One of my favorite male fashion blogs ACL (A Continuous Lean) is opening, their first online store where they will be selling a array of limited goods under the ACL & Co. label and some other collaborations  set to go live November 23, 2009. All of those in the New York City metropolitan area on November 20th-22nd can have first crack at the new ACL merchandise at the Pop Up Flea.

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Hong Kong’s JUICE gives us a closer look into its design for Reebok’s PUMP 20 initiative. Taking inspiration from an old school PUMP colorway of 1989, JUICE found a way to merge past inspiration into a contemporary design with rustic, oxidation-like uppers. The release marks JUICE’s first ever design as a retailer, seeing only 24 pairs release within its Hong Kong location on November 20th, 2009. In addition, they will be holding a special release party with Sam Lee and DJ Miss Yellow in attendance

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November offers a brand new batch of releases from heavyweight Japanese street label WTAPS. Included in this latest assortment are a variety of accessories, including various keychains, a pin set, and necklace. Also featured is a new range of denim, plaid shirts, outerwear, headwear and set of thermals. Available now through Cliff Edge.

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Come in molte piazze italiane – fra le quali: Piazza Navona a Roma, Piazza S. Babila a Milano, Piazza S. Ferdinando a Bari, Piazzale Centro Commerciale L’Aquilone a L’Aquila – anche a Catania sabato scorso la cultura è scesa in strada, precisamente in Piazza Teatro Massimo, dove i Precari dell’Università e della Ricerca FLC CGIL, il Coordinamento Precari della Scuola ed altri movimenti spontanei, hanno incontrato i cittadini, dando informazioni sul motivo della manifestazione e tenendo lezioni dimostrative. Il tutto incorniciato dalla estemporanea d’arte realizzata dai ragazzi dell’ Accademia. Nella piazza, dominata dal crocifisso appeso alla facciata del Teatro da alcuni giorni, infatti, gli artisti hanno lavato i panni “sporchi di cultura” nella fontana per poi stenderli su un filo che scendeva giù dal Teatro e attraversava tutto il piazzale e hanno creato, inoltre, numerosi spazi artistici nei quali con pennelli, colla, cartone e forbici hanno dato origine ad opere che ben evidenziavano i motivi della protesta.

Intervistiamo Andrea Miccichè, ricercatore presso l’Università di Catania, che dopo aver tenuto una lezione in piazza, ci può aiutare a comprendere meglio il perché della manifestazione.

Lei è un ricercatore?

“Io sono assegnista di ricerca, che è una forma di ricercatore precario. Non esiste la figura del ricercatore precario è una definizione“.

Cosa ne pensa della Riforma Gelmini?

“La Riforma ha degli spunti positivi: sulla questione della selezione, chiarisce alcuni elementi di valutazione del merito e della qualità che vanno evidenziati; ma, complessivamente, l’impianto previsto dal governo – messo in relazione con le precedenti riforme come il Decreto Legge 180/08 approvato nel gennaio del 2009 – sostanzialmente è un sistema che non permetterà il reclutamento perché la diminuzione di fondi graduale, prevista da qui al 2013, renderà queste regole, per quanto possano anche avere aspetti positivi, di fatto inefficaci, resteranno “lettera morta”. Il problema in sintesi è questo. Inoltre, ci sono alcuni elementi che riguardano la governance, la permanenza di molte figure precarie come l’assegnista di ricerca, la presenza delle borse post laurea, la presenza della docenza a contratto anche a titolo gratuito“.

La Riforma cosa fa contro il precariato?

