Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Phillips Idowu take on GB Basketball to kick off adidas London 2012 countdown

London, July 29th, 2011 – adidas brought together global music icons Snoop Dogg, Warren G and British Triple Jumper Phillips Idowu in a 3 on 3 basketball match against members of GB Basketball to celebrate one year to go until London 2012.

Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Phillips Idowu take on GB Basketball to kick off adidas London 2012 countdown

The 3 on 3 game saw Snoop’s team take the victory 20 points to 18 in a tightly contested match which can now be viewed on YouTube.

Hip Hop legend Snoop Dogg said: “I’ve been in the great city of London today playing basketball, 3 on 3, alongside Warren G and with my main man Phillips Idowu from the Triple Jump. We took on GB Basketball players in a game for adidas to help celebrate the one year to go to the London 2012 Olympics landmark. I’m really excited about the London 2012 Olympics – England is a beautiful country and I think it’ll be a great host.”

World Champion and Olympic silver medallist Phillips Idowu said: “I had an amazing but surreal day taking on GB Basketball players for the adidas “all in” campaign ahead of London 2012. My team consisted of the legendary Snoop Dogg and Warren G and I was definitely a little bit starstruck. adidas is one of the only brands who can bring superstars like that together with sport and create a unique event to help celebrate the one year to go landmark. It was a great day and I was delighted to be involved.”

Marketing Director for adidas UK, Nick Craggs commented: “To celebrate one year to go we wanted to give the consumers a glimpse of what to expect from adidas over the next 12 months and capture the imagination of those who are perhaps not yet engaged by the Olympics.”

View the video, photos and information on the event at the adidas facebook page here: www.facebook.com/adidas

The France midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in the FA Cup fifth round match against Huddersfield and has been on the sidelines for the last two weeks. He is the club’s top scorer in all competitions with 14 goals scored and would significantly raise their hopes of toppling the side Wenger rates as the best in the world.

Arsenal - Football - Soccer (Click to Enlarge)

“I would say he has a chance (of facing Barcelona),” said Wenger. “He has tests, one tomorrow (Monday) and one on Tuesday. I will not take a crazy gamble but physically he has worked very hard; physically he is ready. It is just if there is a risk of a setback or not.”

The Arsenal manager asked if the 23-year-old was eager to face the La Liga giants, Wenger added: “Who isn’t? But we have the Carling Cup final too that’s ahead of us, we have so many big games it is important not to be stupid as well.” Wenger chose to ease Robin van Persie back from his injury problems and has been rewarded in some style by the Holland striker. He has now scored 11 times since the turn of the year and Wenger believes his rich vein of form could be important to Arsenal in midweek. This is the main reason as to why the manager of Arsenal is very worried about the team’s greatest scorer. The manager then said that it took him some time to get back to good form. The team has used him well, not rushing him back. The Arsenal manager then said that he is getting back at his best and he will perform at his best during the games ahead of the Gunners.

Arsenal is going into the Barcelona game in better shape than last season and Robin is part of that. The Gunners had many uncertainties last year and now the team has more confidence. The team has matured better. Therefore they can compete better with them technically. Although the team has a big match ahead of them they have to train regularly and maintain a positive attitude. It is a great task going up against the La Liga giants, the team that ha the stars of soccer, Arsenal can do the best they can and not lose hope.

The Gunners manager Arsene Wenger would have been disappointed by the lack of chances created, although his United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson is unlikely to be praising about his side’s performance. From the very first whistle, both sides showed that there want to win the game, with tackles that were flying in from all angles.  It was rather surprising that referee Howard Webb did not making a booking until late in the first half given the number of mistimed challenges. The first yellow card was shown to Arsenal striker Chamakh for a foul on Nani. Frustration may have caused the Moroccan forward to chop down the United winger, having failed to click with his fellow attackers in the final third during most of the half. The United keeper was only tested once during the 45 minutes and that was a diving header by Edwin van der Sar.

Manchester United, the home side looked more threatening and had tested the Gunners’ third-choice keeper Szczesny a couple of times with long-range efforts from Rooney and Nani, which he comfortably held. With 0-0 looking the likely score line at the interval, up popped Park to ensure United went in on top.

