In a way, scoring a goal is a lot like sex. From the start of the game, to a goal, is similar, to that initial interaction to, well, ejaculation. Pardon my metaphor but don’t you agree? You go to a game, you sit down in your seat and wait for your team to score. You go to a club, sit down at the bar, and spend the rest of the night trying to score. Am I right or am I right?
On a a less erotic note, am I the only one who’s back into soccer since the World Cup finished? I forgot how fun it was to play. This goal’s special. On some And1 Soccer hype. Courtesy of the one and only Oscar Sanchez.
Earlier today Mario and I hit the Montalban for the Paraguay, Spain quarter finals match. Definitely one of the more exciting soccer matches I’ve witnessed. It’s crazy that these players have been training for years for these games. Putting on for their teams in a major way. For those interested in checking out the games in a festive environment, the rest of the World Cup will be shown in their entirety free of charge at the Nike Montalban theatre. Doors open 30 minutes before games start so be on time for the best seats.
One of the coolest things about a global tradition like the World Cup is that it brings out the most creative people from around the world, and gives them a reason to create. From K’Naan’s “Waving Flag” to Nike’s Heroes of Speed or Write the Future, we’ve already seen some incredible work from artists around the world, celebrating football’s most impressive spectacle. In light of that fact, it’s only right for Arkitip to come with their latest edition, dedicated to the World Cup. A collaborative effort with Chinatown Soccer Club and Adidas, the 55th edition, features an all-star cast of contributors, all under the direction of Justin Fines. Look below for some sample pages, or cop from Arkitip here.
Somehow Nike always manages to outdo themselves. At the end of the day I think it comes down to execution, but let’s save that for another conversation. Yesterday, we were invited to attend the opening weekend celebrations for the World Cup at the Nike Montalban Facility in Los Angeles. A unique venue, the Montalban has played host to a variety of lively events involving everyone from the likes of ?uestlove to Kobe Bryant. The day’s events related the excitement of World Cup soccer, and fans’ appreciation for a well played match. Projecting the U.S. vs. England game in the movie theater style auditorium of the facility, the venue provided a settled environment to watch the game, while the open bar ensured a festive atmosphere.
There’s such a build up to soccer. A sort of anticipation that comes with the rareness of a goal. But when it happens, it’s a momentous occasion. In many cases, the greater the goal, the grander the celebration. Which leads us to the goal above. Beauty in motion.
Gearing up for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, Nike brings us yet another incredible creative project. This time, Nike Stadiums teamed with Croatian visual artist Danijel Zezelj to bring to life some of football’s most exciting moments over the years. Heroes of Speed is a mixed media project, including videos animated by Zezelj celebrating some of the game’s most “mercurial” figures. Up first, fittingly enough is Ronaldo. Say what you want about Nike as a whole, but they set the bar high for creative marketing. Hit the link above to see what’s really good with Heroes of Speed.
Having your song become the official song of the World Cup is a great look. Maybe the best look possible for an artist, if we’re talking exposure. So who better to put together a global anthem than K’Naan, the Somalian-born MC who’s spent the second half of his life living in Toronto. The song doesn’t disappoint, and neither does Nabil, who put together the visuals for this one. Videos like this are the reason Nabil is one of the hottest directors in the game right now. I guess the Ye cosign doesn’t hurt either though. It all goes down June 11th in South Africa, but this is a nice introduction.
I know, I know. You’ve seen this, and you have too, but they haven’t, so just settle and wait for the next one. We’re having fun out here guys. Thanks as always for reading. Just trying to get us all on the same page here. You know how it goes. Featured above is a player widely considered to be one of, if not the greatest in the world. A simple clip of him doing what he does. Some say real, others say fake. Bowties. Believe it or not.
It’s been a minute since I’ve sat down to watch a full football game. Such a time commitment you know. Nonetheless, I’m bout to sit down, get on and peep this Vikings/Saints in a few hours. Mike told me if the Saints win the Superbowl Reggie Bush is gonna marry Kim Kardashian. Ahh fuck. Kim Kardashian just got mentioned on the bowties! I wanna delete but I won’t. At the same time, I wanna see Brette Favre pull an MJ and go out on top. Regardless, it should be a good game, with more highlights like this. Happy Sunday.
Steve Young putting on in ’88. Ridiculous because you think it’s a wrap like 5 times until he’s in the end zone. Football’s exciting because you never know what’s gonna pop off in the next second. I guess that’s why sports are so clean. The excitement of not knowing what’s coming next. We”re always on the verge of witnessing greatness. Alright, I’m doing a lot. Happy Thanksgiving.
Consider this. Every day we wake up and we have an infinite amount of choices we can make in regards to how to spend our day. What we wear, who we talk to, who we don’t talk to, where we go and where we don’t go? It goes on, and on, and on, and on. A lot of shit that happens in our days are outside of our control. Simply circumstance. However, one thing we do have control over is our happiness. Think of these jukes as a metaphor for sidestepping that negativity. Unfortunately it will always be present, but it’s up to you on how you wanna deal with it. Shoulder shake? Stutter step? Spin move? Shake the haters off and do you. The end zone awaits.
Ian laced us with a gem today. The most out of pocket shit I’ve seen in a while. In a soccer match between Brigham Young and the University of New Mexico last week, 20 year old UNM player Elizabeth Lambert went absolutely Lady Gaga on the other team. This is actually ridiculous. Just see for yourself.
Becoming an icon can’t be easy. Yet somehow individuals can rise to such a level. In my humble, to the world of art, Andy Warhol is an icon. Coining the phrase, “15 minutes of fame,” is a minuscule contribution in comparison to all that he’s done for art, society and popular culture. Presented here are a selection of Polaroid shots Warhol did for friend Richard Weisman. Commisioning Warhol for the set, Weisman selected a collection of athletes for him to capture. Featuring images of Wayne Gretzky, Muhammad Ali, and O.J. Simpson to name a few, the collection is a rare assortment of some of sports greatest stars. Currently being exhibited at the Danziger Projects Gallery in New York City, these images are Warhol at his best.
Unbeknownst to me, Adidas and Puma were in fact a single brand many moons ago. The two companies were formed in 1948 after Rudolf and Adolf Dassler fell out during World War II and split up their business — once a provider of shoes to legendary US sprinter Jesse Owens (AFP). The rivalry even divided the firm’s home town of Herzogenaurach, a small town of 23,000 people in southern Germany, where Adidas and Puma have rival factories on opposite sides of the river.
