Are Black Women Finding it Difficult to Get a Good Date?

by Lola Adesioye, Huffington Post

Over the past few months, black women and their relationships - or should I say, lack thereof - have been getting a lot of attention. The Washington Posthas done a couple of features on it. Then ABC'sNightline did a show asking why there are so many single black women.

All of a sudden the mainstream media is taking a keen interest in our love lives. We are being told that there is a 'crisis' amongst black women, particularly educated professional women, who are apparently unable to find a 'decent' black man.

Last night, ABC continued once again, with the airing of "Why Can't a Successful Black Woman Find a Man?," a taped discussion featuring Hill Harper, Steve Harvey, The View's Sherri Shepherd and others.

There's no doubt that it's a topic that sparks heated debates and discussions amongst black women and men. It has for years. But is it really that bad? Or is the media - now that it has found a hot topic - exploiting this issue for all that it's worth? I'm an educated black woman and I personally have no problem with meeting eligible, educated, great black men. Whether or not I choose to date them is another thing, but they are out there.

I am somewhat perturbed by the slew of stories on this topic. They are negative, unhelpful and only serve to perpetuate negative ideas about black men and women which often become self-fullfiling. They basically say 'oh, poor black women. They try so hard yet can't find a decent man ... Boo hoo, black women are victims. Ooh, it's all the fault of those pathetic black men. You know, they have no education or are locked up in jail.' Sorry, but I do not subscribe to that view

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Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry break up

Halle Berry has broken up with hot Canadian model Gabriel Aubry

A source told radioonline.com
"Gabriel just felt it wasn't working anymore. When they were first together the 9-year age difference between them didn't phase him, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever dated and he was totally in love. But as time went on, he started feeling it more and more. Also, Gabriel started noticing other women, and being attracted to other [women], and he felt it just wasn't right to stay with Halle in those circumstances. Gabriel is a really nice, decent guy and he would never cheat on her, but I suspect that he had become attracted to someone and that he felt he needed to break it off with Halle before anything developed any further."

Glitz at The Future Awards 2010 as Warebi, M.I, Aniebo win

It was a brilliant night of glitz and inspiration as some of Nigeria ’s most prominent citizens gathered to celebrate youth who are making the nation proud in sections including science, technology, business, the
media and others at the 2010 edition of the nation’s premier youth event, The Future Awards.

The event held last Sunday evening, at the prestigious Shell Hall of the Muson Centre in Lagos .

With a rousing keynote address by Managing Director of the World Bank, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who called the event “grand”, the guests were asked to refocus their efforts on nation building with a strong eye on the youth of the country who, according to Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, “have, at the event, shown immense potential that gives me hope.”

Warebi

Guests at the event, held in partnership with HiTV and the Federal Ministry of Information, included a high profile delegation from Lagos State that had the First Lady, Abimbola Fashola; the Deputy Governor, Sarah Bisi Sosan the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth, Dr. Dolapo Badru, who represented the Governor.

The night was anchored by a high profile team of young people that included musician Naeto C and former MBGN Munachi Abi,  with surprise take over mid-event by Idols West Africa finalist Omawumi and Big Brother Africa winner Kevin Chuwang.

Performances were a major highlight of the event, with spectacular themes that the audience hanged on to. Even more remarkable was that most performances were by a live band. One was a rehash of songs that defined the nation in a nod to Nigeria ’s fiftieth anniversary by vocalists Waje, Timi Dakolo, Nene and Essence.

The other was themed The Future of Rap and had young hip hop artistes Lil H, Willy Bang, Mo’Cheddah, Scales and Whizkid revving the crowd up. There was a dance fest that had the nation’s reigning dance groups; ‘StreetHood’ and ‘Dance na the main Thing’ slug it out.

Kefee electrified the crowd with her hit song Kokoroko, and a collabo between Djinee and Bez
had the crowd screaming.

The awards also saw interesting takes on pop culture moments that included a recap by Dr. Reuben Abati and musician Banky W of their controversial articles over the state of the Nigerian music industry.

