The first time I listened to Michael Jackson's song when I was in my teens. I remember it was the song Thriller and it instantly caught my attention and love. The rhythm and passion in his music was inspiring to all. I myself was also thrilled by his song and loved every minute of it. Ever since that I was following his songs and like a real fan was keeping all his music in my collection. So when I heard that the king of pop is no more, I was very surprised. I could not believe my self and even now have the same feelings, that he is dead and left us. Micheal was the only Black artist that ever caught eyes all over the world and loved by millions all over the world. From poor coutries like Bangladesh to wealthy nations like Switzerland, Brunai, he had fans who loved his dearly.

Michael helped shape the music industry in such a way that there was no division between black and white. He was the first artist that actually crossed that boundary and made everyone see the truth about people's inner beauty and not its color. For this he will be remembered for a long time, let alone his reputation as the King of POP. We miss you MJ.

It can take four to 14 months to find the right job... and fewer than 90 days to lose it. According to executive coach Linda Seale, most professional and managerial dismissals are due to failure to understand and fit into a company's culture.  It is during these first weeks on the job that your boss and colleagues form the most lasting impressions about you. But remember, they don't expect you to be perfect. As long as you show intelligence, versatility and a willingness to work and learn, people will be happy to have you aboard and rooting for you to succeed.  Here are some ways to make sure you get off on the right foot: 

• Check your interview notes. Recall the names and titles of everyone you met and interviewed with so you will be able to greet them and pronounce their names correctly.
• Work full days. Know where and when to report on day one. Get there 30 minutes early and leave when or after most of your co-workers do. Notice people's schedules and work habits, so that you'll know the optimal times and means to connect with others.
• Project positive energy. Look and act as if you're happy to be joining the team.
• Look good. All eyes are on you, so pay attention to your grooming. Dress tastefully and slightly above dress code.
• Keep a journal. Write down procedures, names of key people and contact numbers, so that you'll look like a quick study.
• Be flexible. Expect and embrace the inevitable challenges of your position. A flexible attitude will decrease stress for you and others.
• Show appreciation. Be kind and appreciative to everyone who helps you learn the ropes.
• Listen 80 percent; Talk 20 percent. Resist offering opinions or assessments -- that road is full of land mines. You'll get more respect by listening and absorbing what your co-workers have to teach rather than by showing off how much you know.
• Get to know your boss. Observe your boss' personality and work style, and tailor your interactions to his or her preferences.
• Clarify expectations. Make sure you and your boss are on the same page. Find out:
  • What priorities and issues need to be immediately addressed.
  • How often and in what format you should provide project updates.
  • How your performance will be evaluated.
• Connect with colleagues. Get to know as many people as you can especially your teammates and those with whom you will work regularly. Establish the foundation for a relationship, and trust and information will follow.
• Identify key players. Find out who the decision-makers, influencers, stars and up-and-comers are. Notice the traits they have in common and try to emulate them.
• Uncover hidden agendas. Identify any political forces at work. While you want to avoid getting involved in politically charged situations, it's helpful to be aware of undercurrents.
• Take initiative. As you finish assignments and are ready to handle a bigger workload, ask for more. Pick projects that have support from upper management and buy-in from your staff.
• Don't make major changes. Even if your interviewer told you the company was looking for fresh ideas, proceed carefully. Show respect for those who have invested energy in a project or system before trying to change it. There may be obstacles you aren't aware of. Ask why things are done the way they are and seek feedback from people whose support you need. Applaud what is being done right and frame changes as enhancements.
• Be a team player. Don't engage in gossip. Always make your boss look good. Share credit with your workmates.

Every day more and more of Americans are getting laid off and the burden is falling on the Obama Administration to fix the economic problems that was left by the Bush government. The recent stimulus plan that is circulating in the senate and house floors has some good additions. As it stands now, tax cuts account for about $252 billion of its $885 billion total cost, according to an analysis of the Senate bill released by the Congressional Budget Office on Monday.

The plan also comprises of a tax cut for everyone, Of this, $142 billion would go for Obama’s “Making Work Pay” tax credit for individuals. This credit – up to $500 a year for individuals and $1,000 for two-income couples – would fulfill Obama’s campaign pledge of tax relief for low- and middle-income workers. The full amount would be limited to individuals who make $75,000 or less and couples making $150,000 or less. Other individual income-tax provisions contained in the Senate version of the stimulus package include an increase in the earned income-tax credit, estimated to cost $4.7 billion; a $13 billion education tax credit; the first-time home buyer credit, which would cost at least $2.6 billion; and the $70 billion AMT adjustment.

The stimulus package also includes general business tax breaks that would total more than $35 billion.Small businesses would be able to increase the dollar amount of expenses they could write off from $125,000 to $250,000 for 2009 and 2010, for instance. Businesses would have an increased ability to apply recent losses against past and future tax bills.

All these are good news but on the spending side. There are some provisions of tax cuts that will also cost the governement around $70 billion.

The tax cut and spending can and might do good for the economy but the more pressing and long term needs must be accounted for. As an example and for more selling of our goods we should also think about the followings:

1. Open up the Aircraft market specially Boeing for China and Iran to procure. They have recently shown interest to buy American made aircrafts.

2. Bring back the soldiers from Iraq as soon as possible. US can bring at lease 50% now and rest by next year. US is spending arount 20/30 billion dollars each month to support its soldiers and this will free up those money for productive use.

3. Stop issuing new H1 visas  for 2 years for that the companies can hire laid off American workers and not mis use the H1 quotas. The H1 quotas can be given to the immigration family category, so that American Citizens can bring relatives fast instead of waiting year after year. Average American have to wait 5/6 years to be united with their sibling family members, which is ridiculous.

4. Give lelalization to millions of illegals who will pour in millions of dollars in the American economy. Study showed the last lagalization by Reagan increased US economic GDP by coulple of points.

5. Stop economic embargo on Cuba. Cuba can be a closer and eager market for American products.

6. Employ Export Import Bank of America agreesively to promote American products abroad specially cotton, wheat and others. There are lots of American products that have prospective markets abroad and we just need to explore them.

There might be other things that can be added to this list. However if we also include these lists to it, I am sure the economy of USA will rebound to a great extend.