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MGBrooksWORKS is proud to announce the opening of products for sale at e-frontier.

Some of the classic maps created by Michael Brooks are now available for purchase at Content Paradise at a very reasonable price (less for Passport members).

So visit e-frontier's Content Paradise and browse through the new products section.

Michael Brooks (more commonly known as Sarge) lives and works in Charlotte, NC. He is now suffering from advanced Hepatitis C, with cirrhosis of the liver, and liver cancer. Although he still loves photography and 3D art, his strength and energy are limited. Here we give you a rare view inside his office / studio and ask him a few questions.

Q: Sarge, I cannot help but notice that you are surrounded by many Beatles items. What is your fascination with the Beatles?

A: Years ago, actually when I was quite young and hospitalized, I was given a Beatles album. I listened to it over and over, drawing encouragement and hope from the words and music. I treasured the album and the thoughtful person who gave it to me. I have drawn encouragement and strength from Beatles songs ever since.

Q: So, have you always been a Beatles collector?

A: I had very little as a youngster - but I purchased any Beatles albums I could - and held onto them tightly. The photos and autographs you see here I have acquired in more recent years.

Q: So, what is it about the Beatles that inspires you so much?

A: There is a line from one of their songs I hear in my head almost daily "there's nothing you can do that can't be done, there's nothing you can sing that can't be sung. Nothing you can make that can't be made . . . it's easy for All you need is love." This encouraged me to try and do anything I can envision. Hardy a circumstance faces me that I don't hear the lyrics of a Beatles song to help me through it. "You're going to carry that weight a long time."

John, Paul, George and Ringo changed the world - their music and songs helped bring about social change and were part of the revolution that changed human rights in the US and globally. Our lives today would be completely different had they not appeared - music, art, literature, clothing, thought, culture - everything was altered by their revolution. They were the most successful band of all time - and now - nearly half a century later - people are still buying their music.

Q: So, what are you inspired to do now?

A: I know I have an illness which will eventually take my life. Many times I am too weak and tired to do much. I cannot carry the photo equipment I used to walk long distances with in past years. But when I am able, I want to shoot photos and I want to create - to give something to those who have helped me over the years. I am creating and selling some maps and textures again - and I am donating photos and creations to some friends in need. When I pass on, I am designating some of my special items - cameras, computers, photo collections, creative works - to go to various friends who will make good use of them.

I began Maptropolis - and I have invited novice and unpublished texture artists to submit their 3D maps to offer for free. This should help them get recognition and go on to be successful brokers themselves.

Sarge, we want you to be around - to create. to inspire, and to encourage for a long time to come - we hope you get stronger and better. We'll be watching for you.

(Since this interview was originally posed, the Maptropolis store has grown considerably. You can read more about it and see images of a few of the products on the Maptropolis page within this site.)