Author: Opastaff

The audience cheers at the drag show, top. Preparations before the show, left. Cleo at the anti-homophobia day celebration. (Click to enlarge images) Haiti’s LGBT community, which has long existed in relative secrecy, has faced greater criticism since the deadly earthquake that struck the island nation in 2010. From the pulpit and on the radio, evangelists, some inspired by American sponsors and mentors, have blamed the earthquake on the sins of the country’s gay population. Gay Haitians living in tent camps after the disaster reported “corrective” rape and increased harassment as a result of the greater exposure of displacement and flimsy shelters. And…

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Autumn is here and I know some women and men feel it’s time to pull out the heavy sweaters and coats to cover up all of the mistakes they’ve made during the past three months. With the holidays right around the corner; it may be even harder if you don’t start now with a healthier regimen. Think about all the BBQs, holy communions, baptism, birthday parties, you name it that you attended over the Summer, your Summer was so busy, you probably didn’t even have time to hit the gym or pay attention to what you were really consuming. It’s…

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Haitians eligible to receive green cards in two years soon will be able to wait it out in the United States rather than in Haiti under an expedited family reunification program announced Friday by the Obama administration. Beginning early next year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement the Haitian Family Reunification Parole (HFRP) Program to accelerate the reunification of eligible Haitian family members of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, who are living in Haiti and have already been approved for a family-based immigrant visa. There are approximately 100,000 Haitians in the immigration pipeline in Haiti but only…

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The latest emerging band out of Miami, Florida, LOG IN releases two debut tracks titled “Sorry” and “Zanmi” under its own record label, Phat Sound Records.” (MIAMI, FLORIDA – September 22nd, 2014) – Emerging Florida based band, LOG IN announced today the release of two new tracks, Sorry and Zanmi on its newly established record label, Phat Sound Records. Both tracks are a prelude to their upcoming album titled *“20 Fwa Sur le Metier”* which is slated for a Thanksgiving 2014 (November) release. With their uplifting, and innovative sound, the eight piece band, LOG IN is staking its claim in…

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Jerk Pork Shoulder How to make roasted jerk pork. Oven Pan 1 Whole Pork Shoulder2 lime1 cup vinegar5 sprig thyme5 sprig parsley2 garlic (fresh)1 tbsp black pepper1 large hot pepper1 large green bell pepper1 large red bell peppers1 tbsp Jerk Seasoning Marinade ((Grace is the brand used in this video))1 tbsp Jerk Seasoning Power ((McCormick is the one used in this video)) STEP #1: You clean the whole pork shoulder with lime and vinegar. Once you're done cleaning it, rinse out thoroughly then poke holes all over the pork shoulder. Pat dry with a heavy duty paper towel and place…

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Team Karizma announced today the name and upcoming release date of its highly-anticipated new album. Karizma’s 2nd studio album has been officially named “VIRUS” The full-length recording comprises thirteen new tracks featuring production from various top Haitian Music Industry (HMI) producers as well as team Karizma. The album is currently in the studio receiving some final touches and will be released and available in hard copy Fall of 2014. We are also pleased to announce the addition of two key members to the management team in New York and Haiti. Cheyna Pierre of B.E RELATIONS will join Karizma as the…

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This is one of the hardest transitions your hair will ever undergo so you might want to be patient and ready when you’ve reached the decision to go natural. Some people make this decision because they either want natural combing hair or to grow dreadlocks. You have to remember a relaxer is permanent, whatever part of your hair that’s relaxed will have to grow out, and that’s where patience comes in. Do not wash your hair daily (like some people might have told you) that only makes the hair dry causing breakage. Best thing is to wash your hair weekly…

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It is with a heavy heart the owners, management, and staff of Liquid Bar and Lounge announces today of its closing due to an incident that transpired on the night of June 5th, 2014 outside of the venue. On that fateful night, an individual who was earlier escorted out of the venue by security due to him becoming very irate with another patron; later returned and fired multiple shots outside of the venue. Fortunately, no one was injured. The owners of Liquid Bar & Lounge cooperated with the Police Department’s continuing investigation of the incident, however, charges of Disorderly Conduct,…

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MAC D: “Hey guys, I know this is kind of strange for me to be writing you this short note, but I believe that it is the proper way to let you know about my resignation from Harmonik. I have dedicated each and every second of my life to this band since January 2008. I have always put Harmonik first in all I do; that’s why you guys could feel the presence of my soul in all Harmonik songs. Now, I am focusing on other things in my life. I want to thank everyone for his or her supports during…

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