Shakira may perform at Obama's inauguration party

Superstar singer Shakira is reportedly in talks to perform at U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration party on January 20.

She may perform at a celebration to be held Obama is formally sworn into office, reports Peruvian newspaper El Comercio.

The paper further states that the Hips Don't Lie hitmaker may join stars including Susan Sarandon, Spike Lee, and Anne Hathaway celebrate Obama's historic White House Victory in Washington, D.

She was a vocal supporter of Obama during his election campaign.

"Obama can restore peace and the world's confidence in the United States," Contactmusic quoted her as telling reporters at the time.

Her faith in Obama was later reciprocated with the Democrat voicing his admiration for the Colombian singer's charity work in aid of Latin American children. (ANI)


Source:http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails

The girl next door

Lebanese songstress Myriam Fares is undaunted by fame and believes youngsters should always pursue their dreams

“WE SHOULD ALL follow our own paths,” she said, her voice shaking with emotion.

“Most of us try to follow in the footsteps of others - whether they are siblings, parents, or friends - but we never ask ourselves what we want.”

With her big, red curly hair - a refreshing change from the assembly line of typical Lebanese pop stars – Myriam Fares believes that talent and passion are essential for young Arab youth in any facet they choose to follow.

The quintessential ‘girl next door’, she ignited the music world to become a true force in the industry, and is easily one of the most-liked artists to appear in years.

“There is no difference between my stardom and normalcy, because we are one. I am still a down-to-earth girl and fame has not changed me. I don’t walk around with arrogance because I know where I come from and who I am,” she said.

Having recently joined a unique campaign with Sunsilk, Fares is promoting its ‘Life Can’t Wait’ theme, which encourages young girls to chase after what they really want.

“This is bigger than just an advertisement because it speaks directly to young women. It is promoting a positive influence that encourages them to fulfil their dreams and expectations,” she said.

Featured alongside iconic superstars such as Madonna and Shakira, girls are encouraged to write in their own personal inspiring stories to www.lifecantwait.com to win a day spent with Fares.

excerpt from khaleejtimes.

Source:http://www.khaleejtimes.com/CityHome.asp

Shakira Singing With Madonna?

Rumor is that Shakira may be recording a duet with Madge, soon. So why are the two uniting? Hmmm….perhaps Madonnna wants to get in touch with her baby daddy’s Latin roots?
Need we remind you that the Material Girl’s ex is Carlos Leon? Just in case you didn’t know, Carlos was born in New York, but his parents are Cuban! He and Madonna are the proud parents of Lourdes Maria Ciccone Leon (whew, you KNOW she has to be half-Latin with a name THAT long).

Aside from all their ties to Latin culture, Shakira and Madonna have another thing in common: their “love” for Democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama. Shakira allegedly said she would vote for Barack if she was a U.S. Citizen. Madonna, on the other hand, has caused quite a lot of controversy by slamming Republican candidate, John McCain, during her “Sweet and Sticky” Tour. Are the singers joining forces to make a jingle for Barack’s campaign? We’ll just have to wait and see what these hip-shaking divas, decide to do!

Source:http://en.terra.com/lifestyle/articles/html

Egyptian Cleric Compares Shakira to a Puta

Seems like Shakira's hips my not lie pero they still have given her quite a reputation, at least in the eyes of one Egyptian religious leader who said that she is quite the lady of the noche.

An Egyptian cleric assured that (Shakira) “could be a lovely person. Yet beauty is something relative that cannot be found in the butt or legs of a woman, but in her moral values”…

Khaled Al-Gindi said: “it’s like being a prostitute. In this country we respect moral values ahead of the values of a superficial appearance.”

Pero what if you're hot and have good real moral values? Certainly Shakira has done her fair share of community work with her Pies Descalzos foundation and ALAS.

Source:http://vivirlatino.com/2008/

Latin Grammys Backstage Report

There were a couple of big winners at last night’s Latin Grammy’s ceremony, namely Juanes and Gloria Estefan. You heard their acceptance speeches, now find out what they said backstage.

The night’s big winner was, of course, Juanes, who took home five awards, making him the winner of the most Latin Grammys ever with 17.

