IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

2/28/2008

In the Present

Reflections on effort

The anxious student asked the Zen master how long to enlightenment. The Zen Master answered a long time, at least 10 years. The student said, "Well I will work twice as hard." The Zen master said, "Then it will take 20 years." "No!" said the committed student, "I will work three times as hard." "Well then," said the Zen master, "it will take 30 years."

Do you need to work at being spiritual? No. You already are spiritual. Do you need to work at being human? No. That’s just who you are.

The spiritual path doesn’t require us to get anything. It’s a process of opening to new dimensions of who we already are. It’s a process of awakening to our own truth. It’s a process of allowing ourselves to be authentic.

"It is not by your actions that you will be saved, but by your being."

People ask what must they become to be loving. The answer is ‘nothing.’ It is a process of letting go of what you thought you had become and allowing your true nature to float to the surface naturally.

NEWS BITS

“Firing Line” host, William F. Buckley Jr., passes on.

Civil Rights leader leaves Clinton to endorse Barack Obama.

Microsoft cash cow gets bullied by GOOGLE. This doesn’t surprise me one bit.

What would Los Olivos be without the Neverland Ranch?

A Caribbean fashion perspective on men do’s and don’ts.

CRUZ B. : DANCER IN THE MAKING

I recently saw this YouTube gem perusing. I was amazed by the acrobatic moves the young dancer possessed. It's Cruz Beckham ;(what a cool name. great for branding) son of David & Victoria. His break dancing moves shown some dad footworks and mom's stage presence.

His swagg is definitely a noticeable heirloom.

My favorite part of the video: His cool-boy stance in the end!

MS R EXCLUSIVE--JAY-Z “I KNOW” VIDEO

The video premiered recently on MTV's "TRl". Zoe Kravitz (MS R vixen and ultimate sweetheart) dominated the entire video with her chic presence.

Great job with this track Pharrell. I'm feeling this song will be a Spring/Summer banger.




**Note: I just received word Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige just added MSG (Madison Square Garden) to the upcoming tour lineup. Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10AM today. Happy purchasing to all!

Update-- Here's the exclusive code for the pre-order tickets: HEHEART (written the same way). Also, for your convenience, here's the link for ordering.

See everyone at MSG.

-L'hiem!!

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

2/27/2008

In the Present

STAY IN THE GAME IF YOU WANT TO WIN

The more you try, the greater your chance of succeeding.
The law of averages is on your side.

Taking a risk is often your first necessary step toward success.
If you don't take some risks, you won't get the chance to succeed.
While you are trying, you are winning.

Never get discouraged.

Every wrong attempt is another step forward.
People that make no mistakes usually don't make anything.

Make up your mind not merely to overcome a thousand obstacles, but to win in spite of a thousand defeats.
Your mistakes are stepping stones
to success and your installment payments to victory.

You can't be a winner and be afraid to lose.

NEWS BITS

Naomi Campbell hospitalized in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

APPLE upgrades MacBooks

Round Specs are back, and with a hefty celebrity following.

Agencies target female mutilation in Africa.

Starbucks revives employees with coffee break.

NEW RARE FIND THAT KEEPS GENTS INFORMED

A stock image from a RareDaily advertisement.
Check the über lifestyle elements this ad is offering!

Don’t you love great finds Gents? A recent favorite gem: A great shoe (I hope wingtips for spring) or a new lovie to beautify your spirits. Whatever the find, cherish it like I’m doing my new find: RareDaily.com

RareDaily is a popular new newsletter (under a year) to hit influencers and tastemakers e-mail boxes alike. They offer the best in dining, nightlife, and the best part, men’s style. Plus, you can enjoy their “Perks Program” which delivers you exclusive discounts with their national luxury partners.

