L.A. County coroner’s officials found lethal levels of the powerful anesthetic propofol after examining Michael Jackson’s body, according to a search warrant affidavit unsealed today in Houston, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The search warrant states that Jackson’s doctor, Conrad Murray, told Los Angeles Police Department detectives that he had been treating Jackson for insomnia for about six weeks. He had been giving Jackson 50 milligrams of propofol every night using an intravenous line, according to the court records.

But Murray told detectives he felt Jackson was becoming addicted to the substance and began trying to wean the pop star off the drugs. He lowered the dosage to 25 milligrams and mixed it with two other sedatives, lorazepam and midazolam. On June 23, two days before Jackson’s death, he administered those two medications and withheld the propofol.

 On the morning Jackson died, Murray tried to induce sleep without using propofol, according to the affidavit. He said he gave Jackson valium at 1:30 a.m. When that didn’t work, he said, he injected lorazepam intravenously at 2 a.m. At 3 a.m., when Jackson was still awake, Murray administered midazolam.

Over the next few hours, Murray said he gave Jackson various drugs. Then at 10:40 a.m., Murray administered 25 milligrams of propofol after Jackson repeatedly demanded the drug, according to the court records.

Although Murray acknowledged to police that he administered propofol, authorities said they could find no evidence that he had purchased, ordered or obtained the medication under his medical license or Drug Enforcement Administration tracking number. However, police detectives saw about eight bottles of propofol in the house along with other vials and pills that had been prescribed to Jackson by Dr. Murray, Dr. Arnold Klein and Dr. Allan Metzger.

Other drugs that were confiscated in the search included valium, tamsulosin, lorazepam, temazepam, clonazepam, trazodone and tizanidine. They also found propofol in Murray’s medical bag. Murray told detectives that he was not the first doctor to administer the powerful anesthetic to Jackson.

At least two unidentified doctors gave Jackson propofol in Germany. Between March and April 2009, Murray said he called Las Vegas doctor David Adams at Jackson’s request to arrange for Adams to administer propofol. Murray said he was present at a cosmetologist’s office, where Adams used propofol to sedate Jackson. Since he began treating Jackson, Murray said he repeatedly asked the pop star what other physicians were treating Jackson and what drugs they were prescribing. But Jackson declined to provide the information, Murray told authorities.

Grammy, Dove, and Stellar award winning writer P.J. Morton promoted his new book on CNN last Sunday. P.J. Morton is the son of Mega-Church Pastor’s Paul S. Morton and Debra Morton. The debate is centered on P.J. Morton’s new book, "Why Can’t I Sing About Love?" with the sub-topic being "The Truth about the Church against Secular Music."

P.J. explains on CNN that there is a place for love songs and a place for Gospel music. None of which are against the word of God. Former R & B artist and now Gospel artist Tye Tribbett was also on CNN opposing P.J. Morton saying, "No man can serve to masters." "At some point you’re not going to be comfortable doing both, and I couldn’t."

In The Gospel View’s interview found on The Path MEGAzine, Tye expanded on his CNN statements saying, "There’s a purpose for love songs, but I don’t believe they should be sung in the church." Now both camps are hitting the Internet blogs, and social networking sites claiming to be in the right. Who do you think is right? Visit www.thegospelview.com episode 10 for the Tye Tribbett interview.

 UPDATE: P.J. Morton’s Response to Tye’s Comments and Critics

President Obama accused those actively opposed to his drive for healthcare reform of "bearing false witness" Wednesday during a teleconference organized by members of the "Religious Left."

In a ten-minute pitch to an estimated 140,000 people from various faith communities, Obama spoke out against what he branded "fabrications" whipped up by opponents of his policy, including claims that it would expand abortions, give health care to illegal immigrants and ration end-of-life care.

"This notion that somehow we are setting up death panels that would decide on whether elderly people get to live or die … that is just an extraordinary lie," Obama said.

"You’ve heard that this is all going to mean government funding of abortions. Not true," he added.

"These are all fabrications that have been put out there in order to discourage people from meeting what I consider to be a core ethical and moral obligation – that is that we look out for one another, that I am my brother’s keeper and I am my sister’s keeper," insisted the president.

In reframing the health care debate as "a core ethical and moral obligation," Obama implored the coalition of progressive religious leaders and lay – which included Faith in Public Life, PICO National Network, Sojourners and Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good – to help promote his plan to lower costs and expand insurance coverage for all Americans.

Obama cited the role of religious organizations in earlier legislative fights for civil rights and programs such as Social Security and Medicare.

"Men and women of faith have helped to show us what’s possible when we’re guided by our hopes, and not our fears," Obama said. "That’s what you can do again today to help us achieve quality, affordable health care for every American."

According to organizers, Wednesday’s "40 Minutes for Health Reform" teleconference included members of the faith community from more than 30 religious denominations and organizations, representing millions of people from the Evangelical, Catholic, Mainline Protestant, Jewish and Muslim traditions.

