(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

They say a cat has nine lives. Well, P Diddy is no cat, but he sure can reinvent himself. Just look at how many times he’s changed his name. Now his new Diddy-Dirty-Money crew is riding the music charts. He’s got all the big-name collabs on the album. He’s a musician turned mogul. Diddy is sitting pretty.

It’s all about collecting the check. That’s what makes him tick. But it’s his work ethic that makes things click. He’s sometimes seen as a perfectionist. Diddy is willing to work day and night until he gets the track right. His peers admire him for how he’s been able to flip the script in keeping things hip.

First there were the days of Puff Daddy. He was responsible for launching a few well-known artists. Then he became more affectionately called Puffy. He later went by P Diddy as a way to break away from a close call with the law. He wanted to pick-up the pieces and get back to doing what he loved best.

His career started out as a party promoter. This prepared him to become a rapper and record producer. He also found time for movies. His songs became crowd favorites. Diddy knows that reinventing yourself and staying current is in balancing what you love to do with what the marketplace wants from you.

Some people might call him Sean John. Those are his first and middle names. But it’s the name of his clothing line as well. It’s like a reflection of his personal style. This brings fresh and happiness. It’s about swagger and living larger. Throw-in some fragrances and you’ll be looking, feeling and smelling good!

(Part 7) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

A cat has nine lives. Diddy has no wives. But he knows game reinvention. Just look at his name-changing convention. Now his Diddy-Dirty-Money Crew. Makes him rock like new. Rising up the charts. Playing his music mogul part. Lots of big-name collabs. With others keeping tabs.

The Benjamins make him tick. But his work ethic makes things click. Working day and night. To get the beats and rhymes right. Sometimes seen as a perfectionist. His life-story has some bumps and twists. Peers admire him for flipping the script. Keeping things jumping and most of all hip.

First it was Puff Daddy. Working for artists like a golf Caddy. Launching many careers. Dreaming and believing past his fears. Then affectionately Puffy. By then he was a lot less scruffy. Wanting to break away. From the past to the present day. P Diddy seems more official. But just Diddy makes it crucial.

Started out on the party scene. As a promoter and rap machine. Then as a record producer. Bad Boy Records his money earner. Releasing hit after hit. Not giving up, not wanting to quit. Staying current, keeping pace. Balancing passion and buzz in the marketplace.

Some see him as Sean John. For his clothing line deemed number one. Taken from his first and middle names. But it’s also about his style and acclaim. Mixing fresh with happiness. And good times with success. It’s about swagger and living larger. With fragrances for the grown and sexier.                 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means finding new ways for bringing home the bacon.

Talkback: How has Diddy’s showmanship and reinvention helped boost his career?

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Simon Cowell on Idol, those were the days. It seems like yesterday. Paula Abdul and Cowell giving feedback to contestants. That duo left. But is being revived on the new X-Factor. This is Cowell’s baby! Not Abdul, but the show. Cowell’s like the comeback kid because he’s not afraid of failure.

His rise to stardom says something about having the X-factor. Cowell had seen success before and lost it all. His reinvention involved taking time to re-group. After going back home to live with his parents he found a way to reload. His career re-launch helped position him as a judge on Britain’s Pop Idol.

This is exactly what he’s doing now with the X-Factor. After leaving Pop Idol to join American Idol, Cowell became a “love-or-hate-him” judge. He left the show after nine seasons because he started to feel bored. Cowell is looking to do it again as he regroups, reloads and re-launches himself on the X-Factor.

Cowell might agree that reinventing your game is about showcasing your gifts and talents. Not everybody can sing or dance, but everybody can turn their gifts into glory. Reinventing your game is also about showing some grit. Cowell’s smile reveals someone who balances “grit and burn” with “win and earn.”

Any successful person will tell you that overcoming the fear of failure helps to future-proof your dreams. In Cowell’s own words, “it’s like getting ready to ride the Roller Coaster. You suddenly become excited. For a brief moment you’re kind of scared. But in the long run you end up having a good time.”   

