Model Mayhem!: Zola

Aspiring model Berline "Zola" Santerre , a 19 year old from Boynton Beach FL lives be "Embracing your Imaginary into Reality". She believes that if she can put her mind to something and do what she loves, anyone can. She will be featured in TheFIGURE's "Respect The Ambition"

Breaking News: 4 Kids Hit With Gunfire at Miami-Dade Park (West Little River)

West Little River Park (North Side Optimist) is disrupted during what was suppose to have been a normal day of football and cheer leading practice. This story has touched home with me because I attended West Little River Elementary School and I am very familiar with North Side Optimist. It really isn't fair how these reported gunmen chose to risk the lives of hundreds of innocent children in their efforts of targeting a group of males. This drive-by shooting has left 4 kids injured 3 football players and 1 cheerleader. Every day I am at the park supporting my little brother as he practices football. Optimist programs have been around for decades in our communities, bringing families closer together to support the youth as they set forth in extra-curricular activities. Let's pray that The Miami-Dade Police Department handles this situation accordingly and attend to the proper procedures that will better protect the community in public places. For more on this story Click Here NBC Miami

Amy Winehouse Fans Attack Singer Keri Hilson On Twitter

Angry Amy Winehouse fans attacked R&B singer keri hilson on twitter after she posted a picture that fans thought was very disrespectful to Amy's death.

Keri posted a picture of herself with an Amy Winehouse look alike (who was incoherent) . Fans responded angrily and found her tasteless, considering the time:



“Maybe she can resurrect your career too”

“You are a stupid b*tch. No respect for the dead, just sad.”

“That ain’t funny scary hilson, go back to walmart.”
“Tacky and classless! Have some respect for dead heffa!”

Keri immediately apologized, writing: “Come on, I mean no harm. All due respect. But really the resemblance freaked me out. This was simply the best tribute ever. #RIPAMYWINEHOUSE….Bedtime. I apologize 2 anyone who might’ve taken it the wrong way. As a fan, I thought it was cool that she dressed up to honor Amy. I had no ill intent, but I understand how it appears insensitive…my bad twitterville. For real. Good night

Do you think Hilson was being insensitive?

Artist On The Rise: Tina Daniels

Its not everyday that you see someone ambitious, making their dreams a reality, and doing what they do best. For this 22 year old, her dreams are coming to life right before her eyes.
Tina Daniels (Jacksonville FL) a senior majoring in Biology at Bethune-Cookman University, is a hip hop artist on the rise, she is also a member of She is currently in New York working on her demo album, and there is a strong possibility that she will be signed to the multi-million hip hop mogul Diddy's Bad Boy Records. Bad boy has  some familiar faces  in the industry such as Carl Thomas, Cassie, Danity Kane, Janelle Monae, Faith Evans, Mary J. Blige, the late Notorious B.I.G., and many more. She is living proof that all it takes is ambition and it can get you very far.
TheFIGURE wishes Daniels the best of luck in New York.  

Bethune Cookman's Own Running For Best American Eagle Spirit

Marquise Richardson , Junior at Bethune-Cookman University,  is in the ballot  under top department fashion line American Eagle Outfitters  in the "AE BestShot" Contest. the grand prize (the top 10 winners) receive  $3000 and an opportunity to be in an american eagle campaign spread. The weekly top 5 receive $100 American Eagle gift cards, and the weekly top 50get to be featured on the american eagle billboard in Times Square, NY.  Richardson is also a member of FACES modeling troupe and Rekonstruktion Dance group a Bethune cookman university.

ALL IT TAKES IS ONE CLICK! CLICK HERE TO VOTE!

Kelly Rowland Drops New Album 'Here I Am' In stores July 26

Kelly Rowland’s new album, Here I Am, will be available on July 26th!! Check out the track listing below and pre-order the album on iTunes PRE ORDER HERE

1. I’m Dat Chick
2. Work It Man (Feat. Lil Playy)
3. Motivation (Feat. Lil. Wayne)
4. Lay It On Me (Feat. Big Sean)
5. Feelin’ Me Right Now
6. Turn It Up
7. All of the Night (Feat. Rico Love)
8. Keep It Between Us
9. Commander (Feat. David Guetta)
10. Down for Whatever (Feat. The WAV.s)

British rapper M.I.A. TRIBUTE song to the late singer Amy Winehouse

"Born Free" British rapper M.I.A. was first out of the gate with her tribute, releasing a track named "27," referring to Amy's age when she died.

