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Pakistan bus bombing survivors


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Pakistani paramilitary soldiers take positions after militants attacked a hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, on Saturday, June 15. Several militants held hundreds of people hostage inside the Bolan medical complex.Pakistani paramilitary soldiers take positions after militants attacked a hospital in Quetta, Pakistan, on Saturday, June 15. Several militants held hundreds of people hostage inside the Bolan medical complex.

Pakistani soldiers arrest a suspected militant at the hospital. Among the patients at the complex were people wounded in a bus bombing near Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University that killed 12 female students.Pakistani soldiers arrest a suspected militant at the hospital. Among the patients at the complex were people wounded in a bus bombing near Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University that killed 12 female students.

A man carries an injured boy after the hospital attack. Seven people have killed in the siege of the hospital.A man carries an injured boy after the hospital attack. Seven people have killed in the siege of the hospital.

Soldiers take position near the hospital.Soldiers take position near the hospital.

A man carries an injured boy away from the scene.A man carries an injured boy away from the scene.

Soldiers shift an injured colleague into a van.Soldiers shift an injured colleague into a van.

People exit the hospital in Quetta.People exit the hospital in Quetta.

Firefighters extinguish a burning university bus after the bomb blast in Quetta.Firefighters extinguish a burning university bus after the bomb blast in Quetta.

Firefighters work to extinguish the burning bus. All the (bus) victims are women teachers and students, according to a police official, Mir Zubair Mehmood, in Quetta.Firefighters work to extinguish the burning bus. “All the (bus) victims are women teachers and students,” according to a police official, Mir Zubair Mehmood, in Quetta.


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Quetta, Pakistan (CNN) — The sickening smell of burnt flesh still lingers in the air at the women’s university. All that remains of the bus students had boarded to travel home is a dark, twisted structure.

The bomb ripped off the roof, the ensuing fire so fierce it melted everything in its path. These buses were provided by the vice chancellor to encourage families to send their daughters to the university — a safe means to get to and from home for young girls in a troubled province. But the attackers showed no mercy.

Books that were the path to a brighter future reduced to ashes strewn across the floor. Pencils and satchels — the accoutrements of education — destroyed like so many lives that were lost.

Militants, including a female suicide bomber, attacked the university bus on Saturday and then struck a hospital where the survivors were taken for treatment. The dead included students on the bus, four nurses, four Frontier Corps paramilitary troops and four militants, police said.

I came across a page in which one young woman had written an essay on Heraclitus, known as the “weeping philospher.” Her words on the burnt page so poignant after the tragedy. She wrote about “the reality of change, the impermanence of being, the inconsistency of everything but change itself.”


Bombing victim: ‘We won’t stop learning’


12 women killed in Pakistan bus bombing


Pakistan hospital siege ends

Twelve young women are confirmed to have been killed in this ruthless bus bombing, all of them students at the university. Some of them were the first women in their family’s history to be sent to school and university.

Yasmin Baloch is one of them. Despite her severe injuries, doctors think she was in a second bus following behind the one that was attacked.

In the hospital ward where some of the most seriously injured girls are being treated, she told me how she and her family were so proud she made it to university.

Many of the friends she traveled with have been killed. She describes them as “good girls who studied hard.”

Beside her, one young woman stares blindly into space, too shocked to talk.

Yasmin described the horror of the bombing. “I was sitting by window when the bomb went off. I had no idea what happened. Everything went dark. Then I realized I’d injured my legs. I cried for help, hoping someone would save me.”

Her leg is broken, she has burns all over her body, shrapnel has cut her face. But like any young woman would, she whispers that she is worried if her hair will ever grow back. She lifts up the surgical cap and shows me.

As she holds my hand she boldly says: “The people who did this are very cruel.” And asks: “We are just students – what did we do to them, to deserve this?”

Walking across the hospital ground a lone woman approaches me. Tears in her eyes, Farzana Pervez tells me her 20-year-old daughter is in intensive care. Part of her skull is missing, but she thanks God surgeons managed to save her life.

Farzana explains how much sending her daughter to university means to the family. “We are really poor people. My husband has worked hard to send our daughter to school and university. So she could have a better future than us. She was supposed to have an exam today.” Her voice breaks. She asks us to pray for her daughter.

Investigators are now going through the wreckage piece by piece to identify the exact nature of this blast. A senior intelligence official, who didn’t want to be named, told CNN it was a female suicide bomber that targeted fellow young women at the Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University.

The bombing was just the beginning. A group of militants was waiting at the hospital down the road.

The Bolan Medical Complex is the largest government-run hospital in Balochistan. Militants attacked the hospital as the young women injured in the bus bombing were rushed there.

Hundreds of people were held hostage — patients, doctors, nurses and survivors — until police and paramilitary forces took control after a five-hour shootout. Now the hospital is sealed off and shut down — guarded by paramilitary forces.

Quetta, Balochistan and the rest of Pakistan is still struggling to understand the attacks, shattering innocent young lives and those of their friends and family.

Across the city there is a sense of shock, pain, confusion and helplessness. In a restaurant a man tentatively asks me “who did this?” He seems scared to even ask.

In a culture where women have long been oppressed, the university was a shining light — a symbol of hope and women’s rights — where 3,000 women studied.

Families have made groundbreaking decisions to be the first to send their daughters to study for a degree with the hope of a career and brighter future.

Vicious attacks like the bus bombing are doing their best to set those groundbreaking decisions back — to ensure regret, to scare people and in particular young women back into their homes.

Yasmin had been studying to be a teacher and says she won’t give up. She looks me straight in the eye and says with confidence: “We won’t stop learning because of the people who attacked us. Education is everything. As soon as I get better, I’ll go back to university with even more drive and hope.”

And for the first time in this hospital ward, I see a young woman smile.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/asia/pakistan-bombing-aftermath/index.html?eref=edition

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/NewsRipplesWeb/~3/_1-qW7kXVBU/pakistan-bus-bombing-survivors

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Royals reveal Kate’s baby plans


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On June 21, 1982, almost 31 years ago, Prince William was born. Prince Charles and Princess Diana are shown leaving the Lindo Wing, at St. Mary's Hospital in London. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, plans to give birth to her baby at the same hospital.On June 21, 1982, almost 31 years ago, Prince William was born. Prince Charles and Princess Diana are shown leaving the Lindo Wing, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, plans to give birth to her baby at the same hospital.

On display at the main gates of Buckingham Palace in London is the announcement that Diana gave birth to a son, William, at 9.03 p.m. on June 21, 1982. Charles was with her at St. Mary's Hospital for the birth of their first child, who weighed 7lbs 1.5 ozs and had blue eyes.!-- --/brOn display at the main gates of Buckingham Palace in London is the announcement that Diana gave birth to a son, William, at 9.03 p.m. on June 21, 1982. Charles was with her at St. Mary’s Hospital for the birth of their first child, who weighed 7lbs 1.5 ozs and had blue eyes.

Charles and Diana are photographed on September 16, 1984, following the birth of their second son, Prince Harry, at St. Mary's Hospital.Charles and Diana are photographed on September 16, 1984, following the birth of their second son, Prince Harry, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Catherine attends a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013.Catherine attends a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013.

William and Catherine arrive for a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 4, 2013.William and Catherine arrive for a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 4, 2013.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew escorts Catherine stands next to an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson after a ship's naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton. This was Catherine's final public appearance before she gives birth.President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew escorts Catherine stands next to an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson after a ship’s naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton. This was Catherine’s final public appearance before she gives birth.

Catherine is photographed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Color Ceremony on June 15, 2013 in London.Catherine is photographed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Color Ceremony on June 15, 2013 in London.


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London (CNN) — Prince William’s wife, Catherine, plans to give birth to their first baby in the same hospital wing where her husband was born to Diana, Princess of Wales, almost 31 years ago, sources familiar with the plans said Wednesday.

The first details of the protocol surrounding the announcement of the birth were revealed as the Duchess of Cambridge enters the final weeks of her pregnancy.

The baby — which, regardless of gender, will be heir to the British throne — is expected to arrive in mid-July.

According to sources familiar with the plans, the birth will take place in the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London.

The first indication that the baby is on its way will be the announcement to the media that the Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to the hospital in the early stagesof labor, royal sources told CNN.


How royal birth will be announced


Duchess’ last solo event before baby


Royal baby bump pics: Right or wrong?

The next public announcement is expected to be that of the birth.

It will be made in the form of a formal bulletin, signed by medical staff and rushed in a car with a police escort to Buckingham Palace.

There, the notice will be placed on an easel on the palace forecourt, the royal sources said. This will be the first chance for the nation and those watching around the world to find out whether the new baby is a boy or a girl.

William and Catherine don’t know the sex of their baby and want to keep the surprise until it’s born, the royal sources said. William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and other members of both families will be told of the birth before the public knows.

The next announcement will be that the Duchess of Cambridge and her baby are to be discharged from the hospital.

People are already laying bets on what the newest member of the royal family will be named.

Alexandra appears to be the favorite for a girl, with George the favored name for a boy, according to UK betting websites. Diana, Elizabeth and Victoria are also popular choices with punters.

The baby will be third in line to the throne after Prince Charles and Prince William.

Paternity leave

The royal couple will probably present their baby to the world on the same doorstep where a proud Diana and Prince Charles showed off William in 1982.

It’s not yet been disclosed where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plan to spend the days and weeks following the birth, the royal sources said.

William, who will turn 31 on Friday, is expected to be given the usual paternity leave of two weeks by the Ministry of Defence, the royal sources said. He will then return to his job as a helicopter search and rescue pilot.

The revelation of the birth details may be cause for some anxiety, given the tragedy that followed Catherine’s hospitalization late last year for acute morning sickness.

In that instance, a prank call by an Australian radio station to nursing staff at King Edward VII’s Hospital, which sparked a media frenzy after details of Catherine’s care were revealed, resulted in a nurse’s suicide.

“We would appeal to all members of the media for an appropriate degree of sensitivity, dignity and privacy in their reporting,” a royal source said.

“With the events of the King Edward Hospital still strong in our memories, we would expect any media covering the Duchess of Cambridge’s hospitalization to ensure that the normal functions of the hospital are not impeded by any media presence.”

Champagne on ice?

According to the Lindo Wing website, it has been offering private obstetric and neonatal care for mothers and babies since 1937.

The private wing operates alongside the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which is part of the National Health Service.

“Over the years, we have gained an international reputation for clinical excellence in both obstetric and neonatal medicine which has made us the choice for thousands of mothers. But what really sets us apart is the discreet, traditional, individualised service we provide,” the Lindo Wing’s online brochure says.

According to the prices listed, a stay in the Lindo Wing doesn’t come cheap by comparison with National Health Service care, which is free at the point of delivery.

However, the mother can stay in a room with its own bath or private suite, with a range of facilities and services offered. Among them is “a comprehensive wine list should you wish to enjoy a glass of champagne and toast your baby’s arrival.”

The care package for the first 24 hours with a normal delivery starts at £4,965 ($7,777), with the price increasing for a larger room or suite, or if a forceps delivery or caesarean section is needed. An additional night’s stay costs £900 ($1,400) or more on top of that price.

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Magazine defends photos of pregnant, bikini-clad Duchess of Cambridge


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/world/europe/uk-royal-birth-plans/index.html?eref=edition

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Paris, Prince Jackson at death trial

Los Angeles (CNN) — Paris and Prince Jackson made their first appearances Tuesday in the wrongful death trial against their father’s last concert promoter.

