Lessons I Learned from Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, a musician and performer known as the "King of Pop" passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009. He lives on as the new "King" here at the Madlab Post, leaving behind valuable lessons that we can all live by. Michael Jackson proved that music can be universal and bring different cultures together. The fact that he can make manly men want to turn up the volume and dance also sends a huge message that explicit language is not necessary to get people to pay attention to songs. Here are some very important lessons I learned from Michael Jackson:


Be the Best
When Michael Jackson released his Dangerous album, a relative mentioned that only the cream of the crop among background talent is selected to go on tour and appear in videos with Michael Jackson. The topic came up while watching Michael Jackson's music video for "Remember the Time" on TV. Watching numerous performances and videos of Michael Jackson throughout the years (Remember that '93 Super Bowl XXVII halftime show? Who do you know can top that? Nobody!), I realized that being ordinary is not an option. Being the best as what you do is a lesson that Micheal Jackson taught me for many decades by putting out top notch product and giving each live performance all that he had to give. He remained energetic throughout exhausting work schedules and performance routines that would drive the average person insane. It is important for all of us to be the best that we can, working with what we have available.

Be Generous but not too Polite
Michael Jackson was one of the most generous celebrities that helped children around the world. He was gracious to his fans and had a positive disposition during most, if not all of his appearances. Unfortunately, many people took advantage of his generosity and there is a huge lesson to learn from that experience. Although it's best to be generous to others (doesn't the bible teach us that, after all?), it's even more important to not let our guard down. For every person that will appreciate our generosity and not take it for granted, there are more people that are only concerned with their own gain.

From here on out, I have made it a priority to try and be as generous to those that deserve it but not too much because a lot of people are just greedy. The whole "If you give a mouse a cookie..." philosophy rings true and scandalous people will take all they can, even if they have to bring you down or cloud your reputation. I'm a fan of Michael Jackson, but probably not THAT nice. I couldn't be as sweet and gentle as he was but have learned these important lessons while watching people try and destroy his legacy. If it can happen to someone as talented, wealthy, polite and generous as Michael Jackson, then it can happen to any of us.

Love what you Do
Working long days can make us tired and cranky, especially if we're at an undesirable job. I'm sure that it's possible to have all of the energy in the world when you are doing what you love. Michael Jackson lived, breathed and bled music to the point that he was dubbed "King of Pop" and became an international icon. Sure, many of us have to work to pay bills but Michael Jackson showed us that life is not all about a random paycheck. Working jobs that we enjoy can bring improvements to our physical, emotional and mental health.

Now, I'm not promoting a notion that we all should just go out and try to start a Fortune 500 company or even the next hair salon. If you are a single parent with five children to feed or a former inmate with a longer prison record than work history then maybe it will be difficult to become a supermodel. That does not mean you should settle for a random office position or restaurant job because it pays the bills (unless modeling got boring and you find enjoyment in culinary arts). Become an assistant to fashion designers or photographer for models. There are more possibilities to work in an industry of interest if we stop focusing on one specific position and consider related careers.

Use your Talents Wisely
We come across many people who are trying to be something or someone that they are not. The American Idol auditions have been proving this to be the case since 2002. Michael Jackson taught me a valuable lesson of using talents wisely. There are two aspects of following this lesson. First, know what you are talented at and don't try to front when it comes to areas of expertise you know nothing about. I am a huge action movie fan but would not try to produce an independent film in that genre. I am also not overweight but too short to model so there is no reason for me to be sending an application to Tyra Banks for a contestant position on her 'Next Top Model show.

The second part of this lesson learned from Michael Jackson is to use my talents for good, not evil. Some people who are really good at math equations, marketing and manipulation help drug dealers and crooked corporate workers launder money instead of managing a large bank or financial firm. Some people skilled in working with computers use their expertise to become hackers instead of making money developing the next iPhone app for Steve Jobs or hooking up a slick security tracking system for TrumP Taj Mahal. Many individuals with people skills and sales expertise copy and distribute bootleg DVDs instead of opening a video store, movie theater or licensing their own movies. Michael Jackson used his talents wisely to produce good results including that "Will you Be There" song on the Free Willy soundtrack, "We are the World", "Man in the Mirror" and "Heal the World". These songs are not just a part of music, but a soundtrack for the efforts to building a better environment in the world around us...one person at a time.

Be the Change you want to see in the world
This is actually a quote by Mahatma Gandhi that I read on one calendar and it resonates in the life and accomplishments of Michael Jackson. He did not just sing about the importance of making positive changes, this music icon took action in the same direction. The news report website, Action Jackson reports the superstar as listed as the pop star who "supports the most charity organizations" in The Guinness Book of World Records. Michael Jackson has received numerous awards in honor of his endless charitable work, which has raised millions of dollars for many initiatives to improve areas of health and poverty. He also donated some of his earnings to poor people in other countries.

Many of us describe him by stating "he was an icon" but I realized that is not completely accurate. Michael Jackson IS an icon because there is no one that tops him, even though he died last week. No other music artist will ever top the icon status of Michael Jackson, unless they are related to him (Janet, Prince, Paris and Prince Michael II have good opportunities to replicate his success but it will still be a challenge). Michael Jackson left a huge impact on the world and must be remembered for all of his positive actions more than anything else.

