Along came the Black Mamba

Arguably one of the best or if not the best of this basketball generation and constantly compared to the greatest player ever to walk the earth - his airness, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant is certainly equipped with tremendous arsenal capable of even snatching that crown away from the reigning legend in due time.

Though Kobe modestly displays discomfort towards the comparison and even quotes in an interview that MJ is the greatest ever, the former's impressive credentials speaks loudly for itself.

Not a one man show

With four championship rings tucked under his belt, a fifth title is definitely not within heaven's reach for Kobe and his boys. A talented lineup consisting mainly of Pau Gasol plus the acquisition of man bulk Ron Artest from the Houston Rockets adding strength and offensive firepower, you don't need a Shaquille Oneal around to get the job done as evident in Kobe's recent championship with the Lakers.

And it's no question that Kobe Bryant can score at will, 81 points being his highest against the Raptors and second only to Wilt Chamberlain's 100. He's scored several 50 point games and even more than 60 point finishes.

But how do you define greatness? It's not about individual awards or recognitions, it's possessing the skill in bringing out the very best in your team, getting them very much involved in pursuing that needed victory. Dennis Rodman chose Kobe over Lebron during an interview when asked who was better between two of the league's best, stating further that Kobe 'brings other players in with him and plays smart.' Rodman even went to the extent of labeling Kobe as the "Michael Jordan of this era."

Mr. clutch in recent games

We've probably lost count on how many instances Kobe delivers the goods and delivers them during crucial moments. Buzzer beaters or dying seconds of the game, you'd expect the main man to step up and make that important shot in spectacular fashion, despite the opponents nerve wrecking defense. When it's winning time, no. #24 is unstoppable.

Lakers vs Grizzlies (2-23-2010)
Kobe making that clutch three pointer to tie the game and another three to win it. He missed out on five straight games due to a left ankle injury. Lakers won, 99-98.

Lakers vs Celtics (1-31-2010)
Kobe hitting a difficult jump shot with Ray Allen all over him with 7.3 seconds remaining. Lakers defeated Celtics, 90-89.

Lakers vs Kings (1-01-2010)
'Is there anybody more clutch than that man?', the commentator quoted, as Kobe made that buzzer beater 3 pointer. Lakers triumphed, 109-108.

Lakers vs Heat (12-04-09)
Kobe makes that running three pointer to beat the buzzer again. Lakers won, 108-107. And a standing ovation to go along with it.

Laker vs Bucks (12-16-09)
Mr. Bryant finishes with that amazing fall away shot. Not again! A game winner buzzer beater. The results: 107-106.


Once upon a time in Salt Lake City

He's the highest scoring Lakers player of all time and the youngest ever to reach the 25,000 point mark in NBA history. He's only 31 and he's piled up achievements one after the other. He might never be another Michael Jordan. But one thing for sure, he'll be the next greatest- as Kobe himself. So you better just watch out for the Black Mamba.

The inseparable Tim Burton and Johnny Depp

They're at it again. The bigger than life cinematic pair that continues to fascinate moviegoers with a unique combination of film making and character portrayal for several years and counting. And with a few days away from the global release of Alice in Wonderland, actor Johnny Depp and director Tim Burton is a match made in heaven.

Perfect duo

Since the birth of Edward Scissorhands way back in 1990, Tim Burton, known for his dark themed yet artistic style of directing, and Johnny Depp with his unmatched versatility and boyish good looks, instantly clicked and developed that solid friendship on and off screen.

This reflected onto further successful film collaborations, such as Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. And both celebrities being seemingly kids at heart, the films they worked on are usually targeted for the younger audience, as in the case of the latest screen rendition of the popular fairy tale Alice in Wonderland, where Depp takes on the role as the twisted, but lovable Mad Hatter.

To this date, the pair is currently working on a film adaptation of a vampire soap opera entitled Dark Shadows which will commence shooting sometime this fall.

So, what is the basic most essential ingredient to their unfazed partnership? 'Trust,' Johnny Depp was quoted as saying. There's hardly been a clash on any given project and the 21 Jump Street star would gladly oblige to Tim Burton's requests without ever batting an eyelash.

And that's Hollywood togetherness in a nutshell.

Taming the teen?