(Part 6) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul to team-up. Hoping to take a new show to the top. It seems like yesterday. When both had something to say. As contestants did their thing. To be crowned as Idol Queen of King. Cowell is like the comeback kid. Writing “hello fear” on his success grid.

Cowell had seen success before. Then lost the gig and the store. Rising to stardom from his parent’s living room. Now looking to help the X-Factor boom. Reinventing by taking time to regroup. While sipping on some chicken soup. Finding a way to reload. Re-launching his career bigger than a toad.

Going from Britain’s Pop Idol. To judging on American Idol. After nine seasons he became bored. So he left with all the hits he done scored. Looking to do it again. With Abdul as a judge and long lost friend. He regroups, reloads and re-launches his game. With the new X-Factor flame.

Reinventing his fame. Showcasing the same. Weaving talents into a compelling story. It’s how you turn gifts into glory. Not everybody can sing and dance. But for success everybody has a chance. Cowell’s found a way to balance “grit and burn.” With his signature smile he knows how to “win and earn.”

He’s living proof. Of how to take success through the roof. Overcoming the fear of failure. Giving time for your dreams to nurture. It’s like getting on a Roller Coaster. Part excited and slight happier. For a brief moment you’re a bit scared. About what should be feared. But in the long run. The ride’s lots of fun.           

Tip: Reinventing yourself means even if you’re scared you face whatever it is you’ve feared.

Talkback: Will Paula Abdul help X-Factor become a hit or is that Simon’s job?

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Where’s Steven A. Smith when you need him? He’s probably catching up on NBA Playoff stats. Plus, with the NFL Draft just completed, He’s got to be busy. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Chad Ochocinco talks soccer. He recently tried out for the pro leagues. What do these guys know about reinventing yourself?

Well, Ochocinco went back to his childhood dreams and first love. He wanted to give pro soccer a shot in case the NFL lockout drags on. It’s as if he wanted to re-purpose his game. He’s certainly a gifted athlete. Ochocinco might have thought he had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

After his playing days are over, he’ll have to re-package his game. Who knows, maybe working in the broadcast booth at soccer games. Success after one career is all about how you reinvent yourself. But it’s also about how you re-package your game to get the most out of your skills and talents.

Steven A. Smith knows too well how that works. He’s had to re-package his skills to rise up the ranks. Over the years Smith has worked for TV, radio and print media outlets. Ochocinco might have seen soccer as a way to speed-up his footwork. Reinventing yourself can help you blow-up your ratings.

Step out of your comfort zone to raise your game. Re-examine your game or even re-name yourself. That’s how Cassius Clay became Muhammad Ali. Gnarls Barkley became Cee-lo Green. And Chad Johnson became Chad Ochocinco. It’s worked for others. How might reinvention work for you?    

(Part 5) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Calling Steven A. Smith! Looking to hear his sports wit. He’s probably catching-up on stats. Or picking names from a hat. With the NBA playoffs in high gear. Smith knows the team to fear. But we digress. As Ochocinco has to confess. He talked soccer during the off-season. What was his reason?

Ochocinco went back to his childhood. Thinking with pro soccer he could make good. Wanted to give it a shot. In case the NFL lockout wouldn’t clot. Looking to re-purpose his game. Planning to ditch his Wide Receiver acclaim. Thinking he had nothing to lose. With other careers to choose.

After his playing days are done. He’ll have to find new ways to have fun. Maybe working for a broadcast station. Calling games for soccer nation. He’s a gifted athlete. Already shows how to compete. To reinvent is to re-package his game. Making the most of his skills, talents and Reality TV fame.

Steven A. knows how that works. Having to re-package his perks. Rising up the ranks, putting in some sweat. In TV, radio and print media outlets. Ochocinco using soccer to speed-up his footwork. Taking no chances with a slowdown of his day’s work. Reinventing himself to blow-up like fireworks.

