CONTENTS
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Diamond Diva’ s Pink Pages
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“You Picked’ Em’” Take a walk with me here. It’s just simply amazing how the story begins to where it begins to end. Climaxing fast as a true romance, fifty-shades type movie; shifting into a comedy, drifting into a dramedy, then wrapping up as the most often heard horror story ever told. Look how two strangers can meet, speak and within moments of the day share enough personal information necessary to ensure they make a mutually desired connection. They purposely create a new date, time, space and place to meet up again to further their union. All while smiling, styling and projecting the best most glowing and shining parts of themselves that they can muster. They are super engaging and graciously respectful of each other’s time, thoughts and energy. Then the real union happens. The union that they both had been pulsating & waiting for. Now we all know that different people explore different “Waiting-Periods”, (not judging) so whether this is a One-Night stand, a (3) Date Dance, or the old school traditional-style 90 Day Probationary Period; the two do whatever they must to communicate & cooperate in a way the gets them to their ultimate goal. They enjoy the pleasures they produce between them. If things go right, they will often times create opportunities to produce pleasure causing moments again and again and again; with one another exclusively that is. No other parties are necessary to be invited. Two consenting adults doing what two consenting adults have consciously decided to do. Why…cause “You Picked’ Em!” Now, if the two get really wrapped up in their activities, themselves and their shared moments in time; they may use their God-like abilities, losing themselves in the thralls of love-making and create a human image in their likeness. A little mini me, a he or she; blessed to make it, to see the light of day. A living, breathing being made up
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“You Picked’ Em’” of a combination of their love and flesh. Yes the story repeats here when I say why, cause “You Picked’ Em!” Well, tell me this then…why is it that when life kicks in and the honeymoon is over. When the pleasurable meetups have turned into aging, angry encounters; all the fun has truly ended and you two can no longer see eye… Why is it that those same two consciously thinking folks who picked each other then, now become each other’s worst enemies? No longer able to find calm, cool and compassion within themselves to communicate or cooperate in ways that work or win. Why is that all of their character flaws all of the sudden become plainly clear; repeated and replayed highlights of the year and they can’t wait to go all the way in on the ex-lover whenever the person’s name is brought up? Why all of that when it was you, yourself? “You Picked’ Em!” Chances are no one and I mean no one in the family or their friendship circle would have every known this person had you never brought them around. No one would have to be subjected to this now identified lying, stealing, cheating, resentful, disgustingly stupid, cheap, angry, guilty, treasonous manipulator of a person that you so willingly gave yourself to; how many every times you did. This is where it really gets messy. Where were all your awesome personality reading abilities when it came to making a child with this creature of a person, as you now describe them? Creating a whole other existence, causing this vermin picked to be connected to you, your family and friends and now an innocent child for the next 18-21 years to come. How do you explain your inability to see this predator so clearly before a child was created and forced to involuntarily have to be split between two families before they can even walk? All of this when in actuality… “You Picked’ Em!” Family, friends and possibly child(ren) all have to suffer because of your pickings. Now is when you think we should trust your judgement of character; when upon a split is the most crucial time ever to learn to communicate in the most civil way possible. Why is it those who chose and picked the other to connect with? Why is that that they can no longer find mutual grounds to meet on for the betterment of the whole? Why is it that they can not push past the She-go and Ego enough to make decisions that are healthy for the duration of the years that they must remain connected? A healthy co-parenting relationship for the developmental sake of the child that they made in love should be the platform from which they launch this mutual ground; yet you tend to miss the mark because…that’s right… “You Picked’ Em!” I encourage those within the community to take a real sharp look at ourselves and learn to rediscover our power of choice. No one wants to hear about the horrible person you voluntarily submitted to in temporary pleasure and now we have to endlessly hear your problems and pains. You were in power when you chose them, so be empowered when you deicide to have a better working, more communicative relationship with the person you picked. Pick to work with them differently, pick to offer a better image of conflict resolution to our children or any onlooking youth in eye & earshot distance. Do this because at the end of the day, no matter what…”You Picked’ Em!” BY: D. HILLMAN
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“MYA DJ’ MYA” Radio Station Manager for TuneIn Radio Station 94.5 The Blaze & DJ Affiliate of the Unified Sound DJs Official DJ for The Marquis Slam in Fayetteville, NC Poet and musician album release parties, gospel plays, baby showers, hip hop competitions, vow renewal ceremonies, community/fundraising events and birthday parties are just a few mentions of what I have dj'ed for in the past 7 1/2 years For Rates, CD & Mixtape Requests, contact me @ 919-805-6949 or by my business email causeiloveit@gmail.com and Follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/mya.djmya Listen to me on: www.unifiedsounddjs.net or TuneIn Radio Station 94.5 The Blaze Poet and musician album release parties, gospel plays, baby showers, hip hop competitions, vow renewal ceremonies, community/fundraising events and birthday parties are just a few mentions of what I have dj'ed for
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“When Planning Equals Productivity” By: Ta’Shandra Bradley You can’t control everything in your life, but there are things you can change. Do you ever feel like you’re forgetting something, then you become overwhelmed because you forgot? Fortunately, there is a solution to minimize those forgetful moments, and the answer is planning. Planning has evolved from those agendas you got in elementary school to traditional planners, to even planners you create yourself. Multiple friends agree that planning is stress relieving, therapeutic, as well as gives accountability and a sense of accomplishment. How can one plan? Anyone can begin to plan with their favorite type of planner and a pen. There is no right or wrong way to plan; if you want to highlight in it then highlight it, if you want to sticker bomb it then sticker bomb it. Planning is a way to write down everything you have to do without having those surprising appointments. Personally, planning has not only become a creative release, I have also been able to release my analytical side because I can add various colors and designs plus I’m able to check things off which is a wonderful feeling and accomplishment every day. Being a visual person, I love colors and I also love quotes and having a quote throughout the week is motivation for me to keep going instead of giving up. With planning you can track multiple things at once which is essential for one’s busy life. I plan my weekly to do’s, appointments and I even track habits I want to improve or start like a no spend month. Planning is also
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essential for
constructing goals including weight loss, books you want to read in a year, how much water you
drink in a day and many others and having the accountability and visual aspect you can track your goals, keep up with your goals, all while you manage them which can make goal setting enjoyable. Planning can be a simple or as complex as you make it; as long as its working for you and you are keeping track of you mile long to do list that is all that matters.
