"It’s time to Man Up and get ready for winter. “But Michael Billy, Spring is right around the corner!” Yes it is, and that means that stores everywhere are making room for warm weather apparel and slashing prices on fall and winter fashions. This is the best time to stock up on cold weather apparel at bargain basement prices.

Keep in mind that quite a bit of men’s fashions stay fairly constant from year to year. Stock up on items in classic and neutral colors to make sure that you’re not going to look like last year’s news when the chill returns in about seven months. Crew neck and V neck sweaters will always be in fashion. Just be sure to stick with basic colors like navy, gray, black or earth tones. Same goes for flannel pants. Go with flat fronts which are always in style.

Suits and sport coats are also naturals to go on deep discount this time of year. Again, neutral colors and classic, conservative patterns are the best hedge against the changing winds of fashion.

As you update and upgrade your fall and winter wardrobe, be sure to weed out those items which you wore rarely if at all over the last two seasons and donate them to local charities. Clothes appropriate for job interviews are in especially high demand with more and more charitable organizations providing job-seeking assistance to the underprivileged and unemployed. That navy blazer in the back of your closet may be someone else’s ticket to a new job.

With this simple advice you can look good and feel good – inside and out."

Contributor: Yale Hollander

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to man up and get ready to ski! It’s that time of year again! College students as well as graduates trying to hold on to their youth are taking their final skiing trips before the weather gets too warm. Now if you’ve never gone skiing, don’t worry! What you don’t want to do is spend a ton of money on brand new skiing equipment and winter gear. Just rent it! If you hate skiing you can always return it without breaking the bank.

And while you're on your winter getaway, don’t forget that there are plenty of things to do, other than skiing, to make your vacation really special. If you're not into the whole outdoors thing, then plan a romantic evening by the fire to roast marshmallows. Check with the resort you’re staying at ahead of time…most of them have vacation packages for couples.

The key here, whether your going away to the beach or the mountains, is to take some time to preplan. If you plan on bringing your girlfriend along to hang out with you and your friends, great idea. It’ll give you the chance to see if your girl meshes well with you and your friends. Bottom line is, she’s being a good sport by going anyway so try and designate some time just for you and her.

If you are out in the snow, make sure you wear sunscreen! Yes! You can get a sunburn in the winter! And don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and go to Mexico! That’s right folks it’s starting to look a lot like summertime and now’s the time to plan your vacation! If you're planning your affordable vacation in Mexico, here’s my first tip…DO NOT GO TO MEXICO! You can get kidnapped there! It’s dangerous! What are you thinking? Why would you go vacation somewhere that’s known for gang violence and Selena?

If you want danger, try running around your kitchen with a knife. It’s not just me saying it’s dangerous, even the state department is warning United States citizens not to travel to Mexico if they don’t need to. If it’s a little bit of latin flare you’re looking for then try vacationing in Puerto Rico! Puerto Rico guys! It’s like a mini America! It’s the other place where Americans go to feel cultured.

Now, if you still feel that you absolutely must go to Mexico…then fine. Consider yourself warned. If you’re planning a stay at a Mexican resort then make sure you stay on the property of the resort. The State department is warning travelers to not visit areas in Mexico known for prostitution and drug dealing. And when you take those two things away…what good is a trip to Mexico anyway? If prostitutes and drugs are what you're looking for, the continental United States has South Beach Miami to offer you! Not a lot of Mexicans but tons of Cubans and homosexuals. What better way to spend a vacation?!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man UP and answer some fan mail. This one comes from Kevin.

Kevin writes....

"Hey Michael Billy, my girlfriend likes me to wear my shirts untucked, which I think looks slovenly with anything other than a straight hem and short sleeves. At Thanksgiving, her son had on a sweater vest & tie, but the shirt was untucked and I thought it looked sloppy. His shirt did not have a straight hem and was white. Am I just an out-of-step fashion disaster or am I right?"

Tricky question Kevin. Don’t worry though, you aren’t that out of step with fashion. You can’t just wear any dress shirt untucked because some are made to be tucked in. The type of shirt you're looking for is a fitted dress shirt. The way you can tell the difference is that many fitted shirts don’t have a front pocket AND the bottom of the shirt is cut straight across UNLIKE the dress shirt which has a lot more fabric under the last button meant for tucking.

As for your girlfriend's son...depending upon where you live, the grunge look always works. You never have to model yourself after someone a quarter your age. If you want some fashion ideas then start looking at guys your age on TV. Take what they are wearing and mix and match it with your own sense of style. Remember, sexy is all about how confident you feel.

So if you don’t feel like yourself in an untucked shirt then don’t wear the untucked shirt.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some Fan mail. This one comes from Elizabeth.

Elizabeth writes...

"Michael Billy, Did I just hear you advise men NOT to wear an undershirt under a dress shirt on your "Man-Up" tip? Gawd, that is horrible advice. I am so surprised. I feel like you just said white socks with black shoes is okay.

I understand that you don't want the neck of a crewneck undershirt hanging out of a dress shirt, but come on! Not wearing one at all... Ugh. There is nothing worse than seeing a man with nipples hard as rocks or sweat marks under their pits. Please advise men to wear a v-neck undershirt under a dress shirt. It just makes one's appearance look polished. I also get that no one likes to see a white undershirt under a white dress shirt...just like a woman shouldn't wear a white bra under a white shirt, it is all you see. Chest hair and nipples protruding from an otherwise well put together outfit is gross."

Touche Elizabeth, touche. The best answer is to each his own. If pit stains are a problem then, yes you might want to go for the V Neck. However, man nips can be covered up by a shirt with a bold pattern. Nips are easier to see on solid colors. If nips or sweating isn’t an issue then I still say, get rid of the undershirt. Fashion influences from all over the world agree with me but what you find attractive is your own preference. Luckily, you can always tell your husband what to do.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get ready for Spring!
"Spring means it’s time to start breaking out the clothes you likely haven’t worn much, if at all, for the past several months. If you’re concerned that some of those items might be a bit snug thanks to the holiday pounds you haven’t yet dropped or if you just want to make sure that the less-concealing warm weather wear puts you in the best light possible then it’s time to Man Up and modify your snacking habits.

Most weight loss experts agree that minor changes in eating habits can lead to gradual but effective weight loss. They also tend to agree that a couple of small snacks during the day will curb hunger and reduce the chances you’ll overeat at meal time. One of the best and most satisfying snacks is almonds. Stick with plain or lightly salted roasted , avoiding the flavored varieties which are loaded with unnecessary calories and a lot of salt. A handful of almonds packs a significant amount of protein and will help curb your appetite for hours. Think about it guys, who doesn’t find a handful of nuts satisfying?

You should also get away from soda. Regular soda is loaded with sugar which can lead to fat production and a host of other unhealthy side effects. Diet sodas are full of chemicals and some of them actually increase your appetite. Try some club soda with a splash of fruit juice instead.

Following these fairly easy steps should help get you into the Spring of things ….and back into those shorts."

Contributor: Yale Hollander

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and stop asking people if you look gay! When guys get dressed to go out, go on a date, or try something on at the mall the question always to their buddies is...”Dude, does this look gay?” What is it with you guys? Here’s the deal... it’s 2010 and the lines between how gays dress and how straights dress have been blurred. That doesn’t mean guys are looking gayer, it means that you guys have finally started to care how you look.

You’ve started to take pride in yourselves and matured enough to know that just because you know how to look good doesn’t mean you're gay. So if looking gay means, you look great...then gay is what you want to look like! Face it, Guido looks gay with the waxed eyebrows and the gym bunny body, preppy looks gay drowning in pastels and khakis like a walking Easter egg, punk looks gay with skin tight pants and graphic tees, Adam Lambert style. There is no way around it, dressing hot and looking sexy is IN. And if you're still walking around like a caveman - scared to death that people will think you're gay because you look good...then you are OUT.

Seriously guys, for all the macho bull you put out there you really come off weak when you get so scared over looking good. “I like this shirt a lot, but if I wear it...people will think I’m gay.” Grow some balls guys cause when it comes down to it...I’d rather look good than look stupid.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. This one comes from Matt in Tennessee.

Matt writes:

"Michael Billy, What do you consider proper casual dress for a forty something year old guy without looking like a douche or like he's trying to look younger than he is? I often go with jeans and T's, or the untucked button down with nice shoes and sometimes a blazer. I stay away from Ed Hardy and the overly graphic stuff and stick with solid colors and subdued patterns. No skulls, tap outs, or the like. Is this OK?"

Hey Matt, great question! I am a firm believer in being sexy at all ages. The bottom line is that confidence is the sexiest thing about a guy. So wear what makes you feel hot. On the other hand, your instincts are good. Stay away from graphic tees for social events. A button down and a suit jacket are always good choices. Just make sure you don't wear an undershirt. Show a little and open up the collar button. And you don't have to keep the shirts bland either. Drop the suit jacket and go with a fun shirt that makes a statement. Take a look at shirts by Paul Smith. Also, don't be afraid to pick up a fitted french cuff shirt and dress it down by wearing it out. Good luck!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with Laundry! Lets face it, most men hate doing laundry. Hell, most women hate doing laundry but it's got to be done. If you're a single guy out on your own you’ve probably gone as far as to buy new socks and underwear rather than wash your week-old pile of laundry. You are not alone.

Laundry is one of the most annoying things that needs to be done and for some reason is the hardest thing to fit into a schedule. This being the case, many men face the same embarrassing question...How long can I wear something before I have to wash it? Don’t worry, we’ve all been in that position.

Say you wake up, take a shower and realize you have nothing clean to wear. Your only real option is the top layer of laundry basket. On a good day, maybe you can get away with digging into the mid-layer of the laundry basket, but generally the freshest clothes are on top.

In an emergency situation, tee shirts and button-downs can be put on a hanger, sprayed lightly with Febreeze, and left to steam while you take a shower to get the wrinkles out. The same steps work for jeans and pants but plan ahead of time so you can iron them. Even though you don’t usually iron your jeans, ironing denim that needs a wash can restore some of the crispness of the jean.

There is no good answer for underwear and socks. Just buy more and keep it fresh.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get in the kitchen. Now that Valentine's Day has passed, you’re probably done with overpriced meals and reservations. I don’t need to tell you that taking your significant other out to dinner can cost upwards of about two hundred dollars. Not to mention the price of drinks and entertainment! Those appletini’s can be expensive! So instead of breaking the bank at some fancy restaurant, why not cook your own damn meal.

Nothing says lovin' like some good ol’ home cookin'. Now listen up guys, don’t get scared. You don’t need to be a master chef to be able to cook some basic meals. Start out with something easy like shrimp scampi. Throw a little butter and olive oil together, chop up some garlic and parsley...toss it all in with the shrimp, then serve it over a bed of pasta. Bam! It’s a Michael Billy meal! Once you get the scampi down then work your way up to parmesans. Chicken parmesan, shrimp parmesan, veal parmesan, ugh and my favorite meat ball parmesan. See, once you get the parmesans down, you've got four different meals.

Now let's say you have nothing in your fridge and have to buy everything it takes to make one of these meals. Even at that point, dinner for two would cost about forty dollars. Oh, and guys if you decide to make any type of shrimp dish make sure you don’t buy the already cooked shrimp. Buy the raw shrimp and prepare them yourselves. Fresh is always better.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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Everyone loves a well-hung man. That’s right, it’s time to Man Up and hang your clothes with some respect.

Although the wrinkled, disheveled look is okay in certain social situations, it is rarely acceptable in a business environment or in any other context when dressier attire is expected. And the first rule of better garment maintenance is to learn how to hang up your clothes!

Joan Crawford may not have known much when it came to parenting but one thing she was 100% right about was NO WIRE HANGERS EVER! Wire hangers can leave sharp creases in your shirts and can also produce those distracting little shirt bumps that make it look as if you’re growing a pair of nipples out of your shoulder.

Invest in some decent hangers with rounded shoulders. While there are some great wooden models on the market that will set you back nearly $20 a piece, there are also some equally effective hangers that you can pick up at a big box retailer for around a buck each. The key is to find hangers that aren’t so triangular in shape. For those of you who regularly get your shirts laundered at a cleaners, ask for them to be returned folded or, if that isn’t a convenient option, get those shirts on to some decent hangers the minute you get home.

And never get your shirts starched. Starch will accelerate the decomposition of the fabric and can also cause discoloration over time. Trust me, unless you’re a country and western singer, nobody is going to care that you aren’t wearing a crisply starched shirt.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and get over football. That's it guys. It's over. The football season is over. Personally, my biggest problem with football has always been guys screaming at televisions every time there is a game on. "Yea, touchdown! You suck Colts!" Every single restaurant and bar is full of screaming fans every single time there is a game on. I used to think to myself, how stupid are you guys? To get so riled up over a game? To waste so much money and energy supporting a bunch of millionaires that wouldn't give you the time of day. "Come on Manning, go for the touchdown!" Then I went to a gay bar during the Oscars, and I realized that gay guys do the same thing. Except they're screaming "Oh come on, what are you wearing Gwyneth Paltrow!" Or "What do you mean Milk didn't get the Oscar!" My conclusion, guys will be guys. No matter gay or straight when we watch something we're into, nothing else in the world exists. This entire season of football I'm sure you've had at least one fight because you were completely ignoring a conversation she was trying to have with you. But let me defend you guys for a minute here. I want all the women to listen up, real good. GET OUT OF THE WAY OF THE TELEVISION! You can not compete! And don't be so surprised when no one pays attention to you, like this is the first time you've heard about guys tuning people out during a game.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and donate money the right way. Look, I know the big thing right now is Haiti. Yele Haiti - donate money to the red cross - text ten dollars... blah blah blah. So this Man Up is to all you do gooders out there. Hmm, how do I put this lightly? In the most politically correct fashion...Giving doesn't count when you tell everybody you gave! For the past few weeks, I've had to hear every douche bag on the planet hoot and holler about donating to Haiti. "Did you donate yours?" "Oh yea, terrible thing going on down there, I donated twice." First of all, if this is the first time you're donating money to a cause then good for you. However, by broadcasting that fact, you're really saying "Hey, I've never cared about anything enough to give ten dollars to till now." Look, all I'm saying is ten dollars doesn't make you a hero...okay? Hell, twenty dollars just makes you an ok guy. Some of you act like, by texting a donation, you're picking up a bloody kid and operating on him yourself. I's just ten dollars so get off your moral high horse.You know who I'm talking about. These jackasses who have been walking around looking for people to congratulate them. Look, you shouldn't be congratulated for doing the right thing. Just do it, and move on. Keep your philanthropy to yourself.By the way, if your going to donate money to Haiti...you might as well download my new hit single "Jersey Boy (The Jersey Shore Remix)" on iTunes for only $0.99.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and get yourself ready for a date. Ya know why iPods are so successful? Because music can influence a person's mood. A person's entire demeanor can be changed when a song comes on. So this Man Up is about putting the right music together for a date. I'm not just talking about the music in the car or the play list you put on when you take her back to your place. I'm talking about the music you play before the date, at your house, while you're getting ready. Do you even play music while your getting ready for a date? If not, your missing out.

