CSL Blueberry-i 
By ZAM KARIM
TAKING a leaf out of its more illustrious competitor's book, CSL's Blueberry-i mobile phone sports a black, shiny housing with a silver trim around its edges.
Even its Qwerty mini keyboard resembles RIM's BlackBerry to a certain extent.
However the design similarities between CSL's offering and the BlackBerry Bold 9000 handset is only skin deep - as at the end of the day, the Blueberry-i is definitely no BlackBerry.
As a matter of fact, take away the casing and what you would get is a basic mobile phone with a few surprises thrown in.
Looking closer
The phone, which sits firmly in the palm, has a shiny housing and display that attracts fingerprints and dust.
Apart from the mini USB port at the bottom, users will find no other buttons on the sides. The port is used to connect multiple accessories, including the charger, data cable as well as the included USB earphone.
Despite its avant-garde look, the Blueberry-i only offers pretty basic features that include dualband GSM, GPRS, VGA camera and Bluetooth connectivity with A2DP profile.
The extra surprises are dual SIM card slots, multiple language support (Chinese, English and Bahasa Malaysia) and a password-protected SMS inbox.
Also available are a list of Islamic features, including the Azan call to prayer, Kiblat directional finder and an optional Al-Quran reading application.
It offers a meagre 1MB of user memory but users can expand the storage capacity via the built-in microSD card slot. A 2GB card is included in the package.
The card slot is behind the battery so the memory card is not hotswappable.
2-in-1
The two SIM card slots can be used simultaneously but you can close one when it is not in use. Switching between the two numbers is easy thanks to the two dedicated buttons on the phone - each time you want to dial a number, just press the one associated with the SIM card to do so.
It was really simple and fuss free and that's how we like it.
It is a great feature especially for those who travel a lot since you can easily slip a prepaid SIM card into the phone while keeping the original SIM active.
Moving on, we also noticed that the volume of the built-in speaker was extremely loud. It was so deafening that we kept it reduced to only the first level (there are seven levels altogether) most of the time.
The only time we pumped up the volume was when we wanted to listen to MP3 music with some friends. It was like having a portable mini hifi indeed. Even at the highest volume level, we didn't detect any cracking in the audio.
The bundled headset provides a good listening experience but since the phone only has a mini USB port you can't use your favourite standard 3.5mm-based headphone in its place.
But thanks to its Bluetooth with A2DP profile support, you can still replace the earphone with a Bluetooth headset instead.
Speed texter
Typing messages on the Qwerty keyboard is another reason - apart from the look or the excellent built-in speaker - why one would want to get this phone in the first place.
Feedback from the keyboard was good, with a distinct click for each key press. You can even type easily using one hand.
There is no predictive text input to help users but since one can type quite fast on it we were willing to forgive the omission.
The subtle white light that illuminates the keyboard makes it easier to read in areas with low light and it also adds a sense of class.
The Blueberry-i comes with a VGA camera and as such you should not expect much. There are some basic settings like white balance, scene mode and effects but they didn't really add much.
Video recording is possible but the end result was almost always choppy.
The lens is protected by what looks like a hard clear glass cover. Users can clean the fingerprints, dust or grime off it easily but we don't think that it is scratch-proof though.
Conclusion
Plenty of mobile phone users just want to make calls and do not want to bother with other features such as the camera or multimedia capabilities. That's why basic phones are still sold in the market and are still popular despite all the fancy phones around.
Coupled with its low price tag, good looks and equally important, dual SIM card slots, the Blueberry-i certainly fits into that category.
Pros: Qwerty keyboard is great for texting; dual SIM card support; loud speakers; low price.
Cons: Bad picture quality; basic specifications.
CSL BLUEBERRY-i
Dual-band phone Camera: 0.3-megapixels (VGA)
Display: 2.2in QVGA 262,000 colours ( 220 x 176-pixels)
Messaging: MMS, SMS, e-mail
Connectivity: Bluetooth, GPRS
Phone memory: 1MB
Expansion slot: MicroSD
Battery type: 700mAh lithium-ion
Standby/talk time: 180/3 hours
Other features: Dual SIM card slots, Qwerty mini keyboard, FM radio, MP3 player, MPEG4 playback, video and sound recorder, e-book reader, Java applications
Weight: 103g
Dimensions (w x d x h): 110 x 50 x 16mm
Price: $178.50
This story was first published in The Star/Asia News Network.