M.I.A. wrote that the tune was "dedicated to all my friend that died at 27."

Listen Here


Rapper Big Boi pays homage:

"Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and now Amy Winehouse. All died aged 27. RIP to you all #amywinehouse,"

As of Monday morning, the song has already logged more than 111,000 plays.As for Big Boi, like so many others, he first paid tribute to Amy on Twitter Saturday morning. "Kurt Cobain

The 27-year-old singer died Saturday after publicly struggling with drug and alcohol abuse for years.
The five-time Grammy winner was found dead, alone in her bed, at her London apartment Saturday afternoon by a bodyguard. Medical authorities who responded to the scene said she had been dead for several hours, and that there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her apartment. Source
Police have said the cause of her death is being treated as "unexplained," and have said speculation that she might have suffered an overdose is "inappropriate."Police said a post-mortem is expected this afternoon. Thousands of fans mourn the death of this London singer. Amy Winehouse leaves hit singles such as "Rehab" and "F*ck Me Pumps" along with two albums.

TheFIGURE sends prayers and our condolences to the family of Amy Winehouse.

Lauryn Hill inspires high school students with lecture. (2000) Enjoy.

 (Part I)

(Part II)

Marsha Ambrosius 'Late Night Early Mornings' Video

Late Night Early Mornings by Marsha Ambrosius

Comedian Kevin Hart gives us another funny one: Laugh at my Pain

Kevin Hart stars in his new stand up comedy flick Laugh at my Pain! Coming soon in theaters, September 9th!  Check out the trailer!

Ashley Stewart at Full Figure Fashion Week 2011

Basketball Wives throw down in Italian Night Club. Meeka Vs. Tami

According to TMZ , Meeka reported being beat down by Tami and is suing the basketball wife for being  "assaulted, battered, beat, threatened, menaced, attacked, jumped on, pushed to the ground, thrashed, punched, and shoved".

No more MSG: Be aware of what you put inside of your food!

Monosodium glutamate, also known as MSG is a flavor enhancer most commonly linked to Chinese food.

But it’s not just Asian cuisine that you have to watch out for. Americans consume their share of MSG when they eat processed foods, like canned soups and chips, and the labels don’t always clearly label it.  MSG has been used as a food additive for decades.Health studies show that the more MSG individuals eat the more likely they are to be overweight or obese. While MSG is labeled safe it can give some people who are sensitive to it nausea, headaches or other reactions. Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified MSG as a food ingredient that's "generally recognized as safe," the use of MSG remains controversial. For this reason, when MSG is added to food, the FDA requires that it be listed on the label. Though it's not always easy to identify MSG on the food label, here’s a list of alternative names of common ingredients that could indicate that your food contains the flavor additive:

—Glutamic acid

—Monosodium glutamate

—Monopotassium glutamate

—Calcium glutamate

—Monoammonium glutamate

—Magnesium glutamate

—Natrium glutamate

—Yeast extract

—Anything “hydrolyzed”

—Any “hydrolyzed protein”

—Calcium caseinate,  sodium caseinate

—Yeast food, yeast nutrient

—Autolyzed yeast

 

 (Note) Popular seasonings such as Lawry's Seasoned Salt labels "NO MSG".
 Another kitchen favorite. Goya complete seasonings contains MSG if you take a look at the ingredients label.

Meet filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood

TheFIGURE would like to recognize filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood. And incase you didn't know she has a number of well respected films under her belt. One of which is "Love and Basketball"! This extraordinary woman is doing great things. Gina has always filmed "The Secret Life of Bees"

 

Jennifer Hudson covers YOU magazine.