The South Korean scored his fourth goal against Wenger’s side when he arched his neck to meet Nani’s deflected cross and beat Szczesny with a header. It was unlucky for the 20-year-old Pole, but he enhanced his reputation 10 minutes after the break by producing a superb block after Rooney had slipped in Anderson. Arsenal also wasted a good chance when Samir Nasri’s low angled shot was palmed away by Van der Sar only as far as Chamakh who should have made some space before shooting, but instead had his reflex-reaction shot blocked by Vidic.

The loss has resulted in changed accusations that Arsenal’s young team show naivety and inexperience when it matters most. Arsenal’s coach, Arsene Wenger is inflexible that Arsenal did not fail to deliver on the big occasion in the wake of his side’s Premier League defeat to Manchester United. Sir Alex says that the penalty taken by United’s Rooney is rather rare because Rooney normally keeps the down.

After losing against Chelsea, Wenger says that the Gunners should not be criticized but the rather the pitch of Old Trafford be.

Swim Wear Body Types

Today’s swimwear options make it much easier for all women to build confidence and look great on the beach, provided you follow a few steps and adhere to some points. Match these body types with some swimwear suggestions that will help you feel comfortable in a bathing suit that is “suited” for your shape.

If you have got a small bust, opting for two pieces is probably your best bet. Try a halter top that can give even a size a chest some cleavage. Make sure that the top fits correctly, and is not too loose as this is the number one way to make your chest look smaller. If possible, try getting different size top and bottoms to fit, like a “mix n match” style. Ruffles, extra fabric and adjustable straps are small chested women’s best friends! If you prefer a one piece swimsuit look, avoid strapless one piece swimsuits. Go for the thin, spaghetti straps as these will look cute on you!

You can actually lengthen the look of your legs by finding a swimsuit that is cut high on the legs. One piece swimsuits often have “high thigh” bikini cuts or a V Shaped plunging neckline is a great fit for your shape. Try a string bikini if you are set on a two piece bathing suit, which will lengthen your legs by revealing your hips. If possible, avoid boy shorts. Color wise, you can wear a solid colored bottom with a printed or vertically striped swimsuit top, which will draw the eyes toward your torso, giving it a longer look.

To avoid the “bean pole” look, go crazy with embellishments, horizontal stripes, super bright neon colors, and even hip belts that break up your tall, thin figure. If you are tall and feel like you have no curves, try a one piece swimsuit with an embellished waist, or extra fabric and ruffles swimsuit. Try to avoid solid colors without any print, detail, or embellishments.

If you want some cleavage, halter top bikinis offer support and cleavage, as well as the ability to adjust size with a tie neck option. Underwire, soft foam cups or built in bras are a must with any one or two piece swimwear option. If possible, order the top one size larger than the bottom. One piece swimsuit options can also include “tank” style suits with wide shoulder straps. Avoid anything that has minimal coverage, such as bandeau bikini tops.

He also said that he will be losing the teams  captain Bongani Khumalo (who is joining English Premiership outfit Tottenham Hotspur) the team also has Thabo September out with a long term knee injury. Gavin Hunt will, however, also need to look to his attack for strengthening. His two experienced strikers, Anthony Laffor and Lemessa Fikru, continue to fire blanks. This is not going to help the team in any way.  Key striker Glen Salmons has been out all season with a knee injury and is only expected to be fit in January.

Chiefs coach Vladimir Vermezovic, went home happy. He is now preparing for a crunch week ahead of Saturday´s Telkom Knockout quarterfinal clash against Free State Stars at the Rand Stadium (3pm).  The Serbian born coach said he was not getting carried away about Chiefs being the only side left with an unbeaten record in the Premiership. This will make any coach happy.

Chiefs are now second with 14 points, one ahead of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Vermezovic said he was preparing for his most crucial week having to play Stars in what he said would be a challenging cup-tie against a side he has a lot of respect for.

Chief’s coach also said he was pleased with the character shown by his side that had to play the final 36 minutes with 10 men after striker Kaizer Motaung junior was sent off for pushing United keeper Wayne Brown. This was not called for.

He does not anticipate taking any disciplinary action against Motaung junior. Nobody knows what the United keeper had said to the Chiefs play that made him react that way. It is a big win for the giants but there is a lot of room for improvement.

Supersport United coach Gavin Hunt will be hoping for better luck this Saturday night when United play  Orlando Pirates in their Knockout quarterfinal clash at Loftus (8.15pm).