If you have a hard time letting loose, being conversational, or are just nervous about a date... setting up a play list for while you get ready can make a huge difference. Think of it this way, it's game time man. You got to get yourself in the zone.

What you put on the playlist is really important. I would stay away from Black Sabbath and Metallica...unless you're prepping for a date with a Vampyre. Try and load the playlist up with good mood music. Something energetic and light like anything from Queen or Journey.

As for myself, while I'm showering...I get my energy pumped up by playing some George Michael. Nothing gets me in the mood to have fun more then George Michael's "Faith." Ya know what the perfect song is while your getting ready? That's right you guessed it, my new hit single "Jersey Boy (The Jersey Shore Mix)" now available at iTunes!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and learn how to handle a gay man! I feel like it’s my responsibility, as the resident homosexual on Stars Too, to explain a couple things. There is a misconception out there that all gay men are checking you out and want nothing but to bang you. Well look in the mirror pal. If you look like the average guy in this country the odds are is that no gay man is checking you out.

Have you seen gay men recently? With their big muscles, wash board abs, and perfect hair? Ya think there is an overwhelming amount of gay men who happen to be into Beer t-shirts and jean shorts? Look, if you happen to meet a gay guy just treat him as you would any other guy. Odds are he isn’t undressing you with his eyes.

On the other hand, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t hit on Rich Davis of the Covino and Rich Show. I love Rich Davis and not only does he know it but he handles it like a gentleman. When I compliment him he doesn’t freak out. Rich just simply smiles and says “Aw thanks Michael Billy.” He takes it like any man should...like a compliment. If you happen to be as dreamy looking as Rich Davis then it’s totally possible that a gay man will hit on you eventually. I’m here to tell you that when it happens, just take it as a compliment and tell them you’re straight.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with after work dating. Let’s say you have a date after work but no time to stop home first. Here are some tips on how freshen up at the office. This situation calls for the emergency bag you should always carry in your car. An emergency car bag is great for after work spur of the moment occasions. Always carry deodorant, hair product, a towel, tooth paste, tooth brush, face wash and a change of clothes. The kind of clothes you choose for your emergency outfit should reflect the most likely situation you would find yourself in after work. In this scenario, it’s a date.

First, get your bag at the end of your work day and find a private bathroom. Usually the handicap bathroom is the best idea because it has the most room to change in. Also, it’s not appropriate to brush your teeth in a public bathroom. While in there it’s very important to wash your face and redo your hair. This is why a towel is important to bring so you can towel dry your hair.

The face and the hair are the most important part to take care of to look fresh after a long day at work. Just reapply some deodorant and change your clothes and you are all set to go. Notice I didn’t say bring cologne. You shouldn’t keep cologne in the car or spray your car with cologne. It’s nasty and trashy.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up on having a good time without getting drunk. Most people aren’t alcoholics but many use alcohol as a social lubricant. For many, alcohol let’s you loosen up and be more out going. For some it’s a must to have a good time. The tough part is drinking too much and making an ass of yourself. All I’m saying is that it’s important to Man Up and see if you can be as fun and social without depending on alcohol. Especially at work, there are going to be many situations where you’ll have to be as charming and funny as you think you are when you’ve had a couple beers.

I’m not saying you have to stop drinking all together. No, not at all. But I do think it’s in your best interest to know you can have a good time without drinking. Same thing goes for cigarettes. Any type of dependence is not a good look. You’re letting something else control you instead of you being in control. So give your personality a test drive and see how you do socially without drinking. Go out with a couple friends and make it a point to not drink to see if you really need to drink to have a good time.

If you definitely think you do need a few shots before having a good time, then you probably need to work on your people skills. Or maybe the people you hang out with just aren’t entertaining unless your drunk. Maybe you just need more entertaining friends? Put it this way, you wouldn’t date a girl who was only hot when you were drunk right?

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. This one comes from Yale Hollander.

Yale writes:

"Man up and take your time - literally. Try to set aside 30-60 minutes a day for yourself, and only yourself. Spend some time unplugging from the daily grind, the household hassles and everything else that weighs you down by the end of your day.

Everyone is busy in their own way and we often find ourselves running at 100 mph until we exhaust ourselves, hit the sack and wake up to start it all over again the next day. There needs to be a buffer between the crush of our daily life and lights-out time. Not unlike long distance runners, we too need that essential "cool down" period to stay at the top of our games.

Try to get out of your home, even if that means the front porch or balcony in good weather. If you can't get out, find a quiet corner of your house or apartment. And, whatever you do, stay away from your cell phone, blackberry or laptop.

Try relaxing with some quiet music. Sirius/XM offers a number of great options for classical, jazz, new age, or easy listening . They key is to keep it as background music, not the focus. Keep a beverage on hand so you're not tempted to venture up to the kitchen, but keep your choice light. You don't want anything with too much sugar, caffeine or alcohol."

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. This one comes from Alex in NJ.

Alex writes,

"Hey Mike...how about man up and start reading books and educate yourself. We as men shouldn't feel what we learned in school is the ultimate of education because self education is where you build your true knowledge of truth."

Good call Alex. When was the last time you guys out there read a book? Learning isn’t something we should stop doing after college. It’s something we can do everyday. Self educate and learn a language or become an expert on horses or something. Just keep reading! Keep advancing. Look around your house right now. Do you see any books? See, when someone has books in their place it’s because they read. You walk in and think “wow, look at all these books. This person must be really smart.” But you don’t have books at your place so people walk in and go “wow, this guy has no books. This person must be really dumb.” Unless of course your friends don’t have books at their place either...then they wouldn’t notice that you didn’t have books.

Learning new things makes you an interesting person to talk to. A great conversationalist. It doesn’t only help you socially but who doesn’t look good carrying a book? You’ve seen those book carrying people. When I see them I always think “wow, look at that person carrying a book. I bet they are going somewhere peaceful to read outside. I wish I read books, if I did I sure would read it somewhere peaceful outside."

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. This one comes from Michelle in NY.

Michelle writes:

"Not sure this one fits in but how about man up and stop throwing trash out your car windows?! There are no maids to pick up your trash on the roads! Keep in your car until you get home and throw out or wait till your next stop which will most likely have a garbage bin."

Great Man up idea Michelle. What is with that? I hate when I see guys throw crap out of their car window. It’s like they are actually saying, “Hey Earth, I don’t need you.” Why would you hate on the earth like that? It’s so simple guys, just have a small trash bag in your car that’s always accessible. It’s not hard. It just looks so trashy to see someone fling something out of their window. It’s not a good look guys. And sometimes it’s not even garbage...sometimes your just spitting or flicking a booger on to the street and that’s just as vile.

It’s about car etiquette! Oh yea, and if you're a car nose picker. Boogers don’t disappear into the floor when you flick them on the matt. I’m not sure why guys think their boogers vanish into the air when they are flung. They land places guys. If you want to send in your own idea for a MAN UP tip, you can always post it on my Facebook. http://facebook.com/themichaelbilly

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and soap up! The first thing I want you to do is picture me in the shower with you. Go ahead! I promise not to stare. Ok, the next thing I want to make sure of is that you're not using a bar of soap. “But Michael Billy, what am I supposed to wash with?”

Good question. It’s about time you joined the rest of the civilized world and got yourself some liquid body wash and a loofa. I’ll say it again, liquid body wash and a loofa. I know I ask a lot from you guys from time to time but this is bare bones minimum of body grooming. Washing with a loofa can really eliminate dead skin cells that can cause rough dry skin. No one uses a bar of soap anymore guys! Get with the program. It’s 2010 and we’re not getting any younger so if you haven’t before, make sure you take care of that skin.

Don’t forget it’s not just about your body...it’s about your face too! Always wash your face every morning and before bed with an actual face soap! Ugh! And you want to know what’s really disgusting...those all in one face/body/groin soap. Don’t think you're getting a great deal with those. Just buy a face soap that fits your type of skin.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with your daily regimen. The most important part of your daily regimen is how you start of your morning. I used to wake up everyday and down cup of coffee after up of coffee. Then my boyfriend was telling me I should switch to drinking water in the morning. I felt a million times better. I had totally forgot what I learned in elementary health class...keep hydrated!

Now that you’ve had your water, make sure you eat something as close to healthy as possible. If you prepare your food the night before you might not have to rush by the fast food window and get a breakfast sandwich. Oh yea, and a little reminder about fast food in the morning. Egg whites on a greasy gross bun or in between pancakes does not constitute a healthy breakfast.

I’ll be honest with you, I need help committing to this one too. I love greasy egg sandwiches! But I feel way better after a bowl of cereal and fresh fruit.

Now that you got your big jug of water and something to eat, how about a multivitamin. Who doesn’t love a multivitamin. I’m not doctor but everyone knows you're supposed to take your vitamins. There ya go, now you're ready for your day.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. If you want to voice your opinion on something that’s really bothering you, just hit me up at Michael@MichaelBilly.com

This one comes from one of our own Stars Too listeners, Rob C.

Rob C. writes:
Hey Michael, I have a Man Up request. I listen to you every day on Me and Vinnie. It's a great show but I have noticed something that you are guilty of as well as way too much of the younger population. At what point did using the word 'Like' in a conversation become so widely acceptable? It makes a person sound immature and less intelligent. I not the greatest with the English language but that is very annoying and (in my opinion) shows a very childish mindset. Proper English will get you much further in life than sounding like a high school reject.
Sincerely Ron C.

Great idea Ron C! I can’t like lie about it. I guess I like use the word like a lot like too, ya know? Seriously, great advice. It’s important to take a moment to think about how you want to put your words together. Some people can communicate off the top of their heads and sound eloquent. If you aren’t one of those people then take a beat and speak with poise. If you don’t believe me then just record yourself. You’ll like hear exactly like what I’m like talking about.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up for 2010. You want the Michael Billy prediction? The past decade was as bad as it’s going to get...we can go no where but up from here. There you go, that’s the Michael Billy prediction and you can take it to the bank. Here’s the truth, people are weak and most don’t have the will power to commit to their new years resolutions. I’m sure most of your friends have already vowed to loose the extra pounds, quite smoking, quite drinking, cut down on the porn. Whatever the new years resolution is I’m here to tell you to Man Up and follow through.

Here’s an exercise, every time you feel yourself giving an excuse to someone just stop yourself dead in your tracks. No more excuses! As the old saying goes...the buck stops here. If being fit and successful was easy, we all would be. Get with the program buddy. If it’s weight that’s your issue then think twice before you pull over to that rest stop an order a big sloppy greasy sandwich.

Manning Up in 2010 is all about responsibility and accountability. The world has changed and it’s not as easy to get a job, decent pay, or even get a degree. The best advice I have is to stop complaining about it because you are not the only one. And while your drowning your sorrows at some local bar because you have student loans and a part time job other people are out there making it work.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and go to the movies! I’m sure a lot of us ran out to go see Avatar in 3D, Avatar in Imax, Sherlock Holmes, or even Alvin and The Chipmunks the Squeakual. The point is, everyone goes to see the movies over the holidays and this year looks like a promising year in film.

I wanted to take this opportunity to do a public service. I’ve complained before about cell phone usage during the movies. People texting, emailing, ringing, answering calls. This time I want to address the movie commentator. This is the person that responds to any given action during the movie. Here’s an example, lets say there is an explosion in the building and the hero in the movie escapes the blast. The movie commentator will respond by saying something like “Oh my God, that was awesome.” or “that’s some blast.”

Here is what I don’t understand. After decades and decades of common sense to not talk during a movie...after seeing the commercial in every movie theatre that says to NOT talk during the movie....How on earth am I to understand how any human being of average to even below average intelligence could think that their “movie commentary” is acceptable! So here it is... if you are this person, stay home. You have lost the privilege of viewing anything in public. If you know a person like this then cut them off. Let them know what a horrible self centered mutant they are for talking at the movies and cut them off.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up for 2010! The beauty of being a young guy in your twenties or thirties is that you haven’t heard the word “no” as much as people have twice your age. “Michael Billy, what the hell are you talking about?”

Listen up, all I’m saying is that whatever your wildest dream of success is you still have a fighting chance of making it happen. At the end of the Great Depression many Americans stopped thinking big and the majority did what they could do to get by, survive, and recoup what they had lost. What I’m saying is lets not repeat the past. Don’t be hasty with your decision making when approaching a job opportunity. Keep thinking big and take charge of what you do with your life.

Don’t let wall street tell you that you can’t go to law school, med school, or hell..even become a comedian. Start now with a fresh start in the new year. Think positive and do something daily to help you get what you want. Work on your resume, build your own website, make connections in the field you want to work. Do everything you can to get back on the horse and take what’s yours.

Motivated yet? There you go! Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up and go get em tiger!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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Hey this is Michael Billy wishing you a Happy New Year! Every new year is special in it’s own way but this one is marking the end of a decade. If there is anything that we’ve all learned from the past ten years it’s how to NOT manage our money. Yes, I think we can all agree that our own financial management has been the big lesson that we should learn from and not repeat again.

Don’t forget, credit is not always given when credit is actually due, health insurance doesn’t really mean your health is insured, and job security doesn’t mean that your job is actually secure. This has been the decade of uncertainty.

What we walk away with is being better at handling some of the worst things that can be thrown at a person. We’ve become more prepared and less invincible.

