Splendid Loves Feed http://www.splendidcomms.com/ Latest blog posts from Splendid Kings Place (York Way N1) http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=208 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=208 New development just opened right behind King's Cross combines art gallery, restaurant & bars backing onto the canal, and a concert hall – the first new concert hall in London for 25 years!

 

To celebrate the opening Kings Place has been hosting five days of concerts, talks, spoken word performances, films and visual arts events, with a whole programme of further events scheduled ongoing.

 

Kings Place is also the new home of Guardian and Observer newspapers, and two of London’s finest orchestras (London Sinfonietta and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment)

 

www.kingsplace.co.uk

  ]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Celebrity Video Bloggers http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=207 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=207 This is an interesting micro trend picked up by Times Online.

 

Best example is the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy's Bad Boy Records YouTube channel, which also features his new Ciroc ad - check him out channelling Frank Sinatra. 

 

http://au.youtube.com/user/BadBoyRecords

 

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Rothko at the Tate Modern http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=206 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=206 The most talked about must-see exhibition of the year.

A fine selection of Mark Rothko’s later ‘series’ on display, and also an in-depth analysis of how the artist achieved specific effects, with layer upon layer of feathery brushstrokes in multiple different paint media.

Possibly the closest to ‘spiritual’ art gets…

Now through February 2009 at the Tate Modern

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Matter http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=205 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=205 Matter, London's newest purpose-built music hall, opened at the weekend. With a mixed bag of style-conscious Londoners, up-for-it dance heads and Fabric faithful, the venue is set to be the capital's next big thing. The O2 venue can hold 2,600 people across three levels with balconies and bridges overlooking the main room's kinetic dancefloor and impressive stage for showcasing live acts.

 

The safe hands of Yousef warmed the crowd up for the legendary Carl Cox, who took to the decks for his last London set for 2008. This was a monumental opening weekend for a club that will be dubbed London's Space.

 

www.matterlondon.com

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Men’n’Motors http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=204 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=204 Everyone knows that concept cars are fruits of imagination pushing the boundaries of auto design into the future. Those clever students at Royal College of Art have tasked themselves with designing cars with alternative energy solutions – i.e., ones that run on things like electricity.

 

These designs will influence the cars you drive tomorrow. RCA has been teaching vehicle design for more than 40 years and its alumni include big-name designers at Ford, Mazda, Volvo and other companies. An RCA grad has probably worked on the car you're driving now, even if it isn't made of glass.  

Check out the article on Wired.com.

]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Miranda July: performance artist, writer and filmmaker http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=203 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=203 A website created by Miranda July and Harrell Fletcher asks ordinary people to complete out-of-the-ordinary assignments - with extraordinary results.

In a world obsessed with "reality" programming, this collaborative public art project offers a refreshing take on how actual people think, act, and love. Completed assignments are posted on the website; to date, more than 5,000 people have participated in the project - artists and non-artists of all ages, from New York to North Carolina, and from Tel Aviv to Rio de Janeiro.

Also worth checking our Miranda July’s book of short stories: No One Belongs Here More Than You. The same quirky view on the world as seen in her film Me and You and Everyone We Know, with great compassion and generosity July reveals the idiosyncrasies, vulnerability, longing, and odd logic that govern everyday lives, creating a deliriously hopeful universe where strangers hug and students swim across the kitchen floor.

www.mirandajuly.com ]]> Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Diesel's Dirty Thirty http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=202 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=202 We are giddy with anticipation for the £30 Diesel jeans sale on Friday 10 October to celebrate the brand's 30th birthday...

Diesel Dirty Thirty Stores

]]> Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 UT Social Suicide http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=201 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=201 Social Suicide is anything but. We recently came across this maverick men’s label showing their wares at a Shoreditch House vernissage. They’ve woven storytelling into the rich fabrics of their winter Anthology range, taking inspiration from 50 years of true Brit style:

“The Teddies, Mods, Rockers, Skinheads, Punks, Rudies and Dandies have all played their part, contributing fabrics, detailing and stories to create some stunning contemporary suits, jackets, jeans and overcoats – as usual, complimented by their shirts, sweaters, socks, ties and suspenders.”

The beauty’s in the detail – as subtle as red stitching on a button hole or as bold as a gun embroidered on a pinstriped pocket. The result is a wearable concept. Bring on the women’s line…

Social Suicide

]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Make a Tape http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=200 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=200 Now playing: Top 20 Original Hip Hop Breaks (selected by Alec Samways)

"...a flash back to the South Bronx of the1970's and the roots of hip hop...."

Makeatape.com

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Antonia Gitterios: Designer, Image Builder and Chef http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=198 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=198 This Italian architect has recently designed interiors of Valentino and De Beers and is a Royal Designer for Industry in London.

 

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Alternative Launch of Oasis Album in NY http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=196 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=196 BBH New York have teamed with Warner Brothers Music to launch a new Oasis album using a cunning bit of branded entertainment/content. The band will meet with around 20 of the best street musicians in New York to teach them tracks from the soon-to-be-released album. These guys will then spread out across the city, tucked away in their usual haunts (subway stops, Central Park, Times Square etc) and play their newly learnt musical pieces to the public. Music video directors The Malloy Brothers will shoot the event to create a full length documentary.

 

nycvisit.com/oasis

]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Bali In August http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=195 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=195 It’s all about being European, or being surrounded by them. Sentosa Villas and sunset cocktails at Ku De Ta in Seminyak.

Bali ]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Colourscape Music Festival http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=194 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=194 A definite must see installation, this enormous inflatable structure located at Clapham Common has more than100 brightly coloured compartments, glowing like a disco ball. For extra effect, you can wander around the crazy space in a coloured cape. On the weekends, musicians perform at various points within the structure. A colourful experience you won't forget in a hurry.

Until Sep 21, Clapham Common, SW4 9BS

Time Out

Colourscape.org.uk

]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Living in a Disco, Friday 26th September http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=193 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=193 Splendid Nick’s Shoreditch club night returns for end-of-summer knees-up with: Gucci Soundsystem (DFA), The Maccabees DJs, Good Shoes DJs, Mr Lip, Pablo and Li.

We could talk about how Gucci Soundsystem created the definitive no-wave pop-up disco Druzzis which has seen most of the electro dynasty pass through its doors throughout its beautifully sporadic life. Then we could rant about liaisons with LCD Soundsystem and the DFA shack-up that ensued. But let's not go there.

Groove-laden guitars + acid + proto x cowbell = house party dynamite that packs a (spiked) punch. Upstairs in the bar is about Maccabees' Orlando and Good Shoes' Rhys sorting out who can best pull it off as a deejay. LIAD rezzies Mr Lip, Li and Pablo play the less busy bits.

AAAAND... if any of you picked up a LIAD badge last time, show it on entry for an all-night concession price of a fiver. 

