Well after bumping into street style royalty Mark McNairy and chatting about collaborating on a footwear range, the two giants have come together to produce a whole new range entitled ‘Bee Line’. How much of this we will see here in the UK is unsure, but let’s hope we get some!

Source: GQ

Fast forward to 2012 and the show is still going strong, and we shall be on hand this weekend to take a look at all it’s goodness, and we shall also be there to help one hopeful on their way to becoming the next big team. Average Joes Blog shall be helping judge the Alfa Romeo Young Designer Award on behalf of the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show.

This year’s five finalists, Sean McGirr, Oliver Doherty, Emma Baldwin, Charlotte Stowe and Janine Clark, will battle it out to not only be crowned the 2012 Alfa Romeo Young Designer but £1,000 in prize money and funding to produce an item of clothing for chosen charity The Muir Maxwell Trust, which offers support to children with severe epilepsy.

The public will also play an important part in deciding who should win and can vote online at www.facebook.com/alfaromeouk and stand a chance at winning a weekend break for two. Check out the designs below and get over to Facebook to let us know what you think.

In the last couple of days, world leading sports brand Nike has been unveiling some of its latest technology, with the theme very much around lightweight and sustainable technology.

At the centre of this launch is the new Nike Flynit technology, using ‘yarn’ which covers the foot in variations of knit and strength to provide support where it is most needed. Creating a virtually seamless upper, minimising waste due to a lack of cutting and of course becoming lighter in weight.

For us, the possibilities here could be endless, yes primarily aimed as a sports / fitness shoe, but with so so many different options in colour, dye, coverage and everything else means this is sure to become a fashion feature of the future? Things have already started with the sub-brand ‘HTM’ which is the design child of Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield and Mark Parker. Watch the space!

In addition to the Nike Flynit, they also launched their improved recycled sportswear, Nike Hyper Elite basketball shorts are now made from 100 percent recycled polyester and the jerseys from approximately 96 percent. That means, some of your favourite superstars will now be running around in what equates to around 22 plastic bottles. Very cool stuff!

Check the pictures below and let us know what you think. We expect to start seeing them in shops around the time of the London 2012 Olympics.

Now, a quick little piece of history, well Bugatti history. This car is pretty much what you would end up with if the current Veyron Super Sport made sweet, car fuelled, somehow love to the Veyron Grand Sport, including the Super Sports beast of a 1183bhp engine. The Vitesse? Well knock out your GCSE French, as it means speed.

The Vitesse has the world beating Veyron 8.0-litre engine but with enlarged turbochargers and bigger intercoolers power is boosted from the pretty standard 987bhp, to the massive 1183bhp.

Want to get your hand ons one? Well be quick, there are only 30 Super Sports in the whole world and we would be surprised if there were more than 20 of these. Look out for the official launch at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

You should know us by now. Well kinda. We love anything a little cool, anything a little different, and anything quirky as! Well Donhou Bicycles are all of the above.

Lovingly hand crafted by Thomas Donhou in his small workshop in Norwich, UK, Donhou Bicycles has massed quite a following in the last 18 months since it’s inception. 30 year old Thomas is currently the only employee (and has no wish to change) and still produces on average 25 custom bikes per year. Each one hand built from scratch, picking, cutting and shaping the tubes right the way through to the final coat of paint. When it comes to components, you will have the final say, but Donhou will guide you through various options and systems using only the very best, and most beautiful parts available.

Whatever type of bike you are looking for, from the perfectly balanced road bike, the most beautiful fixed you have ever seen, or a quirky commuter, it’s all here.

For more information head over to the website at www.donhoubicycles.com.

After the success of Converse’s first foray into the ‘bag’ market the end of 2011, they have just released details of their new Spring / Summer 2012 Collection.

The new Converse Bag Collection goes big and bold with their prints and add to their renown Duffel Bags with the addition of standard backpacks. The collection includes:

• Converse ‘Graphic Barrel’ Bag
• Converse ‘Canyon Duffel’ Bag
• Converse ‘League Play Duffel’ Bag
• Converse ‘Stuff It’ Bag
• Converse ‘Playmaker Gym sack’ Bag

Prices range from £29.95 to £49.95 and are available at a range of retailers including Size?, Office, JD Sports. It’s all so worth noting some of these are exclusives, so for instance the messenger bag is only available at Schuh and the Navy Duffel only available at ASOS.