RareDaily shouldn’t be compared to other concierge or luxury service sites. RareDaily’ll set you straight for the night on the town or for unparalleled shopping steals. The newsletter isn’t just tailor-specific for NY’ers but to many other major circuits: Los Angeles, Miami and International (for the overseas influencer's). In addition, categories for each region range from Travel to Nightlife.

A RareDaily ism: “Think of us as part tastemaker (filtering cool things for you) and part concierge (scoring special deals to establishments for you)”.

The best part….it’s free guys. And, it’s the new email for men.

Sign up today at www.raredaily.com/subscribe and revel in their rarity.

MS R FUNNIES

Janet performing LOL spoofs for various MTV shows.



The funniest radio pranks I have heard in a long time.

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

2/26/2008

In the Present

Three levels of prosperity.

To become more prosperous, we need to change on at least two levels. First, we must ensure our financial affairs are in order. We need an income that at least covers our expenses. And we need a foundation of habits, tools and skills so we achieve some financial stability in our day-to-day experience.

Second, we must become aware of the beliefs we hold around money and prosperity. If we unconsciously believe we are lacking in some way, then no matter what we do, we will unconsciously sabotage our own efforts to improve our finances.

And third, it's helpful to understand the spiritual principles that govern our level of abundance. Once we know those principles, we can work effectively within them to attract abundance to us.

"If you're prosperous in soul, you'll be prosperous in whole."

NEWS BITS

Stand Attention! Queen Erykah reigns.

Ching! Ching! I hope other insurance companies will stop their foolery, now.

Hugo Chavez’s “Mission Miracle” sees clear in Venezuela.

Pope Benedict XVI cause stampede with US tour.

Timberlake for Givenchy (Gi-vaan-ché) eau de parfum.

HEY OSCAR, GREAT RED CARPET SIR!

Exquisite tailored suits and sweeping frocks are always focal points for the press force and TV viewers.

It's clear the preferred [fashion] color for the evening was vibrant 'red'.

The common carpet question heard: “Who are you wearing tonight?”

Whatever designers actors were featuring, I can confidently chime, they entered onto the fiery reds already winners. Normally I just pinpoint the styled up Gents, but I couldn’t leave the dazzling and equally glowing actresses out. As you already know, I went to the theater last night so my faithful DVR covered my back to recap my red carpet faves. Before recapping, let me congratulate all the winners and runner-ups. You’re winners—in my humble opinion—if AMPAS (Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences) includes you for Oscar categories.

A stylish pair for sure! This couple deserves style Oscars for their red carpet looks.

Seal, you get the MaleStyle Review 'style seal' for your always dapper appearance with Heidi.

Harrison Ford your effortless red carpet coolness is showing all over this outfit bro. Also, your beauty Calista Flockhart looked breezy sauntering this Grecian choker.

My Man, My Man (Frank Lucas line in A.G) you're always channeling old-Hollywood with a touch of modernity. Also, liking your nude accessory in toe.

I'm praying my wife look this gorgeous when she's with baby.

Mr. Sean Combs you show them how a classic tux is suppose to offer up swagg!

Sidebar: Watch Actor Sean Combs, reprise, in the movie A Raisin in the Sun tonight on ABC (8PM, EST.)

Katherine Heigl you're the true personification of beauty and great style babes.

Mrs. Ruby Dee. The embodiment of a true GREAT. You reflect ageless beauty and determination so well.

COLOR PURPLE SHINES GOLDEN FOR FINALE

Since their Broadway debut, I have continued to hear roaring reviews, praises, and rounds of cheers for this transcending play. I had the chance to bear witness to the aforementioned attributes in tonight’s final Broadway preview. I couldn’t have let the play depart without ingesting some Sophia and Harpo (played by Broadway newbie’s Chaka Khan and Bebe Winnans). From the moment I entered ‘Broadway Theatre’ I was in wonderment by The Color Purple’s strong cast and crew.

