For The Good Of Glam

If you watched Monday night’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, then you know that Ongina, a.k.a. Ryan Palao, out diva’d the competition to win the coveted title of MAC Viva Glam Spokesperson for a Day—that day being today. Earlier this morning, the newly crowned Glamazon appeared at MAC’s Flatiron District store to help raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and to present a $25,000 check on behalf of the MAC AIDS Fund to the Hetrick-Martin Institute at the Harvey Milk High School, a New York City public high school that strives to be a pluralistic haven for students of all races, genders, sexual orientation, religions, and physical abilities. We caught up with the fiercest of them all to learn about her, er, his (?), dedication to the cause, why only Beyoncé can outdo RuPaul, and to pick up a few makeup tips, of course.

Fergie, Lisa Marie, Dita. What is it like being in such good company as an official Viva Glam Spokesperson?

A definite addition to this incredible journey we call life.It’s one adventure I will always treasure and I am truly blessed to have met so many amazing people because of the show.It has helped me grow further as Ongina as well as Ryan!

How has your own HIV-positive diagnosis compelled you to get involved in AIDS awareness initiatives?

Well, I want people to know that life should be celebrated, no matter what happens. We have to celebrate our individuality, our creativity, our passion, our decisions, and everything else in between. AIDS is an epidemic that affects all walks of life, and as difficult as the decision was for me to “come out” about my status, if I touch even just one person’s heart, I know I’m on the right path. I hope to one day inspire others and teach them that life with HIV is just as glamorous as life without!

Your skill with the wand and the brush surely helps you in the glamour department. What’s currently in your makeup bag?

I recently purchased MAC Viva Glam VI SE Lipglass and am equally obsessed with my C-Thru Lipglass, as well as the MAC Pro Shaping Powder in Emphasize. It adds the right amount of highlight where you need it most!

Do you have any makeup tips you can share with us that are essential for peek drag performance?

The one thing that I learned from some of the queens on the show is how to glue your eyebrows down so you can create a higher brow and more lid for applying shadows!

What about beauty icons? Anyone that you find particularly inspirational?

I love my mother. She is truly beautiful inside and out and has sacrificed so much for us to be where we are today. I’m blessed and proud to be her son. I also think that RuPaul is one hell of a drag queen. She is stunning. And I’m pretty obsessed with Beyoncé. I like that she takes risks.


*http://www.style.com/beauty/beautycounter/2009/02/for-the-good-of-glam/*

Rihanna....

We are beyond words.

This image, said to be that of pop idol Rihanna (Robyn Fenty), is absolutely heart wrenching. Just looking at this image sends all sorts of emotions racing through our minds. "Is this for real?" "Is that really Rihanna....?" "Did cute Chris Brown do that?" "Am I seeing things?"
Oh how we wish we were seeing things.

Domestic violence is out of control! Now that domestic violence has a face that most Americans recognize and love, it seems to mean so much more. While we are not down playing the countless faces that have been affected by domestic violence, it just seems that now, since this has allegedly happened to Rihanna, it seems just that much more real in so many eyes in America. Eyes of those both young and old. This alleged incident has touched and affected so many people and has bought attention to the ugly, ugly side of domestic violence that otherwise may not have been revealed. The fact that now "young Hollywood" is at the center of something that has always seemed so taboo and reserved for a certain "type" of person, it takes on a whole new meaning.

After a little research, the statistic are jaw dropping.


~ 85-95% of all domestic violence victims are female

~ 5.3 million women are abused each year

~1,232 women are killed each year by an intimate partner

~ Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women

(http://www.aidv-usa.com/Statistics.htm)

So what now? Do we just move on from this topic like so many other topics that make front page? Do we just dismiss this like we do all the other stories from the most popular gossip sites? Well we certainly hope not. While we are all concerned for the parties involved, now is not the time to just drop it and move on to the next "juicy gossip". It is time that we all, men and women alike, take a stand against domestic violence. There are so many agencies that offer help to individuals that are in potentially dangerous situations. These agencies can also offer help and insight to those whose loved ones and friends may be in domestic situations but refuse to get out...or don't know how to get out. It is crucial that we do not ignore signs and bruises or give up on our family and friends who could one day add to these unbelievable statistics. We know that sometimes you just don't know what to do, where to turn or who to talk to regardless if you are on the inside or the outside of the situation. Well here are some agencies that would be more than happy to help:

www.safe4all.org
www.NYAWC.org
www.ndvh.org
www.EndDomesticAbuse.org
www.helpfordomesticviolence.com

Yes, sure, everyone is talking about, "but their careers"....while this alleged incident between Rihanna and Chris Brown may or may not have colossal affects on their careers, that does not negate the fact that they are regular people who allegedly may be caught up in a domestic violence case. A case that, like any other, is due its day in court. We have to honor that and not prosecute nor persecute either of them publicly. Let us all focus on how we can do our part to make a difference in the lives of others who may be affected by this or may be dealing with domestic violence right now! That is the lesson in all of this...what can we do to see the statistics scale dip in the other direction?

Please, everyone, love yourself enough to know that someones "loving you" is not going to leave cuts and bruises all over your body. There is help...please don't be afraid to ask for it.

What Does She Really Want for Valentine's Day??

So Valentine's Day is right around the corner and some guys are still confused on what to get that special lady (or in some cases, those...lol). Well, I thought I would offer my helping hand to those still in doubt. Check out this link and be ohh so informed!

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20060206a1.asp

Happy loving

Black History Month

Well we lived to see another one...that's right...it is Black History Month! We challenge everyone to get out and do something, learn something, see something new pertaining to black history. And once you have done that...share it with us. We would love to share in your experiences.

On the Monique Show they were talking about what the world would be like without any black people....well what do you think? What would the world be like without black people? Hmmmm...share your thoughts.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Winners of Superbowl 43

The ladies of Kurvy Kuties would like to congratulate Superbowl 43 winners THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS!! Congratulations guys on history making number 6...very well played game. Credit also HAS to be given to the Arizona Cardinals for playing an excellent game. Thanks to both teams for an awesome, extremely exciting game! WTG!

Big, BIG shout out to Superbowl MVP Santoni Holmes! That last touchdown will go down in history. Also big shout out to James Harrison for setting a new Superbowl record...100 yard interception run back for a TOUCH DOWN!!!! Awesome!

For those of us who loved the commercials, don't forget to go to nbc.com and rate the ads.

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 12 - TV

'America's Next Top Model' Cycle 12 - TV

Are we ready??

Isn't Tyra killing this shot?!?! We love it! Love the big bangle and the hair is so fierce!!