Friday 26th September. Last Days Of Decadence. 145 Shoreditch High Street, E1 6JE

Doors: 9-3

£5 Before 10, £7 After

www.myspace.com/livinginadisco ]]> Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Tanked Drinkwear http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=192 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=192  

www.tanked.com.au ]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Fido setting Flogos loose on unsuspecting Torontonians http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=190 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=190 Fido became the first company in the country to use Flogos when it promoted the Fido Sessions. Flogos combine helium and air to create an environmentally harmless cloud-like effect that can be molded to any shape.

 

YouTube ]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Visions for the Future http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=189 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=189 A smart and genuinely conversation provoking question: Which films would you recommend to future generations? Help the BFI celebrate 75 years of film & TV culture by joining the debate. Vote on the BFI website and the most popular films will be shown at the BFI and cinemas throughout the UK.

I like it.  And I like scary films...

Vote now

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT The Red Lion & Sun pub, Highgate Village http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=188 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=188 Refurbished about year ago, it has a welcoming feel that is matched by the friendly staff. Great food and proof you don’t need to go to a poncy Central London bar for a great Mojito. Outdoor space for sunshine and toasty fires and sofas for winter.  And best of all…dogs are welcome! They’ll even give you a bowl of water for your pooch.

Beerintheevening.com

]]> Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT Joox Tube http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=187 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=187 Californication and Dexter for those that might have missed them!

 

A must for back to back viewing on a rainy day…

 

joox.net ]]> Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 UT The School of Life http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=186 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=186 Shopping doesn’t always have to involve buying more unnecessary stuff. The newly-opened ‘School of Life’ hosts intellectuals, such as Alain de Botton, advising clients who have been too busy making money on ways to improve their social and cultural skills. Founded by Sophie Howarth, a former curator of Tate Modern, who claims the school will act "as a travel agent for the mind."

The shop is a new cultural enterprise offering intelligent instruction on how to lead a fulfilled life. It offers evening and weekend courses, holidays to unexpected locations, stigma-free psychotherapy, secular sermons, conversation meals, a floating faculty of experts and a new kind of literary consultancy service called bibliotherapy.

The faculty is made up of some of the brightest thinkers and artists at work today. They include Alain de Botton, Geoff Dyer, Susan Elderkin, Tom Hodgkinson, Brett Khar, Robert Macfarlane and Martin Parr.  

At the back of the shop a door leads through to an extraordinary underground classroom created by artist Charlotte Mann. This is where regular evening and weekend courses are hosted exploring the five central themes of our lives - work, play, family, politics and love. The experiences of this remarkable faculty are combined with insights from important thinkers of the past to offer a unique combination of wit and wisdom around questions of everyday living.   

A new cultural enterprise based in offering intelligent instruction on how to lead a fulfilled life.

Never has shopping been more stimulating or fulfilling! 

Theschooloflife.com 

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Lovers Electric http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=185 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=185 In the tradition of Sonny of Cher,  Adelaide husband and wife duo Lovers Electric deliver electro pop with an 80s twist in their debut album, launched in Australia this week. “What Ever You Want” available on the Australian iTunes store. 

Lovers Electric on Myspace

]]> Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Penguin Dating http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=184 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=184 Not blind dates between tuxedo-clad birds, but rather a new dating concept for book lovers. It’s Penguin Dating, the latest social media moxie from publishing house Penguin, who have joined up with dating site Match.com to bring together like-minded bookworms. 

These guys know what they’re digi-doing. In addition to building a strong online presence by blogging, podcasting, Twittering and Facebooking, they’ve also created spaces for niche communities to play with teenage book portal Spinebreakers, a wikinovel and digital writing project We Tell Stories.

If it’s anything like their previous efforts, Penguin’s new dating community will be a rousing success. They’ve already made their first love connection. (With us…call us!)

www.penguindating.co.uk   ]]> Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT The Impossible Art of Li Wei http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=183 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=183 Don't try this at home, especially if you live in a tower block. Check out some stunning images from this Chinese artist. Expect the Shoreditch take on this from our very own Nick 'I Believe I Can Fly' Griffiths soon.

http://www.hemmy.net/2008/04/19/the-impossible-art-of-li-wei/

]]> Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT The hush of Hammershøi http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=182 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=182 iPods (plugged into speakers). So we’re a little beguiled by the concept of poetic silence. In fact, we quite like the thought of being lulled into a meditative state by staring at a painting—as opposed to a flashing computer screen with two YouTube videos, Outlook, three Power Point presentations and seven Google windows open.

 

Sorry, we got carried away. We’re referring, of course, to the first Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864-1916) retrospective in the UK at the Royal Academy of Arts, which features ‘over 60 paintings spanning the career of this celebrated Danish artist.’ Showing until 7 September 2008.

 

Vilhelm Hammershøi and the Poetry of Silence ]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Lucio’s Pizza http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=181 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=181 Quite simply Sydney’s best pizzeria and now, thanks to Time Out, the secret is officially out (it’s been listed as the number 1 pizza restaurant in the city). Well worth a look if you’re in the Darlinghurst area.

Time Out

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Man on Wire http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=180 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=180 Inspirational, breathtaking and truly moving true story about the man who walked on a wire between the Twin Towers. Incredibly inspiring, and proof that if you really want something the impossible can become achievable. 

Go and be amazed, in cinemas now. 

Manonwire.com

]]> Tue, 12 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT SUSHISAMBA, Chicago (and New York x 3, Miami, Dallas, Tel Aviv) http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=179 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=179 Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, music and design.

 

Hearty moquecas and colorful ceviches sit on the menu alongside simple miso soup and tender sashimi.  SUSHISAMBA serves these traditional dishes, plus more inventive fare, including Sashimi Seviche, Sushi Salada, and our South American Beef Maki Roll.  Wash this down with quality cocktails and a great wine list, and this is foodie heaven!

 

One of my all time favourite meals ever - if only there was one in London!

 

SUSHISAMBA   ]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Revenge served ice cold http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=178 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=178 Like me, the vinyl lovers amongst you will probably share a strange internal tug of war on this; is it apt retaliation or massively uncalled for? You decide! 

Ebay

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT Once in a lifetime experience that is YULEFEST http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=177 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=177 Yulefest is a charming time of year in the Blue Mountains -- as cold as an English summer’s day (freezing) and as festive as a Bank Holiday. But still…the sentiment is there. You pull crackers, wear hats and eat a version of Christmas pudding (with apples and, erm, homemade Tooheys beer butter, a variation on brandy butter). Santa arrives and sings Australian Jingle Bells which talks about dashing through the ‘bush’, driving in a rusty Ute and the beach…the spirit of Christmas is alive and well. You finish the evening round a log fire, sweating and watching the most beautiful stars and Rudolph shoot across the sky.

