Wow. If the year was 1989 and not 2008, word that Michael Jackson is planning on collaborating with pop sensations of yesterday New Kids On The Block might have been welcome. But it's not 1989, and thus the revelation is more of a joke than anything else.

Former King of Pop Michael Jackson is set to collaborate with reformed boy band New Kids On The Block. The reformed boy band's singer, Donny Wahlberg, revealed the plan as the group - who announced they were reuniting earlier this year - celebrated the launch of their comeback tour, which starts in September. Donny said: "It's very exciting. It's one big party and everyone wants to join us." The band held secret talks with Michael, 49, at his Nevada home last week.

As a clever clogs commenter over at the Stuff.co.nz site quips, "Is Michael Jackson only doing this because he likes their name, New KIDS on the block????" Moving on, let's take a look at the photo accompanying the article of the New Kids themselves. nkotbreunion.jpgAm I alone in thinking that the one who was the least attractive in the group during its hey day (Danny Wood, the chiselled looking fellow on the far right, those who were not young girls/future homosexuals during New Kids mania) is now looking dangerously like the ensemble's hottest member? This makes me uncomfortable. I fear change. Although it is worth keeping in mind that as a young lass, my favourite was Donnie - and Donnie had a rat's tail. When it comes to picking the cutest member of New Kids On The Block, I may have been born with a strange genetic defect which prevents me from assessing the situation correctly.