The winners were then announced across categories. The big winner of the night was young Ify Aniebo, a malaria research scientist who won a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant.

She won the award for Best Use of Science and also beat other nominees like award winning journalist Tolu Ogunlesi, musician Asa, music producer Cobhams Asuquo, youth advocate Toyosi Akerele, movie producer and actress Stephanie Okereke to picking up the Young Person of the Year award. Her plaque was handed over by last year’s winner, D’banj.

Serena Wins 2010 Australian Open

Serena Williams won the 2010 Australian Open championship after winning 6-4 3-6 6-2 over Belgium's Justine Henin. Following the win of the second consecutive Melbourne title, the 28-year-old Serena claimed her 5th Australian trophy (leveling the Billie-Jean King record in all-time list) and the 12th Gand Slam title in her career. For unseeded Justine Henin it was a great performance to reach the Melbourne final in her second tournament after a 20 month rest. In the direct meetings between the pair, Serena Williams leads 8-6, counting a 6-2 6-0 victory in 2008 in Miami,

right before Justine Henin retired even if being world nr. 1 at that moment.

Henin comeback gave results regarding the fact that she played two finals in the last 4 weeks. The Belgian tenniswoman claimed the Australian Open in 2004 and quit the tennis while playing the 2006 final due to stomach troubles.

Celebrities unite world to raise £20million for Haiti earthquake relief

It was the night the superstars of music and film joined together to bring a ray of hope to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

More than 140 of the biggest names on the planet performed at George Clooney's Hope For Haiti telethon - raising £20million.

Dressed in black, stars such as Julia Roberts, Jack Nicholson, Robert de Niro and Brad Pitt urged the hundreds of millions watching worldwide to donate money for the 200,000 people killed and two million left homeless by the January 12 disaster.

Celebs even manned phones to take donations during the live MTV show.

Clooney, 48, told viewers: "The Haitian people need our

help. They need to know they are not alone, that we still care."

The night began with Alicia Keys singing her song Prelude To A Kiss in Los Angeles at 1am our time yesterday.

Justin Timberlake performed Leonard Cohen classic Hallelujah, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban and Kid Rock joined up for Lean On Me and Christina Aguilera sang Lift Me Up.

In London Beyonce performed her song Halo, accompanied on the piano by her friend, Coldplay's Chris Martin. U2's Bono, Jay Z and Rihanna also recorded contributions.

And in New York, Madonna sang Like a Prayer backed by a gospel choir, with performances by Sting and Bruce Springsteen.

The telethon ended two hours later with Haitian Wyclef Jean singing Rivers of Babylon. Beforehand he told of his own experience of the quake: "I carried bodies of my people in the cemetery. Right now we can see the second wave of the disaster coming. We have to make sure the second wave never makes it to Haiti." All tracks will be available on iTunes.

Take That, Susan Boyle and Cheryl Cole are among stars to record Simon Cowell's charity version of REM's Everybody Hurts, tomorrow.

LONDON Rihanna flew to Britain to add her voice.

Six Things Beyonce Will do on Her Six Months Break

Beyonce says during her break:

1. She is not stepping into the studio and will stay away from her shoots and recordings.

2. She would eat out a lot and would be visiting lots and lots of restaurants.

3. She is also eager to take up a few classes (maybe cooking or French-learning)

4. She is also keen to head into theatres and watch lots of movies munching popcorns to give her jaws something to work upon.

5. She, even, is desirous of making a dash to the Broadway theatres and witness some plays. Hmmm….

6. And finally, she quips, she’d be doing a lot of random things (of which neither she nor we have any idea, at present).
***

She needs the rest!

Forbes lists top-earning celebrity couples

(The Frisky) -- What makes more than an uber-celebrity who earns millions per movie, album, or TV season?

Two uber-celebrities who just happen to be married.

Forbes is always giving us a behind-the-scenes peek at famous finances -- don't tell us you weren't surprised by the top-earning dead celebrities -- and their latest list shows the famous couples who made the most from June 2008 to June 2009.