-asiaone-
Mont Blanc Meisterstuck
"Signature for Good" 
by Amanda Jayne Lee, Plush|22 July 2009
The classic Montblanc, Montblanc Meisterstuck 149, celebrates 85 years of writing this year.
A renowned collector's item, it is a symbol of excellence and an icon for pure writing culture and prestige.
The Meisterstuck design is famed for its elegant design - 3 gold rings in the middle and its 18 carat gold nib - which takes more than 150 work steps to produce and is painstakingly checked by experts.
In celebration of their 85th year, Montblanc unveils the Montblanc Meisterstuck "Signature for Good" Special Edition.
The pen is to signify the support and partnership it has had with UNICEF. The "Signature for Good" collection has been especially created to help raise funds to support UNICEF in its work addressing inadequate schooling and illteracy.
Inspired by the UNICEF hallmark and UNICEF's logo colour, blue, the special edition pen is designed with a golden inlay in the distinctive shape of the olive bush and a precious blue sapphire in the top of the cap.
The new version of the Montblanc Meisterstuck comes as a fountain pen, roller ball, ballpoint and mechanical pencil in the versions of "Le Grand" - the bigger broader version of the Meisterstuck - and "Classique" - the most popular of sizes.
Each purchase of the pen will benefit children without proper access to education.
-plushasia.com-
World's top 7 hotel beds 
SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - For travellers who need a good bed for a good night's sleep, travel guidebook publisher LUXE City Guides has come up with a list of 7 of the top hotel beds around the world.
This list is compiled by Luxe City Guides' (www.luxecityguides.com) editorial team and is not endorsed by Reuters.
1. The Bowery Hotel, New York
The Bowery Hotel's custom-built American-style wooden beds look as plump and comfy as they feel. Serta mattresses are enveloped in custom 400 count Egyptian cotton sheets, plus down duvets, two firm and two soft down pillows, or if you're sensitive, a choice of hypo allergenic pillows and duvets. Leave the curtains open for views of the twinkly Manhattan skyline.
2. The Setai, Miami
With its 700 count sateen cotton treats from Christian Fischbacher of Switzerland, Dux beds with a 2.5 inch latex top pad and a choice of down, feather or hypo allergenic handmade pillows from Singaporean company Ploh, it's hard not sleep. Wake up with the views of the sunrise over the Atlantic.
3. Sofitel Watertower, Chicago
The trademarked SoBed sleep system is actually a Serta mattress topped by a Pacific Coast featherbed and duvet, custom 250 count linen and foam and feather pillows. If you can't stand another night without a SoBed, you can buy one through the hotel.
4. Hollywood Roosevelt, Los Angeles
After a night at LA's notorious party pad, you can sleep between custom 400 count sateen Sferra linens on a Sealy Palatial Crest Cushion with squishy pillowtop, and 26" square goose down pillows (hypo-allergenic upon request).
5. The Connaught, London
Sleep on the hotel's own signature Maybourne Deluxe barrel-shaped pocket spring mattress, with a poly-fiber pillow top, own brand 50/50 feather and down pillows and lovely Rivolta Carmignani 300 thread count cotton sheets. The window shades block out light completely and just add private butler and Asprey Purple Water toiletries for absolute luxury.
6. Park Hyatt, Sydney
Lie on an oversized Sealy Hyatt Grand Pillow Top king with 50 percent down and 50 percent feather pillows, snuggling under a cozy down and feather duvet and Australian 'Royal Collection' 300 thread count linens. Wake to a view of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the dazzling harbour.
7. JIA, Shanghai
The bed is Sealy Hotel Luxury Pillow Top, the linen 300 count, the pillows a choice of soft or firm feather and down or hypo allergenic and the duvets 80 percent down, but what makes JIA Shanghai really sleepworthy are extras such as eye shades, ear plugs, aromatherapy oils and even electronic lullaby tunes. If you're in a suite, you can even have a crackling fire DVD.
(Editing by Belinda Goldsmith/asiaone)
Nielsen: 31.1 Million
Watched Jackson Memorial
Jul-8-09 7:18am2009-07-07T17:18:21
From: ap.org
Jermaine Jackson performs during the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, the iconic pop star, died at the age of 50 at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles.