For being the big man of the ceremonies, he was very low-key: “I feel happy, very grateful to the music, to God, to the Academy," he said. "When you see Jose Feliciano, Santana or Gloria Estefan onstage, you realize how much there is left to do. At the same time, you’re happy because so much is being done, Café Tacuba and other people are doing incredible things.”

What’s next for Juanes? “The next thing for me is a long vacation. We’ve been on tour for a long, long time.”

Source:http://blogs.houstonpress.com/rocks/2008

Shakira Rings in New Year in Abu Dhabi!

Shakira's concert last year in Dubai was a blast and it was the event to be at! I think that maybe those who have attended her concert are still talking about it!
Well, Shakira is coming your way in Abu Dhabi and for a very special occasion; ringing in the New Year 2009!
Shakira will be holding the last concert of 2008 and the first for 2009 in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Palace.
It's going to be one heck of an extravaganza that will include amazing fireworks and big international DJ sets!
What better way to welcome the New Year that with Shakira?!

Source: http://www.waleg.com/celebrities/archives/014228.html

Now Hear This

"Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk, and Martin walked so Obama could run. Obama is running so we all can fly, so let's fly." -- Rapper Jay-Z, getting out the vote for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

"It's overwhelming, and quite hard to take in.... Even an old dog like me has a few more surprises in life, I guess." -- ACDC singer Brian Johnson, after learning that his group had 2008's second-biggest album debut with Black Ice.

"Yes, I have plans, but not yet. I'm pregnant with my songs. But someday, yes." -- Colombian pop star Shakira, when asked whether her foundation work on behalf of Latin American children has made her want to become a mother.

"There are more Baldwin brothers than that." -- Actor Ryan Reynolds, on the 537 votes that determined the 2000 presidential election.

"This is really something no one can really deal with, and you never fully recover from something like this. But she's a very strong person, and she's got a great heart, and I'm just sad something like this has had to enter into her life." -- Harvey Mason, who has written and produced songs for Jennifer Hudson, on the killing spree in Chicago that claimed the lives of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

Source:http://www2.journalnow.com/content/

Shakira presents youth plan to LatAm leaders

Latin American leaders attending an Ibero-American summit in El Salvador Friday signed agreements to fight poverty among young people after being called to do so by Colombian pop star Shakira.

Shakira's plans to fight poverty initially were the main theme of the summit, but was made second priority, because of the current financial crisis hitting economies worldwide.

The singer, who was also present at the meeting, wanted to keep the children on the agenda, despite the world's financial crisis and presented her plan for a food, health and education project for some 22 million poor children aged under six in Latin America.

"The lives of children are more important than banking institutions and politics," she said.

"We know that in this world financial crisis, hunger will spread in the poorest layers of our society and thousands of children risk dying from hunger," Shakira added.

Source: http://colombiareports.com/colombian-news

Shakira loves Barack Obama, but is Scarlett Johansson jealous?

The Latin pop star known for her hip shimmy, Shakira, heartily endorses Barack Obama, even though she can’t vote because she's not a U.S. citizen.

And she gets his personal thank you?

According to Latingossip, Shakira released the following statement.

Scarlettjohansson“If I could vote, I would vote for Barack Obama because I think that he is the person that can bring the world the true American message. I feel in my heart that he would be able to reconstruct peace and confidence in the United States.”

The site also says that Obama graciously thanked her and said: “It is an honor to receive the support of someone who is so talented and generous.”

Wow. All Scarlett Johansson got for her hearty endorsement was an “I never emailed that actress” from Obama’s camp.
Maybe Barack needs the Latin vote more than he needs the voluptuous white actress vote.
What do you think?


Source:http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag

Shakira endorses Barack Obama

She can’t vote, but that didn’t stop Colombian pop star Shakira from throwing her support behind Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama Thursday.

“If I could vote, I would vote for Barack Obama because I think that he is the person that can bring the world the true American message,” she said, according to the Associated Press.

Then the top-selling singer – who was recently described by Bill Clinton as “a young Colombian woman who loves her country, who doesn't want it overrun by the narco-traffickers and the guerrillas who support them.” – reached a little deeper.