The seats were great (plus a great seat partner didn’t hurt.)! And the crowd’s inclusion was even greater. Overall, the play was a very loose adaptation of 'The Color Purple' movie. A lot of powerful movie scenes were excluded from the play (Shug Avery singing at church); I still enjoyed it anyhow. The legendary Chaka Khan and gospel great Mr. Winnans contracted their acting muscles richly. I was indeed, pleased. The musical songs were contemporary versions to the original movie soundtrack. I thought that was real edgy on their part.

The show has said goodbye (I hope just for a while) to Broadway but be sure to catch ‘The Color Purple’ musical national tour in a city near you.

IN THE SPIRIT (Only on Sundays) & NEWS Bits

2/24/2008

In the Spirit

It’s hard for some of us to believe that the world is served when we seek our own happiness. We’ve been taught that this is selfish.

If we stop to reflect on how we are in the world when we are happy, we can see how this serves. We have more vitality. We’re more loving and generous to others when our own needs are met.

What activities bring you greatest joy? Your unique gift to the world will be found in those pastimes you love the most.

How can you live your joy each day?

"Spiritual growth is not made in reaction against, for all striving against imposed restrictions is imaginary. Spiritual growth is accomplished by inclination toward. We grow like the sunflower, following the light."

NEWS BITS

The world’s most innovative companies (TOP 50).

Oscar’s product placement wranglers. Imagine this job title on your cv?

Boosting profits at WSJ (Wall Street Journal).

Clinton gets real up in arms with Obama’s political messaging dissemination.

Japan vies for a spot in the digital age boom.

THIS WEEK IN STYLE!

This week’s suave and cool gents. Besides the styling, all these men shares one commonality:Their effortless style.

P. Dempsey beamed bright and sartorial for the VERSACE show in Milan recently.

Ashton, take your time brother.
Your look here is well styled; well groomed and runway-esque.

Will + Jada you get my vote for best-everything!
They're the modern day Huxtables in my opinion.

Reggie Bush sporting the contemporary Trench.
The buttons kick added flair to this casual getup.

Matthew Fox displaying a MOD hyper-tailored suit at the Vantage Point movie premiere.

Tom, I'm liking your double-breast and sweater-tie ensemble.
Sidebar--Bulky watches shouldn't be an accessory pairing.

PS: Katie your A. McQueen frock definitely compliments Tom double-breast power suit.

RIP THE RUNWAY: DID IT REALLY RIP?

I missed BET’s ‘Rip the Runway’ show [earlier this week] for a second year straight. The show lost their style swagger and style oomph. I remember in early years attending the show and having a grand time! I still reminisce on the Dougie Fresh and Slick Rick tear-down-the-house performance in ’06. And actually, true fashion forwards (Eva Pigford + Fonzworth) were hosts. After seeing last night recaps, it became clear I didn’t miss anything. No new WOW designers (Sean John again showing) came across and I wondered why? They’re so many urban and talented fresh-face designers to pick and refuse from.

The patrons also forgot the dress-code memo. They trickled in as if they were walking a average day on the pavement. Overlooking their lackadaisical style cues, I was elated to see the refreshing Zac Posen; a well-dress Sean Combs, and Nelly in age-appropriate attire.

I’ll be able to give a full assessment once the show debuts on Tuesday, March 4th at 9 pm EST.

Zac Posen sporting a relaxed three-piece w/punch of red accents.

It's the first time I've seen Nelly suited up. Great look Nelly. Simply Great.
Sidebar- Is Nelly flirting with Lauren or is she blushing because he's displaying extra swagger?

Sean Combs flashing in 'Sean John Black Label.'