AEG Live lawyers played short video clips from the depositions of Michael Jackson’s oldest children in court to counter testimony from their chef.

Kai Chase, who cooked for the singer and his three children in the last months of his life, had described what she said was Jackson’s physical deterioration just before his death.

Jackson was strong, healthy and active in April, but was so weak by June that Prince, then 12, had to help his father walk up stairs, Chase testified.

Chase also repeated the testimony she gave in the criminal trial of Dr. Conrad Murray about the day Jackson died.


Paris Jackson’s ‘cry for help’

Randy Phillips: He's president of AEG Live, the concert promoter that contracted with Michael Jackson for his This Is It comeback shows set to start in London in July 2009. The Jackson lawsuit says Phillips supervised Dr. Conrad Murray's treatment of Jackson in the weeks before his death, making the company liable for damages. E-mails between Phillips and other executives showed they were worried about Jackson's missed rehearsals and sought Murray's help getting him ready.Randy Phillips: He’s president of AEG Live, the concert promoter that contracted with Michael Jackson for his “This Is It” comeback shows set to start in London in July 2009. The Jackson lawsuit says Phillips supervised Dr. Conrad Murray’s treatment of Jackson in the weeks before his death, making the company liable for damages. E-mails between Phillips and other executives showed they were worried about Jackson’s missed rehearsals and sought Murray’s help getting him ready.

Katherine Jackson: Michael's mother, 82, was deposed for nine hours over three days by AEG Live lawyers. As the guardian of her son's three children, she is a plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit against the company that promoted Michael Jackson's comeback concerts.Katherine Jackson: Michael’s mother, 82, was deposed for nine hours over three days by AEG Live lawyers. As the guardian of her son’s three children, she is a plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit against the company that promoted Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts.

Prince Jackson: Michael's oldest son is considered a key witness in the Jacksons' case against AEG Live, since he is expected to testify about what his father told him about the concert promoter in the last days of his life. Prince, who turned 16 in February, is becoming more independent -- he now has a driver's license and jobs.Prince Jackson: Michael’s oldest son is considered a key witness in the Jacksons’ case against AEG Live, since he is expected to testify about what his father told him about the concert promoter in the last days of his life. Prince, who turned 16 in February, is becoming more independent — he now has a driver’s license and jobs.

Paris Jackson: Michael's daughter, who turned 15 on April 3, is on the list of witnesses and was questioned by AEG Live lawyers for several hours on March 21 about her father's death. Paris is an outspoken teen who often posts messages to her 1 million-plus Twitter followers.Paris Jackson: Michael’s daughter, who turned 15 on April 3, is on the list of witnesses and was questioned by AEG Live lawyers for several hours on March 21 about her father’s death. Paris is an outspoken teen who often posts messages to her 1 million-plus Twitter followers.

Blanket Jackson: Although AEG Live asked the judge to order Blanket, 11, to sit for a deposition, and he is one of the four plaintiffs suing them, Michael's youngest son will not be a witness in the trial. His doctor submitted a note to the court saying it would be medically detrimental to the child.Blanket Jackson: Although AEG Live asked the judge to order Blanket, 11, to sit for a deposition, and he is one of the four plaintiffs suing them, Michael’s youngest son will not be a witness in the trial. His doctor submitted a note to the court saying it would be “medically detrimental” to the child.

Kevin Boyle: The Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is leading the Jackson team of at least six attorneys in the wrongful death suit against AEG Live. One of his notable cases was a large settlement with Boeing on behalf of two soldiers injured when their helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in Iraq.Kevin Boyle: The Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is leading the Jackson team of at least six attorneys in the wrongful death suit against AEG Live. One of his notable cases was a large settlement with Boeing on behalf of two soldiers injured when their helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in Iraq.

Perry Sanders, Jr.: Katherine Jackson's personal lawyer is helping steer the Jackson matriarch through her relations with her son's estate, probate court and the wrongful death suit. He is also known for representing the family of Biggie Smalls in their suit against the city of Los Angeles over the rapper's death investigation.Perry Sanders, Jr.: Katherine Jackson’s personal lawyer is helping steer the Jackson matriarch through her relations with her son’s estate, probate court and the wrongful death suit. He is also known for representing the family of Biggie Smalls in their suit against the city of Los Angeles over the rapper’s death investigation.

Marvin Putnam: He's the lead lawyer for AEG Live, defending against the wrongful death suit. The primary focus of his legal practice is media in defense of their First Amendment rights, according to his official biography.Marvin Putnam: He’s the lead lawyer for AEG Live, defending against the wrongful death suit. The primary focus of his legal practice is “media in defense of their First Amendment rights,” according to his official biography.

Philip Anschutz: The billionaire owner of AEG, parent company of AEG Live, is on the Jacksons' witness list. He is the force behind the effort to build a football stadium in downtown Los Angeles to lure a National Football League team to the city. He recently pulled his company off the market after trying to sell it for $8 billion.Philip Anschutz: The billionaire owner of AEG, parent company of AEG Live, is on the Jacksons’ witness list. He is the force behind the effort to build a football stadium in downtown Los Angeles to lure a National Football League team to the city. He recently pulled his company off the market after trying to sell it for $8 billion.

Tim Leiweke: He was recently fired as AEG's president as Philip Anschutz announced he was taking a more active role in the company. The Jackson lawyers say Leiweke's e-mail exchanges with executives under him concerning Michael Jackson's health are important evidence in their case.Tim Leiweke: He was recently fired as AEG’s president as Philip Anschutz announced he was taking a more active role in the company. The Jackson lawyers say Leiweke’s e-mail exchanges with executives under him concerning Michael Jackson’s health are important evidence in their case.

Joe Jackson: Michael's father, 84, is on the witness list for the trial and may testify. The Jackson family patriarch, who lives in Las Vegas separately from his wife, has suffered several ministrokes in the last year, which some close to him say have affected him.Joe Jackson: Michael’s father, 84, is on the witness list for the trial and may testify. The Jackson family patriarch, who lives in Las Vegas separately from his wife, has suffered several ministrokes in the last year, which some close to him say have affected him.

Paul Gongaware: The AEG Live co-CEO worked closely with Michael Jackson as he prepared for his comeback concerts. He testified at Dr. Conrad Murray's criminal trial that he contacted the physician and negotiated his hiring at the request of Jackson. AEG lawyers say it was Jackson who chose, hired and supervised Murray. Gongaware knew Jackson well, having been tour manager for the singer in previous years.Paul Gongaware: The AEG Live co-CEO worked closely with Michael Jackson as he prepared for his comeback concerts. He testified at Dr. Conrad Murray’s criminal trial that he contacted the physician and negotiated his hiring at the request of Jackson. AEG lawyers say it was Jackson who chose, hired and supervised Murray. Gongaware knew Jackson well, having been tour manager for the singer in previous years.

Kenny Ortega: He was chosen by Michael Jackson and AEG Live to direct and choreograph the This Is It shows. Ortega, who choreographed for Jackson's Dangerous and HIStory tours, testified at Dr. Conrad Murray's criminal trial that Jackson was frail at a rehearsal days before his death.Kenny Ortega: He was chosen by Michael Jackson and AEG Live to direct and choreograph the “This Is It” shows. Ortega, who choreographed for Jackson’s “Dangerous” and “HIStory” tours, testified at Dr. Conrad Murray’s criminal trial that “Jackson was frail” at a rehearsal days before his death.

Dr. Conrad Murray: He was Michael Jackson's personal physician in the two months before his death, giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic that the coroner ruled led to his death. Murray, who is appealing his involuntary manslaughter conviction, has sworn that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination and refused to testify in the civil trial. There is a chance that Murray will be brought into court from jail to testify outside the presence of the jury to allow the judge to determine if he would be ordered to testify.Dr. Conrad Murray: He was Michael Jackson’s personal physician in the two months before his death, giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic that the coroner ruled led to his death. Murray, who is appealing his involuntary manslaughter conviction, has sworn that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination and refused to testify in the civil trial. There is a chance that Murray will be brought into court from jail to testify outside the presence of the jury to allow the judge to determine if he would be ordered to testify.

John Branca: He's one of two executors of Michael Jackson's estate. Branca was Jackson's lawyer until about seven years before his death. He said Jackson rehired him just weeks before he died.John Branca: He’s one of two executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. Branca was Jackson’s lawyer until about seven years before his death. He said Jackson rehired him just weeks before he died.


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Who's who in Jackson trialWho’s who in Jackson trial

Paris Jackson made headlines recently when she was rushed to the hospital after she reportedly cut one of her wrists. Jackson is the second child of famed singer Michael Jackson and Deborah Jeanne Rowe. Click through to see more of the Jackson family tree.Paris Jackson made headlines recently when she was rushed to the hospital after she reportedly cut one of her wrists. Jackson is the second child of famed singer Michael Jackson and Deborah Jeanne Rowe. Click through to see more of the Jackson family tree.

Katherine Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family. Here she attends the hand and footprint ceremony for son Michael at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in January 2012 in Los Angeles.Katherine Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family. Here she attends the hand and footprint ceremony for son Michael at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in January 2012 in Los Angeles.

Joseph Walker Joe Jackson is the patriarch of the Jackson family. He's pictured at a March 2011 press conference in Madrid, Spain.Joseph Walker “Joe” Jackson is the patriarch of the Jackson family. He’s pictured at a March 2011 press conference in Madrid, Spain.

Maureen Reillette Rebbie Jackson is Joe and Katherine's oldest child. She scored a hit in the 1980s with the song Centipede. She has three children: Stacee, Yashi and Austin Auggie Brown. Here she attends the world premiere of Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon in London in November 2011.Maureen Reillette “Rebbie” Jackson is Joe and Katherine’s oldest child. She scored a hit in the 1980s with the song “Centipede.” She has three children: Stacee, Yashi and Austin “Auggie” Brown. Here she attends the world premiere of “Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon” in London in November 2011.

Yashi Brown, Rebbie Jackson's second child, is a poet and advocate on mental health issues. Yashi Brown, Rebbie Jackson’s second child, is a poet and advocate on mental health issues.

Rebbie Jackson's youngest, Austin Auggie Brown, is a musician. He's pictured at a December 2012 benefit in Hollywood. Rebbie Jackson’s youngest, Austin “Auggie” Brown, is a musician. He’s pictured at a December 2012 benefit in Hollywood.

Sigmund Esco Jackie Jackson, center, is the second of Joe and Katherine's children. He has two children with Enid Spann: Sigmund Esco Siggy Jackson Jr. and Brandi Jackson. Here he performs with brothers Tito, left, and Marlon Jackson in Los Angeles in July 2012.Sigmund Esco “Jackie” Jackson, center, is the second of Joe and Katherine’s children. He has two children with Enid Spann: Sigmund Esco “Siggy” Jackson Jr. and Brandi Jackson. Here he performs with brothers Tito, left, and Marlon Jackson in Los Angeles in July 2012.

Toriano Adaryll Tito Jackson, the third of the Jackson children, has three sons: Toriano Adaryll TajJackson Jr., Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joe TJ Jackson, who are members of the group 3T. Tito Jackson performs in Liverpool, England, in 2009.Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, the third of the Jackson children, has three sons: Toriano Adaryll “Taj”Jackson Jr., Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, who are members of the group 3T. Tito Jackson performs in Liverpool, England, in 2009.

Toriano Adaryll Taj Jackson Jr., Tito Jackson's oldest son, is part of the group 3T. Here he performs in Cardiff, Wales, in October 2011. Toriano Adaryll “Taj” Jackson Jr., Tito Jackson’s oldest son, is part of the group 3T. Here he performs in Cardiff, Wales, in October 2011.