“I feel in my heart that he would be able to reconstruct peace and confidence in the United States, a country that he appreciates profoundly."

Returning to political analysis, Shakira opined that Obama’s family background could be an advantage against his opponent John McCain.

No polls were available indicating whether her endorsement gave the young Illinois senator a bounce among ex-patriot Colombians.

Shakira, con Live Nation contratto da 70 milioni di dollari?

Circolano già le cifre del contratto “a 360 gradi” (dischi, concerti e merchandising) che la star colombiana potrebbe siglare entro fine anno con Live Nation: 70 milioni di dollari, secondo il New York Post, anche se dall’entourage dell’artista qualcuno ribatte cheShakira vale decisamente di più, considerato il successo delle sue produzioni discografiche (oltre 50 milioni di copie vendute nel mondo, “Hips don’t lie” al primo posto delle classifiche americane) e delle sue esibizioni dal vivo (l’ “Oral fixation tour”, organizzato dalla stessa Live Nation, avrebbe incassato più di 100 milioni di dollari).

La trentunenne artista, sotto contratto con la Epic (Sony BMG), deve alla casa discografica ancora due album di studio, uno in inglese e uno in spagnolo, e un greatest hits.

news source : http://www.rockol.it/

Shakira flies to France

Shakira has flown to Paris to meet Ingrid Betancourt, a Colombian captive who's just been freed. The singer was the first celebrity to celebrate the rescue of captives who were held by the revolutionaries in Colombia. Supporting the cause, Shakira met the former Colombian presidential candidate at the Hotel Meurice in Paris, on Wednesday.

In her former statement, Shakira has been quoted as calling the rescue of the hostages "a historic day for all of us, for this country that has suffered a lot." The singer added, "What a proud day to be Colombian!"

news source : http://www.ndtvmusic.com/

Shakira pledges to continue fight for hostages' freedom

Washington (ANI): Colombian singer Shakira has vowed to carry on the fight to free hostages that are being held in her native Colombia. The pop superstar, who has been named as the Queen of Spanish music, praised the recent rescue of 15 captives from the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC).

After the release of the captives, who had been held for six years, Shakira spoke out that the fight against terrorism in the country is far from over. The singer along with other Latin music stars including Alejandro Sanz, Miguel Bose, Juanes, and Carlos Vives, pledged in an open letter to the former hostages that the fight will go on until all the captives who are currently being held are given their freedom.

"We will continue until we see all of them free. Our eyes and lips will not rest until we see and kiss those who remain captives of those without conscience," Contactmusic quoted the singers as having written.

news source : http://entertainment.oneindia.in/

Singer Shakira joins Live Nation

Pop star Shakira has signed a deal with global concert promoter Live Nation, her US spokesman has confirmed. It gives the company rights to all the Columbian singer's music-related projects - including new albums, tours, merchandise, websites and films. The 31-year-old, who has had hits with Hips Don't Lie and Beautiful Liar, follows Madonna, U2 and Jay-Z, who have signed similar deals with the firm. US reports say the deal is worth between $70m and $100m (£35m to £50m).

Shakira still had two studio albums and a greatest hits collection to deliver under her old contract with Sony BMG. Neither Shakira's spokesman nor Live Nation could confirm whether she would still have to fulfil this deal. However, the touring element and other aspects of the Live Nation agreement will begin immediately. Her signing comes only a few days after Live Nation's chairman, Michael Cohl, stepped down after a dispute over the company's strategy of signing high-profile artists to similar "360-degree" deals. Shakira has sold over 50 million albums worldwide and had four top 10 UK hits. Earlier this year business magazine Forbes listed her as the fourth richest female musician in the world banking $38m (£19.2m) between June 2006 and June 2007. Only Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion were ranked ahead of the singer.

news source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/

Rush, Babyface, Shakira to get Walk of Fame stars

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced its list of the 25 famous names who'll get stars on the Walk of Fame next year, and in addition to the usual array of actors (Hugh Jackman, Cameron Diaz, Kyra Sedgwick, Robert Downey Jr., Felicity Huffman and hubby William H. Macy), a token director (hooray for Tim Burton!) and one fictional character (Tinkerbell), there's a number of pop and rock and soul figures whose names will soon be trampled upon by tourists from all over the world.

