Everyone will remember Michael Jackson for something – his great music, his style – whether it be funky or different, and of course his dancing. But as many know, who followed him over the years, he also had a taste for technology. His videos were some of the first to feature special effects like in Black or White, where people’s faces morphed into others, or other videos where animals became people… I know I never saw anything like that before the first time I watched it. It was cutting edge back then. And as much as Billie Jean was an awesome song, the tiles that lit up as he walked amazed me even more than the music itself. Michael was using green screens and all sorts of advanced video production before it was ever the norm. Even his concerts had special effects, including pyrotechnics (remember the Pepsi incident). In his prime he was always one step ahead of the curve and trends of the time. Michael will always be remembered as the King of Pop, an inspiration to the talented dancers, singers, and all around artists. But to me he will be remembered for making a little girl say “How did he make the tiles light up!?” And try as I might with my Michael Jackson doll – I could never make my parents floor do the same thing – no matter how loud I played Billie Jean. Rest in peace Michael – I hope you have finally found Peter Pan.

Michael Jackson Doll - I was so psyched to get this doll and parade Michael around to all of Barbie’s friends with his white glove and plan their first interracial date (scandalous). However, not only was that a treat – the fact that every limb of his moved and his knees and arms all bent was so exciting! None of my others dolls did that. He was also anatomically correct….

Michael Jackson and Videos Games – IGN has a great selection of games that Michael himself or his music were featured in. Moonwalker was a terrible game, but it didn’t stop me from playing it. However, I do plan on hitting Guitar Hero and playing “Beat It” tonight as an homage.

Moonwalker – When I first saw this movie – I guess I was expecting another a thriller. Sure the music was great, but it made absolutely no sense to me as a young person. I loved when he turned into a robot and which was my favorite part back then. But only now looking back at it many years later, do you see the mad genius behind it. Having so many things going on at once, was a perfect example of how Michael really was – a man with so much talent bursting out of his seams and trying to get it all out there for us to see – whether it made sense or not.

Las Vegas 50-foot Robotic Replica – In 2007 there was a crazy story circulating that MJ wanted to make himself a 50-foot replica in Las Vegas. At the time, there were plans of him putting on a show there ala Cher. The media was none to kind to him – and thought this was the most absurd thing. But if you look back now, can you imagine if they had build it?!

Walking Tutor – Excercising Aid for Physically Disabled Children - Now you are probably wondering what this has to do with Michael Jackson… if you look closely at the image you will see where I’m going with this. Karthik Kulkarni won the IEEE Distinguished Student Humanitarian Prize for creating a device to stimulate disabled kids, when they walk on the floor it would light up – encouraging them to keep on walking. Designed to be like an interactive game – Not only is Karthik (in my eyes) inspired by Billie Jean, he is also helping children. Now that truly would have made the King of Pop proud.