Topping the list -- actually, clobbering the list (they made almost twice what the #2 couple grossed) -- are Jay-Z and Beyonce. Together, they banked $122 million smackeroos. Interestingly, Beyonce is the one who brought home the most bacon -- she earned $87 million to his $35 million. Also notable: While this is a massive amount of money, it's actually much less than these two made last year, when they pulled in $162 million cumulatively.

So which other couples gave them a run (or halfhearted jog) for their money? It's not who you think.

2. Coming in second place are surprise contenders -- Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart. They earned $69 million thanks to Harrison's bloated $65 million paycheck for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Suddenly, Calista's $4 million for "Brothers & Sisters" looks weak.

3. Most of you would probably guess that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would be number one on the list. But nope. They earned $55 million total, both bringing in exactly half the loot.

The Frisky: Your tabloid cheat sheet for the week

4. Next up, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, who raked in $48 million. Perhaps they would have done a little better if they counted how much kidlets Jaden ("The Karate Kid") and Willow ("Madagascar") made.

5. David and Victoria Beckham are number five on the list with $46 million between them. Most of it is soccer money, but Victoria must have made a little money for her appearance on "Project Runway." Wonder what she'll get for guest-judging on "American Idol"?

The Frisky: Would you donate your eggs for cash?

6. Awww. Adorable couple Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi made $36 million last year, between Ellen's TV show, those Am Ex commercials, and her stint as a CoverGirl. But Portia isn't just coasting -- she's on "Better Off Ted."

7. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson are next. Most of their $35.5 million came from his fee for "Angels & Demons."

8. This year, Jim Carrey made the bulk of the household income for himself and Jenny McCarthy. But Jenny is on the rise! She's been tapped by Oprah's Harpo company to have a new show.

The Frisky: Heidi Montag and other famous plastic surgery addicts

9. We're pretty shocked that Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are this far down the list, making a measly $33.5 million. Only half a mill of it came from Katie. Can she start auditioning for some roles soon?

10. Bringing up the rear: Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, who made $33 million collectively. Interestingly, Chris is the top earner in the family. But Gwyneth is goopier.

Who are you surprised didn't make the top 10? [Forbes]

Breasts war in Nigeria: Ladies with big boobs compete for prize

Are you a lady blessed with big and beautiful breasts? Are you proud of the endowment and willing to flaunt them? If yes, this is an opportunity for you to use what you have to get what you need. However, the breasts must be natural, not those augmented or ‘pumped,’ as they say in local parlance.

Indeed, a Lagos organization, Salty Land Ventures Nigeria Limited, is organizing a unique pageant for ladies with jumbo size breasts, offering mouth-watering prizes to the winners and participants.
Disclosing this to Saturday Sun, the Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director of the outfit, Mr. Chimezie Egwu- Obasi, remarked that the event is not just about the size of breasts but a celebration of beauty, using unique or uncommon parameters.

He said: “Until recently, when a woman is blessed with extra-large breasts, people look at her somehow, and sometimes such women do not have self- confidence; they tend to be ashamed of their configuration. But gradually, all these are beginning to change.

Society no longer looks at such women with scorn or indignity and the women themselves have rediscovered themselves and are no longer lacking in confidence. In fact, it is not a secret that big breasts are in vogue today. The situation is such that ladies are now acquiring or buying bigger and firmer breasts with the help of medical science provided that they have the wherewithal to do so. What I am saying in effect is that the figures people made jest of in the past have become the desire of many men. So, in a way, the whole thing is evolving, like fashion. But this project is about natural breasts, big and beautiful breasts; the authentic breasts of real African ladies. These are the ones we aim to project and promote even to the global stage. We are saying that you can be beautiful and proud even with a huge burst.”

Obasi said that the pageant becomes imperative due to the wrong definition ascribed to beauty in some climes, which unfortunately our people have started seeing as acceptable standard.

