Miss Philippines crowned Miss World amid Muslim anger

Nusa Dua (Indonesia) (AFP) - Miss Philippines was crowned Miss World 2013 in a glittering finale Saturday on the Indonesian resort island of Bali, amid tight security following weeks of hardline Muslim protests.

Hundreds of Islamic radicals held a prayer session in a mosque near the capital to express their anger, while Megan Young wept as she won the coveted title on Hindu-majority Bali at the end of a three-week contest.

 

The 23-year-old, wearing a pearl white gown, promised to be "the best Miss World ever" in front of a cheering crowd, which included many Filipinos, in a venue guarded by heavily armed police and water cannons.

The final was moved to Bali, where there is little hardline influence, from its original venue just outside the capital Jakarta after thousands of protesters took to the streets across the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Denouncing the pageant as a "whore contest" and "pornography", the demonstrators pressured authorities into shifting the venue, the latest sign of the growing influence of country's hardline fringe.

Miss World

Hundreds of police were deployed across Bali for Saturday's final, which saw 127 contestants clad in stilettos and shimmering gowns take to the stage in the Nusa Dua resort, southern Bali.

The contestants were quickly whittled down to six. Then, they faced a question-and-answer round before the winner was announced in a contest broadcast to more than 180 countries.

Young, the first ever Philippine Miss World, took the crown from last year's winner, China's Yu Wenxia.

Young, who is studying digital media and also presents TV shows in the Philippines, pledged to "just be myself in everything I do, to share what I know and to educate people".

France's Marine Lorphelin was second, while Ghana's Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter came in third.

Miss Philippines Megan Young (C) is seen on the catwalk with other Miss World contestants in Nusa Du …

Adding to security concerns in the run-up to the final, the American, British and Australian embassies had warned that extremists might attack the pageant.

Bali has suffered extremist attacks before, notably in 2002 when bombings killed more than 200 people, most of them foreign tourists.

But Saturday's finale passed off smoothly, with no new protests or security scares -- despite a pledge by prominent hardline group the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI) to stage demonstrations.

Hundreds of members of the FPI and other hardline groups limited themselves to holding a prayer session in a mosque in Sentul, just outside the capital Jakarta, to express their opposition to the pageant.

Organisers had originally planned to hold the final in a 10,000-seat venue in Sentul, before being forced to move to a 2,000-seat centre in Nusa Dua.

Muslim hardliners hold an anti-Miss World protest in Jakarta on September 6, 2013 (AFP Photo/Bay Ism

Those at the prayer gathering were addressed by a Muslim preacher who lashed out at the pageant, which radicals claim goes against Islamic teaching, said FPI member Ustad Maman.

"Indonesia has already shown how it feels about Miss World -- we rejected it here, we reject it anywhere," he told AFP.

Maman said that 5,000 FPI members showed up for the prayer session, although police put the figure at 1,000.

Hardliners in Indonesia have succeeded in getting numerous events deemed "un-Islamic" changed or cancelled in recent times.

Last year, Lady Gaga axed a concert after threats to burn down the venue and criticism for wearing only "a bra and panties".

In a bid to reduce hardline anger, organisers also took an early decision this year to axe the famed bikinis from the "beach fashion" round, replacing them with Balinese sarongs.

A total of 129 contestants had been due to compete in the final, but two pulled out at the last minute, according to organisers.

While the popularity of Miss World, first held in 1951, has waned in the West, continued interest in Asian countries ensures that the final rakes in a huge global television audience.

Venezuela has produced the most Miss Worlds, with six winners, while India and Britain claim five titles each

via: msn

Miss Philippines wins Miss World in Indonesia

BALI, Indonesia (AP) — Miss Philippines, Megan Young, was crowned Miss World on Saturday amid tight security on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, where the contest's final round was moved following protests by Muslim hardliner groups.

"I promise to be the best Miss World ever," Young, 23, said after winning the 63rd annual event, as a large number of Filipino fans who traveled with her celebrated by jumping and waving the country's flag.

Despite threats from the Islamic Defenders Front to disrupt the contest, police said no rallies were staged Saturday. The group has demonstrated for weeks, calling for the government to cancel the pageant because members say it shows too much skin and goes against Islamic teachings.

The 127 contestants vying for the crown were introduced Saturday wearing evening gowns shimmering in sequins, many of them with plunging necklines and slits up the leg. Four candidates dropped out earlier, mainly due to illnesses, said Syafril Nasution, one of the local organizers.

Young, who took the crown from Wenxia Yu of China, the 2012 winner, was born in the United States. When she was 10 she moved to the Philippines, where she has appeared in films and as a television host.
Newly crowned Miss World Megan Young of the Philippines, smiles after winning the Miss World contest

Miss France, Marine Lorphelin, 20, took second place, while Miss Ghana, Carranzar Naa Okailey Shooter, 22, came in third.

Miss World organizers had earlier agreed to cut bikinis from the swimsuit competition, replacing them with more conservative sarongs. But pressure continued to mount, and more mainstream groups joined in and called for the show to be banned.

