A History Of (British) Violence: The 10th Anniversary Re-Release Of Jocelyn Bain Hogg's "The Firm" Table-Book = Wankers Need Not Apply.

"The Firm is a searing photographic document of the British organized crime world, which received instant recognition. Over a four-year period Bain Hogg documented different aspects of the underworld, from exile in Tenerife to the broad spectrum of activity in the United Kingdom. Since Brighton Rock in the 1940s, photographers and film directors have been trying to capture the personalities and characteristics of the British urban gangster on film. These are not the faces of criminals who hide behind the facade of respectability or the corruption of political influence. They are, in fact, the real thing, men who hold their head up when challenged, and who seek no false redemption in the face of public vilification. Bain Hogg has captured for the first time in The Firm the weft and warp of these faces to whom violence is common currency and to whom loyalty is above all.
The project is currently being revisited, ten years later now that the old capos have passed away and in the wake of escalating gang crime in the estates of the UK."

Information Courtesy Of: Jocelynbainhogg.Com

Available Online Here: Amazon.Co.UK

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  As so much more than a mere copy-and-paste blogger proficient in thievery, but completely bereft of the ability to produce compelling content of my own, with each post, I aspire to continually contribute something of unique value to our ongoing conversation.  That having been said, while I 1st spotted news of the 10th Anniversary re-release of photographer Jocelyn Bain Hogg's "The Firm" @ Limitedhype.Com, I had to delve deeper and research this brilliant photo journal for myself and, well, for Y.O.U. too!

Apparently, quite by accident, longtime fashion photographer Mr. Jocelyn Bain Hogg (NOTE:  Yeah, reading the name "Jocelyn" I totally thought this was a chick responsible for these flicks too ... lol) met the flamboyant John Gotti-like U.K. gangster ambassador Dave "Dodgy" Courtney @ a fashion event, talked him up, snapped some picks and the rest was history.  The underworld is always smitten when outsiders shine a romantic rose colored light upon their dirty deeds.

This is most certainly NOT your stereotypical faggy "Tea Time", cucumber sandwiches (NOTE:  With the crust removed) and crumpets view of jolly ole England (NOTE:  Although there are plenty of those world renowned fluoride deficient crusty British chompers on display here ... lol).  "The Firm" is the beautiful product of 4-years worth of unprecedented access to a veritable "who's who" of modern British gangsters.  This chillingly candid table-book provides the reader with as intimate a glimpse into the British and Welsh world of organized crime as the general public has ever seen.  "Snatch" this is not.

While Bain Hogg's lens can come off as sort of that of a blushing "fan" and overly sympathetic of his subjects, "The Firm" is irrefutably official tissue my G.  The potent blend and careful distillation of his rogue profiles is an expert study in portraiture and photojournalism.  I L.O.V.E. a good photo book.  Oh, don't trip nigga ... I'ma get mines.  Get yours!
















BONUS:

Well, well, well, it would appear that Jocelyn Bain Hogg's enthralling photographic homage to London's larcenous gangster underworld, "The Firm", features a powerful candid shot of "Dodgy" Dave Courtney regaling a no doubt captivated audience about his life of crime @ the Oxford University Union that bears a striking resemblence to a certain classic Jay-Z album cover. Here's the true "Blueprint" my friends. Embrace the inspiration. Tell a friend to tell a friend about all that Y.O.U. learn here. You're welcome. You're ALL welcome.

Is Ms. Debrahlee Lorenzana Really A "Bank Skank" OR Is She Just Too Pretty For The Suits @ Citigroup?

"Is This Woman Too Hot To Be a Banker?
Debrahlee Lorenzana says her no-account bosses fired her over her looks

By Elizabeth Dwoskin Tuesday, Jun 1 2010


Everything about Debrahlee Lorenzana is hot. Even her name sizzles. At five-foot-six and 125 pounds, with soft eyes and flawless bronze skin, she is J.Lo curves meets Jessica Simpson rack meets Audrey Hepburn elegance—a head-turning beauty.

In many ways, the story of her life has been about getting attention from men—both the wanted and the unwanted kind. But when she got fired last summer from her job as a banker at a Citibank branch in Midtown—her bosses cited her work performance—she got even hotter. She sued Citigroup, claiming that she was fired solely because her bosses thought she was too hot.