The call-in was part of a massive faith-based, pro-health care reform campaign that launched last week. The campaign, "40 Days for Health Reform," involves faith leaders, mainly associated with the "Religious Left," from across America who have committed to urge their local and state representatives to support health care reform.

Their efforts contrast starkly with those of many conservative, pro-life groups and their leaders, who have been vocal opponents of the health care reform bill because they believe its ambiguous language on abortion coverage would leave the door open to the government funding the procedure.

Following Wednesday’s teleconference, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins accused Obama of having "deliberately misled the American people" as he "knows very well that pro-abortion House and Senate Committees rejected every single amendment to keep abortion funding out of the health care overhaul."

"With this President, you must look at his actions because his rhetoric doesn’t match his deeds," the conservative leader stated. "He fully intends to fund or subsidize abortion services in the health care overhaul."

Other groups that have criticized the proposed health care bill include Focus on the Family, Concerned Women for America and Traditional Values Coalition.

A San Diego dance teacher who was fired over a song she played in class will have her day in court. After a five year wait Kathy Villalobos hopes a court will rule her dismissal was a violation of her rights.

According to Christian Newswire, Villalobos played a song in dance class to her students that had "Christ" in it. And within five days she was fired. Jury selection and her trial begin this week at the El Cajon East County Courthouse.

"This is a tremendous injustice and violation of religious liberties" said Mary Kuper, Protest Organizer. "Our Country was founded upon ‘In God we Trust’ and ‘One Nation Under God’, mentioning the name of Christ is an honor and a blessing, certainly not a reason for termination of employment. We hold the public school system accountable for this unreasonable act of injustice."

Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) is representing Ms. Villalobos.

August 17, 2009 – Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth is scheduled to begin her journey toward a doctor of ministry degree today at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

As previously reported, the reality TV villain recently revealed her plans to enter seminary school after saying she has been hearing the calling for some time.

Ivan Hicks, the school’s associate dean for African-American studies, says Omarosa, a Youngstown, Ohio, native, has a heart for Christian ministry and has done work on behalf of the homeless and the poor in Haiti.

He says Omarosa’s reputation for both good and bad will help her as a minister, because people will relate to her, according to the Associated Press.

SOURCE: EUR Web

Tyler Perry is footing the bill to send 65 Black and Hispanic children to Walt Disney World. After learning that the inner city kids who attend a day camp run by Creative Steps were refused entry at a private swim club because of racism, he took matters into his own hands.

"It broke my heart and I wanted to do something. I want them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you, there are millions more who will do something kind for them. Show them they are just as good as anyone else that they can do or be anything they want to be no matter what anyone says. This is all about the kids" Tyler Perry.

"I am ecstatic for the children," said Alethea Wright, the Creative Steps day-care center director.

The kids will take their trip at the beginning of August.

Proving that there can be life after divorce, Bishop Thomas Weeks is seemingly preparing to launch the next chapter in his life with a new bride.

With his former wife, Juanita Bynum, obviously moving on with her life with new speaking engagements and a return to the popular preaching circuit, Bishop Weeks posted on his Facebook page last week that his status as a single bachelor and objective of his online reality show, "The Next Mrs. Weeks" are both over and part of his past.

Last September, Bishop Weeks announced a search for a new soul mate on his website that included 10 webisodes. According to Weeks, the idea came to him after he was flooded with thousands of emails and letters from people who wanted to advise him on what to look for in his next wife. Some of those who contact Bishop Weeks even expressed an interest in filling the role themselves.

"There are some very adamant women," says Weeks associate, Minister Guy Reeves of Global Destiny. "A lady from Belgium flew all the way here to meet him. She came to the campus. She wanted to be the next Mrs. Weeks like many others who have approached me about their strong desire to be Bishop Weeks’ wife."

Now the search seems to be over as the accompanying pictures display the excitement and enthusiasm that Bishop Weeks has with his new love interest, Prophetess Christina Glenn. Recently the two were photographed at a birthday celebration for Bishop Weeks. The quotes below are from the Facebook message that Bishop Weeks recently posted on the wall of Prophetess Glenn.

"Bishop Thomas Weeks III I Love You and want to enjoy every moment we can spend together creating the life that is ‘Abundantly Kingdom’! Love You More BTWIII P.S. Thanks for blessing my life in ways that the world will never be able to know-but God.. he knows.

source: Gospel Today

"The music of Maurette touched my life"
Sometimes God speaks to us when we least expect it…but we most need it. I had that experience today and felt like I needed to share it…actually SHOUT IT! Why I don’t know…but if my epiphany blesses someone, I’m willing to step out there…

The past few days have truly been amazing in my life. I’ve had some good business meetings, had the privilege of hosting a fundraiser for my friend David Paterson, the Governor of NY, helped raise $200,000 for Art for Life and hosted a lunch for the family of my guy at my home…making him proud. Sound like I had it "going on" right? WRONG…

I went out to pick up some crab for dinner tonight and I found myself experiencing a low moment. Nothing in particular happened…I just had a moment where I felt overwhelmed, inadequate and sad. Instead of celebrating my blessings; I started reviewing all the stuff in my life that I WASN’T happy with and got down on myself so intensely…that I started to cry…sitting in the car all alone.

