, and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde also with one confirmed case.

National preparedness

Earlier, the DOH said the total number of A(H1N1) confirmed cases in the country is now at 54, but with no fatalities. The DOH added that all the patients have mild cases A(H1N1) and are responding positively to treatment.

The prompt detection and follow-up of cases could be credited with the prevention of fatalities so far. The country's public health care system and public alertness about fast-spreading viruses have previously been tested during the SARS and avian flu scares, which likewise affected the Philippines much less than other countries where the epidemics struck first.

Most of the swine flu deaths have occurred in Mexico which at first didn't know what it was dealing with. Once scientific information emerged about the nature of the threat, the DOH reacted with speed, the public was informed, and many schools put in place response systems following DOH guidelines. So when the virus did arrive on Philippine shores, reaction was swift.

The result has been the quick identification of possible carriers, and the isolation of infected individuals and their possible contacts. All of their lives so far have been spared.

The alertness and response of other institutions in the coming weeks will determine if the country can maintain its perfect record in swine flu death prevention. - GMANews.TV

Pussycat Nicole too busy to have love life

2009-06-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Right at the NAIA when she arrived with the three other Pussycat Dolls at noon last Monday, Nicole Scherzinger said she was overwhelmed by that “coming home” feeling.

“I felt the warmth as soon as I got off the plane,” recalled Nicole during a one-on-one with Funfare yesterday at the Executive Lounge of Sofitel Hotel (formerly Westin Philippine Plaza) where the Dolls are billeted until Friday when they fly back to the States after their concert at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Concert Grounds tomorrow night.

“Everybody was calling my name and I was so touched,” added Nicole who is half-Filipino (her father is surnamed Valiente, from Batanes), part-Russian and part-Hawaiian. “I felt that I belong here.”

She felt even more so when she saw her face on the huge billboards advertising Clear, the shampoo she’s endorsing.

“Then I saw the commercial on TV and I realized why everybody knew my name,” she sounded amused. “In the commercial, I said, ‘My name is Nicole.’ No wonder, at the airport they were calling, ‘Nicole, Nicole!’ I was teary-eyed.”

The presscon and the photo session, which lasted no longer than 20 minutes, was held at the hotel’s Seven Pecados where Nicole and fellow Pussycat Dolls Melody Thornton, Kimberly Wyatt and Ashley Roberts sat on stools onstage while fielding questions from the press and flashing sweet smiles at the photographers.

Asked why one member, Jessica Sutta, was missing, Nicole explained that Jessica sustained a broken hip during the Dolls’ concert in Australia and had to beg off from their Manila gig and fly back home.

Presented by MTV Philippines and Clear Shampoo, A Clear Doll Domination: Pussycat Dolls Live in Manila is the Dolls’ second time to perform in Manila, the first having been in 2006. Their album, also titled Doll Domination, is released locally by MCA Music, Inc. Nicole recorded Jai Ho a year before it won a Best Song Oscar along with A.R. Rahman who composed it for Slumdog Millionaire which won Best Picture.

“It came as a surprise. I felt honored. I was happy for Rahman and for the Slumdog kids.”

It was Funfare’s third time to interview Nicole. The first was last year in Kuala Lumpur where the Dolls performed at the MTV Music Awards and the second time was two weeks ago in a phone interview from Australia where the Dolls had a concert and I was in Hong Kong for an exclusive interview with Kelly Clarkson, the first American Idol (watch for it in next Sunday’s Conversations with Ricky Lo). Nicole was consistently sweet and friendly during those interviews, looking at you straight in the eye while answering your questions. It was only Nicole who did one-on-ones yesterday.

She has been vocal about her admiration for Lea Salonga whom she first saw in Miss Saigon when she was 15, inspiring Nicole to audition for the megahit Cameron Mackintosh musical. Told that Lea is in the States for a series of shows, Nicole said she would have wanted to meet her idol.

Asked who her other role models (musical influences) are, she named Whitney Houston, Beyoncé Knowles and Shania Twain.

What did she remember from the Dolls’ first visit to the Philippines?

“The warm reception,” smiled Nicole. “I remember getting off the plane and being also greeted by many people. Everybody was smiling at me. I was blown away by the warm reception. The short time that I was here was very emotional. It was something that I waited for all my life — going to the Philippines. I couldn’t forget our show. I think that was the best crowd reaction we ever had. Unbelievable! I was just very proud to be there.”

And what did she tell her fellow Dolls about the Philippines?

“That the Filipinos are so warm.”

Nicole said that most of her relatives are in Hawaii. She has no idea if some are still in the Philippines. She begged off from talking any further about her family.