(Getty Images)
Some 31.1 million people in the United States watched the Michael Jackson memorial on television, with millions more catching video streams on their computers.
The Nielsen Media Research estimate on Wednesday provided only a slice of the audience for the Los Angeles event. But it did offer insight on how the memorial compared to other events: President Barack Obama's inauguration in January was seen by 38 million people on TV, and the "American Idol" finale in May had 28.9 million viewers.
Eighteen different networks carried the memorial live, including all the big broadcasters and cable news stations, along with MTV, BET and the three largest Spanish-language stations. It had an audience share of 56, meaning that 56 percent of the televisions turned on during the memorial were tuned into Jackson.
Nielsen does not immediately have an estimate of Jackson's worldwide audience, a task that could take weeks.
Twelve years ago, 33.2 million people in the U.S. watched Princess Diana's funeral. That happened early on a Saturday morning, as opposed to the middle of a workday, and people then didn't have the option of watching it on their computers. Complete estimates of the Internet audience were not immediately available, but individual Web sites reported some heavy traffic. MSNBC.com said it streamed nearly 19 million videos on Tuesday, a record for the site. Video streamers spent an average of 12 minutes on the site, MSNBC.com reported.
CNN.com said it had 10.5 million live streams, the second busiest day in its history. It streamed nearly 27 million videos on Obama's inauguration day. ABC News said its Web site had nearly 6 million video streams, with traffic up 70 percent over a typical day.
The event combined musical moments from the likes of Usher, Jennifer Hudson and Mariah Carey with remembrances from Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson and others. Brief heartfelt remarks by Jackson's 11-year-old daughter at the end stole the show.
Former President Reagan's funeral in 2004 was seen by 20.8 million viewers in the daytime hours, but his prime-time burial had an audience of 35.1 million people, Nielsen said. The opening ceremony of last year's Beijing Olympics had 34.2 million viewers.
Even for those viewers who watched Tuesday's Jackson memorial, there was still an appetite for more in prime time. ABC, CBS and NBC each had Jackson specials at 10 p.m. EDT and they had a combined audience of 20.5 million viewers. ABC won bragging rights for its Elizabeth Vargas-hosted hour focused on Jackson's children, with a leading 8.6 million viewers.
-zimbio-
Michael Jackson's final
resting place a mystery
By MARK KENNEDY, Associated Press Writer Mark Kennedy, Associated Press Writer – Thu Jul 9, 12:58 am ET
LOS ANGELES – Michael Jackson's glimmering casket took center stage at the Staples Center, sitting for more than two hours as celebrities memorialized the King of Pop under the watchful eyes of millions. And when the ceremony was over, it was gone.
By law, the golden casket that presumably held Jackson's body should be exactly where his death certificate says it is: back at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Hollywood Hills cemetery, the site of a private family memorial service held before the Staples ceremony. Los Angeles County records show the cemetery as the temporary location, where it must stay until those records are officially updated.
But where Jackson's body will eventually be laid to rest remained a mystery, fed by the same level of rumor and speculation that surrounded much of his life. Will he be interred at Forest Lawn? Is Neverland Ranch still a possibility?
What if he's not buried at all, but cremated? The family isn't talking — and may not even have decided yet.
The casket was first seen leaving the mortuary at Forest Lawn, where it got into a hearse for the 10-mile trip to the Staples Center. But before the service even started, the hearse was seen leaving the facility — empty — and wasn't spotted again.
But to keep in good standing with the law, the casket would have needed to return to Forest Lawn at some point, presumably after the crowds went home and the television cameras were long gone.
Robert J. Biggins, a former president of the National Funeral Directors Association, said Jackson's body is likely in his casket which he identified it as a custom-made, top-of-the-line coffin made by the Indiana-based Batesville Casket Company that is called a "Promethean." The casket is probably in a temporary holding area — perhaps a mausoleum — pending a final location, he said.
"This happened so quickly that it's something that has to have an awful lot of thoughtful consideration," said Biggins, who is the owner of Magoun-Biggins Funeral home in Rockland, Mass. "This is bigger than your average burial."
Conjecture about Jackson's final resting place has been as fraught as the rumors about where his memorial service would be held in the days before the Staples Center was announced. His 5-page will, signed in 2002, does not include final wishes for his body.