Then God spoke to me…

A song came on the satellite radio just as the tears started to flow and I truly felt the presence of the holy spirit take over. Maurette Brown-Clark was singing "It ain’t over…until God says it’s over"…and I had to literally pull the car over and just PRAISE HIM!

Thank you Lord for reminding me that YOU are in control of ALL THINGS! The stuff that makes me feel good about myself is your gift to me…and the stuff that I have to struggle through is also a gift; because it makes me stronger.

I didn’t have a crisis of faith…because my faith is stronger than that…but I did forget that I am HIS child… and he promised to give me the DESIRES OF MY HEART! He reminded me…so I stopped and praised HIM.

I know people in the public eye don’t like to share that they have moments of fear, vulnerability and doubt…but I want you to know that we do…and those of us who believe in the omnipotence of God…go to our knees.

I don’t know WHAT the future holds…but I state with complete certainty that I know WHO holds my future and FAITH in his word will see me through. I have been blessed with so much…and I want to thank HIM publicly and share it with others. My heart is full tonight with praise for my gifts.

We all go through tough times at one time or another…but remember this… God brought the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt…but before they reached the promised land they had to be washed in the blood (go through the red sea), and then languish in the wilderness for 40 years.

What that says to me is that we don’t get the blessing without the struggle.

That is my testimony today…and I make a promise to God that it will be my daily testimony from now on.

Chicago police say a 17-year-old male and a juvenile have been charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of two teens last week outside a prominent Catholic church.

Rashad Richardson and a 16-year-old male were each charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder and one count of aggravated battery with a handgun for the shooting outside St. Sabina Church last Friday, according to a report Monday.

The teens were scheduled to appear in bond court Tuesday for the shootings, which drew condemnation from the violence plagued community, including some gang members.

St. Sabina was holding sports and activities program for youth Friday night when shots broke out around 6:30 p.m.

One of the teens was shot four times and taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition. The other was listed in "stable" condition with a gunshot wound to his leg and released the next day.

The church’s senior pastor, Father Michael Pfleger, who ran to the teens after hearing the gunshots, has been rallying his church and the community to stand up against violence, which has claimed some 45 children over the past school year.

"A couple weekends ago, 11 people killed. 60 some shot in a weekend. Those are numbers like you have in Iraq or you have in Afghanistan," he said.

Though Pfleger has long been active in the battle against violence, Friday’s shooting appeared to be a breaking point as it reached an area that most regard as haven.

Pfleger told local radio station WBBM that even admitted gangbangers have expressed anger, with one telling him "You don’t touch St. Sabina. Everybody knows this is sacred ground in this community."

Pleger’s call for an end to the violence is resonating as far as Washington, where the priest has been urging congregants to write to in hopes that a summit on violence and guns will be organized.

"The stopping of the violence needs a comprehensive response not a band aid solution," the preacher wrote to his congregation Sunday.

"It’s time to demand the White House call a National Summit on Violence, but it’s also time for reach and every one of us to take ownership and responsibility for our houses, blocks and neighborhoods," he added. "We can stop this violence, we can save our children. So let’s do it now!"

Over the past decade, at least 2,600 children and teens have been killed each year by gunfire in the United States. In 2006, the year the latest national data was released by the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, there were 3,022 violence-related firearm deaths reported among children under the age of 19.That comes out to about one child every 3 hours, eight children every day, and nearly 60 children every week.

The surge in sales of Michael Jackson’s music catalog continued Wednesday with the announcement that his recordings dominated the pop charts for the third consecutive week, and a source told The LA Times that more than 9 million of Jackson’s albums have been sold worldwide since his death June 25.

Nielsen SoundScan said Jackson’s albums sold 1.1 million copies over the last seven days and had combined to sell an impressive 2.3 million in the U.S. in the nearly three weeks since he died.

Sony Music, which controls the catalog of his solo adult recordings, declines as a policy to comment on sales issues, but a spokeswoman for the label did not dispute the accuracy of the 9-million figure provided by the source, who has knowledge of Jackson’s global album sales but is not authorized to speak on the matter. Jackson’s music has also topped the pop charts in countries including France, Germany, Australia and the U.K. during the same period.

The dramatic influx of income for the singer’s estate illustrates what’s at stake in the legal battle to name an executor for Jackson’s will.

This month, lawyers for the singer’s mother, Katherine Jackson, 79, filed court papers asking that she oversee his estate. Days later, two of Jackson’s longtime associates — entertainment attorney John Branca and veteran music industry executive John McClain — filed a will the performer signed in 2002 naming them executors. A hearing on the matter of an executor is scheduled for Aug. 3 in Los Angeles.

Although Jackson was about $400 million in debt to various financial institutions, people with knowledge of the singer’s business holdings say his assets outweigh his debt by at least $200 million — and those assets are only increasing with the tremendous record sales.