Rihanna closed Hackney Weekend in east London last night wearing the smallest, most pointless pair of tights there ever was. It was as if she couldn't be bothered to deal with a ladder, so rather than taking her shorts off and taking her tights off and putting her shorts back on again (talk about laborious), she just lopped the bottom three quarters off of her nylons.
After a surprise appearance during Jay Z's set on Saturday night (watch it here, it gave Picture Bitch goosebumps and everything) , Rihanna looked sexier than ever as she performed during the climax of Radio 1's festival in east London.
Aside from the fishnet cycling shorts, Rihanna looked as if she'd just stepped off the streets of Shoreditch, wearing unique sunglasses and a customised leather jacket over a relatively normal (if not rather small) pair of shorts and a t-shirt.
Watch her doing her thing on stage last night - to the sound of Disturbia..
Following the show, Rihanna looked like one of the locals as she hit a small pub called The Birdcage in Hackney - usually full of edgy types like Alexa Chung and Peaches Geldof.
Wearing the same outfit, she was snapped having a few pints with her entourage before heading back to her hotel - after apparently being told that it was Rita Ora's turn to wear the t-shirt.
Given that they're always being compared to one another, Rita and Rihanna have probably decided to just start sharing everything - instantly doubling their wardrobe. Mind, they'll have to come up with some sort of rota to avoid situations like these.
Rita was snapped hitting Soho wearing exactly the same leopard print t-shirt and a Rihanna-style visor in the early hours of this morning. Awkward.
Shall we see if a fishnet tight comes in our list of Rihanna's most daring moments? YES LET'S.
London 2012 Olympics: Dwain Chambers set for Team GB - Daily Telegraph
Although Chambers has yet to run the A standard this summer, he still meets UK Athletics’ criteria for a discretionary place.
To be selected for London, the governing body stipulates that athletes must have achieved the A standard at least twice from the beginning of 2011. Chambers managed it 11 times last summer.
Chambers will still travel to Finland but only to compete in the 4x100m relay, which Van Commenee is using as a key dress rehearsal for the Olympics.
Realistically, Chambers’ only chance of an Olympic medal is in the relay, so avoiding the 100m will also free up more time for baton practice with fellow squad members Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Tyrone Edgar, James Ellington, Christian Malcolm and Danny Talbot.
After his trials victory, Chambers had indicated that he wanted to compete in the individual 100m in Helsinki to make absolutely certain of his Olympic place but admitted he would happy to be picked on the strength of his past record.
“If there’s a way the selectors can look on my history I will gladly take that opportunity,” he said.
Significantly, former world silver medallist Lisa Dobriskey has also been excused 1500m duty in Finland after finishing a strong second behind Laura Weightman at the trials on Sunday.
Given Dobriskey’s fragile medical history, Van Commenee has clearly taken the view that she, too, has probably done enough to merit an Olympic place and that nothing would be gained from making her run rounds against tough opposition from Russia and Spain.
Chambers, who only became eligible for selection in April when the BOA was forced to drop its lifetime ban for drug cheats, will not be the only athlete on the 100m start-line in London with a history of doping.
Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic champion who returned from a four-year ban in 2010 following a second doping offence, made certain of his place by clocking 9.80sec to win the 100m final at the United States trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Tyson Gay, the second fastest man in history behind Usain Bolt who has struggled with injury in the past year, also made sure of his berth by finishing runner-up in 9.86sec.
Another American who has served a drug ban, Olympic 400m champion LaShawn Merritt, will have the opportunity to defend his crown after his victory at the trials, while Christine Ohuruogu’s arch rival, Sanya Richards-Ross, booked her place by winning the women’s race.
