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Friday, 14 September 2012

Evoking memories of Diana: Kate makes first visit to mosque - and wears veil and attire like her mother-in-law wore 20 years earlier

The Duchess of Cambridge evoked memories of Princess Diana this morning as she and Prince William made their first ever visit to a mosque. Kate echoed her late mother-in-law in a pale grey dress by Beulah London with a draped head scarf. 

The ethical label is run by the couple's close friend Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs. As she stepped out of her official car the 30-year-old royal was ushered to a chair to kick off her £185 nude LK Bennett heels, displaying her stockinged feet in line with religious protocol.



In line with religious protocol: Prince William and Kate remove their shoes
In line with religious protocol: Prince William and his wife Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take their shoes off before entering the Assyakirin Mosque in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which they visited this morning on the latest stage of their tour of South-East Asia on behalf of the Queen to mark her Diamond Jubilee

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge takes her shoes off before entering a mosque in Kuala Lumpur          The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visit a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sensitivity: According to Islamic religious law, all visitors to mosques must remove their shoes and women must cover their hair before entering. Kate wore a pale grey dress by Beulah London with a draped head scarf. The label is run by the couple's friend Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs. She left her  £185 nude LK Bennett heels by the door

Ready to go: Prince William pulls his socks up after removing his shoes, as the Duchess rises from her seat to join him on their guided tour of the city centre mosque
Ready to go: Prince William pulls his socks up after removing his shoes, as the Duchess rises from her seat to join him on their guided tour of the city centre mosque

The couple were visiting the Assyakirin Mosque in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, which is the biggest in Malaysia and can host 12,000 for Friday prayers. It's the royal couple's first visit to a mosque anywhere in the world.
Kate's appearance at the mosque evoked memories of Princess Diana, who displayed similar cultural sensitivity on royal visits to mosques in Egypt and Pakistan. The late Princess of Wales appeared in an almost identical outfit on a visit to an Egyptian mosque during a tour of Egypt in 1992. A royal aide said: 'It is the first time that either the Duke and Duchess have visited a mosque. They were keen to do so as it is is an important part of UK culture as well as being the predominant religion here.'

The Duchess of Cambridge
The late Princess of Wales pictured in 1992
Classic look: Kate's appearance at the mosque echoed that of Princess Diana, who displayed a similar sensitivity while visiting mosques in Egypt, above, and Pakistan

Diana, Princess of Wales dressed for modesty as she visited a mosque during a trip to Egypt in 1992
The late Princess of Wales visiting the great Mogul mosque of Badshahi in Lahore, Pakistan
Typical magnetism: Princess Diana visited the Egyptian mosque as part of a royal tour in 1002. Left, a year earlier she is all smiles, dressed in an elegant and demure green dress with a black headscarf, as she visits the great Mogul mosque of Badshahi in Lahore during a tour of Pakistan

As the royal couple climbed the steps of the mosque they were met by Imam of the mosque Ustaz Saiful, director of Islamic religious department Datuk Che Mat Bin Che Ali, chairman of the mosque Syed Abdullah, general manager of facilities Shausudin Ishak and head division development manager Datin Faudziah Ibrahim.
How do you do? The Duchess of Cambridge shakes hands with an official as she arrives for the royal couple's tour of the Malaysian mosque
How do you do? The Duchess of Cambridge shakes hands with an official as she arrives for the royal couple's tour of the Malaysian mosque

William first spoke to Datuk Chemat Bin Cheali, saying: 'This is our first time in Kuala Lumpur. It's very nice isn't it.'
Meanwhile Kate made her way down the line-up, smiling and saying 'it's very nice to meet you' with each member of staff in the greeting lineup. Ms Ibrahim presented the duchess with a bouquet of flowers.
The couple then sat down to sign the guest book, with Kate giggling to William 'I should get this right' before she put pen to paper.
As they were guided in to the main prayer area, both were full of questions. William was overheard asking 'So is this where everyone gathers? When is your biggest service? How many people gather here?' When he was told as up to 12,000 on Fridays, he exclaimed: 'Wow. So many!'

