Can old kids learn new tricks?

Yes, it's true; at least, according to the rumors. After 14 years of "Hangin' Tough" without each other, the group that started the boy band phenomena could be reuniting. New Kids On The Block, or NKOTB as they were better known, despite the greater difficulty in remembering the acronym, paved the way for boys bands like NSYNC and the Backstreet Boys, bringing together rap and pop to heart-aching teenage girls across the country. I recall my older sister's love for the 5-boy group: the posters; the tapes; the backwards hats and baggy shirts. I also recall that these "kids" were, in fact, kids at the time of their march into fame.

So, why the comeback now? MTV attempted to reunite the boys back in 1999, which was more appropriate given the boy-band era, but now most of the members are in their late 30s.

The time spent between their split and today leaves very little to be excited about. After a couple of failed solo attempts and rumors of continuing tensions between old members, what are these old kids striving for? If there is a reunion in the works, I suggest the kids get a new name, perhaps "Old Kids New Tricks." I also suggest a reality check and a music lesson as they are introduced to a new age of music, without arm swinging and head tilting. I'm not saying they don't stand a chance, but the track record is against them. Case and point: just about every other boy-band who has attempted a come-back. Watch out married men, your wives may be getting a case of the 80s as the "New Kids" bring themselves back together; then again, I think we should all be careful, and maybe buy some new ear plugs.