This is the way Debbie Lorenzana tells it: Her bosses told her they couldn't concentrate on their work because her appearance was too distracting. They ordered her to stop wearing turtlenecks. She was also forbidden to wear pencil skirts, three-inch heels, or fitted business suits. Lorenzana, a 33-year-old single mom, pointed out female colleagues whose clothing was far more revealing than hers: "They said their body shapes were different from mine, and I drew too much attention," she says.

As Lorenzana's lawsuit puts it, her bosses told her that "as a result of the shape of her figure, such clothes were purportedly 'too distracting' for her male colleagues and supervisors to bear."

"Men are kind of drawn to her," says Tanisha Ritter, a friend and former colleague who also works as a banker and praises Lorenzana's work habits. "I've seen men turn into complete idiots around her. But it's not her fault that they act this way, and it shouldn't be her problem."

Because Citibank made Lorenzana sign a mandatory-arbitration clause as a condition of her employment, the case will never end up before a jury or judge. An arbitrator will decide. Citibank officials won't comment on the suit."

Read The Full Story Here: Villagevoice.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: It is surely no secret that I am a super fan of the female anatomy. One look no further than my celebrated "The Brunch Bunch" series of posts that grace the pages of Livestyle each and every Sunday morning to appreciate my wide-ranging taste in beautiful women. Debrahlee Lorenzana, the seemingly modest Puerto Rican and Italian MILF turned heroine of our story, is bangin'; I get it ... with the right pictures she could have easily marched in my Sunday morning pootang parade. That having been said, if all that she alleges against her former employers @ Citigroup holds true (NOTE: And, being somewhat familiar with corporate attitudes towards sex and the strategic appropriation of women as defined by those whom "play by the rules" and those who don't, I DO believe her claims to be legitimate.), I hope that shorty gets all of whatever the fuck she is suing them for.

As a man, I have never and will never allow my penis to jeopardize my presidents. This is no self-righteous rant and I do realize that I have never been in a supremely powerful "boss-like" position that would allow me to take such advantage of a female underling, however, all of that is relative. Basically, if I have to trick Y.O.U. into sleeping with me, then I aint playing the game right. This woman's former boss supposedly called her into his office to show her a picture of his dick on a computer screen!? Really? What, are we horny 16 year old kids "sexting" (NOTE: I L.O.V.E. that media-creation of a word ... "sexting" ... lol) each other after bedtime?

Let this be a lesson to the ladies of Livestyle: Education, career positioning and impressive financial achievement do NOT guarantee that a man is somehow composed of a better pedigree than of those men who do not share his status. Furthermore, I would even argue that in many, though certainly not all cases, such arbitrary social anchors only give already natural born assholes even greater license to run roughshod over the rest of the world.

It has recently been rerported that Lorenzana, who now works as a licensed personal banker at a Chase branch in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (NOTE TO SELF: Google Maps GO!) might lose her current job there because of all the hooplah surrounding the P.R. push for her case against Citigroup. I say, "Fuck it!" If she's plays her cards right, she'll be able to write a check that could make the bank bounce.

Anyway, while my G-instincts make me pretty sure (NOTE: Like betting dollars-to-donuts sure) that this Debrahlee Lorenzana character aint no saint (And I would even venture a strong guess that underneath her bed she's got her headlamp and pick-axe ready for some sultry Latina seductress gold-digging action) none of that should hinder her case. Niggas act like they aint never seen a b-a-d itchbay before. Message To Citigroup: It's time to pay sucker's tax.

Young Jeezy - Stop Playin' With Me/My Camaro (Official Music Video)(Directed By Decatur Dan)

AZ - Feel My Pain (Official Music Video)

Steve Jobs Unveiled The New iPhone 4 Today AKA Sooooooooooo, What Have Y.O.U. Been Doing With Your Life?

"iPhone 4 announced, launching June 24 for $199 with new FaceTime video chat
By Paul Miller posted Jun 7th 2010 1:35PM

