Photoshop 8.0

QUESTION!
i know it's dumb
but i was wondering HOW you rotate text without having to use the "wave", "flag" "rise" tool
because i don't want that. Or do it without have to create a whole new picture typing the
text in a transparent background then rotating the entire image & then cutting & pasting it into the image i want it in.
There HAS to be a simpler way right?
I just want it to be going in a straight direction but rotated.

ex:


thank you.

p.s. if any could also tell me how to easily
rotate a paint and gradient brush with out having to the things i described above, that would be great!