Eclectic Electronics

Michael Jackson leaned forward, using patented shoes, during Smooth Criminal performance

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 11:50 AM PDT

Did you know that Michael Jackson used extremely special, patented shoes during his Smooth Criminal performance? His shoe, along with the performers, has a v-shaped notch on the heel part of the shoe. The shoe and Michael Jackson’s weight, is held stable by steel pegs that are not seen by the public. Notice how the performer on the right, in the video below, had a hard time disengaging his right shoe from the floor.

I actually thought they really had the ability to lean forward that much! Until today, of course.

The patent can be viewed here and includes detailed illustrations of the heel of the shoe that Michael Jackson used for his very Smooth Criminal performances.

R.I.P Michael Jackson.

Abstract
A system for allowing a shoe wearer to lean forwardly beyond his center of gravity by virtue of wearing a specially designed pair of shoes which will engage with a hitch member movably projectable through a stage surface. The shoes have a specially designed heel slot which can be detachably engaged with the hitch member by simply sliding the shoe wearer’s foot forward, thereby engaging with the hitch member.

[via CrunchGear]

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Amazon discounted pre-order of Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional upgrades, now live!

Posted: 26 Jun 2009 02:40 AM PDT

Pre-order page is now live on Amazon.com for discounted upgrades to Windows 7. Pre-order prices are valid from June 26 to July 11, 2009 in North America. The Ultimate edition of Windows 7 is not offered as a pre-order upgrade. Home Premium can be pre-ordered for $49.99 while Professional can be pre-ordered for $99.99.

See the table below for complete price details for Microsoft Windows 7. If you’re curious to know whether your desktop or laptop/notebook computer will be able to run Microsoft Windows 7 without breaking a sweat, be sure to check out the minimum system requirements.