Taryll Adren Jackson, Tito Jackson's middle son, performs with his bothers in memory of his uncle, Michael, in 2011.Taryll Adren Jackson, Tito Jackson’s middle son, performs with his bothers in memory of his uncle, Michael, in 2011.

Tito Joe TJ Jackson performs in honor of his uncle, Michael.Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson performs in honor of his uncle, Michael.

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is the fourth of Joe and Katherine's children. He has seven children. With Hazel Gordy, Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and Jaimy. He had two children with Margaret Maldonado: Jeremy and Jourdynn. His two youngest children, Jaffar and Jermajesty, were born to Alejandra Oaziaza. He has no children with his current wife, Halima Rashid. Jackson and Rashid are pictured at the Royal Festival Hall in London in October 2010.Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is the fourth of Joe and Katherine’s children. He has seven children. With Hazel Gordy, Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and Jaimy. He had two children with Margaret Maldonado: Jeremy and Jourdynn. His two youngest children, Jaffar and Jermajesty, were born to Alejandra Oaziaza. He has no children with his current wife, Halima Rashid. Jackson and Rashid are pictured at the Royal Festival Hall in London in October 2010.

La Toya Yvonne Jackson, the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children, attends the world premiere of Dancing In Jaffa at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April. She is one of the film's executive producers.La Toya Yvonne Jackson, the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children, attends the world premiere of “Dancing In Jaffa” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April. She is one of the film’s executive producers.

Marlon David Jackson was born a year before brother Michael Jackson. He has three children with Carol Parker: Valencia, Brittany and Marlon David Jr.Marlon David Jackson was born a year before brother Michael Jackson. He has three children with Carol Parker: Valencia, Brittany and Marlon David Jr.

Pop superstar Michael Jackson, the most famous of Joe and Katherine's children, had three kids. He fathered his first two, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and Paris Katherine Jackson, with Deborah Jeanne Rowe. His youngest, Prince Michael Joseph Blanket Jackson II, was born to an unidentified woman. The singer died in 2009.Pop superstar Michael Jackson, the most famous of Joe and Katherine’s children, had three kids. He fathered his first two, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and Paris Katherine Jackson, with Deborah Jeanne Rowe. His youngest, Prince Michael Joseph “Blanket” Jackson II, was born to an unidentified woman. The singer died in 2009.

Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. attends a baseball game in August 2012 during a visit to his late father's hometown of Gary, Indiana.Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. attends a baseball game in August 2012 during a visit to his late father’s hometown of Gary, Indiana.

Prince Michael Joseph Blanket Jackson attends the Las Vegas premiere of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World by Cirque du Soleil in December 2011. He is Michael Jackson's youngest son.Prince Michael Joseph “Blanket” Jackson attends the Las Vegas premiere of “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World” by Cirque du Soleil in December 2011. He is Michael Jackson’s youngest son.

Steven Randall Randy Jackson is the second youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children. He has four children: Steveanna, Genevieve, Donte and Steven Randall Jr. Alejandra Oaziaza is the mother of the latter three. She later married and had two children with Randy's brother Jermaine.Steven Randall “Randy” Jackson is the second youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children. He has four children: Steveanna, Genevieve, Donte and Steven Randall Jr. Alejandra Oaziaza is the mother of the latter three. She later married and had two children with Randy’s brother Jermaine.

Genevieve Jackson, pictured in November 2011, is Randy Jackson's second child.Genevieve Jackson, pictured in November 2011, is Randy Jackson’s second child.

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children. The pop star has no children. She was briefly married to singer James DeBarge before secretly marrying dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991. The couple divorced in 2000, and she married businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. She's pictured performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2011 in Australia.Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children. The pop star has no children. She was briefly married to singer James DeBarge before secretly marrying dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991. The couple divorced in 2000, and she married businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. She’s pictured performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2011 in Australia.


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Photos: All in the Jackson familyPhotos: All in the Jackson family

The death in 2009 of superstar Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, sent shockwaves around the world. The death in 2009 of superstar Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, sent shockwaves around the world.

The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.

Michael Jackson quickly became the stand out star of the Jackson 5. Here he performs onstage circa 1970. Michael Jackson quickly became the stand out star of the Jackson 5. Here he performs onstage circa 1970.

Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.

Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.

Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown on stage in Kansas in 1983.Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown on stage in Kansas in 1983.

Michael Jackson performs on stage circa 1990.Michael Jackson performs on stage circa 1990.

Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988 when 504,000 people attending seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988 when 504,000 people attending seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.

Jackson perfoms in concert circa 1991 in New York City. Jackson perfoms in concert circa 1991 in New York City.

Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping in the air while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping in the air while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.

Michael Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Michael Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Jackson performs with his brothers.Jackson performs with his brothers.

Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.

Jackson performs during the taping of American Bandstand's 50th: A Celebration in 2002.Jackson performs during the taping of “American Bandstand’s 50th: A Celebration” in 2002.

Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.


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Photos: Michael Jackson, King of PopPhotos: Michael Jackson, King of Pop

But her most dramatic words were about how Michael Jackson’s death affected his children — Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, for whom she now cooks at their grandmother’s home.

“They talk about their father a lot,” Chase said. “It’s just something that they’ll never get over — the love and how much they miss their father.”

Jackson’s mother and three children are suing AEG Live, contending the concert promoter was liable in his death because it negligently hired, retained or supervised Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Murray told police he used the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat Jackson’s insomnia. The coroner ruled propofol killed him.

AEG Live lawyers argue Jackson chose and supervised Murray, and their executives had no way of knowing the doctor was using the dangerous treatment.

Watch: Anderson Cooper interviews Conrad Murray

Paris testifies

The day Paris Jackson attempted suicide, AEG Live lawyers told reporters they couldn’t promise not to use the 15-year-old’s testimony in their defense. Since Paris is one of the plaintiffs, they were able to compel the teen to sit for two days of questioning in March.

Jackson lawyers, however, told the judge Tuesday that Paris is unavailable to appear in person since she is still being treated in a hospital. AEG Live is able to use the video recording of her deposition, which they began doing Tuesday afternoon.

The first clip shown to jurors was an answer to a question by AEG Live lawyer Marvin Putnam about former Jackson nanny Grace Rwaramba, who was fired two months before Jackson’s death.

“My dad didn’t like her, so he tried to, like, keep her away from us,” Paris said. “So he sent her on errands a lot.”

Her father was reluctant to fire Rwaramba because “he felt bad because she didn’t really have a lot of money,” she testified.

“He said she was sneaky and she wasn’t an honest person and she lied a lot,” Paris said.

Paris related an incident that happened when she was “really young.” She prefaced the story by saying it was “real creepy” and “this is going to freak you out.”

The nanny would sneak into a doctor’s hotel room and “he’d wake up and she’d be in his bed,” Paris said. “So, yeah, it’s kind of creepy.” It was unclear whose bed Paris was referring to since it was an isolated clip played without context.

Putnam asked her why her father didn’t just make the nanny stay away. “He sent her to India to get some stuff,” Paris said. “She kept coming back.”

The AEG Live defense team apparently played the video to counter Chase’s testimony about Rwaramba, who is expected to be a key Jackson witness later in the trial.

Chase, in testimony Wednesday, suggested that Paris’ account of Rwaramba was influenced by her feeling of abandonment caused by the nanny’s departure from her life just before her father’s death.

“The children felt abandoned,” Chase said. “They weren’t happy.”

“This was the mother they knew,” Chase said of Rwaramba. “She was there when they were born.”

Rwaramba is back in her life in recent weeks following Paris’ hospitalization, she said.

“She’s turned to her grandmother,” Chase said. “She’s turned to Grace and her biological mother, Debbie Rowe.”

Paris’ ‘Daddy days’

“Being Daddy’s little girl, she was devastated, devastated and lost,” said Chase, who was with Paris every day until her attempted suicide on June 4, 2013. “She’s looking, for there was so much love between her and her father. She’s lost. She’s searching. She’s sad.”

The “entire household” is worried about how Paris is dealing with the loss of her father four years ago, Chase said.

“Every girl needs their father,” she said. “I would be devastated, too, if that happened to me.”

Paris “breaks down, she cries,” Chase said. “She talks about him.”

“She’s trying to find herself, trying to find who she is and it’s taking a lot of love and understanding to keep her together,” she said.

Chase told jurors about a very happy day for Paris — her 11th birthday party in April 2009. Her father told the children they could eat whatever they wanted, which was a rare treat for them. Cheese pizza, hot wings and banana splits were on the menu, she said.

The dining room was decorated with Michael Jackson posters and album covers, while his music was played “because this is what she wanted for her 11th birthday,” Chase testified. “She was just ecstatic.”

“Just when you thought that was enough, he took his children to the backyard for a Cirque du Soleil-type performance for her,” she said. Men on stilts, a woman inside a big balloon and circus acts “brought tears to my eyes … It was the most beautiful expression of love I’ve ever seen.”

“Paris hasn’t had a birthday party since,” Chase said. “She doesn’t want one.”

Paris “remembers the Daddy days and her birthday,” she said.

See also: Judge overseeing Jackson trial orders investigation into Paris Jackson incident

Prince’s testimony

Prince Jackson, 16, also made a brief video appearance in Tuesday’s court session. AEG Live lawyers played a short clip from his deposition to counter Chase’s testimony that Jackson was so weak at one point in June that his son, then 12, had to help him walk up stairs.

“Was there ever a time that he came home from rehearsals so tired that you had to help him upstairs?” Putnam asked Prince.

“I wouldn’t be able to, but no,” Prince answered.

Chase testified about Prince’s relationship with his father and the devastation his death caused.

“Prince has always been, even at 12, the little man — daddy’s little man,” she said. “He wanted his father to be very proud of him, which Michael was.”

The teen has “the weight of the world is on his shoulders, the eldest, big brother and father figure to his siblings,” Chase testified. “It’s a lot for him, growing, liking girls. He wishes his father was here to give him advice. It’s devastating to him.”

Blanket’s ‘dance moves like his father’

Blanket, who was 7 when his father died, is now 11 and a fifth-grade graduate of his home school. “l keep thinking he’s older because he’s so smart,” Chase said.

“As the littlest, he has his older siblings to protect him, but I still think the youngest child will be the most affected,” she testified. “Being the baby, it’s a lot of remembering what daddy did, and it’s constant nonstop talking of him and his father’s relationship together.”

Like Prince and Paris, Blanket is “feeling a little lost as well,” Chase said.

He has to dress up each day, even though he is taught by a tutor at the family’s Calabasas, California, home. But he can wear what he wants on Fridays — which usually is a T-shirt from the Cirque du Soleil “Immortal” show based on his father’s music, Chase said. “He wears it constantly.”

“He does dance moves like his father,” she testified.

Gallery: Michael Jackson, King of Pop

My ‘junior clients’

Michael Jackson hired Chase as his family’s chef without meeting her — based on the recommendation of Prince, Paris and Blanket, she testified.

She first met with her “junior clients” in the kitchen of the rented Los Angeles mansion where they were living while Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts.

The interview involved a discussion of “everything from food to video games,” she said. “They wanted to make sure I knew healthy food.”

“‘We eat healthy,” Chase said the children told her. “We don’t eat any beef or pork. Daddy likes apricots, we like fruit and Blanket likes mangoes.”

“It just felt like this was a place I needed to be,” Chase said. “It was a beautiful beginning.”