So this year hold your head up high and take back what’s yours. I like to think of it this way. The odds are slim to none that it could get any worse for at least another ten to twenty years. Take the time to look over your finances and see where you might have gone wrong. Make sure you look over the fine print when you apply for a credit card or loan. And the most important thing to remember...the one thing you should tattoo on your forehead...do not, and I repeat...do NOT buy things you can not afford.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up for New Years Eve. I get it, I get it! Everyone wants to go out and get plastered. Well I’ve been there, and far be it from me to stop you. However, if you’re thinking you want one of those midnight hookups then you better pay attention. Watch what you drink! Whatever party your at there is always “that guy” or “that girl” that gets way way to drunk and becomes more of a liability then anything else. Well if your helping someone while their drunk of their ass try and make sure wherever you are, you aren’t alone and the doors always open. Never hurts to have someone there to witness everything that happens.

If you are the drunk slob then my biggest advice to you is to not be the drunk slob. Manage what you drink man, if you're not a kid then what are you doing getting that drunk? Not classy and not a good look for anyone twenty five or older. If you do want to get smashed then make sure you have extra money on you for a cab ride home. Try and not rely on someone in case they begin to drink and get out of control. Before you go out just put the cab's number in your phone, and make sure you know how much it will cost you to get home from where ever you are. Bam! Done.

Just a few easy steps to make sure you have an amazing new years with no worries.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and break some old childhood habits. Sure there are lots to chose from. Anything from slurping your soup to picking your nose. But lets talk about the absolute worst one of them all. This childhood habit is my biggest pet peeve. Nail biting. It is the saddest thing to see a grown man bite his own nails. “But Michael Billy, I’ve been doing it since I was a kid...how ever do I stop?”

Well, try. Try anything you possibly can because quite honestly it makes you look weak. Biting your nails can be perceived by others as a dead giveaway that you're A) generally a nervous person or B) one to totally fold under pressure. Both are perceptions you don’t want people to have of you in life or at the workplace.

Here’s an option, try going to your local pharmacy and picking up nail polish. Not just any nail polish, this is a clear polish they put on kids fingers to get them to stop biting their nails. It has a horrible taste to it so hopefully it can help retrain you to not put your fingers in your mouth.

Don’t feel so so bad. Childhood habits are very hard to break but worth breaking. So Man Up and break that bad habit!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and learn how to floss. No no...I don’t mean wearing diamonds out to a social event. I mean flossing your teeth. I promised I wouldn’t mention any names but I’m having work done at my house and because of the schedule some of them have to eat while on the job. Totally fine, who cares? People got to eat right?

Well this one guy, every time he eats he whips out the floss right afterwards. Doesn’t go to the bathroom, doesn’t even take himself aside to do it. Sometimes he even flosses while he’s having a conversation with me! I thought to myself...do I really need to write a Man Up about this?

Doesn’t everyone know that you aren’t supposed to floss in public? Doesn’t everyone know that you aren’t supposed to floss while having a conversation with someone? Come on! So the more and more I’ve been talking to people about this guy, the more I hear that others have this problem too!

Apparently we all know someone like this. These are the guys that clip their nails at the office, smell their armpits to make sure that smell isn’t them, and these are the guys who floss their teeth in public. This Man Up goes out to you gentlemen, stop it! It’s uncouth!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up for the holidays! Every once in awhile I think about what it actually means to Man Up. Well I think Manning Up is about owning up to your faults as well as being proud of your positive traits. Manning Up is all about personal responsibility. Part of personal responsibility is knowing how much you really have to spend on gifts this year for the holidays. Many people all over the country will go out, open credit cards and spend money they don’t have.

This year, break the trend and get a lot more creative about your gift giving. Trust me, the secret is out...you're not a millionaire so stop spending like one. Do the smart thing and pay your bills and get yourself out of debt. That is the responsible thing to do. Women would rather be with a guy with great credit than a diamond you got from a store in the mall.

Here's another great way to save some money this year. Instead of giving your circle of friends individual gifts why not spare everyone the financial heartache and throw a re-gifting party. This is where everyone gives each other gifts that they got themselves and don’t use. Stuff just laying around the house that you never use! Brilliant.

Trust me, this year be a man and spend what you can afford...not what the bank loaned you.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up Thanksgiving style. I have two major issues with Thanksgiving. The first is about the one douche bag every year that thinks he’s the only one who knows what Tryptophan is. We all know a guy like this. Every year, this guy has one thing and only one thing to talk about. It’s how turkeys have a high level of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that can cause drowsiness. “Hey Michael Billy, did you know that it’s probably the Tryptophan that is making you tired.” You see, Thanksgiving is a golden opportunity for this guy to talk about the one thing he knows that makes him sound smart. Here’s the thing “Thanksgiving tryptophan guy,” while turkey does contain high levels of tryptophan, the amount is comparable to that contained in most other meats. So Thanksgiving sleepiness may have more to do with what else is consumed along with the turkey, like carbs and booze.

My second pet peeve is people actually falling asleep after dinner. What are you, five? Seriously? It’s so unattractive to look at someone sitting on the couch with their mouths open drooling all over the furniture. Really, try and pull yourself together. Bring an energy drink or clamp down on your carb intake. Falling asleep in front of people is not a good look.

And don’t forget that when it’s all over, the following day is the real holiday... black Friday! That’s the holiday where we celebrate our credit card companies by buying things we can’t afford. Happy Holidays!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with Thanksgiving! Lets talk some turkey. A huge problem people have when cooking a turkey is thawing it out! An eight to twelve pound turkey should take one to two days to thaw out in a refrigerator. And a twelve to sixteen pound one from three to four days and so on and so on.

Now lets say it’s the night before Turkey day and the damn bird still is frozen! Well don’t fret. Put it in the sink, still wrapped, and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every half hour or so, so it doesn’t get gross. By morning, it should be thawed.

If you need to get some sleep, prop the drain slightly open and run some cold water at a trickle. The turkey doesn't have to stay completely immersed in the water — it just needs to keep cold.

How about if the Turkey is underdone? Everyone is starving and getting really impatient. If you don’t feed them, they will attack the kitchen and kill you. Well then cut it up and serve the parts that are cooked, while you microwave the rest.

If the turkey is dry, try pouring some turkey broth over the slices; cover it with foil and let it stand about 15 minutes.

If you see parts of the turkey are overcooking while the rest still needs more time in the oven, then cover those parts (typically the breast and wings) with foil.

And if you really burn the hell out of it...grab some barbecue sauce and enjoy!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with Thanksgiving! While many of us have made a tradition of going to everyone else’s house for Turkey Day, some of us are taking the bird by it’s neck and starting their own Thanksgiving traditions. Every year there are brave young couples and families all across the United States that will host their very first Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is an enormous undertaking for a young couple so let me give you a few pointers.

• First: don’t do it. Don’t hold a Thanksgiving dinner until someone dies and you absolutely have to. It’s an evening full of judgement and you will never ever be able to make everyone happy.
• Second: If you really want to host your own Turkey Day next year then start out with hosting a smaller, less significant holiday...like Chanukah or Kwanzaa.
• Third: When hosting your own Thanksgiving try to add original elements to your dinner party. Like acting out a play about Thanksgiving during the meal. While eating, try forcefully taking away your guests' food and banishing them to the garage where they can only play poker and nickel slots. After a few minutes, invite them back in, thank them for leaving and name a sports team after them.
• And finally fourth: Seriously, don’t do it. Do not hold your own Thanksgiving. If you do then make sure you have a backup roasted chicken or the number of a take out place that’s open in your area.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and learn the importance of Brunch! A good Sunday Brunch is at the center of all things good with this country. At the simplest of explanations it is a combination of breakfast and lunch. Brunch is often served after a morning event or prior to an afternoon one, like an afternoon wedding or golf outing. As such, it is a heavy meal meant to take the place of both. Brunches are often serve-yourself buffets, but menu-ordered meals may be available instead of, or with, the buffet. The meal usually involves the best of both worlds, standard breakfast foods such as eggs, sausage, bacon, ham, fruits, pastries, pancakes, and standard lunch items like a club sandwich, hamburger, quiche, cold seafood, or crab cakes.

Many establishments serve an unlimited amount of mimosas or Bloody Marys with their meals. As you may already know, this could be a dangerous situation. Considering the amount of booze that is being given away, it’s safe to assume that it won’t be the best quality champagne or alcohol. So be careful! Free booze can be fun but not when you’re throwing up all over your friends. And lastly, let’s not forget appropriate attire for brunch. Don’t just roll out of bed and head down to the chow hall like in college. Think business casual. Pants, sweaters, suit jackets, dress shirts. There ya go, now you’re ready.

Sunday brunch is an ideal way to begin any date or social occasion. Start out with a nice meal and enjoy the rest of your beautiful fall day.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get ready for the holidays! Yay! It’s Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa....whatever the hell you celebrate, it’s time to start saving up money for presents! Or is it? “Michael Billy, what do you mean? Of course we have to save up for presents!” Calm down man and let me explain. What if maybe, just maybe...instead of buying Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanzaa presents you have everyone over for a big Christmas-Chana-Kwanzaa dinner? When you invite people make sure they know that, in order to take the financial pressure off of everyone in your group, this year will be about presence instead of presents!

Ask everyone to bring a dish, a bottle of wine, and to leave their cell phones at home. Bring back the true meaning of Christmas-Chana-Kwanzaa and surround yourself with the people you care about. Let’s face it, people’s personal finances are not getting any better any time soon which is why a “No Gift” party makes perfect sense.

So now that you agree with everything I’ve said so far, here are a couple pointers about the holiday dinner party. NO BUFFET! You hear me? No buffet. Sit down and have dinner like adults. Also, make sure you get started on your holiday music playlist. Much of the quality of any dinner party is in the atmosphere you build in your house. Candles, music, and lighting. Be careful about lighting scented candles too close to the dinner table or at all. The scent of the food should be perfect for the occasion.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and bring back Chivalry! Before we get to bringing back Chivalry, lets go to Wikipedia for the definition. Chivalry is a term related to the medieval institution of knighthood. It is usually associated with ideals of knightly virtues, honor and courtly love. The word is derived from the French word "chevalerie", itself derived from "chevalier", which means knight, derived from "cheval", horse (indicating one who rides a horse).

Today, the terms chivalry and chivalrous are used to describe courteous behavior, especially that of men towards women.

Okay, now that that’s all cleared up. When was the last time you opened the car door for your wife or girlfriend? Pulled out the chair for her at dinner? Stood up when she excuses herself from the table? Sure, some of these things are considered way out of touch with the times. All I’m suggesting is that we bring back some of the oldies but goodies. Surprise your loved one. It's important not to forget chivalry and general politeness towards anyone. What I recognize the most is the ever vanishing phrase “thank you.” It is, by far, the least thing you can do after someone makes a nice gesture. It doesn’t just stop with please and thank you. People don’t hold doors for each other anymore or help a neighbor with packages!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and know when to use a phone and when not to use a phone. Lets start out with the most obvious one I can think of...the bathroom. I’m not even talking about the privacy of your own bathroom. I’m talking about an actual public restroom. Do you really have to answer your phone while you're in a private stall? It’s not really that it’s rude even, it’s just weird and inappropriate. Clearly everyone in the bathroom can and will hear your conversation. This goes for answering your phone at the urinal as well. It’s just weird. So just consider it a social note... don’t answer your phone in a public bathroom.

It’s important to realize that not taking phone calls during a meal shouldn’t be a privilege reserved just for romantic dates. You should never ever take a phone call while dining out and being social. Keep it in the car, don’t even carry it with you. Wake up America and start to ween yourself off the phone. We’re addicted! The bathroom, during meals, while jogging, while driving, while walking, while talking with someone who is actually right in front of you! It’s an obsession!

And texting isn’t any better either! Why? Why? Why in a theater must you text to someone? Who is that incredibly important that you can’t take a 90 minute break away from them. And by the way... trust me, everyone in the theater can see the light from your phone and it is distracting. Put it away!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and read some fan mail. If you want to voice your opinion on something that’s really bothering you, just hit me up at Michael@MichaelBilly.com

This one comes from Avery in Atlanta. Avery writes,

“Michael Billy, how about a Man Up on being more respectful to our women while they’re on their cycle. They really go through a lot during that week.”

Good call Avery, women don’t have it easy. I think it all comes down to the easy joke to make when guys have an issue with a woman. They always go right to blaming it on PMS or make jokes about her time of the month. I mean, trust me...I’m not one to point fingers at low brow humor but it is really juvenile to attack women with a comment on their period.

I think that week is a great time for men to shine and show how supportive and capable they can be. The last thing you want to do is complain about picking up any products she might need. You’re right Avery, men generally should treat PMS with a little more respect. Guys have a tendency to bond with each other over their wives' crazy attitude every month but that’s something that should be kept between the both of you. You’re disrespecting your wife when you publicly bash her or call her crazy! Try and be a little more understanding guys! Keep the crazy to yourself!

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and stay warm. Fashion doesn’t need to be sacraficed when the seasons are changing and you have to bundle up. Many guys stay away from keeping their heads warm because they don’t want to ruin their hair with a hat. Well a short winter cut that easy to manage might be the answer. You’ll be able to wear skull caps and winter hats and still be able to look presentable for work.

The most important thing to remember is to layer. If your winter jacket isn’t cutting it and buying a new one is too expensive. You might want to buy an insulated vest to wear under your coat. Do whatever you can to keep your chest warm. If pants are what you have to wear around the office, thick long johns might not be a viable option. You could buy thinner synthetic long johns meant for athletes. It will feel weird at first but you’ll thank me when you realize how warm you are.

If you’re going winter clothes shopping, make sure you pick up two pairs of gloves. One sturdy pair for the shoveling and one pair of leather gloves to wear to work or out on the town. Always make sure you get gloves with insulation. Don’t be afraid to double up on socks either!

As for the chilly mornings, bring your clothes in the bathroom with you when you take a shower. This way the heat from the shower will make it a warm room for you to dress in.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get ready for that double date. Let me say this, a double date always has the potential to make for the worst evening ever. But, if you’ve been in a relationship for awhile, you know that you're going to have to do it sooner or later. The problem with the double date is what I call the comparison factor. No matter what you think, the double date is designed for your significant other to compare and contrast their dates.