Summer Break isn't over yet, Satisfy your sweet tooth with Red Velvet Cake Brownies! (RECIPE)

Red Velvet Cake Brownies with chocolate buttercream frosting

For the brownies:3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 oz red food coloring (this is one small bottle or a scant 2 tbsp)
2 tsp pure vanilla extract, divided
1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

For the white chocolate buttercream frosting:1/2 cup (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
4 oz good-quality white chocolate (not chips), melted – I recommend Callebaut
1 – 2 tbsp heavy cream


To make the brownies:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour an 8″x8″ baking pan.
In a small bowl, slowly stir together the cocoa powder, food coloring, and 1 tsp vanilla into a thick paste until not lumps of cocoa remain. Set aside.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the remaining 1 tsp of vanilla. With the mixer off, add in the cocoa mixture, then turn the mixer to medium and beat the two mixtures together until they are one uniform color. Slowly add in the flour and salt and mix on medium-low speed, just until combined. Do not overmix.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and stir up the batter with a rubber spatula once or twice just to ensure all of the flour has incorporated from the sides of the bowl and there isn’t anything stuck on the bottom of the bowl. You’ll want one uniformly colored (red) batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the brownies. Allow brownies to completely cool in the pan on a baking rack, about 45-60 minutes. Frost brownies in the pan, cut into 12 bars, and serve, or remove the entire batch from the pan to a cutting board, cut into 12 bars, frost, and serve.


To make the frosting:In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until soft and fluffy then beat in the vanilla. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time; allow the sugar to mix in before adding the next 1/2 cup. Once all of the sugar has been added, beat on medium speed for 30 seconds and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add in the melted white chocolate and beat on medium speed until incorporated. With the mixer on low, add in heavy cream 1 tbsp at a time and beat at medium speed until the frosting has reached your desired consistency.

TheFIGURE ENJOY!

Beyoncé Covers Complex Magazine August/September 2011 issue!

It's hard to believe that it was only eight years ago that Beyoncé released her debut solo album (and appeared on her first Complex cover). Today, she moves like a seasoned vet, blowing her pop peers out of the water with her professionalism and power on stage. With her latest album 4, it seems like B is pushing every aspect of her career in bold new creative directions, which makes her the perfect person to cover our annual Style & Designissue, where we showcase all the cutting edge developments in Complex's world.

For the cover story, Complex recruited photographer Thierry Le Gouès and artist Ebon Heath, who created the unique typography sculptures that surround B. The August/September issue doesn't officially hit stands until August 9

here are some of her photos from the spread:

Click here for the FULL cover story and gallery!

Erasing The Memories Of Your First...... Love (Love & Relationships)

Erasing The Memories Of Your First Love

by Shan

Tossing and turning, sleepless nights; hopping in and out of relationships because none of them feel quite like "You". Could there possibly be a way to overcome the memories of a first love?

First love could happen at any age, or so they say!  First romance, first love, is something so special to all of us, both emotionally and physically, that it touches our lives and enriches them forever. Forever is one of those words many of us take for granted and use in vain. "4 Eva, 4 Life, 4 Sho" Who remembers scribbling those little sayings every time we would write down our names accompanied by the man or woman we desired? Back in those days, the thoughts of our "First Love" was so delicious that there was no need for seconds. It has been stated that first love during our teenage years is much more fierce than the love in our adulthood.  A survey result reveals that first love relationships last only for 3 or 4 months for persons at the age of 15. Though, during my high school years I've witnessed those who have experienced love for years at a time. And according to Psychologists, there are indeed 3 phases of love: Lust, Attraction, and Attachment. Think about it for a second, We've all been there lusting after another individual desiring to be desired. Physically being attracted to them as if they were the only human being on the planet and Attraction is simply to be so tied together nothing could ever tear the two of you apart. Normally, it is the first relationship or attraction of a romantic nature experienced in adolescence that mentally, physically, and emotionally joins us together. Memories of our first love are mostly happy ones but in certain cases, the memories could be highly painful also. After numerous hours of research, I found that those who had experienced feelings of happiness, enthusiasm, excitement, and pride in their first love are much more likely to have stable, enduring relationships in their later lives. But unfortunately, on the other hand, those who went through feelings of shame, guilt, hostility or fright during their first love tend to have weak relationships with others. For sure there will be "plenty of other fish in the sea" but the real question is how do we fade away the memories of our first love when those thoughts have found a way to occupy space inside of our hearts. Subconsciously, we allow the unwanted memories of first love to haunt us in more ways than one. Ever tried focusing on another relationship and found yourself handling the new person in your life differently because they were nothing like your first love? If you can honestly relate know that unconsciously you are penalizing yourself and every single relationship you will encounter with another. On the brighter side, scientific studies have shown that it might take only 30 seconds to decide whether the other person is really worth falling in love with. Believe it or not, some Psychologists say Men are actually the ones to fall in love first before women. But being a woman myself I can testify by saying that the first love tends to have a much greater effect on our lives, whether we choose to admit it or not. So, if you are unsure of how to handle your next relationship, I'm here to tell you that you must first get over what has occurred in the past. Realize that just because this relationship is over, it doesn't mean that you'll never find love again. Don't be ashamed to ask your friends, your parents, how they got over their first loves. Many people will remember how hard it was to get over them but will also admit that they found greater loves in their lifetime.  The emotional experiences that go with first love are very strong. But we have to be stronger and learn ways to understand them, sort them out and control them! So how we erase the memories of our first love? Become the eraser.