Whether on sport radio or NFL TV. Reinventing your way to success is key. Step out your comfort zone, raise your game. Re-name yourself with no shame. Cassius Clay became Ali. Chad Johnson became Ochocinco. Gnarls Barkley became Cee-lo Green. That’s reinvention to breakout your scene.     

Tip: Reinventing yourself means using clockwork to improve your footwork and blow-up like fireworks.

Talkback: Now that Ochocinco has tried-out for pro soccer, will his decision help or hurt his NFL career?

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Tyrese is back on the scene. After being M-I-A for a while he’s returned with a vengeance. He’s got a movie coming out in theatres and a new book in stores. He reaches over a million followers from his Twitter pulpit. He tells a story with lessons from his hard knock life. But he’s not about making excuses.

He grew up in the Watts section of Los Angeles, better known as the Hood. He remembers wanting to be a garbage man when he grew up. That’s what he saw as his ticket to a better life. His new book says a lot about moving on up. For Tyrese, up wasn’t necessarily uptown. It was about getting out of his own way.

After successful album releases, he shifted gears to starring in movies. He’s been in a few urban films that seem to mirror his hard core experience. They’re filled with fast action and furious excitement. For many, his lifestyle affirms ‘sexy’ as asserting your manhood. It adds to his celebrity appeal.

His Twitter followers have become accustomed to his no-bull philosophy. In recent times it appears as if he’s been on a journey. His tweets aren’t all about self-promotion. He shares tips on the importance of self-discovery. It’s probably the basis for his new and improved image and bright-lights status.

Tyrese is leading the way for young folks today. He’s been able to evolve in his professional game and personal acclaim. He has become a man of faith. He’s now living his life from a more secure place. It’s about using his life for a greater good. His life shows how reinventing yourself refreshes your swagger.

(Part 4) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Tyrese is back on the scene. After being M-I-A from music and the big screen. He’s returned with a vengeance. Living life from a positive stance. He’s got a new movie happening. And a new book that’s poppin’. Sharing with his Twitter peeps. Life lessons in between sleeps.

Growing up in the Hood. Hard to become what you could. Not a man of excuses. Trying to make the right choices. Wanting to become a garbage man. But worked on another plan. Finding a ticket to a better life. Moving on up from his pain and strife. Up wasn’t really uptown. It was more about coming around.

With successful album releases. Tyrese went on to acting pieces. Starring in a few urban thrillers. Filled with fast action and shoot-em-up killers. Maybe a lot like what he saw. Around the block from Crenshaw. His lifestyle affirms sexy manhood. Raising his celebrity appeal to “all-good.”

His Twitter followers get no-bull. From a guy whose schedule is full. Taking-on a journey in spirit. Sharing truths and sticking with it. Not so bent on self-promotion. But more sold on inner exploration. As well as lifelong education. It’s one reason why he’s made a flip. Having more of a swagger than a chip.               

He’s leading the way. A model for young people today. Expanding his game. More star-power in his acclaim. Becoming a man of faith. Reinventing yourself is never too late. By finding a more secure place. Living at the right pace. Reaching for a greater good. Living life like you should.    

Tip: Reinventing yourself means not making excuses for what could be but making changes for what should be.

Talkback: Watching Tyrese play Teddy Pendergrass in an upcoming film, is that a good match?

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The Beats by Dr. Dre brand has gone mainstream. You see headsets used by NBA pro athletes. Then there’re the microphones on American Idol. They come in different colors to match your outfit. He’s produced breakout artists too. Dre’s got a long anticipated album release. He knows how to make a hit.

But he’s been off the radar for a minute. He’d probably say he’s been working in the background. After a few top-selling albums, Dre decided to settle down. He got married and became a family man. Some feel this might be a lesson for Hip Hop. Reinventing yourself can mean stepping back or stepping up.

Think of it the way NBA Analysts describe Oklahoma player Serge Ibaka. He’s gone from speaking no English and sitting on the bench to being a starting Forward. Ibaka’s coach increased his playing minutes. He’s been able to grow in his game. As you reinvent yourself you’ll grow personally and professionally.