Among them: veteran Canadian power-trio Rush, R&B stalwart Babyface, Colombian sexpot Shakira, saxophonist Dave Koz, Motown legends the Miracles (Smokey Robinson already has his star), John Stamos (OK, that doesn't count ... but he did play with the Beach Boys for a time) ... and the Village People. But that list got me wondering: What other music stars have received this sidewalk honor?

news source : http://media.www.ecollegetimes.com/

Young Girlz to face Nicaragua

Jamaica's national under-20 women's team will look to end their World Cup qualification series in Mexico on a high when they take on Nicaragua Saturday in their final group ‘B' match. The Reggae Girlz went down to identical 3-1 defeats to Costa Rica and Canada respectively and will be playing for pride when they meet fellow win less team Nicaragua. Shakira Duncan scored both of Jamaica's goals and has come in for praise from Coach Xavier Gilbert.

"She did well for our team ... she was our main weapon and we're pleased with her two goals. It's unfortunate that she didn't get anymore but she created some good opportunities and gave the Canadians trouble up front," he said. Coach Gilbert said they will be going all out for a win in their final game. "We just want to leave the competition on a high note ... make the Jamaica, parents and all the supporters of Jamaica's female programme happy and of course the Girlz are upbeat and looking forward to giving their best in the game on Saturday," he said.

news source : http://www.radiojamaica.com/

Juneteenth queen named

Kelli Minister of Kennewick was named queen of the Juneteenth Pageant on Saturday night at the Pasco High School auditorium. She was given a $3,000 scholarship. The first runner-up was Shanice Butts of Pasco. She received a $1,500 scholarship. The second runner-up was Shatarra DeVose of Pasco, who received $700; and the third runner-up wasShakira Pointer of Kennewick, who got $500.

The Best Talent, highest grade-point average and Miss Congeniality awards went to DeVose. The Hostess Award (to the girl raising the most money for the pageant) went to Butts and Minister, who each raised more than $1,500 for the pageant.

news source : http://www.tri-cityherald.com/

Shakira and Ricky hold charity concert

London (ANI): A host of Latin celebrities including the likes of Shakira and Ricky Martin are doing their share of charity by performing at two fund raising concerts to highlight the plight of some 32m Latin American children living in poverty. The concerts will be held in the two Buenos Aires and Mexico City and will be attended by many thousands of viewers.

The proceeds of the two events, being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico, will be going to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity. EarlierShakira revealed that she had managed to get 200m dollars in donations from Mexican and US tycoons Carlos Slim and Howard Buffett and said that the eradication of poverty was "doable."

While Slim is the telecommunications magnate, Howard Buffet is the eldest son of the US investment guru, Warren Buffett. "Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children," BBC quotedShakira , as saying earlier this week. She added: "The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty." It was in 2006 that Alas was launched for dealing with poverty that kills an estimated 350,000 children each year in Latin America.

news source : http://entertainment.oneindia.in/

Latin stars hold charity concerts

Buenos Aires and Mexico City are hosting two fundraising concerts to highlight the plight of some 32m Latin American children living in poverty. Dozens of Spanish-speaking pop stars, including Shakira and Ricky Martin, are performing at the two events being held simultaneously in Argentina and Mexico. Proceeds will go to the Latin America in Solidarity Action (Alas) charity.

Shakira said earlier she had secured $200m in donations from Mexican and US tycoons Carlos Slim and Howard Buffett. Mr Slim is the telecommunications magnate, while Howard Buffet is the eldest son of the US investment guru, Warren Buffett. "Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children," Shakira said earlier this week.

"The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty," the Colombian singer said. Alas was launched in 2006 to tackle poverty that kills an estimated 350,000 children each year in Latin America.

news source : http://news.bbc.co.uk/

Healthy lungs 'secret to healthy brain' in kids

New York (PTI) Healthy lungs is the secret to smarter brains in kids, according to a new study. Previous studies have linked lung function to mental acuity in middle-aged and older adults and there is evidence that the respiratory and neurological systems are influenced by some of the same factors during childhood.