Indonesia's government announced three weeks ago that the final would be moved from the outskirts of the capital, Jakarta, and instead held on the Hindu-dominated resort island of Bali, where earlier rounds were taking place.

The British, Australian and U.S. embassies issued warnings to citizens planning trips to Bali during the competition, saying there could be large-scale protests or even attacks.

Megan Young of the Philippines smiles after being named Miss World 2013, during the grand final of t …

But Faroq said that security was tightened along the north coast of East Java to Bali in anticipation of possible protesters from other islands.

"The success in securing the Miss World final will be a benchmark for the police in securing the incoming APEC Summit," Faroq said, referring to the upcoming Asia-Pacific Cooperation summit on Bali to be attended by world leaders, including President Barack Obama, and thousands of delegates.

Miss World is the latest controversy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, where most follow a moderate form of the religion. However, a small extremist fringe has become louder and more violent in recent years, attacking Christians and other religious minorities, along with anyone else deemed immoral.

Last year, the Islamic Defenders Front forced Lady Gaga to cancel a sold-out show after branding her a "devil worshipper."

In 2002, Bali was the site of suicide bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists. Since then, the government has aggressively pursued militant groups, which in recent years have committed much smaller-scale attacks mainly focused on security personnel.

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The 15 best zero-effort hairstyles

Jessica Alba

No matter how frenzied the fall mornings get—and we know they're pretty darn crazy—you'll roll out of bed looking gorgeous with these quick, easy-to-create 'dos.

Create gentle waves just like you did in high school by working in a little styling cream and loosely braiding hair before you go to bed. In the morning, comb through with your fingers while brewing your coffee.


Naomi Watts
                   

Tired of topknots? A low side bun is just as easy to pull together with a single rubber band. If you've got an extra minute, boost the texture by braiding a small section of hair, wrapping it around the base of the bun, and securing with bobby pins.


Tina Fey

                                                                     

A simple layered cut looks nice without a lot of adornment. "Low-maintenance style starts with a great haircut," says Mary Jane Demirjian, master stylist at Roberts Salon & Spa in Belmont, MA. "Your cut should fall nicely before the blowout. You want your stylist to follow the natural fall of the hair or curl as she cuts and blend in any problem areas, such a funny cowlicks or strands curling outward."


Michelle Williams

                                                                                

                  

An edgy cut, like Williams's pixie with side-swept bangs, doesn't need any extra styling. Keep in mind, though, that a short 'do requires less day-to-day maintenance but more frequent trims than long hair—you'll need to visit a salon about once a month rather than every six to eight weeks. "If you have a strong cowlick and a busy schedule preventing you from squeezing in regular trims, I would suggest staying away from bangs as well," adds Julianne Bryce, a stylist for George the Salon in Chicago.



Kristen Bell

                                                                 

                                                                             

Fine hair can look great if you blow it out at home every few days. "High-quality, nourishing products help plump up strands and lock in style," says Demirjian. "I love Kérastase Forme Fatale gel ($35), which should be put in before blow-drying for a long-lasting style."

Sandra Bullock

                                                               

Whether she's premiering a movie or taking her son Louis to school, Sandra always looks pretty without trying too hard. Case in point: this 'do with the top section secured with a barrette.

Nicole Kidman

                                                                   

A pretty headband can hide any number of hair sins: frizz, growing-out roots, weird-falling waves. This season, space-age metallics, like Nicole's gold band, are especially popular.


Rachael Leigh Cook

                                                    

An undone side braid is the safe-for-work version of the sexy disheveled look.


Anne Heche

                                               

A loose, messy chignon is easy to create with a single hairpin, like the Goody version you can find at drugstores. Just twist hair into place, insert the pin going upward, then twist it downward and secure in place.


Katie Holmes

                                            

A low pony slung over one shoulder keeps hair in place while you're running all over town, but feels more put-together than the high/middle updo you wear to the gym.

Michelle Rodriguez

                                                                             

"I've noticed that a beautiful classic ponytail is underutilized lately," says Bryce. Mix up your daily look with a mid-height pony—they're a little bit perky, but still polished enough for the office.


Mayim Bialik

                                    

A sparkling barrette pinned to one side brings a little interest to the long-and-layered look—without taking away from morning snooze time. "For a low-maintenance haircut, stick with a classic shape," advises Bryce. "Keeping layering longer and steering clear of creative, asymmetric shapes will help cut down styling time."

via: msn

Girlfriends: BFF dos and don'ts

Be honest

BFFs, what would we do without them? From childhood gal pals to girlfriends who stand the test of time. Here’s our list of female friend dos and don’ts.

Do be honest, she's counting on it. When your BFF asks you, “What do you think of this swimsuit?" Don’t sugar coat it, say, "It looks like bad lingerie. Return it."

Grow together

                                                                     

Don't get stuck in seventh-grade friendships. People change as they get older and the beauty of a strong friendship is that it changes along with you.

Take her side

Do always be on your girlfriend’s side, no matter what. If that side changes, change with it.