On occasion, before the actual double date, your significant other may give you the chance to choose from a variety of people to go on the double date with. If this is the case, always choose the couple that you're way better than. Find out what the other couples jobs are, their interests, what they look like and compare your relationship to theirs before you even agree to having dinner with them. The double date can either destroy you or make you look like an amazing boyfriend.

Make sure you pick up the check, and do the classy thing and take care of it before the check gets to the table. No one likes that awkward moment where everyone stares at it trying to figure out who had what. When on a double date, you also don’t want to fight, bicker or argue. Don’t leave any room for the other couple to talk behind your back...don’t forget, as nice as they seem...they are also critiquing you.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with this Swine Flu already. Enough is enough. H1N1, Swine Flu, Bird flu, Pandemic, Epidemic....just stop already. Enough with the medical masks! And every time someone sneezes or coughs there is some jackass within ear shot going...”Uh oh, must be the swine flu.” Just stop it already. Swine Flu has officially jumped the shark.

If you're one of those people who have become obsessed with the swine flu then just do the everyday normal things to keep healthy. That’s all the doctors are telling you to do. One precaution I saw on the news was “Wash your hands thoroughly.” Thoroughly? Well, what the hell was I doing before? Take the multi vitamin, take the vitamin C daily. Wash your hands and use sanitizer.

Alright, the sanitizer I can get fully behind. I am pro sanitizer. And you should always carry a little around in your bag or in your car. My point is, lets not break into hysterics. Being a hypochondriac is not attractive.

I mean, I’m no doctor...but the odds are you're going to get a cold and it won’t be the swine flu. So just do all the things that we were taught when we were kids. Cover your chest, wear a scarf, layer your clothes, wash your hands, and stop touching your face!

That’s an obvious one! Stop rubbing your eyes and touching your face. It’s that simple. Okay, so what did we learn today? Basically, don’t be the jack ass who says “Must be the Swine Flu” every time someone coughs. Stay healthy.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get ready for the holidays. It’s here guys. No way around it. Before you know it, Thanksgiving will be here and then the holidays right after that. Now is the only down time you’ll have. After turkey day, forget it. My best suggestion to you is that you get in all the fun fall stuff in while you can. Have those last lunches in the park! Just bring a blanket, a bottle of bubbly, some easy to eat food and a little music and you’ve got a perfect fall date idea.

If you're more of the active couple... the fall is a great time to take some long walks. Maybe make it a habit for the next couple of weeks to take a walk together after dinner. Doesn’t even have to be long, just some quality outdoors time. Trust me, you’ll thank me in a month when it’ll be freezing.

Now that it’s getting a lot cooler outside you don’t have to be afraid of turning your oven on anymore. If it gets too cold and you're stuck inside the house, try doing some practice runs of holiday meals. Pick up a ham or a turkey, bake some pies, and make some cakes and see what works and what doesn’t. Instead of curling up on the couch every single night, get involved in some projects together. And cooking is a great project. If you're more of the competitive type, see who can make the better dish and invite friends over to be the judge.

Bottom line, even though summer has come and gone....the fall can be fun too.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get the length of your tie exactly right. The tie is a great way to dress up a casual outfit and the perfect opportunity to send a message about yourself. Let’s talk about the power tie. Often worn by heads of state, the traditional power tie is red worn over a white shirt. The red power tie is traditional with an overtone of aggression. However, fashion experts say that the light blue power tie gives the wearer an impression of confidence, decisiveness and trust.

Here’s the big question: Exactly how long should your tie be? Ideally, the end of a tie should always hit somewhere between the top and bottom of your belt. A good way to measure that is you should always try to get the front and back of the tie as equal in length as you can.

Don’t forget that it’s always better a little too long than too short If you’re going to completely ignore the guidelines in length, remember that wearing your tie a little long doesn’t look nearly as bad as wearing it too short. There is something about a too-short tie that creates the impression of a gut, whether you have one or not, so aim for the end to hit the middle of your belt to look your best.

Now...let’s get to my favorite, the windsor knot. The Windsor Knot is a thick, wide and triangular tie knot that projects confidence. It’s your knot of choice for presentations, job interviews and courtroom appearances. It is best suited for spread collar shirts and it's actually quite easy to do. Click here for directions.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and measure how big it is. Find Your Measurements guys! Taking your measurements is easy. All you need is a measuring tape and good posture. Make sure that the tape lays flat, and that the area you're measuring is in natural position.

• Chest: With your arms at your sides, measure around the fullest part of your chest, across shoulder blades and under arms.
• Neck: Measure a shirt collar that fits you well. Button the collar and place the tape's starting point behind the button. Wrap the tape all the way around the inside of the collar until until it meets its starting point.
• Sleeve Length: With your arms relaxed at your side and slightly bent, measure from the center back of your neck, over the point of your shoulder, and down the outside of your arm to your wrist.

Every man should know his own measurements. If you're not big on trying things on then knowing your measurements is key...not that I’m advocating not trying things on because you should ALWAYS try things on.

When it comes to buying dress shirts, stay away from those prepackaged deals. You know, those shirts with all the pins in them sealed in plastic. Stay away! When you buy a dress shirt that you mean to wear with a suit don’t be afraid of actually bringing a jacket to try the shirt on with.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up your facebook. STOP POKING PEOPLE! And what is this mob wars thing? I don’t want to join your farm either! You don’t understand, we’re not really friends so I don’t care all that much about your cause so please stop asking me to show up for a virtual march! Be respectful, people, of the boundaries others have.

By the way kids, it is not cool to post pictures of yourself trashed and passed out on a bathroom floor with penis written on your forehead. What are you thinking?! It’s even worse when you have pictures like that and you're not in your 20’s. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking your webpage is personal and private because it certainly isn’t. Be careful! Keep in mind that even prospective employers are googling you and checking your social networking pages!

Even shirtless pictures of yourself by the pool can be lifted off your site and reposted anywhere on the web. Like when I copy pasted Rich Davis’ picture to my desktop and photoshopped it so it looked like we’re on a date....just saying, that would be a good example....if I did that...which I didn’t.

Anyway, all I’m saying is to be super careful about what you put out there. From drinking to smoking to partying, try to control what goes up on the web. Including pictures posted of you by other people. You can remove the tag and you also have the right to at least ask them to take it down. Also don’t forget that everyone can see your profile so an off color comment meant as a private joke can be taken the complete wrong way by others.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to MANUP and get a facial. Not that kind of facial guys, a REAL facial! “But Michael Billy, only girls get facials!” Calm down, calm down and just listen. Black heads, white heads, pimples, zits, oily skin, and dry skin are just some of the problems men have well into their 20’s. While skin problems usually start in puberty...the younger you are, the better it is to get started.

Instead of popping your own pimples and risking permanent scarring on your face... go get a professional facial. It’s not just creams and masks, and Enya music playing in the background. Remember that most places that offer facials offer a “Men’s Facial.” Making an appointment is not something to be embarrassed about. Clear skin does wonders for self confidence. If you’re still a teenager then ask for a teen facial.

During a facial you can ask for them to extract black heads and clean under the skin. It’s the most efficient way to really clean your face and make sure it stays clean for a longer time. If you have horrible skin and have tried all the over the counter products then you have nothing to lose. Just remember not to plan anything the day of your facial cause after you're done you may look red and a little busted at first.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and spread some peace y'all. You may have heard that our own President Barack Obama has just won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in diplomacy. Well, congratulations Mister President! And in honor of such a prestigious award this Man Up tip is all about keeping the peace in our own lives.

We shall start with the ever so popular bar fight. Hmmm, how do I say this in a politically correct way. There is nothing more podunk, white trash than getting into a bar fight. I don’t care how it starts, whether it’s defending your girlfriend's honor or someone spills a drink on you...it’s not cool.

How about fighting with family members? If that’s the issue in your life, maybe you should take a note from our President and increase your presence in their home until you can reach a solution.

If you're like most Americans, you might be having a problem with your neighbors. The President also teaches us that the best thing to do is take a trip to your neighbor's place and assure them you won’t make the same mistakes that previous owners have made.

When all else fails, our Nobel Prize winning President teaches us to talk. Just keep talking. No matter what happens, you don’t even have to follow through with an action. Just follow it up with another talk.

Thanks Mister President and congratulations.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and answer some fan mail.
This one comes from Reverend Malone.

Reverend Malone writes

Michael, just a thought for your Man Up segments. Lately. when I say "Thank You," I get the response,"Not a Problem," or "No Worries".

Is it just me? I didn't think "it" was a problem, nor I hope was "it" a worry.
Sometimes I even get a "MMMHmm" as an acknowledgment of my "Thank You".

I understand where "No worries" came from, Down Under & that crocadile Dundee movie back in the 80's but what ever happened to "You're Welcome"? Just a simple “You're Welcome.”

Regards,
Reverend Malone

Good point Reverend Malone. Sometimes slang does get out of control. It’s understandable when it comes from kids or teens but I’m most shocked when it comes from an adult. Some guys just don’t know when to let go. Guys, if you want to turn on the charm and really take a step towards maturity just know how to address people. I’m not saying get rid of all your slang. Talk to your friends how you want to. Just be able to know how to turn it on and turn it off.

If you're out there and see something that guys do that really bothers you...just write to me about it.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up with today’s WORDS OF THE DAY! Today’s words of the day are Psychological Projection....Yes, that’s it, now say it with me Psychological Projection.

An example of this behavior might be blaming another for one's own failure. The mind may avoid the discomfort of consciously admitting personal faults by keeping those feelings unconscious, and projecting them onto another. Usually these feelings are too shameful, too obscene, too dangerous to accept as one's own.

Psychological Projection can also be seen as a defense mechanism. Everyone in a relationship knows what it’s like to be accused of cheating or lying. And to a certain point, it’s totally natural to feel jealous or concerned. But when is enough, enough?

Have the accusations in your relationship become almost too much to bear? If you are constantly being accused of something without rhyme or reason you might want to think twice about what’s going on. Is it simply a defense mechanism to draw attention from his/her own cheating ways? Is he/she the one who is not to be trusted? Is he/she projecting their own insecurities onto you?

On the other side, are you the one doing the projecting? If you notice that you’ve become overly jealous and inquisitive about where he/she is 24 hours a day...maybe you have some of your own issues to work on?

Just some food for thought.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get your hair did! DOUCHE BAG ALERT: ATTENTION ALL MEN, It’s time to throw out all hair gel from your bathroom...ESPECIALLY LA LOOKS!

The first step is getting rid of it...just throw it away or flush it down the toilet. OR you can give it to someone who is still living in the 90‘s because that’s the last time hair gel was cool.

Listen to me, gel is the devil’s semen...get it out of your hair! “But Michael Billy whatever do I use?” It’s called...are you ready? PASTE! Hair style paste! You can find men’s style paste in any supermarket or specialty store. Here’s what it does...You know that wet messy look that always looks good but you can never manage to pull off. The texture or the paste allows you to hold onto a messy look throughout a summer day and doesn’t get all flakey and dry like gel does.

Here’s how you apply it. Put a nickel size drop in the palm of your hand and press your palms together. Now work the paste into damp hair until it looks like you want it to. BAM you’re SEXY. And if you’re having a bad day and you think the look is fading just spritz a little bit of water on it to reactivate the binding agent in the paste.

I’m a big fan of the paste but if your hair is longer and needs something stronger then go with a hair glue product. Every hair care line has a thicker glue type product. Don’t worry it’s not actually glue...it’s a thicker, stickier substance to put in your hair.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and protest! I’m so tired of being invited to all these “Facebook Causes.” Don’t kill the dolphins, save the poor kids, feed the starving penguins...it’s enough already! Joining a virtual cause where you get a virtual badge means that your virtually doing NOTHING. We have absolutely lost our ability to protest.

The facebook cause is the equivalent of the petition that used to go around in high school. Remember those? The petition to get Pizza served at lunch or to get a teacher fired? Did you ever see any results from those things? NO! Want to know why? Cause petitions are weak! And so are Facebook causes!

I’m looking at my facebook right now and I was just invited to a Boycott Kanye Cause. Are you kidding me? Come on people. The only thing worse then being lame about a cause is having a lame cause. If your cause is boycotting Kanye perhaps you should take a look at all the far more critical things you could be boycotting.

I’m all about having a cause and something that really gets you fired up. All I’m saying is put your money where your mouth is and actually do something above and beyond clicking the “Join Cause” button. Organize a demonstration, organize a walk out, do something controversial. Actually talking the talk and walking the walk shows character and conviction.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and get your work life and your personal life in order. In today's technologically advanced world with cell phones, emails, texts, twitter and facebook its not easy to keep work from seeping into your personal time at home. In fact, many jobs require that you have your cell phone attached to your hip 24 hours a day. But when is enough enough? Getting phone calls and constant texting during dinner and family movie night can be really annoying to your loved ones...but you don't feel like you have to apologize, after all...it is your job.... right?

Well, like anything else, balance is the key here. You might want to ask yourself if all the phone calls you're getting at home are important to begin with. You may find that a lot of stuff can be communicated through email or text. Sometimes we get jobs when we're single and throw ourselves into our responsibilities, then start dating and have to begin splitting up our time. This is not an easy thing to which to transition but trust me, it can work.

Just be completely open about your job and what's expected of you. That kind of work ethic can be a turn on to a lot of people. Strong work ethic and commitment to a job show great possibility for financial success. It's important to translate your little phone calls and emails to steps towards bigger and better things.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and stop dressing like a douche bag. I was out over the weekend and ran into a bunch of guys from college who are now approaching the age of 30. As I was talking to one of them, I realized that on his head he was wearing a truckers' hat that read "I ♥ Vaginas." Really, I thought, You're almost thirty years old and you're wearing an "I ♥ Vaginas" hat. You might as well be wearing a shirt that says "I've never been with a woman ever unless they were really drunk or my sister." All I'm saying is that there should be some sort of age limit for wearing things that freshman in college would wear. Get over it, you're thirty years old. 30, it's the speed limit in built up areas.

