Monthly Archives: November 2024

NEWS, SPORT

Football Arsenal crushes West Ham to claim second place

On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal delivered a stunning performance, defeating West Ham 5-2 in the 13th round of the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s men, in excellent form, have climbed to second place in the standings, showcasing their intent to challenge for the top spots.

Photos : Arsenal/West Ham United/DR

Speed start

Riding high on recent victories against Nottingham Forest (3-0) and Sporting CP (5-1), Arsenal wasted no time asserting their dominance. Gabriel Magalhães, who scored in the Champions League, opened the scoring in the 10th minute. Leandro Trossard doubled the lead in the 27th minute, followed by Martin Ødegaard converting a penalty in the 34th minute. Just two minutes later, Kai Havertz added a fourth goal, making it 4-0 within 36 minutes.

West Ham’s brief response

Despite the early setback, West Ham managed to pull two goals back through Aaron Wan-Bissaka, assisted by Carlos Soler, and Emerson. These quick goals briefly reignited the contest. However, just before halftime, Bukayo Saka converted another penalty, extending Arsenal’s lead to 5-2.

Photos : Arsenal/West Ham United/DR

Controlled second half

In the second half, Arsenal expertly managed their lead, preventing West Ham from mounting any significant comeback. The Gunners maintained control and saw out the match comfortably.

Impact on the standings

This emphatic victory propels Arsenal to second place in the Premier League standings, pending the results of Manchester City and Chelsea. Meanwhile, West Ham’s struggles continue as they remain in the lower half of the table, reflecting a challenging start to their season. Arsenal’s dominant display sends a clear message to their competitors.

Photos : Arsenal/West Ham United/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

London’s New Tram-Style buses “zero-emission”

Last Wednesday, London saw the launch of new “zero-emission” electric buses on Route 358, marking a significant milestone for Transport for London (TfL). These vehicles, which resemble trams but operate on roads, are powered by innovative pantograph technology, enabling quick and efficient recharging.

Innovative charging technology

The new buses use an arm-like structure attached to the roof, allowing them to recharge at each end of the 24 km route between Crystal Palace and Orpington in just six minutes. This innovation means the buses no longer need to return to garages for recharging, optimizing their service time and reducing operational costs.

Financial and safety benefits

Photos : London/TfL/DR

TfL highlighted that this new technology would reduce the number of buses needed on the route, allowing savings to be reinvested in other parts of the network. The new buses are also equipped with advanced safety features, such as speed limiting technology, audible warnings for pedestrians, and improved driver visibility through cameras replacing traditional mirrors.

Design focused on safety and comfort

Designed with a safer front end, these buses align with the Mayor of London’s “Vision Zero” goal to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on the city’s roads. The bus interiors are designed to reduce injury risks, featuring improved seating, non-slip flooring, USB charging ports, and palm-operated assistance buttons.

Photos : London/TfL/DR

Collaboration and infrastructure

This project is the result of a collaboration between Go-Ahead London, TfL, and the Spanish supplier Irizar. Modifications have been made to Orpington bus station to accommodate the new charging infrastructure. For example, Stop F is now dedicated to Route 51, while Stop E continues to serve seven routes, including the 358.

Advancing towards greener transport

Lorna Murphy, TfL’s Director of Buses, stated: “The installation of new rapid pantograph charging infrastructure on one of London’s longest bus routes is an innovative step forward, helping us deliver cleaner, greener services that get Londoners where they need to be.”

A Green Revolution on Route 358

This project represents a significant step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly public transport, while also improving service quality for London commuters.

Photos : London/TfL/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Christmas lights illuminate Elephant and Castle

On Friday, November 29th, Elephant and Castle will transform into a true winter wonderland. Starting at 3:30 PM, Castle Square will host an enchanting afternoon filled with live music, Christmas carols, delicious food, and special guests. The highlight of the day will be the lighting of the giant Christmas tree and the Castle Square lights at precisely 5 PM.

Afternoon of festivities

The celebrations will kick off with live musical performances and Christmas carols that will warm the hearts of visitors. Santa’s Grotto will also make a grand return, offering children the chance to send their wish lists directly to the North Pole or chat with Santa Claus himself before the big day.

Photos : London/PR/CastleSquareLondon/DR

Special guest : Professor Green

This year, the event will be even more special with the presence of British rapper Professor Green, who will have the honor of lighting the Christmas lights. Don’t miss this magical moment at 5 PM, when the giant Christmas tree will shine brightly, marking the official start of the holiday season at Elephant and Castle.

Entertainment for all

Throughout the evening, Castle Square will resonate with the sounds of Christmas carols and performances by the Southwark Brass Band. Visitors can enjoy free entertainment and immerse themselves in the festive spirit alongside the local community.

