A Message to Michael JacksonWritten by Peggy Butler
On 1992 song “Word to Badd,” singer Jermaine Jackson criticized his brother Michael for undergoing extensive plastic surgery to alter his appearance. In listening to lyrics, “Reconstructed, been abducted, don’t know who you are. Think they love you, they don’t know you, lonely superstar. Once you were made, you changed your shade, was your color wrong? Could not turn back, it’s a known fact, you were too far gone”, Jermaine implied that Michael had ventured beyond surgical realm and landed smack in middle of Caucasianville U.S.A. Now 12 years later he is defending his brother’s right to have plastic surgery. However, as everyone knows, Michael Jackson no longer resembles a member of human race. Instead, he has transformed into a freak; ghastly and equipped with a crumbling nose on verge of collapse. Personally, I don’t think his nose can be characterized as a body part. And I'm not alone in my assessment. According to sources whom shall remain nameless, it looks more alien than human. Thus question on everyone’s mind is, why would a once loved superstar go through so much trouble to change his looks? To answer that question, we go back to where it all started, past, and year 1968. When he burst onto music charts 36 years ago, Jackson was a cute, brown skin, bushy haired, doe eyed boy. It’s hard to believe that today, 45 year old man who only admits to having plastic surgery on his nose is same person. But one look at his face tells whole story. Not only have his features been altered, but so has his personality. Yet, despite his wacky antics and bizarre appearance Jackson can still count on media for publicity. In a world of celluloid superstars, Jackson remains an enigma. He is without question strangest and most controversial entertainer of our time. Blessed with a unique voice, superb dancing skills and greatest public relations savvy since Marilyn Munroe. If there is one thing that Jackson knows how to perfect, that would be his ability to generate publicity. Case in point: With exception of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Kobe Bryant saga, Michael Jackson has been topic of conversation from Australia to Thailand. And there is plenty to talk about; from his bizarre appearance to sexual allegations regarding a 13- year-old cancer patient. Without a doubt, Wacko-Jacko as media calls him, has turned weirdness into an-art form yielding lucrative dividends. Not surprisingly, he is also a member of forever young brigade. In controversial documentary “Living with Michael Jackson”, Indiana native likened himself to Peter Pan, fictitious character who refuses to grow up. So, to counteract aging, Jackson relies on surgery to alter areas that show signs of gravity. Similarly, to enhance his youthful persona, he climbs trees and invites kids to his 300 acre estate commonly known as Neverland for sleepovers. However, unlike his hero, Michael Jackson must come to realization that Peter Pan is an illusory figure in a children's book, not a middle aged man who gambled with plastic surgery and paid a huge price. And as a result lost both himself and his identity.
| | 5 Interviewing Tips To Get That Job!Written by Marie Magdala Roker
Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a new job or career is a job in itself. Once you have completed laborious task of writing your resume and submitting it to various companies, you now have to pass screen test to get job. Interviews are gateway to landing your ideal job. These five tips will help you get own your way to making that job yours. Tip 1 Be Confident Your first impression is your only impression. Nothing is worse than a limp handshake, slumped shoulders, poor eye contact or poor communication skills. A potential employer can tell immediately if you are man or woman for this job by your body language. Although aggressiveness is a turn-off, being passive gives indication that you are not sure of yourself or your qualifications. Keep eye contact when answering questions or when interviewer is speaking directly to you. Smile occasionally to show your interest and enthusiasm. Keeping a steady gaze on interviewer can be disturbing to an interviewer. Look away occasionally. Lean forward to show that you are interested in what interviewer is saying. Speak in a concise and clear voice. If you have problems annunciating certain words, don’t try to use them on an interview. If this is difficult for you, practice with a mirror and pay attention to your facial expressions. Other interview killers: Slouching in a chair, Crossing your arms, Playing with your hair or jewelry, Leaning back in chair Tip 2 Act As If You are what you believe. Act as if you had job. What would you do if you had this position? How would you act? How would a person in this position act and speak? What are your responsibilities in this position? What is a typical day like for you in this job? Change your attitude towards yourself and your strengths. If you start thinking that you won’t get job, you will do small unnoticeable things to sabotage your chances. Great free resource: www.confidenceworld.com. Tip 3 Know The Company Know business. I once sat on a couple of interviews where interviewees did not do any research on company. This sends a message that you are looking for any job, not this specific job. Once you’re interview is scheduled, get on net and start finding out everything you can about company. A good place to start is www.hoovers.com, which gives you industry information, top competitors, names of CEO, etc. If you’d like to know what current or former employees have to say about company, try www.wetfeet.com. Beware of disgruntled postings. Call company headquarters and ask for marketing department to get specific information. Weave your research into interview by stating. I read an article in Wall Street Journal, which mentioned that your company is thinking about XYZ. This lets interviewer know that you have taken time to know more about company. You can ask questions about something you read, but don’t challenge them or you’ll come across as a know-it-all.
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