Forest Lawn is one likely possibility. If Jackson is buried there, he would join other celebrities such as Liberace, Gene Autry, Bette Davis and Andy Gibb. Recently deceased actor David Carradine and "Tonight Show" sidekick Ed McMahon also are buried there.
The Jackson family seems divided over whether the body should go to Neverland, which would surely turn the Santa Barbara County ranch into a West-coast Graceland. But Jackson abandoned the 2,500-acre estate after going into seclusion following his acquittal on child molestation charges in 2005, and many of the things that made it unique — the merry-go-round, Ferris wheel and zoo — are gone.
Billionaire Thomas Barrack, who owns Neverland in a joint venture with Jackson, has expressed an openness to the idea of having the singer's body buried at the ranch. The family would need to get permission from local land-use officials to bury Jackson on private property, then submit an application and paperwork with the state Cemetery and Funeral Bureau.
The state application would then need to be approved by the funeral board, a process that could take anywhere from seven to 30 days.
Beyond that, accessibility remains an issue at Neverland. A single two-lane highway leads to the property about 130 miles north of Los Angeles, and infrastructure changes would likely be necessary to accommodate the additional traffic.
Another possibility is cremation. State law requires that the person who has control of the cremated remains obtain written permission of the property owner or governing agency to scatter on the property.
Funeral experts said the delay in Jackson's funeral may be due to the fact that such celebrity deaths create logistical, security and legal headaches.
"One of the issues you're going to run into with any high-profile name, whether it be a former president of the United States or somebody of Michael Jackson's stature, is what does the cemetery — if it's to be a burial — do to establish security, to protect the remains, to protect the privacy of the family during the service, to protect remains afterward and what kind of built-in overhead comes with it," said Paul Elvig, former president of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association.
Experts said even a two-week delay between death and funeral is not unusual. The body of singer James Brown was kept in a sealed gold casket inside his South Carolina home for more than two months before being interred in 2007 at the home of one of his daughters.
"You're probably talking more about an impatient public and an impatient press wanting to know what's going to happen and that impatience needs to be understood," Elvig said. "If a body's been properly prepared by an embalmer, it can be held for a considerable period of time with minor touchups to it."
Biggins said he is even encouraged by the delay.
"I think the fact that there's this pause is a wonderful thing because it's being given thoughtful consideration," he said, "to make sure this is done right and this is done in a way that honors his legacy."
Michael Jackson's family
silent on burial plans
By Jill Serjeant Jill Serjeant – Wed Jul 8, 8:59 pm ET
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – More than 31 million Americans watched Michael Jackson's public memorial on television, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body on Wednesday and plans for his burial.
A day after Jackson's casket was taken to a Los Angeles basketball arena for an emotional memorial for fans, friends and his family, attention returned to how Jackson got his hands on powerful prescription drugs reportedly found in his rented mansion after his sudden death on June 25.
Sales of Jackson's albums soared for a second week, with his solo albums jumping another 90 percent to 800,000 copies in the United States, tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan said.
Nielsen Media Research said 31.1 million Americans watched Tuesday's Los Angeles memorial live on television. The figure is lower than the TV audience of some other recent events.
Some 49.5 million Americans tuned in for President Barack Obama's first White House news conference in February, and 35 million watched former President Ronald Reagan's 2004 burial live on TV.
The Nielsen figures do not include viewing on the Internet or other platforms, which has grown rapidly in the last few years.
The Jackson family spokesman did not return calls for comment on burial plans for the "Thriller" singer, who died of cardiac arrest at age 50.
NO REQUEST FOR NEVERLAND BURIAL
California officials and those in Santa Barbara County said the family has not asked for the required special permission to bury Jackson at his abandoned Neverland Valley Ranch in central California.
Media reports said the Los Angeles coroner's office was conducting neuropathology tests on part of Jackson's brain, which could be behind the delay in the family's burial plans.
One of Jackson's doctors, Beverly Hills dermatologist Arnold Klein, on Wednesday denied he was one of the targets of a police investigation over drugs seized from Jackson's home after his death.
"I was not one of the doctors who participated in giving him overdoses of drugs or too much of anything," Klein told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an interview.
"I always was concerned about him. No matter what he wanted, someone would give it to him," he said. Klein also denied media reports that he was the sperm donor of Jackson's two children with his ex-wife Debbie Rowe.