In brief

Lights and Christmas magic at Castle Square

Friday, November 29th

3:30 PM – 7:30 PM

 Castle Square, 40 Elephant Road, SE17 1EU

Photos : London/PR/CastleSquareLondon/DR

 

NEWS, SPORT

In a dominant display Arsenal dismantles Sporting in Lisbon, with the score 5-1

On Tuesday night,  The Gunners delivered a commanding performance, defeating Sporting CP 5-1 in the Champions League group stage. Mikel Arteta’s men bounced back from their previous defeat with a display of clinical finishing and solid defense.

Photos : Arsenal/Kbsp/UEFA/Sporting CP/DR

Perfect start

Arsenal couldn’t afford to drop more points after their loss to Inter Milan in the previous round. They started the match with intensity, and it paid off quickly. Gabriel Martinelli latched onto a low cross from Jurrien Timber to score the opening goal just seven minutes in.

First-half dominance

The Gunners maintained their momentum throughout the first half. Midway through the opening 45 minutes, Kai Havertz doubled the lead, finishing into an empty net after Bukayo Saka outpaced goalkeeper Franco Israel following a pass from Thomas Partey. Gabriel Magalhães added a third just before halftime, heading in from a corner.

Photos : Arsenal/Kbsp/UEFA/Sporting CP/DR

Sporting’s brief resurgence

Sporting CP showed signs of life early in the second half, with Gonçalo Inácio scoring from a corner just two minutes after the restart. However, their hopes of a comeback were short-lived. Just after the hour mark, Ousmane Diomande fouled Martin Ødegaard in the penalty area, and Bukayo Saka converted the resulting penalty to restore Arsenal’s three-goal cushion.

Sealing the victory

Leandro Trossard capped off the evening with a fifth goal for Arsenal, pouncing on a rebound from a Mikel Merino shot. This comprehensive victory not only secured three crucial points but also served as a warning to the rest of Europe about Arsenal’s capabilities this season. With this emphatic win, Arsenal has firmly reestablished themselves in the Champions League, showcasing their strength and depth. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances as the Gunners continue their quest for European glory.

Photos : Arsenal/Kbsp/UEFA/Sporting CP/DR

FASHION, NEWS, SPORT

Colosseum Tournament : The fusion of luxury and adrenaline at the London Hilton Hotel for a dream evening

The prestigious London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane is set to host an unforgettable evening where elegance meets the power of combat sports. The « Colosseum Tournament 45 », a black-tie event presented by The Pyramid of Gods.

Photos: colosseum Tournament/London/Hilton/Nina Naustdal/DR

The « Colosseum Tournament 45 » is not just a kickboxing tournament. It is a celebration where high-level sport merges with fashion and entertainment. Guests, including influential business leaders, celebrities, and VIPs, will have the opportunity to witness thrilling fights. World-renowned fighters such as Marat Grigorian, Mohammad Ghaedi, Yashua Sam, and Tarik Cherkaoui, cousin of the legend Badr Hari, will step into the ring to deliver an unforgettable show.

Photos: colosseum Tournament/London/Hilton/Nina Naustdal/DR

Glamour and parkle with Nina Naustdal’s fashion show

The evening will also feature an exclusive fashion show orchestrated by the famous designer Nina Naustdal. Her « Nina Couture » collection will add an extra touch of glamour, with models adorned with jewelry that captures the essence of elegance. Guests will also be able to admire a showcase of luxury watches presented by Helfer Watches and enjoy live musical performances, including from the artist Mist.

Prestigious guests

Among the special guests, legendary kickboxing champions Semmy Schilt and Michael Page will add even more prestige to the event. Schilt, a four-time K-1 World Grand Prix champion, and Page, known for his dynamic style and precision, will inspire the fighters and fans present.

Multisensory experience

The event promises a multisensory experience with the presence of high-profile personalities such as George Hithard, Ryad Aley, and British actor Tamer Hassan. This combination of sport, style, and entertainment will captivate the audience, both in person and via live broadcasts on multiple platforms.

Photos: colosseum Tournament/London/Hilton/Nina Naustdal/DR

Iconic event

Over the years, tournaments organized by The Pyramid of Gods and Colosseum have attracted massive attention, garnering millions of online views. With over 10 million views on social media and streaming platforms, Colosseum continues to redefine kickboxing by integrating top-tier lifestyle and luxury experiences.

Ideal setting

The London Hilton Hotel, with its magnificent ballroom and top-notch services, provides an ideal setting for this event. Guests can expect a high-end experience with exclusive access to pre- and post-fight events, private networking lounges, and a gourmet dinner prepared by world-class chefs. VIPs will also have the chance to engage directly with the fighters and celebrity guests, creating memorable interactions that only Colosseum can offer.