Apple has unveiled its new iPhone 4 after a couple wild, unprecedented months of leaks. Sure, it looks exactly like we expected it to (Steve compares it to an old Leica camera), with a glass front and back, but it's what's on the inside that counts, kids. The stainless steel band that goes around the phone is an antenna system, while also providing the main structure of the phone, though it's plugged into the same old GSM / UMTS radio you all know and love -- there's a reason they didn't call it the iPhone 4G. There's also of course that front facing camera we were all anticipating, a rear camera with LED flash, and a new high resolution display that doubles the pixels in each direction (960 x 640) for a 4X overall pixel count increase -- Apple calls it a "Retina Display." It's rated at 326ppi, which Apple claims is beyond the human eye's limit of distinction. Check out an example of the new screen up against the iPhone 3G after the break. Similar to the iPad, it's an IPS display, offering 800:1 contrast. Naturally, it's still the same old 3.5-inch size. Under the hood is the A4 processor that runs the iPad. Despite the new engine (and the 25% thinner chassis), Apple managed to make the battery slightly larger, and the new handset is rated at 7 hours of 3G talk, 6 hours of 3G browsing, 10 hours of WiFi browsing, 10 hours of video, and 40 hours of music. Oh, and that WiFi? It's 802.11n now. The camera has been bumped to 5 megapixels, with 5X digital zoom and a "backside illuminated sensor," which now can also record HD video at 720p / 30fps.

On the software front, applications will automatically get high resolution text and buttons as part of iOS 4 (the OS previously known as iPhone OS 4), and with "a little bit of work" developers can make their entire app compatible with the new resolution display. Developers will also get access to a new gyroscope, giving devs "six axis" motion control between the gyroscope, accelerometer, and compass, with a new "Core Motion" API to deal with it all. Users won't be left out in the cold, however: they can mess around with that new HD video using a brand new iMovie app, if they shell out $4.99 for it. If anyone's feeling particularly frisky, iOS 4 even lets you switch your default search provider to Bing. Last but certainly not least, that new front camera is enabled for video chat using the new "FaceTime" feature. It's a WiFi-only (for now) video calling feature that works from iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 with "no setup" involved, and can flip over to the rear camera if your grandparents get tired of your face.

The phone will be available in white or black, retailing at $199 for the 16GB model and $299 for 32GB. They go on sale June 24th, and AT&T will be giving some extra grace upgrade timing -- up to six months early. The 3GS will be dropped to $99 and the 3G will disappear completely. Pre-orders start in a week, with 5 countries at launch (US, France, Germany, UK, Japan), with 18 more following in July. Apple will also be selling a first party case for $29, and a dock for the same price. PR is after the break, promo videos can be found here, and we got hands-on right here.

Information Courtesy Of: Engadget.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Because I exist in an alternate galaxy devoid of much "gadgetry" on a star named planet "Technophobe" or "I-Do-Not-Give-A-Fuck" (NOTE: NASA scientists are still debating the proper astronomical nomenclature), I was virtually blindsided by today's unveiling of the brand new and much (?) improved iPhone 4. As more of a heavily opinionated editorialist than purely impartial journalist, for the sake of the integrity of this piece, it is important to know 1 thing about me: I don't business with touch-screen phones. Call me old fashioned or clumsy, but I need the feel of a good ole "QWERTY" keypad beneath these slender fingers. That having been said, I can totally appreciate the latest advancements made to Apple's gift to the cell phone world.

According to Apple C.E.O. and legendary inventor par excellence, Steve Jobs, the 4th generation iPhone will introduce 100 new features to the public - from cool cosmetic enhancements such as a glass front and back as well as a pronounced boost in "retinal display" technology that will allow Apple to fit 4 times as many pixels in the same per-inch space as other phones.

This thinner model isn't fragile either as it is wrapped in the secure arms of a sleek steel band that also functions as a component of the phone's antenna system. Apparently there are a gang of other upgrades such as the iMovie app and this new "FaceTime" video chat feature that seems to have all of the geeks - ladies and gentlemen alike - going Gaga too. Whatevs.

The iPhone 4 drops June 24th boys and girls. Cop 1 early and make your friends say, "You've got the Mott's® Apple Juice now!" LOL. Good shit!

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 90 (The "Accept No Substitutes" Edition!)

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Random Acts Of Flyness: Me, Mr. 401K x Some Of "The Great Ones" (NOTE: This Aint Even The Half!)

(L to R: Me, your esteemed Livestyle personal refinement lifestyle coach and my longest-running-friend-and-brother-from-another-mother the incomparable Mr. 401K @ my vintage clothing photoshoot circa sometime last Summer. NOTE: A picture is worth 1,000 words. The memories, however, are priceless antiquities that serve as religious monuments to a life that only real niggas could have ever known. Shout out to O.G. Shillz ... I know Y.O.U. can appreciate this. *Cue drunken and belligerent Tony Montana restaurant rant voice* "Is this what it's all about?" Yes. Holla @ ya boy in BK!)