When you're thirty, you are now older then 41 % of America. 71 % of people in their 30's are married and if you're not...it might be because you're wearing a hat that says "I ♥ Vaginas." Thirty, that's fifteen multiplied by 2...that means it takes two fifteen year olds to make up your wardrobe.

Now don't go killing yourself over it, all I'm saying is that you might want to Man Up your wardrobe already.   At least look like you have a job, know what I mean? Thirty is also the best time to calm down your bad habits. There isn't a better time to stop smoking cigarettes and stop getting smashed every time you go out. If you don't think you look like a douche bag then all you have to do is turn on Tool Academy and see how many guys look like you.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It's time to Man Up and read some fan mail! This week, one of our listeners has his own Man Up advice for you guys. This one is from Yale in Saint Louis Missouri.

Yale Writes...

Michael Billy,
You've addressed cell phone belt clip taboo and wallet bulge control so how about a segment on man-baggage? Whether it's a backpack, messenger bag, laptop carrier, attache or formal briefcase, every well prepared man should have certain essentials at his disposal. A weekly news magazine (think "The Economist," not "People") can help fill dead time and is a great companion to the solo luncher or train commuter. Mint flavored antacids are a dual threat asset - bad breath can be a digestive issue, so this covers both bases. Floss is essential, although never in public. An SPF based face moisturizer is a triple threat. It can fix chapped hands prior to a big meeting, can serve as an emergency sunscreen and, yes, can also be used in a pinch as a hair control tool (ask a barber - it's true.)

The bottom line...man-baggage is not akin to a purse and nothing projects the image of confidence quite like a prepared gentleman ready to take on whatever challenge might face him.

Good call Yale, the only thing I would add is to always carry a Shout Wipe to rub out unwanted stains. Great advice from a listener.

If you have your own advice on how guys can Man Up just write me at Michael@MichaelBilly.com

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and say CHEESE! If you are over the age of 18 then you’re most likely out of that smelly awkward teenage stage. So now that you’re all grown up - going to college, driving your own car...don’t you think it’s time to learn how to smile correctly?

First thing to remember is not to do that douche bag zoolander kissy face look. A lot of you guys think it makes you look hardcore or masculine and you couldn’t be further from the truth. The only thing it makes you look like is an asshole.

Not proud of your teeth? Well if their yellow, you’re in good luck because there are so many teeth whitening products over the counter that do work as long as you stick with it.

Now lets talk about the actual smile. When I first started doing red carpets and photo shoots I was taught to do the upper teeth smile. Try opening your mouth a little bit while smiling and exposing just your upper teeth. You’ll see that it narrows out your face a little and really shows off your cheek bones. That’s it...that’s how you smile. It’s much better then grinding your teeth together into something forced.

If all else fails just take some time and take pictures of yourself in the mirror and try different looks and smiles. trust me you’ll be much happier with how you come out in a photo.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and learn some dining etiquette. Guys, table manners are very important. In a restaurant setting, whether on a date or dinner with the boss, the first important thing to remember is the napkin. Listen up, as soon as you are seated remove the napkin from the place setting, unfold it - do not shake it open, and place it on your lap. You may wipe the corners of your mouth but never touch your nose with it. If you have to get up and use the restroom then place the napkin to the left or right of your plate. Do not clean the utensils or wipe your face with the napkin...just your mouth. At the end of the meal leave the napkin neatly on the left side of the plate...NEVER on the seat!

Now for the meal. At a dinner party, wait for the host to signal to begin eating. When you see them pick up their fork it’s time to begin. In a date setting you want to wait till both of you have food before eating.

Did you know there are 2 styles to handling your fork and knife? One is the American Style: Knife in the right hand, fork in the left hand holding food. After a few bite-sized pieces of food are cut, place knife on edge of plate with the blade facing in. Then eat the food by switching the fork to your right hand. The second is Continental/European Style. The difference is that you don't switch hands, you eat with your fork in your left hand, with the prongs curving downward.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up your wardrobe with a few essential items! It’s the fall and whether you lost weight or gained weight during the summer it’s probably a good time to do some shopping to freshen up your closet. “But Michael Billy, I don’t want to spend all that money on clothes.” I get it! That’s why it’s so important to buy clothes you’ll get a lot of use out of.

When you go shopping this month you want to make sure you pick up some versatile articles of clothing. Like a crisp white button down fitted shirt...It’s great with a suit, fantastic with a pair of jeans untucked. The fitted white button down is a great buy and something you’ll get a lot of use out of. A white pair of sneakers isn’t a bad idea either as long as you don’t wear them everyday. A clean sparkling white pair of Nike’s is perfect for dressing down a more serious look.

The skinny black tie is also something that isn’t going away anytime soon. The skinny black tie is great under a sweater and fantastic with a suit. See what I mean by versatile? You want to pick clothes that can work with both dress up and dress down situations. The most important thing to have this fall is the cardigan sweater. It’s slimming, it works with t-shirts and dress shirts, and it’s a fashionable way to keep warm as the weather gets a little chillier.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and bring your A-game to your next party. That’s right guys, it’s the simplest piece of advice I can give you while approaching the fall social season. Fall is a great time for indoor/outdoor parties. Anything from barbeque with old friends to cocktail parties with coworkers, you are going to need to know how to dress to impress and how to make the most out of where ever you are.

First things first, think of every party you go to as an opportunity. Whether it be business or personal, parties are a great chance to network with people and that means exchanging business cards. “But Michael Billy, I’m only waitering right now while I’m in school.” Who cares? Never be embarrassed about what you do, no matter what. Be proud of your work and turn the conversation into something you’re enthused about. If your current work doesn’t define you, talk about what you’re studying or a subject on which you can speak with authority.

As far as fashion goes...Ladies and gentleman, I give you the single breasted suit jacket! Yes! The suit jacket that’s only been taken out of your closet for weddings and funerals can be used on a regular basis! When you don’t know if it’s going to be hot or cold or a mixture of both, a suit jacket is a great choice. Remember, success in life is all about confidence and communication. If you haven’t started working on them yet, start now. Go to as many social gatherings as you can and see how many business cards you can exchange in one night. Go ahead, you have nothing to lose.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up your fridge! Are you a bachelor? In a relationship but still live by yourself? Just finished college and settled into your very own first place? If you are any of those things, then yes I am talking to you. So gather round the radio and listen real close. It makes you look bad when you only have BEER and HOT POCKETS in your refrigerator! So act like a big boy and get your happy butt to the super market instead of downing belly bombers and diner food every night.

If you're in your 20’s and think those rock hard abs and skinny body are going to last forever, you’re wrong! “But Michael Billy, I can eat whatever I want and never gain a pound.” Trust me kid, if you don’t watch what you eat now - a couple years down the line you’ll have breasts instead of pecs.

Okay boys, now that I’ve scared you into going to the supermarket - here are the essentials. Chicken breasts and filets, throw them in the freezer and grill them in the oven. If you’re like me and hate chopping veggies then pick up a frozen bag of mixed veggies and heat them up in the microwave. Canned corn is a great side dish. It’s very easy to heat up in a pot and fun to watch come out in your poop. Always keep fresh eggs! They are the backbone to most meals and great for a surprise overnight guest. And if you love a good sandwich like I do, then buy your cheese from the deli instead of getting those processed slices in plastic wrap. That’s enough to get you started....

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and answer some fan mail.
This one comes from Peter in Iowa.
Peter writes

Hey Michael Billy, I’m starting my first year of college at a big party school. If I fail a subject, my dad is going to pull me out and send me to community college. How do I stay focused and keep my grades up?

Good question Peter. Well here it is guys, the biggest mistake in most of our lives are made in college. Sure there are lots of mistakes we make when we’re at school. Poor eating habits, not calling mom and dad on a regular basis, not changing your bed sheets for a month, not wearing protection when you're randomly hooking up, not realizing that random hookup is your second cousin...sure, who hasn’t done those things? However, the biggest mistake you can possibly make is not paying attention.

Trust me, right now your biggest fear is not being able to score a keg for the party this weekend. Sooner or later your biggest fear will be not being able to hold a conversation with adults or other young professionals. All the cool guys with nicknames that stay out late and never go to class are MURDERING THEIR FUTURE. DO NOT MURDER YOUR FUTURE!

Pay attention and have some balance in your life. Go out and have fun but do everything in moderation. It’s much wiser to learn from others' mistakes rather than your own.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to MAN UP your presence on the internet! With all the big celebrity deaths that have been happening over the past month one really, really annoying habit has come to my attention...putting Rest In Peace every time someone dies. All month it’s been, “Rest in peace Michael Jackson, you will be missed” or “Rest in Peace Farrah, your memory will live on.” Come on people! Get it together! I can’t even really pinpoint why exactly it bothers me so much. It just seems like a lame passive attempt at being thoughtful in the most unoriginal way.

And while we’re on the subject of facebook I am so tired of people posting song lyrics in their status. If I read one more that says “I’ve got a feeling that tonight’s gonna be a good night” I am going to scream.

The idea here folks is to be you and original when creating or maintaining your profile. Think of your profile and your presence on the internet as an extension of you. Now, if you're the type of douche bag to quote songs while having a normal conversation then by all means let your status message reflect your douche baggery. But if you realize that your profile doesn’t represent you but some sort of celebrity alter ego then start over.

One more thing, take off the sunglasses in your profile pics. It’s not glamorous when we can see that your the one taking the picture with your cellphone held far away.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to Man Up and get over the gay thing. I hear guys all the time replace the word “stupid” with “gay.” “Aw man, this night is so gay lets go somewhere else.” “Dude, this show is gay change the channel.” And it really amazes me that the guys that use the word like this don’t see how bigoted and ignorant it comes off.

Suuuuure, look I’m all about a good laugh and making a funny joke. And that’s what a lot of guys will tell me. “But Michael Billy, I have a friend who’s gay so I don’t mean it in a bad way.” Let’s be honest with each other... you obviously would never say something was stupid or lame by calling it black or hispanic, would you? No, you wouldn’t. And probably because you know it’s wrong, you yourself are black or hispanic, or you know it might start a fight if someone heard you. So don’t say it’s to be funny. Try using the “N” word every time you want to say “faggot” and see how many laughs you get.

My point is, stop making excuses. If you hate gay people and think gay is stupid and could care less about being a bigot then fine...it’s a free country so go ahead and call things gay. But I really don’t think most of you guys out there are like that, so Man Up and stop acting like a child. Choose and use your words responsibly like a man. Oh yea, and all the minorities out there! Don’t complain about racism and hate speech and then turn around and call something “gay” or someone a “fag.” Be consistent.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to MANUP and read some fan mail.
This one comes from Yale in St. Louis, MO.
Yale writes

I think guys should be a master of the written arts. Invest in a quality pen and some good stationery, and then use it. The next time someone close to you has a birthday, bypass the trite, corny or inappropriate greeting cards and pen a handwritten note that sums up your birthday wishes. Also, be generous with written thank-you notes.

While there may be certain instances when an email is sufficient to convey your thanks, there are other instances when the pen can and should be applied to paper. After all, with smartphone technology, an email can be sent from your car at a red light, the back booth of your local Waffle House, or, yes, the john. Really now, does someone really need to wonder whether your expression of thanks is coming from the heart or the commode?

This is a great tip and very good point! Thanks Yale from Missouri! We are too quick and impersonal in the majority of our communication at work or in our personal life. We should take the time and bring back hand written notes and give a small economic boost to keep the US Postal Service working! If you don’t happen to be much of a writer then the internet is your best friend. If it’s a note you want to write to a significant other then look up some poetry online and quote from it. I suggest Pablo Neruda.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com -- it's that simple.
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It’s time to MANUP and answer some fan mail.
This one comes from Chris in Washington state. Chris writes

Hey Michael Billy,
I am now 28 years old, I'm in a position of authority at my job and we have many social events. Problem is my closet is nothing but graphic t's and clubbing button downs. When is it time to mature your wardrobe so as to have the more conservative clothes that project a more mature and competent leader?

Good question Chris. At the age of 28 you can pretty much assume you have stopped growing. You certainly don’t have to get rid of your fun clothing, but it never hurts to add on more conservative clothes for the company picnic. Items like a polo, suit jackets, and button down shirts can be mixed into your already existing wardrobe to dress it up a little.

If “young executive” is the look you’re going for then take a look back at our President when he was running for office.

I call it the Barack Obama guide to style: For a more formal occasion it was a single breasted suit with a solid blue tie, or crisp shirt with no tie at all. And for the more active executive he went with a flat front pant with a polo or a pattern dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Just one thing, please don’t clip your phone to your belt...put it in your bag!

If you need advice on relationships, what to wear, or the work place just email me at Michael@MichaelBilly.com
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It’s time to MANUP and get back to school! Alright college kids there is one and only one thing you must remember. It is the most important thing you have to remember to do on a regular basis while dorming...WASH YOUR BED SHEETS WEEKLY! Now listen, because your dorm room will be the size of a closet you’ll find out that your bed will immediately become a couch for your new friends. Before you know it your bed will be full of chips, drink stains, other stains...so it’s best to get all of it into the laundry before it becomes a problem. Remember, if you're going to bring someone back to your room you’re going to want them to feel comfortable staying over.

Dorming at college is the golden opportunity to correct all the social mistakes you made during high school. Talk to people you would of never had the nerve to talk to before. No one’s going to ignore you because you’re all in the same situation! Here’s something that will also make your stay at college a lot easier...find someone with a car and try your best to become friends with them. No matter how horrible they are...USE THEM! And trust me, they know they are horrible people...that’s why they bring cars to school, so people will talk to them.

Another important thing to remember is to watch what you do your first week in school. There will be a lot of frat guys trying to recruit you by inviting you to their party. You want to have a good time but watch how much you drink guys...you don’t want to be known as “pukey” for your entire academic life. OH, and one last thing...wear flip flops in the shower! People pee in there ya know...
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It’s time to MANUP your fall wardrobe! I know, I know none of us want to let go of summer but lets face it guys it’s over and it’s time to move on. Within the next couple weeks everyone goes back to school and the days get a little bit colder. So first things first...no more linens after labor day. Other than that, lets get you prepared to look your best for the fall. Let me throw out a few words for this falls look. Rugged, military, plaid, and fitted.

