Now you can be part of the Plus Size modeling industry. MPI is one of the industry leaders for plus size models, headquarted in Phoenix AZ.Now, anyone who would like to be involved with the plus size industry can now acquire a no cost affiliate program offered by Models Plus InternationalModels Plus International is one of five , licensed and bonded, modeling agency in the southwest.Models Plus International is the number 1 agency for plus size models in the southwest.Go to http://www.mpi365.orgcontact : Rickey@mpi365.orgjuniques@yahoo.com
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All New African Dance Classes with Laini Kuumba Ngoma Troupe(Class Attire Loose Fitting Pants and T'Shirt or Lapa's (wrap skirts) and T'Shirts)Monday and Wednesday Classes Coming Soon!Friday ClassesChildren’s Traditional African Dance ClassAges 3 to 13 years oldEvery - Friday6:00 to 7:00 pm$10.00 per classAdults and Teens Traditional African Dance ClassAges 14 and upEvery - Friday7:00 to 8:30 pm$10.00 per classWhere:The Houston Metropolitan Dance Center (Fridays)1202 Calumet StreetHouston, Texas 77004Need More Information Call:Daytime Office: 281-591-1990Evenings: 713-523-4911***********************************************Tuesday and Thursday Weekly ClassesChildren's Traditional African Dance & Drum ClassesTuesdays and Thursdays Ages 3 to 13 years old6:00 to 7:00 pm$10.00 per classTeens & Adults Exercise and Traditional African Movement ClassesTuesdays and Thursdays Ages 14 and up7:00 to 8:30 pm$10.00 per classClass Location (Tuesdays and Thursdays)PABA (Enter thru the side entrance)3212 Dowling Street @ ElginHouston, Texas 77004Need More Information Call:Daytime Office: 281-591-1990Evenings: 713-523-4911
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25 FEB 09I want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent…by Pamela Young ,CEO, MODELS PLUS INTERNATIONAL LLCWWW.MPI365.ORGI want to provide a little insight for you, as to what goes on behind the scenes when as your agent, I am booking modeling/acting jobs. As you are probably aware by now, MPI is the largest and most successful model and talent booking agency in the Southwestern United States of America, representing Plus-sizes for PRINT MEDIA, FASHION, RUNWAY, TV AND FILM PROECTS.WE ARE LICENSED AND BONDED AS AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY.To help you put that into prospective, or to help you better understand, exactly, what it is we do, when we go to work booking modeling/acting jobs for you, think of it like this.Models Plus International, is just like an employment agency, again we are licensed and bonded as an employment agency, the only difference is when you think employment agency you think of filling temp positions on a clerical staff, at MPI we provide "temp positions" in the Entertainment Industry.First of all , we have 14 years of positioning and placement of ourselves as leaders in the Entertainment industry for providing quality plus people! So we are literally at the fingertips, in any resource guide or internet directory, for any client in the Entertainment industry who needs to hire Plus sizes, for their projects.Therefore, our day might start out with a phone call from a client who simpy says, "WE ARE LOOKING FOR 4 OR 5 MODELS, SIZES 12-18, FOR OUR BRIDAL EXPO BEING HELD AT THE MAGIC SHOW IN LAS VEGAS."That's when the excitement begins, I pull out a form known as a "Booking Assignment Form", this way after all the blanks are filled in, I pretty much know what this client wants and which of my Models/Actors to call, to hopefully fill the position.I go on to ask the client, the dates, the times, the locations, the job description, and exactly what is expected of the model/talent to make the booking assignment a complete success! I make it goal to become a friends with this client, so they will call MPI the next time they need anything in the entertainment industry. We have serveral clients who come to Phoenix each year, several times a year and call MPI, such as Catherine's Department Stores, Torrid, The Avenue, Fashion Bug, Dress Barn, just to name a few.Additionally, If travel is involved, most of the time, I persuade the client to pay the airfare. There have been a couple of times, however, THEY WILL NOT PAY THE AIRFARE BUT THEY AGREE TO PAY DOUBLE THE RATE I WOULD HAVE ASKED! SO THEN, THE AGENCY PAYS FOR THE AIRFARE AND WILL REIMBURSE THEMSELVES OUT OF THE MODELS PAY. ALL OF THIS IS DISCUSSED WITH THE MODEL.Once the terms are agreed upon, I BEGIN TO CALL MY MODELS (this is why it is imperative to keep your phone number & all information current with your Agent)! and hope I can find a MATCH! IF I CANNOT, I BEGIN TO ADVERTISE, LOOKING FOR THE MODEL WHO CAN FILL THIS POSITION.More times than not, WE ARE SUCCESSFUL and fill the position, (The client has the final say in choosing the Model/Actor). Once that's done, WE CALL THAT A WIN, WIN SITUATION. THE CLIENT WINS, THE AGENCY WINS AND THE MODEL WINS!These client phone calls, emails or walk-ins, happen as few as 4 times a day, and as many as 10 times a day, depending on the season. For example Summer time in Arizona leads to very few calls for outdoor magazine photo shoots, or TV/Film projects for that matter (which is why we encourage you to update your photos and enroll in training workshops during the Summer, so you can be ready for "Job Bookings" in the upcoming season).It's During the Fall and Spring seasons, some Magazines, shoot all of their catalog layouts for the rest of the year, in Arizona, because it may be and most likely is, snowing in their city!I sincerely hope this helps you see a different side of the business!Best Wishes,Pamela A. YoungCheck out www.mpi365.org Where Plus Size People Have Plus Size Fun
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Posted by Deidre Logan on January 12, 2009 at 6:08pm