Dining with Daddy

Meals were “their time to bond,” Chase said. “This was his time with them privately.”

Chase — a graduate of the Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in Paris — would set the table with a different theme for each lunch, featuring recipes from different countries, so the children would learn something while eating.

“One day we would have east Indian food,” she said. “We would discuss what part of India we were eating from.”

The children looked forward to “comfort food Saturdays” — which might include fried chicken — to break up the monotony of healthy eating, she said.

Michael Jackson was “very much into Mexican” and his favorite meal was vegan tacos, she said. The Jackson lawyers showed jurors a photo of the dish Tuesday.

April: ‘A good feeling of love’

Music echoing through the Carolwood Drive mansion was a mix of Disney, Rolling Stones, David Bowie and classical, Chase said. Fireplaces stayed burning despite the warm temperatures outside. “It was a good feeling,” Chase testified.

Animals roaming through the home included a chocolate lab named Kenya, cats Katie and Thriller, a rabbit and a talking bird who would “whistle when pretty girls go by,” Chase said.

Prince had a pet rat he carried around, while Paris would host tea parties in her backyard doll house for the animals. The dog would jump in the pool with the kids when they swam on Saturdays, Chase said.

The children would “run to him like lighting” when their father came home from a rehearsal,” she said. “They would hang on him. It would bring tears to my eyes.”

Jackson would play games with the children and read to them at the end of the day, she said. “His personality with his children was warm and loving.”

Jackson was “a disciplinarian when it was needed,” she said. The children had to be in bed at a certain time and school started on schedule.

Gallery: All in the Jackson family

Snail Farming

Jackson made sure school work was “interactive” for his children, including one science project for Paris that involved a night time hunt for snails, Chase said.

“So far we have a daddy snail, but we don’t have a mommy and a baby snail,” Paris told Chase one evening. That triggered a snail hunt around the mansion grounds, she said.

“I didn’t know how he would feel about his daughter and me out snail hunting at night,” she said, “but he was fine.”

Jackson joined them in constructing a snail farm in glass vases on the kitchen counter.

‘Box of Happiness’

After working for Jackson in March and April, Chase was suddenly dismissed in May because of what Jackson’s assistant told her was “a change of management.” She was not allowed to say good bye to the children, she said.

The assistant called her back a month later and asked her to return to the job, which she did. But this time, her paychecks would be cut by AEG Live, she was told.

Paris greeted her return with a gift. It was a shoe box filled with stuffed animals and coloring books she called a “Box of Happiness.”

Paris learned “giving” from her father, she said.

“She’d go get clothing maybe she wasn’t wearing anymore and she would cut them to make them into little skirts and hand sew them,” Chase said.

“I’m making these little skirts that I’m going to put in a box and ship overseas to others that aren’t as privileged,” she said Paris told her.

Empty pantry, declined credit

The happy home she left in April was changed when she returned in June, Chase said. It was three weeks before Jackson died there.

“The kitchen pantry was bare, and the only things in the refrigerator were Coca-Colas, Red Bull and Starbuck’s coffee drinks, which I know Mr. Jackson was not drinking,” the chef said.

When Chase went to the grocery store to stock up the Jackson credit card was declined, she said.

Jackson himself “looked very different,” she said. “He appeared very weak. He looked thinner, undernourished.”

The “obvious difference” in Jackson from April to June “concerned me greatly,” Chase said.

“He came to me and pulled me to the side and said ‘Where have you gone? I had no idea you left. I need you to keep me healthy. I’m working hard. They’re killing me,’” she testified.

“He told me ‘I need you to keep me healthy. I don’t know why you left. I need you to keep me and my children healthy.’ I looked at him with great concern,” she said. “When he said that … I thought he was being overworked. He was over rehearsed.”

Jackson was excited that she would again be feeding him, she said.

“I knew I had to get this man as healthy as a possible, but I did not know why he was deteriorating,” she said.

Another change she witnessed in June was the presence of Dr. Conrad Murray. He paid some visits in April, but he was there almost every day in June, she said. The doctor would bring empty oxygen tanks from Jackson’s upstairs bedroom each morning.

“I was concerned,” Chase testified. “I had no idea what they were used for. I didn’t ask, but it was strange.”

The world would later learn that Murray was using oxygen when he administered propofol each night to put Jackson to sleep.

‘A loud crash’

The Jackson lawsuit alleges that AEG Live executives, including CEO Randy Phillips and Co-CEO Paul Gongaware, pressured Murray to have Jackson at more rehearsals. They cite a meeting they believe was held at Jackson’s home around the second week of June as evidence.

Jackson, wearing a surgical mask and covered by several layers of clothing, appeared “scared and frightened” as he walked down his stairs to join Phillips, Gongaware, Dr. Murray and his manager Frank Dileo for the meeting in his parlor, Chase said.

“I immediately heard a loud crash,” she testified. A “very, very expensive vase” sitting next to Jackson’s chair was smashed.

Jackson “seemed very firm with them,” she said. The judge would not let her tell jurors what she heard him saying to the AEG Live executives. But there were “loud voices” and everyone was talking over each other,” she said.

Jackson left the meeting, followed by Dr. Murray, who seemed “very upset,” she said.

“I can’t take this s–t,” Murray said, according to Chase.

When she saw Jackson later, he seemed to have “the weight of the world on his shoulders,” she said. He was “concerned, frightened and scared; a lot of those emotions.”

Watch: Michael Jackson’s attorney talks about the singer’s health

The day he died

Chase has publicly recounted several times the events at the house the day Michael Jackson died, including in interviews and testimony in Murray’s criminal trial. She described it again Tuesday for jurors in the civil trial.

Murray “was panicked” as he screamed for Chase to call Prince and the security guard to go upstairs to help him.

“Hurry Dr. Murray needs you,” she said she told Prince, who was playing in the den. “There may be something wrong with your father.”

She returned to her lunch preparations, failing to alert the security guard in the shack near the kitchen door. Murray never asked her to call 911 for an ambulance.

Chase realized there was a grave problem when the housekeepers began crying “Mr. Jackson may be dead,” she said. “You could feel the energy in the house was changing.”

Prince screamed “Daddy” and Paris screamed a “blood curdling, out of her mind ‘Daddy!’”

“I grabbed them and held their hands and said ‘Let’s pray. Father God, please let nothing be wrong with this man.’”

Paramedics were soon running up the the stairs. Head of security Alberto Alvarez asked Chase to leave the house. “He’ll be fine,” Alvarez told her.

Paris tried to reach her father as paramedics and Dr. Murray worked to resuscitate him up the stairs, she said.

“We were literally pulling her by her ankles down the stairs as she was trying to go back up, screaming ‘Daddy, Daddy, Daddy!’”

Chase did not see the Jackson children until she was allowed to visit with them weeks later, she said. Katherine Jackson hired her as her family chef last July at the request of Prince, Paris and Blanket.

Watch: Michael Jackson from 2001-2009


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Why Taliban would talk now

(CNN) — As is so often the case in Afghanistan, turmoil and confusion have clouded this week’s announcement of peace talks involving the United States and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar.

CNN senior international correspondent Nic Robertson explains what’s happening, and why.

What are we talking about?

The Taliban have opened an office in Qatar with an eye toward beginning talks there with Afghan and U.S. officials to end the fighting in Afghanistan. U.S. officials are expected to meet Thursday with Taliban representatives in Doha, but Afghanistan said Wednesday it won’t participate.

What’s gone wrong?


Afghan Taliban to meet with U.S., Karzai


Uncertainty marks Afghan handover

Afghan President Hamid Karzai is upset about how the Taliban portrayed themselves in opening their Qatar office, and he feels there’s a rush to talks. He wants to be in control the peace process, and he isn’t.

So he’s pulled his delegation to the Doha talks and backed out of direct discussions with the United States about what happens after 2014, when NATO withdraws from Afghanistan.

Taliban talks announced

Who’s saying what?

Karzai says there are “contradictions between acts and statements of the U.S. in regard to the peace process.” He says that the Taliban are emphasizing a continuation of the fighting and that “foreign powers” — read Pakistan — “are behind the opening of the Taliban office” in Qatar.

The Taliban, which angered Afghan officials by flying their flag and provocatively calling themselves the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, say they’re “fighting to bring an end to the occupation” by NATO forces.

Is the peace process over?

It’s unlikely — everyone has something to gain from a successful negotiation. The United States would get a dignified exit for most of its forces and an agreement on a long-term presence in Afghanistan. Karzai would get the legacy he craves as a peacemaker, and the Taliban would get a say in how the country is run.

President Barack Obama said we should expect “bumps in the road” and warned that this would be “a difficult process.” And this is not the first time Karzai has stalled things.

But this is not a good start. Compromise seems to be in short supply.

What about the killing of 4 U.S. soldiers by the Taliban?

It is worrying that this came hours after the Taliban statement Tuesday. Is it coincidence or backlash? Some Taliban field commanders are unhappy with their representatives in Qatar, and behind the scenes, those close to the Taliban fear an uptick in violence near Kabul.

There’s a risk that hard-liners will undermine leaders they don’t trust in these talks. That’s true in most peace negotiations. Some think representatives in Qatar will do Pakistan’s bidding and want out of the fight now. Others may fight long after the majority agrees to peace.

Is there a grand bargain to be had?

International representatives close to the process in the past have told me not to rule it out. A bargain, where the Taliban accept U.S. bases in Afghanistan beyond the 2014 pullout date and where they agree not to attack them, is possible. The same people also say don’t hold your breath, this has been a long time coming.

What are the demands?

The Taliban must renounce al Qaeda. In the past, the Taliban have demanded that all foreign troops leave the country and have asked for specific percentages of representation in the Afghan political and military structures. They also want their prisoners released from U.S.-controlled detention.

Taliban officials have said in the past that theirs is a national struggle and that al Qaeda has an international agenda. However, they would take support where they could get it. The demand to renounce al Qaeda has been made to the Taliban since their first tentative “talks” in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in 2008.

Which Taliban are we talking about?

The Taliban of Mullah Omar, the Afghan leader or the Emir of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan before September 2001. His right-hand man, Tayyab Agha, heads the Taliban mission in Qatar. Other principal Taliban and Afghan opposition factions include the Haqqani faction, the TTP or Pakistani Mehsud faction and the Hekmatyar faction in the North East.

Those close to Mullah Omar’s Taliban say the vast majority of Taliban support him.

International representatives close to the process say that while that may be true, powerful groups like the Haqqanis could continue an insurgency even if Mullah Omar makes peace with Kabul.

Why would the Taliban talk now?

The civil war that the Taliban had all but won in 2001 has gone into remission with the presence of international forces. If the Taliban were to fight for the whole country again, they may not do so well.

The civil war bubbles beneath the surface, and should it resurface, the former northern warlords who have profited from the U.S. presence would make a Taliban fight for supremacy much harder. In short, they may get a better deal at the table than on the battlefield.

Why has it taken so much time to get talks going?

Karzai on several occasions felt bypassed by backdoor U.S. conversations with the Taliban in Qatar. He reportedly blocked progress. The Taliban also walked out on talks when Taliban prisoners at the U.S. base in Guantanamo Bay were not released as they had expected.

Where is Mullah Omar, and why’s that important?

He is widely believed to be in Pakistan, unable to move freely without Pakistan’s approval. That’s what his supporters believe, although Pakistan has denied it. Pakistan wants a say in Afghanistan’s future. If Afghanistan drifted toward Pakistan’s archenemy India, its sphere of influence would be upset.

What influence will Pakistan have on the talks?