This fall is all about a more trim military look. No more skinny leg punk jeans but yes to fitted dark denim and khaki flat front pants worn with military boots. The cool thing about this is that instead of paying designer prices for $800 boots just go to your local army navy store and pick up a pair for under a $100. The look this fall is a lot more American and masculine then previous European influences. So if you haven’t been able to get with the trends then this is a good time for you to start.

Think the 50’s. Chino’s, beaten up leather jackets, the aviator sunglasses. Another look that is sticking around for the fall is the high top sneakers. I have them and I love them. Here’s some rules, don’t wear them with baggy jeans. High tops are meant for fitted or dare I say it skinny leg jeans. When you do wear them don’t tie them. Just lace them up so you can slip them on and off easily. And most importantly, the tongue is meant to be outside of the leg of the jean, it’s fashion forward and a nod to the hip hop community.

For more advice on how to Man Up your life email your problem to Michael@MichaelBilly.com...it’s that simple
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It’s time to MANUP and get a REAL email address. Sooner or later you're going to have to walk through the gates of manhood and register a professional sounding email address. “But Michael Billy, what ever do you mean by professional sounding?” I mean one that has your first initial and your last name...THAT’S IT! If you have a popular name and need to be a little more creative...try adding the name of your business, state, or school.

Just no high school crap or college frat nicknames! Nothing like “pukey84” or “Starquarterback85” or “ManStallion82” or “YankeeFan25.” What’s even worse about those kinds of emails is that guys put them on their resumes and contact information when looking for a job. Email is essential and is a big part of communicating when applying for a loan or a job. And when someone is looking to hire you, you don’t want them to write to you at “LadyPlugger@Whatever.com.”

Trust me guys, I’m not saying get rid of your highschool/college email addresses...I’m just asking you to register an additional one that sounds professional for business related things. Addresses like ManStallion82 and YankeeFan25 are perfect for personal use amongst friends and great to put down when you register at a porn site. That’s another thing...never enter your work email when buying a membership to a porn site...bad idea...trust me.
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It’s time to MANUP and get a hold of your relationship! It’s a common thing for guys to forget dates like anniversary’s and birthday’s and I hate to break it to you guys but there is NO EXCUSE! Sure you might sit around with your buddies and come up with all different types of excuses like “Eh, who cares? She makes such a big deal out of these things!” You're thinking “She’s so dramatic, better get it over with and just apologize.”

Here’s the truth guys...It’s NOT a big deal. And that is exactly why we should all take a minute to write it down or put it in our phones. The bottom line is that you do take the time to remember when a game is going to be on or who is getting traded to what team. You even remember how long you have to trade in your fantasy football games. So why not? Why not remember something that is important to your special someone?

Now let’s say you do miss the date and you're in the doghouse again. Cute cards don’t cut it. Be prepared to make up for it in a somewhat major way. Dinner and a show would be a good idea...and by show I don’t mean movie you cheap bastards, I mean an actual show!

The best way to avoid problems remembering dates is to WRITE IT DOWN. There’s also nothing wrong with a little precautionary love. Just start doing nice things randomly, that’s right -- JUST BECAUSE. Remember, “just because” is a holiday you can never be late for.
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It’s time to MANUP and know your wine. Wine and food in a dinner date situation can raise a lot of questions and really make you look like a fool within minutes of sitting down. If you are going out with new people, or a special person, you will want to look your best so here are some starter tips.

First thing to remember is that you really shouldn’t order your wine before you order your entree. If you want to loosen up when you sit down for appetizers then go with a cocktail. But hold the wine till dinner unless you know what you're going to eat, then go for it. The idea here is to match the wine with what your eating.

A big misnomer is that red wine goes with red meat and white wine goes with poultry and fish...NOT TRUE. Red and white wine can both be either a full bodied wine or a light wine. If you're eating something heavy and full like a steak a full bodied red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet would work well. Following me so far? A full bodied wine with a heavy dinner or a light wine with a light dinner. Another example, A shrimp pasta dish with cream sauce is a heavy meal so, to compliment it, you would want to go with a full bodied white wine like a chardonnay. And if a light salad is on the menu then go with a light white wine like pinot grigio.

Oh, and one thing to remember...White Zinfindel is not a wine and should never be ordered in public. If your date orders it, dump them and move on.
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It’s time to MAN UP and learn a new word! Today's word is....get ready for it...CONSISTENCY: An agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole.

“Michael Billy, why do I need to know the word consistency?” Well kids, consistency is what most of us are lacking in our lives. It’s the very thing that keeps most people from looking great, eating healthy, and being successful at what they do.

When it comes to dieting alone, consistency is crucial. Sure you get to work early and impress your coworkers by having a few hard boiled eggs. You’re proud that you have the most healthy breakfast and then you boast about how you’ve been going to the gym more and more. Before you know it you start answering questions about health and wellness.

But then it happens, INCONSISTENCY. You crack and show up to work with a big greasy egg sandwich. You try and hide it but you know you’ve ruined your credibility. All of this could of been avoided if you were consistent in your diet.

When at work or at play, consistency can be a backbone to your personality. Someone people can always count on, a man that really follows through with a commitment. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, men, start small and be consistent for a day, a week, then before you know you’ve been on a strict diet for a month. Congratulations...you are now consistent.
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It’s time to MAN UP and admit you have no idea what you are doing! Admit it! It’s okay! Not every guy has to be a handy man or know what a carburetor is or a lube job. Time and time again men are given tasks that we have no business doing. Just because we have a penis, doesn't mean we’re going to be able to fix cars and know what a circuit breaker is. Alright here it goes, you want me to confess to something. My name is Michael Billy, and I don’t know how to change my own tire. Yup, that’s right...I said it. And I’m proud of it!

Being the stereotypical guy isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be anyway. Many of us excel in different areas of expertise. Now that’s something you should be proud of! Don’t hide it or try and be something you’re not. We all know the most embarrassing thing is to be given a job around the house that you have no idea how to finish. Just Man Up and admit you don’t know how to do it and find the right person for the job. There’s no pride in letting down your family because of your own ego.

So this lesson is really about embracing what you don’t know as well as what you DO know. When in doubt, there is no shame in asking someone for help. If you're up for it, make it a teaching moment and learn how to do it for next time.

The wisest man is the one who asks the most questions.
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It’s time to Man Up and be responsible when you're sexting! That’s right, I said sexting. If you don’t know what it is...it’s when people take naked pics of themselves with their cell phones and send it to someone they want to bang or already are banging. It’s a practice extremely popular with teenagers, young adults, and big breasted women who are easy.

This week's advice is how to sext properly as an adult. First, when taking a naked pic of yourself you NEVER EVER want your face to be in the picture. Your face is going to be the dead giveaway that it’s actually you in the picture. If you insist on having your face in it at least wear a hat. But for the most part don’t use that head, stick to the other head. And when your taking a...”body shot,” make sure you have no identifiable tattoos near the main attraction. Imagine years down the line seeing your little buddy in a pop up gay porn ad.

The idea here is for the picture to show you off but also allow you to have plausible deniability that it was ever you. Sexting can be fun when you're an adult but treat every picture as if it’s going to end up all over the internet. The safest thing to do is keep the good stuff to yourself and if you want to show off your body then just send them a picture of you on the beach. Remember, less is more.
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It’s time to MANUP and treat your bartenders appropriately. I was down the Jersey shore this weekend and saw some horrific behavior. Let’s just start with how you call a bartender over. The two worst things you could possibly do is to shout or snap at someone to get their attention. It’s really rude and starts a shouting match between you and the other customers. It’s also important to remember not to wave your money at them like they're begging for cash....come on people, have some class! When trying to capture a bartender's attention, eye contact is the best and most respectful way. If need be, you can make a slight gesture with your hand as if you were hailing a cab.

When you do get your bartenders attention, know what you want before he gets there. It’s obnoxious to have someone wait on you while you decide if you want a Guinness or a Jack and Coke. This rule especially applies when you’re ordering for a few people in your group.

And if you're out with a bunch of your friends make sure you know how you're going to pay beforehand so there isn’t a miscommunication. The worst thing to do on a busy bar night is to have all of your friends open tabs. And last but not least, always be mindful of the time you're taking up with the bartender. It’s always cool to have someone to talk to but remember you're not the only one at the bar, and this isn’t Cheers.
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It’s time to MAN UP and show off that body! If you haven’t already, eventually you’re going to have to strip down and go to the beach or take a dip in the pool. I know, you probably let yourself go over the winter and you never quite got around to going to the gym like you planned. So you have a little extra on the gut. So you have some love handles. Now you’re thinking “Michael Billy, whatever can I do to look my best!?”

The bad news is...there is no magic pill and it’s too late to work it all off. So let’s work with what we've got. If you think you're pulling one over on people by covering up your belly with a t-shirt or tank top....you’re wrong. Take it off! Sweating through your clothes and the farmer's tan you’ll get will not make you any more appealing. Covering up also makes it obvious you have body image issues. Take it off and walk around with confidence. Great personality and confidence always takes the attention away from a few extra pounds.

Let’s not forget the bathing suit either! If you want to draw less attention to your gut make sure you stay away from a grabby elastic band around your waist. Board shorts are good for that. If you're skinny and being scrawny is the issue, make sure you stay away from oversized swimwear and really wide leg openings. Make sure you look age appropriate and not like an 18 year old skater. Unless you are an 18 year old skater, then by all means...go to town. Here again is Michael Billy’s general rule of thumb, it’s not skinny or fat, short or tall...confidence is sexy.
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It’s time to Man Up and pack up like a boyscout. “Michael Billy, what do you mean boyscout?”  Well boys, it’s summer. That means a lot of plans are going to be day long trips to the beach, then out to eat, then to a friends house. By the middle of the day you're a sweaty mess and in no shape to be going out in public. Don’t worry too much because the dirty look is in. Greasy hair, flip flops, a little scruff on your face can be very sexy but there is a fine line between sexy and POW.

Before your day long trip to the beach and wherever the wind takes you...pack a bag. Most important, you’ll need to pack deodorant, and deodorant body spray because when you're on the beach...all of you is sweating, not just your pits. Pick up a pack of babywipes and throw 'em in there. Babywipes are a great way to clean off all that oily tanning lotion. You might want to also pack an extra pair of flip flops in case yours are all corroded with sand and seaweed.

Okay, we’re off to a good start. Those are your basics. If you want, you can add what no one should leave home without. Detergent wipes to get the stain out of anything. When you're eating at the beach or the boardwalk it’s really easy to drop sandwich goop all over yourself. Last but not least, there’s no shame in missing a couple of spots when you're shaving before a big day. Everyone does it! So why not cover your ass by packing a few disposable razors. If you catch some unwanted facial hair, no problem because you listened to me and you came prepared.

Now you’re ready for a day at the beach. Have fun!
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You know what I think of when I think summer?  BBQ, beaches, tan lines, shorts, sunshine and sandals.  You know what I don't think of when I think of summer? CHRISTMAS LIGHTS!     There are still people out there with their Christmas lights up?!??   What kind of laziness is that about?!?  Christmas lights with no christmas usually happen when a college guy gets his first apartment.  They'll usually string the lights outside of their window  or balcony. This SCREAMS "I'm a kid with my first apartment ever!" It also lets the cops know which door to knock on when someone smells weed in the building.   Trust me, Christmas lights with no Christmas do not add anything to your new apartment.

While we're on the subject of bachelor pads lets take a look inside your kitchen cabinet.   Ah yes, the collection of plastic beer mugs.  Classy. Ya don't need money to buy a set of glasses at your local discount store buddy.  If you are a beer drinker you might also want to stay away from lining up every beer bottle you and your friends drink along the windows and doorways of your place.

I'm all about having a good time when you're young and having fun with your own place. All I'm saying is if you want to add a little maturity and originality to your place all you have to do is STAY AWAY from dormitory clichés like Christmas lights, beer mugs, and beer decor.  And speaking of dormitory clichés...please stay away from collecting beer mirrors.   I don't know where you guys get them or why you think they are cool
anyway.   The beer mirror is by far the most unoriginal thing you can put in your new place.
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It’s time to Man Up and age gracefully.   If you haven’t already, sooner or later you are going to find a gray hair.  “Michael Billy!  What do I do?  What do I do?”   Calm down, and lets explore your options.   It won’t be long until that gray hair starts to contaminate the color on the rest of your head.   Sure you might have a few good years of salt and pepper but eventually it’s  going to be all silver fox baby.

Your first option is to color your hair.  If you choose to do so... DO NOT COLOR YOUR OWN HAIR!   The odds are you’ve never done it before and will have no idea what you are doing.   You might think it embarrassing to walk into a salon to get your hair dyed...but trust me, it’s way more embarrassing to go to work with discolored hair and dye marks on your forehead.

Your second option is to embrace the salt and pepper period.  There is nothing wrong with aging gracefully.   If color isn’t your problem and your simply going bald...whatever you do, do NOT try to spread your hair all around.  The same rule applies, go bald gracefully or make the big jump and cut it short and tight. 

It’s time to Man Up your conversation skills boys.   Are you single?  Finding it hard to meet a nice girl?  Unable to talk about anything outside of sports, work, and The Godfather?   If that sounds like you, you’ve got some work to do.   It’s going to be hard to meet someone interesting when you're not interesting.   Pick up a newspaper for god's sake!  You're getting older and it’s about time you understand what’s going on in the world.  Politics, the economy, psychology, technology, spirituality...pick one, any one...What’s your passion?

The NY Post is a good paper to get your feet wet in the world of news and if you feel daring go for the NY Times.   Pick up GQ or Details magazine so you can comment on an interesting article you just read.   Remember, it’s not about being something you're not... It’s about testing your boundaries.

Did you know that Bill Clinton's favorite book is “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman.  He gave that book to Monica Lewinsky as a present.  Now that’s smooth.  I challenge you to go get the book and read it.  And while you're at it...pick up ANYTHING by Pablo Neruda.