Take a look at the pictures below, and let us know what you think.

Uranium Ore – $39.95

“I purchased this product 4.47 Billion Years ago and when I opened it today, it was half empty.”

Link

The Mountain Three Wolf Moon Short Sleeve Tee – $11.95

“The effect that this t-shirt has on women is pretty impressive. Unfortunately its natural healing powers reversed my vasectomy and I impregnated nine women in two weeks before I realized. They all had twin boys. Now I have 18 sons and spend most of my money on child support and condoms.”

Link

Zubaz Pants – $34.95

“Stop! Hammer time”
AND
“THE ONLY PANTS I CAN WEAR WITH MY THREE WOLF MOON SHIRT – ALL OTHER PANTS CATCH FLAMES FROM TOO MANY LADIES RUBBING AGAINST.Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt, Available in Various Sizes”

Link

Wheelmate Laptop Steering Wheel Desk – $24.95

“You wouldn’t believe how much more interesting my commute is now that I have something to do other than just stare out the window! I’m using it right now to post this review and I never”
AND
“Believe it or not, I’m typing this review on my laptop steering wheel desk! As a school bus driver I was never be able to check my email and update facebook while at work. Now I am networking more than ever! I am recommending this product to the school board later this month.”

Link

3B Scientific W43014 Testicle Self Exam Form – $114

“Not only a wonderful teaching model, but while trying to find the tumors, I discovered, it acts as a makeshift stress ball! When I am in line at the grocery store I just whip out this handy little bugger and squeeze away….the line around me just dissapears…what an effective little doo dad!”

Link

Accoutrements Yodelling Pickle – $11.04

“After hearing the music of Nickelback and being highly disappointed, I began a quest to find something better. This item fits the bill perfectly. The yodeling pickle shows much more talent, creativity, and potential than Nichelback ever has, or will, show. SALUTE THE PICKLE!”

Link

A million random digits with 100,000 normal deviates

“Such a terrific reference work! But with so many terrific random digits, it’s a shame they didn’t sort them, to make it easier to find the one you’re looking for.”

Link

Fresh Whole Rabbit

“How many weekends have I spent, in the loincloth, knife clenched in my teeth, running through the fields trying to find a rabbit? (A bunch, trust me on this, a bunch.) All so I can have something to sacrifice on the altar once I get to the cave.

What a time saver.”

Link

Relaxman Relaxation Capsule

“One drawback, when it was delivered the capsule had no bolt on the outside. But I’m handy, so I installed one.

I have been locking the wife and kids into the chamber from 7pm to 7am every evening, and boy am I relaxed. This really works.”

Link

Wenger 16999 Giant Swiss Army Knife

Found this stuck into a stone while on vacation. I’m impressed with it, generally. Unfortunately, it turns out that removing it made me the new king of Switzerland, which is a lot of responsibility.

Link.

Have some more? let us know in the comments below or the usual channels on Twitter and Facebook.

Next week brings us the return of the BRIT Awards as the music awards show takes over London on Tuesday 21st February. After our good (and sometimes terrible) predictions for last weeks BAFTAs we thought we would try our hand at music instead to see if we fair any better.

Not only that, but fans are given the chance to perform with new kid on the block, and soon to be ‘pop royalty’ Jessie J. In an exclusive competition with MasterCard called Something For The Fans, you, yes you, are invited to submit your application in a chance to win. A select few will then be asked to submit their own video audition, before Ms J herself decides who will join her on stage. Previously recording stage shows with Emeli Sandé, JLS and Labrinth will be shown on the night in exclusive ads.