Join me in crowning the King of Pop as our new King Dong for July 2009!

Rest in Peace Michael Joseph Jackson. Your music will live on forever.

What Lessons have YOU Learned from Michael Jackson? Leave your comments below!

Glozell posted this video, so you can virtually visit Michael Jackson's star and memorial on the Hollywood Walk of Fame if you are not in California:

Janet Jackson Speaks at BET Awards and Jamie Foxx Pays Tribute to Michael with Ne-Yo

The Game's new single "Better on the Other Side", Tribute to Michael Jackson featuring Usher, P. Diddy, Chris Brown, BoysIImen, Mario Winans and Polow Da Don.

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5 Badass Bloggers on the Web

There are better alternatives than Twitter and StumbleUpon when trying to find kick-ass blogs online with great content. Since 2007, I have found some of the most funny, genuine and resourceful blogs that entertainment fans could read (or watch). It is my honor to award the authors who publish content on these blogs the title of “Badass Blogger”! They have been compiled into one list of Badass Bloggers for you all to check out.

Before we get into the awards list, take a minute to get an overview of how this all came about.

In March, my friend Brandon over at Myspace managed an awesome tournament featuring 64 of the baddest movie characters. There was only one catch….(unlike that lame and ironic AMC one )….those with superpowers, supernatural powers or magical powers did not qualify!!! Titled March BADness, the tournament placed these movie characters against each other to find out who is the “biggest baddass in the history of cinema!” in a battle that lasted for weeks. Much like those movie characters (comprised of William Wallace, Maximus, Lara Croft, Hannibal, Indiana Jones and more), there are some Badass bloggers that can battle with the greatest on the web....and win.

Sujewa Ekanayake on DIY Filmmaker
Authored by Sujewa Ekanayake (Date Number One, Indie Film Blogger Road Trip), DIY Filmmaker is one of my Must-Read blogs because of the filmmaking aspect of course. Art and Independent Film fans can also benefit from his blog because of its coverage on niche films. Ekanayake conducts extensive interviews with movie directors and other professionals in the film community that are worth a read on any day. DIY Filmmaker is worth visiting to find out where independent films are playing online, on DVD or at a movie theater near you.

While coverage includes some fairly known projects, visitors are likely to find out about movies that they would have never known otherwise. The author of DIY Filmmaker supports work by other filmmakers while also making and promoting his own films, which is what makes him so Badass. Many filmmaking blogs are focused on one subject or one project, but DIY Filmmaker includes reviews, product releases, events, news and even some legal stuff worth knowing every now and then.

Glozell on Glozell Loves Jay Leno
(turned Live Green...Google GloZell1 on You Tube)
Formerly known as Jay Leno's Ultimate Fan (No Kidding, she'd beat anyone who claims the #1 fan spot..hands down!), Glozell has stirred some controversial comments toward her videos, comments and blogs online. She still managed to become a Youtube celebrity while maintaining her status as a comedian and actress in the outside world. Being a fan of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, it was good to know that I could visit her blog and get a recap on any episodes that I missed. She had a sort-of backstage pass that took place outside, during the time that audience members waited for entry into the show.

Glozell boldly chronicles nearly every bit of her life in California, whether adventurous (Sex for 100 Days; Rappers without Legs; There are Black Russians?) or tedious (Lost in Compton; Buying Condoms in the ‘Hood) as it is on the blog that started as a complete guide to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Over the years, Glozell has enjoyed the company of many celebrities and talks about subjects that men and women may be thinking but are either too afraid or too reserved to say (Does Michelle go down on Barack Obama?) while featuring photos or videos of people that she meets in the land where Hollywood thrives. Comedic edge and widespread generosity make Glozell one of few Badass Bloggers in 2009. Take a dip into her archives if you want to get acquainted or learn about that “joke” by Obama that didn’t go too well.

Herman Turnip on Terrible Analogies
The internet is loaded with personal blogs that really don’t provide any benefit to readers and consist only as a soapbox for the author. With that in mind, I rarely check out personal blogs unless they are written by someone I know or have something important to say. Terrible Analogies is one of those blogs that will cause you to go “hmm” and either taking a closer look at yourself or a closer look at companies, products, services or situations that just seem odd. Herman Trip, the author of Terrible Analogies was the inspiration for a previous post about inappropriate TV show producers and one source of my new resolution to cook more at home, thus preventing situations of insects found in frozen dinners. You can learn a lot by reading Terrible Analogies if for nothing else, to examine different sides to a story. It puts a different meaning behind personal blogging and the author does things his way and on his own terms whether you like Terrible Analogies or not, making Herman Trip a real Badass Blogger.

Frank Warren on Post Secret
“I wish I didn’t have to cheat on her to get head”, as mentioned in Sunday Secrets. Yeah! Post Secret is not for the squeamish, which just may be my category because every time I visit this blog, I end up leaving. The interesting factor is that Post Secret doesn’t have violent or nude photos, videos or animation (think Stickdeath.com). So, why bother visiting this blog, right? Well, there has been some unbelievable content published on Post Secret. The blog is like an aggregator of people from around the world…..secrets included. It features secrets that readers feel more comfortable telling strangers than those whom they know. Reading the blog will either make you happy, worried or angry.