Be Inspired,

Shan & TheFIGURE

"Paper and Pen Hour" presents a narrative

Redefining Body Image

Haley shares a submission....

 (gothmermaid.tumblr.com )

Whenever people can’t think of a better way to insult me, they always seem to go right for the “fat” thing. The problem is, that word does not offend me. The word “fat,” to me, is merely an adjective. It says nothing about who I am as a person or what I am about. It says nothing about how good or bad of a friend, or daughter, or sister, or dog-mom I am. It does not insult my intelligence or my sense of style. See, those are the things I would be offended about. But some people can’t see past the fat to get to that.
Whenever people call me fat, I usually laugh. Or agree. That really seems to throw people off. Just being fat and happy and out in the world really seems to throw people off. On the contrary, often times when I refer to myself as fat, people get offended. I get a lot of “you’re not fat, you’re just voluptuous/curvy/chubby.” THOSE WORDS ARE A POLITE WAY OF SAYING FAT, RIGHT? I don’t understand why people can’t just say fat. Fat is not a negative word!!!
I haven’t always been this confident, though. And I still have my days when I get a little sad about my double chin or my thick thighs. I’m not perfect, I’m still human, and I still live in a society that is continually urging me as a woman, and especially as a fat woman, to stop taking up so much space. But I’m working on it every day.
When I look at myself in the mirror, I see a wavy black mane of silky hair. Sometimes I see a pretty face, sometimes I see a pretty average face. I see a double chin that there’s no hiding. I see large breasts that hurt my back and make it hard to find any article of clothing that fits properly. (But nonetheless they are, in my opinion, one of my best physical qualities.) I see narrow shoulders and a narrow waist that curve out into round hips. I see a pot belly, I see silvery stretchmarks on my thighs (which are also unproportional to the rest of my body) leading down to strong calves which disappear via tiny ankles into freakishly tiny feet. I think that I love myself, and that my body and I have been through a lot together. I sometimes wonder who the next person will be to appreciate my body as much as I do, and as many lovers have in the past.
Tumblr changed my life. No hyperbole, I really mean that. Without all of my beautiful Tumblr friends, I would hardly be able to look at myself in the mirror in the same way I do. Constantly seeing images of other fat, happy, fashionable people helps me to normalize my own body. Being able to relate to other females/femmes on issues like chub rub, ill-fitting bras, wonky sizing, etc. is a gift that I don’t even know where to begin being thankful for. And it’s not even just fat people. Looking at confident people in general helps me. I truly believe that every body is a good body.
In closing, since I was supposed to write a story about one specific physical feature, I choose my belly button. I got it pierced toward the end of high school. About my sophomore year of college, my body started to reject the piercing. It began to grow out and look quite grotesque. So I finally took the bar out, but it was too late. Now I have a strange chunk of skin missing, and it almost looks like I have two belly buttons. And honestly, that is the thing I am probably most embarrassed of on my whole body, because it could have been prevented very easily. Plus belly button piercings are just kind of embarrassing in general, and now I can never hide that I had one! Haha.

Powerful words from a blogger! "Pen & Paper Hour" presents: Today I will LOVE my body.