In the meantime Dre has produced a stable of new artists. Eminem and Snoop Dogg are two of the more famous. He enjoys passing on his experience and sharing his skill with many protégés. It’s been 10 years since his last album release. So, reinventing your game or legacy might mean duplicating yourself.

Eminem has used his success to push Dre to the next level. He knew his mentor still had something left in his lyrics. It’s like the pilot saying “we’re experiencing turbulence so we’ll have to climb to a higher altitude.” Reinventing yourself means taking your experience and what’s left in the tank, to the next level.  

(Part 3) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Dr. Dre’s turning up the heat. You see and hear it in the Beats. Headsets seen on NBA jocks. As well as American Idol microphone stock. Coming in different colors. To match your outfit dollars. Producing breakout artists. And his long anticipated release. Dre’s got the magic kit. For producing another hit.

Been off the radar for a minute. But he’s got lots of winners to prove it. Working in the background. Helping others leave the underground. Deciding to settle down. Putting family as his crown. Some saw it as a career stop. Others see it as a lesson for Hip Hop. Reinventing himself and rockin’ the top.

NBA Analysts give a good example. Of Serge Ibaka as a gamble. Speaking little or no English. Living his American Dream wish. Gong from being a reserve. To getting what he deserves. Becoming a starting player, Increasing his minutes as a producer. Growing personally and professionally surer.

Dre’s got a stable. Of rappers who’ve shown they’re able. To drop it like it’s hot. Mixing rhymes like stew in a pot. Eminem and Snoop Dogg most famous. Like cookie man Wally Amos. Dre’s been sharing his passion. With protégés rapping to perfection. Venting and reinventing, sampling and duplicating.

Eminem pushes Dre. Not in what to say. But in raising his game. So that his rhymes are not the same. Paving the way for his mentor. To come back and conquer. Ten years living off money in the bank. Dre’s still got lyrics in the tank. Taking on his next professional high. Like a plane moving closer to the sky.      

Tip: Reinventing yourself means using life’s turbulence as fuel for taking your game to the next level.

Talkback: What might the ‘Detox’ title of Dr. Dre’s new album say about his journey or about reinventing yourself?

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Tyler Perry receives high praise for his artistry! With a number of stage plays and movies under his belt, Perry is now considered one of Hollywood’s A-listers. But it wasn’t always peaches and cream. Perry has gone through the valley before reaching the mountaintop. For him, having fun is all in a day’s work.

Imagine your life coming to a screeching halt, whether through layoff or other setback. Well, Perry can relate. After an “aha moment” watching Oprah, he began writing a daily journal. This later became his magic bullet. Perry used his writings for self-reflection and began turning them into stage productions.

His first stage show was a flop. Perry re-grouped. His persistence and perseverance paid-off. Perry learned something from black comics. He moved his shows around the “chitlin’ circuit.” These were venues that welcomed Black performers. It’s how many have gone from no-name to their niche-game.

Perry became a fun-loving, gun-toting, hell-raising Granny named Madea. We’ve seen this a time or two in Hollywood. But nobody does it like Madea. Perry’s example shows that your niche-game starts with what’s already in your hand. For Perry it was a journal that he re-wrote and turned into a script.

He shows how reinventing yourself involves re-writing your script. His body of work is no laughing matter. Perry’s gone from no-name to his niche-game to household fame. He’d be the first to say it wasn’t easy. But as Granny would say to me growing up in Jamaica, “if yu want anyting good, yu nose have fi run.”

(Part 2) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Tyler Perry receives high praise. He’s made more money than School Daze. With stage plays and movies under his belt. His life-story is truly heartfelt. Perry has become a Hollywood A-lister. Some people prefer to call him Mister. At one time living like the homeless. Now having fun showcasing his prowess.

His life came to a screeching halt. Sure enough wasn’t his fault. Watching Oprah gave him an “aha moment.” He started writing a journal in silent. This later became his secret weapon. As he wrote down a daily lesson. Sometimes used for self-reflection. Later becoming a stage production.