Yulefest

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 UT The long anticipated launch of Grazia Australia http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=176 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=176 ….it’s set to shake up the magazine industry.

Grazia Australia

]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT DJ Yoda @ the Smirnoff Experience secret parties in Australia http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=175 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=175 UK master turntablist DJ Yoda brought his Magic Cinema Show to Australia for the first time at the Smirnoff Experience secret parties, held in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in July. He uses a Pioneer SVM-1000 to mix and scratch visual samples from movies, cartoons and YouTube videos like The Simpsons, Rocky and of course Star Wars, with a little treat for the Aussie audiences – a soap wedding montage with scenes from Neighbours, Home & Away and E-Street!

YouTube

]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Makeatape.com http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=174 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=174 Now playing: 'Back From The Pub And Quite Pissed'

"Here's a mix I did last night, when I came back from the pub. It's called 'Back From The Pub And Quite Pissed' mix. Enjoy, Johnny Pictish x"An intoxicated tape by The Pictish Trail (Fence Records)

Coming up next week: 'Casillero del Diablo'

Mmmm....

Listen Here

]]> Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Living in a Disco’s New Shoreditch Residency http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=173 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=173 Coming out of Dalston, hotter than a kofte skewer, we're proud to announce LIVING IN A DISCO will be upping sticks and debuting at Shoreditch’s new 2-floor wonder LAST DAYS OF DECADENCE on Friday 1st August. Headlining the proceedings will be disco dons du jour Mock & Toof. Knocking out beautifully wonky remixes for the likes of Hot Chip and Scissor Sisters amongst others, the guys’ solo releases, invariably with outstanding names (try “Black Jub” and “Big Hands For A Lady” for size) and tasty artwork, have earned the weighty approvals of DFA and Tiny Sticks. Their sound? Forget space disco, this is intergalactic jazz for anti-gravity dance floors.

But before we let those scoundrels on the decks, suave debonair and new wave crooner George Demure and his band will be stepping up to take the mic. And keyboards, guitars and drum machines. Having made his live debut supporting Colder at London’s Bush Hall back in 2005, George has since wowed audiences at Glastonbury, the ICA, Koko and featured on Output’s Channel 4 Compilation with "New Confrontation". Another Output single, "The Main Attraction" was one of the last ever releases on that much missed imprint.

 

Upstairs in the bar, Jon Burnip (Tiger Timing/Capracara) will be throwing down warbling acidic grooves alongside Eames’ loose‘n’live bass-heavy disco. They’ll be commandeered by LIAD residents carving the usual smorgasbord of astro-electroid shuffle inducers and future house party classics. FRIDAY 1ST AUGUSTLast Days of Decadence145 Shoreditch High street E1 6JE9-3.30£5 Before 10, £7 After

 

Living in a Disco on MySpace

 

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Watchmen’s First Look http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=172 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=172 Check out the first trailer from Watchmen, due out early 2009. Widely considered to be the best graphic novel ever made, Watchmen has been in various stages of production hell for over 10 years but is finally making it to the screen, courtesy of Zach Snyder (Dawn of the Dead, 300).

View the Watchmen Trailer

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT The Frontline - a new play by Ché Walker http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=171 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=171 What would Shakespeare be writing about if he were alive today and living in the backstreets of Camden? The answer stared me in the face last Sunday as I braved the weather to attend the world premiere of Ché Walker’s newest play The Frontline, performed at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the Southbank.

Saturday night outside the tube: religion, strip bars, weed, crack, lost old men, unemployed actors and vegans all collide in a riptide of chaos on the streets of London. In this vibrant and blackly comic new play, a dozen private stories emerge, and their voices give utterance to a storm of subjects and feelings. Ché Walker, winner of the George Devine Award and playwright for the Royal Court, brings to the Globe stage a panorama of contemporary London.

The highlight for me was a five minute rant on how totally brilliant Marmite is and how in centuries to come, archeologists digging up the streets of London would come across the marvel that is yeast based vegetable spread. It had me laughing so much that had I not had a cheapo £5 standing ticket, I would surely have wet myself in the sitting gallery.

The Frontline Running 6 July - 17 August

]]> Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Star Over London http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=170 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=170 The largest commercial airship is taking passengers on a journey above London’s landmarks, offering 1500 intrepid passengers the experience of a lifetime. Taking place between July 10th and August 21st you could be amongst a very limited number of pioneering guests to take this unprecedented airborne journey…

Star Over London

 

]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Truffleshuffle.co.uk http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=169 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=169 Superman Coasters or t-shirts featuring your favourite 80s film (I currently have my name down for a Goonies t-shirt) there will definitely be something that takes your fancy!

 

Truffleshuffle.co.uk

]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT London Liming http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=168 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=168 An amazing evening was curated by Melanie Abrahams at the Queen Elizabeth Hall (Southbank Sun July 13th) on the theme of ‘liming’ (the art of doing nothing) which was defined by one of the participants as ‘giving yourself to the world, but not necessarily the people in it.’ The programme brought together an eclectic mix of spoken word, poetry, music and DJs, with Ursula Rucker, Brian Patten, Patience Agbabi, Shlomo, Stacey Makishi and Louis Antwi.

The highlight of the evening (and I’m hard pressed to pick just one) was beatbox sensation Shlomo who, as artist in residence at the London Southbank Centre, didn’t fail to deliver an awesome, jaw-dropping performance which aroused a standing ovation from the packed auditorium. Shlomo also performed at the Smirnoff Electric Cabaret in London last year and recently performed at this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The headlining act Ursula Rucker awed the audience with her extremely powerful presence on stage - blending Philadelphia slam poetry with soulful rifts. Stacey Makishi was another high point of the event - she performed one of the best pieces of live/interactive art I’ve seen in a while. Throughout her piece she blew in to her balloon until she reached the point in the story where her character would have to burst it. The whole audience was in uproar. Who’d have thought that a woman blowing in to a balloon could cause such a visceral response?

Ursula Rucker Online 

]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Virtual Market Stall Pretaportobello.com http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=167 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=167 The new online ‘market’ sells fashion and accessories direct from Portobello Market and delivers them to your door. You can browse virtual stalls for cutting-edge designs, whilst the Let’s Trade section allows you to haggle with the online trader for bargains, so you can barter down to a price that suits.

Pretaportobello.com

]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT The Anti-Cannes: Ballerina Ballroom Cinema of Dreams http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=166 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=166 Tilda Swinton and Joel Coen have joined forces to stage the anti-Cannes – The Ballerina Ballroom Cinema of Dreams - a new film festival in which the entry fee is a tray of cakes. Held in an old ballroom in Nairn, works from Bjork to Polanski will be screened as guests are invited to lounge of bean bags.

