30 May 2012

MAG: JAY Z x KANYE WEST NO CHURCH IN THE WILD VIDEO



The new music video for the Watch The Throne opener featuring Frank Ocean was unveiled earlier this week. I think I recognise seeing some of these images playing behind the superstar duo when live at the O2 last week. Lots of swag-esque slow motion bits of people fighting the police, throwing bombs and that. And it ends with an elephant too. While I question the creativity, I can't disagree that it fits the song nicely, making for a cool music video. Meh.

MAG: ELLIE GOULDING THE WEEKND COVER


Well, what an absolute treat to wake up and find. Ellie Goulding has been busy busy over in the States these one or two years, and we have missed her dearly. Probably my favourite female artist around, I've been waiting to hear her new material for ages, or even just to see her working in the UK again. But this is a true surprise and a super one at that. Ellie has covered The Weeknd's opening track to his debut mixtape, produced by Chiddy Bang's Xaphoon Jones. Her version of "High For This", which is by no means an easy song to cover, is quite amazing with her vocals taking the new-wave R&B beat by the reigns and she kills it! Listen and download for free on her Soundcloud right now!

29 May 2012

MAG: SHURON FREEWAY SUNGLASSES


From: The Daily Street

Revised for Summer '12, these are the Freeway sunglasses by Shuron. They've been making eyewear for over a century and the experience in craftsmanship comes with that in making these beautiful translucent frames with silver detailing and coloured lenses. This brown/green colourway is a killer combination for me, neither shade at all overwhelming, subtly complimenting each other in adding a modern touch to what is a timeless classic frame shape. Manufactured in USA, they are now available for £149.

MAG: VANS OTW FALL 2012 COBERN 2


From: Freshngood
A modern two-tone take on the classic boat shoe silhouette, the Cobern 2 is part of the Vans OTW Fall 2012 collection. Available in four distinct neutral colourways, they feature a moc toe finish on quality structure. The brown and navy is very attractive, smart and rugged, complimented by the clean white outsole. They hit retailers in June.

DIARY: V&A DESIGN PROJECT

I'm in my final term of the year on my Design course, meaning of course we're on our final project. And it's been quite good, working with (or working for) the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to produce a working concept for design-conscience learning resource, aimed to help young adults and children engage and interact with one of their galleries. Put into teams (a little like the Apprentice) we were given two weeks to pitch an idea forward. The presentation was yesterday and I think we've come up with, and actually half developed, a great iPad resource. It was fresh working as a group, which of course has its ups and downs, but I thought we worked rather well together and we really did respond to the brief excellently. I don't know how I sound saying that myself but there you go.

It's been nice to work on a project that is genuinely orientated towards the design scene, and working with a client, it all seemed very real. It's even nicer how we coped with it and I'm pleased with our product. Don't know how much I can reveal, if at all just yet, but it's something I'd personally love to develop into a working app, because I can see this working and it certainly has potential to expand into any other gallery, or any museum for that matter.

DIARY: SUMMER IS HERE


A beautiful summers day running errands, catching up with some friends and finishing with a half price Frappuccino.

25 May 2012

MAG: DIDIER DROGBA TO LEAVE CHELSEA




Didier Drogba confirmed this week that his contract will not be renewed as it enters its final month. Having scored the winning penalty against Bayern Munich last week, he couldn't end on a higher high, having brought every trophy to Chelsea, with much owed to our Ivorian frontman. I'm sad to see him go, but I'm glad the farewell comes in such perfect circumstances. A true talent, leader and inspiration, he leaves a Chelsea legend.

24 May 2012

DIARY: THE ORWELL PRIZE TROPHY REDESIGN


Britain's most prestigious award for political writing, The Orwell Prize, held its annual awards ceremony last night. They presented four awards for different categories, each winner receiving a newly designed trophy made of 100% oak wood with beautiful engraved details.

Funny story, they were designed by myself and fellow university student of the design department, Martin Kilner. We were given the work just over a fortnight ago and worked together, juggling with other project work of course, to produce what we believe to be a beautiful composition with the oak. I feel very lucky and honoured to have been given such an opportunity, and I'm proud with what we achieved. Nice aren't they?


23 May 2012

DIARY: WATCH THE THRONE LIVE

On Monday evening, I was treated by the quite exceptional entertainment that was Jay-Z and Kanye West at The O2. I expected it to be good, but I was genuinely surprised by just how good. It was epic.