BONUS:

Per Livestyle Executive Order 1988-92, it is incumbent upon me to recognize and make clear any recondite references made within any given post.

Whereas I quoted the great American actor Al Pacino in his legendary role as the original "thug motivator" (NOTE: Sorry Jeezy), Tony Montana, from the 1983 cinematic triumph that is "Scarface", I am now bound by duty to include this video presentation of the aforementioned scene.

I personally regard this to be quite simply 1 of the greatest monologues ever committed to film. "Say goodnight to the bad guy". Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!? Y.O.U. know what time it is homeboy. Stop playing.

Behind The Scenes: Brittany Dailey @ Show Magazine (SHOW # 15) = Jizz. In. My. Pants.

NEW MUSIC: Gucci Mane Ft. Swizz Beatz - It's Alive (Dirty)(DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Gucci Mane Ft. Swizz Beatz - It's Alive (Dirty)(DJ)

Cam'ron TwitVid Of Spider-Woman Stripper Last Night @ King Of Diamonds Gentlemen's Club In Miami = Wooooooooooooooow!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Seriously, this does not even fall within the federal sentencing guidelines for "tricking" ... you've gotta throw this hoe a dollar or 2 just off G.P. homie. Fuck it! I am impressed. *Cue Cam'ron Voice* "G-G-G-Get'em girl!"

The Persol® PO2953S Tortoise Shell Sunglasses = Throw Shade If Y.O.U. Must.

Available Online Here: Dreamshades.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: After a drawn out Spring season that has pump-faked with 90 degree weather since April, I feel confident in saying that Summer is almost officially here. As I type this missive, I stare out upon a bustling cityscape full of green trees, blossoming folliage and more than a few confused people whom, much like myself, look as if Summer 2010 kind of snuck up on them ... lol.

We've ALL been here before.

We wear lighter materials that get stretched out and lighter colors that can be magnets for more than a few BBQ sauce and cranberry juice and vodka stains throughout the course of the backyard party season. Sure, Y.O.U. wash your threads - you're civilized - but come September, Y.O.U. tuck away your lounge gear and, by the time that Y.O.U. retrieve them the next year, 95% of your Summer layout is a dusty, wrinkled mess of ill-fitting garments that one could hardly fathom having ever worn in the 1st place. Yes, especially for the fellas, Summer clothing can have a ridiculously short lifespan.

While I shall remain forever partial to disposable basic white t-shirts for my Summer stock, there are, however, some long term fashion investments that a man of mode should make - a good pair of sunnies is 1 such stellar purchase. As always, I like to fly a middle finger in the face of feckless trends in favor of pieces that exhibit enduring style and recently these brilliant Persol® PO2953S Tortoise Shell Sunglasses caught my eye.

Although I L.O.V.E. the tried-and-true "Aviator" style frame, lately I have been looking to experiment with some different eyewear silhouettes. The square, medium build of these frames look like they could work for the kid, but, what really struck me was the classic tortoise shell pattern.

The amber hued, intricate detail of the tortoise shell print has always looked all college-professory to me, but the sleek frame on these polarized lenses accompanied by exquiste accents along the hinges make these Italian made bad boys all contemporary Milan. Intrinsic class and elegance indeed. Persol® might just be new go-to sunnies brand yall ... Y.O.U. heard it here 1st! Gucci is good, shit, @ times even great, but Y.O.U. should never want to look like everybody else in the hood. Trust me, you've spent $154 on a lot worse. Explore more.

The Diddy x Aziz Ansari "Perfectly Smooth" Ciroc Vodka Ad Campaign = Hilarious!

Hitting Newsstands Next Week: Nicki Minaj Covers The June/July 2010 Issue Of Vibe Magazine.

PUSH! Montana - Freshdope (Official Music video)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: PUSH! Montana L.O.V.E.S the kids! "FREESSHH!"