Those were the times when you watched fondly as your toddlers recited their first abc's or evolved from crawlers to walkers, or even mingled with the clowns and mascots on their birthday. Those were the times when you parents weren't accustomed yet to super sized migraines. Because in the blink of an eye, you are catapulted suddenly into the insane world of adolescence.

Being a single dad, i should know. Two awesome, beautiful daughters, the youngest aged 9 and the eldest being 13. And you guessed it, the latter is manifesting crystal clear signs of being a potential 'star.' But hey, who's complaining? We've all been there and have driven our own folks up the wall at some point. Only now, it's just a little different having a female replica of yourself in your household. It's actually a learning process altogether as time progresses. And how ready you are to step up to the challenge. I'd like to reveal some personal tips based on first hand experience with my own kid:

Do's

* Do keep yourself updated on your teen's activities whether it be extra curricular or beyond that. Never, ever miss out on any issue concerning him/her. Monitor them well.
* Do keep the lines of communication open with your teen. Make them feel comfortable in opening up to you about anything under the sun especially with issues bugging them 24-7. You sort of gain their trust this way.
* Do encourage and motivate your teens nonstop regarding a special gift or talent they possess.
* Do listen first to what your teens has to say before you go out firing in all directions. Maybe they do have a point.
* Do reward your teens once in a while for personal or academic achievement.
* Do set certain limits or conditions for your teens so they don't go overboard. Like curfews. You give them permission to attend some classmate's party provided they be home at a stipulated time. Or before it gets dark...
* Do delegate responsibilities around the house. Better to put it on paper.
* Do show love and compassion in every approach towards your teen, even in discipline. Especially if the kid's coming from a broken family. Make them understand that you'll always be there for them no matter what.

Don'ts

* Don't rule over your teens with an iron fist or be extremely strict with them. They are not soldiers and you scare them out of their wits. Chances are, they'd be concealing their own personal problems and probably turn to other people for sound advice. And these 'other people' could not exactly be positive influence.
* Don't be entirely lenient on them or easygoing in your approach towards them as well. They'd abuse any ounce of authority you have left and you end up being their 'yes' man. They'd order you around the house without even trying. Yup, they'd leave and come back whenever they want, do anything as they please and what you think won't mean nada! Be balanced.
* Don't stalk them if to see what they're up to, or send some private detective to follow them wherever they go. This will create some strain in your relationship. They feel that you just don't trust them.
* Don't scream at your teens or degrade him/her. This will create a long lasting effect as they mature in life and may carry deep personal baggage. One thing you don't need is for your kids to hate you for the rest of your existence. Express your love at all times.
* Don't spoil them or pamper them excessively. While rewarding them for achievements is good, giving them or buying them anything they want non stop is the exact opposite. Or even doing household chores for them, fetching their shoes, etc, etc. They won't be able to stand on their own and will be totally dependent on their parents for as long as they live.
* Don't ever abandon them. Your teens may not be vocal all the time but they look up to you and need you to be there for them even in their darkest times. Especially if the parents are divorced. You make your kids feel that it's not their fault that things didn't work out and that you'll always be their mother or father. Here, i'm speaking for myself and others with similarities to my status.


The earlier, the better

It's best to start off early during toddler years. You reinforce those good values towards your kids and you become an example yourself. That is, it begins with you and your spouse. You work at it to make your marriage work, for a whole family is a concrete foundation for your kids when they progress to the stages of adolescence. And less headaches for mommy and daddy.

Plastic surgery woes in tinsletown

You're a star, you're filthy rich and you basically want to look your 'bankable best.' Well, after all the medical advancements available, what do you say, Hollywood? Now at this point, let's just say that some celebrities got away with a little touch of surgical enhancement. And some, just weren't so lucky.

Eye popping transformation

Janet Jackson's breast implants
Personally, i don't really see anything wrong with Janet's prized assets prior to surgery. I thought she was naturally sexy even in her 'escapade' days. Now, she seems to have that ugly dent in her boob. Wonder what Justin Timberlake has to say....

Kenny Rogers facelift
Mr Rogers would definitely not be singing any country at the moment, at least not in public. In fact, you would hardly recognize the legend if he walked in your nearby Roasters outlet. And isn't cosmetic surgery supposed to make you look younger? Guess again.