Anyway, back to it, with who we think will win at this years BRITs;

British Male Solo Artist

Ed Sheeran
James Blake
James Morrison
Noel Gallagher’
Professor Green

Who we want to win: Ed Sheeran. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this guy has balls of steel! Unless you have seen him live, some small ginger kid standing on stage in front of thousands doing what he does, then you might not appreciate it. For that alone, he is our winner.
Who will win: Ed Sheeran. Now although the BRITS won’t award it to him for balls of steal, they will for the brilliant debut album.
Winner: Ed Sheeran

British Female Solo Artist

Adele
Florence & the Machine
Jessie J
Kate Bush
Laura Marling

Who we want to win: Adele. Not the biggest fans, but the girl has made her mark around the world. If we were a female blog. She would be our ambassador I am sure. ‘You go girl’
Who will win: Adele. No contest really is there? Yes Jessie J could cause an upset as she is involved with the marketing and BRITS promo, but there is only one clear winner. Isn’t there…
Winner: Adele

British Breakthrough Act

Anna Calvi
Ed Sheeran
Emeli Sandé
Jessie J
The Vaccines

Who we want to win: Emeli Sandé. Becoming a huge huge fan of this huge voice. Such a talent and just love her on stage with Chase and Status! One to watch!
Who will win: Jessie J. It should go to Ed, but given Adele will win best female, BRITS will give Jessie J this to heal the pain…
Winner: Ed Sheeran

British Group

Arctic Monkeys
Chase & Status
Coldplay
Elbow
Kasabian

Who we want to win: Chase and Status. The non stop touring guys had a rip roaring album with ‘No more idols’ and that alone should be good enough. Not to mention the fact they are just your non-standard…!
Who will win: Coldplay. Not an easy call, it may go to the Monkeys, but those boring guys who are one of the most depressing bands on the planet will take this. Erm, well done Coldplay…
Winner: Coldplay

British Single

Adele – Someone Like You
Ed Sheeran – The A Team
Example – Changed The Way You Kissed Me
Jessie J ft Bob – Price Tag
JLS ft Dev – She Makes Me Wanna
Military Wives/Gareth Malone – Wherever You Are
Olly Murs ft Rizzle Kicks – Heart Skips A Beat
One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful
Pixie Lott – All About Tonight
The Wanted – Glad You Came

Who we want to win: Military Wives/Gareth Malone – Wherever You Are. Are we serious?! Yes we are, great idea, for charity, and of course raising awareness of our armed forces. We need not say any more.
Who will win: Jessie J ft Bob – Price Tag. Not easy again this one, Olly, Jessie or anyone else could win this, but Ms Price Tag will take it by a nose… We think.
Winner: One Direction

MasterCard British Album of the Year

Adele – 21
Coldplay – Mylo Xyloto
Ed Sheeran – +
Florence & The Machine – Ceremonials
PJ Harvey – Let England Shake

Who we want to win: Ed Sheeran – +. Big fan of the man, big fan of the album. He won’t get it, but he will come second. Maybe.
Who will win: Adele – 21. Another no contest for Adele, the fans love her, the PR companies love her. Easy win.
Winner: Adele – 21

International Male Solo Artist

Aloe Blacc
Bon Iver
Bruno Mars
David Guetta
Ryan Adams

Who we want to win: Bon Iver. All of these guys are in with a shout, but big movements in the last few months puts this guy ahead!
Who will win: Bon Iver. Argh, will he take it? We think just. Though Guetta may be a good outside bet….!
Winner: Bruno Mars

International Female Solo Artist

Beyoncé
Bjork
Feist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

Who we want to win: Rihanna. Erm, she can sing? What?!
Who will win: Rihanna. Could go to Gaga or Beyoncé, but Rihanna has done the more than most. Hit after Hit, week after week, hot after hotter.
Winner: Rihanna

International Group

Fleet Foxes
Foo Fighters
Jay Z/ Kanye West
Lady Antebellum
Maroon 5

Who we want to win: Jay Z / Kanye West. The album of last year without a doubt, not sure how two of the most successful solo artists and producers of all time count as a group, but hey. They are in to win it.
Who will win: Jay Z / Kanye West. So so good, the BRITS put them in for a reason and will want to look cool over the pond…!
Winner: Foo Fighters

So there we have it, our thoughts laid out bare! Agree? Oh and of course a huge shout to Blur, who will pick up Outstanding Contribution to Music award. Childhood heroes!

