Michael Jackson's house contents to be auctioned

THE CONTENTS of the late Michael Jackson's last home are to be put up for sale in an auction that has been prohibited from using the pop star's name to prevent items' value being enhanced as a result.
 
Associated Press reports that the catalogue and auction are carefully titled '100 North Carolwood Drive', the address of the rented mansion in Los Angeles where Jackson spent his last few days, and promotional materials do not include the Thriller singer's name.
 
Nonetheless, most of the items being sold are the kinds of things that only die-hard 'Jacko' fans would want. Here are a few of the highlights:

• The bed (above) where Jackson took his last breath in what was known as his medication room. This is the same bed that has been seen in numerous photos during the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, in which Jackson was given the lethal dose of the anaesthetic propofol.

• A chalkboard from the kitchen with a note written on it by one of his children which reads: "I (heart) Daddy. SMILE, it's for free". It is expected to fetch more than $400.

• The mirror of an antique armoire from Jackson's personal bedroom on which he wrote to himself: "TRAIN, perfection, March April. FULL OUT May". Jackson was about to begin a final concert tour, This Is It, starting in London in July.

• A small silk-covered stool smudged with Jackson’s make-up from a walk-in closet off his medication room.

The auction is due to take place on 17 December at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills, California.

The house itself is for sale separately. Built in 2000 in the style of a French chateau, its walls are lined with paintings and sculptures. The house includes a wine cellar, fitness centre, formal dining room and its own movie theatre complete with loveseat-style sofas and a cloud-dotted sky painted on the ceiling. ·