The concept is simple: Mail your secrets to the author on a postcard. Post Secret was a nice idea that turned into a realization of the fact that there are some freaky, crazy, depressed, lonely, funny and rude people in our society. That is a real shame and it makes me wonder who is really walking down the street or shopping in the store, you know! Frank, the author of PostSecret has also put the blog to good use by partnering with a suicide hotline to assist those in need of help. The blog has become so popular that it Frank turned it into a book, several actually.

The fifth edition of Post Secret in print is scheduled to be released later this year. The blog has also been mentioned in the media and one CSI: NY episode was loosely based on its concept and function. Frank says that he adds one of his own secrets to each Post Secret book. He’s taken public exhibition to another level and was able to monetize and publicize it as well, displaying true Badass behavior.

and……

Brandon on Myspace
This list would not have been possible without him. It’s only fair that we tag him appropriately as the Ultimate Badass Blogger! Brandon blogs about life and entertainment topics including music reviews. Past favorite entries include How NOT to raise your Kids, the 3 Great Things Series and Electronic Lynching.

While finding these bloggers online, I was glad to notice many of them achieving success and a nice sized fan base despite using blogging platforms that are on shared/free hosting. Many Wordpress and Self-Hosted bloggers frown upon Blogger (and other shared/free hosting) blogs and refer to them as if they are inferior. While the argument of worthlessness may be the case for thousands, if not millions of Blogger, Myspace, Wordpress.com or Livejournal blogs who have nothing important to talk about or want to spam people, it does not speak for all who use these platforms. Many blogs hosted on free services, including The Sartorialist are those hidden gems that prove it’s about the content on a blog that makes it great, NOT the hosting. Someone told me once, “It’s not where you live, it’s how you live” and I think that philosophy rings true for many blogs that may not be self-hosted!!!

Set Up Your Blog Now!

Which of these blogs do you like the most?

Do you have any Badass Bloggers to nominate and add to this list?
Leave your comments below!

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I am King: It’s Bigger than Sean John Cologne

Sean “Diddy” Combs carries himself well with lots of confidence and has talent to back it up. Those are some characteristics that make Kings so powerful and it doesn’t skip Sean “Diddy” Combs. There are some aspects about the guy I do not like, but he has other qualities that make him great. Call him what you may, as there are a handful of nicknames to choose from. I still refer to him as “Puffy”, a nickname he went by back in those Notorious B.I.G. days. He then changed the nickname to “P. Diddy” and “Diddy” and then just went by “Sean Combs”. No matter which one is used, the man has become so popular that we know Sean “Puff Daddy/Puffy/Diddy/P. Diddy” Combs when we see, hear or read about him. Now, that’s a King!

Under normal circumstances, Sean “Diddy” Combs would not qualify for King Dong status. He was first known as a rapper and music producer which does not-a-King-Dong-make. This music producer expanded his talents by performing on Broadway (A Raisin in the Sun), movies (Monster’s Ball, Made) and television appearances (CSI: Miami). Film and TV gave Sean “Diddy” Combs that extra boost and that’s why he succeeds Kiefer Sutherland as King Dong for May 2009. Sean “Diddy” Combs has his hand in almost every industry that one person can manage in a day. His I am King Fragrance released in the winter of 2008 makes great timing for this post.

Sean “Diddy” Combs already claimed one “King” title in another form by releasing his fragrance. Crowning him “King Dong” on the Madlab Post furthers that command by acknowledging his other talents. Sean “Diddy” Combs describes his I am King Fragrance as a celebration of men, assuring consumers that the catchy title is not centered on him or his celebrity status. This fragrance is a good way to celebrate the average man and build all men (or hard working and responsible men, at least) up to be the best that they are. Every man has something great to offer, so it’s nice to have access to a product like I am King.

The fragrance represents the greatest aspects of all men who vary in skills, attractiveness and talent. I am King makes it obvious that you do not have to be a famous music producer slash actor slash clothing designer etcetera like Sean “Diddy” Combs to be a King. Being a king is all about the way that you carry yourself in the world. Sean Combs also stars in his own I am King Movie on Youtube. The multi-media mogul is not hesitant to mention his I am King Movie performance as being more than a promotional tool for the men’s fragrance.

He confirmed this I am King Movie as an audition tape for the next James Bond role. Sean “Diddy” Combs also dedicated the I am King fragrance to “Barack Obama, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King and all you men out there who take care of your families and respect and treat yourself like the Kings that we are all”, in a description listed for the movie.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is a true King which is evident in all that he has accomplished in the music, film and fashion industry. Join me in crowning Sean “Diddy” Combs King Dong of May 2009 here on the Madlab Post!

Would Sean “Diddy” Combs make a good James Bond?
Leave your comments below!

Related Posts:
1. Is Matt Damon the New James Bond?
2. Kiefer Sutherland Claims the King Dong Spot

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