We queued for one or two hours, before waiting another hour for the show to start, standing just a few rows from the front stage. That same old frustration of having annoyingly idiot spectators around you, unnecessarily pushing and shoving and generally being stupid, was soon wiped away by the hip hop kings, who brought to life their hugely hyped collaboration album, as well as some amazing old tunes. When Kanye played "All Falls Down" man was I in dreamland. They finished with "Niggas In Paris" four times over, as I could barely control my excitement every time Jay put the mic by his lips to state simply "Again". One of the best gigs I've ever been to, they know how to put on a show. And with news of Watch The Throne 2 in the making, it's a great feeling.












DIARY: JFC LONDON FIRST U8 TOURNAMENT

It's a big summer for us at JFC with tournaments galore, spanning across all age groups for the very first time. I've been training my 6-8 year old boys for a couple of years now and I think I've been doing good things. Last weekend my U8s made our competitive debut, taking part in a very well organised local grassroots tournament.

I left feeling quite disappointed, not sure what had just happened. We failed to win any games and the boys just didn't perform. They seemed constantly distracted and I don't think they understood the significance of the stage they were at. On the pitch there was simply no desire, no fight, and most worryingly no emotion. It was a real challenge. Admittedly we did get better in the latter games, showing a little more of what I have gotten so used to seeing from them. It's a shame.

I'm still a young coach, in fact I was actually drafted into becoming one out of my control, and whilst I've thoroughly enjoyed doing it and I know I have developed much as a football person and person person too, I realise my learning curve is still quite premature. I'll have to mull over where we're at and make sure we're stronger, because the U8s have one more tournament next month, as well as an opportunity for the U7s too. I'm not one to hide from a challenging task, but it does feel like quite a setback. Need to fucking bring it.

22 May 2012

BLOG: CHELSEA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS PART 2

I watched the events unfold in my old student bar in Kensington SW7, just to feel that extra bit of atmosphere. It was just mental, I cannot believe we finally won the Champions League!!

My thinking beforehand was this. Whilst we've been unlucky in recent years, especially going close since Abramovic took over the club, I've always believed that we would eventually win it at some point, certainly in my lifetime. And I was satisfied with that, honestly. We didn't have to win this year from a Chelsea supporter's view. Let me continue.

What made it so important this year however, and what made it that much more special for me, was to see the likes of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba lift the trophy. They, along with Petr Cech, Ashley Cole and John Terry, have been tremendous players for Chelsea FC over the years and it was clear that, as the one remaining winners' medal that had eluded them, this was the one they so badly wanted. That's the desire that transcended to me, and presumably every other Blues supporter. To see them soak in the joy of this quite monumental victory was truly priceless, and that's what makes me so happy. Well done boys and thank you.



BLOG: CHELSEA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS PART 1

I've left it a few days to sink in. Still can't believe it. It's such an incredible achievement, especially given that agonising defeat against Man Utd in 2008, as well as the not-so-good season we had endured this year, which included a miserable position in this very tournament trailing 3-1 against Napoli.

But we fought back with the most enthralling matches I have ever experienced, to beat Napoli 4-1, to knock out Benfica, and to get one over Barcelona through sheer grit and determination like I've never seen before. And topped off with an excellent penalty shootout, I just feel so proud to be a Blues fan. This trophy is oh so special for us, truly making history. To say the least, I am absolutely buzzing.




16 May 2012

BLOG: TEAM WILL.I.AM PERFORMANCE ON THE VOICE



Epic medley performance by Team will.i.am on The Voice last week. Tyler, Jaz, Frances and Joelle share the stage with their mastermind coach on this really impressive mash-up, I was totally entertained. Happy Tyler and Jaz progressed in the competition. This week I'm hoping for Vince, Becky and Bo. Other thoughts on the show include Holly Willoughby's ridiculous outfit, by which I mean cleavage.

13 May 2012

DIARY: 13.5 TWEET

@tleeoriginal: on @pinterest this week, crew necks from norse projects and mhl, outlier jacket, muji checklist stamp, more interiors... pinterest.com/tleeoriginal

DIARY: TRAINING MODULE TWO

I just gave up most of my Sunday for 8 hours of London Ambassadors training. That means I had to disappoint my group at JFC and at a really crucial time too, what with my U8 boys competing in their first tournament next week. Not ideal. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to be involved, but I'm having to sacrifice quite a bit already.