 

MySpace

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Klimt Goes to Liverpool http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=165 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=165 Packed full of opulent paintings and interesting background on the architecture and design of the Viennese Secession, Gustav Klimt: Painting, Design and Modern Life in Vienna 1900 at Tate Liverpool runs until 31 August. The highlight is the celebrated Beethoven Frieze -- all several hundred feet of it.

 

Tate Liverpool

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT BMW’s Kinetic Installation http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=164 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=164 Check out the installation at the newly revamped BMW Museum in Munich in which 714 metal balls shape shift through a cycle of forms resembling the BMWs we know and love. The exhibition space celebrates the brand’s 90-year history—but what really resonates is how the new media content both informs and entertains.

YouTube.com

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Rat strips away surface of street art http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=163 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=163 Street art legend Blek Le Rat tells the story of street art and how New York graffiti inspired him. One of the first artists to have an impact on the European scene, he pioneered the stencil style which has influenced many other artists. Joined by the street artist Rough, he’ll be providing an insight into the underground world of graffiti in the UK. This is one you don’t want to miss. Sponsored by Nissan QASHQAI, ‘The History of Street Art’ takes place at Tate Modern on Friday 1st August 2008 at 18.30–19.30.

The History of Street Art  ]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Royal Academy Summer Exhibition http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=162 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=162 One of the most spectacular contemporary art exhibitions in its 240th year, the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition combines a range of new work by established and unknown living artists. Sure to brighten up rainy summer days, the exhibition showcases more than 1,200 pieces of spectacular art, from weird and wonderful paintings to disturbing real life visuals. The room curated by Tracy Emin is a must see, mixing Emin style nudity art with shocking projection images that may leave you in a mist of emotions.

The Royal Academy Summer Exhbition

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Smirnoff Black Meets Old Hollywood Glamour http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=161 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=161 Celebrating old Hollywood chic, Smirnoff Black Screenings kick-starts a two-month residency at Chelsea favourite Bluebird this week. Guests will view Hollywood film classics as they sip distinctively smooth Smirnoff Black cocktails evocative of the era. Taking inspiration from Casablanca, Citizen Kane, Rear Window, My Fair Lady & North By Northwest, the restaurant will undergo a glamorous 1950s makeover with stylish sun loungers, black and white striped parasols and staff in matching black and white summer uniforms. Smirnoff Black Screenings run every Wednesday until 27th August.

 

Smirnoff Black Screenings

]]> Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Mark Ronson, Duran Duran Rock Smirnoff Experience Paris http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=160 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=160 Hosted last week at the exclusive La Cigalle nightclub, an electrifying Smirnoff Experience Paris featured the incomparable Mark Ronson and Duran Duran. From Girls on Film to Rio, the hits kept rolling out with even a few covers thrown in for good measure. A truly original and audacious night that will go down as a legendary gig!

 http://youtube.com/watch?v=t_QPyorsknw ]]> Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 UT Psycho Buildings at The Hayward, til 25 August http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=158 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=158 The brilliant exhibition brings together the work of artists who create architecturally-inspired work:  habitat-like structures and architectural environments. Explore The Hayward's spaces inside and out, including a room frozen in a moment of explosive disaster; tunnels linking galleries; an eerie but strangely beautiful village of over 200 dollhouses; a floating plastic cloud (which you can crawl around on/in and look down on people below) and a skyline boating pond! Great for both big and small people.

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visual-arts/hayward-exhibitions ]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Guerrilla gardening for vegetables http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=157 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=157 As part of the London Festival of Architecture, bags full of salads, herbs and flowers will be placed around London to meet demand for local home grown produce. You can see the fruits of their labours at various locations, including VACANT LOT on Cheap Street. Seventy bags of soil have turned a dilapidated housing estate into a buzzing and fruitful community hub. Gordon Ramsay would be proud!

http://www.lfa2008.org/event.php?id=57&name=Grow+Bags%3A+Urban+Allotments 

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Make a Tape http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=156 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=156 Now playing: Frankenstein’s Monster Mix’ by Pete Hawkes

“A selection of freshly grave-robbed anatomical tunes, crudely stitched together to form a body of musical work for your enjoyment.”

Coming up next week....

"Dad Dancing 2": Following last week's Father's Day tribute, we return with a second edition of 'Dad Dancing' music. Big up to all you Splendid Dads out there - you made a second tape!

 www.makeatape.com

]]> Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Prankster Gangsters http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=155 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=155 A new blog covers what is practically becoming an art form: the prank. Urban Prankster posts the latest 'pranks, hacks, participatory art, flash mobs, and other creative endeavors that take place in public places in cities across the world.' They had us at hello.

www.urbanprankster.com   

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Pimm's O'Clock http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=154 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=154 Quite a nice little viral from the Pimm's lot…..

http://www.timeout.com/london/pimms/findpub.html

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Our next 'away day' http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=153 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=153 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWF8KV4IW5o

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Hide and seek http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=152 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=152 Sign up for the next installment from 4th June

SIGN UP IS NOW LIVE. GO TO WWW.HIDEANDSEEKFEST.CO.UK

Mr Reeling's This Is It....
Following on from last year's extraordinary Journey to the End of the Night, the Assistants bring you This is It... co-presented by K-Swiss for HIDE + SEEK FESTIVAL 2008. www.kspace.tv.

An exhilarating hybrid of Gideon Reeling's particular form of interactive entertainment and that old favourite, tag.

Surrender yourself to the night. Run through the streets of London attempting to avoid capture from people who are chasing you. If you are caught you become a chaser.
Your task is to negotiate a series of checkpoints around London, to not get caught by the dark forces and to liberate our special guest band in time to join Mr Reeling's opening Hide and Seek party.

The only forms of travel allowed are your own two feet and public transport. Be ready to run, ready to hide, Friends become foes in a heartbeat, be ready for the longest night.

 

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Razorlight and Fatboy Slim http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=151 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=151 http://www.rockness.co.uk/ ]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Graffiti animation http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=150 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=150 This is long but when you have a spare five minutes it is worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuGaqLT-gO4&eurl=http://apps.facebook.com/superwall/view.php?newsfeed=1&id=806586158&owner_id=223700272

 

]]> Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Vintage http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=149 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=149 £10 or less hand picked vintage!

http://www.theeastendthriftstore.com/   

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT Linkin Purpz http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=148 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=148 German Metal band produce head banging fan song for Age of Conan championing the development team as Gods of War. Samples Arnie from the Conan the Barbarian film. User Generated Content at its finest – Brings new meaning to “Heads will Roll!”.  

