Made you look! These 'hyper-realistic' paintings that look like photographs make the mind boggle

With their sharp lines, clear colours and distinct shapes, these images look like the work of a gifted photographer. But look closer - a lot closer - and you might do a double-take. Because these are actually oil paintings by Spanish fine artist Pedro Campos.

Long legs! The attention to detail on this painting - from the curve of the legs to the shadow on the wall, is breathtaking

Incredible: Everything from the reflection of the tin to the crumpled bag makes this picture worth studying in depth

Good enough to eat! The meticulous attention to detail makes this clear bag of fruit look like it's a photographic image

This sweetie jar is a treat for the eyes and looks so real it could be a treat for the tastebuds

Mr Campos makes his stunning 'hyperealistic' creations using just a canvas, oil paint and paint brushes. And the outstanding results has galleries and the public left reeling with astonishment.

Concentrating on every day subjects, the artist's bright pieces are striking, glossy and have a sharp attention to detail. Mr Campos' attention to the tiniest of details - from the curve of an ankle, to the shadow on a wall, to the shine of a plastic bag, gives his creations a truly magical, realistic effect.

Mind and eye-boggling: Mr Campos even manages to capture even the soft shine of the strawberries, right down to the soft folds of the plastic bag

The shading on all of the parts and the metallic finish of the chrome components are unbelievably good

How does he do it?! The Madrid-based artist used to decorate nightclubs

The artist chooses to focus on everyday subjects to make his pictures even more interesting

Mr Campos' artistic foundations began in nightclubs - he started decorating bars and restaurants when he was younger, and also worked for advertising  agencies as an illustrator. He studied art restoration in Madrid, working on furnishings, paintings and sculpture. But from 30 he finally began oil painting and developed a portfolio as a fine artist. The clarity of his work is in high demand.

He is represented by the Plus One Gallery in Pimlico, Central London.

Beep beep: Even the faint reflections of the books are painted in the glossy surface

This could be a photograph of the real thing as Mr Campos even includes the reflection of the window frames

Work of art: The artist honed his skills studying art restoration, and now can produce these works that mimic life beautifully

Caught on canvas: This luscious-looking bag of fruit brings the subject alive with the astonishing realistic look

Like looking into a mirror: The artist turns his talents to this mind-bending picture - it's enough to make you dizzy thinking about it

Story by Anna Edwards, Daily Mail

Africa Fashion Week London 2012 Comes Alive!

The Fashion Designers of Africa have done it again. They have have recently beegan to score high marks in a trade that used to be dorminated by their Europian and America counterparts, include other giant territories. It never used to be the case... But now the African's have become masters of the trade.

In today's fashion shows,  an incomplete mark is hung over the event, unless an Africa touch is felt. Even in the absence of African designers, there will definitely be an African print in some Top designers' collection.

All year, the opportunities to attend such high-class shows are gradually becoming easily accessible to Africa's fashion designers. This has been put in place to help the fashion industry in Africa and gives them a very rare access to a network of other Top designers in the business, not to mention the fame that they will receive globally.

The Africa Fashion Week is one of such shows and has brought together the spice of African fashion designers to London. Held this month, the Africa Fashion Week London 2012 brought together a crack core of who rules the fashion and design world in the continent and beyond. The venue, Spitalfields Market in Central London, has been the place to be so far this month. In their numbers, they came, saw and conquered a dream that just took off in August last year. The reviews have been great; and almost every designer, young and old who took part have had their fair share of fame and glory. With some 50 designers and some 100 models on show, the event lived up to its hype, delivering a class-act piece that has already set the tone for how next year’s event will look like.

During the two-day period, The Spitalfields saw the likes of 10,000 different people who came to witness a unique ambience for rich display of Fashion, Art, Music and Food. Designers Green Mamba, Uber Africa Collective, Kemunto Collection, Keto Couture, Afro Fanatic, Remi Lagos Collection, Rouch By Ronke, Adebayo Jones, Adaora’s Collections, Ella and Gabby among other big names proved their worth, and succeeded in getting almost everybody interested in what the ideals of the AFWL stand for, to come along pretty well.

“We are absolutely delighted to attract the support of such established names in the industry as well as emerging designers. Africa Fashion Week not only provides a platform form African and African-inspired designers but also one that brings together established and emerging talents,” 

  ~ Ronke Ademiluyi, founder and CEO of Africa Fashion Week London

The show was attended by thousands of fashion enthusiasts. This year, as part of growing the event, market stalls representing the various African cultures, were opened to the public, who had a jolly time scanning through some of the best details available for sale.

The Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) is a “collaborative fashion exhibition, highlighting the industry’s premier African prints and designers”. It aims to be the single, biggest African event in the UK, as well as the premier fashion week for African and black inspired fashion from all over the world.

The AFWL “is at the fore front of capturing the surge of the African inspired trends in the fashion industry,” and is “open to designers of all nationalities, who are inspired by Africa in their designs”.

“This fashion week is not just open to African designers but any designers that feel they have a twist of Africa in their designs or consider they have something to offer to Africa.” 

~ the Organizers, AFWL.

The organizers say the two day event “celebrates the work of African inspired designers in the United Kingdom, and also dedicates its efforts to promoting and supporting inspiring talents”.
It is touted to be the UK's biggest Fashion Week outside of the mainstream London Fashion Weeks.

It features Catwalk shows and an exhibition that is attended by designers, high street stores, buyers/stockist and press from all over the world. The AFWL is open to all members of the public. The maiden edition attracted some 4,700 visitors, and featured over 54 designers.

"This is a great opportunity for Africans!"

Courtesy:

Obed Boafo, MSN Africa

Quick Updates on Filing Past of the Body of the late President Atta Mills

quick updates:

12:20 From Cape Coast, 8 giant screens have been mounted and people are watching the filing procession. Richard Kojo Nyarko reports the entire capital is deserted. Vehicles have been parked and passengers who want to travel are stranded.

12:18 Mr and Mrs Rawlings filing past the body of Mills. Rawlings bows.

12:18 Alfred Woyome just file past the body.

12:14 There is tension as people are pushing to get their way into the Banquet Hall. They say they don’t understand why political party leaders who come after they have been there for hours are given the right to file past the body. Military officers have been called in to save the situation. 
Former President Jerry Rawlings’ convoy is still parked and waiting for clearance.


12:11 Kufuor files past the body. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kwadwo Mpiani, Osafo-Marfo and other former government officials also just file past the body. 

12:09 Mr Kufuor greets family of the late president, but he did not get the chance to greet former first lady Naadu Mills because she has left the place.

12:08 NPP party officials, led by chairman Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey are also entering the house

12:07 He just entered the house.

12:03 Former President JA Kufuor has just arrived at the State House. Mr Kufuor and his wife Mrs Theresa Kufuor has just arrived with his former vice Aliu Mahama.
Courtesy :myjoyonline.com

Filing Past the Body of the Late President Mills

                               

The Filing past of the body of the late President Mills begun a few hours ago with dignitaries taking turns to do so.Writings as a Ghanaian girl, it saddens my heart just to remember that such an honourable man has pasted on.
Here are the names of a few dignitaries that filed past the body of the late President as at 11:25 this morning.

 11:25 Attorney-General Benjamin Kunbuor and members of the clergy filing past the body.

11:22 Kofi Awoonor, Chairman of the Council of State just took his turn. Followed by Ato Ahwoi, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu, Arnold Quainoo.

11:21 Naadu Mills is sitting with the family and receiving greetings.

11:20 Mrs Mary-Grant, Chief Justice Wood, Sheikh IC Quaye have just filed past the body.

11:19 House Speaker Bamford-Addo and Deputy Speaker have just filed past the body.

11:17 President Mahama and his vice are leaving the grounds.

11:15 Vice President Amissah-arthur has just filed past the body. He is shaking hands with family members of the late president.

11:13 Naadu Mills is standing at the foot of the body of her late husband.

11:13 President Mahama has just finished filing past the body of his late boss. He is shaking hands with family members.

11:12 President filing past the body.

11:12 Former First Lady, Naadu Mills following the president.

11:11 President John Mahama preparing to start the filing past the body. He is making his way into the Banquet Hall.

Family relations have gone in to perform some rituals.

Rev. Fred Degbe: It really is a sad day. Condolences to all Ghanaians. When we look beyond politics, we see a man with great qualities. He left us unprepared. He didn't belong in politics but he showed us that we can be gentle even as politicians.

It has suddenly dawned on us that this is real. The man is gone. Ministers are crying; everybody is crying.

Rev Sam Korankye Ankrah: The clergy committed the body in the hands of God before the filing past.

9:52 Religious leaders praying with hands on the casket. Prayers over.
Security personnel placing the casket properly for filing past.

9:48 Sammy Darko reports there is weeping all over the State House. Ministers of state are shedding tears, to crown the sadness morning in the nation.

9:40 Door to Banquet Hall has been opened and the casket draped in a huge Ghana flag is being carried inside. Casket appears too heavy for military officers who struggled to carry it.