There was a time when I used to be amazed at the number of seemingly grown men who were unwilling to be responsible for their own lives and for those of the families they made. Like everyone else, I’ve seen the increasing dismal statistics of fatherlessness in the American community. I would even go so far as to say there is pandemic manlessness as well. Men in our extended families are also becoming increasingly rare. What seems to be commonplace now are families with lots of women, young children, and old men. Young men are few and far between – and getting fewer all the time.Many women have rushed to blame the men for this. After all, ultimately it is their choice to leave; their choice to follow the examples, or the lack thereof, that preceded them. These are grown men and entirely accountable for their action and/or inaction – granted.However, I submit to you that many women – particularly many single mothers – are in the deepest denial about their contribution to this pandemic. In their zeal to raise good sons they have often neglected to raise responsible men who would actually be suitably productive husbands and fathers. So many single mothers, mothering from the own pains and issues, often deliberately or incidentally surrogate their children into “pseudo-spouses”. In the process, these children often receive severely mixed messages. On the one hand, they are constantly reminded of how much they resemble all the worst traits in their fathers. On the other, their mothers are quick to lay guilt trips on them if they dare to establish an independent identity or a different significant female relationship. These boys get angry and resentful, so the mother’s remedy is often to indulge them. They are rewarded with material things in return for their faithfulness to fulfilling their mother’s wishes.And so the cycle continues until the sex drive takes over. Now, these same young men start “mating and procreating” with no significant grasp of the level of responsibility that creates. However, thinking that they do, they often “try” to be there. That usually lasts until he gets overwhelmed and/or it’s not fun anymore. She wakes up one day without him; and grandma is raising babies once again. Why? Because we have spawned yet another generation of people who believe the universe exists solely to serve them. If it doesn’t, then there is clearly something wrong with the universe – it couldn’t possibly be something wrong with them. We’ve created yet another generation of perfect pimps and then we get mad at them when they behave accordingly. We often create the monsters that come back to kill us.How do we stop it? Here are three things we can do: 1) Put them out of their parents’ house by age 21 – sooner if they don’t go to college at 18; 2) stop letting them have sex in a home they don’t have a lease/mortgage on; and 3) stop letting them move their girlfriends into that same house.Brain surgery – it is not!Speaking the truth in love,Deidre
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I grew up during a time when African Americans loved each other and lived in neighborhoods and communities that were interconnected like the web of love. A web of love and support that looked like women cooking for other families when there was illness or taking food to a repast for a family grieving the loss of a loved one. Yes, I was one of those children thatwas corrected by a neighbor and again when they informed my parents of what I was guilty of.Today we are not that close knit community. If you say something to a young person today, you could get cussed out or worse, physically attacked.Reuniting the African American family is very important to me and I hope is it important to everyone who cares about the future of African American children. Have you ever looked around at the people that would come to your aid in a crisis? If you are the head of your household, who would come to assist your loved ones if something happened to you? It is urgent that we reconnect and become strong again.Read moreRead more…
Let Me Introduce To You Our NewestSENIOR REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR...Lee Williams, SRSDI joined Ameriplan because I wanted to work from the comfort of my home take care of my mother and generate additional income as well. Ameriplan has met and surpass my expectations,I work at home I am a part of a fast growing and exciting team and I get promotions. As SRSD I am encouraged to reach higher and help many other families realize their financial goals. I am blessed with the support and encouragement of my husband and my family. To my enroller Denise Lynch SESD, you are a terrific coach and leader.I am fortunate to be in your organization. To my upline Pennie Berk NSD, you are a great example, we love you. As we know, success is a journey not a destination. My sight is set on the next promotion, ESD, S O O N!!!!!!!Lee WilliamsSenior Regional Sales Director.Proud Enroller and Friend:Congratulations!!!! I am very proud of you and your growing organization!!! Lee Williams is one of my original IBOs. I must say we have a long history together. I'm so proud of this incredible leader and very dear friend. I know this has not been an easy journey for you, but here you are at SRSD. Lee is one of the most coachable IBOs I've ever met. It's an honor to have you on my team. Next stop ESD!!!!See you at the TOP!!!Denise Lynch, SESDProud NSD and friend:Lee is absolutely amazing. She has a great attitude and is always ready to give 110%. She attends the RTS/Accountability Calls, she helps her team members and is totally 'in the game'. I knew when I first talked with her that she had what it takes to go all the way with Ameriplan. She is just such a sweet, friendly, warm person that you can't help but just love her. I'm so proud of her and her accomplishment!!!! Way to go!!!Pennie Berk, NSDWE ARE ENROLLING EVERYONE NOW WWW.IBOPLUS.COM/40585101