Today I will LOVE my body.
Everyday I struggle with it, wish it were leaner, skinnier, lighter, smaller…
Yet everyday my body is ready to get me through the day.
My legs carry me around without complaints, they kick, walk, run and train.
My arms punch, lift, carry, throw and move tons of heavy things.
I am a Muay Thai fighter and my body is my weapon.
F*ck not being light enough, skinny enough or petite enough.
I shall be grateful for what I have and will keep striving to get better.
But I must not treat my body with pity, disdain or hate…
I will change it for the good, a healthier fitter version of what I AM.
…not trying to turn it into something else.
Today I will love my curves and tell anyone who has a problem with em’ to GO TO H*LL! … and I will even tell it to myself in case I forget how lucky I am.

Full FIGURE Potential!

Former BET host "Free" Makes a comeback!

Marie Wright better known as "FREE" who has recently caught the eyes of millions with her amazing FIGURE on the BET Awards show 2011, Free is ready to enter the spotlight again. As a part of “The Big Tigger Morning Show With Free”, Free will be joining host Big Tigger on his radio show. From 6am-10am the show will be aired in D.C., Baltimore, Delaware, and parts of Virginia.

What we didn't know is that Free had been in a abusive relationship in the past. The Radio host and former BET personality speaks "I experienced it at a young age"  "I'm a fighter. I wasn't in the corner. I defended myself. But you're in shock first. ... You're comfortable where you are. You're not thinking the person is going to do it again. There's a feeling of guilt. Embarrassed. One day, forget all that, I have to make sure I'm okay."

For Free, discussing her experiences is something she's done for years as part of her foundation Free4Life.

Free4Life Foundation is to create opportunities that support, encourage and strengthen the development of young people in Boston's inner city neighborhoods. The critical focus areas of the foundation will be Financial Literacy, access to Creative Arts programming and Teen Dating Violence Intervention.

We're happy to see Free back and better than ever with her positivity!

Not again! J.Lo and Marc Anthony announces a divorce!

After being married for 7 years, Singer Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are planning to divorce! Maybe it's bad luck but it seems as if J.Lo doesn't last very long in relationships. "We have decided to end our marriage," they said in a joint statement (via People.com). "This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters."

"It is a painful time for all involved," they added, "and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time."

The couple got hitched in June 2004 and J. Lo's Beverly Hills home and they welcomed twins in 2008. Jennifer Lopez has been married 3 times already while Marc, well this will be his second divorce.

Lil Wayne is ready to launch his own clothing line!

Tunechi fans are expecting the launch of an incredible rapper's clothing line. Lil wayne has not yet stated when the clothing line will enter the fashion world but it is expected to release pretty soon tells XXL magazine! Check out some of Tunechi fashionable photos!!



BET AWARDS 2011



We're guessing that Tunechi knows a thing or two about fashion! Polo Ralph Lauren briefs, USA shorts, and Racer socks!


Lil Wayne loves his Nikes and High top socks!



Trendsetter!

With styles such as these, this clothing line is expected to go pretty far!

Pen & Paper Hour presents "Shattered Glass": a poem by Brittany Dobbs

I know that in my heart i cant control them 

im trying so hard just to ignore them

my emotions just wont stay captured and locked in

now i do nothing but give the same excuses over and over again

yes i am human just like you are

yes i have ears, eyes, a nose and maybe a few scares

left out, scared, ignored and mistreated

played as the victim, scorn, and defeated

my shattered dreams my shattered thoughts

my hopeless nights, nightmares that never stop

i dont care for those who think im just crazy

for those who care only seem to amaze me

i must put the pieces back together, hopefully i can

if not then who knows what i will become, who knows how much longer i can stand

cause if you cant help just stay out the way

cause you cant help what goes on as i live from day to day

like broken glass my feeling are sharp, so sharp they can kill

but people dont take me serious, they dont care that im being real

so real there is never fantasy, when those feeling are out they are all so true

cant fix these broken emotions not even with glue

its people like you that step on and break me down even more

excuse me if i ignore you, excuse me if i shut the door

on you and those around that constantly break me down

but you no what ima try my best to leave with a smile, and not one frown.

but its hard for me, it really is hard for me

do you get it? cant you see!

when i try to pick up the pieces all i do is get cut

so it drives me insane, almost nuts

now you know why i am the way i am

why i dont care why i dont give a damn

but at the end ima handle myself with class

because my emotions are nothing but shattered glass

G.I.R.L. (Gorgeous In Real Life) with Mesha Hamilton!