NEW YORK MAGAZINE BLOOMS SOME STYLE FOR GENTS

NewYork Magazine Cover

NewYork Magazine delivered the Spring fashion goodies and Mr. MS R received a tummy full. The double cover included: Lindsay Lohan channeling a nude Marilyn Monroe from her last sitting with Bert Stern and flip cover featured André Benjamin reflecting a Parisian style maven. The magazine boasted concerted fashionable efforts and reporting for their Spring fashion issue. Besides overwhelming women’s features, and profiles, I happened to come across some articles for us Gents. ‘The Dandy’s Progress’ (about André new menswear collection) and ‘Green Socks, Pink Pants’ (designer profile on cool-guy designer Sir Paul Smith) were two great, yet interesting reads. Other enjoyable readings: A Shiny New Gucci and The Anti-Anna (Carine Roitfield is the ruth).

PICTURE POWER

Mr. MS R was wrapping up on his daily readings to the hit the snowy pavement (hooray, NYC is winter-white today!) to run loose and this photo of Will + Jada & TomKat held me with a visual firmness. The photo was captured yesterday at the 1^st annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. The power couples pictured here look relaxed and composed and equally styled up. I was happy to see this positive depiction. Oftentimes your pupils are obliterated with negative celebrity shots and/or flaws, so seeing a penetrative image as this gives me a great feeling.

IN THE PRESENT & NEWS BITS

2/22/08

In the Present

MOST SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE ARE DREAMERS

Your dreams are your visions of where you'll be after the battle, your prize at the end of your journey to success.
Your goals are the steps you take to finally attain your prize.

Unless you're willing to work hard and establish some discipline in your life, all of your dreams will be pipe dreams, little mental fantasy trips that will never materialize.

Make concrete steps toward fulfilling your ultimate dream, and start with solid objectives called goals, Your dreams are where you want to go, your goals are how you get there.

The first indispensable step
to getting the things you want out of life is this:
decide what you want.

Don't be afraid to think big and dare to be great.
Dreamers are not content with mediocrity.
They never dream of going half way.

People with goals succeed because they know where they're going.

NEWS BITS

J. Lo blurts out duo and not solo.

Picture your home being photographed for your home.

You just can’t overwhelm or floor a man who’s about “change.”

A new reality show I actually enjoy and watch attentively when on.

Our condolences to the Venezuela plane crash victim’s family and friends.

MS R FUNNIES

This kid gets my vote for "Best Dancer." lololololol



You are not through to the next round. lol @ Simon--not even a thank you!

BRIT STYLE AT BRIT AWARDS.

Bit by Bit, the Brit Awards last night according to reports was a replica of this year’s Grammys. I didn’t watch the taping, so I’m voicing my opinion from journalistic reporting (I know not always the best idea). Thanks to the web, I traveled [virtual] transatlantic to the red carpet and my eyes and senses were highly impressed by these GENTS below. And a shining songstress that left her umbrella behind.

British singer Shane Wards in a sleek black-on-black suit.

Top pick for the night!

Mika looking fashionable with a peek of refined stateliness.

(The bracelets weren’t my favorite pairing choice for this young suit ensemble.)

You know, she knows she's a beauty.

(props to Mariel for never missing a beat with ms. sunshine)

NELLY: REVIVES TROOP BRAND

Artist Nelly added another brand to his designer cred: TROOP Clothing. Nelly is set to re-launch the once popular brand. For all the eighties enthusiasts still kicking, you’re familiar with the TROOP signature logo. Plus, their ultra-high top sneakers (similar to British Knights) were tastemakers’ mark back then LL Cool J glorified the clothing brand in the Mama’s Gonna Knok You Out days. Last year with the 80’s comeback overload I noticed the brand wasn’t present, not even their iconic signature t-shirts (eBay gem). I’m really excited to see what comes from TROOP’s resurgence!

Nelly sporting Troop at a 2007 performance.

Mr. MS R stocks a powerful TROOP collection that he swears by (TROOP windbreakers are coming out hibernation) and definitely has no plans to make it retro.

ROYAL Purple Troop Sweater never looked so crisp.

Some great places to snatch up some TROOP gear or memorabilia:

-eBAY of course.