This is a Sponsored Post in conjunction with the BRIT Awards and MasterCard.

Valentines is out of the way, but guys, I am afraid the month of ‘love’ doesn’t end there. As I would hope you know, 2012 is a leap year and that brings in the age old tradition of the reverse proposal. What is this you ask? Well the tradition of a leap year, and ultimately the extra day, 29th February, is that the female species may pro-actively seek marriage (like they don’t already!!), but what we mean is, they are allowed to go against tradition and propose to the man!

So first things first, get your guard up and beware the 29th February!! But second level, we have some help for you. We have teamed up with our favourite gin in the land, Hendricks to introduce you to the School for Scoundrels. Having been held around the country throughout February, the final one of these schools will be on Monday 20th February at the Lonsdale in London. Cocktail in hand, you and your guest will be guided through an evening of intriguing encounters. And don’t worry, you won’t be in a room full of men who are equally scared of commitment, running back to back will be the Ladies School of Nuptial Conquest so who knows you may well find your perfect other. After successful nights in Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh the final instalment at the Lonsdale in London is sure to the biggest and best yet. So if you are around on Monday, make sure you book your place on the Hendrick's Gin website and head down.

Every now and then a product comes along that changes the industry in which it resides. Digital SLR cameras have seen a few of these products over that last decade or so. Canon gave us the original 5D, the first full frame camera in a non-pro body. Nikon gave us the D3, a camera which took images so clean at high ISOs that people started to wonder if they would have to buy another camera ever again.

Recently I believe we have seen another one of these game changers. The Nikon D800 is the successor to the long running but immensely popular D700. The D700 had the same 12 megapixel sensor found in the D3 but at half the price. No wonder they sold so well and used examples are rare and still worth over £1200. A tough act to follow?

We all knew the D800 was coming, rumours had been flying around for months and even images of the elusive camera had been leaked. The general assumption was that Nikon would take the 16 megapixel sensor from the recently launched D4 and follow their usual form of sharing components between bodies. They didn’t. Instead they launched a 36 megapixel monster. Three times the resolution of the D700.

Now let me get something straight, I didn’t like the whole more megapixels means better camera race that was happening a few years ago. Quality and resolution are two very separate things. Nikon proved that with the D3/D3s/D700. Other manufacturers were launching more cameras with silly figures for the amount of pixels crammed onto their sensors. Nikon’s Professional backbone was based around a megapixel count that had been the norm for six to seven years yet their cameras were loved by amateurs and professionals alike because of how the image looked.

On that basis then why am I welcoming a digital SLR with more pixels than any other that has come before it? Well it’s the way that Nikon have managed to take that resolution and make it work. Yes the D800 does not work as well in low light situations as it’s bigger brother, the D4 but its aimed at a different type of photographer. To demonstrate what I mean you need to see their sample images (see link below). The image of the library is wide and vast, it’s a big room but if you zoom in 100% you can almost read the text on the spines of the books. That is just incredible. Normally high resolution DSLRs have large pictures but the detail is poor.

Sample images from the Nikon D800. Or check our re-sized versions below.

Then there is the video. These types of camera have had HD video capability for a few years now and many have been very good, with Canon leading the way recently. The D800 is simply better, there is a short movie shot in Chicago using just this camera and Nikon lenses. If that scene had been shown in a cinema I would have been more than happy with the quality, it’s that good. Movie makers will have a great time using this camera, it has great features such as being able to transfer uncompressed HD footage to an external recorder via the built in HDMI socket.
So who is this camera for? Well it’s not for sports photographers, the huge file sizes mean the frame rate is only a maximum 4 per second but these types of shooters will be going for the D4 anyway. I expect this to be bought by and loved by Fashion, Wedding, Commercial and Editorial Photographers. The amazing quality, large file size and beautiful tones this camera can generate will be perfect for anyone aiming to use the camera for large prints, exhibitions, advertising etc. The same people who would have normally gone for something like the Nikon D3x which has 24 megapixels but this camera only costs around £2400 whereas the D3x costs in excess of £5000.

Is this a game changer? I certainly think so. Why not get me on twitter.