Model:
Erika T.
From the Hottest Urban Designers
Featured Photography by: DIAMOND DISTRICT
APPLE BOTTOMS DEREON ROCA WEAR SEAN JOHN In this issue: Raheem Devaugh w/ Mint Condition Kevin Hart The Frye Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament 42nd Annual Bimbe` Festival Rihanna w/ Cee Lo Green APRIL 2011 EDITION
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TABLE OF CONTENT
Beware the Facebook Fanatic…………………………………...6
The Secret of the 8 Hour Diet…………………………………...8
Letter 2 A Lady………………………………………………………..10
Blackopps Night Life………………………………………………..14
Featured Photography: Diamond District.………………….42
Shop @ Blackopps…………………………………………………...52
PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Damien Prout CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Audretta Hall, Ebony Burroughs, Gregory DeVon STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sierra Jackson and Damien Prout FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHER: Diamond District
Blackopps Entertainment is an internet based marketing firm that specializes in Urban Entertainment Events. We are the premiere source for urban entertainment events and information in the Carolinas.
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Here are 10 personality points of a Facebook Fanatic: 1. While the Facebook Fanatics or FBtypically women Fs can be men, they are which shouldn't be surprising since women have the market cornered on being verbose and excessively loquacious. Women also have a tendency to obsess over the inconsequential much more than our male counterparts. (Don't be mad ladies... now you know, and knowing is half the battle.) 2. The FBF is one who is so active on Facebook that if she goes a day without some sort of activity, her "Friends" start to wonder if there is a problem.
Beware the Facebook Fanatic
By Ebony Burroughs
Most everyone with an email address also has a Twitter or Facebook account. Some of the nostalgic may still cling to their Myspace pages or have online entities on other up and coming, yet not as popular web communities. I'm a Facebooker and have enjoyed my experience with the Facebook community over the years. However, I have noticed a downside to its existence in that the flood gates for the T.M.I. prone and the randomly ridiculous are wide open. The best thing about social networking, Facebook in particular, is also the worst thing about social networking. It creates significance for that which might normally be, and probably should remain, insignificant. For instance, who cares that you had a hard time choosing between Coke and Pepsi at lunch? Is it really necessary that you announce to the online community how in love you are with your partner every 20 minutes? If you are puking up your guts and running a fever of +100, shouldn't you be dialing 911 instead of updating your wall status with the details of your ailment? And what is the deal with those people who can't stand to have their lives critiqued online? If you post it out there for the world to see, is it so farfetched that not everyone who responds will praise you for it? Facebook represents the gamut of social networking personalities but the one that always seems to irk the hell out of me is the Facebook Fanatic. Readers beware. The Facebook Fanatic may seem like simply an occasional nuisance but the nuisance can quickly escalate to an all out online psycho-drama. -6-
3. Her online personality is always on the far end of the spectrum and rarely resides near the center. Her status updates are so happy and positive that it's unreal or so full of dread, you're messaging her hoping she's not contemplating suicide. 4. She publicizes disagreements and really doesn't care if comments are for or against her argument. What's most important to her is the publicity of it all. 5. Her online world is way more glamorous looking than it is in reality since you will never see a picture of her where she seems unaware or unprepared for the photo op. 6. If she's a churchgoer, you can best believe she's checking in every time she's at a service or a bible study. God forbid you are unaware when she is in the house of the Lord. 7. She says good morning and good night to Facebook daily. 8. She will ALWAYS have the last word in a Facebook debate. As a matter of fact, she'll add 2 or 3 extra comments for good measure since most people don't have time to respond to every post. 9. She'll post a message on your wall before she answers your phone call. 10. She stalks the men she dates, and if he finds out and blocks her, she stalks his friends. (Continued on page 7.)
