Engineering on Friday 'toon: MJ in the Frozen Aisle

You've walked down those frozen aisles, you know what I'm talking about. You walk, the lights turn on, you hear that beat. Always reminded me of the Billie Jean music video. Yes, every single time, I hear it (in my head). 

Do I do that pointing at the lights like MJ? Maybe. Any other moves? Maybe. 😊

One day, shuffling and singing down the aisle, I had to know how they were sensing people. It's simple PIR sensors spaced about every 6 feet or so at the tops of the freezer doors. LED lighting in about 2 or 3 cabinets is triggered by the one sensor. A fade-in-and-out routine for the LEDs. They only use simple technology to sense people… not their innate magic. 😊

I'm posting this 'toon to coincide with the release of biopic film "Michael" this week. I can't believe MJ's nephew Jaafar is playing the role, how amazing. Go see it!

Michael Jackson was always at the forefront of technology. Remember the Black and White music video with the face morphing? His stage performances had a number of firsts. Light-up clothing in the '80s, stage floor catapult, to name a few. In 1996, he was a part of early motion capture projects. A dance game for SEGA that never came out (called "Dance Revolution: Michael Jackson").

On top of that, his 39-minute mini-movie/music-video Ghosts features a whole section of motion-captured MJ. In the video, he's a skeleton doing his signature moves. It's wild to see. There's also behind-the-scenes of it being made that's worth watching. 

I remember some videos and audio in the early-early internet where he addresses "all the people out there in the world wide web." Sort of inviting people into the net. I can't find this clip anywhere now. 

Even after his passing, he inspires. He was the first "hologram" stage performer through the company Pulse Evolution. Not to mention the countless projects in the maker/DIY/engineering space. Like this replica light-up jacket. I think this mini-MJ moonwalking on a tiny LCD is cool. There's so many that I think a roundup is in our near future.

Until then, let's review... 

MJ's contributions to the world are Invincible. Do you Remember a Time when MJ wasn't innovating? If so, that's Bad. I'm Speechless. Whatzupwitu? You need to look at that Man in the Mirror and make that change. You've got One More Chance to see MJ's work. Oh, you are a fan, I Get It? You are Not Alone, cuz it's Human Nature. This is It, You've Got a Friend in me.

Say Say Say, are you Off the Wall, are these all song quotes?

So, You Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'?

Ok, We've Had Enough!

2 Bad, (I Like) The Way You Love me. 

Why? Beat it! Leave Me Alone!

Check out last week's cartoon, it's about cats!