-Fruition LV (My good friends are owners of this one-of-a-kind boutique. Fruition stocks MCM, Vintage Polo, Vintage Nike and other classic assortments)

-Vintage Stores all over. England might be your best bet hands down.

-Your elder sibling’s closet or storage container.

MS R IN THE PRESENT & NEWS Bits

2/21/08

**In The Present

IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN

You're not finished when you're defeated, you're only finished when you quit.
The most important quality essential to success is perseverance.
It overcomes almost everything, even nature.

Winning isn't everything, but wanting to is.
Success is connected with continuous action.
It's largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.

You can have a fresh start any time you choose, for your "failure" is not in the falling down, but in the staying down.
It's not over until it's over.

If you've got the courage to stick it out, you can win.

MS R NEWS BITS

Higher Education slows down economic mobility.

Is Hillary Clinton biting the campaign dust? (The cartoon is too funny)

GAP goes Pantone for their new viral campaign.

Navy scores direct hit on spy satellite.

Semi-Pro premiere with funnyman Will Ferrell and Andre 3000.

**-New addition to MS R.

MS R NEWS BITS

2/19/08

Matthew Knowles in feud with Queen Franklin. I knew this was brewing after hearing Beyonce’s Tina introduction at the Grammys.

Fidel Castro steps down from presidency.

Gents, 5 easy steps to living well.

Takashi Murakami (known for designing famed Louis Vuitton creations) art exhibition comes to Brooklyn.

Big “O” shares her love for financial guru, Suze Orman.

YOU BETTA CALLL ERYKAH

Modern day debonair Tom Ford called up Erykah Badu—according to reports—to be the face for his new fragrance. The fragrance title hasn’t been released yet to the [fashion] public. I’m sure whatever the name, sales figures will soar like its sister fragrance—Black Orchid. Talk about great timing for Erykah; her album is slated for release this month. I can’t wait to see the ads with E (her beauty always translates well). Tom always delivers with his adverts.

We all remember the memorable adverts he produced in his GUCCI heyday.

My favorite Ford ad's

QUICK VACAY: PT. DEUCE

My trip ended in sunny Florida and I travel back north to rain drenching NYC—a big transition from summery 85F. As I said in the earlier post I went South for a wedding (eldest uncle). A lot of family, family, and more family, I never knew existed or met before. The family tree was uprooted for me on this recent trip. I didn't get to venture to South Beach (slight sad face) because of so many gatherings and pre-wedding soiree (bachelor party). Hence, no reporting on the South Beach culture.

I did experience a cool new find despite my absence on Collins Ave.: Drive-thru pharmacies. It's everything fellas! Filling and picking up prescriptions all while in your vehicle seems very cool and convenient! I was a little excited to witness them and wonder if NYC would follow-suit? Then again, land space is limited and scarce in the Big Apple.

Moving further now. Let me take you back to the fun times, styling, and bloopers I captured in Florida.

Mr. MS R pre-wedding shot.
I decided to go sans socks to kick some more flair to the suit. Aviators (nameless) cemented everything.

Cousin styling in shirt-vest-tie pinstripe combo.
Accessory note: Silver thin watch faces/band are great compliments for black dressy getups.


A happy Uncs (and best man) awaiting his bride.

Mr. MS R and aunt.

A extra-happy cousin being escorted by two burly groomsmen.

Uncs. and aunt lighting UNITY candles.

It's Official.

Uncle and little cousins flashing Floridian swagger.
Keep an eye on little man in the front-left;he's displaying extra swag with the hands-in-pocket gesture.

l to r: Mother, Mr. MS R, and uncle beaming megawatts.

Gramps and aunts.
I think we all inherited the megawatts from Gramps.

Gramps and uncles giving the Gently stance.

Wedding attendees cutting some rug.

Young boy really moving. lol.

Mr. MS R with newlyweds.

Peace out from Florida. ;)

PS: Look what someone caught at the reception. Is this a telling sign? lol.