Now, a team at Harvard University has found that healthy lungs in children increase their memory, learning and intelligence, the media reported on wednesday. The researchers, led by DrShakira Franco Suglia, came to the conclusion after examining data on 165 children who had been followed since birth.

At the age of six, the children had their lung function tested. At nine, they completed standard tests of memory, learning ability and intelligence. The researchers found that for each increase in the children's lung-function performance, there was actually a corresponding increase in their cognitive-test scores. The link remained even when they took into consideration factors that could be related to both lung function and cognitive abilities in children, like asthma, and exposure to lead or parents' smoking.

"Although it remains unclear just how pulmonary function influences cognitive outcomes, a growing literature suggests possible mechanisms and supports the argument for biological plausibility," Dr Franco Suglia said. More studies are required to delve into the connection between children's lung function and their brain function, according to the researchers. The results of the study have been published in the 'Psychosomatic Medicine' journal.

news source : http://www.hindu.com/

POLE DANCING

Ever wanted to channel your inner Shakira or Beyonce with those sexy moves and grooves? Viva Vertical specialises in exotic dance and fitness training, helping ladies of all ages to have fun, get comfortable with their bodies and burn some calories simultaneously.

Made up of trainers and dancers from the US and UK, Viva Vertical is also a member of the Asian Pole Federation. This Mother’s Day, they will be conducting a special DuoPole Class just for you and your mom.

Students who bring their mothers are welcome to join a class for only RM40 per person. Non-students would have to pay RM50 as registration fees. But it sure beats giving her yet another cheesy Best Mum In The World mug!

news source : http://thestar.com.my/

Fabulous Report: Santo Versace's office, Justin Timberlake's scent, Shakira's beauty line, Cate Blanchett's makeup

Santo Versace won a seat in Italy's parliament last month. The older brother of Donatella and the late Gianni is now a member of the State Chamber, but maybe not for long. Politico talk has it that Santo is already favored for a cabinet post in Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's administration.

Santo was the power-behind-the-glittery-throne at the house of Versace. He ran the business side from the beginning in the '70s, which is most likely why he says he can't give up fashion totally, even though he has declared he's no dilettante in Parliament. Perhaps he plans on extending the dynasty through his daughter Francesca, who graduated two years ago from Central Saint Martins design school in London and is already causing a stir as a designer-to-watch. Santo's entrance into the political arena mirrors heiress and former model Carla Bruni's ascension from catwalk queen to becoming first lady of France with her marriage to La Prez Nicolas Sarkozy.

Shakira joins Antonio Banderas at the Barcelona-based Puig Beauty & Fashion Group. Banderas has a very successful fragrance line while plans for Grammy-winningShakira include her own line of beauty products, scents and personal care products. Puig also owns scents from Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne and Nina Ricci.

news source : http://www.sun-sentinel.com/

Shakira talks education-for-all with British PM

LONDON (AFP) — British Prime Minister Gordon Brown held talks with Shakira on Monday, winning widespread praise from the sultry singer that he probably wishes could rub off on members of his ruling Labour Party. Colombia's biggest-selling pop star, famous for songs like "Hips Don't Lie" and "Whenever, Wherever", applauded thepremier for having "wonderful intentions" and being "very smart" and "brave".

Her comments came during a conference call by the Global Campaign for Education, that also featured World Bank president Robert Zoellick, about the need to achieve universal education by 2015 -- a key UN pledge. "I think he (Brown) is a man with wonderful intentions and who is also very pro-active and who has been working very hard for this issue of education," the singer -- also a UNICEF goodwill ambassador -- told reporters.

"I applaud his work and applaud the fact that he is brave enough to talk to celebrities like me... I think we are all on the same boat trying to get to the same shore, and trying to provide education for all children in the world."

news source : http://afp.google.com/

Shakira's backing Brown in bid to improve Third World schooling

Singer Shakira could become an ambassador in Gordon Brown's bid to boost global education. The Colombian star is an avid campaigner to improve Third World schooling.

Yesterday she praised Mr Brown's plan to have education for all by 2015. Shakira said: "He has wonderful intentions and is pro-active. He has been working hard for education."