Agha, Mullah Omar’s representative, could not have established an office in Qatar and be in a position to talk to Afghans and Americans without Pakistan’s permission. That’s the understanding of some in the Taliban, at least.

Karzai and U.S. officials have long accused Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, of supporting the Taliban in Afghanistan. The ISI denies that.

What hiccups can we expect?

Karzai says the next talks must be in Afghanistan. That is unlikely to sit well with Pakistan.

But just to get to this point has been very difficult. For the talks to work, all sides will need to be committed.


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New details revealed on royal baby birth plans


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On June 21, 1982, almost 31 years ago, Prince William was born. Prince Charles and Princess Diana are shown leaving the Lindo Wing, at St. Mary's Hospital in London. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, plans to give birth to her baby at the same hospital.On June 21, 1982, almost 31 years ago, Prince William was born. Prince Charles and Princess Diana are shown leaving the Lindo Wing, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, plans to give birth to her baby at the same hospital.

On display at the main gates of Buckingham Palace in London is the announcement that Diana gave birth to a son, William, at 9.03 p.m. on June 21, 1982. Charles was with her at St. Mary's Hospital for the birth of their first child, who weighed 7lbs 1.5 ozs and had blue eyes.!-- --/brOn display at the main gates of Buckingham Palace in London is the announcement that Diana gave birth to a son, William, at 9.03 p.m. on June 21, 1982. Charles was with her at St. Mary’s Hospital for the birth of their first child, who weighed 7lbs 1.5 ozs and had blue eyes.

Charles and Diana are photographed on September 16, 1984, following the birth of their second son, Prince Harry, at St. Mary's Hospital.Charles and Diana are photographed on September 16, 1984, following the birth of their second son, Prince Harry, at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Catherine attends a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013.Catherine attends a garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace hosted by Queen Elizabeth II on May 22, 2013.

William and Catherine arrive for a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 4, 2013.William and Catherine arrive for a service of celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 4, 2013.

President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew escorts Catherine stands next to an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson after a ship's naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton. This was Catherine's final public appearance before she gives birth.President and CEO of Princess Cruises Alan Buckelew escorts Catherine stands next to an image taken of herself by Getty photographer Chris Jackson after a ship’s naming ceremony at Ocean Terminal on June 13, 2013 in Southampton. This was Catherine’s final public appearance before she gives birth.

Catherine is photographed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Color Ceremony on June 15, 2013 in London.Catherine is photographed on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Color Ceremony on June 15, 2013 in London.


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London (CNN) — Prince William’s wife, Catherine, plans to give birth to their first baby in the same hospital wing where her husband was born to Diana, Princess of Wales, almost 31 years ago, sources familiar with the plans said Wednesday.

The first details of the protocol surrounding the announcement of the birth were revealed as the Duchess of Cambridge enters the final weeks of her pregnancy.

The baby — which, regardless of gender, will be heir to the British throne — is expected to arrive in mid-July.

According to sources familiar with the plans, the birth will take place in the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London.

The first indication that the baby is on its way will be the announcement to the media that the Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to the hospital in the early stages of labor, royal sources told CNN.


Duchess’ last solo event before baby


Did she let a royal secret slip?


Royal baby bump pics: Right or wrong?

The next public announcement is expected to be that of the birth.

It will be made in the form of a formal bulletin, signed by medical staff and rushed in a car with a police escort to Buckingham Palace.

There, the notice will be placed on an easel on the palace forecourt, the royal sources said. This will be the first chance for the nation and those watching around the world to find out whether the new baby is a boy or a girl.

William and Catherine don’t know the sex of their baby and want to keep the surprise until it’s born, the royal sources said. William’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and other members of both families will be told of the birth before the public knows.

The next announcement will be that the Duchess of Cambridge and her baby are to be discharged from the hospital.

People are already laying bets on what the newest member of the royal family will be named.

Alexandra appears to be the favorite for a girl, with George the favored name for a boy, according to UK betting websites. Diana, Elizabeth and Victoria are also popular choices with punters.

The baby will be third in line to the throne after Prince Charles and Prince William.

Paternity leave

The royal couple will probably present their baby to the world on the same doorstep where a proud Diana and Prince Charles showed off William in 1982.

It’s not yet been disclosed where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge plan to spend the days and weeks following the birth, the royal sources said.

William, who will turn 31 on Friday, is expected to be given the usual paternity leave of two weeks by the Ministry of Defence, the royal sources said. He will then return to his job as a helicopter search and rescue pilot.

The revelation of the birth details may be cause for some anxiety, given the tragedy that followed Catherine’s hospitalization late last year for acute morning sickness.

In that instance, a prank call by an Australian radio station to nursing staff at King Edward VII’s Hospital, which sparked a media frenzy after details of Catherine’s care were revealed, resulted in a nurse’s suicide.

“We would appeal to all members of the media for an appropriate degree of sensitivity, dignity and privacy in their reporting,” a royal source said.

“With the events of the King Edward Hospital still strong in our memories, we would expect any media covering the Duchess of Cambridge’s hospitalization to ensure that the normal functions of the hospital are not impeded by any media presence.”

Champagne on ice?

According to the Lindo Wing website, it has been offering private obstetric and neonatal care for mothers and babies since 1937.

The private wing operates alongside the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which is part of the National Health Service.

“Over the years, we have gained an international reputation for clinical excellence in both obstetric and neonatal medicine which has made us the choice for thousands of mothers. But what really sets us apart is the discreet, traditional, individualised service we provide,” the Lindo Wing’s online brochure says.

According to the prices listed, a stay in the Lindo Wing doesn’t come cheap by comparison with National Health Service care, which is free at the point of delivery.

However, the mother can stay in a room with its own bath or private suite, with a range of facilities and services offered. Among them is “a comprehensive wine list should you wish to enjoy a glass of champagne and toast your baby’s arrival.”

The care package for the first 24 hours with a normal delivery starts at £4,965 ($7,777), with the price increasing for a larger room or suite, or if a forceps delivery or caesarean section is needed. An additional night’s stay costs £900 ($1,400) or more on top of that price.

Pregnant Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, names cruise ship

Magazine defends photos of pregnant, bikini-clad Duchess of Cambridge


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Privacy glasses screw with facial recognition systems

Privacy glasses

They may not be stylin’, but they are a privacy enhancement.


(Credit:
National Institute of Informatics)

Foiling facial recognition systems that identify people based on photographs may be as simple as wearing a special set of glasses equipped with near-infrared LEDs powered by a battery pack. The LEDs are arranged around the nose and eyes. The human eye can’t pick up the near-infrared, but a camera sees it as bright light, enough to obscure the face and confuse facial recognition software.

Researchers with the National Institute of Informatics and Kogakuin University in Japan developed the special privacy visor to counteract photographs and facial recognition software that could invade privacy. Details on the glasses were released late last year, but a prototype got a public showing at a recent open house.

In their current form, the glasses aren’t exactly high-fashion. They look more like safety goggles created for some long-lost retro “Tron” fan-movie and would make quite a stunning statement if paired with an anti-drone hoodie or burqa.

Though there’s been no word on when the glasses could see commercialization, eventually this technology could be shrunken down into a better-looking and more portable package. Still, the concept isn’t perfect. Some cameras aren’t affected by the near-infrared light, so the researchers are also looking into reflective material that could have a similar effect. The ultimate solution may involve a combination of technologies working together for privacy.

(Via DigInfo TV)

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Snapcat: Because cats like selfies too?


(Credit:
Snapcat)

“O brave new world, that has such felines in it!”

Does your cat feel that a lack of opposable thumbs is seriously hindering its ability to be beautiful on the Internet? Never fear; Snapcat is here!

The Android app is designed to let cats snap photos of themselves with their own paws. Following the principle of cats’ fascination with laser pointers, it shows a dancing dot on your phone’s screen. When your cat goes to bat at the dot, the touch of its paw fires off a picture from the front-facing camera.

Look at me!


(Credit:
Snapcat)

It works, but its design leaves something to be desired. To look at the photos your cat has snapped, you have to press the volume button on your phone. From there, the only option is “share”; tapping that leads you to an editing page, where you can pretty up the photo using Aviary tools before sending it out to social networks.

It should be noted that there’s no option to delete the photos, but force-quitting and restarting the app seems to get rid of them. It should also be noted that the photos do not appear anywhere in your phone’s gallery.

Then, when you finally go to share it, the app takes you directly to the EyeEm social-network page, with no option to post elsewhere, even though the app’s description claims that you can post images to both Facebook and Twitter.

We have to admit that we like the idea. Implementation, on the other hand, needs a lot of work. It’s free, so by all means download it and give it a go. However, until the app can clean itself up a bit, we’ll have to recommend just continuing taking pet pictures yourself.

As you were.

(Source: Crave Australia)

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Arrests in U.S. ‘subhuman slavery’ case

Editor’s note: For more information on this story, check out CNN affiliates WKYC, WOIO and WJW.

(CNN) — A mentally disabled woman and her daughter were held in an Ohio apartment crowded with people and animals for more than a year, forced to perform manual labor and threatened with dogs and snakes to keep them compliant, authorities said Tuesday.

Federal prosecutors said the people accused of holding the pair in Ashland, about 60 miles south of Cleveland, collected the woman’s government benefits and beat her in order to get painkillers for themselves. They kept her in a room with a free-ranging iguana and ordered her to feed the reptile fruits and vegetables her daughter was denied, according to court papers. Sometimes their captors’ pit bulls got table food while they had to eat from cans, according to an arrest affidavit quoting witnesses.

“The living conditions were simply subhuman,” said Steven Dettelbach, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“(We’re) talking about people who were locked in rooms, forced to work all the time, people who were threatened and beaten and injured, people who were exploited, people who had their money and benefits stolen, sort of used as pawns to get drugs,” he told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “And the worst part of all this is, you know, they tried to rob the victims of their basic human dignity. So almost everything they did was to prey on them, prey on their vulnerabilities and exploit them.”

The mother and daughter were sometimes forced to eat dog food, according to a law enforcement source with firsthand knowledge of the investigation.

They were also frequently denied access to the bathroom, FBI Special Agent Eric Smith told reporters.


Suspect’s mother: None of this happened


Feds charge 3 in Ohio captivity case

“They were physically punished for toiletry accidents,” he said, “and they were threatened not only with weapons but also with vicious animals, to include pit bulls and pythons.”

Family and attorney deny accusations

Three people — 26-year-old Jordie Callahan, 31-year-old Jessica Hunt and 33-year-old Daniel Brown — were arrested and charged with forced labor. Callahan is facing an additional count of witness tampering, and another arrest could come soon, the U.S. attorney’s office in Cleveland said.

Callahan’s mother, Becky, told CNN’s Piers Morgan that the accusations are false, and that the alleged victim was allowed to leave the apartment whenever she wanted.

“There are so many lies going on,” she said, accusing investigators of trumping up the case to draw attention to the small city of Ashland.

“She was giving them a couple hundred dollars a month for staying there. She was getting her own food. She wasn’t being starved,” Callahan’s mother said.

Her son, she said, is devastated by the accusations.

“He’s devastated that all of this is being said about them. They have some pit bulls and snakes, so they are making them out to be evil because they have that,” she said. “He loves reptiles. He always has since he was a kid.”

An attorney for Callahan told CNN affiliate WOIO that the allegations are ludicrous.

“She had opportunities to leave. She left several times and came back. So this was a mutual arrangement for her,” Attorney Andy Hyde told WOIO. “I don’t like that the federal prosecutors held a press conference to pat themselves on the back.”