“Dal punto di vista del precariato la Riforma non cambia nulla, anzi, aggiunge un elemento in più: quello del ricercatore a tempo determinato, una figura diversa rispetto al ricercatore a tempo indeterminato che c’è ora. Attualmente chi vince il concorso diventa ricercatore fino alla fine dei giorni, invece, con la Riforma questa figura – cioè la terza fascia della docenza – diventa un ricercatore che ha un contratto triennale rinnovabile per altri tre anni. Questo sistema, in sé, potrebbe anche funzionare, se ci fosse un impianto universitario in grado di permettere l’assunzione di tanta gente, funzionale al fabbisogno dell’università. La persona fa un periodo da ricercatore e poi diventa professore associato. Questo è un elemento che andrebbe bene, ma quando il ricercatore a tempo determinato non ha lo sbocco di carriera perché di fatto non viene operato il reclutamento, questo rischia di creare dei precari che perdono il lavoro, semplicemente, ad un’età più avanzata rispetto allo status quo, che è già negativo. Quindi c’è soltanto un imbuto, per cui il sistema comunque non garantisce i diritti perché queste persone non troveranno lavoro, non potranno sfruttare i loro titoli e l’università per funzionare dovrà comunque fare ricorso a figure precarie. Da questo punto di vista ci sarà quindi un peggioramento. Ma i problemi di fondo rimangono i tagli del reperimento dei fondi“.

Pensa che le carenze della Riforma siano dovute ad un mancato confronto con chi l’università la vive?

“Un elemento di critica, infatti, riguarda anche come la Riforma viene elaborata e costruita: senza alcun confronto con le componenti, senza parlare coi sindacati, i lavoratori, i docenti, senza un vero dialogo, serio e non demagogico“.

Grazie a queste parole comprendiamo meglio la situazione in cui molti “lavoratori della conoscenza” si trovano, cioè una condizione di precariato costante che, al momento, non sembra essere stata risolta dalla Riforma Gelmini e, anzi, a causa dei tagli alle risorse, travestiti da “razionalizzazione”, questo stato di incertezza sarà sistematico, basti pensare al famoso “turn-over” che prevede una nuova assunzione ogni 5 pensionamenti.
[Foto Stiben's Blog]

(per Unimagazine)

Feels, good to new some new music from lu. Look out for L.A.S.E.R.S. and more from the Fiasco… peace.

Say Something Freestyle

 While the staff at Hotel on Rivington are currently decked out in Ted Baker uniforms, DC LIFE created some exclusive new kicks to complete the outfit. Working on the DC LIFE Admiral Sport silhouette, DC LIFE etched the words “Hotel On Rivington” onto the crisp white soles contrasting with the sleek all-black leather upper. The kicks are finished with a red strap that pays homage to the hotel’s key color. This is the fourth time DC LIFE is creating exclusive kicks for the hotel, the previous models being Sector 7, Dress Sneaker and Admiral. Check out the kicks and look out for Admiral Sport that will be available as a part of the DC LIFE collection dropping in Jan 2010

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TrackList

01) B.A.R.
02) Getting’ Up
03) Take Yo Bitch
04) The Thrill
05) One Way
06) Miles
07) If I Were A Lame
08) Meet New People
09) Weekend
10) Young Khalifa
11) Knock U Down
12) On Tha Pill
13) When U Find
14) Mafia Music (rmx)
15) Say U Will
16) Timeless
17) Won’t Land
18) Ode to Naked Pop Stars
19) All My Life Freestyle
20) Great to Be There (Outro)

Download: Wiz Khalifa – Burn After Rolling (Mixtape)

Okay, this mixtape is sooo worth downloading. Even though there are some old tracks on it, shoot the mixtape is FIRE! Just get prepared for Deal or No Deal. Taylor Gang or Get Halved!

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Oh My Lord, Mixtape drops 11/2. This monday! Lets do a hunnid. Raw:/

Wiz Khalifa – When U Find
 

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Filipinos from all walks of life gathered at the Grosvenor Hotel in London to learn about money management in a difficult economic climate.

Together with the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Trade & Investment Center, experts from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas shared useful fiscal information as part of their Financial Learning Campaign.

Launched in 2006, the initiative aims to empower overseas workers with the financial knowledge they would need to effectively manage their income.

The London seminar was attended by the Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Antonio Lagdameo, who was “pleased” to have expert guidance for Filipinos in the city.

“The FLC series of the Bangko Sentral arrives here in a very timely manner, during the period of tremendous economic challenges within the UK and many other countries in Europe,” he said.