Aviva GB & NI Team squad:
- Men
100m: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Mark Lewis-Francis
200m: Chris Clarke, Danny Talbot
400m: Richard Buck, Luke Lennon Ford
800m: Mukhtar Mohammed, Gareth Warburton
1500m: James Brewer, Tom Lancashire
5000m: Mo Farah, Rory Fraser, Mitch Goose
10,000m: Keith Gerrard, James Walsh
3000m SC: Luke Gunn, Rob Mullett, James Wilkinson
110m H: Richard Alleyne, Gianni Frankis, William Sharman
400m H: Rhys Williams, Nathan Woodward, Rick Yates
High Jump: Robbie Grabarz, Samson Oni, Tom Parsons
Pole Vault: Luke Cutts, Max Eaves, Andrew Sutcliffe
Long Jump: JJ Jegede, Julian Reid, Chris Tomlinson
Triple Jump: Larry Achike
Shot Put: Carl Myerscough
Discus Throw: Abdul Buhari, Brett Morse, Lawrence Okoye
Hammer Throw: Mark Dry
Decathlon: Ashley Bryant
4x100m: Aikines-Aryeetey, Dwain Chambers, Tyrone Edgar*, James Ellington, Christian Malcolm, Danny Talbot
4x400m: Buck, Michael Bingham, Lennon Ford, Nigel Levine, Rob Tobin, Conrad Williams
- Women
100m: Jeanette Kwakye*, Ashleigh Nelson,
200m: Abi Oyepitan,
400m: Lee McConnell, Kelly Massey, Nicola Sanders
800m: Jenny Meadows, Lynsey Sharp, Jemma Simpson
1500m: Charlene Thomas
5000m: Julia Bleasdale, Helen Clitheroe, Stephanie Twell*
10,000m: Jo Pavey, Charlotte Purdue, Gemma Steel
3000m SC: Hatti Archer
400m H: Meghan Beesley
High Jump: Isobel Pooley
Pole Vault: Sally Peake
Long Jump: Abigail Irozuru, Shara Proctor*
Shot Put: Eden Francis
Discus Throw: Francis, Jade Nicholls
Hammer Throw: Sophie Hitchon, Sarah Holt
Javelin Throw: Goldie Sayers, Laura Whittingham
4x100m: Montell Douglas, Hayley Jones, Kwakye, Nelson, Anyika Onuora
4x400m: Eilidh Child, Shana Cox, Massey, McConnell, Christine Ohuruogu, Sanders - *Participation to be confirmed Tuesday morning
London 2012: this week's best events in London, from Wimbledon to art and architecture festivals - Daily Telegraph
London Festival of Architecture
London’s standout buildings and design talents are the focus of the London Festival of Architecture, which this year pays tribute to the forthcoming Olympic Games with the theme The Playful City. During the festival’s two-week run a series of roving hubs will be set up at boroughs throughout the city to engage with local residents, while a varied programme of one-off special events and ongoing exhibitions cater to architecture aficionados of all levels. Although the focus is on London the complementary International Architecture and Design Showcase goes a long way in expanding the festival’s international scope. For three months from June 21, 50 international embassies and national cultural institutes across the capital will open their doors and display works by their most celebrated designers and architects.
When: until July 8. (The International Architecture and Design Showcase continues until September 23.)
Where: citywide
How much: prices vary
Masterpiece London
Three years old this year, Masterpiece London has already grown to be one of the capital’s leading art fairs. The focus here is on luxury goods so although all manner of objects are on display the prices are high – buyers here are often wealthy investors rather than casual visitors who’ve happened upon something beautiful. Vintage jewellery, historic automobiles and vast collections of art are all on show, with the social highlight likely to be the midsummer party in aid of CLIC Sargent on July 3.
When: June 27 – July 4
Where: South Grounds, The Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SR
Tube: Sloane Square
How much: from £20
London 2012 Festival, London and nationally
The Olympics begin on July 27, but in advance of this massive sporting spectacle London and the country as a whole will be joining together to celebrate the London 2012 Festival. The culmination of the four-year Cultural Olympiad – the Olympic Games’ cultural complement – the festival sees cultural organisations, landmarks and artists join together to host a series of ambitious events that showcase British creativity at its best. In London next month’s BT River of Music festival sees a series of stages along the Thames host free concerts by artists such as the Scissor Sisters and the Noisettes – each different stage will represent a different continent so expect exceptionally diverse experiences and settings dependent on where you station yourself.There’ll also be an expanded Proms programme that will see Wallace and Gromit make an appearance; a celebration of Shakespeare with Shakespeare: Staging the World at the British Museum and countless special events for communities in every part of the city. Keep up to date on what’s happening when and where through our London 2012 Festival section.
When: until September 9
Where: throughout London, and nationally
How much: costs vary
City of London Festival, the City
The Goldner Quartet at last year's City of London Festival. Image: Robert Piwko/City of London Festival
Fifty years old in 2012, the City of London Festival returns again this year with an extensive programme of concerts, exhibitions and recitals all held in spectacular landmark locations throughout the City. This year’s theme is City of London – Trading Places with the World, and with a nod towards the Olympics, it explores the history of the City and its relationship with other regions throughout the world. With events taking place over 34 days there’s plenty of entertainment on offer but highlights include the English National Ballet’s performances of two new commissions for the festival by Anthony Downson and Van Le Ngoc, the temporary installation of live music sculptures at Tower Bridge and Monument and a series of free lunchtime concerts by musicians from the Guildhall School.
