President Barack Obama and Madam First Lady Michelle Obama

of the United States of America

(from abc.com)

Aristocratic Style: Benjamin Bixby

Outkast’s Andre 3000 has always been known for his otherworldly style. His lyrical skill is undeniable, but you could always count on him to perform looking like a cross Oompa Loompa, Rick James, and an astronaut. In present years, he has become a celebrated style icon for his truly unique and individual sense of style. Lately, he has been rocking looks inspired by the 1930s. Naturally his clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, debuted last year. The designs are collegiate, classic, and reminiscent of the 1930s. Anyone who knows me knows this is very much my taste. Like J.Crew designs (and similar costume designs you will find in films such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and “The Legend of Bagger Vance”), Benjamin Bixby is a lot of cardigans, plaids, vests, and timeless pieces that will last generations. In the latest GQ, Andre was named one of the magazine’s best new designers.

The honor is well-deserving. And in my opinion, if Andre continues along this path, he may dethrown Diddy's Sean John to become a celebrated and legitimate design house in the industry. And that would not take much. I believe since its start in 1998, Sean John has only had two major shows in New York: the first in 2001 and the second last year. As with all his other endeavors, signed artists, and personal life for that matter, Diddy has commitment issues. He doesn't seem to put too much time into one endeavor for a significant amount of time to make it the success it could be. He seems to do best at manufacturing products that don't really stand the test of time: Unforgiveable (cologne) Boyz in the Hood (hiphop group, remember?), Danity Kane (rip), Day 26 (any day now)...At any rate, hats off to Andre 3000 for a truly inspired and aristocratic first showing. Benjamin Bixby is available exclusively at Barney's.

Mr. Samuel Goes to Washington

I am at the moment, still unemployed. And despite moments of absolute paranoia and hysteria, I am fairly certain that I will eventually find gainful employment. So, as I did with my CNN internship (and eventual job!) I am claiming it right now. March 1 is my deadline to be in the District of Columbia. Arrangements have already been set in motion, so now I just have to go through with it, and take the jump.

Sade = classic. Somethings never go out of style and this sultry singer's smooth voice and sensual musical arrangements are "always on time." Sade is a band headed by the lead vocalist Sade Adu. She is the only female member of the group and appears predominantly as the face of the band in videos and album covers. Sade achieved success in the 80s, 90s, and lastly in 2000 with the release of the last CD to date, "Lovers Rock." The band is a blend of jazz, R&B, easy listening, and soft rock. The music is as poignant as it is sexy. So, whenever she sings about heartbreak, racism, social injustice, and love, it all sounds seductive and alluring. Below are a few of my favorites, though I basically like every song she has sung.

Aristolife: Building up the Strength to just...JUMP

"I hope that my achievements in life shall be these--that I will have fought for what was right and fair, that I will have risked for that which mattered, and that I will have given help to those who were in need that I will have left the earth a better place for what I've done and who I've been." -C. Hoppe

People that know me well know that I am very averse to any sort of risk. Everything must be well thought, planned, deliberate, and backed up by a contingency plan. In fact, I have come to understand that much of my life, achievements, and drive come from a profound sense of fear. It is my fear of death that drives me to in someone beat death and live a healthy lifestyle. This fear is the culmination of my emotions felt from losing both my grandfathers to heart disease and cancer respectively. So in every way, my decision to live my life is out of fear of facing a similar end. Likewise, my fear of being swallowed up by this world and it's injustice and corruption lead me to excel in academics and to eventually pursue law school. In obtaining a certified knowledge of the law, in some way I feel that I cannot be taken advantage of in the same way the law and justice can unfairly victimize unknowing American citizens. And lastly my fear of heartbreak and disappointment has impeded me from developing close friendships and personal relationships. I can talk and socialize with many people, and some may describe me as gregarious, but I do enjoy quiet time where I can gather my thoughts and well, think. Think and worry endlessly about all the possible things that may be out of my control and then construct or devise a plan under which I can obtain control.

As I have gotten older and realized these personal truths, I have slowly begun to break down the barriers and be open more to taking risks. It's not like I am going to go wild, but I am having to become more comfortable with "not knowing" or not being able to control every outcome. Presently, as it relates to the photo above, my life is being taken on a different route than what I had tried to create. I have tried to avoid a direct career in politics, yet it is in this field that I am most passionate. I was going to just transition from law school into a job that was convenient (and a great opportunity) that was not related to politics. These couple of opportunities I had lined up were sidelined after the deep recession. And by a turn of events, I find myself on the edge of fate, about to take a great leap of faith, hoping to land on to destiny. It is a scary thing, but I feel it is time I start to cultivate a little more faith. So here I go...