I asked Nicole, as I did during the first two interviews, if there’s any “friendly” rivalry among the Dolls and her answer was the same, “We are just human, you know. But generally, we are supportive of each other. We are like sisters. We don’t compete with each other; we compliment each other.”

With the Dolls’ tight schedule (they’re either on the road or in the studio recording), does Nicole have time for her love life?

She gave a straight, unblinking answer, “No. But I don’t think I’m missing out on anything because I am surrounded by my family, my friends and my fans, and I love what we are doing.”

But for sure, she does pamper herself every now and then.

“Yesterday afternoon, a few hours after we arrived, I went to the hotel’s Les Spa. I had a massage. It was so soothing and relaxing. My tired muscles were relieved. That’s the way I usually pamper myself.”

(Note: The Philippine STAR is among the sponsors of A Clear Doll Domination: The Pussycat Dolls Live in Manila tomorrow, June 11, at the Mall of Asia Concert Grounds, presented by MTV Philippines and Clear. For tickets, call TicketNet at 911-5555 or TicketWorld at 891-9999.)

(E-mail reactions at rickylo@phil-star.net.ph or at entphilstar@yahoo.com) - FUNFARE By Ricardo F. Lo (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1

2009-06-08T03:19:00.000-07:00

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50-100 million people worldwide. Less virulent H1N1 strains still exist in the wild today, worldwide, causing a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).

In March, April and May 2009, thousands of laboratory-confirmed infections and a number of deaths were caused by an outbreak of a new strain of H1N1.

Influenza A virus strains are categorized according to two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). All influenza A viruses contain hemagglutinin and neuraminidase, but the structure of these proteins differ from strain to strain due to rapid genetic mutation in the viral genome.

Influenza A virus strains are assigned an H number and an N number based on which forms of these two proteins the strain contains. There are 16 H and 9 N subtypes known in birds, but only H 1, 2 and 3, and N 1 and 2 are commonly found in humans.

NBI recommends filing of anti-violence rap vs. Hayden Kho

2009-06-07T20:56:00.000-07:00

MANILA, Philippines Â- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday said there was basis to file a criminal complaint against celebrity doctor Hayden Kho Jr. in connection with his sex video with Katrina Halili.

In a report on its investigation on the sex video that was posted on the Internet, the bureauÂ's Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes and Division (AFCCD) said what Kho did was a violation of Section 5 (h) and (i) of RA 9262, otherwise known as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.

The report by NBI Director Nestor Mantaring and Deputy Director for Special Investigative Services lawyer Victor Bessat to submitted to Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito D. Zuno, came a week after the bureau started looking into the complaint lodged by actress Maria Katrina Iren Pe Halili, 23, a resident of 11th St. corner Victoria St., New Manila, Quezon City.

According to the report, the sex video of Halili and Kho was recorded inside a room at the Holiday Inn, Ortigas Center, Pasig City in September 2007.

Halili claimed in her sworn statement that she met Kho sometime between June and July 2007 when she went to the Belo Medical Group, owned and operated by KhoÂ's live-in partner Dr. Vicki Belo, to have liposuction. She said the liposuction was performed by Kho.

She said that her relationship with Kho was purely professional - one of doctor and patient, as it was common knowledge that the latter and Belo were sweethearts. However, she said their courtship immediately started with an exchange of text messages until they finally became sweethearts in August 2007.

As lovers, she said, they would discretely see each other and they would Â"engage in lovemaking."

Â"That during the relationship, Dr. Kho repeatedly assured her that he loves her so much and explained that the matter of the latterÂ's maintenance of two Â'sweetheartsÂ' had something to do with his having two Â'livesÂ' where in the second life, she was the girlfriend," the complaint read.

Halili said she ended her relationship with Kho out of respect for Dr. Belo but still continued to exchange text messages. She said their relationship ended January 2008.

In recommending the filing of case against Kho, Director Mantaring cited the result of psychological evaluation made by the NBI Neuro Psychiatric Division (NPD) that Halili was Â"suffering from an adjustment disorder with depressed mood" apparently as a result of the sex video controversy.

Halili has claimed before NBI probers and at a hearing of the Senate that she did not know the sex act was recorded.

She said she even lost television projects and endorsements since rumors about the sex video spread.

The NBI said it is still trying to identify the person or persons who uploaded the sex video on the Internet.

On Wednesday, businessman Eric Johnston Chua, a friend of Kho, appeared at the NBI, to deny that he was responsible.