Britain has been significantly affected by the recent global recession, suffering from high levels of bankruptcies, repossessions, deflation and unemployment.

Senator Pia Cayetano, a strong advocate of financial education, also graced the event. She emphasised the importance of financial literacy, and commended the Bangko Sentral for their efforts in helping Filipinos.

“This is something that, all over the world, we fail to teach our youth, but it’s never too late,” she said.

She also added: “I thank you for opening my mind on this, and I’m excited for this information being shared with you, and I Iook forward to doing something like this back home.”

The senator is proposing a bill that would incorporate financial planning and entrepreneurship into the national curriculum.

Financial literacy is particularly significant for overseas Filipinos. Collectively, they contribute large proportions of money into the Philippine economy through remittances sent to family, friends and relatives.

Remittances from abroad are expected to reach approximately $17 billion by the end of 2009, 11% of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP). Experts believe that this figure will continue to rise, based on an average annual growth of nine percent.

This cash injection helps the Philippines to remain stable in difficult times. Despite the global crisis, the country is one of the only five Asian nations to avoid a recession, alongside tiger economies like China and India.

“We cannot overemphasize the importance of overseas remittances. [Money] sent to the Philippines are driving consumption expenditure. In effect, without your remittances our economy will find it very difficult to avoid a recession,” said Diwa Guinigundo, Deputy Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

He added: “Kayu po ang tunay na mga bayani na hindi pa nakikilala ng mga ibang Pilipino, at kami ay nagagalak upang mabahagi sa inyo ng mga bagay na maaring makatulong sa ating mga hanapbuhay, at sa ating mga balak sa ating buhay.”

This sentiment was echoed by Ambassador Lagdameo, who thanked his fellow Filipinos for their “unwavering and selfless dedication.” The UK remains one of the top sources of remittances to the Philippines

The experts encouraged everyone to be wise with money, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. They provided useful information on savings and investments, as well as practical advice on remittances, taxes, stock markets, properties, and businesses.

Deputy Governor Guinigundo also underlined the benefits of planning for “financial independence.” He explains: “While things are still okay, things are not as good as before. So what’s the challenge to our people? We need to save and we need to invest, and at the same time we need to work hard.”

Filipinos around the world have responded well to the initiative. “It’s an eye opener,” said Pia Goldsack, one of the participants and owner of a domestic agency.

“I have not thought anything about it, but now I know who to approach when we have these sorts of problems, especially with the people we place in jobs, and they always need help. I myself really needed this seminar to be able to advise people. It’s for people who need advise about money,” she explained.

She also added: “Filipinos always survive – if they use their minds, their education, their heart, and if they encourage their family to help one another, they can be successful.”

According to recent statistics, overseas Filipino savings rose from seven percent to 39% since the launch of the FLC series.

The Bangko Sentral has conducted 33 financial seminars in the Philippines, as well as other countries including Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Italy. They hope to continue the project to influence more positive changes in both individual Filipinos and the Philippine economy as a whole.

Written for ABS-CBN News
by Patrick Camara Ropeta
October 2009

OH MY GOD!

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The best parts of the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards:)

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Scheduled to launch next month, all 3 items are currently available for pre-ordering at KIKS TYO’s online store – the t-shirt will be available for pre-order till November 3rd while the skate deck will be ongoing till October 30th. For more information, visit KIKS TYO’s online store or simply drop by the retailer’s flagship store in Shibuya.

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Aside from the display, its processing speed emulate machines that cost 2 to 3 times more.  The 27-inch can top out at 3.46GHz and transform a quad-core Intel Core i7 CPU into a virtual eight-core processor. Making it simply the fastest all-in-one computing platform out there.  Other options include:

• 4GB 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM expandable to 16GB
• GPU choices from NVIDIA GeForce 9400M, ATI Radeon HD 4670, ATI Radeon HD 4850
• 1TB Serial ATA hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• 8x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW);
• Mini DisplayPort for video output (adapters sold separately);
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n wireless networking and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR;
• iSight video camera;
• Gigabit Ethernet port;
• Four USB 2.0 ports;
• One FireWire 800 port;
• SD card slot;
• Built-in stereo speakers and microphone; and
• Wireless Apple Keyboard, Magic Mouse.