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Shaquan Hoke, Founder and CEO of Beyond A J.O.B. Inc. - Career and Job Readiness Services, is an author, inspirational speaker, and training facilitator with over ten years of Professional Business Experience, Recruitment, Development, Sales and Job Readiness. Her company provides assistance in attaining the tools needed to gain employment or to map out a professional career, personal and business leadership coaching, inspirational speaking and leadership training to organizations across the world. Shaquan’s focus is on the quality of service provided, not the quantity of clients served. She views her clients as dynamic and diverse individuals who have ever-changing life-demands and evolving goals. No matter what your aspirations may be, Shaquan believes you can address your personal goals with a customized plan tailored for your success. Shaquan has completed her first solo book, “Beyond A Job: Seven Steps to Create & Move Into Your Vision”; which details her transition to true freedom through the application of Prayer. Her second book is in progress and is geared towards Job Readiness. She also has a Planner for Job and Opportunity Seekers who want to stat organized. A third book on the in editing keep up to date by requesting to be added on her emailing list or visit her website. Both books are found on amazon and www.beyondajob.net A humanitarian and spiritual believer in Christ she spearheaded the Courage to Give project which served 200 homeless and low income women and female veterans with Personal Care Packages. Shaquan was featured on Bronx Net News TV and mentioned on NY1, CBS 2 and NBC 4 in her efforts to help the homeless. She has recently been featured in DSE magazine and is a contributing writer to the new iWorshop96 Magazine. A highly sought-after Speaker on Job Readiness, Image and Personal Development in her local community and across the united states. Shaquan has facilitated workshops and professional trainings at Dress for Success World Wide, Bronx Community College, Easter Seals NY and many others. Beyond A Job has proven success strategies and methodologies for career and employment services, effective communication, critical thinking, and understanding behaviors that support and maintain healthy relationships. Shaquan walks in her divine purpose daily as a servant and leader to empower others to become the best person that they can be and ultimately fulfill their divine destiny in life. For additional information visit website at www.beyondajob.net or email beyondajobnyc@gmail.com
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SHAQUAN HOKE My name is Shaquan Hoke. My home state is New York. I am the CEO and Founder of BEYOND A J.O.B. INC. I have been in business for three years now. My greatest accomplishment was Starting Beyond A J.O.B. Inc. I have helped hundreds of clients attain employment through coaching, workshops and job matching. Website found on www.beyondajob.net However, it really hits home when you have a clients formally homeless and they were able to gain self sufficiency through employment. This was significant to me because I was homeless over 10 years with my 5 children. I was a single parent at the time and fell on hard times working 2 jobs was not enough. I am a married with five children. At first I had four boys and my daughter was born last. I am an Humanitarian who believes in God and just so happens to be an Entrepreneur that uses Beyond A J.O.B. Inc. as a conduit to elevate women into economic self-sufficiency. My family is and has always been my inspiration and driving force. I already know what it feels like to hit rock bottom. Years ago I made a promise to God and my family that once I was out of homelessness I would pay it forward and help others in need. In November of 2017 Beyond A J.O.B. Inc partnered with the Davidson Community Center and gave 200 personal care packages to homeless women and female veterans. This story was featured on Bronx Net News Television. Shortly afterward in December of 2017 a building caught fire in the Bronx displacing about 22 families. I Donated coats and personal care packages to those families and was mentioned in New York on channels 1, 2 and 4. I will continue to give as long as I have the breath in my body. The best advice I have been given is that whatever I do in life to mix it with faith. I had every reason to be a statistic and have my self and all of my children dependent upon the government to support us. Although most times I could not visually see my way out of the dark times in my life I had faith. Faith that with Prayer, Planning and Massive Action I would rise above my circumstances. I Listen to the melodies of song, writing on a fresh blank page, viewing art or natures beautiful scenes are some of the things I like to do to unwind. However, I must admit that my favorite is spending time with my family over dinner and a move. When I tell people that I am a newly published International Best Selling Author on Amazon they are quite shocked. I have written a short story about my life The Audacity To Rise and the steps I took to get out of the difficult situations I was in. I have always been a writer from grade school. Now I am published and have several articles in magazines, blog post and currently working on collaborations soon to be published. The book is found on Amazon and my website www.beyondajob.net I love writing because I know I am able to help someone in a different county who may need to hear my story so that they too can have The Audacity to Rise. The best advice I would give is to be