Kate spent most of her time talking to Ms Ibrahim. 'It's so peaceful in here,' she commented. They spoke for a good five or six minutes, starting on the subject of the architecture and calligraphy in the main prayer room. 'It's really amazing,' Kate said.
When Ms Ibrahim mentioned a mosque in Istanbul which was a former church (called the Sophia Mosque), Kate expressed a lot of interest: 'Have you been to Istanbul? I'd love to go.
'I've heard of the Sophia but I've never been. You're lucky to have been twice. I would really love to go some day. It looks amazing.'

When Ms Ibrahim mentioned that she had been to Edinburgh University for her undergrad and masters, Kate said 'Oh wow, really? Well it's very cold there compared to here,' and the two both covered their mouths giggling.
They then spoke of Prince Charles' interest in Islamic architecture and how Kate had learned from him. 
'Both Kate and William had done their research,' Ms Ibrahim later told reporters. 'They knew a lot about Islamic architecture.
'The Duchess really appreciated how everything comes together at the mosque - how we include the architecture, the calligraphy, the comfort and the prayer all in to the one procedure.
'It all links together. She really appreciated that.
'When went to the outer prayer area [which is covered with a glass roof] I explained how we had exposed the skyline to show the Petronas Twin Towers.
'I explained that there is a lot of the senses here and that these elements help those praying focus better and if you are feeling uncomfortable or bored you can look up and see the beautiful towers. 'She laughed when I said that.'

Learning experience: During their tour of the mosque, the first they have visited together, both the prince and his wife were full of questions
Learning experience: During their tour of the mosque, the first they have visited together, both the prince and his wife were full of questions

Guided tour: The Duke and Duchess make their way around the mosque accompanied by officials and security men
Kate listens to an unidentified mosque official during the visit to Assyakirin Mosque
Well researched: The duchess spent most of the time during the tour speaking to the mosque's head division development manager Datin Faudziah Ibrahim

Both William and Kate were attentive and eager to learn more about the mosque, which had gone under a $10.2million renovation in 2009 to double capacity from 6,000 to 12,000.
'Well the fans keep it nice and cool,' William joked with one of the mosque members who pointed out the dozens of fans in the area.
Kate said 'it's all so impressive' while one of the guides told her of their plans for another extension. Before ending their 20 minute visit, William and Kate watched men of the mosque washing their hands and feet and were explained the meaning behind it.
They then sat down at their original starting point to put their shoes back on and leave. 'Mine are easy,' Kate said to William as struggled to get his right foot in.

The duchess beams from beneath her demure headscarf
Britain's Prince William, right, and his wife Kate, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge, walk during a visit to Assyakirin Mosque
Modern outlook: The Palace said the royal couple were keen to visit a mosque as Islam is an important part of UK culture and the main religion in Malaysia

Prince William hands his wife Kate her shoes, after the pair finished their visit
Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge puts her shoes back on following a visit to a mosque in Kuala Lumpur
Always a gentleman: Prince William hands his wife her shoes and she slips back into them after the conclusion to their mosque tour

Miss Ibrahim added after their departure: 'It was an honour to meet them. I was so impressed at how much they knew about Islamic architecture. They really knew their stuff.
'Catherine asked me so many questions that I struggle to even remember them all now. She really liked it when I spoke about how families come together during Ramadan.
'I told her that I often have a lot of family visiting and we will make the most of this area. Do some shopping, go and pray together, then maybe go to the park… She really liked that.
'She said family is very important.
'The Duchess looked beautiful and very appropriate in her outfit. It was a great choice.'

Imam Che Mat Bin Che Ali added: 'They were the perfect guests. William said he wished he could stay longer to see the people arriving for the Friday prayers. 'It is one of the busiest days and we usually reach capacity.' Afterwards the couple attended a colourful cultural performance at the Kuala Lumpur Central Park, Kate having shed her veil to show her hair tied back.
Crowd pleasers: The Duke and Duchess are met by crowds of royal fans as they arrive for their walkabout at Kuala Lumpur City Centre park
Crowd pleasers: The Duke and Duchess are met by crowds of royal fans as they arrive for their walkabout at Kuala Lumpur City Centre park

