"Nike Lebron VI Yankees. This is an original Lebron Six that was an honorable release for House of Hoops (Foot Locker) only. This pair is one of the best executed pair of Basketball sneakers ever made. It is finely crafted to meet the high standards of the Lebron brand. The laces are intertwined by white and navy threads. The toe box is a plain white leather surrounded by a shiny patent leather."
Information Courtesy Of: Shout out to the homie Barris and the good people @ Osneaker.Com
It's only right that I include the incredible original version of this song as performed by the incomparable Kermit The Frog as well. Don't front on your childhood ... lol ... Y.O.U. gotta L.O.V.E. it!
The nigga in me does not like this courtroom shit @ all, but the adult in me fully understands that, as a passenger in the car that terrible night, the homie T.I.had to take the witness stand in this case. It is what it is.
This is a guest post by Scott Shane as a follow up to his entrepreneurship test. He is the A. Malachi Mixon Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies at Case Western Reserve University. He is the author of seven books, the latest of which is The Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths That Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By. Many entrepreneurs believe a bunch of myths about entrepreneurship, so here are ten of the most common and the realities that bust them:
1.It takes a lot of money to finance a new business. Not true. The typical start-up only requires about $25,000 to get going. The successful entrepreneurs who don’t believe the myth design their businesses to work with little cash. They borrow instead of paying for things. They rent instead of buy. And they turn fixed costs into variable costs by, say, paying people commissions instead of salaries.
2.Venture capitalists are a good place to go for start-up money. Not unless you start a computer or biotech company. Computer hardware and software, semiconductors, communication, and biotechnology account for 81 percent of all venture capital dollars, and seventy-two percent of the companies that got VC money over the past fifteen or so years. VCs only fund about 3,000 companies per year and only about one quarter of those companies are in the seed or start-up stage. In fact, the odds that a start-up company will get VC money are about one in 4,000. That’s worse than the odds that you will die from a fall in the shower.
3.Most business angels are rich. If rich means being an accredited investor –a person with a net worth of more than $1 million or an annual income of $200,000 per year if single and $300,000 if married – then the answer is “no.” Almost three quarters of the people who provide capital to fund the start-ups of other people who are not friends, neighbors, co-workers, or family don’t meet SEC accreditation requirements. In fact, thirty-two percent have a household income of $40,000 per year or less and seventeen percent have a negative net worth.
4.Start-ups can’t be financed with debt. Actually, debt is more common than equity. According to the Federal Reserve’s Survey of Small Business Finances, fifty-three percent of the financing of companies that are two years old or younger comes from debt and only forty-seven percent comes from equity. So a lot of entrepreneurs out there are using debt rather than equity to fund their companies.
5.Banks don’t lend money to start-ups. This is another myth. Again, the Federal Reserve data shows that banks account for sixteen percent of all the financing provided to companies that are two years old or younger. While sixteen percent might not seem that high, it is three percent higher than the amount of money provided by the next highest source – trade creditors – and is higher than a bunch of other sources that everyone talks about going to: friends and family, business angels, venture capitalists, strategic investors, and government agencies.
6.Most entrepreneurs start businesses in attractive industries. Sadly, the opposite is true. Most entrepreneurs head right for the worst industries for start-ups. The correlation between the number of entrepreneurs starting businesses in an industry and the number of companies failing in the industry is 0.77. That means that most entrepreneurs are picking industries in which they are most likely to fail.
7.The growth of a start-up depends more on an entrepreneur’s talent than on the business he chooses. Sorry to deflate some egos here, but the industry you choose to start your company has a huge effect on the odds that it will grow. Over the past twenty years or so, about 4.2 percent of all start-ups in the computer and office equipment industry made the Inc 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S. 0.005 percent of start-ups in the hotel and motel industry and 0.007 percent of start-up eating and drinking establishments made the Inc. 500. That means the odds that you will make the Inc 500 are 840 times higher if you start a computer company than if you start a hotel or motel. There is nothing anyone has discovered about the effects of entrepreneurial talent that has a similar magnitude effect on the growth of new businesses.
8.Most entrepreneurs are successful financially. Sorry, this is another myth. Entrepreneurship creates a lot of wealth, but it is very unevenly distributed. The typical profit of an owner-managed business is $39,000 per year. Only the top ten percent of entrepreneurs earn more money than employees. And the typical entrepreneur earns less money than he otherwise would have earned working for someone else.
9.Many start-ups achieve the sales growth projections that equity investors are looking for. Not even close. Of the 590,000 or so new businesses with at least one employee founded in this country every year, data from the U.S. Census shows that less than 200 reach the $100 million in sales in six years that venture capitalists talk about looking for. About 500 firms reach the $50 million in sales that the sophisticated angels, like the ones at Tech Coast Angels and the Band of Angels talk about. In fact, only about 9,500 companies reach $5 million in sales in that amount of time.
10.Starting a business is easy. Actually it isn’t, and most people who begin the process of starting a company fail to get one up and running. Seven years after beginning the process of starting a business, only one-third of people have a new company with positive cash flow greater than the salary and expenses of the owner for more than three consecutive months.