It's time MAN-UP boys and expand your taste in music. That's right...death metal, rap, and dance music may be okay for the gym but not the best idea for background music. As you get older you'll find yourself having more and more people over for dinner...these gatherings are called... "dinner parties." And whether it's a dinner party, family gathering, entertaining business associates or just a date, music can really set the mood.

Familiarize yourself with some of the greats...Coltrane, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker to just name a few. Why not turn on your Sirius to Siriusly Sinatra?! All I'm saying is that when we get older, things start to change. Our homes get more adult, friends get more mature, and our tastes begin to change. Why not impress your friends with some music versatility? It's always classy to know things above and beyond what people expect of you.

Speaking of classy, a man should have at least two watches. One for the everyday and one for the more special occasion. A classic time piece can really show off your personality and taste. It's also something that can last you a long time so don't be afraid to spend a few bucks on it.
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LISTEN UP BOYS! Reach back into your pants, pull it out and slap it on the table. Now stare it down...is it fat, old, and falling apart? Well then it’s time to buy a new wallet. The wallet is an opportunity to really show some class. It’s an accessory that you know you're eventually going to have to pull out on a date so why not keep it updated.

First thing is to get rid of the bifold and the trifold. The bifold and the trifold are for the middle aged dads who want to carry around pictures of their kids...and trust me, no one but you wants to see your kids. Seriously though, the bifold and trifold look horrible when you put them in your back pocket. Not only does it look horrible when you have a huge bulge on one side of your ass but it wears out your jeans! The goal here is to slim down your wallet as much as possible.

Try a simple front pocket credit card wallet. I carry an emergency credit card, a bank card, my license and insurance information. THAT IS IT! Get rid of everything else! NO BUSINESS CARDS, no phone numbers, no receipts! Personally, I only keep $40 at the most in cash and try to use my bank card when possible. When on a date it’s always best to use your bank card instead of cash so you're not fumbling around with the bill.

Which reminds me...don’t stare at the bill and make faces. If you have to, just glance at it quick and slip your bank card in with the check.
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ATTENTION ALL MEN, YOU HAVE AN ASS. That’s right, It’s time to Man Up and spend some money on your waist down! That’s right, I’m talking about a buying a new pair of jeans. I know times are tough but just hear me out. The first thing guys argue is “Michael Billy, aren’t jeans just jeans...I don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on 'em.” Agreed, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars but...here it is...YOU DESERVE TO LOOK YOUR BEST.

First, when shopping for jeans you want to make sure you stay away from two things, the tapered leg and anything the represents a bell bottom. Secondly, make sure you tell the salesman that you're looking for jeans that you can wear with a t shirt as well as dress up with a suit jacket. If you're going to spend money, you want jeans you can get the most out of. If you're looking for comfort and style, “Diesel jeans” and “Sevens” are ideal and can cost in the $100 to $200 range. If you want to go cheaper check out GAP, Abercrombie, and Express; all have a lot of options to choose from but just remember ASK FOR HELP AND TRY STUFF ON

The bottom line is, jeans are not just jeans. They come in many different styles to fit your body type and comfort. And if you wear them constantly then you should spend the dough and look your best.
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It’s time to MAN UP and stick it in your mouth! Last week for the first time ever I put something down my throat that has never been there before...that’s right I’m talking about Sushi. And you know what, I liked it. When I was a kid the only thing I would eat was chicken parmesan, chicken nuggets and shrimp. That pretty much was my diet through middle school and as I got older I started to try more things but eventually I stopped.

My point is is that sooner or later we all STOP trying different things. People tend to write things off for the rest of their life just because they’ve had one bad experience. For instance, I thought I hated Mexican food because I burnt my mouth when I was a kid. Turns out...I LOVE chicken quesadillas!

No matter what age we are, it’s never too late to start trying different things. And what’s the worst that can happen? So what if it’s too spicy?! So what if it’s got a really bad taste? Man Up, open your mouth and close your eyes and you’ll get a BIG surprise!

And this tip isn’t just about food! You can apply it to where you go on vacation or even the way you drive to work. Just spice things up a little and try stuff you’ve never tried before and revisit things you always thought you hated.
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It’s Time To Man Up and Learn guitar! “But Michael Billy, I don’t know how to play guitar?!” SO WHAT? With the internet, you could be teaching yourself in your spare time! If not the guitar, then pick up any instrument. It’s all part of being a well rounded guy.

Surprise your friends by whipping it out at a party...the guitar that is...and playing a few songs. It’s not that hard, a lot of songs are built around just four chords. Just go over to the music store in your area and pick up a cheep acoustic for under a 100 bucks. Youtube has awesome tutorials on how to play popular songs.

If you have an anniversary coming up there is no better gift then to serenade someone. Just pick the appropriate song. Back That Thing Up on the guitar doesn’t really set the mood.

Challenge yourself a little and learn a new language or expand the language you know by picking up new words and using them in your day to day. Having a command on the English language always makes a man stand out in conversation. New and interesting words and facts builds confidence in a social setting. Seriously, didn’t it bother you that the five year old who won the spelling bee was way smarter then you?

STOP WASTING YOUR TIME
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IT’S TIME TO MANUP AND SAY YOU'RE SORRY! That’s right, stop texting and emailing when you do something wrong. Either pick up the phone or even better...do it face to face with eye contact. Technology has given us all the easy way out by not having to do things face to face.

You know that you have... backed out on a date, backed out on plans, broken up with someone and ALL through text or email. Trust me, NO ONE is that busy. Don’t even try to blame it on convenience because that’s also a weak excuse.

Look, confrontations can be a good thing. The more awkward moments you have in life the better character you can draw from it. Trust me, I get it. You're invited to a party you have no intention of going to but yet can’t bring yourself to say that you can’t make it. So weeks pass and people keep asking you if you're going and you keep saying yes. The plan of corse is to bail out via text message right at the time of the party. You’re thinking...it’s so last minute they’ll have to think that something just came up!

THINK AGAIN! I’M EXPOSING YOU! YOU TEXT CANCELING BASTARDS!

All I’m saying is don’t let technology weaken your character.
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Well it’s wedding season and every other weekend is full of bachelor parties and ceremonies. So here are some helpful tips on how to survive a wedding day. The first issue is a whole day wearing the same shirt and suit when sweating is a problem for you.

Well, I’m not a fan of the undershirt...personally, I think it makes you warmer and makes you sweat more. Sticking to dark colored shirts is an option but like undershirts - can make you warmer. You could just bring along two shirts! Wear one to the ceremony and change to the other one right before the reception.

When you sit down at your table make sure you play nice with everyone because you are going to have to deal with them ALL NIGHT. The obvious ice breaker is always “How do you know the couple?”

If you're in the market for a new suit this summer just remember that single breasted 2 button is in. Slim fitted with NO PLEATS! And if you have a little weight on you and think that slim fitted is just for SKINNY guys...You are wrong!

It’s hard for some of us guys to articulate the look we really want. And so we don’t feel embarrassed we settle a lot. There is no shame in pictures!
The best thing you can do, to get the look you want, is think of an actor or celeb that has your body type and look on the net for a pic of them in a suit. Show the picture to a tailor or salesperson.

Look great, feel great, stand up straight...and have a good time.
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ATTENTION BEACHGOERS AND SUNBATHERS...THERE ARE DOUCHEBAGS ON THE LOOSE! This past weekend douchebags were seen all over the country with sightings at beaches up and down the East and West coasts. These douchebags were last seen wearing sun visors. Some douchebags may or may not have been wearing reflective sunglasses. Again, please be very careful when approaching these douche bags...there is no telling how they may respond to someone outside of their “weight class.”

You can tell a douchebag from afar by just seeing them walk for short distances. How? Well if the guys arms don’t fall directly to his side but rather hang there is if they were holding water jugs under each arm....You may be encountering a Douchebag.

If you see a guy up close and personal and STILL can’t tell if he’s a douchebag...all you have to do is get close enough to see if he’s wearing what we call “A tribal tatoo.” Be aware that men who wear tribal tatoo’s are in and only have ever been in one tribe....THE DOUCHEBAG TRIBE.

IF you are listening right now and have a tribal tatoo, wear a sun visor on a regular basis, have reflective sunglasses, or walk like a juice head...then I have bad news...you might be a douchebag. It’s best that you hear it from me...what you decide to do with this information is up to you.
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On my way back from the Jersey shore this weekend, I saw a lot of cars while I was sitting in traffic...which made me think, hey...It’s time to MAN UP some cars out there. “Michael Billy, What do you mean man up your car.” Well aside from your living space, a car is the next thing that really reflects you.

First, don’t even think about picking someone up for a date with that mess you have in your backseat. CLEAN IT UP! And no there is no excuse for a messy car no matter how busy your life is. A messy car represents someone who just doesn’t care anymore.

Second, get rid of the air fresheners if you're using it to cover something else in the car thats funky. JUST GET RID OF THE FUNKY and you won’t have a problem. Strong odors, whether it be from a freshener or cologne in your glove compartment can get really bad, really fast in a hot car.

Most important are bumper stickers...I say get rid of them...they are unoriginal and make you seem like an angry teenager trying to get a reaction. Oh yeah, and you parents out there...no one cares about your honor roll student.

As for you truckers out there who spend the entire day driving...BACKNE could be a problem. If you're wondering why you have so many pimples on your back it’s because it’s pressed up against the hot seat all day causing the pores to clog. Try to let that skin breathe as much as you can and use a back scrubber to get all those hard to reach places. There's a reason they make those mesh seat liners!
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It’s summer time...time to kick off the sneakers and start sporting some sandals. So you know what I’m going to say right? TIME FOR PEDICURES!

Look, don’t be embarrassed! Your feet have been covered all winter long sweating in boots, shoes and sneakers...so before the big reveal, you're going to want to make sure they don’t look like two slabs of meat.

Think of it this way...you clean your fingernails right? And if your hand was all crusty and flaky, you would take care of it right?!?! Well the same logic applies to your feet.

Now the great thing about sandals is that you never have to spend a lot money on them. Go cheap and buy a few pair. Black and brown leather sandals are great for a summer night with jeans or shorts. And if you're going for the grungy Abercrombie summer guy look, just don’t wash your hair and wear flipflops all summer.

Now that your feet are out in the open, you want to make sure they don’t have a hairline. Hair on the feet is a bad, bad look. Just take a razor and carefully shave the top of your toes and top of your feet...let your ankle be the stopping point. And one last thing...foot odor...that’s an easy one. Just buy a body deodorant spray, take aim and spray.
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WHOA! DOUCHE BAG ALERT....Hey you! The one pretending to wave a lighter while someone’s singing a Karaoke ballad...PUT IT DOWN! Summer is just about here and it’s inevitable that you’ll run into a Karaoke night if you bar hop a lot.

Singing along to your favorite songs is always a good time but I wanted to make a couple suggestions to help keep you from looking like an ass. First things first... as I mentioned before, try not to make believe your hand resembles a lighter and sway it back and forth.

If you really want to make an impression, have the balls to go up there and sing a song. NO, you don’t have to be a singer or have a good voice. Just stick to something that’s a bar favorite and easy for anyone to sing...like Piano Man or Sweet Caroline.

Okay now listen closely...Don’t shoot your “Karaoke Load” too fast. What that basically means is don’t sing “Living on a Prayer” or Journey till later on in the night. If you plan on going up there a lot, you want things to build. Start out with some easy songs and build up to the big ones.

Be careful of picking a song with a long guitar or piano solo because hanging out on stage for a long time in mid song can be REALLY uncomfortable. And the last thing is to try and pick a song that the crowd is into. Just guesstimate the average age in the room. If it’s a bunch of 30 year olds, the crowd would probably respond to 90’s music. Nothing wrong with drudging up some old high school memories!
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It’s time to MANUP and get on the dance floor! There is nothing in the world more annoying than a guy who is afraid to dance! If you are the guy that goes out with your girlfriend and just leans on the wall all night looking cool...trust me, NOT COOL.

The sexiest thing a guy can do in a social setting is be confident. No matter how ridiculous you think you look, just go out there and have a good time. You know what I call a guy who hangs out, drinks and doesn’t dance... an S&M guy. Yea it stands for STAND and MODEL 'cause that’s all you ever do when you go out.

If you do have the balls to venture out onto the dance floor I only have one rule. And with this rule there is no negotiation. Do NOT, and I repeat DO NOT FIST PUMP! To many of you out there, I know it’s second nature but please refrain from fist pumping. If you are at your prom, maybe...but other than that, NEVER.

Someone asked me recently “Michael Billy, how do I dance without looking really gay? Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” After being offended I thought...Well look, if you want the truth...gay men dance hands above the head, bisexuals dace with hands at shoulder level and straight guys hands below the chest.

We all know guys like this! Guys who walk around like they are way bigger then they actually are. And they're always way too cool to dance and have a good time.
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It’s always nice to be the life of the party. To be the guy who has a quirky, witty and topical sense of humor. If you travel in the same circle of friends a lot you definitely want to stay away from repeating the same routine. It’s always uncomfortable when someone in the crowd calls you out on reusing a joke. It’s always good to keep your humor topical but not obscure. You want to be witty by picking up on the news of the day but not too obscure in your pop culture references because then you run risk of the joke falling flat.

Just pick up the paper or listen in to a talk entertainment program like “Me And Vinnie” live from 6 am till 9am and replays from 9am till noon to get the latest headlines. And once you know what’s going on...have your own opinion! The more well versed you are on a subject the better you’ll be at jumping in on a conversation. It’s always classy to be well versed in multiple subjects.

And if you decide you want to try out being the witty pop culture guy...Consider this a public service announcement...Some jokes have an expiration date. Like when a guy makes a Monica Lewinski joke...it was over 10 years ago, let it go. And while we’re at it...lets retire all Borat impressions. It’s over, Sasha Baron Cohen has another movie coming out...let it go.
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It’s time to Man Up and get that special someone something from the heart.  “But Michael Billy, I do....I always get my girls flowers AND jewelry AND chocolates.”   BORING! While flowers, jewelry, and chocolates are always nice...they are a little “safe.”  And everyone knows that a little bit of spice here and there to keep things fresh is ALWAYS a good thing.  

First things first...the best gifts are always the ones that are unexpected!  Got that, guys?  Not only on a holiday, not just on a birthday just a random unexpected gift.   AND you don’t even have to spend that much money...just be creative and think outside of the box.