Gorgeous as can be, Meet 22 year-old Mesha Hamilton!

Mesha Hamilton is inspired by this quote

"The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible."
Arthur C. Clarke



(HEALTH/FIGURE) What we all need to know about Breast Cancer!

1 in ever 8 women will develop Breast Cancer in her lifetime. Many African American families are losing wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunt to this disease. Though cancer is known for being a disease of old age, Breast Cancer is traveling fast effecting our communities.

Breast Cancer is a cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast.
There are two main types of breast cancer:

• Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that move milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
• Lobular carcinoma starts in parts of the breast, called lobules, that produce milk.

Breast cancer may be invasive or noninvasive. Invasive means it has spread from the milk duct or lobule to other tissues in the breast. Noninvasive means it has not yet invaded other breast tissue. Noninvasive breast cancer is called "in situ."

In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.
Many breast cancers are sensitive to the hormone estrogen. This means that estrogen causes the breast cancer tumor to grow. Such cancer is called estrogen receptor positive cancer or ER positive cancer.
Some women have what's called HER2-positive breast cancer. HER2 refers to a gene that helps cells grow, divide, and repair themselves. When cells have too many copies of this gene, cells -- including cancer cells -- grow faster. Experts think that women with HER2-positive breast cancer have a more aggressive disease and a higher risk of recurrence than those who do not have this type.

What you probably didn't know is that the three main risk factors of Breast Cancer have absolutely nothing to do with lifestyle. They are age, being female and having a significant family history. Women who have a family history of the disease, even though they may not be carriers of BRCA1 or 2 themselves, may run an increased risk and should talk about it to their GP, say breast cancer advisers. 

Symptoms

Early breast cancer usually does not cause symptoms. This is why regular breast exams are important. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:

• Breast lump or lump in the armpit that is hard, has uneven edges, and usually does not hurt
• Change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple -- for example, you may have redness, dimpling, or puckering that looks like the skin of an orange
• Fluid coming from the nipple -- may be bloody, clear to yellow, green, and look like pus

Men can get breast cancer, too. Let us tell you again. MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER TOO!! Symptoms include breast lump and breast pain and tenderness.


Treatment is based on many factors, including:

• Type and stage of the cancer
• Whether the cancer is sensitive to certain hormones
• Whether the cancer overproduces (overexpresses) a gene called HER2/neu

Amazingly, There is a way to prevent Breast Cancer. "Tamoxifen"  is approved for breast cancer prevention in women aged 35 and older who are at high risk. But this must be discussed this with your doctor.
the drug tamoxifen. This drug blocks the effects of estrogen, which can help breast cancer cells survive and grow. Most women with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer benefit from this drug.

Women at very high risk for breast cancer may consider preventive (prophylactic) mastectomy. This is the surgical removal of the breasts before breast cancer is ever diagnosed. Possible candidates include:

• Women who have already had one breast removed due to cancer
• Women with a strong family history of breast cancer
• Women with genes or genetic mutations that raise their risk of breast cancer (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)

Your doctor may do a total mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer. This may reduce, but does not eliminate the risk of breast cancer.

Should you give yourself "Self Breast Exams" ? Yes!

Glee's very own Mercedes aka Amber Riley! Appreciating her FIGURE!

When asked the difference between Mercedes (Glee) and Amber:

Mercedes and I share confidence, but I would never dress that way! I love color, but all the sneakers and neon and jewelry that she wears? I also never had her insecurities about weight — I was skinny in high school — but I love that now I get to show girls how to be comfortable with their bodies.