Well, at least I learnt a lot from my training module, leaving with more competence, confidence and capability than before. WRONG. It was the most boring, useless, patronising session ever. 'Watch this clip and tell us what's wrong with the customer service.' Old lady puts her hand up to respond with something like "there is no eye contact". Come on people, we're not stupid. It's certainly not what I call rigorous training. One more training module to go and it better not clash with something important. I've not even mentioned the fact that I also missed the Barcelona F1 and the final day of the Premier League, which by the way I hear was fucking unbelievable! Must watch Match Of The Day.

12 May 2012

BLOG: THE WEEKND x DRAKE CLUB PARADISE



A glimpse into what I can expect on Wireless Saturday. Absolutely cannot wait! This is a video from the Club Paradise Tour, performing "Crew Love" and a bit of "The Zone". Yeah buddy.

11 May 2012

MAG: BEN HOWARD LIVE LOUNGE COVER



This is Ben Howard performing everyone's favourite guilty pleasure, "Call Me Maybe" by Carly Rae Jepsen. He's a top artist, who's album I'm loving, and this is an awesome cover from his BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge session this week. Check out the drummer simultaneously playing guitar too, amazing!

BLOG: CHELSEA PLAYER OF THE YEAR 2012



Juan Mata won the Player of the Year award last night, as voted for by the fans. I think he has the most appearances all season for an outfield player, creating more chances than anyone else in the league, and has really given the side a creative outlet with the ability to control a game. I've been impressed with his performances, though I do think he's been overrated at times, but we could do with one or two more players like Mata.

Ramires took the Players' Player of the Year award, which is perhaps more of an honour in my eyes, and he totally deserves it. His work rate, strength, pace, footwork, finishing and every other aspect really have all surprised me this season, he has so much in his locker it's unbelievable. Petr Cech and Ivanovic would have been my other contenders, but Mata and Ramires deserve it for sure. Now I can only wish that we seal the one remaining award, the Champions League title. #KTBFFH

10 May 2012

DIARY: JFC WHU STADIUM SLEEPOVER 04.12 MOVIE



So I said I was making a new JFC Movie. Well, it's complete and went live today. It's the fourth one I've made for JFC Events, this time for our Stadium Sleepover at West Ham United, who by the way are in the Championship Play-off Final with a good chance of being a Premier League side again. It's 11 minutes long, check it out to see the fun that went down with our boys. The little ones are too cute.

Choosing the soundtrack is always the hardest bit, to find the right vibe, appropriate lyrics and nice cutting. This time I've used some Regina Spektor, M83, Two Door Cinema Club and Monkey Majik. Thanks for your music.

DIARY: NIKE TIEMPO WHITE/GOLD


Finally I've managed to purchase these Tiempos. I've literally been looking for months, with every store I went to out of stock. Trust on Soccer Scene to have them online, cheers guys. White and Gold, it's nice right!

As a Coach, playing isn't my main activity so I don't need the elite tier of football boots, which I think cost as high as £200 or something. I'm happy with the cheap ass range, paying up to £30. I'm a student, it's all cool. Sure they wear and tear (and damage) in a matter of months, but it's nice to chop and change, just as the boredom kicks in. Let's see how long last these last, and my hunt begins for my next pair...

8 May 2012

DIARY: 08.5 TWEET

@tleeoriginal: first warm day in what feels like months. nice day in south ken at exhibitions, overdue catch ups, good coffee and early pints.

7 May 2012

DIARY: BANK HOLIDAY MOVIE MAKING


It's Bank Holiday Monday in England. Finally I have a day of blank in my diary, giving me time to wind down, organise and catch up. The latter probably refers to my JFC work, for which I promised to make another movie, this time for our second West Ham Sleepover (which was like a month ago now). Why I'm blogging therefore I have no idea. Procrastination kicking in.

Here's the movie from last year's trip to the Boleyn Ground, Upton Park. It's a nice trip for the boys to take a stadium tour, stay in the hotel suites and play Wii until dawn without mums in the way. And this year we took more of a younger age group, my boys in particular, so there was a slightly different feel to the trip, which I must incorporate into the second movie. John Mayer on the side is sure to help concentration levels.