Gods of War - Linkin Purpz: http://community.ageofconan.com/conan/frontend/files/Linkin%20Purpz%20-%20Gods%20of%20War.mp3 

Linkin Purpz on Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/linkinpurpz2008

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 UT How to win a pitch http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=146 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=146 This scene from the season finale of Mad Men shows how it’s done:

 http://youtube.com/watch?v=R2bLNkCqpuY ]]> Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 UT New Age of Conan – Femme Fatale Trailer! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=143 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=143 Half-dressed, low-polygonal women stab virtual men in the back instead of participating in the standard post-coital embrace.

http://ve3d.ign.com/videos/play/28006/PC/Age-of-Conan-Hyborian-Adventures

]]> Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Spirograph! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=145 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=145 Inspired by the amazing shop window display at Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge, we started wondering whatever happened to Spirograph – the Eighties’ phenomenon that instantly turned us all into psychedelic art prodigies. Well, if you fancy reliving the genius that is Spirograph, check out http://wordsmith.org/~anu/java/spirograph.html - a virtual version that is really addictive! For those of you wondering what a Spirograph is…

A Spirograph is a curve formed by rolling a circle inside or outside of another circle. The pen is placed at any point on the rolling circle. If the radius of fixed circle is R, the radius of moving circle is r, and the offset of the pen point in the moving circle is O, then the equation of the resulting curve is defined by:

x = (R+r)*cos(t) - (r+O)*cos(((R+r)/r)*t)
y = (R+r)*sin(t) - (r+O)*sin(((R+r)/r)*t) Or simply put... you stick your pen into a thingy and rill it around and you get nice patterns... ! And if you’re lucky enough to be too young to take a stroll down Memory Lane, you can always head down to 109-125 Knightsbridge instead to see the real thing in action!  Hypnotising stuff….Zzzzzzz…… [3…2…1… you’re back in the room!] ]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Living in a Disco http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=144 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=144 Following on from a storming debut at the Star of Bethnal Green with nicest-man-in-dance-music Anu "Freeform Five" Pillai last month, we're returning to our Dalston residency for a good ol' basement knees-up….

This Saturday 24th May sees L.I.A.D launch the season of sunshine with a PALM SPRINGS SUMMER OPENING PARTY. Revellers will be transported to middle America circa 1975 for glamorous excess in pastel colours. Think Palm trees, clean lines, golf-chic and gaudy swimwear.

Heading up sonic direction will be Nightmoves. Having put out Klaxons and Punks Jump Up remixes on oh-so-now imprint Kitsuné as well as sprinkling disco magic over ex-Moloko and first-lady of electro-pop Roisin Murphy, Nightmoves – aka Matt Waites – has ‘production thoroughbred’ written all over him. His DJ credentials have been given the seal of approved by Wax On and Bugged Out to name but 2..

Joining him will be quite literally one of the biggest names in music. Ever. TOTALLY ENORMOUS EXTINCT DINOSAURS (T.E.E.D) is the 19 year old wunderkind hailing from Oxford who may prove to be the perfect tonic to all that noisy Parisian stuff. Making playful but driving electronic pop music with purpose, T.E.E.D already has Radio 1 plays under his belt. This will be T.E.E.D’s “London Disco debut” playing a set entirely of his own tracks and re-rubs.

In support will be hosts Mr Lip and Dr Astroturf as well as disco’s own Thin White Duke, Pablo; generally not mixing warm, chuggy cosmica to see you through the last Bank Holiday Saturday until August! http://www.timeout.com/london/clubs/events/735419/living_in_a_disco_presents_palm_springs_summer_opening_party.htmlwww.myspace.com/livinginadisco
www.myspace.com/nightmovesareboom
www.myspace.com/totallyenormousextinctdinosaurs  ]]> Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Persepolis http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=142 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=142

A revolutionary, award-winning animated film with powerful black-and-white images, graphic novelist Marjane Satrapi tells the story of her life as a rebellious and outspoken child growing up in Tehran under the Shah's regime and Islamic revolution. With a smart and sassy heroine and funny pop culture references, this is a wise coming-of-age story which will make you both laugh and cry.

http://sonyclassics.com/persepolis/
]]> Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Make a Tape http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=139 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=139 Create your own unique mix tape, or just play and listen, every Friday from 4:00pm.

Now playing: Proudlove's Four Seasons

http://www.makeatape.com/
]]> Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Market restaurant http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=141 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=141
Finally - somewhere decent to eat in Camden!

Best restaurant I have visited in a long time and can't wait to find a reason to go back

Market, 43 Parkway
]]> Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Rangers http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=137 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=137 Rangers' improbable trek to Wednesday's Uefa Cup final date with Zenit St Petersburg.

They have not reached this stage of a tournament since they beat Moscow Dynamo in the European Cup-Winners' Cup in Barcelona in 1972.

Come on Rangers!

]]> Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Make a Tape http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=136 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=136 Create your own unique mix tape, or just play and listen, every Friday to end your working week, from 4:00pm
Now playing: Haran's 'Black Bogies'

"Motivated by one man’s journey from the well-to-do, boat race loving west London haven of Putney to the dirty back alleys of Hoxton"

Coming up next week.....'Songs From The Sydney Office!' presented by Splendid, Australia.

 

]]> Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 UT J.K. Rowling, Dostoyevsky and You http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=135 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=135 The days of rejection from big publishing houses are gone with the advent of Blurb—“a creative publishing service simple and smart enough to make anyone an author”. Just download the software, add images and text, and promote (or buy) your own book…

http://www.blurb.com

]]> Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 UT The Rock House in Jamaica http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=133 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=133 Perched on volcanic cliffs just down the road from Chris Blackwell’s gaff, jump off your balcony into the rock pools, and all for about the same price as the Hoxton Hotel. 

http://www.rockhousehotel.com

]]> Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 UT www.makeatape.com http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=134 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=134 Create your own unique mix tape, or just play and listen, every Friday from 4:00pm.

Now playing: CRUSH MIX
"Something for the mind and soul....a guaranteed hit for the whole family!"
]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 UT The Apprentice – it just gets better and better! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=132 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=132 Apprenticewatch this week included a three-hour debate about where to place an apostrophe (with calls made to the Telegraph editor and the British Library to try and resolve the issue), a commitment to give “150%” effort, and an idea for greetings cards based on green issues and environmentalism…. Duh!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/newsarticle/cid/138.html ]]> Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Mark Hix’s new restaurant http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=130 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=130 Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Ewoks http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=131 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=131 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdd0edT-BeE
Spot Lando.
]]> Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 UT Make a Tape weekly mix http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=129 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=129
Make your own unique tape, or just play and listen. Every Friday from 4:00pm.
Now playing! "Nick's Friday Flutter Cut's"
Warning: Fast galloping tracks but no horses
And coming up next week....Haran presents "Black Bogies"
]]> Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Smirnoff Electric Cabaret at ABC Glasgow (17 April) http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=128 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=128 Another epic performance for Smirnoff Original Nights, this time up in Glasgow with Electric Cabaret hosting a fantastic line-up: kick-off from the loveable Pete & the Pirates; then a great set from Mystery Jets, a show-stopping performance from New Young Pony Club and finally a DJ set from Maximo Park (with initial collaboration with legendary DJ, Linus Loves).