He added: “One other thing we took into consideration prior to embarking on the project is the fact that many of our ladies now bare their breasts in the name of fashion. Everywhere you go these days, including places of worship and corporate environments, you see ladies pushing out their breasts for all to see. So, what we are now saying is those ladies who bare their breasts to the world for free can now show their stuff in a competition with others and win fantastic prizes. Instead of the free shows going on all over the place, generously endowed ladies are being given the opportunity to use what they have in a more beneficial way. With what we are doing, it is a win-win situation, so to say.”

On the take home package for the winning breasts, he explained: “Everybody is a winner. The overall winner and the contestants will all go home with something fantastic. This pageant is unique in every way.” Explaining that discussions with sponsors are ongoing, even as legion of sponsors want to be part of the show, he added that contestants must be single and not less than 18 years of age.

The lab scientist further said that the projet will also include teaching the participants how to care for ther breasts, noting that these are important parts of women. according t him, the participants will be taught how to measure themselves properly, stressing: “It is a fact that some women wear the wrong size and end up causing discomfort and health hazards to themselves. They also ruin their figure with ill-fitting bra, so we will teach them how to pick the right sizes and more”.

By HENRY UMAHI
Sun News On-Line

Genevieve Nnaji speaks on her beauty secret

Can you reveal 3 beauty products that you can't do without and why?
Genevieve "I can't do without makeup remover. I've discovered the monent you don't properly wash and clean your face, especially before going to bed, you end up with filth penetrating your pores and the result is spots and acne. I use N0 7 White Makep -up remover and it works fine for me. I also like face washes and I couldn't live without 'Shiseido range'. I've been using it for years now and I've found it works for me. The third product I couldn't do without is the Shiseido toner. It's good because it clears away all the last residue of your cleanser. Its called Softener and is very gentle on your skin.

What's your best beauty advise?
Genevieve "Something I would recommend for any woman is whenever you have the opportunity, let your skin breath. We need oxygen and air on the naked skin. Maybe it's because I have a career in acting, I appear on TV, in films and in adverts so we tend to wear makeup quite often. I find that when I don't need to wear makeup, I let my skin breath. I cleanse, tone, moisturise, and let my skin breath. If you are going to the gym or going to the market, you don't need to wear make-up. The skin in it's natural state eals itself and gets the opportunity to rejuvenate itself.

What other things do you do to keep looking good?
Genevieve "Getting enough sleep is very good, although having said that, I don't think I personally get as much sleep as I should. Apart from sleep, also visit the gym. I used to go every day but I'm trying to cut it down to every other day. I think you need toned, lean muscles and that's what exercise does. My basic routine is running on the threadmill for about 40minutes, then the exercise bike for about 20minutes and then I do a bit of weights to help tone the arms and thighs. I also play squash and tennis occasionally.

Lipstick or lipgloss?
Genevieve "I have very small lips, when you have tiny lips you end up with the colour everywhere but on your lips where you want it. I think lipgloss suits me better. I love Victoria Secrets glosses. The one I tend to use is nude, and it has a tinge of pink.

What kinds of things do you like doing to your hair?
Genevieve "It's weavon, weavon, weavon I'm afraid. I like curly weaveon. I do braids but I can say probably every four years. I actually like natural hair. My hair is moderately long. The last time I wore my natural hair somebody actually walked up to me and asked me if I were broke! I'm serious. I just said OK, that's the last time I go au naturel. (Laughs).

What do you do to relax?
Genevieve "I find it difficult to sit still for long. Other than a manicure and pedicure, I don't do anything. I don't really like massages. Apart from the fact that I don't enjoy someone touching me like that, by the time I've spent ten minutes there I would just feel that I could be doing something else with my time. I have such little patience. I don't mind watching films when I have time and I like watching TV series.

What's your favourite colour?
Genevieve "Earlier in my career when I was receiving so much attention, I thought that if I wore more black I would be less conspicuous, it didn't work. (laughs). Anyway, I still do a lot of black, I think it suits my complexion. I don't really like bright colours because they make me look 'clown like'. But Ive started mixing my blacks with colour.

