By Matiss Meijers

Michael Jackson - a man of contradictions. He was the seventh of nine children from a well-known musical family from Gary, Indiana. Being an Afro-American he ended up with white skin, created new pop culture and so much odds, speeches, rumors and myths as no other musician around the world. His genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals.

He was known as the "King of Pop." Jackson had many No. 1 hits, and his "Thriller" is the best-selling album of all time. He is survived by three children, Prince Michael I, Paris and Prince Michael II.
Millions loved him, millions hated him, but everybody knew him. As for me - I didn't like him - neither as the man nor as the musician. However - when I heard about his death, the world seemed a little bit empty for a while. Whatever Michael Jackson has done, but he was, is and remains a King.

An interesting question is about the planned concerts in London, in O2 arena. As we know - all tickets were sold out. Jackson claimed that he is training intensely and ''the show will go on''. Who knows - may be it really was so. And maybe he shouldn't do so, knowing his ages and what kind of load is that. However... who knows - may be King knew that his days are numbered already. And may be that concert was nothing more than his last goodbyes. Saying ''so long'' to the world in Michael Jackson style. I guess - someday we will find the answer. As for now - the King is dead, long live the King.

I am going to write a book on it.Please - let me know your opinion on: http://michaeljacksonend.blogspot.com/

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By Roger Dale

The name Transformers has become a common word heard in home all around the world. Most every child has or had a transformer toy at one time or another in their life. There is even a realistic movie now out about these amazing Autobots that transform from vehicles to mighty warriors. They have been around since the early 1980’s and will most likely be around for years to come.

Let’s take a look at how the transformer TV shows got started. The Transformers first showed up on television in 1984 and was instantly a success. Kids from around the world immediately fell in love with these amazing creatures that could transform into mighty Autobots, taking on all the evil in the world as well as their own. Even the voice of Optimus Prime, done by Peter Cullen, became famous with the words “Autobots, transform and roll out!” Optimus Prime is perhaps one of the most favored of the Autobots with his ability to transform from a giant truck to a mighty hero. Kids of all ages still find him the best of the bots today.

The original Transformer television show lasted from 1984 through 1987, and then came Generation 1 which was only aired in Japan. That series lasted from 1987 through 1990. It followed The Transformers with the title of Transformers: Headmasters. There was a spin off from the Japan version in the United States that had the translated title of: Transformers: Super-God Master Force. This lasted for 42 episodes and ended in 1989. The all time hero called Optimus Prime had a new name in this one. He was known as Ginrai, the human trucker that could transform into the prime-like transformer.

The next generation came in 1993 and was called of course: Transformers: Generation 2. This series lasted from 1993 to 1995. This was not really called a series as it was mainly out to promote the new toy line up of the transformers. Beast Wars: Transformers was out in 1996 through 1998. This is one of the most popular versions of the Transformers television show. The show won an Emmy due to the awesome graphics it displayed. The next in line was again in Japan only. It was called Beast Wars and it had 2 series from it. They were called Beast Wars two and Beast Wars Neo. They were aims at the younger generation. Beast wars ran for a total of 43 episodes and Beast Wars Neo went for 35 episodes.

Next up was Beast machine: Transformers which aired from 1999 through 2000. This was a short lived show as it was said that it copied characters from the Beast Wars series. Along came Transformers: Robots in Disguise. This one also ran for just a year 2001 through 2002. This was considered a filler till the next series came along in 2002 called Transformers: Armada. This on ran one year as well and was about a promoting a new toy line up. This is where the mini-cons came out. It made 52 episodes and sparked 2 more series called Energon which aired from 2004 through 2005 with 52 episode and Cybertron which as from 2005 through 2006 with 52 episodes as well.

Yes the transformers are certainly something that you will find in most every home. Their toys can be found all over including in the fast food restaurants as well as most all retailers that carry toys. For the best way to learn the history of the transformers is to get the 20th Anniversary Special Edition Transformers DVD Set. The entire collection is a treasure you will want to have in your video library for the whole family to enjoy.

Get the 20th anniversary special collectors, edition Transformers DVD Metal Box Set. Complete seasons of the Transformers cartoon series 1 through 4 on 15 high quality DVDs, 5.1 Dolby surround sound. Also get the Transformers movie, collector’s card, poster and more. Get your set at http://www.TransformersDVDSet.com

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By Conan Saunders

Going to the movies is a perfect summer time activity. Movie theatres are a place to cool down, eat some popcorn, drink a soda, and watch the latest box office hit. A trend for movie makers is to recreate comics and make them into movies. Transformers are no exception. The comic books have been made into a movie and the sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, is now out for viewing. Transformers are all about action, adventure, and autobots.

The first Transfomers movie was about Sam Witwicky and his autobots saving the world from Decepticons. Autobots are robots and are the good guys in the movie, and Decepticons are the bad guys in the form of military or construction vehicles. In the new release, Sam is continuing his life after saving the world and is preparing to start his life as a college freshman. He is trying to live a normal life and has to leave his autobot, Bumblebee, at home. The autobots continue to defend the world from any decepticons that may not have previously been destroyed, and they understand why Sam has to leave them behind. The autobots continue to adjust to living on Earth with humans and are originally from another planet, Cyberton. While Sam sees how the autobots help save humans, one man thinks that all robots including autobots should be destroyed. He doesn't trust them living on Earth. Theodore Galloway, the National Security Advisor, plans to ban all autobots from earth. Sam helps the autobots who must convince the world they are here for a good reason. You can read more about the plot of the movie in detail at the Transformers Official Movie site (transformermovies.com). The movie stars Shia LeBeouf, Tyrese Gibson, Megan Fox, and Michael Bay. Sam Witwicky, the leading character, is played by Shia LeBeouf and the character's girlfriend is played by Megan Fox.

The Transformers comic books have been popular among readers since the 1980s. The popularity of the series has helped the movies become box office hits. The action of the autobots is perfect for an on screen performance. The comic series has been issued by four production companies. Transformers also include popular action character GI Joe. Besides being a popular comic, the Transformers series has also been successful as a toy line, television series, books, video games, theme park rides, and now a movie series. Comics are also the launch and starting point for other successful movies such as Spiderman and Batman.

About the Author: Conan Saunders is Chief Technology Officer for mycomicshop.com, one of the largest retailers of comic books in the world. Mycomicshop is the online presence of Lone Star Comics, a leading retailer of comic books with seven stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. For more information please visit: http://www.mycomicshop.com.

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