Granted it, Michael Jackson is one of the best artists of all time with hits such as Thriller, Beat It, Billie Jean, We Are The World, and much more. I can kind of understand the hype. But give me a break; well after a month later, let’s give the man a break. He’s already dead; you can’t kick him any harder - he is at his ultimate low and he won’t be coming back from it.

The next time I have to hear Nancy Grace or Jane Velez Mitchell screaming on air about Michael Jackson, I just might go insane or keep watching for the great entertainment they provide!

How many other products such as artificial sweeteners and tofu have been in the media for their positive affects on health, but yet a few years latter, were dismissed as pure health hazards.

Some of us blog with videos, text, cartoons and so forth. But how many rapping bloggers do we have out there? I have been known to try my luck at it a few times or two to some of my favorite tunes such as Soulja Boy - he’s a rapper who basically created his fame by means of YouTube and MySpace; the kid is very tech savvy himself.

I am just wondering how many of us out there are better than Shaquille O’Neal, who has been in the media the past few days for dissing his ex-teammate Kobe Bryant. I listened to his little rap, also called a freestyle, since was rapping off the top of his head, and I felt it was TERRIBLE. I thought, “I could have done better than that.” Most of the lyrics didn’t rhyme; he was off beat, and saying some of the silliest things known to man.

Hey, I figure if Shaq can rap and GET AWAY WITH IT, we all can, and possibly make a little money on top of that too.

Is your investment save?

Rules:

1. Leave work at work: so often when we come home, we are frustrated after a bad encounter with a boss, supervisor or just another co-worker. The important thing to realize is we have to let these awful situations and circumstances stay at the work place to circumvent these daily frustrations from being taken out on the ones we love: our spouses, children, family and friends. This process should start in the car ride home. Try thinking of serenity. Put your feet on the gas and crank up the tunes. The last thing you need to do is enter your home pondering the hustle and bustle of the next day. Use these hours at home to wind down and RELAX.
2. Soak: take a nice long bath; use a few droplets of your favorite gels or oils to get the body relaxed. Aromatherapy really works as well. You can purchase oils or even aromatherapy candles to lighten up the mood. Nice fresh scents really enhance our ability to relax and meditate.
3. If drinking is your game, then alcohol is your game. A nice fresh cold beer or glass of wine will do the trick. Over the years they have been used for medicinal purposes. For those of you who don’t drink, a nice sip of tea will also do the trick.
4. Make sure that your clothes are comfortable and loose fitting. The more comfortable the clothing, the easier it is for you to relax.
5. Grab one of your favorite novels and cuddle up next to the fireplace or while you are in the tub soaking with your glamorous scents. A nice movie will even do the trick. Tune in to your favorite comedy show and let the comedians do the work. Before you know it, you will have laughed your way out of your stress. These things take your mind off of your long day at work and allow you time to refocus on the things that really matter.
6. Listen to your favorite music. Something nice and soft, that you can enjoy within a decent volume while you are sending your anxiety to another planet. Try light jazz, rhythm and blues, light and soft really compliments the ambiance you are trying to create for yourself.
7. If you have a partner ask him or her for a nice massage and compliment them with a return favor as well. A sensual massage will get the blood flowing and ease the pains of those aching muscles.
8. Get some exercise. For some people, going to the gym is a great way to alleviate stress. Lift weights, go for a run, even do some house hold chores.
9. Remove all clutter from your environment. Believe me I know what its like to try to think when there are clothes on the floor, basketballs rolling down the halls, the ones your kids forgot to pick up and a dirty kitchen. Clutter makes it difficult to focus and tranquilize your environment
10. Talk to people. Chat with your spouse or your friends, it doesn’t matter. Socialize, mingle. Speaking with others helps take your mind off of your day and the once super important stress causers no longer seem that important.

Believe me people, it is very important to unwind after a rough day at work. It is important for your health as well as the people we live with. Try some of these tips and tricks at your own disposure. Heck, add to the list, just be a better you.

Can you say apocalypse? Yes, you read it right; the United States of American has seen some of the most dreadful weather patterns this year. With numerous tornados appearing everywhere, floods in Iowa causing thousands to be without homes, Earthquakes in the Midwest, a place that never renders earthquakes. Now I am starting to wonder, IS THIS THE END OF THE WORLD? Now, I know things like this are generally religious or found in one of M. Night Shyamalan’s box office hits, but it does allow room for ponder. Why all of a sudden is our climate acting so strange? For those religious folks out there, they are probably saying it’s the end of the world as we know it and we should start praying to “baby Jesus” as Ricky Bobby puts it.

Of course global warming has to be a reason all of these things are occurring. But it’s sure causing a lot of damage. Half of the lands destroyed by recent flooding in the Midwest are attacking predominately farm land, which will in turn affect the prices of our produce. With gas prices as darn high as it is, causing an increase in grocery spending, can the American wallets handle any more harm. If things get too bad we will eventually see looting. Let’s just pray that doesn’t happen.

I know I am probably being a little redundant, but I just had to take a moment in time and space to address the historic performance by the Boston Celtics last night in game four of the NBA playoffs. After being down 24 points they came back and won the game by six, beating the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91. With a 21-3 run, the Celtics took pure advantage of the Los Angeles Lakers and will mark there way into history, being only one game away from a NBA Championship. Something Paul Pierce has been waiting for almost 10 years as he has stuck it out through thick and thin with the Boston Celtics. The roster boasts three very powerful players, Pierce, Garnett and Allen, all NBA stars without championship rings. I may be a little biased, but I believe they will pull it off in game 5. I will be rooting all the way, although grant it, I would be rooting for any team opposite Kobe Bryant; he just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Cockiness is just a turnoff. GO CELTICS.

2. Personal Fitness

3. Lose Weight

4. Quit Smoking

5. Quit Drinking

6. Get Out of Debt

7. Learn Something New

8. Help Others

9. Get Organized

10. Enjoy Life More