6 May 2012

MAG: CHELSEA FA CUP 2012 WINNERS

Chelsea 2 - 1 Liverpool








From: Chelsea FC

4 May 2012

MAG: KANYE WEST LOST IN THE WORLD VIDEO



Only a year and a half on from the release of his fifth studio album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy", which actually turned into one of my favourites by the hip hop superstar, the music video for "Lost In The World" has been released. Made by Ruth Hogben of SHOWstudio, the black and white visuals provide a strong, impactful aesthetic to the tune, which opens with the soft and beautiful auto-tuned acapella by Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. Once again, this one's for full screen and HD viewing. It very much strengthens an already brilliant track.

BLOG: JUSTIN BIEBER BOYFRIEND MUSIC VIDEO


So today, 18 year old Justin Bieber premiered his new music video for the first track off his upcoming album "Boyfriend". The video's nothing special at all, just another three minutes of a pop artist dancing around with girls and cars. But the song has turned my attention.

I heard that infamous rap he did on Power 106 FM for Jay Z and Kanye's track "Otis", and I was so impressed. Pre-written or freestyle I don't care, it was good. And I didn't know it was a sign for the growth in his own music, but going by what the new single sounds like, it seems so. I know he's worked with Drake amongst others and I can see the direction he's headed for, certainly moving out of the teen sensation into a more edgy R&B artist. I'm actually quite excited for his new album "Believe" which is out this summer. Like, I'm this close to following him on Twitter haha! That's all I wanted to say, I hope he continues to progress where I think he is.

3 May 2012

MAG: MR PORTER x HIDETOSHI NAKATA







From: Mr Porter
Mr Hidetoshi Nakata | The Look | The Journal | Mr Porter, 02 May 2012.

2 May 2012

MAG: URBANEARS PLATTAN DENIM HEADPHONES

From: Hypebeast

Coming later this month are these interesting new edition for the Urbanears Plattan headphones. The swedish audio brand have been expanding in reach and popularity with their simplistic designs, which I have to say I do quite like. The only problem is the quality of sound, which of course is decent, but not enough to call them good headphones. So stick with my less-slick-looking Bose I shall.

But this indigo denim actually works really well. Being raw denim, it fades like jeans do and is complemented by subtle brass accents. I think it's great, certainly a unique and distinct piece that will stand out for sure. Though, hearing that they will be available in Apple stores, I'm not sure just how unique or distinct they will actually be. A nice concept anyway.

1 May 2012

MAG: NIKE BLAZER MID AB SUMMER '12


From: Freshness

These are the new remodels of the Blazer silhouette. Arriving in Lush Teal nubuck, the sneaker comes with rubber toe cap, side zip and contrasting heel tab and liner as well as no swoosh for a more minimal yet outstanding look. It's clearly ready for the summer season and I do agree that the model is iconic enough to drop the Nike swoosh. However, the perforated mesh look isn't one for me I think. Thoughts?

BLOG: BIRDY LIVE AT SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE

I'm a massive fan of Birdy (Jasmine Van Den Bogaerde), having heard Fearne Cotton introduce her version of "Skinny Love" on the radio ages ago. Despite her being only 15 or something, she has incredible soul behind her voice that I find hauntingly beautiful. Her debut cover album is one of my most listened to and I'm quite mesmerised by her.

She performed at her own gig for the first time earlier this year at the Tabernacle, to which I sadly missed out on tickets for. They sold out FAST. But today, she has announced her second, this time impressively at Shepherds Bush Empire and I'm so on going to this one. There's quite a few videos around, showcasing her talent live, but I'm sure it's a whole other story to be in the very room. Below is a recent video by Myspace Music where she gives a short candid interview.

BLOG: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES OFFICIAL TRAILER #3



It's been circulating the web all day, the latest official trailer for Christopher Nolan's epic third and final instalment of his Batman trilogy, "The Dark Knight Rises". We've been teased for months now, but with the cinema release in just a couple of months, this new trailer reveals more to satisfy our intrigue for the time being. The glittering cast all make an appearance, including further glimpses of Joseph Gordon Levitt, Marion Cotillard and Morgan Freeman. The storyline is still yet to be revealed, but the action looks incredible, not to mention the flying Batmobile! All the hype is with The Avengers at the moment, which my friends tell me is really good, but we all know The Dark Knight is the main picture this year. Buzzing.