Exotic: Surrounded by dignitaries and beautifully dressed dancers, the royal couple inch their way past crowds
Exotic: Surrounded by dignitaries and beautifully dressed dancers, the royal couple inch their way past crowds
Pressing the flesh: Kate shakes hands with a well-wisher
Pressing the flesh: Kate shakes hands with a well-wisher

Everyone wants a picture: Members of the public train hundreds of cameras on the duke and duchess as they attend a cultural event at the park
Everyone wants a picture: Members of the public train hundreds of cameras on the duke and duchess as they attend a cultural event at the park

Mobbed: Kate looks a little unnerved but her husband keeps smiling as they are surrounded by well-wishers. Crowds of more than 10,000 turned out to catch a glimpse of the royal couple
Mobbed: Kate looks a little unnerved but her husband keeps smiling as they are surrounded by well-wishers. Crowds of more than 10,000 turned out to catch a glimpse of the royal couple

The couple were met by screaming crowds of more than 10,000 at the nearby park, which sits in the shadow of the city's Petronas Twin Towers - the world's tallest skyscrapers until they were surpassed by Taipei 101 in 2004. Families had been waiting in the 30C heat since 7am to meet the Duke and Duchess, and many were squashed up against railings by the heaving mass of people behind them.

They had brought Union flags, flowers, banners saying 'Welcome' and 'We love you Kate and William', and some had even written the Duchess letters or brought Royal Wedding magazines for the couple to sign. 

Carnival atmosphere: As the duke and duchess wandered around the Kuala Lumpur park they were treated to a colourful cultural performance
Carnival atmosphere: As the duke and duchess wandered around the Kuala Lumpur park they were treated to a colourful cultural performance
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge
Prince William looks at Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Well coiffed: Kate shed her veil on arrival at the city centre park to reveal her hair tied back in an elegant knot

Here, have this: The Duchess of Cambridge meets well-wishers and appears to give away flowers as she walks past the crowds
Here, have this: The Duchess of Cambridge meets well-wishers and appears to give away flowers as she walks past the crowds

School friends Ella Morris, seven, Amelia Thesiger, seven, and her sister Izzy, 10, who all go to International Alice Smith School, spoke to Kate. The duchess asked them: 'Are you squashed?'
Amelia and Izzy's mother Jo Thesiger said: 'We got down here early because the girls were so exited to see them.  
'She was so lovely in the flesh, really pretty.'
The couple walked round a circle-shaped area of the park, where they stopped to watch colourful performances by traditional Malaysian musicians, dancers and a fashion show showcasing the work of Malaysian designers. Kate said of one musician playing a string instrument: 'They must have really strong fingers.' Turning to William she said: 'You should have a go', but the Duke declined to join in.

A colourfully dressed performer points something out to the duchess as they stroll around the park
A colourfully dressed performer points something out to the duchess as they stroll around the park
Showcase: The couple walked round a circle-shaped area of the park, where they stopped to watch colourful performances by traditional Malaysian musicians, dancers and a fashion show showcasing the work of Malaysian designers

The British contingent: Ex-pats advertise their presence with Union flag umbrellas as they await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
The British contingent: Ex-pats advertise their presence with Union flag umbrellas as they await the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Royal duties: Prince William eagerly shakes hands with well-wishers fans snap photos in their mobile phones and pocket cameras
Royal duties: Prince William eagerly shakes hands with well-wishers fans snap photos in their mobile phones and pocket cameras

On their way round they made a beeline for a girl with a Welsh flag. Elin Howells, 14, is originally from Anglesey but has lived in Kuala Lumpur with her parents Chris and Fiona for eight years. 
She was so excited to see the royal couple she was shaking after their meeting. 'They saw my flag and came over and said "Bore Da" which is "Good Morning" in Welsh,' she said. 
'They asked us which part of Wales we were from and when we said Anglesey they said "Oh, the same place as us".
'It was unbelievable to see them, they were so lovely.'
The couple also stopped to talk to a group of expats including Lynn Maitland, 40, originally from Aberdeen.  'They were asking us who we were and we told them we're expat wives,' Mrs Maitland said.
'William said, "I like it that your husbands are all at work and you are here". 
'I was surprised at how tall he was in the flesh. Kate was beautiful. She said she was finding it awfully hot.'