Photos: colosseum Tournament/London/Hilton/Nina Naustdal/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

Roxy Ball Room to Open in London in 2025

Roxy Leisure has announced the upcoming opening of its first Roxy Ball Room in London, scheduled for spring 2025. Located at St Mary Axe, right across from the iconic Gherkin, this new entertainment space will offer a variety of fun and competitive activities.

Photos : London/Roxy Ball Room/DR

Innovative Concept

The London Roxy Ball Room will feature a range of signature activities such as technical darts, basketball, beer pong, bowling, ping pong, shooting modules, pool, tech shuffle, karaoke, ice-free curling, and crazy pool. Joel Mitchell, Roxy Leisure’s marketing director, stated, “We are excited to bring our unique ‘ball games and alcohol’ concept to London after establishing our presence in the north of England.”

New identity

In August 2024, Roxy Leisure Holdings rebranded as « Professionals at Play », uniting the operations of Roxy Leisure and Pins Leisure under one banner. This change coincides with a management restructuring, with Colin Sadler appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer.

Photos : London/Roxy Ball Room/DR

Continuous expansion

Since opening its first venue in Leeds in 2013, Roxy Leisure has grown steadily, now boasting 11 Roxy Ball Rooms and 8 Roxy Lanes across the country. Founders Matt and Ben Jones continue to expand their vision of a competitive socializing space.

An adult playground

The new London Roxy Ball Room will be an adult playground, offering a variety of fun activities under one roof. Visitors can also enjoy a selection of cocktails, spirits, and beers, along with tasty dishes like pizzas, Bratwurst hot dogs, and chicken wings.

Complete experience

In addition to games and drinks, guests can relax to a soundtrack of indie and rock hits. The exact opening date has yet to be confirmed, but officials promise an unforgettable experience for all entertainment enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more information on the official opening and the activities offered by the London Roxy Ball Room.

Photos : London/Roxy Ball Room/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Football Arsenal dominates Nottingham Forest 3-0 and ignite their supporters

This Saturday afternoon, in Emirates Stadium, Arsenal delivered a masterful performance, defeating Nottingham Forest 3-0 in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta’s men dominated the match from start to finish, meeting the high expectations of their fans with flair.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Nottingham Forest/DR

A strategically rotated starting eleven

For this encounter, Mikel Arteta opted for a strategic rotation of his squad, leaving Declan Rice, Thomas Partey, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli on the bench. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, had to cope without Chris Wood, who was absent from the starting lineup.

A one-sided first half

From the kickoff, Arsenal set the pace. Although Nottingham Forest started the match level on points with the Gunners, the difference in quality quickly became apparent. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka were the main architects of this dominance. The duo combined brilliantly for the first time since the captain’s return from an ankle injury, allowing Saka to open the scoring with a powerful strike. Despite several opportunities, Arsenal couldn’t extend their lead before halftime, partly due to the decisive saves by Mats Sels in the Forest goal.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Nottingham Forest/DR

An unrelenting second half

After the break, the Gunners wasted no time in doubling their lead. Bukayo Saka, once again, provided a perfect assist for Thomas Partey, who scored with a superb strike from outside the box. This second goal effectively sealed the match, as Arsenal’s dominance was clear. Nottingham Forest tried to respond by bringing on their top scorer, Chris Wood, but to no avail. Arsenal, although slightly easing off after an intense first hour, managed their lead effectively.

Youth shines bright

To cap off a wonderful afternoon, young Ethan Nwaneri, just 17 years old, scored his first Premier League goal, sealing the Gunners’ victory. This third goal was the icing on the cake for Arteta’s men, who celebrated a well-deserved win with their supporters.

Photos : Arsenal/FC Nottingham Forest/DR

FASHION, NEWS

Fashion : How a simple sidewalk changed fashion forever

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A new exhibition in London, titled “Vogue: Inventing the Runway,” immerses visitors in the world of fashion shows. Although these spectacles typically last less than 15 minutes, they require months of preparation and significant resources. These ephemeral shows have the power to cement a designer’s legacy.

Photos : Lightroom London/Vogue/DR

Immersion into fashion history

Projected onto the 12-meter-high walls of the Lightroom, backstage and runway images transport spectators to the heart of fashion history. “It’s an opportunity to bring this experience to people,” said Chioma Nnadi, head of editorial content at British Vogue.

Unforgettable moments

Alexander McQueen’s Spring-Summer 1999 show, featuring robots spray-painting, made fashion history. In the age of social media, the importance of memorable runway moments has only grown. Today, designers must consider an audience far beyond those seated in the front row.

Cultural evolution

Fashion shows date back to the 19th century when couturiers like Charles Frederick Worth replaced mannequins with live models. This revolutionized the dissemination of fashion, allowing couturiers to become designers by imposing their creative vision.