His first stage play was a flop. That didn’t cause him to stop. Kept his eyes on rising to the top. Learning from those before him. Success doesn’t happen on a whim. Moving his plays around the “chitlin’ circuit.” As Black Comics did with their toolkit. Going from being a no-name. To promoting their niche-game.

It has happened in Hollywood before. Like Mrs. Doubtfire movie score. But nobody does it like Madea Simmons. Fearless of any police summons. A gun-toting, hell-raising Granny. Not intended to be a model Nanny. Perry went from niche to becoming rich. By rewriting his journal and marketing his itch.

What would Granny say? About reinventing yourself today? Start re-writing your script. Turn your past into something hip. Set your passion free. Perseverance is key. Look to your hand. As the magic wand. Go from no-name. To having a niche-game. Use your household fame. To help others do the same.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning what’s in your hand into a few hundred grand.

Talkback: What did Granny say to you as a child that makes lots of sense today?

(Part 1) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)  
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 The unemployment rate took another dip. Some see signs of a better job market. Lots of people still looking for work or trying to reinvent their game. Shirley Strawberry has some advice. She’s written a “pow-wow” book about her life. She uses past Strawberry letters on the show to make her points.

After going through some changes, she’s shown you can come back from loss no matter what. In her case the loss was in matrimony. But her points might even speak to loss of job security. She feels it’s important to take inventory of your skills, assets and relationships.

Dubbed the “best voice in radio” by Steve Harvey, Strawberry is heard by millions. Serving as co-host and sidekick on the show, she brings a “down-to-earth, yet classy, rhythm and style.” Tyler Perry says “she lives life with purpose and divine revelation.” In other words, her success has come by living in victory.

Why write about her personal trials? Maybe she wants to give voice to her victory. Strawberry shows how personal grace can help you win the professional race. She also knows that a good way to reinvent yourself is to re-tell your story. That’s because you live life forward but understand it backward. 

Her new book has people talking. “Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself,” she says. Surely her advice can inspire some to look in the mirror. What you see as a reflection is an outward appearance. But what really matters is found in your heart of hearts.

(Part 1) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Unemployment took a dip. Finding a job can be a trip. People still looking around. Hoping for jobs to be found. Shirley Strawberry has some advice. She’s written a book that might make you think twice. It’s about relationships for sure. Showing how to turn a loss into something more.

Strawberry recovered from a loss in matrimony. You can too from a loss in job security. Gotta take inventory. Before you reach new glory. In how you reinvent your game. Scoring points towards the hall of fame. Making skills, assets and every day count. For raising the bar to a higher amount.

Strawberry’s got the best voice in radio. So says Steve Harvey, one of her heroes. Working as his sidekick and co-host. Some love her down-to-earth nature most. Tyler Perry thinks of her highly. Since her success comes from living in victory. It’s all a matter of moving purposefully.

Why speak about her trials? No longer living in denial. Maybe giving voice to her journey. Can help one person connect more deeply. Carrying herself with personal grace. Showing how you can win the professional race. Reinventing herself and re-telling her story. Living with rhythm and style as a celebrity.

The buzz is out and people are talking. Reinvent yourself, just start walking. The book’s got advice that’s sure to inspire. If you’re ready to go a little higher. Look yourself in the eye. Go ahead if you have to cry. In the mirror you see a reflection. But let your heart give you direction.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning a loss into a lesson, which is like turning lemons into lemonade.

Talkback: How much do you relate to Tyler Perry’s comment that Strawberry “lives her life with purpose and divine revelation?”

 Know someone like that? Wishing for a job to come out a hat. Working less than five years. Wanting to overcome their fears. Sick and tired of the job or boss. Running a business at a loss. Donald Trump’s Apprentice got a few. Hoping to start out anew. Using the basic ABCs. For a job, biz or degrees.