Urban: The park sits in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur's famous Petronas Twin Towers which were, until 2004, the world's tallest skyscrapers
Urban: The park sits in the shadow of Kuala Lumpur's famous Petronas Twin Towers which were, until 2004, the world's tallest skyscrapers

Flowers for a princess: At the end of the walkabout, Kate is handed a bouquet of flowers by children, including two girl guides
Flowers for a princess: At the end of the walkabout, Kate is handed a bouquet of flowers by children, including two girl guides

At the end of the walkabout the Duke and Duchess were presented with flowers from children including two girl guides. Cerys Howells, 10, said: 'I gave Kate a scarf and she said I could keep it.
'When I said it was for her she asked me if I had a spare and when I said I did she said "Thank you very much".'
Later there was a security incident when a local Malay fan tried to get into the couple's car to take a picture of them as they prepared to leave the park. The man was bundled away by police and handcuffed.


Story by:   Rebecca ENGLiSH, Royal Correspondent in Kuala Lumpur

Ghana's Foreign Reserve Fall to $4.2 billion

Ghana’s international reserves in gross terms now stands at $4.2 billion as at the end of August 2012, the Bank of Ghana has said. The reserves fell from $4.3 billion as at June 8, 2012 and from $5.4 billion in December 2011. Compared to last year August 2011, the reserves were $4.5 billion. 


Ghana’s foreign reserves fall to $4.2b

“Gross International Reserves was $4.2 billion at the end of August 2012, compared to $4.5 billion in August 2011,” acting Central Bank Governor Dr Kofi Wampah told a press conference in Accra.

Dr Wampah adds “This was equivalent to 2.4 months of import cover.”

Story by: 
MyJoyOnline.com Business Section

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

The Sunshine Award

There's this awesome new friend I made very recently. Her name is  ღღČяїstinEεїз  and she owns a really cool blog called My Poetic Isolation. She posts about random things on this blog, including photography and fashion.

 Her posts are very inspirational and I know anyone would see the light that shines through her words. Thanks,  ღღČяїstinEεїз



A Sunshine Blog Award is a prize that is awarded to "bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere."


The Rules:

(1) Include the award logo in a post or on your blog page
(2) Answer 10 questions about yourself. These are below
(3) Nominate 10 - 12 other fabulous bloggers
(4) Link your nominees to this post and comment on their blogs, letting them know about the award
(5) Share the love and link the person who nominated you.

Questions:

1.What would you most like to change about yourself?
   - Nothing at all

2. What is your theme song?
- For now its Rachel Platten's Work of Art

3.One part of your life memory, action, etc. that you wish you could surgically remove from your brain?
 - None

4. What generation do you wish you had been apart of?
- 90's

5. What was your favorite childhood toy?
- I didn't have a lot of toys while growing up so I wouldn't remember. But I had this flute I loved. We spent at least an hour together and I never saw the flute again. Till today, I think I want a flute to replace the lost one now.

6.What's your favorite housecleaning chore?
- Ironing! 

7. Do you Tweet?
- Yes, I'm still learning to but I do

8. Any goals?
- To be the best blogger and fashion designer of all time

9. Do you really drink margaritas all the time?
- No

10. What is the ugliest car you've ever driven and were embarrassed to be seen in?
- I've never driven a car. I don't know how to anyway.

I nominate these lovely bloggers for the Sunshine Award:










Saturday, 1 September 2012

Bad News For Super-Models: Computer-Generated Fashion Models Better Than Real Thing; Fashion Questions of the Day

Here is an easy prediction: 


"Price of fashion models in advertisements is going to collapse, if indeed the industry survives at all."

Why should retailers pay for fashion models when an advertising department can generate models with the perfect height, weight, breast size, nationality, and complexion for whatever designs they want to promote?

This is Bad News for Super-Models!

MarketWatch describes the setup in 5 computer-generated sales pitches

To save on cost - and perhaps assembly time - Swedish retailing giant IKEA created computer-generated images of its furniture for the new catalogue, rather than hiring a photographer. By next year, a quarter of the scenes depicted in IKEA's print and online advertising will be digitally drawn rather than photographed.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week. In fact, IKEA says it is able to better depict its products with computer images than actual photography.