Photos : Lightroom London/Vogue/DR

From intimate shows to big show

In the early 20th century, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel held intimate shows, observing the audience’s reactions in the reflection of her mirrored staircase. Cristóbal Balenciaga’s shows were equally exclusive, with journalists barred from attending in the 1950s.

New era of visibility

The exhibition uses backstage and runway images to immerse the audience. Today, even smaller brands must join the fashion show circus to be seen. “Inventing the Runway” recalls recent viral moments, such as the butterfly-filled terrariums at Undercover’s Paris show.
A unique perspective on the evolution of fashion shows, highlighting their cultural significance and their ability to captivate and move audiences.

In brief

Location : Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, Londres, N1C 4DY

Photos : Lightroom London/Vogue/DR

LIFESTYLE, NEWS

A new chapter for the London Overground : names and colors revealed

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Starting November 20, London Overground passengers will discover new line names and colors, making navigation easier across the capital. This ambitious project by Transport for London (TfL) aims to simplify travel and celebrate London’s rich cultural and historical diversity.

A gradual transformation

From November 20, the new line names and colors will be gradually unveiled in stations and on TfL’s information channels. This rollout, one of the largest ever undertaken by TfL, involves updating 6,000 directional signs, tube maps, digital screens, and audio-visual announcements in trains and stations.

Photos: London/TfL/DR

The new lines in detail

The London Overground lines will now be identified by distinct names and colors :

Lioness (Watford Junction to Euston) – Yellow

Mildmay (Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford) – Blue

Windrush (Highbury and Islington to New Cross, Clapham Junction, Crystal Palace, and West Croydon) – Red

Weaver (Liverpool Street to Enfield Town, Cheshunt, and Chingford) – Brown

Suffragette (Gospel Oak to Barking Riverside) – Green

Liberty (Romford to Upminster) – Grey

These names were chosen in collaboration with stakeholders, customers, staff, historians, and local communities, reflecting London’s history and culture.

Positive impact on passengers

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “Individual line colors and names have helped customers navigate the Tube for over a century, which is why we wanted to adopt a similar approach for the London Overground. These changes will help improve customer confidence when traveling and encourage more people to use our services.”

Enriched experience

To help users get accustomed to these changes, TfL has launched a podcast series called “Mind the Gap,” exploring the history behind each line name. Additionally, in partnership with the hiking app Go Jauntly, six self-guided walks have been created to uncover the stories behind each line name and visit points of interest. With these new names, TfL aims not only to make navigation easier for passengers but also to celebrate London’s diversity and history, making every journey a bit more special.

Photos: London/TfL/DR

NEWS, SPORT

Football England Triumphs in UEFA Nations League : A crucial victory against Greece

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England moves closer to the elite of the UEFA Nations League after a resounding victory against Greece in Athens. Lee Carsley’s team delivered a remarkable performance, marked by moments of brilliance and unwavering determination.

A well-deserved revenge

After a bitter defeat against Greece at Wembley in October, England spectacularly avenged themselves in Athens. Despite being decimated by withdrawals, Lee Carsley’s team showed impressive resilience. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the seventh minute, justifying his selection over captain Harry Kane. Noni Madueke’s perfect cross allowed Watkins to score, setting the tone for a memorable evening.

Photos : Team England/UEFA/DR

Pickford’s mastery and Bellingham’s fortunate goal

Jordan Pickford, the English goalkeeper, was exceptional, repelling the rare Greek attacks with brilliance. England’s second goal, scored by Jude Bellingham, had a touch of luck when his shot rebounded off the post before finding the net. This goal sealed the victory and dashed Greece’s hopes of a comeback.

Curtis Jones’ genius

The third goal, a masterpiece by Curtis Jones, was the highlight of the evening. On a cross from Morgan Gibbs-White, Jones scored with a deft finish, showcasing his talent and justifying his selection. This moment of individual brilliance capped off an already impressive performance by the English team.

A team on the rise

This victory allows England to control their destiny in the Nations League. Interim manager Lee Carsley made bold decisions, including benching Harry Kane, which paid off. The debuts of young talents like Lewis Hall and Morgan Rogers indicate a promising future for the Three Lions.

Photos : Team England/UEFA/DR

Bellingham’s return

Jude Bellingham, after a challenging period, reminded everyone why he is considered one of the best young talents in world football. His confidence and ability to trouble the Greek defense were crucial to England’s victory. Bellingham not only scored but was also a constant driving force in midfield.

Exceptional performance

England dominated the match, controlling the game and responding to the rare Greek threats with calm and efficiency. The team’s performance, embodied by the exceptional Jude Bellingham, was a demonstration of mastery and determination. With this victory, England prepares to face the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, hoping to return to the elite of the Nations League.

Photos : Team England/UEFA/DR