A spokesman for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said the elaborate memorial cost the cash-strapped city $1.4 million, "far less" than an initial estimate of $3.8 million.
City officials had braced for as many as 250,000 fans to show up at the Staples Center. The actual number was closer to 1,000. Donors chipped in $17,000 after the city set up a website asking for cash to cover the cost, he added.
Jackson's music is enjoying the commercial success that eluded the "King of Pop" in recent years.
The singer's "Number Ones" compilation was the top-selling album in the United States during the week ended July 5, and his 1982 blockbuster "Thriller" took second place.
(Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; editing by Mohammad Zargham)
Fans scramble for Jackson tickets 
More than half a million Michael Jackson fans have already applied for 17,500 free tickets to the singer's public memorial service next week.
Jackson, who died last week aged 50, will be remembered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Tickets will chosen at random from names registered at staplescenter.com.
Police in Los Angeles expect as many as 700,000 people may try to reach the arena but it will be sealed off to those without tickets.
As of 1730 on Friday (0030 GMT Saturday), more than 524,330 people had registered for tickets, Jackson family spokesman Ken Sunshine said in a statement.
A total of 11,000 free tickets are to be issued for the service. Fans from around the world can apply.
Another 6,500 tickets will be issued for a simulcast of the service at the nearby Nokia theatre. It means a total of 17,500 fans will be able to see the events free.
Officials said 8,750 pairs of tickets would be allotted to the successful entrants after 1800 Saturday (0100 GMT Sunday) and notifications would go out later on Sunday.
Those selected will be able to get their tickets via Ticketmaster on Monday, officials said.
Originally, the Staples Center website said only US residents could apply for tickets, but AEG's Randy Phillips later told the BBC that that was not the case.
Officials appealed to other fans to watch the memorial service from their own homes, amid fears that thousands of people without tickets could flood the area.
"If you do not have a ticket, if you are not credentialed, not only will you not be allowed at these venues, you will not be allowed in this area," said Los Angeles assistant police chief Earl Paysinger.
Big screens
Jackson had been rehearsing for his London concerts at the Staples Center.
In a press conference, family representative Ken Sunshine said they wanted to accommodate as many fans as possible.
"It is all about the fans," he said.
Officials said that no funeral procession would take place and the memorial service would not be shown on big screens outside the venues. Free pool feeds will be made available to media organisations for broadcast, they said.
Earlier, a lawyer for Michael Jackson's former wife Debbie Rowe said she was undecided about whether to fight for custody of her two children with the star.
On Thursday, Ms Rowe won a delay in a custody hearing while she decides if she wants to raise Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, known as Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11.
The singer's youngest son - seven-year-old Prince Michael II - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.
In his will, Jackson stipulated that his mother, Katherine, 79, should have permanent custody of all three children. She currently has temporary custody of them.
A judge has delayed a guardianship hearing - scheduled for Monday - until 13 July at the request of Ms Rowe and Katherine Jackson.
Mystery death
It is still not known what caused Jackson's death last week at the age of 50.
He collapsed at his home and was pronounced dead two hours later at the UCLA medical centre.
An autopsy was conducted but results are not expected for several weeks. The Jackson family had a second autopsy performed and those results are also pending.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's office has said there is no evidence of foul play.
It added that the results of toxicology tests could take weeks to come back.
Jackson service set for Tuesday
A memorial service for Michael Jackson will be held on Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles where he had been rehearsing for his London concerts.
His family announced the event as concert promoters AEG Live released a video of the singer rehearsing for the O2 gigs, two days before his death.
Some 11,000 free tickets will be made available for the service.
Meanwhile, a lawyer for Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe says she is undecided about whether to fight for custody.
Tuesday's memorial service will start at 1000 (1700 GMT).
Footage of Jackson, recorded on 23 June, shows the star singing and dancing as he performed his hit They Don't Really Care About Us - incorporating elements of History and She Drives Me Wild.
The star was rehearsing for a 50-date residency at the O2.
Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, which also owns the Staples Center, said there were more than 100 hours of rehearsal footage which could be turned into a film and live albums.
"We have enough audio to make two live albums, and he's never done a live album," he added.
"This is really the last great work of a 21st century genius."