The singer spoke after telephone talks with the PM, who is also due to hold a food summit in Downing Street today to plan international action to try to cut spiralling worldwide food prices.

To ease the problem, Mr Brown wants to add to pressure on oil-producing countries to increase supply and cut prices - which yesterday reached a new high above $117 a barrel.

news source : http://www.mirror.co.uk/

PM to talk education with Shakira

Gordon Brown will discuss how to boost Third World education with pop star Shakira next week. The Prime Minister is due to hold telephone talks with the sultry Latin singer - whose hits include Hips Don't Lie - on Monday.

The virtual meeting is the latest in a string of showbiz encounters for the notoriously dour Mr Brown. Last week a slick-haired premier appeared on hit TV show American Idol to espouse the cause of eradicating malaria. He was also recently pictured grinning alongside Hollywood actor George Clooney after they mulled over the Darfur crisis in Downing Street.

Monday's event is one of a series organised by the Global Campaign for Education to highlight a pledge by world leaders that every child will have access to quality primary education by 2015. Some 72 million children are still missing out, according to the coalition of charities and teaching unions.

On Wednesday, hundreds of schools around the UK are set to take part in the World's Biggest Lesson, which will see pupils from 120 countries taught the same subject simultaneously. International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander is expected to attend a lesson in north London.

news source : http://ukpress.google.com/

Shakira In Uruguay

These pictures of Shakira in Uruguay are from a week ago, but I haven’t seen them anywhere so I thought I’d post for all the Shakira fans out there :) She looks beautiful as always!

And speaking of Shakira, did you hear about the auction she did to raise money for her charity Pies Descalzos (Bare Feet)? She sold off her clothes to bidders and managed to raise $76,000. One of her bra’s alone raised $3,000! But the highest bid was for VIP tickets to her concert in Toronto, plus a meet and greet with the singer herself. It went for $14,000. How much would you pay to meet your favorite celebrity?!?

news source : http://www.imnotobsessed.com/

Shakira shakes it up

POP diva Shakira has given her home crowd a taste of her latest album Oral Fixation before heading to New York for its worldwide release. "My music cannot be classified as typically Latina," she said. "Sometimes I have used bits of our culture, as in the song Suerte (Luck), with some Andean instruments, but La Tortura (Torture) has a lot of us in it."

La Tortura, already released as a single, has pushed fellow Colombian Juanes from the No.1 spot of the Billboard Latin music charts. The Lebanese-Colombian star said she does not see the recent worldwide success of many Colombian musicians as cause for rivalry. "I admire Juanes and Carlos Vives," the 28-year-old said. "I like Soraya and Los Aterciopelados," she said.

"Colombian music is recognised around the world, which makes me proud," she said. Shakira's first album in two years includes a duo with Spaniard Alejandro Sanz. It will be released in 60 countries including Australia on June 7.

news source : http://www.news.com.au/

Shakira's Bra Sells For 3,000 Dollars

A Shakira fan has forked out a massive $3,000 for a Roberto Cavalli designed bra which once supported her “small and humble” breasts.

The pop star is personally auctioning off various items in her wardrobe to raise funds for the charity Bare Feet Foundation, which is currently building schools for poor children in Shakira’s native Colombia.

Shakira has raised in excess of $60,000 so far, with the highest bid coming from a fan who paid $14,100 just to meet her.

Other items that have been sold include a purple wig and Gibson guitar used in the video for ‘Las De La Intuicion’ which went for $3,301, and a turquoise dress for $1,076. The auction closes this Sunday.

news source : http://www.gigwise.com/

Shakira to front beauty line

Pop star Shakira has signed a deal to front a line of beauty and personal care products.

The Columbian singer has joined forces with Puig Beauty & Fashion Group, a leading company in the Spanish purfume market.

Puig has previously developed successful perfumes fronted by actor Antonio Banderas.

Shakira said: "I am very excited to be able to express myself through another creative medium.

"My feeling is that personal care and beauty should be effortless and accessible for everyone."