Hands off the ex

Don’t date your BFF’s ex—it’s bad form and will always result in you being a bad friend.





Celebrate

Do celebrate her accomplishments. Be a good friend and let your BFF know that you’re proud of her.



Post with care

Don’t post awkward or ugly photos of your BFF on Facebook (even if you think you look amazing). Be a good friend. Delete it or save it for some private laughs.




Cheer her on

Do be her cheerleader, particularly when she’s having a hard time being her own.



Share

                                     

o share and share alike. One of the best parts of good female friends is the ability and affinity to swap clothes, accessories, shoes and overall style. Take advantage. It’s like having a whole other closet to pull from.


Avoid the middle

                                               

Don’t overly criticize her boyfriend and point out all the ways she’s changed now that she’s in a relationship. Be there for her. If it’s not the right match, she’ll probably (hopefully) come to that conclusion on her own.


Keep her secrets
                                                       

Don’t share your BFF’s secrets. She told them to you and, as a good friend, your job is to keep them locked up.



Have fun
                                           

                                     

Do have fun together. Get silly and create some memories.

Give good fashion

                                               

Don’t let your BFF wear something horrific because you think it makes you look better. Yes, it does make you a bad friend.






Listen to her

                                                                         

Do listen. Whether it’s a nasty break-up, a major life decision or just venting about the day, listen and support her.


Keep your promises
                               

                                                      

Don’t break promises. A good friend is dependable, so demonstrate your dependability and make good on your word.

Katherine West Slevin is a consultant and freelance writer. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband and daughter where she tries her best to stay sane in the face of motherhood.

Do have fun together. Get silly and create some memories.

Continuee>>>>>>>>>>>>>
 

via : msn

Jennifer Aniston's yoga moves for flat abs

Sculpt A-list abs of your own

The actress's goddess-body secret? Yoga teacher Mandy Ingber, whose holistic approach works because it creates balance—trimming your core and centering your mind. Use Ingber's poses and mantras to sculpt A-list abs of your own.

Moves for a core you'll adore

YOUR EXPERT: Mandy Ingber, a Los Angeles yoga and wellness advisor to the stars. To get more of her motivating "Yogalosophy" and tips for your practice, follow her on Twitter @msmandyingber.

YOU'LL NEED: A yoga mat (try Mandy's signature travel mat, $46; MandyIngber.com) and a mirror—or an infinity pool!—to admire the payoff.

THE PLAN: Do two sets of 10 reps of the poses three times a week. Add 40 minutes of any cardio most days. Heart-pumping exercise is key to abs-olute success, research shows; it zaps the deep-down abdominal fat that creates belly bulge

Side plank dip

Start on left side, left forearm and hip on floor, feet stacked. Lift hips to create a straight line from feet to head, and extend right arm to sky (as shown). Hold for 3 counts. Return to start for 1 rep. Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Twisting chair

Stand with legs together, palms in prayer position. Bend knees until thighs are almost parallel to ground, as if sinking into a chair (Chair pose). Twist torso to right, resting left elbow outside right knee (as shown). Hold 5 counts. Return to Chair. Repeat on left side for 1 rep. Do 10 reps.

Crescent knee-up

From standing, lunge backward with right leg. Then straighten knee as you extend arms overhead, palms facing each other and shoulder-width apart (Crescent pose). Stand, driving right knee to chest height and lowering hands to rest on top (as shown). Return to Crescent for 1 rep. Do 10 reps. Switch sides; repeat.

Low boat

Lie faceup with legs together, toes pointed, arms extended toward feet, palms facing each other and shoulder-width apart. Engage abs, and lift shoulders and feet, creating a boat shape with your body (as shown). Hold for 5 counts. Bring right knee to chest, grasping knee with both hands. Release right knee. Switch, grasping left knee; release left knee and hold boat position for another 5 counts for 1 rep. Do 10
reps.

Plank cross

Start in plank position with wrists directly beneath shoulders. Engage abs as you bring left knee to right elbow (as shown). Hold for 3 counts. Return to plank. Repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Do 10 reps.

Three-leg down dog

Start in Down Dog, hands and feet on floor, butt raised; extend right leg up, forming a straight line from wrist to ankle (as shown), to start. Shift into plank, bringing right knee toward forehead. Kick right leg back up to return to start for 1 rep. Do 10 reps; switch sides and repeat.

Reverse warrior

Stand with feet wide apart, left foot pointed out, left heel in line with arch of right foot. Bend left knee until thigh is parallel to ground; extend arms to sides at shoulder height (Warrior II pose). Reach left arm overhead and behind you, sliding right hand down thigh (as shown). Reverse, resting left elbow on left thigh, right arm overhead (Side Angle pose) for 1 rep. Do 10 reps. Switch legs; repeat.

Crow

From standing, bend forward and place palms flat on ground, shoulder-width apart; rest knees on back of upper arms to start. Engage abs and lean forward, balancing on triceps (as shown) as long as you can; return to start for 1 rep. Do 10 reps. Make it easier: Keep toes of one foot on ground.




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