IKEA is not alone. Hollywood filmmakers increasingly create characters - and not just special effects - with CGI animation. And some fashion lines are finding that it's less expensive to create the perfect specimen digitally than to track down America's Next Top Model. These computer-generated realities may be cheaper, more appealing and more versatile than the genuine articles.

Some other related ideas discussed by the MarketWatch article also include simulated driving of cars, movie special efects, and 3-D dream homes.

Special effects are nothing new. New car models come out only once a year. And I believe most people want real images of homes, not simulated models.

In contrast, clothing changes four times a year with each season and also varies by weight, height, size, nationality, skin color, age, etc. Now the question of the day is:

"Do I care if the person wearing a sweater in a printed image is generated or real? Why would I? How would I know in the first place?"

Supermodels on the magazine covers may or may not go away due to importance of name recognition but every modeling job on down is likely to be eliminated over time.

Virtual models simply have too many advantages for real models to compete effectively. This in turn will pressure wages of even the super-models.

"These days, if you're looking for a career, fashion modelling is not a good choice anymore... We've got to look elsewhere, girls because now the machines are taking our jobs!" 

Courtesy:
Mike Shedlock, Mish

Monday, 20 August 2012

Think you've got a bad job? Indian 'sewer diver' paid just £3.50 a day (plus a bottle of booze) to unclog Delhi's drains

If you think your job is the pits then spare a thought for Devi Lal.
The 'sewer diver' from Delhi, India, is paid a measly £3.50 a day to wallow in filth unclogging the city's drains. Devi, 43, is provided with a bottle of bootleg booze to dull his senses before he begins his odious chore.

Dirty job: Manish Kumar, a sewer diver from Delhi is paid a measley £3.50 a day to unclog the city's filthy drains
Dirty job: Devi Lal, a sewer diver from Delhi is paid a measly £3.50 a day to unclog the city's filthy drains
Scandalously the city does not bother to provide protective clothing so Devi and his colleagues are forced to spend hours a day in the filthy water in just their underwear.
    According to Harnam Singh, the chairman of the Delhi Safai Karamchari Commision, (Delhi cleaners commission) almost 70 per cent of the manual scavengers die on the job. An estimated 61 sewer divers have died in last six months alone.
    Scandalously City bosses do not provide protective clothing and Devi Lal, 43, is forced to work in hjust a pair of pants
    Scandalously City bosses do not provide protective clothing and Devi, 43,  works in just a pair of pants

    Wallowing in filth: Devi Lal, 43, works to unclog blocked drains in Delhi, India
    Wallowing in filth: Devi Lal, 43, works to unclog blocked drains in Delhi, India

    Even though India banned the practise in 1993, government agencies still use thousands of people like Dev to clean drains through out India
    Even though India banned the practise in 1993, government agencies still use thousands of people like Dev to clean drains through out India

    Even though India banned the practice in 1993, government agencies still use thousands of manual scavengers to clean drains through out India. India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But poverty remains widespread with an estimated 42.5 per cent of the children suffering from malnutrition. According to 2010 data from the United Nations Development Programme, an estimated 37.2 per cent of Indians live below the national poverty line with 68.7 per cent surviving on less than $2 a day. Earlier this week Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced his country will be spending £52 million on a space mission to Mars.

    Tragic: An estimated 61 sewer divers have died in last six months alone
    Tragic: An estimated 61 sewer divers have died in last six months alone

    Story by Daniel Miller, Daily Mail


    "Well, I think this is the most depressing job ever... It's no wonder that he gets a bottle of booze (alcohol) as part of his payment."



    Sunday, 19 August 2012

    The British-designed flatpack HOUSE that clicks together without the need for nails or concrete (beat that Ikea!)


    It's the ultimate flatpack to challenge even the keenest DIY enthusiast - a kit of wooden pieces that can be clicked together without nails or concrete to create an entire two-bedroom house.
    And if you ever felt like just packing up and moving away - you could do with this home. Architects created this flat-pack 1,250-square-foot 'property' that can be simply slotted together. London-based architecture specialist Facit Homes partnered up with a pair of Danish architects to make the impressive villa - which took just six weeks to build.