Attorneys representing Hunt and Brown could not be immediately reached by CNN for comment.

Prosecutor: ‘They treated her worse than they treated the animals’

But a criminal complaint filed this week alleges that the mother and her daughter were padlocked inside the bedroom they shared.


 


“These individuals in this case preyed upon a human being’s disability and her desire to protect her child, the most fundamental of human traits,” Dettelbach said. The suspects “used that to force her into servitude, to work like an animal, and indeed, as the complaint alleges, they treated her worse than they treated the animals that were in that house.”

Hunt and Callahan are a couple but are not married, FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson said. Brown was a friend of theirs, she said.

Before they were allegedly forced into servitude for two years, the victims knew their alleged captors, the law enforcement source said.

The woman was identified in court papers only as “S.E.” Investigators stated Callahan and Hunt persuaded her to move into the apartment they shared with Hunt’s four sons and “numerous” animals, knowing she “suffered from a cognitive disability and received monthly public assistance payments.”

That was in May 2011. Her plight came to the attention of authorities in October 2012, when she was arrested for trying to steal a candy bar from a store. Then she was arrested on a state child-welfare charge as part of the case, Ashland Police Chief David Marcelli said.

“The officers that took that complaint detected that there was other issues aside from the shoplifting,” Marcelli said. He said officers had had “numerous involvements” with the people involved, “and in the course of interviewing her, they discovered the rest of these facts slowly.”

According to prosecutors, Callahan showed police a mobile-phone video of S.E. beating her child. S.E. told police that she had been told to do so by Callahan and Hunt and that Callahan threatened to show police the video if she “messed up” or went to authorities.

S.E. was released from jail in February after being sentenced to time served on the abuse charge, and her daughter is now in foster care, said Michael Tobin, a spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office.

Once the full picture emerged, Ashland police called in the FBI, “and shortly after, the suspects were indicted,” Marcelli said.

‘All of us…need to work on being better neighbors’

Callahan and Hunt kept tabs on the woman and child with a baby monitor, with Hunt taking the woman’s government benefit cards, authorities said.

“Callahan and Hunt forced S.E. to clean the house, do laundry, walk to the store to do their shopping and care for their numerous pit bulls and reptiles,” the prosecution statement said. Her child was kept in the apartment when she was sent to the store, they said.

Tuesday’s announcement comes more than a month after the rescue of three women from a Cleveland home where police said a man had held them captive for about a decade.

Authorities believe there is no connection between the Ashland investigation and that case, the law enforcement source said.

Dettelbach, the federal prosecutor, said Tuesday’s arrests are part of a broader push to crack down on what he called “modern-day slavery.”

“We need your help in these efforts. Law enforcement cannot do it alone. All of us in the northern district of Ohio need to work on being better neighbors,” he said. “We need to ask questions, hard questions, when we see something that doesn’t look right. We need to not be afraid to pick up the phone and to call law enforcement. We need to not be afraid to ask those simple questions — is everything OK? Is there some way I can help you? As Ohioans and as Americans, that is who we are, and it is our duty. “

CNN’s Carol Cratty and Pamela Brown contributed to this report.


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Paris Jackson ‘lost’ after dad’s death

Los Angeles (CNN) — Paris and Prince Jackson made their first appearances Tuesday in the wrongful death trial against their father’s last concert promoter.

AEG Live lawyers played short video clips from the depositions of Michael Jackson’s oldest children in court to counter testimony from their chef.

Kai Chase, who cooked for the singer and his three children in the last months of his life, described what she said was Jackson’s physical deterioration just before his death.

Jackson was strong, healthy and active in April, but was so weak by June that Prince, then 12, had to help his father walk up stairs, Chase testified.

Chase also repeated the testimony she gave in the criminal trial of Dr. Conrad Murray about the day Jackson died.


Paris Jackson’s ‘cry for help’

Randy Phillips: He's president of AEG Live, the concert promoter that contracted with Michael Jackson for his This Is It comeback shows set to start in London in July 2009. The Jackson lawsuit says Phillips supervised Dr. Conrad Murray's treatment of Jackson in the weeks before his death, making the company liable for damages. E-mails between Phillips and other executives showed they were worried about Jackson's missed rehearsals and sought Murray's help getting him ready.Randy Phillips: He’s president of AEG Live, the concert promoter that contracted with Michael Jackson for his “This Is It” comeback shows set to start in London in July 2009. The Jackson lawsuit says Phillips supervised Dr. Conrad Murray’s treatment of Jackson in the weeks before his death, making the company liable for damages. E-mails between Phillips and other executives showed they were worried about Jackson’s missed rehearsals and sought Murray’s help getting him ready.

Katherine Jackson: Michael's mother, 82, was deposed for nine hours over three days by AEG Live lawyers. As the guardian of her son's three children, she is a plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit against the company that promoted Michael Jackson's comeback concerts.Katherine Jackson: Michael’s mother, 82, was deposed for nine hours over three days by AEG Live lawyers. As the guardian of her son’s three children, she is a plaintiff in the wrongful death lawsuit against the company that promoted Michael Jackson’s comeback concerts.

Prince Jackson: Michael's oldest son is considered a key witness in the Jacksons' case against AEG Live, since he is expected to testify about what his father told him about the concert promoter in the last days of his life. Prince, who turned 16 in February, is becoming more independent -- he now has a driver's license and jobs.Prince Jackson: Michael’s oldest son is considered a key witness in the Jacksons’ case against AEG Live, since he is expected to testify about what his father told him about the concert promoter in the last days of his life. Prince, who turned 16 in February, is becoming more independent — he now has a driver’s license and jobs.

Paris Jackson: Michael's daughter, who turned 15 on April 3, is on the list of witnesses and was questioned by AEG Live lawyers for several hours on March 21 about her father's death. Paris is an outspoken teen who often posts messages to her 1 million-plus Twitter followers.Paris Jackson: Michael’s daughter, who turned 15 on April 3, is on the list of witnesses and was questioned by AEG Live lawyers for several hours on March 21 about her father’s death. Paris is an outspoken teen who often posts messages to her 1 million-plus Twitter followers.

Blanket Jackson: Although AEG Live asked the judge to order Blanket, 11, to sit for a deposition, and he is one of the four plaintiffs suing them, Michael's youngest son will not be a witness in the trial. His doctor submitted a note to the court saying it would be medically detrimental to the child.Blanket Jackson: Although AEG Live asked the judge to order Blanket, 11, to sit for a deposition, and he is one of the four plaintiffs suing them, Michael’s youngest son will not be a witness in the trial. His doctor submitted a note to the court saying it would be “medically detrimental” to the child.

Kevin Boyle: The Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is leading the Jackson team of at least six attorneys in the wrongful death suit against AEG Live. One of his notable cases was a large settlement with Boeing on behalf of two soldiers injured when their helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in Iraq.Kevin Boyle: The Los Angeles personal injury lawyer is leading the Jackson team of at least six attorneys in the wrongful death suit against AEG Live. One of his notable cases was a large settlement with Boeing on behalf of two soldiers injured when their helicopter malfunctioned and crashed in Iraq.

Perry Sanders, Jr.: Katherine Jackson's personal lawyer is helping steer the Jackson matriarch through her relations with her son's estate, probate court and the wrongful death suit. He is also known for representing the family of Biggie Smalls in their suit against the city of Los Angeles over the rapper's death investigation.Perry Sanders, Jr.: Katherine Jackson’s personal lawyer is helping steer the Jackson matriarch through her relations with her son’s estate, probate court and the wrongful death suit. He is also known for representing the family of Biggie Smalls in their suit against the city of Los Angeles over the rapper’s death investigation.

Marvin Putnam: He's the lead lawyer for AEG Live, defending against the wrongful death suit. The primary focus of his legal practice is media in defense of their First Amendment rights, according to his official biography.Marvin Putnam: He’s the lead lawyer for AEG Live, defending against the wrongful death suit. The primary focus of his legal practice is “media in defense of their First Amendment rights,” according to his official biography.

Philip Anschutz: The billionaire owner of AEG, parent company of AEG Live, is on the Jacksons' witness list. He is the force behind the effort to build a football stadium in downtown Los Angeles to lure a National Football League team to the city. He recently pulled his company off the market after trying to sell it for $8 billion.Philip Anschutz: The billionaire owner of AEG, parent company of AEG Live, is on the Jacksons’ witness list. He is the force behind the effort to build a football stadium in downtown Los Angeles to lure a National Football League team to the city. He recently pulled his company off the market after trying to sell it for $8 billion.

Tim Leiweke: He was recently fired as AEG's president as Philip Anschutz announced he was taking a more active role in the company. The Jackson lawyers say Leiweke's e-mail exchanges with executives under him concerning Michael Jackson's health are important evidence in their case.Tim Leiweke: He was recently fired as AEG’s president as Philip Anschutz announced he was taking a more active role in the company. The Jackson lawyers say Leiweke’s e-mail exchanges with executives under him concerning Michael Jackson’s health are important evidence in their case.

Joe Jackson: Michael's father, 84, is on the witness list for the trial and may testify. The Jackson family patriarch, who lives in Las Vegas separately from his wife, has suffered several ministrokes in the last year, which some close to him say have affected him.Joe Jackson: Michael’s father, 84, is on the witness list for the trial and may testify. The Jackson family patriarch, who lives in Las Vegas separately from his wife, has suffered several ministrokes in the last year, which some close to him say have affected him.

Paul Gongaware: The AEG Live co-CEO worked closely with Michael Jackson as he prepared for his comeback concerts. He testified at Dr. Conrad Murray's criminal trial that he contacted the physician and negotiated his hiring at the request of Jackson. AEG lawyers say it was Jackson who chose, hired and supervised Murray. Gongaware knew Jackson well, having been tour manager for the singer in previous years.Paul Gongaware: The AEG Live co-CEO worked closely with Michael Jackson as he prepared for his comeback concerts. He testified at Dr. Conrad Murray’s criminal trial that he contacted the physician and negotiated his hiring at the request of Jackson. AEG lawyers say it was Jackson who chose, hired and supervised Murray. Gongaware knew Jackson well, having been tour manager for the singer in previous years.

Kenny Ortega: He was chosen by Michael Jackson and AEG Live to direct and choreograph the This Is It shows. Ortega, who choreographed for Jackson's Dangerous and HIStory tours, testified at Dr. Conrad Murray's criminal trial that Jackson was frail at a rehearsal days before his death.Kenny Ortega: He was chosen by Michael Jackson and AEG Live to direct and choreograph the “This Is It” shows. Ortega, who choreographed for Jackson’s “Dangerous” and “HIStory” tours, testified at Dr. Conrad Murray’s criminal trial that “Jackson was frail” at a rehearsal days before his death.

Dr. Conrad Murray: He was Michael Jackson's personal physician in the two months before his death, giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic that the coroner ruled led to his death. Murray, who is appealing his involuntary manslaughter conviction, has sworn that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination and refused to testify in the civil trial. There is a chance that Murray will be brought into court from jail to testify outside the presence of the jury to allow the judge to determine if he would be ordered to testify.Dr. Conrad Murray: He was Michael Jackson’s personal physician in the two months before his death, giving him nightly infusions of the surgical anesthetic that the coroner ruled led to his death. Murray, who is appealing his involuntary manslaughter conviction, has sworn that he would invoke his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination and refused to testify in the civil trial. There is a chance that Murray will be brought into court from jail to testify outside the presence of the jury to allow the judge to determine if he would be ordered to testify.