How would you describe your style?
Genevieve "I like simple things, I treasure comfort. What I feel comfortable in, makes me feel confident. What I wear usually depend on the occasion".

What's your fashion fetish?
Genevieve "I have to say bags and jewellery. I just love bags. I think it's because I'm really a get-up-and-go kind of person. I'm very much into putting on a pair of jean, a top and I'm ready to go. That's the tomboy part of me coming out. (laughs). I like that look and the only thing that can make you look 'dressed' is a really good bag. I love the artistry of bags. I love the artwork and craftsmanship that goes into making a really good bag. I don't really go for trends, I prefer classic looks and bags that can last forever and never go out of style.

Would you ever consider plastic surgery?
Genevieve "I always say never say never. Realistically this is what I do for a living. This is what puts money in my pocket and food on my table and you do have to do what you have to do. So I have to make sure I look good. Who knows in 20 years how I feel? The truth is that our industry relies a lot on the way you look, that's why I'm doing everything I can not to resort to the knife in the future. That's why I go to the gym to get the fat out and look toned and leaned

She shared her beauty secrets with Desola Bakare of Encomium magazine

Beautiful Black Locks: The Keys to Great Black Hair

Bobs and crops are bold and beautiful but if you want longer, healthier hair we’ve got some tips for you.

Cut the damage. If your ends are fried and tried, scraggly and haggard, disappearing and raggedy let them go. They may add to the length but long doesn’t always mean pretty. Visit your stylist and tell her to cut until it’s even and healthy.

Increase circulation. You can do this in two ways.

1) Get up off of the couch and get your heart pumping. Exercise, it just keeps coming back doesn’t it.

2) Give yourself a daily scalp massage using your fingertips.

You are what you eat. What goes in helps what comes out. Foods rich in vitamins A, B, C and E are essential for growing healthy hair and iron and zinc are proven to help your hair grow its fastest.

Keep it clean, especially if you use a lot of products. Remember, the days of petroleum and mineral oil based hair grease and conditioners have retired. Product build-up can clog follicles and prevent your hair from growing. Be sure to shampoo often (talk to your stylist about how often is often enough for you) and give your hairbrushes and combs a weekly cleansing too so that you’re not re-brushing in old dirt and oil.

Be kind. Long hair is old hair. Swap abrasive products for gentler ones formulated for your hair type. Add a deep treatment or hair mask to your regimen and try to stay away from heat-styling appliances.

Get regular trims. You want your hair to stay undamaged and split-end free. Otherwise you’ll end up back where you started

Black Women and Hair Growth

A lot of us struggle with hair growth, breakage, and all around treatment. Hair is sometimes a burden, and almost always a job to maintain. This problem in the African American hair community may finally have some answers...or at least suggestions we can try.

From researching black hair growth all around the web, I have found some tips to help, and they also adjust your diet a bit.


Ways To Grow Black Hair

1. Eat Leafy Greens.

These veggies have some vitamins that can help: vitamin A, C, Calcium and Fiber. Our usual Sunday dinner greens can help with hair growth if you eat them more than once a week. Try adding collard greens, spinach, lettuce and kale to your weekly diet.


2. Eat More Protein.

Eating such foods as fish, nuts, beans and meat provide you with the necessary protein that can help hair growth. If you're not much of a cooker, try protein shakes.


3. Take Vitamins.

Amino Acids, Vitamin B, and Omega 3 and 6 are some necessary vitamins you can add to your diet that help hair growth. If you're not one for taking pills, try adding foods that contain these vitamins.


4. Watch What You Drink.

Water, water and more water. You can't go wrong with lots of water! Not only does water help your body, it helps your hair growth by transporting necessary nutrients to your scalp. Cut back or cut out the alcohol, sugary drinks and acids.


5. Use Natural Hair Care Products.

If the box or bottle boasts something you know is edible, it's probably good for your hair! Try things with olive oil or carrot oil. Try products such as those from the Beauty 4 Ashes hair care line. (discoverb4a.com)