That is another tough game for us. Pirates will be another big challenge.

Pirates, who won the MTN8 trophy last month, looked in devastating form when they destroyed Ajax Cape Town´s unbeaten league record with a 3-0 thumping at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday night to keep in touch with the league leaders.

Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol watched Sunday´s match and despite United losing, the former Dutch skipper will know United are no pushovers. This making the match a hard and strong one. This will therefore mean that the team needs to work hard. Pirates will not let United beat them because of the high rankings and United would not let Pirates beat them because one giant has already beaten them.

Author: Feroz Russool

A virus forced Drogba to miss the Blues’ goalless draw at Aston Villa last Saturday and the Champions League victory over Spartak Moscow in midweek, but the Ivory Coast star hopes to recover in time for Wolves’ visit to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Drogba’s return would be good news for Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti, who also has Salomon Kalou available again, after a series of injuries robbed the Italian of several key players. Without Drogba and Kalou – and midfielders Frank Lampard and Yossi Benayoun – Ancelotti has been relying more on his younger players. Patrick Van Aanholt, 20, Gael Kakuta, 19, and Josh McEachran, 17, came off the bench against Spartak and Kalou has tipped the young trio to make an impact this season.

“They have been training with us and they have a great attitude and if they are in the team it is because they deserve to be there,” Kalou added. “And when they have the opportunity they are going to really show what they can do. “It is a good squad. There is a combination between young players and old players and the old players try to give their experience to the young ones, and the manager knows how to bring the best out of the young kids.” Ancelotti has also spoken of a bright future for his young players but against Wolves he has all of his forwards available, with Florent Malouda’s six goals this season making him a regular in the team. Malouda has spoken about how he has been inspired by jeers from opposition supporters, especially against French team Marseille earlier in the season.

“It makes me smile,” said the France international. “The fans will be really happy if Nicolas Anelka or myself signed for their club, I am sure, and at the same time it is the game, they are trying to put pressure on you because in good condition you represent a danger for their team. “We accept it and are used to it. This is not a problem for us, it stimulates us. “With experience you use it as a motivation to prove they are wrong, but of course you never expect away fans to support you.” Chelsea scored six goals without reply in their matches against Wolves last season, yet striker Kevin Doyle believes getting a result at Stamford Bridge is possible.

“I look forward to these games because there is never any pressure on a team like us,” he said.

“Why can’t we go there and get something? No-one expects us to do anything but if we do it’s brilliant and a massive boost.

“We have seen teams already this year getting points off the big boys and we’ve seen it every season in the Premier League.” Doyle and Marcus Hahnemann earned a draw at Chelsea when they were at Reading in 2006. “I remember with Reading we drew at Chelsea and last year with Wolves we went and beat Tottenham away,” he said. “It’s not just decided that Chelsea will beat us and while we know we’ll need to play very well and have a bit of luck, surprise results can happen. “At some point we will get the run of the ball and a bit of good fortune and stranger things can happen

Pakistan’s former captain Younis Khan said on Thursday he wanted to move on from bitter troubles this year and rebuild his career, after winning back a place in the national team. The 32-year-old resolved a long-running battle with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday and was immediately picked to play for Pakistan’s limited over series against South Africa starting next week.

Author: Feroz Russool

“I am happy to be back and eager to play for my country,” Younis told reporters. “I am available to play in all three forms of the game and it’s up to the management to play me whenever they want.” Younis announced his retirement from Twenty20 cricket after leading Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in England last year and since then, his career has suffered badly. He was one of seven players banned or fined over disciplinary charges following the team’s disastrous tour of Australia, which ended in February.

Younis Khan (Click to Enlarge)

Except for Mohammad Yousuf, who retired in protest, they all appealed against the bans and fines. A one-man tribunal run by retired judge Irfan Qadir overturned the bans and halved the fines. Younis’s case remained unresolved, however, after the PCB wanted an undertaking from Younis not to repeat the offense in future. Younis and his lawyer, Ahmed Qayyum, initially refused to comply.

“There was some misunderstanding and I am happy that it is over now, which has helped me focus on my cricket,” said Younis.

“I have joined the training camp and am fit to play as soon as I am given the chance. I am eager to do my best for the team.”

Younis said he was not in the race for the captaincy any more.