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The Facebook Fanatic is simply a reflection of what social networking as a whole has contributed to our society. We have grown apathetic about appropriateness and less conscious of the consequence of living so publicly. Profound thought is lost in a sea of diarrhea of the keystroke. The word friend is no longer a confidant, but someone who took 2 seconds to click a button so they could be added to a list of online profiles that may or may not care much about who you are, what you do, and what you're about. What is probably more disturbing is how many of us can no longer tell the difference between someone who simply resides in our profile list and a friend. The quality of relationships is no longer important and what matters most is quantity. Maybe it is our need for low budget celebritism that drives these trends. Are we missing the human connection so much that we result to online infamy and cheap tactics just to be reminded that we do, in fact, exist? If these personality points have struck a nerve for you, you may be or are on the verge of becoming a Facebook Fanatic. Being aware creates an opportunity for improvement and hopefully you choose to live more of life in connection with the real world, instead of starving for the crumbs of online notoriety.
Inspired by a queen, this Nefertiti Dress is fit for royalty. Shirring accents the bra-friendly straps of this sleeveless dress fashioned with a foil fleur -de-lis patterned design that shines throughout. Scoop neckline is mimicked in the large oval cut-out back with strings that are intricately braided as trim and hang at center back for added detail. Metallic printed signature adorns upper back. Pullover style.
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The Secrets of the 8-Hour Diet By Audretta Hall Losing weight is, generally, no problem. Keeping it off? Now that’s where the REAL work begins. I have successfully lost 70lbs. Okay, more like 1,070 lbs for I lost the same 10 lbs about 100 times! But I have been able to keep those 10 lbs at bay with one simple “dieting” solution. I only diet for 8 hours a day. From the time I get up until about 3pm I eat nothing but raw fruits and vegetables and drink a couple of *vegetarian protein shakes. Now, I have tried not eating until three o’clock…that did not work. One, I was so hungry at 3 pm that I ate a hole in the refrigerator. Two, Not eating actually slowed down my metabolism and I gained weight! And, now that I am going through menopause, gaining weight is a huge concern. I have been told that one can gain in excess of 50 lbs during the change in life. I knew I had to some up with a strategy to combat that. Thus the 8-hour diet. So far I have lost the 10 lbs and 2 inches off of my middle and have kept it off—even through the holidays. And, I have been able to enjoy eating cake, fried chicken and cornbread—in moderation and after three pm. A moderate change is the key to any successful life style change. The “change” that allows the 8 hour diet to work so well for me is that I can generally accomplish anything as long as I have a time frame in mind. 8 years without eating cake? I can’t do that. 8 hours without eating a donut? Now I can do that. And I had to create my own strategy and plan to win the war on getting healthy. No Military General get’s up in the morning and says, “You know, I am going to blow up a few bridges, shoot a few people and come home”. Generals PLAN and STRATEGIES on how to win the battles that wins the war. If you have ever tried to lose weight you know it is a battle. Now I have a structured lifestyle battle plan built around things that I can do. I can do 20 crunches, 20 sit-ups and 20 leg-lifts every morning. I can drink 20 oz of water before going to bed. I can wait three hours after a meal before eating a sweet. I can wait until I am finished eating before drinking a room temperature or hot liquid in order to help my body digest foods. I can… Well, I can go on and on…. literally! I wrote a book called “From Fat to Thick-- Diet tips for those who want to get HEALTHY but still want to EAT”! It is a workbook so you can design your own personal strategy for losing weight and or getting healthy.
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For More information on how to get your copy of “ From Fat to Thick� or to book me to Speak at your next Wellness event please email me at Audretta@support4yourdreams.com. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this workbook will go to organizations that pay for Breast Cancer Awareness Initiatives in low-income communities. Need a daily health and wellness fix? Follow me on facebook. Audihall515@aol.com.