John Branca: He's one of two executors of Michael Jackson's estate. Branca was Jackson's lawyer until about seven years before his death. He said Jackson rehired him just weeks before he died.John Branca: He’s one of two executors of Michael Jackson’s estate. Branca was Jackson’s lawyer until about seven years before his death. He said Jackson rehired him just weeks before he died.


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Who's who in Jackson trialWho’s who in Jackson trial

Paris Jackson made headlines recently when she was rushed to the hospital after she reportedly cut one of her wrists. Jackson is the second child of famed singer Michael Jackson and Deborah Jeanne Rowe. Click through to see more of the Jackson family tree.Paris Jackson made headlines recently when she was rushed to the hospital after she reportedly cut one of her wrists. Jackson is the second child of famed singer Michael Jackson and Deborah Jeanne Rowe. Click through to see more of the Jackson family tree.

Katherine Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family. Here she attends the hand and footprint ceremony for son Michael at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in January 2012 in Los Angeles.Katherine Jackson is the matriarch of the Jackson family. Here she attends the hand and footprint ceremony for son Michael at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in January 2012 in Los Angeles.

Joseph Walker Joe Jackson is the patriarch of the Jackson family. He's pictured at a March 2011 press conference in Madrid, Spain.Joseph Walker “Joe” Jackson is the patriarch of the Jackson family. He’s pictured at a March 2011 press conference in Madrid, Spain.

Maureen Reillette Rebbie Jackson is Joe and Katherine's oldest child. She scored a hit in the 1980s with the song Centipede. She has three children: Stacee, Yashi and Austin Auggie Brown. Here she attends the world premiere of Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon in London in November 2011.Maureen Reillette “Rebbie” Jackson is Joe and Katherine’s oldest child. She scored a hit in the 1980s with the song “Centipede.” She has three children: Stacee, Yashi and Austin “Auggie” Brown. Here she attends the world premiere of “Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon” in London in November 2011.

Yashi Brown, Rebbie Jackson's second child, is a poet and advocate on mental health issues. Yashi Brown, Rebbie Jackson’s second child, is a poet and advocate on mental health issues.

Rebbie Jackson's youngest, Austin Auggie Brown, is a musician. He's pictured at a December 2012 benefit in Hollywood. Rebbie Jackson’s youngest, Austin “Auggie” Brown, is a musician. He’s pictured at a December 2012 benefit in Hollywood.

Sigmund Esco Jackie Jackson, center, is the second of Joe and Katherine's children. He has two children with Enid Spann: Sigmund Esco Siggy Jackson Jr. and Brandi Jackson. Here he performs with brothers Tito, left, and Marlon Jackson in Los Angeles in July 2012.Sigmund Esco “Jackie” Jackson, center, is the second of Joe and Katherine’s children. He has two children with Enid Spann: Sigmund Esco “Siggy” Jackson Jr. and Brandi Jackson. Here he performs with brothers Tito, left, and Marlon Jackson in Los Angeles in July 2012.

Toriano Adaryll Tito Jackson, the third of the Jackson children, has three sons: Toriano Adaryll TajJackson Jr., Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joe TJ Jackson, who are members of the group 3T. Tito Jackson performs in Liverpool, England, in 2009.Toriano Adaryll “Tito” Jackson, the third of the Jackson children, has three sons: Toriano Adaryll “Taj”Jackson Jr., Taryll Adren Jackson and Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson, who are members of the group 3T. Tito Jackson performs in Liverpool, England, in 2009.

Toriano Adaryll Taj Jackson Jr., Tito Jackson's oldest son, is part of the group 3T. Here he performs in Cardiff, Wales, in October 2011. Toriano Adaryll “Taj” Jackson Jr., Tito Jackson’s oldest son, is part of the group 3T. Here he performs in Cardiff, Wales, in October 2011.

Taryll Adren Jackson, Tito Jackson's middle son, performs with his bothers in memory of his uncle, Michael, in 2011.Taryll Adren Jackson, Tito Jackson’s middle son, performs with his bothers in memory of his uncle, Michael, in 2011.

Tito Joe TJ Jackson performs in honor of his uncle, Michael.Tito Joe “TJ” Jackson performs in honor of his uncle, Michael.

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is the fourth of Joe and Katherine's children. He has seven children. With Hazel Gordy, Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and Jaimy. He had two children with Margaret Maldonado: Jeremy and Jourdynn. His two youngest children, Jaffar and Jermajesty, were born to Alejandra Oaziaza. He has no children with his current wife, Halima Rashid. Jackson and Rashid are pictured at the Royal Festival Hall in London in October 2010.Jermaine La Jaune Jackson is the fourth of Joe and Katherine’s children. He has seven children. With Hazel Gordy, Jackson had three children: Jermaine Lu Juane Jr., Autumn Joy and Jaimy. He had two children with Margaret Maldonado: Jeremy and Jourdynn. His two youngest children, Jaffar and Jermajesty, were born to Alejandra Oaziaza. He has no children with his current wife, Halima Rashid. Jackson and Rashid are pictured at the Royal Festival Hall in London in October 2010.

La Toya Yvonne Jackson, the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children, attends the world premiere of Dancing In Jaffa at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April. She is one of the film's executive producers.La Toya Yvonne Jackson, the fifth of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children, attends the world premiere of “Dancing In Jaffa” at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York in April. She is one of the film’s executive producers.

Marlon David Jackson was born a year before brother Michael Jackson. He has three children with Carol Parker: Valencia, Brittany and Marlon David Jr.Marlon David Jackson was born a year before brother Michael Jackson. He has three children with Carol Parker: Valencia, Brittany and Marlon David Jr.

Pop superstar Michael Jackson, the most famous of Joe and Katherine's children, had three kids. He fathered his first two, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and Paris Katherine Jackson, with Deborah Jeanne Rowe. His youngest, Prince Michael Joseph Blanket Jackson II, was born to an unidentified woman. The singer died in 2009.Pop superstar Michael Jackson, the most famous of Joe and Katherine’s children, had three kids. He fathered his first two, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. and Paris Katherine Jackson, with Deborah Jeanne Rowe. His youngest, Prince Michael Joseph “Blanket” Jackson II, was born to an unidentified woman. The singer died in 2009.

Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. attends a baseball game in August 2012 during a visit to his late father's hometown of Gary, Indiana.Prince Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. attends a baseball game in August 2012 during a visit to his late father’s hometown of Gary, Indiana.

Prince Michael Joseph Blanket Jackson attends the Las Vegas premiere of Michael Jackson: The Immortal World by Cirque du Soleil in December 2011. He is Michael Jackson's youngest son.Prince Michael Joseph “Blanket” Jackson attends the Las Vegas premiere of “Michael Jackson: The Immortal World” by Cirque du Soleil in December 2011. He is Michael Jackson’s youngest son.

Steven Randall Randy Jackson is the second youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children. He has four children: Steveanna, Genevieve, Donte and Steven Randall Jr. Alejandra Oaziaza is the mother of the latter three. She later married and had two children with Randy's brother Jermaine.Steven Randall “Randy” Jackson is the second youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children. He has four children: Steveanna, Genevieve, Donte and Steven Randall Jr. Alejandra Oaziaza is the mother of the latter three. She later married and had two children with Randy’s brother Jermaine.

Genevieve Jackson, pictured in November 2011, is Randy Jackson's second child.Genevieve Jackson, pictured in November 2011, is Randy Jackson’s second child.

Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson's children. The pop star has no children. She was briefly married to singer James DeBarge before secretly marrying dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991. The couple divorced in 2000, and she married businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. She's pictured performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2011 in Australia.Janet Damita Jo Jackson is the youngest of Joe and Katherine Jackson’s children. The pop star has no children. She was briefly married to singer James DeBarge before secretly marrying dancer Rene Elizondo in 1991. The couple divorced in 2000, and she married businessman Wissam Al Mana in 2012. She’s pictured performing at the Sydney Opera House in 2011 in Australia.


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Photos: All in the Jackson familyPhotos: All in the Jackson family

The death in 2009 of superstar Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, sent shockwaves around the world. The death in 2009 of superstar Michael Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest at the age of 50, sent shockwaves around the world.

The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.

Michael Jackson quickly became the stand out star of the Jackson 5. Here he performs onstage circa 1970. Michael Jackson quickly became the stand out star of the Jackson 5. Here he performs onstage circa 1970.

Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.

Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.

Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown on stage in Kansas in 1983.Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown on stage in Kansas in 1983.

Michael Jackson performs on stage circa 1990.Michael Jackson performs on stage circa 1990.

Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988 when 504,000 people attending seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988 when 504,000 people attending seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.

Jackson perfoms in concert circa 1991 in New York City. Jackson perfoms in concert circa 1991 in New York City.

Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping in the air while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping in the air while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.

Michael Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Michael Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Jackson performs with his brothers.Jackson performs with his brothers.

Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.

Jackson performs during the taping of American Bandstand's 50th: A Celebration in 2002.Jackson performs during the taping of “American Bandstand’s 50th: A Celebration” in 2002.

Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.


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Photos: Michael Jackson, King of PopPhotos: Michael Jackson, King of Pop

But her most dramatic words were about how Michael Jackson’s death affected his children — Prince, Paris and Blanket Jackson, whom she now cooks for at their grandmother’s home.

“They talk about their father a lot,” Chase said. “It’s just something that they’ll never get over — the love and how much they miss their father.”

Jackson’s mother and three children are suing AEG Live, contending the concert promoter was liable in his death because it negligently hired, retained or supervised Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

Murray told police he used the surgical anesthetic propofol to treat Jackson’s insomnia. The coroner ruled propofol killed him.

AEG Live lawyers argue Jackson chose and supervised Murray, and their executives had no way of knowing the doctor was using the dangerous treatment.

Paris testifies

The day Paris Jackson attempted suicide, AEG Live lawyers told reporters they couldn’t promise not to use the 15-year-old’s testimony in their defense. Since Paris is one of the plaintiffs, they were able to compel the teen to sit for two days of questioning in March.

Jackson lawyers, however, told the judge Tuesday that Paris is unavailable to appear in person since she is still being treated in a hospital. AEG Live is able to use the video recording of her deposition, which they began doing Tuesday afternoon.

The first clip shown to jurors was an answer to a question by AEG Live lawyer Marvin Putnam about former Jackson nanny Grace Rwaramba, who was fired two months before Jackson’s death.

“My dad didn’t like her, so he tried to, like, keep her away from us,” Paris said. “So he sent her on errands a lot.”

Her father was reluctant to fire Rwaramba because “he felt bad because she didn’t really have a lot of money,” she testified.

“He said she was sneaky and she wasn’t an honest person and she lied a lot,” Paris said.

Paris related an incident that happened when she was “really young.” She prefaced the story by saying it was “real creepy” and “this is going to freak you out.”

The nanny would sneak into a doctor’s bedroom and “he’d wake up and she’d be in his bed,” Paris said. “So, yeah, it’s kind of creepy.”

Putnam asked her why her father didn’t just make her stay away. “He sent her to India to get some stuff,” Paris said. “She kept coming back.”

The AEG Live defense team apparently played the video to counter Chase’s testimony about Rwaramba, who is expected to be a key Jackson witness later in the trial.

“This was the mother they knew,” Chase said of Rwaramba. “She was there when they were born.”

Paris’ ‘Daddy days’

“Being Daddy’s little girl, she was devastated, devastated and lost,” said Chase, who was with Paris every day until her attempted suicide on June 4, 2013. “She’s looking, for there was so much love between her and her father. She’s lost. She’s searching. She’s sad.”