“To play for my country is my only desire,” said Younis who stepped down as captain after developing differences with teammates in November. He pulled out of a tour of New Zealand in December and was not selected for Tests against Australia but returned for the five one-days Down Under.

He has not played international cricket since January, but hopes one good innings can put him back in the groove. “I have not played cricket for nine or 10 months, but it’s just a matter of one good innings and then. I will be back in the rhythm,” said Younis, who last played for Pakistan in a one-day at Perth in January. Younis has so far played 63 Tests, scoring 5 260 runs. He has also played 202 one-day and 22 Twenty20 internationals for Pakistan. Pakistan plays two Twenty20, five one-day and two Tests against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.

Coming up with something that is special for its pure originality and simplicity can be quite a challenging task. So to provide you with some helpful hints and ideas, here is a list of some great and unusual gift ideas and presents for boyfriends or hubbies:

• Boxing and Wrestling to embrace a primitive urge

Men will always be boys fond of violence, fights and guns. With civilized society, they have learned to suppress their more aggressive side, but that does not mean they cannot every once in a while let it loose. Take him to a boxing or wrestling match, and be prepared to witness a side full of elated cheering and ranting. Just remember that he is still the man you like, regardless of how much he may secretly love those gory action and thriller movies.

Christmas Gifts for Men

• Embrace His Passion For Speed and Fast Cars

You know the thing about men and their love for fast cars, right. Indulge the boyish tendencies of your man by gifting him an all expenses paid outing to the closest racing track, where he can get his hands on some of the first “women” he ever fell for. Of course, don’t even let him go unattended without a safety expert riding shotgun. Even a mere 30 minutes taking laps will put you down as the best thing to ever happen to him. Well second, since it was the cars in the first place that got him to realize it.

• Spoil him with a trip to the spa

Most of us believe that men do not respond too fondly to massages and spa treatments. However, the truth everybody likes a good soothing massage with some refreshing essential oils. Sign your boyfriend up to a weekend of health drinks, massages, steam rooms and a warm water jacuzzi. Expect him to thank you on the following weekend for a great week, while nudging you for a revisit.

Now that you have read about some truly unusual gift ideas and presents for boyfriends, it’s time for you to try them out, or even think up one of your own, and sit back to take in his reaction.

MAP: From the day I picked up a pencil, there was a certain kind of magic to the feel I experienced with the pencil being in my hand. I don’t like painting, nor pens or other mediums. I suppose being a person that has always been fascinated with people and how they work or think, the human form in itself is so complex. And there’s no better word than that to explain me or my creative process.

NiM: What advice would you give aspiring artists?

MAP: Feel it. Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s YOURS. Nobody can take it away or make you do it in a different way. There’s no right or wrong in art. Own yourself through your art.

NiM: What has been your most satisfying creation to date?

MAP: Ooh that is definitely a tough one… Every single piece of art has great sentimental and emotional connection to it. If I HAD to pick – the GB Screaming one I guess… Nooo…. Wait. Lelaans’ Birthday…. hmmm. It’s mean to make me pick LOL it’s like picking a favourite child for a mother LOL

Michelle Adelle Pienaar

NiM: What initiated your career in art?

MAP: The magic in emotion and paper put together…

NiM: Did you study art or is it an innate ability that you perused?

MAP: All self-taught. Suppose it’s like people that can write poetry, or novels… I draw as my form of language…? If that makes sense? Where some people drink to de-stress, or eat nice foodies, I choose to draw. I feel “worthy” doing it because nobody has the right to tell me I should be doing it different. It’s MY way, nobody else’s.

NiM: Your work has a very specific style; tell us more about it

It’s MY way, nobody else’s. I haven’t ever had anybody tell me how to do it. So if I can say it very truthfully it’s very untouched/naive by the “world way” of doing it. And thats how I like it. Uninfluenced. Either you like it, or you don’t like it at all. Your choice. I’m fine with either.

NiM: What is your favourite quote and why?

MAP: “every emotion is an expression of your beauty” don’t remember where i heard or read it…. was many moons ago – but it stuck. Flaw is perfection, and with every little emotion you experience in the course of your life, wether it be good or bad, it makes you YOU and that as a whole is beautiful.