honest with who you are and have patience with yourself. You don’t need to know everything about you craft but start investing in yourself by reading, going to networking events and get a mentor or coach. Having a coach has helped me tremendously in my personal work/life balance and my business. Yes I have both and still am a wife and mother. Stay true to who you are and not a carbon copy of someone else. Take the time to strengthen your weaknesses and have a plan of action for every part of your life. Rome was not built in a day but by a team of people with one brick at a time. For Speaking at events, Collaborations and Coaching for Career and Image email beyondajobnyc@gmail.com Beyond A J.O.B. Inc can be found on www.beyondajob.net To stay up to date with my speaking events, new books and appearances follow me on : FaceBook: Shaquan.thomas.14 Twitter: Authorshaquanh Instagram: shaquanhoke
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7|Diamond Diva
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SECRETS OF THE BLACK PANTHER Super-hero movies have become a part of American cinema. They come and go with so much regularity that they seldom work up the sense of excitement and anticipation that they used to. Audiences have become somewhat blasé. That’s all changed with the recent release of Marvel Entertainment’s blockbuster film, “The Black Panther,” now playing to packed houses. Even as a seen-it-all film critic, I can’t recall the last time I’ve witnessed the sort of palpable, electric buzz that this movie has brought. Comicdom’s high-profile heroes like Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four and the Hulk have been featured in highly commercial films. The Black Panther has always been a second- or third-tier character in the Marvel pantheon. And at first glance, an unlikely choice to headline a megamillion dollar movie production. The character made his first comics appearance way back in Fantastic Four #52 (July 1966). He was co-created by the prolific team of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby. The original design called for Panther to be decked out in gray tights with garish yellow-and-black striped tunic and boots. The Panther was the first African-American super-hero in mainstream American Comics. Later heroes like The Falcon (1969) and the John Stewart Green Lantern (1971) all appeared further down the
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road. He didn’t have any particularly flashy super-powers, but he managed to fight the Fantastic Four to a standstill, none the less. For those not familiar, the Black Panther is really King T’Challa of the isolated African nation of Wakanda. Along with his enhanced fighting abilities, he is a master scientist who has transformed his hidden country into a peaceful, idyllic techno-paradise. The Panther’s debut was heralded as both a comic-book and social breakthrough. In the dark days of 1966, it was indeed quite a daring movie by a comic-book company. But as many ideas are that are ahead of their time, no one quite knew what to do with him. Editor Lee was reportedly aghast when the social action group, The Black Panthers, arose and became well-known for their political fireworks. In many peoples’ minds, this certainly didn’t help promote greater use of the character in the family-friendly Marvel Universe. In a knee-jerk reaction, editors renamed him The Black Leopard for a while. The name never stuck. The character was kept alive by bouncing around as a ‘guest-star,’ appearing with Marvel’s heavy-hitters like Captain America and The Avengers. He was still around, but definitely on life-support. This actually turned out to be a benefit for the Black Panther. While he was basically under the editorial radar, this allowed an enterprising writer named Don McGregor to take the super-hero in a direction that the company could never let any of their established icons take. McGregor’s 13-part “Panther’s Rage,” story arc brought the character notoriety, criticism and public acclaim that no other comic-book character had ever before seen. Tackling volatile issues like the KKK and other incendiary topics, the Black Panther was heralded by critics and fans alike. He received tons of international press. The only drawback was----the comics didn’t sell. BP went back to being a wandering guest in other characters’ magazines. It wasn’t until the 1990s that his time had finally come to shine. Again relating to popular social issues, the character was shepherded by a variety of fine editorial talent that made his adventures entertaining, exciting and socially relevant---a triple-threat trifecta hard to do under the best of circumstances. By the 1990s comics had become much more adult, allowing publishers to tackle such controversial issues such as apartheid and a variety of racial taboos. During that time rumors abounded for years that actor Wesley Snipes had a Black Panther movie in development. In the end, the miasma of film financing, and the performer’s own personal demons made that
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plan impossible to achieve. As time progressed, the Panther’s profile grew, most importantly by the stories written by movie producer Reginald Hudlin (“House Party” and other fine films). His grasp of the character brought him to even greater heights. Now with his film a mega-hit, the Black Panther languishes in the background no longer. In this reviewer’s humble opinion, I think that’s all changed. He has truly become a pop-culture icon. It only took him 52 years to get there.
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