The “entire household” is worried about how Paris is dealing with the loss of her father four years ago, Chase said.

“Every girl needs their father,” she said. “I would be devastated, too, if that happened to me.”

Paris “breaks down, she cries,” Chase said. “She talks about him.”

“She’s trying to find herself, trying to find who she is and it’s taking a lot of love and understanding to keep her together,” she said.

Chase told jurors about a very happy day for Paris — her 11th birthday party in April 2009. Her father told the children they could eat whatever they wanted, which was a rare treat for them. Cheese pizza, hot wings and banana splits were on the menu, she said.

The dining room was decorated with Michael Jackson posters and album covers, while his music was played “because this is what she wanted for her 11th birthday,” Chase testified. “She was just ecstatic.”

“Just when you thought that was enough, he took his children to the backyard for a Cirque du Soleil-type performance for her,” she said. Men on stilts, a woman inside a big balloon and circus acts “brought tears to my eyes … It was the most beautiful expression of love I’ve ever seen.”

“Paris hasn’t had a birthday party since,” Chase said. “She doesn’t want one.”

Paris “remembers the Daddy days and her birthday,” she said.

Prince’s testimony

Prince Jackson, 16, also made a brief video appearance in Tuesday’s court session. AEG Live lawyers played a short clip from his deposition to counter Chase’s testimony that Jackson was so weak at one point in June that his son, then 12, had to help him walk up stairs.

“Was there ever a time that he came home from rehearsals so tired that you had to help him upstairs?” Putnam asked Prince.

“I wouldn’t be able to, but no,” Prince answered.

Chase testified about Prince’s relationship with his father and the devastation his death caused.

“Prince has always been, even at 12, the little man — daddy’s little man,” she said. “He wanted his father to be very proud of him, which Michael was.”

The teen has “the weight of the world is on his shoulders, the eldest, big brother and father figure to his siblings,” Chase testified. “It’s a lot for him, growing, liking girls. He wishes his father was here to give him advice. It’s devastating to him.”

Blanket’s ‘dance moves like his father’

Blanket, who was 7 when his father died, is now 11 and a fifth-grade graduate of his home school. “l keep thinking he’s older because he’s so smart,” Chase said.

“As the littlest, he has his older siblings to protect him, but I still think the youngest child will be the most affected,” she testified. “Being the baby, it’s a lot of remembering what daddy did, and it’s constant nonstop talking of him and his father’s relationship together.”

Like Prince and Paris, Blanket is “feeling a little lost as well,” Chase said.

He has to dress up each day, even though he is taught by a tutor at the family’s Calabasas, California, home. But he can wear what he wants on Fridays — which usually is a T-shirt from the Cirque du Soleil “Immortal” show based on his father’s music, Chase said. “He wears it constantly.”

“He does dance moves like his father,” she testified.

My ‘junior clients’

Michael Jackson hired Chase as his family’s chef without meeting her — based on the recommendation of Prince, Paris and Blanket, she testified.

She first met with her “junior clients” in the kitchen of the rented Los Angeles mansion where they were living while Jackson prepared for his comeback concerts.

The interview involved a discussion of “everything from food to video games,” she said. “They wanted to make sure I knew healthy food.”

“‘We eat healthy,” Chase said the children told her. “We don’t eat any beef or pork. Daddy likes apricots, we like fruit and Blanket likes mangoes.”

“It just felt like this was a place I needed to be,” Chase said. “It was a beautiful beginning.”

Dining with Daddy

Meals were “their time to bond,” Chase said. “This was his time with them privately.”

Chase — a graduate of the Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy in Paris — would set the table with a different theme for each lunch, featuring recipes from different countries, so the children would learn something while eating.

“One day we would have east Indian food,” she said. “We would discuss what part of India we were eating from.”

The children looked forward to “comfort food Saturdays” — which might include fried chicken — to break up the monotony of healthy eating, she said.

Michael Jackson was “very much into Mexican” and his favorite meal was vegan tacos, she said. The Jackson lawyers showed jurors a photo of the dish Tuesday.

April: ‘A good feeling of love’

Music echoing through the Carolwood Drive mansion was a mix of Disney, Rolling Stones, David Bowie and classical, Chase said. Fireplaces stayed burning despite the warm temperatures outside. “It was a good feeling,” Chase testified.

Animals roaming through the home included a chocolate lab named Kenya, cats Katie and Thriller, a rabbit and a talking bird who would “whistle when pretty girls go by,” Chase said.

Prince had a pet rat he carried around, while Paris would host tea parties in her backyard doll house for the animals. The dog would jump in the pool with the kids when they swam on Saturdays, Chase said.

The children would “run to him like lighting” when their father came home from a rehearsal,” she said. “They would hang on him. It would bring tears to my eyes.”

Jackson would play games with the children and read to them at the end of the day, she said. “His personality with his children was warm and loving.”

Jackson was “a disciplinarian when it was needed,” she said. The children had to be in bed at a certain time and school started on schedule.

Snail Farming

Jackson made sure school work was “interactive” for his children, including one science project for Paris that involved a night time hunt for snails, Chase said.

“So far we have a daddy snail, but we don’t have a mommy and a baby snail,” Paris told Chase one evening. That triggered a snail hunt around the mansion grounds, she said.

“I didn’t know how he would feel about his daughter and me out snail hunting at night,” she said, “but he was fine.”

Jackson joined them in constructing a snail farm in glass vases on the kitchen counter.

‘Box of Happiness’

After working for Jackson in March and April, Chase was suddenly dismissed in May because of what Jackson’s assistant told her was “a change of management.” She was not allowed to say good bye to the children, she said.

The assistant called her back a month later and asked her to return to the job, which she did. But this time, her paychecks would be cut by AEG Live, she was told.

Paris greeted her return with a gift. It was a shoe box filled with stuffed animals and coloring books she called a “Box of Happiness.”

Paris learned “giving” from her father, she said.

“She’d go get clothing maybe she wasn’t wearing anymore and she would cut them to make them into little skirts and hand sew them,” Chase said.

“I’m making these little skirts that I’m going to put in a box and ship overseas to others that aren’t as privileged,” she said Paris told her.

Empty pantry, declined credit

The happy home she left in April was changed when she returned in June, Chase said. It was three weeks before Jackson died there.

“The kitchen pantry was bare, and the only things in the refrigerator were Coca-Colas, Red Bull and Starbuck’s coffee drinks, which I know Mr. Jackson was not drinking,” the chef said.

When Chase went to the grocery store to stock up the Jackson credit card was declined, she said.

Jackson himself “looked very different,” she said. “He appeared very weak. He looked thinner, undernourished.”

The “obvious difference” in Jackson from April to June “concerned me greatly,” Chase said.

“He came to me and pulled me to the side and said ‘Where have you gone? I had no idea you left. I need you to keep me healthy. I’m working hard. They’re killing me,’” she testified.

“He told me ‘I need you to keep me healthy. I don’t know why you left. I need you to keep me and my children healthy.’ I looked at him with great concern,” she said. “When he said that … I thought he was being overworked. He was over rehearsed.”

Jackson was excited that she would again be feeding him, she said.

“I knew I had to get this man as healthy as a possible, but I did not know why he was deteriorating,” she said.

Another change she witnessed in June was the presence of Dr. Conrad Murray. He paid some visits in April, but he was there almost every day in June, she said. The doctor would bring empty oxygen tanks from Jackson’s upstairs bedroom each morning.

“I was concerned,” Chase testified. “I had no idea what they were used for. I didn’t ask, but it was strange.”

The world would later learn that Murray was using oxygen when he administered propofol each night to put Jackson to sleep.

‘A loud crash’

The Jackson lawsuit alleges that AEG Live executives, including CEO Randy Phillips and Co-CEO Paul Gongaware, pressured Murray to have Jackson at more rehearsals. They cite a meeting they believe was held at Jackson’s home around the second week of June as evidence.

Jackson, wearing a surgical mask and covered by several layers of clothing, appeared “scared and frightened” as he walked down his stairs to join Phillips, Gongaware, Dr. Murray and his manager Frank Dileo for the meeting in his parlor, Chase said.

“I immediately heard a loud crash,” she testified. A “very, very expensive vase” sitting next to Jackson’s chair was smashed.

Jackson “seemed very firm with them,” she said. The judge would not let her tell jurors what she heard him saying to the AEG Live executives. But there were “loud voices” and everyone was talking over each other,” she said.

Jackson left the meeting, followed by Dr. Murray, who seemed “very upset,” she said.

“I can’t take this s–t,” Murray said, according to Chase.

When she saw Jackson later, he seemed to have “the weight of the world on his shoulders,” she said. He was “concerned, frightened and scared; a lot of those emotions.”

The day he died

Chase has publicly recounted several times the events at the house the day Michael Jackson died, including in interviews and testimony in Murray’s criminal trial. She described it again Tuesday for jurors in the civil trial.

Dr. Murray “was panicked” as he screamed for Chase to call Prince and the security guard to go upstairs to help him.

“Hurry Dr. Murray needs you,” she said she told Prince, who was playing in the den. “There may be something wrong with your father.”

She returned to her lunch preparations, failing to alert the security guard in the shack near the kitchen door. Murray never asked her to call 911 for an ambulance.

Chase realized there was a grave problem when the housekeepers began crying “Mr. Jackson may be dead,” she said. “You could feel the energy in the house was changing.”

Prince screamed “Daddy” and Paris screamed a “blood curdling, out of her mind Daddy!”

“I grabbed them and held their hands and said ‘Let’s pray. Father God, please let nothing be wrong with this man.’”

Paramedics were soon running up the the stairs. Head of security Alberto Alvarez asked Chase to leave the house. “He’ll be fine,” Alvarez told her.

Chase did not see the Jackson children until she was allowed to visit with them weeks later. Katherine Jackson hired her as her family chef last July at the request of Prince, Paris and Blanket.


Article source: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/06/19/showbiz/jackson-death-trial/index.html?eref=edition

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Smash Lego atoms with a Large Hadron Collider model

ATLAS Lego mini-model

This ATLAS mini model is gathering votes.


(Credit:
Sascha Mehlhase)

Unfortunately, the Large Hadron Collider is too big to bring home and put on display in your living room. Scientist Sascha Mehlhase created a 4,500-piece Lego model of the collider back in 2011 at a cost of about $2,700. That was also too big for most people.

Now, he has created a smaller model of the ATLAS experiment, a particle physics experiment at the Large Hadron Collider, and put it up as a candidate for an official Lego kit.

The project is on Cuusoo, a site for Lego enthusiasts to share their models and attempt to gather 10,000 votes in order for Lego to consider making their creations as kits. Mehlhase’s ATLAS currently has 5,756 supporters, so it has definitely caught the eyes of Lego builders.

The new kit requires only 560 pieces, takes around an hour to construct, and has a materials costs of about $100, making it much more accessible than the big-daddy model.

Mehlhase is a postdoc at the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark, working on searches for stable massive particles in ATLAS. He also dedicates time to physics outreach projects aimed at getting kids excited about science. His discovery of a stable massive ATLAS Lego model has led him to the creation of a version that has a shot at ending up in the hands of Lego and physics enthusiasts around the world. If it works out, it will be a pretty impressive outreach accomplishment.

It’s heartening to know that adult scientists with access to some of the largest and most impressive scientific equipment ever created still want to play with little plastic blocks.

ATLAS 1:50 model

Mehlhase’s original model was much larger.


(Credit:
Sascha Mehlhase)

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