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million women; we desire 2 love one woman a million ways! By: Gregory DeVon
It takes a gentlemen to speak to a Lady; so allow me to speak on behalf of gentlemen across the globe. It’s a blessing to catch the eye of a Lady! There is no greater sight than a women who conducts herself with eloquence and poise! To a gentleman, a Lady is like an exquisite diamond, you have to be in position to attain one and you do whatever you have to do in order to take care of it. At times you seem unattainable, but one smile from you makes the pursuit worth continuing. Your countenance is more than just a pretty sight to behold; your essence exudes everything that is beautiful! Your majesty is unparalleled and your presence is breath taking; but yet you still don’t see yourself how a gentleman sees you. What is it that clouds your view of what I see? What is it that makes your perception of yourself less than the reality of what it actually is? I see perfection even in your flaws; and I see grace even when you fall! No matter what, I still see a Lady! Although God designed me male, I see the struggles that you face daily. You face the task of working in a world dominated by men, you overcome the unfair advantages of stereotypes, and you manage to handle the stress of taking care of those around you! Not only do you face these challenges with tremendous tenacity; but you overcome and provide an excellent example for younger women. For that I applaud not only your effort, but I applaud your dedication to persevering! At times you appear to be superwoman! You deserve to be reminded daily that you are beautiful! Not just in words, but also by how we as gentlemen treat you. For we know that when a woman feels special, she will turn a house into a home. As a Gentleman, we will never seek to love a
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There isn’t enough that could be said about a Lady! With everything that’s so great about you, there still seems to be something missing that keeps you from feeling fulfilled! That thing is true love from a man. So often you allow your desire to be loved to overshadow everything that makes you uniquely you! A sense of being unfulfilled seems to follow you and keep you from being truly happy. Your belief that you are something special seems to fade as you experience heartache. You have to know that who you love is a conscious choice, so you must choose wisely. In the past you have attached yourself to those who have consistently caused you pain. In the end you were left with the shattered pieces of your broken heart! As you continued to experience pain, your window of opportunistic belief that there was something out here better seemed to close. Your belief that you could connect with someone who spoke to your heart, mind and spirit was shattered by experience. No matter what has happened in the past, God has a way of bringing healing and restoration! God often works through people to bring restoration to those who have been battered by the waves of time. Restoration is the act of repairing, renewing or rebuilding. So often you have given the best of yourself away to those who didn’t deserve it. God wants to bring back to you that which you lost; but you have to see the need for restoration! Over time women have assumed that men don’t understand women. It has been stated
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that most men don’t house the capacity to connect and relate with women on an emotional level. Are these assumptions true, or are they just excuses to hide behind to avoid facing the reality that there are some things that you don’t understand about yourself? That question isn’t raised with any ill intention; its raised to potentially bridge the gap between men and woman. It has been said that women are hard to please. Is this really true, or are you just unsure sometime of what you really want? Nevertheless, the belief is that you are hard to please; it even seems that at times you’re not satisfied with yourself! Know that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made; you may not be perfect, but a Lady is always the perfect one for a gentleman! It is believed that successful women are bound to be alone; facing the insurmountable task of trying to find a good man seems to be endless. Your first mistake was that its not you who should find, its you who should be found! When a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing and obtains favor with the Lord. Know that it takes a gentlemen being favored by God to find the blessing which is not only in you, but the blessing that is you! Learning to wait can be one of the hardest things to do; but it’s your relentless pursuit that often keeps you from being found. Its challenging to find what isn’t stationary! Sometimes your continual pursuit of the wrong things keeps the right man one step behind you. Learning to be still just might make the difference. When we pray we are still, and look at how God connects to us through prayer! The word teaches that when we wait on God, we are renewed! In order to wait you have to be still! Know that its not your success that keeps you from a great man; gentleman are attracted to successful
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women! So often you wonder why those you have chosen didn’t work out; know that its you who should be chosen! A leader has vision, you should be part of a mans vision for his life! No matter how you feel, no matter what you have been through; know that today you can be restored! You are not what you have been through; you are more than your experiences! You’re special in the eyes of God; a gentleman, a true man of VALOR knows that and will treat you like the queen you are! Never settle for less than you deserve; God desires the best for you, but you have to know that you are worth it! Your value and virtue extend far beyond human comprehension; but there is a gentleman who desires to understand and love everything that makes you uniquely you! God loves you and I do 2! Signed: A Gentleman Written to all Ladies: Inspired by and dedicated to the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!