    The ultimate DIY project: The flat pack house can be quickly assembled
    The ultimate DIY project: The flat pack house can be quickly assembled

    Unique! The lightweight home can snap together like Lego blocks
    Unique! The lightweight home can snap together like Lego blocks
    The easy to assemble home is an environmentally friendly alternative to building a new house     The easy to assemble home is an environmentally friendly alternative to building a new house
    The easy to assemble home is an environmentally friendly alternative to building a new house

    The parts were produced in a rapid-prototyping machine, Fast Code Design website reported. The Villa Asserbo was built using huge blocks of Nordic plywood blocks that had been specifically cut to fit together - similar to a 3D puzzle. It is named after the small Danish town 50 kilometers outside of Copenhagen, where the house now stands.

    The revolutionary 'snap together' technique aims to wipe out environmentally unfriendly practices that are energy extensive and use valuable resources. Frederik Agdrup who designed the house with his colleague Nicholas Bjørnda told Fast Code Design that each lightweight piece needed only two men to carry it and they did not need to use cranes, which made the process far more friendly to the environment.


    Stylish: The building in Denmark manages to still have a sense of style, despite being a flatpack home      Stylish: The building in Denmark manages to still have a sense of style, despite being a flatpack home
    Stylish: The building in Denmark manages to still have a sense of style, despite being a flatpack home

    The pieces are all numbered for ease of use and took only six weeks to put together     The pieces are all numbered for ease of use and took only six weeks to put together
    The pieces are all numbered for ease of use and took only six weeks to put together

    Friend to the earth: The home, which has every single detail inside of it planned, can be recycled
    Friend to the earth: The home, which has every single detail inside of it planned, can be recycled

    Perhaps the greatest benefit of having a 'flat pack house' is that it can be taken apart, recycled the plot return to its initial state, as it does not have concrete foundations but sits on wooden stands. The blocks are pieced together, with handy numbers so builders know where to slot them, and create a vast, sturdy space. 

    Facit Homes describe themselves as bespoke architects who aim to make homes for sustainable living with digital fabrication. The building is designed on computer in pieces with the minutest of details taken into account. They plan every practical part of the home, including orientation, material quantities, and even the position of individual plug sockets on their program. Then they cut all of the parts from lightweight materials, number them, and then they snap together like Lego blocks.


    Story by Anna Edwards, Daily Mail


    "Wish we had houses that are built so fast in these parts of the world."

    Saturday, 18 August 2012

    'I do miss him': Rihanna opens up to Oprah about the memories she can't shake of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown

    Last week we learned that Rihanna 'was more concerned about' her 'best friend' Chris Brown after the singer's vicious attack on her three years ago. And in another newly-released teaser of the 24-year-old star's upcoming interview with Oprah Winfrey, the singer admits that she still 'misses' her ex. The Barbadian pop star revealed: 'I'm reminded by a lot of things. A lot of good memories we had.'


    Scroll down for video

    One-on-one: In the just-released teaser for Rihanna's August 19 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she admits that she 'misses' Chris Brown and describes her ideal man
    One-on-one: In the just-released teaser for Rihanna's August 19 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she admits that she 'misses' Chris Brown and describes her ideal man
    'By the slightest things; hotel rooms, tour venues, any little thing, music, songs, and I do miss him at times.' In the clip, shot for Oprah's Next Chapter, the 58-year-old presenter revealed the Umbrella singer 'talks a lot, a lot, a lot about you know who, Mr. Chris Brown.'

    Vehicular confession: The 24-year-old singer has a lot of good memories of Brown and she revealed, 'I do miss him at times' on Oprah's upcoming Next Chapter special
    Vehicular confession: The 24-year-old singer has a lot of good memories of Brown and she revealed, 'I do miss him at times' on Oprah's upcoming Next Chapter special
    Still fixated: In the clip, the 58-year-old presenter revealed the Umbrella singer 'talks a lot, a lot, a lot about you know who, Mr. Chris Brown'
    Still fixated: In the clip, the 58-year-old presenter revealed the Umbrella singer 'talks a lot, a lot, a lot about you know who, Mr. Chris Brown'

    Rihanna's turbulent two-year relationship with the recent Grammy winner ended after he assaulted her the eve of the 2009 Grammy Awards; and Brown was sentenced to five years probation and six months of community labour.