The new Apple iMac 21.5-inch and 27-inch is available now at Apple retail locations, its official online store, and authorized resellers.

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Looks & sounds like Ri-Ri’s back like she never left. I actually heard them talking about her on either 100.3 or 98.9 last night. Saying how they could care-less that she has a new song. Well I care, Rihanna is truly one of the few hottest, dopest female artist out there.

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Kanye West’s involvement in the design and fashion world has become almost as prominent as his music. Despite all the controversy surrounding the whiz kid, his contributions to the fashion scene with collaborations with Louis Vuitton and Nike makes him undeniably one of the emerging strong players in the industry. Also, with that said, it seemed only like a matter of time before Kanye West starts his own clothing line, and sure enough, news of Pastelle had been released a while ago. It’s only till yesterday that some lookbook shots of Pastelle surfaced on the web. Check out the preview shots which points at an energetic and vibrant collection with lots of colors and interesting tribal/Asian inspired graphics. Fans of Kanye have yet another reason to rejoice and welcome the man’s comeback from his Swift descend into controversy during the MTV VMAs. Too bad more information isn’t available yet on the Pastelle site as it continues to remain static. via BapeTalk2

Kanye released information that Pastelle will not be released but he will be releasing another line under his own name in the near future.

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Wiz sends a video going threw a couple of tracks off  “Burn After Rolling”. Which is dropping in October! Taylor Gang or Get Halved.

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A crew originated in Willingboro, New Jersey bringing that Jerkin’ dance crave to the East Coast the right way! Trey Betts, Nana, Kyle, Max, James, Richard. Taking Willingboro by storm, but they might have some competition, OJS the newest squad out of Willingboro. Let’s see what happens with that. Actually D.Fly is apart of OJS so look out for them too. Enjoy!

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For the Holiday 2009 collection, Nike worked once again with Japanese manufacturer/brand Loopwheeler to produce couple of Stadium Jackets/Varsity Jackets. Both of these items will drop this Thursday, October 8th at select retailers world wide. One colorway is mahogany/obsidian with teal accents while the other is basic black with white and teal accents. As far as the design is concerned, both colorways share the same design with ‘24′ embroidery on the left chest with ‘10′ on the right cuff and ‘LWR’ and ‘BVTN’ on the left sleeve. The Loopwheeler signature feature is the zipped pocket on the right sleeve makes an appearence again. As you would expect, the outer layer is made with loopwheeled cotton and kilted polyester inner lining.

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Go high profile or remain incognito is the question DC challenges you to answer this Holiday. With two new sneakers released standing on each end of the visibility spectrum, the Admiral TX and Xander TX are made in two colorway camps– bright fluorescent lime versus inconspicuous pitch black. All sneakers are crafted from tough ballistic nylon for a futuristic combatant feel. Stand up for your camp whether you are more likely to go out in stealth or out in a bang. Check out the pictures below and pick sides, or pick none and cop both.

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Hawaii’s In4mation opened new doors in Pearlridge Center of Central Oahu, bringing its popular urban selections such as Stussy, Hellz Bellz, Crooks N Castles, 10 Deep and so forth to the residents of Leeward Coast. Located on the second floor of the largest indoor shopping center in Hawaii, In4mation has been up and running since its soft opening on September 30th (officially opened last Saturday, Oct 3). Now there’s one more place to go while in Hawaii for all your skating gad and gear needs.

In4mation – Pearlrdige Center
98-1005 Moanalua Rd # 231

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I’m loving this hat, seriously! The inhouse brand by Tokyo’s cap store On Spotz, Loweres is slowly releasing original items using the popular New Era 59FIFTY caps as a base. These latest releases looks to be perfect for the colder weather ahead utilizing large check pattern fabrics that would keep the head warm. Two colorways are produced in Vanilla Check that is based on red/black/pink with cream outlines and Mintberry Check based on green tones with pink outlines. Both caps feature the Loweres logo embroidered in white on the left side panel.

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