Also entertaining the Glasgow Massive were a range of weird and wonderful original Cabaret, with plenty of spontaneous fun as always from dressing-up boxes, tattoo and make-up stands and innovative Smirnoff drinking experiences around the venue. A really successful event with Glasgow's finest rocking the rafters.

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?mkt=en-gb&vid=b887d517-2e7e-4e8e-af4a-a02cca442e21

]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Living in a Disco http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=127 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=127 LIVING IN A DISCO has been invited by the lovely people behind Mulletover to host one of the first Saturdays at their new venue in Bethnal Green.

As well as hosting legendary raves with the likes of Ewan Pearson, Ivan Smagghe and M.A.N.D.Y, Mulletover have thrown beach parties, forest parties and boat parties for 4 years so we're chuffed they want L.I.A.D at the helm for the launch of their new home.

As if all that's not sounding exciting enough, we're well smug that our special guest will be Freeform Five. Turning in mixes for everyone from Justin Timberlake and Brian Wilson to Alter Ego and Switch, Freeform Five - aka Anu Pillai - also showed everyone 'pop' needn't necessarily mean 2-bit talent-contest-runner-up with his band's album 'Strangest Things' in 2004.

His DJ sets span proper funk through to deutchenbleepen and he's taken time out from playing the world's top discos to come spin some records at LIAD.

LIAD residents Mr Lip and Dr Astroturf will also be throwing down the usual mix of astro-electroid bangers, wonky disco and pop de bastarde.

See you at the bar.

LIADx

LIVING IN A DISCO
STAR OF BETHNAL GREEN
359 BETHNAL GREEN ROAD
LONDON
E2 6LG

SATURDAY 26TH APRIL
8PM-2AM
FREE BEFORE 10, £5 AFTER

DJs
FREEFORM FIVE
MR LIP
DR ASTROTURF

www.myspace.com/livinginadisco

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT The Sunset Marquis Hotel in Los Angeles http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=126 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=126 The last word in understated cool – the bar is impossible to get into unless you’re a guest or a megastar and it’s so dark anyone and everyone could be in there and you wouldn’t know. You’re pretty much guaranteed though to meet Billy Bob Thornton who has lived there for the last 5 years...

www.sunsetmarquishotel.com

]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Mini DJs http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=125 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=125 http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2josUqMTUmE&feature=related ]]> Sun, 20 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Mix tapes http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=124 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=124 Splendid launches weekly mix tape sessions.....

Make your own unique mix tape, or play and listen, every Friday from 4:00pm

Now playing: Splendid Director Alec Samways presents mix tape 1: "The Sound of '68"


www.makeatape.com

]]> Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Tas Firin http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=122 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=122 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Jumble Sales http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=121 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=121 http://www.93feeteast.co.uk/diary/index.cfm?View=Day&EventDate=2008-01-20

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT O'Sullivan losing it http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=123 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=123 This is brilliant –  O’Sullivan losing it at a press conference…watch the youtube vid…

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/sport/insport/march08/lewdronnieosullivaninvestigated.htm ]]> Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT A bargain http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=120 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=120 http://www.lastminute.com/site/entertainment/restaurants/london-restaurant-week ]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT East End Film Festival http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=119 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=119 Starts this Thursday

http://www.eastendfilmfestival.com/index.php?/aboutus/C4/ ]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Celebrity Come Dine with Me… tonight! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=117 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=117 http://www.radiotimes.com/ListingsServlet?event=10&channelId=132&programmeId=76468204&jspLocation=/jsp/prog_details.jsp ]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT The UK’s first mobile chocolate bar http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=116 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=116 by Petra Barran– a van travelling the entire length of the UK to bring you chocolate in whatever form (molten, baked, frozen, melted...) you desire. She even makes Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes (and check out the blog of her travels online)

chocstar.co.uk

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Inflatable Pubs http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=113 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=113 http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflatable-pub ]]> Wed, 09 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Viktor and Rolfs Upside Down Store! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=112 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=112 http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/inspiration/look-viktor-rolf-store-014510   ]]> Sun, 06 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Red Bull Flugtag http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=111 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=111 The first Australia Red Bull flugtag this weekend in Sydney…

http://www.redbullflugtag.com.au/

]]> Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Green House http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=114 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=114 These guys host parties at their houses, film it and broadcast it on the internet. They've had people like Giles Smith and King Roc play but their intention is not only to share the music, but to spread a bit of environmental awareness. The party's carbon neutral as they only book djs who are in London anyway, they recycle everything and they make sure all the drinks are organic and locally sourced etc.

Great website and a wicked underground idea....they are mates of mates and looking for sponsorship to the tune of a few hundred quid - so let me me know if this strikes a chord with anyone.

http://www.kitchenparty.tv

]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT You Dig The Tunnell, I’ll Hide The Soil, 4 April – 10 May http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=115 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=115 Latest exhibition at White Cube (Hoxton) celebrates the life and work of Edgar Allen Poe.

This exhibition brings together a broad range of these responses, from 34 artists, ranging from painting and sculpture to installation, digital media and performance, as well as existing works such as Douglas Gordon’s Sleeper (Portrait to Edgar Allan Poe) and Mike Nelson’s installation Melnais Kakis (The Black Cat)

And don’t forget to see the second half of the expedition, in the gloomy dark recesses of the Poe-esque basement of Shoreditch Town Hall

http://www.whitecube.com/exhibitions/poe/  

 

]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 UT Emerging Trends http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=110 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=110 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=088AWsTtTFU&eurl=http://emergetrends.com/ ]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT The Rat Race http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=109 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=109 www.ratbook.co.uk ]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Fanzone http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=108 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=108 You've just got to love the composure and the self-restraint that these guys show - it's what we all love about sport isn't it - pure unadulterated childlike behaviour.  Fair play to Sky for capturing the moment.
Is this really the day that Arsenal kissed goodbye to any chance of the Premiership crown?  We don't know, but this clip alone certainly made for far better viewing than a dreary night in Paris..
http://www.bebo.com/FlashBox.jsp?FlashBoxId=6163701962
]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT And you thought the tube was bad... http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=107 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=107 http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5127313249780524359

]]> Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Turn over the Page – this Sunday, March 30th http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=104 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=104 A Shoreditch festival with a difference - a series of book-themed walks with loads of foodie stuff at the almost completely secret Rochelle cookery School; interviews with cab drivers and readings by Michael Palin and Dan Cruickshank; tea dances and baked bean baltis….. There are even books hidden around the sites – almost like a late easter egg hunt….but with books instead of eggs…..

http://turnoverthepages.wordpress.com/ 

]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Soul Control http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=106 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=106 A youth-led multi-media project in which a group of London teenagers have created a mighty cool computer game highlighting the dangers of knife crime and gang culture. The game will be released as a free download on Thursday 3rd April. In the mean time check out the ‘Making Of Soul Control’ documentary at www.youtube.com/soulcontrolthegame 

Save the kids!