    Brown and his lawyer Mark Geragos are currently fighting a $16million lawsuit filed by Entertainment Enterprises this week alleging that the hip-hop star and Drake caused the W.i.P. bar brawl which left several injured in June. It is believed the violent row erupted over the artists' alleged relationships with Rihanna.

    Maturing: The Talk That Talk star said her ideal man will value her, but admitted that 'They can only know my worth if I know my worth'
    Maturing: The Talk That Talk star said her ideal man will value her, but admitted that 'They can only know my worth if I know my worth'
    Partner in crime: Rihanna lightened the somber mood by adding that she wants 'fun times' and 'laughs' saying, 'I have everything else, all I want is a partner in crime to enjoy it with me'
    Partner in crime: Rihanna lightened the somber mood by adding that she wants 'fun times' and 'laughs' saying, 'I have everything else, all I want is a partner in crime to enjoy it with me'

    Cry for help: The chart topper admitted that she had 'felt protective' of Chris Brown following the 2009 beating
    Cry for help: Rihanna admitted she 'felt protective' of Chris Brown following the 2009 assault

    The Talk That Talk star is also said to have dated Shia LaBeouf, Josh Hartnett, and Los Angeles Dodgers star Matt Kemp, but she shared with Oprah the qualities she's yet to find in her ideal man.
    'If I had it my way I want a man that loves me, cherishes me, values me, but they have to know my value in order to value me,' she said.

    'They have to know my worth and they can only know my worth if I know my worth. I want them to respect me.'
    Rihanna continued: 'But I want fun times! I want fun, fun times. I want laughs. I want laughs more than everything. I have everything else, all I want is a partner in crime to enjoy it with me.'

    In the previously-released preview of the highly-anticipated interview, the chart-topper admitted that she had 'felt protective' of Brown following the 2009 beating.

    'I lost my best friend. Like, everything I knew switched - switched overnight,' she tearfully said of the 'embarrassing' incident. 'Who’s gonna help him? Nobody’s gonna say he needs help. Everybody’s gonna say he’s a monster without looking at the source. I was more concerned about him.' Speaking to camera in the preview, Oprah said: 'I went there with my own ideas about who she was from watching her videos and listening to her music.

    'I thought she was gonna be kind of a bada**, a kind of hard edged, rocker, pop woman. Nothing could have been farther from the truth.'

    'I lost my best friend': In the previously-released clip, Rihanna was seen breaking down as she defended the hip-hop star and said she 'was more concerned about him' after the brutal attack     'I lost my best friend': In the previously-released clip, Rihanna was seen breaking down as she defended the hip-hop star and said she 'was more concerned about him' after the brutal attack
    'I lost my best friend': In the previously-released clip, Rihanna was seen breaking down as she defended the hip-hop star and said she 'was more concerned about him' after the brutal attack


    Spilling her guts: While producers are saving the rest of the juicy details for this Sunday's episode, Rihanna managed to 'shock' the talk show queen
    Spilling her guts: While producers are saving the rest of the juicy details for this Sunday's episode, Rihanna managed to 'shock' the talk show queen

    While producers are saving the rest of the juicy details for the actual episode, Rihanna managed to shock the talk show queen.
    Oprah exclaims: 'I would have never thought that. You just shocked me.' In brief segments from the one-to-one on the sofa, Rihanna admitted: 'I am super duper terrified of the pedestal that comes with fame... It's amazing how lonely you can feel.' Rihanna's interview with Oprah is scheduled to air August 19 on OWN. 

    Hometown girl: Rihanna hit the beach last week to shoot a campaign as the Face Of Barbados as part of a three-year contract with their Tourist Authority to promote her home island      Hometown girl: Rihanna hit the beach last week to shoot a campaign as the Face Of Barbados as part of a three-year contract with their Tourist Authority to promote her home island
    Hometown girl: Rihanna hit the beach last week to shoot a campaign as the Face Of Barbados as part of a three-year contract with their Tourist Authority to promote her home island


    Story by Cassie Carpenter, Daily Mail.