Melanie Griffith facelift..only?
It's actually Antonio Banderas that i pity. I mean, what was she thinking? And we've probably lost count on how many times she's gone under the knife. She's losing her natural good looks and fast...and she's not even sixty. See here

Hilary Duff Veneers
'Hi-ho silverr...away!' That's what you'd be thinking if you crossed paths with the Lizzy McGuire star. Her dentist should be guillotined for this.

Jocelyn Wildenstein and the works
I really don't want to sound cruel and all but she won't be needing any prosthetic makeup for some big budget horror movie. She's virtually unrecognizable compared to her surgery free days. It's like nothing seemed to come out right when she made that big decision. A muli-million dollar decision of haywire.

And the big winner is....
As massive as his fame & global record sales, so is the late king of pop's seemingly infinite encounter with plastic surgery. A far cry from the Jackson five and thriller days, had he not gone with numerous enhancements to his face, Michael Jackson would be a darn, naturally good looking fella! With all that fortune, he just didn't know when to stop. Now behold, a mega freak show that walked the earth for quite a while. It's good i admired the superstar for his music and moves only and that's it! Rest in peace, Mikey.


Age gracefully and naturally

My personal opinion only, if you can pull it off then why not go for it? Otherwise, you're just headed for disaster. Star or no star, i'm just thankful for what the good Lord's blessed me with and i wouldn't do anything to change that. Well, moisturizers or a natural health regimen is favorable. And a lot of happy thoughts!

Aphrodisiacs: are they really effective?

Derived from the greek goddess of love 'Aphrodite', aphrodisiacs serves as a form of 'lust stimulant' or agent that evokes concealed sexual desire in both males and females. Throughout history, aphrodisiacs have been known to be present in several concoctions,brews and even scents, some queer, but still popularly embraced worldwide and still, for many years to come.


How they work:

First, let's be clear that Viagra is not an aphrodisiac in the sense that even if it does improve performance and ability, it does not however, create sexual desire. Now according to experts, aphrodisiacs works in two ways. One, there are those that directly influence or affect the brain, while others have that pleasurable impact on parts of the body. Like for example, an increase of blood flow in the sex organs leading to the simulation of feelings associated with intercourse or sexual desire. Our hormone levels play a key role, most specifically the testosterone in these cases and if the balance is off, things would not function as they should. That is, if there is a lacking in testosterone, our sexual interest would decline.

Some commonly known aphrodisiacs:

Chocolate
Chocolate through time has been popularly associated with love and romance. The Mayan civilizations even called it 'food of the gods.' And why not? Besides the irresistible taste, researchers have studied this delicacy and have found it to contain phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are both 'feel good' chemicals. They occur naturally in our bodies and are released by our brains when we are feeling passionate or in love. Aside from these two chemicals, some researchers have also discovered chocolate to contain a substance called anandamide, which has the same effect as marijuana on the brain.

Coffee
Besides being a favorite among early morning risers, coffee has been known to be an aphrodisiac in which the caffeine in it acts as a stimulant, increasing our awareness and arguably enhances sexual appetite as well.

Scents
Scents are the most powerful of human senses & can instantly trigger that hidden craving or desire and even dig up some buried memories in the past. Perfumes in any angle you put it, does the trick and attracts the opposite sex like a powerful magnet.

Music
Music sets the perfect mood, along with minimal lights plus the couch. Or so, it varies. Human senses are powerful reactors and can trigger emotions. Music has a tremendous effect on human emotion whether it be depressing or joyful. What more if you're with a special companion and temperatures begin to rise. Put on that music!

Touch
A massage or touching another person represents a form of intimacy, whether based on friendship or something beyond that. It creates a special bond between two people and often arouses that sexual desire in most cases.


So do aphrodisiacs actually work?

Throughout extensive research over the years, results showed that certain foods, supplements and herbs increase production of hormones or natural chemicals that affect our libidos. It is however, unknown if these supplements actually create enough chemicals in our body for a noticeable change. And scientists have found it difficult to conduct further research on the study of libido and desire. Furthermore, the FDA suggests that aphrodisiacs are merely folklore and lack concrete scientific basis. Despite claims from most cultures that there is a tried and proven aphrodisiac.