"Niggas Just Don't Know How Shit Got To Go ... In The City Of New York Where Brooklyn Brothers Stalk"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As previously mentioned here in the information rich pages of Livestyle, the shortcomings of Lil Dap and Malachi The Nutcracker as lyricists is the stuff of Hip Hop lore. In fact, as Group Home, they are rivaled only by U-God in sheer lack of MC ability (NOTE: The power rankings that govern the accepted unflattering public opinions of Group Home and U-God were accounted for and compiled during the B.efore G.ucci Mane era and would, obviously, become eligible for an immediate re-forecasting of brackets if reviewed according to today's waning musical standards). Interestingly enough, both Group Home and U-God were brought onto the scene by legendary producers (NOTE: DJ Premier and The RZA respectively) whom subsidized these painfully inept artists's careers by regularly overcompensating for them in the beat department and inexplicably including them on projects that they clearly had NO business being a part of. I guess that's what talented friends are for. LOL.

In any event, for this entry, with specific regard to Group Home, as harsh as my assessment of their individual "skills" may be, I would be a liar of epic proportions to front like they, shouldered by a Primo in his creative prime, were not responsible for some of my all time favorite *Cue Dancehall Reggae DJ Voice* "chunes" from the mid 1990's.

These guys were all heart. This gritty slice of minimalist Brooklyn realism is entitled "So Called Friends" and was produced by the late, great Guru of Gangstarr. If my encyclopedic Hip Hop memory serves me right - and it does - this joint was actually Group Home's demo which later appeared on the "Guru Presents: Ill Kid Records" compilation from 1993. Nobody makes music like this anymore! Know the ledge.

Behind The Scenes: DJ Khaled Ft. Diddy, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Nicki Minaj, Fat Joe x More "All I Do Is Win (Remix)" Video Shoot @ 57thave x @ SpiffTV.

Gucci Mane - 911 Emergency (Official Music Video)(Co-Starring Keyshia Dior)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Have Y.O.U. had your daily dose of ignorance today? "GUCCI!"

The Limited Edition Vacheron Constantin Overseas For Greece Watch = Poor Man's Bluff.

"Prestigious Swiss watch brand Vacheron Constantin has launched a 100 piece limited edition Overseas Chronograph specially for the Greek market. The overall design keeps with the look of the Overseas collection as it has been since being “refreshed” in 2004 — so what makes it special for Greece? Primarily, the case back is not engraved with the habitual Amerigo Vespucci sail boat but with a Greek Trireme (seen below). Also, the color is new — a dark blue guilloché dial matched with a blue rubber strap (which actually looks pretty cool, in my view). The watch also comes with an extra dark blue croc strap (also pictured). Price is EUR 14.600 (including VAT)."

Information Courtesy Of: Blog.Perpetuelle.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: It is not unreasonable for one to ask aloud just how such a storied horological firm as Vacheron Constantin could have their timing so off with their latest realease. I mean, these guys are in the watch business, right? Right. Alas, the master craftsmen @ the House Of Vacheron Constantin have never purported themselves to be anymore than magnificent manipulators of the finest Swiss movements and complications ... forgive them if they could not foresee the collapse of Greece's economy through their narrow, magnified jewelers loops.

In an event so steeped in international irony that it is almost a cruel joke, Vacheron Constantin has just unveiled their beautiful limited edition Overseas Chronograph for Greece. Never mind that 99% of the people in Greece today cannot afford such a luxury, this collector's watch (limited to a mere 100 pieces) is doper than Amy Winehouse's last piss test!

Originally introduced in 1996, the Overseas Chronograph series, in all of it's incarnations, has quickly become a symbol of excellence for these proud bearers of their signature Maltese Cross.

Although visibly composed of typical robust Vacheron Constantin design elements, the 42 mm steel cased Overseas Chronograph for Greece with it's dark blue guilloché engraved dial and matching blue rubber and blue crocodile straps can still make for a durable day-to-day watch (NOTE: As long as Y.O.U. don't do manual labor for a living. Oh, who am I kidding? If Y.O.U. do manual labor for a living we aren't even having this conversation ... lol). Feel free to drop the Feta cheese on 1 of these if Y.O.U. got it! Good shit!

A Special Livestyle Word To The Wise: Whilst I am surely an altruistic advocate of the dispensation of cultural news that I deem helpful in the advancement of your greater overall refinement, I am still a practical nigga. It's always nice to look and even keep up with current Robb Report and duPont Registry™ events, but, I respectfully encourage Y.O.U. ALL to stay in your lane. Get your Rolexes, your Cartiers and your Breitlings down pat before Y.O.U. even bother attempting to land a perfect 10 with a timepiece of this caliber. A fool and his money are soon parted. Please don't pull an Eddy Curry out there my G... lol. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Pharrell Meet N Greet @ Leaders 1354.