When: until July 27
Where: throughout the City
How much: prices vary
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Greenwich
Reliably engaging and innovative, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival fuses theatre, dance, art and music to create a ten-day-long cultural spectacular. This year highlights include the world premiere of Crow by the Handspring Puppet Company, best known for their work with the National Theatre production of War Horse; the return of the Greenwich Fair and the Word on the Street series of outdoor theatre performances. As ever, festival organisers have done a good job of making many of the major events and performances free and open to all.
When: until June 30
Where: throughout Greenwich
How much: prices vary
Free Range Art and Design 2012; The Old Truman Brewery
Brick Lane becomes even more vibrant in mid-summer, with the return of the annual Free Range Art and Design show. Lasting two months, the continually changing exhibition showcases works by some of the country’s most talented young creatives, with displays featuring art, photography, textiles, illustration, interiors and product design. This is the biggest show for graduates of art and design in Europe so you can expect to discover some exceptionally promising emerging talents if you visit. For those inspired to learn more, a series of workshops and talks run alongside the main exhibitions.
When: until July 16
Where: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QL
Tube: Liverpool Street
How much: free
London Wonderground, Southbank Centre
The Boom Boom Club at this year's London Wonderground Photo: Boom Boom Club
Cabaret, circus and music are all fused at the all-summer-long London Wonderground, now on at the Southbank Centre. In its inaugural year, the free-spirited festival is being held in a 1920s Spiegeltent and brings a Coney Island-style celebration of the curious and eccentric to the South Bank. The headline production is Cantina, a sultry combination of acrobatics, vaudeville, magic and music intended for adults, while there will also be performances from Irish chanteuse Camille O’Sullivan and playful cabaret shows hosted by the Boom Boom Club.
When: until September 30
Where: Jubilee Gardens, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary
Udderbelly Festival, the Southbank Centre
Image: Belinda Lawley
Now in its fourth year, the Udderbelly Festival has already made a significant impact on Londoners thanks to its excellent comedy programme and distinctive venue – performances are held in a huge, partially inflated, upside-down purple cow. Performing this year are Tim Minchin, Sean Hughes, Andi Osho, Patrick Monahan and many more. As well as comedy, there are family shows, theatre performances and musical experimentations.
When: until July 8
Where: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd London SE1 8XX
Tube: Waterloo
How much: prices vary
London 2012: Saudi embassy says women will be allowed go to Games - The Guardian
The Saudi embassy in London says the kingdom will permit women to compete in the London Olympics provided they qualify.
The embassy said, in a statement issued Sunday, that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will oversee the participation of women athletes "who can qualify for the games."
An official in Saudi Arabia, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Monday, said an announcement by King Abdullah about Saudi women's first ever participation in the Olympics was expected some days ago but was postponed after the death of Crown Prince Nayef.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. So far no women have qualified, though athletes in judo and in track and field are considered possibilities.
London 2012 Olympics failing to inspire people to play more sport - The Guardian
New research has shown the scale of the challenge facing the government and London 2012 organisers to meet their promise to "inspire a generation" to play more sport, with eight in 10 people saying the Games have not yet had an effect on their exercise habits.
The ComRes findings accompany a new joint report by the independent Sports Think Tank and theology thinktank Theos, which claims that "no recent Olympic Games has produced proven economic benefits to the host country or city".
On Friday, the culture secretary, Jeremy Hunt, insisted the government would not walk away from promises made when London won the right to host the Games that it would inspire more people to play more sport.
While accepting that it was "a big challenge", he said that £1bn invested over five years through Sport England would help boost participation figures, particularly among the young. New figures show that while participation rates for those over 26 have risen in the past year, among under 25-year-olds they continue to fall.
The government has also claimed that the Games will boost tourism numbers by 4 million and result in a £1bn boost for inward investment.
Only 4% of those surveyed said they agreed strongly with the statement: "I'm inspired to play more sport at the moment because of the London 2012 Olympics", while 80% disagreed or disagreed strongly.
Sports minister Hugh Robertson and the London 2012 chairman, Lord Coe, have said it is unfair to judge the legacy effect of the Games before they have even taken place.
The government was last year forced to drop a target set by the previous Labour administration that promised to get a million more people playing more sport by 2013. Figures released on Friday showed that 500,000 had been added to the numbers.
The report, Give Us Our Ball Back: Reclaiming Sport for the Common Good, says too many claims are made on behalf of sport and that it should be considered a worthwhile investment in itself.