Gotta know your dough. And what gets you in the flow. How money moves. All about being in the groove. Landing a job to get paid. Climbing the career ladder grade. Doing your vocation. Being in tight syncopation. Get a new awareness. Life doesn’t always bring fairness.

Then there’s branding. To further your pro standing. It’s important to have a niche. Doesn’t guarantee you’ll be rich. Bring your A-game. Use creativity, not the same ol’ same. Weaknesses can bite like a shark. Opportunities don’t happen in the dark. Get the lessons learned. So you don’t get burned.

 How to supersize the paycheck?  Without being a nervous wreck. Work your main thing. Be like the queen or king. Choose your money sides. Deliver results with pride. Serve it up with purpose. So you can party without a fuss. Give your best. Live larger than the rest.

The economy is in a funk. Causing people to lose their spunk. Some are tired from rejection fatigue. While looking for a new career league. President Obama announces on Labor Day. New programs with real pay. Some looking to Trump to get hired. But first, a few will have to be fired.

Tip: Opportunity comes to those who raise their skills, as they look for new ways to pay the bills.

Talkback: During these difficult economic times, what’s the toughest thing about finding a job, changing careers or growing your business?

 Holding out no more. Revis ready to take the floor. Signing new contract. Jets have their star cornerback. No pre-season games under his belt. Missing him would have been felt. Revis shows why he’s successful. On and of the field. QB pass, pick or steal. A lot like deal or no deal.

As seen on the popular game show. Not just for people in the know. But for those who’ve got mojo. Going for the million dollar prize. Letting the suspense rise. Success is part ability. And part inner surety. Revis can bring it. Just like business professionals and contestants who win it.

What’s in the briefcases? Big money that could go places. Pick one, hoping it’s got the top prize. Maybe a hunch or lucky surprise. Watch the others get eliminated. Down to the wire before you’re celebrated. Revis and the contestants play with instinct. Winning without having to blink.

Coach Rex Ryan had a major role. Seeing Revis as the team’s soul. Made Jets owner get a feel. Season without him would be no deal. Meeting face to face. With Revis making his case. Ryan had a tantrum. Over the obvious phantom. Revis has the coach’s ear. His emotional intuition was clear.

So Revis will take the field. Says he’s humbled, but happy with the yield. Got more money guarantees. No, it wasn’t a breeze. Jets are talk of the town. Giants need not frown. Career and business success comes with risk. Win big, clench your fist. At the end of the day. You gotta come to play.

Tip: Success on and off the field is part ability and part nerve.

Talkback: How would you rate the ball skills of Revis or the negotiation skills of his agent?

(Part VIII) Empower Your Summer: Like The Pros Who Raise Their Game and Reach New Fame.

 The 2010 NFL season is near. Lots of buzz in the air. T.O. to play with Ochocinco. Giants and Jets in new stadium condo. The Saints are prepping to repeat. That sure would be sweet. Derek Fisher invited to speak. During pre-game warm-up before teams meet. Is this a test?

Who Dat slogan for the Saints. Fisher’s Lakers done it in the paint. What might he say to fire them up? Sure, being able to repeat. That would be neat. Involves a test of character. Bouncing back if there’s a loss the morning after. Things happen on the outside. Be strong on the inside.

Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Champions turn good into better. And their better into best. Lakers past the test of competence. Playing better as a team. Living off each other’s dream. The Saints trying to do more. As the fans look to the score. They need to draw from their core.

Trash talk happens all the time. Players want to get others in line. The locker room helps build chemistry. The playing field expects victory. A test in confidence? Turns victory into prominence. That’s what the Lakers have done. As Saints hope to remain #1.

The fans have seen a lot these days. As many hope BP will correct its ways. Five years after Katrina. With boats washed-up at the Marina. Five months into the oil spill. With everything but the kitchen sink to stop kill. Wouldn’t it be grand? If the Saints still had the winning hand. 

Tip: Passing life’s test is in how you give it your best and outlast the rest.

Talkback: What might Derek Fisher say to fire-up the Saints before kickoff?