]]> Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Daft’s Punk http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=105 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=105 8pm - 2am / £3

DJ's
Boy 8 Bit (Mad Decent)
Leo Greenslade (YoYo)
Mr Lip (Living in a Disco)
DJ Teargas (Daft’sPunk)

Mr Lip and DJ Teargas are joined by Mad Decent’s ‘boy’ of the moment Boy 8 Bit and YoYo resident Leo Greenslade repping the West! Expect a heady mix of future house party classics and proven belters. Think funked-up electro, bumped-out breaks and bastardised booty pop. Intoxicating. ]]> Sun, 23 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Surf's Up! http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=103 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=103 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdbxLk8_C8c&eurl=http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=118037&in_page_id=34 ]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Estelle http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=102 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=102  Estelle’s new choon – time to get ready for the summer!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=EY0sIovSwuU

]]> Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Games for grown-ups http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=101 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=101 Interesting games with unexpected outcomes....Full festival in June down on the South Bank with "games, wild experiences, new technologies, and at least one party"

http://hideandseekfest.co.uk/

Or if you can’t wait that long get involved in the Sandpit week at Shunt

http://sandpit.hideandseekfest.co.uk/events/

]]> Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Masque of the Red Death at BAC http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=100 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=100 Smirnoff team outing last night for a very original night out – totally amazing production!

http://www.punchdrunk.org.uk/future.htm

]]> Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Remix http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=99 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=99
These four pioneers have helped shape dance culture into what we know and love today and to have all four playing under one roof is a complete one off that cant be missed especially for the ridiculous entry price of £9.50!!!! – let the games begin. ]]> Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Into the Hoods http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=98 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=98 First seen at the Edinburgh Festival last year, this urban fairytale has to be seen to be believed - outstanding.

http://www.intothehoods.com/

]]> Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT The Age of Innocent http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=96 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=96 We’re big fans of innocent, the drinks company. From Fruitstock to its daily blog, the company knows how to nourish its audiences with delicious content and delicious smoothies. Now, in the company’s true democratic spirit, they’re staging a sort of town hall with the innocent AGM* 2008 (*a grown-up meeting), where they’ll share company info and take ideas from the public. If you fancy it, let them know...

www.innocentdrinks.co.uk/AGM/ ]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT More from the master of inconspicuous ubiquity http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=92 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=92 For someone who shuns the ‘greedy’ art world, Banksy certainly keeps popping up in galleries a lot. The latest is a show of works at the Andipa in Knightsbridge. But according to the man himself: “None of the print and painting exhibitions in proper art galleries are anything to do with me, it's all stuff they bought previously.” What of the recent Damien Hirst collaboration for Sotheby’s Red auction? Well, hey, it was for a good cause. No matter, we love the existencilicious man of mystery. And we much prefer seeing his work on the bare streets of London. 

www.banksy.co.uk  

 

]]> Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT And now for something completely different... http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=97 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=97 What does contemporary art say about us mere mortals? Inquiring Martians want to know. From now until May 18, the Martian Museum of Terrestrial Art at the Barbican Centre presents a “collection conceived by and designed for extraterrestrials”, featuring 175 works by more than 115 artists from Andy Warhol to emerging artists. We love this fresh (and fictitious) perspective on art as artifact.

http://barbican.org.uk/  

]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Ty http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=94 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=94 TY at Jazz Café - who I am going to see tomorrow night!

http://www.meanfiddler.com/displayPage.asp?ArticleID=3439&URLID=19

]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Draw http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=93 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=93
Artists whose works are in the show include: Moby, Barry McGee, HR Giger, Clive Barker, Gibby Haynes, Ron English, Kat Von D, Tim Biskup, Ben Cho, Mark Gonzales, Derek Hess, Rich Jacobs, KAWS, Neck Face, Rick Griffin, Hank Williams III, Kerry King, WK Interact, Aurel Schmidt, Louis Molloy and Phil Kyle of London Ink, Doze Green, Chris Johanson and Dalek. 25 artists from the UK are debuting works. Their pieces will continue as part of the Draw exhibit as it continues from London, on a six-country world tour that includes showings in Tokyo, Berlin, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

DRAW is the largest contemporary drawing exhibition to emerge out of New York City. The exhibit debuted in October of 2006 at Fuse Gallery to phenomenal response from audience and press alike. It had an equally impressive showing during the SXSW 2007 Music and Interactive-Film Festival in Austin,Texas.

DRAW is now making its much anticipated trip across the Atlantic. The 300 piece collection will open in London at StolenSpace gallery from 6th to 23rd March 2008.

DRAW is curated by Erik Foss and Curse Mackey with guest curators by Jamie O’Shea, Tim Barber, Jacaeber Kastor, Damian Weinkrantz,Les Barany, Brendan Fowler, Mike Aho, Sto, Victoria Perez and D* Face.
]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Fun http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=89 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=89 I had to try really hard to NOT send this earlier. 

http://www.tony-b.org/   ]]> Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT British Sports http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=95 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=95 The state of British sport this week.  With three of our football teams (at the time of writing) through to the last eight of the Champions League, the week belongs to the professor and his brilliant Arsenal tutees for a truly awe-inspiring performance in the San Siro? And let's also not forget Andy Murray's exploits out in Dubai, seeing off the seemingly invincible Roger Federer. What's not to love? ]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Shunt http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=88 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=88 Shunt Vaults underneath London Bridge tube station.  A genuine eye-opener and jaw-dropper for the most hardened of London cynics; get yourself down to London’s premier sub-level speakeasy before it disappears

http://www.shunt.co.uk/

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT For anyone who can't draw http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=85 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=85 I can’t draw. Never have been able to.  Which makes this especially impressive

http://344design.typepad.com/

]]> Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Girls rule, boys drool http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=86 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=86

Southwark Council kicks of a 10-day tribute to la femme with International Women’s Week. Highlights this year include a fasion show in aid of the Mayor's charity appeal, a Different Women, Different Places seminar at Tate Modern and Women in the creative industries at the Design Museum.”

http://tinyurl.com/3yv2x2

]]> Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:00:00 UT Home, sweet, London Lite http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=87 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=87

We love our daily free papers—but they do tend to pile up. Nine-and-half-tonnes worth a day in London, apparently. Sculptor and artist Sumer Erek is addressing the issue by building a house out of newspapers brought to him by the public.  The public art installation runs March 3-9 in Gillett Square, Dalston N16.