Meanwhile, the singer has continued to do her work for good causes by recently selling some of her personal belongings on eBay for her children's charity.

news source : http://itn.co.uk/

Shakira to design beauty product range

Shakira is to launch her own perfume as well as a range of beauty and personal care products, it has been announced. The Colombian songstress has teamed up with Puig Beauty & Fashion Group - the firm behind popular fragrances from Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne - to create a line of products "produced with and inspired by" her.

Commenting on her new project, Shakira said: "I am very excited to be able to express myself through another creative medium. "My feeling is that personal care and beauty should be effortless and accessible for everyone." Her as-yet-unnamed product range will add further to the singer's hectic schedule.

As well as recording hits such as Hips Don't Lie and Beautiful Liar, Shakira is committed to a range of organisations which aim to improve the lives of children across the world, including Latin American anti-poverty campaign Alas.

She has also won a prestigious humanitarian award from the United Nations for founding children's charity the Barefoot Foundation and is a goodwill ambassador for Unicef.

news source : http://www.lovelyshakira.com/

USA women reach goal

By CASSANDRA TAYLOR: South Alabama secured a first-round home game in the Sun Belt Conference women's tournament with a 55-50 win over New Orleans Wednesday night at the Mitchell Center. Shakira Nettles scored a career-high 22 points for the Jags (18-10, 9-8).

"It's a tremendous relief to know that we don't have to make any travel arrangements," South Alabama coach Rick Pietri said. "Now, the only preference I have is to get as high a seed as we can. ... As we sit here today, we're sitting at No. 6 with the potential, with a little help, of moving up to No. 5."

The first-round Sun Belt tournament games will be played on campus sites Wednesday. Afterward, the tournament proper will be staged at the Mitchell Center March 8-11. The Jags jumped to a 21-9 lead, with Nettles scoring 10 of the points. "We knew how big this game was for the opening round of the tournament as well as positioning overall," Nettles said. "Defensively, we had a lot of energy, and as for my game, I just had fun."

Pietri praised Nettles' performance. "Shakira had a great night," he said. "She was the primary defender on (New Orleans' leading scorer) Le'Della English and managed to hold her to only 9 points. "Offensively, she made plays for us and finished plays around the goal."

South Alabama led 34-27 at halftime and built a 12-point lead before the Privateers closed the gap. "I thought at times we looked really good," Pietri said. "For the most part, we were able to turn turnovers into points. We also made some really good reads in the half-court offense."

news source : http://www.al.com/

Shakira clothing auction raises money for poor children in Colombia

A Shakira fan forked over US$3,000 (€2,060) to buy a bra once worn by the Colombian singer, while another paid US$14,000 (€9,630) for front-row seats and the privilege of meeting the hip-shaking star.

The two bids were among the highest on 40 items Shakira donated to an Internet auction that has raised US$76,000 (€52,280) for her Bare Feet Foundation, which is building a school for poor children in northern Colombia.

"We had bidders from 10 countries," Eric Gazin, president of the firm Auction Cause which hosted the sale, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Another popular item was a shiny lavender skirt with turquoise and coral beading that Shakira wore while singing "Hips Don't Lie," during her "Oral Fixation" tour. The skirt fetched more than US$1,000 (€690).

Still up for grabs until Sunday are an electric Fender guitar and an acoustic Taylor guitar, both bearing Shakira's autograph.

news source : http://www.iht.com/

Buy Shakira's Clothes

Reckon your hips might lie if you put on a pop star's skirt? Well, Shakira's going to let you find out. The big-hearted star is auctioning off a large part of her wardrobe for charidee. Yup, Shakira is offering up more than 40 costumes from her 2007 Oral Fixation tour.

The variously wild and wonderful outfits can be bartered for by you, me and Joe the public on eBay's Giving Work website. Among the hip-swivelling items being flogged by the singer are a lavender skirt with coral beads and a low-cut red frock with billowing sleeves.

Oh, and if a blue tank top with the slogan "For Those Who Love To Rock" is just what you're looking for, you'll also be a happy bunny. But get there quick - the auction ends on 10th February, and we reckon all these Sharika-worn numbers will be snapped up in a matter of web-space seconds.

The bidding is said to have attracted interest from all over the world.All profits will go to Shakira's Bare Feet Foundation, a project based around building a school in the singer's native Columbia.

news source : http://showbiz.sky.com/