9:38 Casket has been removed from the hearse whilst traditional leaders perform rituals. Traditional leaders from his family leading the procession.

9:35 Hearse just arrived at the main door to the Banquet Hall at the State House. Security officers open door of the hearse to take out the body. Religious leaders ready to take possession of the body from security officers. Minister weeping as fontonfrom displays.

9:29 Communications Director at the Presidency, Koku Anyidoho, and other loyalists of the late president are walking by the hearse.

9:25 Cortege is moving slowly as crowd eagerly wait. Hearse pulling up in front of the State House.

9:24 Cortege has just arrived at the State House.

9:21 Police have stopped people from moving. A very old lady who fell to the ground in tears has been carried out of the venue.

9:19 Cortege arriving at the State House. Nobody will be allowed to touch the hearse as it arrives.

9:17 IGP just arrived as well as lots of other senior security chiefs.

Religious leaders will receive the cortege when it arrives at the State House. It will be sent to the main chamber for final traditional rites before it will be brought to the Banquet Hall for the dignitaries to file past it.

9:04 Hearse is leaving the Castle to the State House for the filing past to begin. Castle Security escort hearse to pay their last respects.

9:03 Son of president Mills just touched the casket, crying.

9:01 They are mounting the guard of honour.

9:00 They are singing a hymn (Till we meet again) amidst sobs.

8:59 Prayers over.

8:58 They recite the Lord's Prayer.

Courtesy: myjoyonline.com.

OUCH 2! Egyptian Weightlifter's turn as she is helped away in a wheelchair after 332lb bar pins her to the Ground

This is the moment Egypt's Khalil Mahmoud Abir Abdelrahman was pinned to the ground as she tried to lift a whopping 151kg. The diminutive 5ft 3in athlete was bidding to stay in touching distance of the leading pack in the 75-kilogram showdown when she buckled under the strain of the weight, equivalent of 332lbs. 


Her painful exit follows South Korean Olympic weightlifter Jaehyouk Sa, who was forced to abandon his competition on Wednesday after his elbow snapped back while he was attempting a 162kg lift.

Pinned: Egypt's Khalil Mahmoud Abir Abdelrahman is pinned to the ground by the 151kg weights after she fell during a lift in the 75 kilogram event.

Ouch: Khalil Mahmoud Abir Abdelrahman from Egypt falls with the weights across her launching her to the ground. She could be seen falling to the floor and screaming out in pain before officals rushed to his aid as he rolled around in agony. He reportedly suffered a dislocated elbow

Help: Abir Abdelrahman recieves treatment after officials rush to remove the bar, before she was helped out of the arena in a wheelchair

Having seemingly steadied herself for the lift, Abdelrahman fell backward from a squat position and the bar struck her chest forcing her to fall to the ground. Medical teams came to her aid and after some time she was helped off the platform at the London ExCeL centre in a wheelchair.

It was her final attempt at the lift as she tried to keep up with eventual winner Svetlana Podobedova of Kazakhstan, silver medalist  Natalya Zabolotnaya of Russia and Belarussian Iryna Kulesha in third. 

Earlier in the week there were similar weighlifting injury woes for the reigning champion in the men’s 77kg category Jaehyouk Sa.

Injured: Jaehyouk Sa of South Korea fails to lift the Weight in the men's 77kg event during the London 2012 Olympic Games Weightlifting Competition on 01 August, 2012

Harmed: South Korea's Jaehyouk Sa injures and was taken to hospital during his second attempt at the snatch ended in disaster.

The 27-year-old successfully lifted 158kg (348.33 lbs) but tried to push it up to 162kg (357.15 lbs) the second time round. But Sa encountered a problem halfway through the lift after he could not get out of the squatting position and his right arm buckled at the elbow.

After Sa pulled out of the competition, China’s Lu Xiaojun smashed two world records in the most emphatic victory yet in the weightlifting competition.

Story by David Baker, Daily Mail.

Ghana Records First Lose at the London Olympics

Ghana's Judoka, Emmanuel Nartey

Emmanuel Nartey, Ghana's Judo medal hopeful, lost out (3:0) to two-time World Championship silver medalist, Dex Elmont from the Netherlands on Monday at ExCel Arena.

Judoka, Nartey rescinded his decision Sunday night to go into the fight after an earlier threat of withdrawal from the competition as a result of unpaid camping allowances.

The experienced Dutch opponent was fouled on more than two occasions by his Ghanaian opponent.  

Dex Elmont's father, Ricardo is a former judoka himself, who represented Suriname at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, Canada. His older brother Guillaume is also competing on the highest level in judo.