www.myspace.com/newspaperhouse

]]> Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT The Playground Weekender http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=83 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=83 Australia’s answer to the Big Chill, the Playground Weekender is set on the banks of the Hawkesbury River at Wiseman's ferry, an hour and a half drive from Sydney. Aside from a killer line-up (Crazy Penis, Tom Middleton, Kruder & Dorfmeister, Norman Jay, Steve Bug, Ben Lee, Ralph Lawson, Will Saul) the boutique camping festival also features an outdoor cinema, swimming pool, cabaret acts, a cocktail bar, a healing area, yoga, international food and market stalls, and fancy dress on Saturday. See you there...

http://www.playgroundweekender.com.au

]]> Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Prologue @ The Scala http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=82 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=82 Electrohousenrocknrollmashup! featuring live performances from Deadset, Black Mariah, Def By Disco, Metroline
plus Matt Tolfrey (Fabric Left Room) and Big Daddy G (Playtime)
Saturday 8th March
http://www.myspace.comclubprolouge/
www.scala-london.co.uk/scala/
]]> Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Cookthink http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=84 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=84 craving + ingredients + mood = recipe

What a GENIUS idea.  Dammit!

 http://www.cookthink.com/   ]]> Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Eco-slogan tee's http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=81 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=81 New eco-slogan t-shirts at Topshop.  £12 Fairtrade cotton t-shirts with great illustrations to promote a greener world

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=59923&parent_category_rn=42317&productId=624603&langId=-1  ]]> Wed, 27 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT London Word Festival http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=78 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=78 Check out the London Word Festival as everyone from poets to troubadours and bloggers to comedians unite for a month-long lovefest to the written and spoken word.

www.londonwordfestival.com

]]> Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Mini-memoirs http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=80 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=80 SMITH magazine challenges you to sum up your life story in six little words.

We think, therefore, we are Splendid. ;-)
www.smithmag.net/sixwords/
]]> Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Duchamp, Man Ray, Picabia http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=79 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=79 When the common toilet met the art world. View the avant-garde works of Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray and Francis Picabia at the Tate Modern from now until May 26,2008.

http://tinyurl.com/3bqpvr

]]> Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Peter Doig at Tate Britain (til 27 April) http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=76 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=76 If you only see one exhibition this year make it this one!

Arguably Britain’s leading painter, no other contemporary artist matches his ability to evoke such a strong sense of atmosphere on canvas

'easily the most enthralling show in town' The Observer
'a latter-day Turner" *****' The Evening Standard
'a modern master of landscapes' The Economist
'I don't believe Doig is capable of making a boring painting' The Guardian

'bloody marvellous' Naomi


http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/peterdoig/ 

]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT FFFFound http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=77 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=77 http://ffffound.com/ ]]> Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Hype Machine http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=74 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=74 Hype Machine is an Mp3 blog aggregator.  Essentially Google for new music geeks, it allows you to use one site to sift through the thousands of music blog posts made every day, download the latest cutting edge tunes and create a radio stream personalised to your tastes.

www.hypem.com ]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Huxington Tea House in Shanghai’s Old Town http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=73 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=73 We English thought we had ‘Tea time’ nailed.  A brief wander around the Old Town in Shanghai soon showed us differently.  Pointing 3 different tipples from of a menu of Philip Pullman proportions set the tone for the experience.  The teas each came in their own glass pot to allow you to watch your tea flower before your eyes (AS good as drinking it) and came served with soy-pickled quail eggs and tofu-meets-pitta-bread nibbles.

http://www.geocities.com/penjing2000/shanghai_old_town.htm

]]> Fri, 15 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Transient http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=75 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=75

Valentines weekend...and if music be the food of love, play on! This weekend…join us at what is perhaps the perfect example of a modern day love story as some of the hottest DJs around will be winning the hearts of a fervent crowd of high-spirited party revelers in what's fast becoming one of the most talked about parties in the East End.  On Saturday February 16th Transient will be back to get that floor shaking as The Electric Press's Tom Taylor joins our residents Ad Jones & Dan Kinasz in getting us all hot under the collar…

The Horse & Groom, 26 Curtain Road, Shoreditch EC2A 3NZ, 8pm-2am£5, Tom Taylor, Dan Kinasz & Ad Jones

www.myspace.com/transientrecordsuk

]]> Wed, 13 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT The Diving Bell and the Butterfly http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=70 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=70 Julian Schnabel’s beautiful and haunting adaptation of Elle France editor Jean-Dominique Bauby book. At 43, Bauby had a stroke that left him totally paralyzed--except his left eye. Using his eye to blink out his entire memoir, he describes his ‘locked-in’ world and the memories of his life. The film is a work of art. 

http://www.thedivingbellandthebutterfly-themovie.com  

]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Eddie Izzard http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=69 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=69 Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Batbox http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=66 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=66 Miss Kittin’s new album ‘batbox’ – the latest chick on the techno, electro-pop scene

http://www.myspace.com/kittinmusic    

]]> Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Darren Almond at White Cube (Hoxton) http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=64 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=64 A chance encounter led the artist to start practicing night photography – using moonlight and an extremely long exposure. The result is a series of landscape photographs that are bathed in an eerie brightness, seemingly transforming night into day, an effect on critic describes as “a kind of fog of knowing and unknowing, revealing and concealing.”

Waterfalls and gushing lakes become pools of static steam and a pounding sea is calmed to a thick, solid fog. Always unpopulated, his landscapes suggest the possibility of another existence, a dead-of-night world without the seething masses of humanity.

http://www.whitecube.com/exhibitions/da_wc_hs/

Til 23 February 2008 

]]> Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Footy fun http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=65 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=65 http://youtube.com/watch?v=EvWenPV7yDw ]]> Wed, 06 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT The Mind Chair http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=67 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=67 The Mind Chair is the creation of London designers Peter Marigold and Beta Tank and is an amazing chair that utilizes sensory substitution technology developed in the 1960s to send and display high-definition moving imagery into the mind of the person seated in it. The design uses a standard plastic chair with a special electronic device attached to the back of it.

This devise makes use of science attributed to Dr Paul Bach-y-Rita and looks like something you would find on the back of your TV or DVD player, but it is this device that transmits via the seated persons skin, the high definition video imagery. In reality the seated person will mentally ‘see’ the transmission sent by the Mind Chair in all its Technicolor glory. The Mind Reading Chair cannot be far off…

The simplistic design masks the thought-provoking abilities of the Mind Chair and for a closer look at the chair it will be exhibited at the forthcoming Design and the Elastic Mind exhibition at MoMA in New York. What can or will the Mind Chair be used for? 

http://www.beta-tank.com/#mindchair ]]> Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 UT Taxidermy http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=72 http://www.splendidcomms.com/view_blog_post?id=72 London Ta