61 Year-Old Swimmer Dianna Nyad attempts to swim from Havana, Cuba to Florida!

61 Year-Old Swimmer Dianna Nyad trains to swim from Havana, Cuba to Florida!

Long-distance ocean swimming is an intense exercise in endurance, concentration and, in many ways, becoming one with your environment. The distances that Diana covers and the hours that she spends continuously swimming are incredible.  In 1979, Her world record is 102.5 miles, from Bimini Island to Florida, over two days. Over 102 miles and two days non-stop. Keyword: NON-STOP! Now Swimmer Dianna Nyad is on a quest to break another record. Swimming from Havana Cuba all the way to Florida!  
Diana prefers to swim without the aid of a shark cage - there are those swimmers who feel the use of a shark cage makes the swim a bit less challenging - not because of the concern for sharks but because the cage acts like a box that tows the swimmer along, keeping him or her on the right path and smoothing out ocean swells. Diana deals with the possibility of shark encounters by using several electronic Shark Shields attached to a following kayak. Nourishment is provided throughout the swim in the form of fluids and high protein snacks that are totally burned up to satisfy her caloric needs and provide little waste. Diana experiences all the various levels of extreme physical and mental endurance that you can imagine, getting the mind to focus so that the adrenaline and endorphins keep pumping before the body systems eventually say they have had enough. Diana completed her swim from Bimini to Florida in 1979 and then took a break from swimming - for 31 years. A year ago, at age 60, she began training to break her own record by trying for a distance that rough seas had kept her from accomplishing in 1978: Havana, Cuba to Florida; 103 miles and 60 hours. Who Swam the world?? Dianna!

Serena Williams & Her Jaw-Dropping entrance at the ESPYS!

Be plus-size and demand fashion! New Video by Fluvia Lacerda "This Is My Body"

Jam this Summer with Big Sean!

The lyrics are everything! Shouts out to Rapper recording artist Big Sean. Check out this single feat. John Legend. "Memories"

a 17 year-old girl shot and killed in Riviera Beach after a home invasion call

In Riviera Beach FL,  17 year old Albrisha Jones is dead after a Riviera Beach shooting early Saturday morning.
Riviera Beach Police responded to a home invasion call at a home on the 1100 block of West 3rd Street around 4:30 a.m. Upon arrival investigators said they found Albrisha Jones dead in the home from at least one gunshot wound.
“At this point we don’t know if it’s youth violence,” Riviera Beach Police spokeswoman Rose Anne Brown said. “We don’t know reason for this young lady being dead other than someone shot her. “
After finding out news that the girl was killed, emotions ran high in the Riviera Beach neighborhood.
Family and friends of the young girl fought back tears and tried to enter the crime scene, but were held back by officers. One man carrying a beer in a paper bag was even apprehended by authorities after entering the crime scene.
When officers first started their investigation they took to the sky and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s deputies brought out the dogs to search for the suspected killer.
Brown said investigators are questioning one witness to figure out if it is actually a home invasion.
“Just because someone reports a home invasion does not prove that there is a home invasion,” Brown said.
As they interview the witness, Brown said detectives are asking other people who know something to step up as well.
“We believe there are people in the area that do know exactly what happened,” she added. “We really wish they would come forward and do whatever they can to make sure that whoever is responsible for taking this young lady’s life…pays for it.”
Police have closed off part of Australian Avenue while they continue their investigation. 

TheFIGURE sends out our prayers to Albrisha's family and friends. remember, God is always there, and no matter what comes and goes, he loves you.

Summer 2011 A number of stylish ways to "Whip Your Hair" back and forth!

Hairstyles of Summer 2011

Those three-strand elementary school tight braids are back and better than ever! Check out this Cute Tight Braid hairstyle, Easy to do, and pull off with a cocktail dress or a simple trip to the mall!

Just when you thought the three-strand hairstyle was easy!!? Simple ponytails like these will bring out the glow in your Summer 2011. Check it out! (P.S.) Feel free to throw in a part down the middle!

Choppa Style! When it comes to dark & lovely bobs actress Taraji P. Henson knows it all! Shorten the length of your everyday hairstyle this summer by trying an edgy bob!

Straighten out those summer blues with a neat flat iron and dazzle your way into the summer with slick hairstyles such as these!

Now if your team natural, and your looking for a cute way to style your locks, here we've discovered some dashing styles to create naturally!

Try any of these summer 2011 hairstyles brought to you by TheFIGURE.