Maybe, just maybe...the two of you have a special song.  Well, show her your funny and romantic side by making a recording of you singing that song to a karaoke track.   All you need is a computer or a karaoke lounge.  Outside of the box!

Maybe, just maybe...you want to give her a card for a special occasion.  Well, instead of buying one...just make one!   That’s right, an old school macaroni card will show her a playful side.   Want to say something sweet but can’t think of the words?   Go Google “Famous Love Quotes” and add a beautiful saying.

And at the very least, the cheapest thing to do is buy some post-it’s, write some I love you’s and leave them around the house for her to find them...It sounds corny, but remember corny makes them horny ...so everyone wins!
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Hey, you know those running sneakers that you love to go jogging in.   That really comfortable pair of sneakers that you can always rely on to give you the right amount of comfort.  The sneakers that you can do mostly anything with because they just go with everything you wear.   WELL WAKE UP!   Because there are RULES HERE!   Jogging sneakers are meant for jogging!  You don’t want to be wearing your gym shoes when you’re going out socially. Okay, I realize that some of you out there just don’t care and see shoes as just shoes but what you wear on your feet should be just as important as what shirt you’re wearing to the party.   A lot of guys make the mistake of spending a lot of time and money on a “look” and attitude they want to project through their shirt and jeans.   Those same guys skimp on the footwear because they think “Whatever, they're just shoes”   TRUTH BE TOLD, you can ruin the whole look with a pair of dumpy sneakers.  

Puma, Nike, LaCoste, hell, even Vans are just some of the brands that really can compliment an outfit.   If you’re a typically boring dresser, footwear is also a good way to make you stand out.  

If you’re not sold on the footwear yet, then you can always rely on a vintage style belt to spark up a conversation....The point is to stand out if you want to and let your clothes say what you want to say about you.  
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DOUCHE BAG ALERT: ATTENTION ALL MEN, It’s time to throw out all hair gel from your bathroom...ESPECIALLY LA LOOKS!   The first step is just getting rid of it...just throw it away or flush it down the toilet.  OR you can give it to someone who is still living in 1992 because that’s the last time hair gel was cool.

Listen to me, gel is the devil’s semen...get it out of your hair!   “But Michael Billy whatever do I use?”   It’s called...are you ready?   PASTE!  Hair style paste!  You can find men’s style paste in any supermarket or specialty store.  Here’s what it does...You know that wet messy look that always looks good but you can never manage to pull off.   The texture or the paste allows you to hold onto a messy look throughout a summer day and doesn’t get all flakey and dry like gel does.

Here’s how you apply it.   Put a nickel size drop in the palm of your hand and press your palms together.  Now work the paste into damp hair until it looks like you want it to.   BAM you’re SEXY.   And if you’re having a bad day and you think the look is fading just spritz a little bit of water on it to reactivate the binding agent in the paste.

I’m a big fan of the paste but if your hair is longer and needs something stronger then go with a hair glue product.  Every hair care line has a thicker glue type product. Don’t worry it’s not actually glue...it’s a thicker stickier substance to put in your hair.
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It’s time to MANUP and get that bachelor pad of yours ready for some summer lovin'. When you get home today, take a look around your place and take inventory of every single poster you have of a favorite movie or a favorite band, including the posters you have framed. Just take them off the wall and line them up against the wall. Okay, now ask yourself if you have EVER been in any of those movies or been a member of ANY of those bands....if the answer is no...THEN GET RID OF THEM!

Posters of bands and movies are cool when you’re dorming at college but after that...not so much. Replace the posters with photography or art that reflects your personality.

The bedroom: Where all the magic happens. ALWAYS have some massage oil on hand and some candles but NEVER keep them next to your bed. You don’t want to give off the message that this is a routine thing.

The bathroom: At the very least make sure you always have some fresh towels on hand for an overnight guest along with a spare tooth brush. When you have someone over to your place you want them to feel welcome and not like they're disturbing your space.

If you're going to stay inside on a rainy Sunday morning...spice things up with an indoor picnic-style breakfast with a bottle of champagne

AND one last thing... Don’t buy extra large Magnum condoms if they don’t fit you. It’s embarrassing.
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Lets talk about how you smell. First off, I’m not totally against all cologne. But guys do have a tendency to over use EVERYTHING. You know the guy I'm talking about...the smelly guy in the elevator, the smelly guy at the office, The smelly guy that smells so bad that every time you smell something horrible you're reminded of how smelly the smelly guy is. So here are some guidelines on how to use cologne.

First: If you are going to use cologne, spritz it on ONE wrist... not TWO, ONE WRIST and rub your wrists together then take your wrist and touch the sides of your neck with it. THAT IS IT.

Cologne is supposed to be a faint scent not overpowering. Here’s a clue, if your car smells like you...YOU PUT TOO MUCH ON!

And most importantly is that you don’t need it! Summer heat and cologne doesn’t mix well and can often attract bugs. If you are hell bent on wearing cologne then promise me one thing....throw away everything you wore in high school. Colognes that you've used for years may bring back some great memories for you but may also bring back horrible memories for the person your with..like an ex-boyfriend. Try something different and make new memories. That means throw out the CK1, burn the Drakkar Noir, Pour out the JOOP and toss anything Nautica. Go out and treat yourself you smelly bastard.
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The word of the day is Passive-aggressive behavior. “Michael Billy, what’s that?” Well class, Passive-aggressive behavior is passive, sometimes obstructionist resistance to following through with expectations in interpersonal or occupational situations. It can manifest itself as learned helplessness, procrastination, stubbornness, resentment, and sullenness. Everyone knows someone like this and you may be in a relationship with them!

Here’s a simple example...say you want to go to spend the night out with a bunch of friends instead of with your girlfriend and when you ask her if it’s okay that you have a boys night out she replies “Ugh, yea whatever it’s fine.” She's being Passive-aggressive. Even though she says it’s fine doesn’t mean it’s actually fine. A lot of guys think this is their problem for not speaking in code. In reality it’s both your problems.

You should press her to say exactly what she feels so she doesn’t randomly explode one day with pent up hostility. She may say, “you just don’t understand me!” But hang in there...if she’s worth the trouble then it’s a good investment. AND YOU should take responsibility to not be passive-aggressive by choosing what you want to hear. Like when you think, “she said it was okay soooo it must be okay!”

Passive-aggressive behavior is a dangerous thing and can be the cause of a lot of fights. So ManUp...if the relationship is worth it, then start saying what you actually mean and stop playing games.
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It’s time to Man up and get a job! I get it...We ALL get it...THE ECONOMY SUCKS! People are out of work and if you happen to be one of the millions looking for a job here are some helpful tips on how to present yourself in the best light.

1. The most important is to STAND UP STRAIGHT! That means shoulders back and chest out. It’s basic and something we learn when we’re kids but somehow forget how to do along the way.
2. Eye contact and a firm hand shake. But do NOT break the other persons hand. No matter what your father told you, it is NOT impressive to hurt someone while greeting them.
3. SMILE! Good posture, eye contact and a handshake communicate confidence and class without even opening your mouth. Now just seal the deal with a smile. A real smile guys! Not that douche bag blue steel look you give in all your facebook pics. The smile you give your mother when you see her.
4. And last but not least...SPEAK UP AND SPEAK CLEARLY. This world has no place for mumblers. If you do mumble practice opening up your mouth up wide when you speak and make sure you pronounce - every - single syllable.

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It’s time to Man Up and start taking care of your face. MICHAEL BILLY, MICHAEL BILLY, How do you get your skin so clean and fresh looking so early in the morning? That’s a good question! Well, I simply wash my face. It’s as easy as that. Kind of. If you want to do the best you can for your face here’s some help. Don’t wash your face with a your body soap or your hand soap!

When you wash your face you want to make sure your using an actual face wash that addresses the problems you have. If you have oily skin then get a face wash that is meant to combat oily skin...it says it on the label! If you want to save some money make sure you only use a dime sized drop on your face when you apply. Guys have a tendency to use more of EVERYTHING.

The ideal situation for your face is to use a face wash every day in the morning and before bed and a face scrub once a week. Whatever you do, do not use the scrub daily...that kind of regimen can really hurt your skin. OKAY, here’s the big one...I bet every guy out there has put some of their mom's coverup on a pimple. AND, YES IT WORKS! But if you are going to use coverup...get your own for your skin tone. If you're really scared you’ll be found out, just wear it on your blemishes when your going out at night.

And last but not least... the nose hair trimmer! It’s essential.
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Here it is guys...I think you’re ready for this. It’s a huge step in the right direction to living a good and successful life. Here it is in 4 words...get involved in life. “Michael Billy, what the hell does that mean?” I know it sounds “new age” but hear me out.

What does your day usually look like? Work? Video games? The internet? Porn? Nights out at the bar? While all those things are fun on occasion, are they really doing anything to better yourself? When these things make your whole day they are just filler and distraction.

Maybe, just maybe, you try something new this week like waking up early and going for a jog. Maybe you help out a complete stranger or volunteer at an organization. Let me tell you a little story...A few years ago my friend dragged me into volunteering at a homeless shelter overnight and I was so annoyed. All I wanted to do was hang out with my friends and drink. But it was the most eye opening experience I’ve ever had. That night I got to sit down and talk to people I would have never given a second thought about. Totally felt better then any night I had ever had out.

So today’s advice is to just start living and do something different. Get involved in your life and do things that really better you. You’ll notice that the next time someone says “hey, tell me about yourself,” that you’ll actually have something of substance to say. Instead of...”Umm, I like video games and going out drinking with my buds.”
Yeah, that’s only acceptable for so long.
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Enough is Enough! I got to put a stop to this guys. STOP posting your feelings on your facebook Status message! Especially when it has to do with your relationships! It's awkward and passive aggressive.

Here's an example, do you have a friend who recently had a bad breakup and posted something EMO like "How can Life be so lonely" or "How could she say she loved me and now this?" GUYS, get a hold of yourself! IF you want to say something to someone stop texting, emailing, voice mailing, tweeting, and facebook status messaging. Talk to the person! Direct communication is the best way to solve a problem, everything else is taking the easy way out. When you see someone's face and hear the inflection in their voice it helps communicate what the person is feeling...and you just can't get that from a text! So, MAN UP boys and handle the problem head on.

It's time to stop hiding behind our iPhones and Facebooks and handle things the old fashion way...FACE TO FACE. If your “relationship status” on Facebook goes from “in a relationship” to “single” to “it’s complicated” Trust me buddy, “IT” isn’t complicated “You” are complicated.
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Whoa! Douchebag alert...could you please remove the BLINKING BLUE LIGHT FROM YOUR EAR?!

Trust me guys, I've known Governors, TV Stars, scholars and a bunch of people WAY more important than you or I...and NONE of them have EVER had a blinking blue light in their ear. Now don't get me wrong...if you're driving, it's fine....but not in your everyday life...and ESPECIALLY not when you're on a date!

Another douchebag alert is guys who wear their cell phones, PDA's, or Blackberry's on their belt...that means you President Obama! I admit, I once wore my cell phone on my belt in the 90's, but have since learned my lesson. Both the cell phone on the belt and the blue light in the ear give off a very high level of douchebag so please, you have been warned!  Keep the cell phone in the pocket and the blue light out of your ear. Hands-free is best for driving. When all else fails, leave the phone at home and project the look of a relaxed, confident man free from the constraints of the intrusive email, text or mood-killing "Enter Sandman" ringtone.

One more piece of DoucheBaggery when it comes to cell phones...DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT be the guy who mass texts their contact list on a Holiday! Stay classy guys and send people you care about a hand written note...or at the very least, an E-Card.
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Summer's right around the corner which means a lot more parties you guys are going to want to look good for. So let me give you a few pointers.

1. Pleated pants are over and done! They have been for about 10 years now. Pleated pants, how do i describe them...hmm, well their the kind of pants AC Slater wore throughout the entire series of Saved By The Bell. They’re dress pants with creases in the front of the pant to make it look a little baggier in the crotch area....if you have seen a pair of these pants in the vicinity of your closet...GET RID OF THEM. It’s all about the flat front pant.
2. I notice a lot of guys trying to pull off the untucked dress shirt with jeans thing but the dress shirt never fits quite right. Have you had this problem? Lots of guys do! It’s because your wearing a “dress shirt” and not a “Fitted shirt.” “BUT MICHAEL BILLY HOW CAN I TELL THE DIFFERENCE?” Well one way is that many fitted shirts don’t have a front pocket AND the bottom of the shirt is cut straight across UNLIKE the dress shirt which has a lot more fabric under the last button meant for tucking. Now that you have your fitted shirt on untucked DON’T ruin it with a crappy undershirt! JUST wear the shirt!
3. Finally...GET RID OF THE GOLD JEWELRY! I don’t care if it’s your dead grandfather's...He wouldn’t want you to look like a pimp either. If your going to wear something, go with someing that’s silver or has a vintage rustic look to it.

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Now guys, we all have our favorite t-shirts...but there is a time and a place for everything. Let's start out with the t-shirt every guy has...the one with the beer logo on it. NOT COOL. The t-shirt itself may remind you of a kick ass night where you were a rockstar but trust me, rockstars don’t wear beer logo t-shirts. GET RID OF THEM! There's a reason why they give them out for free!

IF you want a rock a t-shirt when you're out, go with a classic graphic tee.
HOW DO I KNOW IF IT FITS ME CORRECTLY MICHAEL BILLY? Well, that’s a good question! The bottom of the t-shirt should line up with the bottom of your belt buckle. But DO NOT tuck the t-shirt in! If you have a thick belt with a fun belt buckle you want to show off then just tuck in the part of the shirt directly over the buckle and let the rest hang.

Here’s another t-shirt helpful tip... A lot of guys have trouble with pit stains! Especially in the summer. Well you could always wear an undershirt one size smaller than your outer shirt but also remember to change your deodorant brand if you haven’t in awhile.

One more thing...If your going to dress up the t-shirt and jeans with a suit jacket, fantastic! But remember to wear a nice pair of sneakers instead of dress shoes to keep with the hot and trendy look. Whew, now you're ready for a night out!
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