Meanwhile, Benny Andersson has quashed rumours that Abba would reform to take over Jackson's O2 dates.
"No-one's asked us, and if they did we wouldn't say yes," he said in an interview filmed for BBC One's Friday Night With Jonathan Ross.
Hearing delayed
On Thursday, Ms Rowe won a delay in a custody hearing while she decides if she wants to raise Michael Joseph Jackson Jr, known as Prince Michael, 12, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson, 11.
The singer's youngest son - seven-year-old Prince Michael II - was born to a surrogate mother whose identity has never been revealed.
Jackson's will asks for his mother, Katherine, 79, to have permanent custody of all three children.
A judge has now delayed a guardianship hearing - scheduled for Monday - until 13 July, at the request of Ms Rowe and Katherine Jackson, who has temporary custody of the children.
It follows media reports that Ms Rowe wanted to look after her children.
But her lawyer, Eric George, told reporters: "I am representing to you now. Debbie has not reached a final decision concerning the pending custody proceedings."
On Thursday, it was revealed that Jackson had left Ms Rowe out of his will.
"I have intentionally omitted to provide for my former wife, Deborah Jean Rowe Jackson," the document stated.
Rowe married Jackson in 1996 but filed for divorce in 1999. She gave up custody rights to the children but sought them again in 2003.
They agreed a settlement in 2006 but the terms were never disclosed.
In 2003, Ms Rowe appeared in footage released by Jackson in response to a controversial ITV documentary, which raised allegations of inappropriate behaviour with children by the star.
In it, Ms Rowe described her family as "non-traditional", saying her children were her gift to Jackson.
"My kids don't call me mom because I don't want them to," she said. "These are Michael's children."
-BBC-
Jackson body 'going to Neverland'
A host of television satelilte trucks are already in situ outside the property
Fans and reporters have continued to gather outside Michael Jackson's Neverland ranch after reports that his body will go on public view there.
Various sources claim a public viewing has been scheduled for Friday ahead of a private funeral on Sunday.
Vehicles and workers have been going in and out of the property, located about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
According to the Associated Press (AP), Jackson's will has now been filed in a Los Angeles court.
Dated 7 July 2002, the document reveals that the star chose not to provide for his former wife, Debbie Rowe, and gives his entire estate to the "Michael Jackson Family Trust", AP said.
The documents estimated his estate at that time at more than $500m (£303m).
Tourist shrine
Members of Jackson's family have met police and the California Highway Patrol to discuss funeral arrangements.
Unconfirmed reports suggest Jackson's body may be placed in a glass coffin and be transported from Los Angeles to Neverland in a "fairytale carriage".
According to a California Highway Patrol spokesman, however, "details are still pending".
It is unclear whether Jackson can be legally buried at the 2,500-acre property, which he bought in 1987 but had not lived at since 2005.
The site could reportedly be turned into a permanent tourist shrine to the singer, akin to Elvis Presley's Graceland home in Memphis.
Meanwhile, Jackson's tour promoter has said the star's ill-fated London show could be turned into a tribute gig featuring his family.
Randy Phillips, president of AEG Live, told Sky News he was "discussing with the family" the possibility of mounting the show in some form.
"I would imagine it could be done as a tribute with the family, with the brothers performing, some sisters, and the stars that were influenced by him," he said.
"The world needs to see this production. It would have been, which is the tragedy here, one of the most amazing shows ever."
Insomnia Mr Phillips denied claims that Jackson had been daunted by the upcoming concerts and was too frail to perform.
According to a nutritionist who was working with the singer, however, he had been battling persistent insomnia.
In an interview with CNN, registered nurse Cherilyn Lee said she had repeatedly rejected his demands for the drug Diprivan, a powerful sedative which is given intravenously.
"This was a person who was seeking help, desperately, to get some sleep, to get some rest," she told the US news network.
It has been alleged that Jackson had been consuming painkillers, sedatives and antidepressants at the time of his death.
According to actor Lou Ferrigno, however, the 50-year-old singer had been entirely focused on his health in the run-up to his 50 London concerts.
"I've never seen him take drugs," said the Incredible Hulk star, who Jackson had been working out with.
"He was always talking about nutrition.
"When he was with me, he wasn't different. He wasn't stoned. He wasn't high. He wasn't being aloof or speedy
-BBC-