Facing reporters later, he said: Â"I already filed my affidavit and I answered allegations. I have nothing to do with the upload. I have been here at the NBI for about 12 times but in connection with my piracy license, which is other matter. But this is the first time I appeared for this case."

Chua admitted taking into his possession the hard drive of KhoÂ's computer that contained the sex video in question, but denied uploading the video onto the Internet.

Chua was implicated by Kho, who admitted doing the sex video with Halili but denied posting the same online. Chua was also reportedly mentioned in HaliliÂ's affidavit.

Probers have also subpoenaed Dr. Mark Herbert Â"Bistek" Rosario Â- another friend of Kho Â- who is connected with the Makati Medical Center and linked to the sex video. - GMANews.TV

Thailand says FBI help not needed in Carradine probe

2009-06-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

BANGKOK (AFP) - – Thai police have defended their handling of the investigation into the death of David Carradine, after the US actor's family urged the FBI to step in and assist the probe.

Police say they suspect the star of the 1970s television series "Kung Fu" died in a sex act that went wrong after his naked body was found Thursday in his Bangkok hotel room with rope tied around his neck and genitals.

A lawyer for the brother of the 72-year-old actor said at the weekend that the actor's family had met US Federal Bureau of Investigation officials to ask for help to discover exactly how Carradine died.

"I am confident we are working on the right track. US embassy representatives saw every step of the investigation process in the hotel room," Police Colonel Somprasong Yenthaum, who is leading the probe, told AFP.

He said Carradine's relatives had the right to seek help from the FBI, but added that the bureau would have to contact Thailand's attorney general who would then decide whether to forward the request to the police.

"We can work with FBI if they request and their request is passed. But if they don't come, we can do our jobs," he added.

Police are still awaiting the results of laboratory tests which will take between three and four weeks to come through before they can make an official conclusion about the cause of death.

Carradine was in the Thai capital to shoot a film called "Stretch" when he was found dead in the wardrobe of his luxury hotel room last week. His body was repatriated on a United Airlines flight early Saturday.

An initial autopsy report revealed that the actor died from a sudden lack of oxygen and his body showed no signs of struggle.

Mark Geragos, a lawyer for Carradine's brother, Keith, told a CNN talkshow on Friday that the actor's family rejected early reports that the actor had committed suicide and had met with FBI officials.

"They're looking into it through the FBI and trying to get to the bottom of this," Geragos said. "The family and Keith specifically doesn't for a minute think he was suicidal."

The actor was best known for his role as the fugitive half-Chinese Shaolin monk Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s TV drama "Kung Fu" and for playing the title character in Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" movies.

The roles earned Carradine a fourth Golden Globe "Best Actor" nomination.

He was married five times, most recently in 2004, and was the father of two daughters.

Mosley willing to fight Pacman at 142 pounds

2009-06-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

MANILA, Philippines – As early as January, right after his stunning knockout of Antonio Margarito, WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley said he wanted to face Manny Pacquiao.

“I want the one with the most money,” he was quoted as saying.

But some issues with the weight came up. Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, dared Mosley to come down to 142. Mosley said he won’t or can’t fight lower than 145.

Yesterday, however, Mosley, one of the oldest champions out there, aired his change of heart, telling fightnews.com that he’s ready to take on Pacquiao.

Now.

“There are conflicting reports from the Pacquiao camp an upcoming fight between me and Manny Pacquiao. I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now,” Mosley was quoted.

“I’m willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what Freddie Roach wants as well, as he has previously stated this to press,” he said.

A catch weight could mean 143 lbs, give and take. But whether or not Mosley’s 147 lb title would be at stake is a different matter. What’s important to him is the fight.

“I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of number one pound-for-pound fighter,” said Mosley who showed the quickness of a fighter 10 years younger when he stunned Margarito.

Pushing 38, Mosley is seven years older, and at 5-foot-9, almost three inches taller than Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champion and the sport’s biggest draw today.

Arum has penciled Oct. 17 as the date of Pacquiao’s next fight -- whoever, wherever.

Mosley is under Oscar dela Hoya’s Golden Boy and Pacquiao under Bob Arum’s Top Rank. The two giant promoters were at odds a couple of years back, but have proven to be great partners, too.

They staged the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya fight and some big ones before that as well, and only last month came up with the Pacquiao-Hatton show.

Arum said it’s up to Pacquiao and Roach to decide and as of now they’re looking at Mosley, who may have moved on top of the list, Miguel Cotto, who faces Josh Clottey in New York on June 13, or Edwin Valero.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the comebacking ex-pound-for-pound king, takes on Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18, and should only be considered a Pacquiao opponent for next year.

If Mosley wants it, he might just get it. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)