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Photo by: Truitt O’neal
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We provide an extensive listing of
Clubs, Plays, Concerts, Parties, Trips and More. Be sure to tell your friends, you found your event on Blackopps.com
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Advertise your Business in the HOTTEST e-mag on the Net!!! For more info email us at: info@Blackopps.com
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Shop @ Blackopps.com is proud to present
SPRING FLING FASHION EDITION
Now is the time to get even more incredible discounts and savings from some of your favorite online retail stores. That's right, this e-mag has the hottest sales, discounts and savings from the best urban fashion retailers and other retail giants!!! Shop and save with discounts, internet special, just arrived merchandise. Shop now and recieve the best internet prices and shipping deals. - 52 -
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Fashion R Stripe Preppy polo with classic style. Allover striped design with ribbed collar, button placket, and heavily embroidered logo R. Short sleeve style is completed by a tonal embroidered RW flame logo at upper back and vented hem.
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Stripe Polo Sofia Signature Rocawear stripe coloblocked polo. Sport this Super sexy and sophisti classic look fashioned by short sleeves, point collar and adorned by a shiny foil fla a snap button placket with logo flame detail. Slight on a silhouette detail by a s shirring at chest is embellished by a metallic stitched out back with draping. Bor RW logo flame at left. Vented hem. rouched zi - 60 -
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a Top icated. Sleeveless top is ame logo print throughout sexy deep v-neck and a cutrdered hem is completed by ip at back. APRIL 2011 EDITION
Isabelle Top ROC your style to new heights. Embroidery and print detailing fashion logo paisley design at upper left bodice of this short sleeve top. Features a scoop neck and is completed by shirring at sides of banded hem with self-ties. BLACKOPPS ENTERTAINMENT
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Invicta 4877 Bridge (Men's) (1681859426) Sporting an intricate design and subdial system, this bold Invicta chronograph is precise on time and measurement
EDOX 62002.3.NIN Classe Royale (Men's) (1681859449) This multi-function Edox timepiece exhibits a detailed dial and is loaded with extra features for maximum versatility.
Bulova 98B118 (Men's) (1681868121) This watch is a great addition to any collection. It features a bold design centered on its 47mm stainless steel case and polyurethane band. The black face makes you stand out it the crowd and will always get you noticed.
<> Lotus L9987/3 VULCANO (Men's) Suunto SS014443010 Core Alu Alu Lotus L9990/1 VULCANO (Men's) (1681874542) (Men's) (1681865825) (1681874544) Time to upgrade to a cool, modern look. The award-winning Suunto Core gathers Time to upgrade to a cool, modern look. This Lotus watch has a black dial set in a a range of data to help you navigate your This Lotus watch has a white dial set in a stainless-steel case. The black resin band is way through the wilder parts of the stainless steel case. The black polyurefinished with a buckle clasp. It's a great world. thane band is finished with a buckle casual accessory that's versatile enough to clasp. It's a great casual accessory that's wear every day. versatile enough to wear every day.
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U Neck Tunic Tee Rib Trimm Short sleeve tee features a u-neckline, foil print signaSkinny pant features a b ture logo accented with rhinestones at front and a logo pockets with a logo embo tag at hem. quilted detailing at knees. besom pockets and paten p wai
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med Biker Pants Biker Capri button/zip fly closure, scoop Denim biker capri features a button/zip fly closure, ossed zipper pocket at left and zipper compartments at front and button tabs at leg Back is fashioned with double openings. Details include back patch pockets with patch with logo placket at back embroidered detailing and a logo charm at back istband. looped waistband.
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Ram Asymmetrical Romper This is what you call different! Trendy romper features an asymmetrical strap with a hook-and-eye closure. Details include an elasticized belt with engraved buckle at waist, slash pockets trimmed with a faux zipper and faux flap top pockets at back. Part of the Animal Attraction Collection.
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Bad Girlz Shiny Twill Cargo The perfect capri! Stylish capri features a zip fly button closure and front scoop pockets with a faux zipper design at hips. Other features include cargo pockets at lower leg and back pockets.
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Apple Pocket Skinny Jean Show off your signature jeans! Skinny jean features a zip fly button closure, scoop front pockets and an apple charm at left hip. Other details include a contrast stitching trim and apple shaped back pockets accented with an embroidered signature logo. Logo plaque sits at back looped waistband. Part of the GI Jane Collection.
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