From any other fashion house, the use of the classic Scottish houndstooth duotone pattern would border on boring, but, when Y.O.U. are over-the-top abstract design king Jean Paul Gaultier, such simplistic deviation from decadence actually makes the typically mundane become cutting edge. It's all about perspective ma. Of course Mr. J.P.G. has to add his signature fetish-like embellishments to these boots in the form of contoured seams, a "kick me, kill me" pointy ass toe and an off-center zipper. I mean, really though, what else would Y.O.U. expect from Gaultier?
The Jean Paul Gaultier Houndstooth Tall Boot is a paragon of sexiness and exquisite well-heeled sophistication my friend. Yes, for a mere $1,065.00, Y.O.U. too can be an "Official Girl" in these awesome boots and Y.O.U. don't have to be a side dish like Cassie to do it ... lol. Holla @ ya boy in BK!
"Long-time friends Nick Cohen (a resident DJ at Southside) and Seth Campbell might one day get their very own word in the Oxford English Dictionary -- "shoewlery." It's like frenemy, but instead of enemies going incognito as friends, they've disguised shoes as jewelry, and the conceit works fabulously. Upper Echelon Shoes is the name of their unisex brand, and the shoes they make aren't just up the echelon -- they top it. Think signature sneakers with chunky 18-karat gold, silver, or gunmetal chains for laces; think Diddy wearing them to the BET awards; think an ad campaign featuring eight Amazonian bombshells wearing nothing but their undies and your shoes. Business, for these boys, is booming. And if they could have anyone in the world sport their kicks, who would it be? "The famous person that we would want wearing our shoes most is also be the person we believe would wear it best: Kate Moss," they say."
100B Forsyth St. (Broome and Grand Sts.) 212-925-8330 uesues.com
CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: While I am most notably a champion of subtlety and aristocratic taste when it comes to my garments, I am also a study in stark contrasts and, as such, that aspect does inform some of my purchases. These Upper Echelon Shoesare unisex uncut dope, but, as is the case with any raw opium derivative, are only good in small doses. Y.O.U. not only have to be the right kind of person in order to successfully pull off brandishing these brash bad boys, but it also would help if Y.O.U. were the Bad Boy Diddy himself ... lol.
Seriously, DJ Nick Cohen and boyhood mate Seth Campbell have created the flashy designer statement sneakers of the moment. Kicks like these don't need the wearer to transform the rest of their body into a messy war-torn fashion battlefield where, in a fit of outfit jealousy, the remainder of their ensmeble engages in a bloody fight for the world's attention - no, that's how terrible trips to "Tacky-Land" begin ... lol. Rule Of Thumb: These aren't everyday kicks, so, when wearing a pair of Upper Echelon Shoes, please let your feet do all of the talking. Don't trip, I'll show Y.O.U. how to do this son.
Soooooooooooooooooooooooo, every "I-really-think-that-I'm-above-the-fray-because-White-people-will-talk-to-me-in-public-now" Hip Hop artist's favorite rock band, Coldplay (NOTE: Coldplay is an incredible band and has been for years, but this shouldn't be regarded as news by rappers), just dropped this hastily put together video for some left field and totally unnecessary remix of a dope song called "Lost" featuring Euro Jay-Z on it. Everything about this could have been better, but, it also could have been alot worse ... lol.
Sadly, the era of the New York City based Hip Hop super crew is over or, @ the very least, is in a coma. Before the Wu-Tang Clan introduced the world to the pissy staircase sound of Shaolin's (Staten Island) dirtiest projects, Fly Ty and Marley Marl and Mr. Magic on the wheels of steel on NYC's very own 107.5 WBLS assembled The Juice Crew - the original and the ultimate Hip Hop supergroup. Look @ the roster my nigga: MC Shan, Roxanne Shante, Craig G, Glamorous, Big Daddy Kane, Masta Ace, Kool G. Rap, a very young Tragedy (before the "Intelligent Hoodlum" or "Khadafi" monikers) and Biz Markie.
Be it because of ego, money, the commodification of every single aspect of Hip Hop culture or a conspiratorial combination of all 3, Y.O.U. may never see or, in this instance, hear this much raw talent again on 1 track. 1988 is regarded by most Hip Hop fans and hustlers alike as a banner year in the streets and on the beats, however, I submit that this classic record, "Juice Crew Allstars" released in 1987 is 1 of the main joints that ushered in Hip Hop's truck jewelry laced "Golden Age". Shout out to my nigga Menace AKA Tony Jah ... he loves this song yo. Good shit.
Sure, Marcus Jordan has the über unfair advantage being the son of his "Airness", Michael Jordan, but, regardless, his exclusive Air Jordan game is hardbody karate. True story.
"File this under the category of "Too Much Sopranos Merchandise Is Never Enough." Actor Tony Sirico, aka Paulie Walnuts, launched his new cologne, Paolo Per Uomo (Paul for Men) a few nights ago at a bash in TriBeCa. Advertised under the catchphrase "Make It Known You Mean Business," the cologne is sold in a dark blue and gray bottle with a gray streak, to match Sirico's trademark coif. Asked what makes the cologne smell good, Sirico said they put some "cognac in it -- and it made the magic." There also are plans for Paulie-branded deodorant, aftershave, and other hygiene products. The cologne is not yet available in stores but will sell for $64."
CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I'd rather smell like this than a "Big Pussy" ... lol. I've never been a fan of contrived T.V. show novelty merchandise, especially items that sacrifice the good name of a great show like The Sopranos, but I might fuxs with this Paolo Per Uomo cologne when it drops. On 2nd thought, maybe not ... lol. I can't call it.
If Y.O.U. watch this video closely enough, Y.O.U. might very well be able to pinpoint exactly when the beautiful (and, apparently, super thoughtful) Layla Kayleigh's unannounced visit to a lucky fan's house inadvertently sends said fan's 13 year old body into spontaneous premature pubescent combustion! Thanks to the tremendous advances in video imaging and voice recognition technology, I believe that we can safely theorize, as a result of sheer shock and a hopeless inability to control his hormones as they lay mutiny to his motor skills, that this boy experiences puberty @ approximately the 1:11 mark of the video ... lol. In related news, it has been reported that the lil homie has not stopped smiling since ... lol.
SIDENOTE: While I have not been a heavy video game player for quite some time now, I do watch the G4 channel in order to get my COPS and Cheaters junkfood T.V. show fix on a regular basis.
It was after 1 of those hardcore real reality-T.V. binges that I awoke in a stupor greeted by Ms. Kayleigh's brilliant smile and her lilting British accent yammering about some shit on The Feed. Yeah, I've had my eye on shorty for a minute ... a few fortnights mate ... lol.
Sooooooooooooooooo, long story short, are Y.O.U. trying to tell me that, all of this time, all that a nigga needed to do was A) friend request and then B) write Layla Kayleigh on Myspace AKA Spyspace (patent pending) and I could get a personal visit @ mi casa too? Really? Who knew?
Avid Livestyle readers will no doubt remember that I dropped a jewel a few months back about the homie Swizz Beatz and his impressive and sincere foray into the paint splattered and canvas landscaped world of art. Isn't it fun to be ahead of the curve? Yes, it indubitably is. Fuck a rear view mirror! Holla @ ya boy in BK!
"Calling all fans of choice kicks, if you currently have no reason to feel “pumped” up, maybe you should revisit the classic Reebok sneakers. The brand that pitted Dan and Dave against each other in the race for Olympic glory so many years ago is finally getting around to erecting their very first pop up store. Beginning November 15th, the hot spot for Reebok apparel will be the Reebok Flash store at 169 Bowery in Manhattan. In addition to some sweet and fashionable threads, each successive week will bring the release of a new limited edition sneaker available for that week only, the first of which will be a hot pair of Insta Pump Fury. The store will be around for one month — that means four new kinds of kicks. So do yourself a favor, get down there as soon as humanly possible starting this Saturday, because the shoes you want are sure to be gone in a flash."
Reebok FLASH Pop-Up Store Opening November 15th, 2008 169 Bowery Street New York, NY 10002
CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Honestly, Reebok has never been able to supplant the sneaker mammoth that is Nike, however, if they've ever come close, it has been with their über popular "Pump" model. In what is fast becoming derigeur marketing for any brand in the "know", in celebration of 20 years of inflatable freshness, Reebok has opened up this cool "pop-up" store installation @ 169 Bowery Street in lower Manahttan, NYC.
Now, because I must keep it all the way funky with Y.O.U. the Livestyle reader, as has already been explicitly established, I am NOT a fan of bright sneakers and hard-to-match-without-looking-like-a-gay-circus-clown pastel colors ... lol. With that said, although Y.O.U. won't see me in the pair featured here, the detailing accents are superb and I am excited to see what other colorways Reebok will be offering these kicks in.
Believe it or not, I have a few pairs of Reebok x Orchard Street exclusives waiting for me courtesy of my-oldest-friend-and-brother-from-another-motherMr. 401K. Hey, Y.O.U. know what would be really nice? It would be amazing and completely apropos if I could run up in this Reebok "flash" store, wearing my Orchard Street dandies thereby unleashing a footwear fury the likes of which has not been seen since my brother Niketownpimp strolled on the whole King's Plaza in his Japan Edition Lebron James Player Exclusives in 2006. Yes, women would faint and children would weep. Yeah, that would be awesome.
BONUS:
Livestyle has a standard of greatness to uphold, therefore, I cannot allow a random nugget of information (even if quoted from another source and not directly attributable to my own random use of "fun facts") without providing proper context. If Y.O.U. fancy yourself a true sneaker connoisseur, then, Y.O.U. simply must know this commercial. You're welcome. You're all welcome.
I'm the last money in and I'm the 1st money out in any situation. I am a Brooklyn born and bred MC with a keen sense of self and I appreciate forward thinking with regard to any endeavor. I am NOT your average rapper. I'm a hood socialite. The following will give you true insight to me as a man, my music and my unique LIVESTYLE. I does this for real homie!
The world is filled with blogs AND hoes, I'll just talk about those I know.
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