"Releasing sport from the demands of public utility will allow it to occupy its rightful place in society – that of contributing to a full, happy and meaningful life," it concludes.
"External benefits will naturally come from playing, watching and engaging in sport, but should be seen primarily as byproducts of something with specific worth already."
Andy Reed, the former MP who is co-director of the Sports Think Tank and chair of the Sports and Recreation Alliance, said: "Those of us who love sport need to remember to be cautious about placing unrealistic political, economic and social demands on it and relearn how to value it for its own sake."
The survey also showed that 64% of the public believe taxpayers have contributed too much to the cost of the Games, with the figure rising to 70% in London, where a proportion of the council tax has also been put towards the £9.3bn cost of staging the Games.
Earlier this month, the government said there would be at least £400m in contingency remaining from the £9.3bn public funding package for the Games, which paid for the venues, security, and other costs. The London organising committee (Locog) privately raised the £2bn it costs to stage the Games from sponsorship and ticketing income.
PH CARPOOL: VAUXHALL VXR8 BATHURST S - Pistonheads
Name: Gary Handa
Car: Vauxhall VXR8 Bathurst S 6.0
Owned since: October 2011
Previously owned: Boxster S, MX5 Supercharged, Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, 360hp Mk4 Golf ... and, er, quite a few others....
Why I bought it:
With the imminent arrival of our first child, I was on the look-out for a four-door saloon.
But...after the tragic loss of some close friends last year, I decided that I never wanted to be in a position when I was older to look back and say 'I wish I'd done that'. So I knew it had to be loud, rorty and with a completely anti-social thumping great V8 - definitely not your usual four-door 'family' car.
I was all set to sign up for a C63 AMG, when my wife suggested buying something instead of leasing. And after seeing Hammond's review on Top Gear, I knew what I was looking for.
The previous owner had seen the same feature too, because he took his Silver 6.0 VXR8 to Walkinshaw Performance and said: "Make my car a Bathurst S". They said: "But we don't make the Bathurst in Silver - and besides, we use a 6.2 engine, not the 6.0 in yours. And anyway, you'd need the supercharger, the larger injectors, the chargecooler, the fully adjustable coilovers, the 6-pot AP brakes upgrade..." He handed them a blank cheque and the keys to his car.
The great twist is that WP transplanted everything off the demo car they built for Vauxhall (and driven by Hammond in said episode...) onto my car. So after carrying out a history check and an independent inspection, I went to collect it. From Aberdeen. I don't think I could have gone much further to buy a car. But with Walkinshaw making fewer than 20 examples of the Bathurst S, they don't come up very often.
Since I've had it, the power has been increased - once by WP themselves to 580hp and then finally by LSV8 Power to 610hp. Torque runs fairly constant at the mid 500lb ft level more or less right across the rev range.
Official performance figures are a little thin on the ground. Theoretical top speed is 195-200mph. The 0-60mph sprint should be sub-5, 0-100mph is around 8 seconds and the trap speed at a 1-mile marker is 167mph, bouncing off the limiter in 5th.
What I wish I'd known:
It's not the kind of purchase you make on a whim; do your research and everything should be OK. The manual gearboxes can be a weak point (mine had a warranty-covered replacement 10 months previously), discs and pads won't leave much change from 2K and treat suspension components as consumables and you'll be fine.
Having said that, on day 10 of ownership, my (warranty-replaced) gearbox went bang again, it needed discs and pads all round and I replaced the clutch. This despite doing everything I could to ensure all was well to begin with. Just unlucky I guess - these things happen.
Things I love:
The sense of occasion. It sounds very clichd, but the sheer pleasure of just driving it is huge. From the second it bursts into life with that ever-so-slightly uneven rumble at tickover and then, when you get going, it always feels brilliant. Not only when you're on the limit at Spa or Rockingham, but also just popping down to Asda for some nappies or milk.
Also, the shriek of the supercharger is utterly addictive, as are the pops and bangs on the overrun. The novelty of parking in 'Parent and Child' spaces and then producing a buggy, much to the disdain of Mr and Mrs Hybrid, will also never wear thin.
Oh, and I'm quite partial to the 610hp - it makes for quite nippy progress.
Things I hate:
It helps that I'm a compulsive tinkerer, so anything I knew I didn't like about the car I've fixed - from extensive sound-proofing and panel dampening, to upgrading and enhancing the stereo (with DAB, GPS and touch-screen iPod control), to adding convenience features that are standard on German execs. I've also 'refined' the looks (my wife's only request was to lose the original spoiler).