NiM:Do you remember the first time you put pencil to paper? Tell us more about it

MAP: Besides from Biology illustrations of cells, leaves, organs etc in school, the first actual art i did by inspiration was a black horse on a lined piece of paper from a notepad i had for school. My step mother had hundreds of books on horses because she used to race, train and jump horses back in the United States where she’s from. Then I drew a boy i saw on a Mr Price ad if I remember correctly… I was 12 or 13…? Thus the fascination with the human form… I still have it today. I was soooo chuffed with myself LOL

NiM:Was there or is there; a specific person / role model that initially ignited your passion for art?

MAP: Oh yes! I get mocked till this day because of it, but even presently he is still the most inspiring figure EVER. Like red wine, he gets better with age. Mr Gary Barlow. I swear, I drew EVERY SINGLE picture I could lay my hands on of him. CD covers, centerfold photos, newspaper clippings. No matter how small they were, I would draw them bigger to fit on A4. Then with time i got A3 size books and that was just heaven! I am still yet to manifest my inspiration with Jake Gyllenhaal though…LOL.

NiM: Who is your favourite modern artist and why?

Michelle Adelle Pienaar

MAP: Call me crazy, but i don’t really have one. There’s sooo many artists that are BRILLIANT in what they do, and every single one of them are different. So it’s really tough to establish a final favorite … I will have to be biased then and go with my ex-boss Linda Smal who did all the Ina Paarman things, and the other one is Ingrid Lombard. She is gifted that lady!!!

NiM:Which from the following is your favourite and why? Portraits, wildlife; still life; buildings; nudes; landscapes etc.

MAP: Ooooh… It will have to be a toss-up between nudes and portraits….. Now being older, I would lean more towards nudes… The human figure is just beautiful. And unique every time.

NiM: How would you describe your client base?

MAP: LOL very different. I hate to use this word, but it does apply: Genre.

NiM: What is your opinion of the art industry in South Africa?

MAP: Very very talented indeed! Surely I’ll be shot for saying this, but usually the best talent are hidden away or not that well known, and I wish people would give them a chance to fully develop their potential. Nothing like home grown

NiM: Is art your full time occupation or do you supplement it with another?

I am a primary school tennis coach by day  ;-) LOVE working with kids, was always my dream, and I decided to ditch the stress of design studios and focus more on kids. Now I study Psychotherapy and Counselling ( Psychology) part time, and also do illustrations and design freelance. I am a very happy girl yes.

NiM: What started your career?

MAP: Personally my dislike of how mean people get when they are under stress… Art is supposed to be something special, but once money gets involved, it’s no longer a piece of art, it’s forced. So now I am able to keep it as art, and not “monied”

NiM: And finally; true to the core of Nearly Illicit Magazine and all that it stands for; our trademark question – What is the most “Nearly Illicit” thing that you have ever done? (Don’t worry your secret is safe with us!)

MAP: LOL oh well, I kissed a girl!

You can find Michelle’s work on our online store; Devilishly Saintful Fashion | Art Gallery

Find Inspirational Quotes and Words of Wisdom all on this Site. Nearly Illicit Magazine - Words of Wisdom

“The greatest mistake u can make in life is to continually be afraid u will make one” – Elbert Hubbard

“Everyone is a genius at least once a year; a real genius has his original ideas closer together.” – Georg Lichtenberg

“From success to failure is one step; from failure to success is a long road.” – Yiddish Proverb

“90% of friction in daily life is caused by the wrong tone of voice” – John C. Maxwell

“Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower; you’ve got to let it grow.” – J. Lennon

“A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.” – Hugh Downs

Jesus 1 Cor 13:7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail.

“The greater the difficulty, the more the glory in surmounting it” – Epicurus

“The best way to predict the future is to create it” – Peter F. Drucker

“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” – Thomas Jefferson

“There are some days when I think I’m going to die from an overdose of satisfaction.” – Salvador Dali

“Humility in the face of music is the key to making good music.”  - Flea

“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” – Andy Warhol

“Always look at what you have left. Never look at what you have lost.” – Robert Schuller

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” ~Mark Twain

“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

If you make a girl laugh, she likes you, but if you make her cry, she loves you~ Carl Evans ”

To understand is to decipher. To hear significance is to translate.” -George Steiner

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness. -Charles Sprugeon

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face – Unknown

Researched and complied by Zohar Kiaav via Twitter (#quote; #wisdom) and Wikipedia