Story by 

Tony Bebli, Joy Sports

Ghana Records First Win at the 2012 London Olympics

Duke Mich, Ghana's Fly Weight Boxer

20 year old Duke Micah is Ghana's Fly weight boxer Duke and has recorded his first win against his Mauritius opponent Jaso Lavigilnate by 18-14 on points at the ExCel Arena on Monday in the round of 32.

Micah became the first boxer to win his fight in the games after boxer Isaac Dogbe and Judoka Emmanuel Nartey all failed to progress in their various fights.

The Ghanaian amateur boxer dominated all three rounds with alacrity. The scores were (6-4)(7-6)(5-4)to progress to the next stage of the competition

He now faces Ireland's Michael Conlan on August 3, in the round of 16

Story by 

Tony Bebli, Joy Sports

MTN Ghana Giveaway!

MTN Ghana is giving away free MTN to MTN airtime to all of its 10.6 million customers for two minutes. This is said to begin from 5am to 12 midnight on Tuesday, 31st of July, 2012. It is MTN's little way of giving back to the public in memory of the late President John Evans Atta Mills whose week celebration is celebrated on the said Tuesday.

MTN Ghana is the market leades with at least 10.65 million customers as at the end of May 2012 and its on-net standard call rate is 9Gp per minute. In other wrods, if all its 10.65 million customers patronize this free two minute call-time, the company would be losing well over 21.3 million minutes of call and that is worth 1.92 million Ghana Cedis.

While MTN givesaway two minutes of airtime, the government of Ghana asks that there be a Nationwide one-minute silence at exactly 14.15 hours GMT on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012. This is to remember the death of the president on the Tuesday, 27th of July at 14.15 hours GMT.

"May his gentle soul continually rest in Peace." 

Story by 

Samuel Nii Darku, Adom News

Olympic Cauldron Extinguished so it can be Relocated

The flame's Cauldron, a symbol of the Olympic Movement, has been put out so it can be moved from the center of the stadium to a new position, still on the stadium. This happened last night, 29th July, 2012 at 9pm, and it is definitely not normal. The Olympic Cauldron is supposed to burn throughout the Gaming period.

The Olympic cauldron after the flame had been extinguished last night. It was put out about 9pm and re-lit in its new position at 7.50am this morning

The Organisers confirmed it was put out temporarily in order that the 28 feet high structure be moved to the edge of the stadium. LOCOG chairman Sebastian Coe also added that the Cauldron is not a tourist attraction and that is probably the reason for it being positioned in the Stadium.

Torchbearer Austin Playfoot, 82, who was also in the 1948 torch relay, re-lights the cauldron this morning after it was moved to the edge of the Olympic Stadium

The cauldron, designed by Thomas Heatherwick out of copper and silver, and it took seven young athletes to light it up at the opening ceremony on Friday. This was after a 70-day torch relay covering 8,000 miles and all corners of Britain.  It was however re-lit at 7.50am this morning although it kept burning in a miners' lamp overnight. 

The new position of the cauldron will make it easier for both track and field events to take place in the stadium

The Cauldron, made up of 204 steel pipes and individually designed copper petals with each country's name inscribed on them, now stands at the southern end of the stadium, ahead of the finish line for the 100m and in the same place where the giant bell marked the start of the Opening Ceremony. At the end of the Games, the cauldron is to be dismantled  each of the copper petals will be returned to the competing 204 National Olympic Committees to keep.


Courtesy:
Story by Louise Eccles and Adam Shergold, DailyMail

Newest Celebrity: Dancer who Captivated The World in the Olympics Opening Ceremony

Jasmine Breinburg

18-year old Brit School student, Jasmine Breinburg is the young dancer who dazzled the world while playing the leading lady at the 2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony.

In an effort to make their joys known, viewers of the show have turned to twitter to single out the dancer for her show-stopping performance. She ushered the show into the digital age and out of the industrialization segment.

As a tribute to the British scientist and inventer, Tim Berners-Lee, Jasmine played the part of a girl [called June] who had misplaced her phone during her late night outing. However, June was rescued by a young man [Frankie] who spotted her and picked up her lost mobile phone. He was determined to find her and return her phone, which he did. Their love triumphed and they crowned the act with a kiss. The music in the show was a clear walk throughout the last 40 years.

June and Frankie having a moment

Some of the tweets found include: 

The performance in the show was to represent the moves made in
technology during the past years - Digital Age

The scale of the show, watched by an estimated billion people worldwide, was clearly starting to hit home for Jasmine last night however. She said: 'It was amazing, that's an understatement, it was absolutely crazy.

Story by David Baker, Daily Mail