The gearbox is quite agricultural and 6th is ridiculously tall, but apart from that it's all good really. The tall 6th gear even has a positive side - it's great for un-stressed cruising, but no good for V-Max type events...
Costs:
A question that's asked more often than the one that's answered with 'it's a Vauxhall'...
Average mpg since I've owned it (10K miles now) is just under 17. However, on a long motorway run, leaving the cruise control at 75 (where it's ticking along at 1,800rpm), I have seen 27mpg.
Servicing is cheap. It's a 6.0-litre lump of pushrod pig iron, where services cost between 200 and 300 every 10K miles. What gets expensive are the bespoke parts on this car. Holden made thousands of Commodore VEs but HSV only made 100s of HSV R8 Clubsports - which have different bumpers, wings and even rear lights - and which are over 1000 a side!
Insurance is great when you get to my age with full no claims, but I did have a little hassle as all the mods needed to be declared and it couldn't be registered as a factory Bathurst S (as it's a 6.0 not a 6.2). However, Bridle Insurance were very good.
Where I've been:
Driving it home from Aberdeen was a bit of an adventure in itself, Brands Hatch Indy was too small, Bedford is always great fun and I'm looking forward to doing Spa very soon - time, money and son allowing.
What next?
Nothing for a while yet - I can see this car becoming a 'keeper'. At the moment I've got some more tinkering to do until it's 'my' car completely, so the next car will depend on the child/children situation. Supercharged M5 Touring perhaps? Chances are it won't be 'normal'...
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us atcarpool@pistonheads.com!
London 2012: Michael Phelps motivated by racing Ryan Lochte - BBC News
Swimming superstar Michael Phelps has told BBC Sport he is relishing going head-to-head with fellow American Ryan Lochte at the Olympics.
The pair are due to meet at the US trials which begin in Omaha on Monday, with both aiming to qualify for numerous events in London.
"Being able to watch some of the things he's done and be on the receiving end of some of the defeats he has given me has definitely motivated me, just because I hate to lose," said Phelps.
"One of the cool things about being able to race him, it doesn't matter what shape I'm in, I always leave every ounce of energy in the pool.
"He brings every drop that I have out of my system."
Phelps, 26, won a record eight gold medals in Beijing four years ago, taking his tally to 14 and making him the most successful Olympian ever.
However, Lochte, who has three Olympic golds to his name, is rivalling him for supremacy in London, having won five titles, one more than Phelps, at last year's World Championships.
Phelps says he is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Lochte and told BBC Sport's Matt Slater that he does not like finishing second to anyone.
"I can't stand losing," said Phelps. "It doesn't matter what it is, I always have to be the best.
"I'll practise and do anything, work on some of the small things that make you better. I just despise losing."
Phelps and Lochte are due to face each other in six events at the trials.
Lochte, 27, is entered in 11 events and Phelps seven, although they are unlikely to compete in all of them.
They are scheduled to meet in the 400m individual medley on Monday, then later in the week in the 100m and 200m freestyle, 200m backstroke, 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly.
"He's somebody I enjoy racing against and look forward to racing a lot over this year," added Phelps.
Phelps has admitted he struggled for motivation after Beijing, missing six weeks of practice and being suspended from swimming competitively for three months in 2009 after photographs were published appearing to show him smoking cannabis.
Asked about his performances in the pool, he responded: "2009 were OK, but 2010 was a joke. I mean, it was just horrendous.
"I know it was all because of the decisions that I made. Every choice you make, there comes consequences. I may have made the wrong choice but I was able to learn from it, I was able to grow up from it.
"Getting back into it wasn't that good, wasn't that fun, but I had a lot of motivation. Some of the races I didn't want to remember always popped into my head and fired me up even more.
"It's a good thing I was able to go through what I went through and it's kind of going to help fuel the fire."
The Baltimore-native knows his rivals got closer to him while he was not focused on the pool, but he remains confident heading into London.
"I'm playing catch-up," he said. "While they have been working, I've been sitting around doing nothing. It's not easy but it makes it more interesting and it makes it a little more fun. We're going to get there."
Among the others in action in Nebraska are 17-year-old star Missy Franklin and Olympic veterans Natalie Coughlin are Dara Torres, the latter trying to reach her sixth Olympic Games at the age of 45.
0 Responses to "Rihanna treats Hackney Weekend to a cracking view of her fishnet-clad crotch before hitting east London (in the same t-shirt as Rita Ora... awkward) - Daily Mirror"
Post a Comment