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I am ranting about Dads today....Mom's generally have most of the responsibility with children. Even if mom works full or part-time, they are expected to do everything. Even when father's are in the home, mother's do most of the work.Mothers manage every aspect of their child or children's lives. There are some Dad's who do these things too. So why is to special and amazing when a man does these thing but just responsibility when a woman does it?Not every woman may do everything on this list. This list reflects the things that children need. They can exist without all of these things, But they deserve this and more. If you are not doing all these things, this in no way is a reflection of you or how you live and/or take care of your children.These things are done by most women, and not meant to reflect every possible situation. Whether a women is married or has a partner, these items are the what every women should be doing for her children if she has them.Work in or out of the home to make a living to maintain basic needs of her familyBuy and cook for their children on a regular basisShop for whatever it is that children need, based on what they can affordClean up behind them and teach them to maintain a clean environmentPrepare children for private/public child care or school by potty-training, manners, communicate, share, etcBathe them or make sure the bathe everydayComb or cut their hair, wash it and teach them to take care of itEnsure that children brush their teeth at least twice a dayGet them to school either by walking/driving or pubic transportationMonitor how much television they watchMonitor how much time they spend playing video games or using the computerRead to them, and teach them to readHomework is essential to be done with at least one parent dailyBeing their biggest fan and letting them know they are celebratedWipe their butts and teach them to wipe their own buttsWashing, storing, taking care of clothes that they grow out ofPurchase what they need - from A to ZSort through what they have outgrownMake sure they dress appropriately for the weatherSupport them in social activities and sportsInspire a desire for learningOkay so this is not what I would call is an extensive list, so what do Dad's do?????If you are a dad and you do these things, great, but what happens if you want to go out with the boys, or watch the football game? Why is it easier for men to go about doing whatever they want to do and the women is always expected to take care of the children? The children belong to both parents even if they do not live together.Omitunde, Publisher of African American Family ConnectionAn online magazine about African American Family values and community.Visit AAFC for the latest issue each month and a copy of ."The Ripple Effect"Read more…
Hope your October is colorful and beautiful!Here's a toast to Women in Business and the abundance of the Harvest season!May your business grow and grow and grow and the seeds you plant yield prosperity!Check out the Current Issue of my magazine.Sign Up to Stay In Touch and receive a free copy of The Ripple Effect - a personal development EcourseGo to http://www.africanamericanfamilyconnection.conLinda
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Posted by Adonya Wong on October 7, 2008 at 2:19am
The time has finally come, and I'll admit I wasn't the most patient person during the whole process. ;) But it has been an amazing 10 months, and I feel very blessed for the experience!My little book is officially published, “In My Mind: The World Through the Eyes of Autism"!It was pre-released on October 1, 2008, and will officially release on January 6, 2009.A portion of my proceeds will benefit Tulsa Autism Foundation and TACA - Talk About Curing Autism.It is my intention, through my book, for the reader to build a stronger desire to want to learn more about autism. It is also my intention to raise awareness about this disorder, and I hope that the reader will gain a deeper sense of compassion and tolerance for those “different” than themselves..Adonya
Let Me Introduce To You Our NewestREGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR...Dawna Shengle, RSDWhew.what a ride. And it's just the beginning. When I first started with AmeriPlan and The Freedom At Home Team I set my goal to reach RSD in 6 months (I'm not a real go-getter and thought I was being realistic). After going thru the training I changed that goal to 3 months. And here it is, after just 6 weeks I made RSD.and my first week was going thru the training, putting off posting my first ad. Gosh, if I had started advertising sooner I would have made it by 5 weeks.or even sooner!I don't want to make it sound easy. I work hard and put a lot of time into my business. As one of my team members says The only way you can fail at this business is to do nothing at all ~thanks Gail. I also really owe a lot of my success to my sponsor and trainer, Dana. I was one of those recruits that always was emailing and calling her with tons of questions (and still do). Thanks for being so patient with me! And of course I owe a huge thanks to my husband, Rich. The encouragement and support he shows me gives me the confidence that I can make it big with this business. I want to thank him for all the dinners he had to finish cooking so that I could make just 'one more phone call'. I love you hun!There's still a ton of things I need to learn, but I enjoy waking up every morning knowing that I have a great work at home business that allows me to be with my family and still have a successful career.Dawna Shengle, RSD****************************************************************************You can start your story today at www.Iboplus.com/40585101
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Cute, fun and colorful all describe Cutesieclips Etsy Store. Various cute shapes and characters are created out of colorful felt making pretty clips for little girls. My favorite is the PINK heart of course. In addition, these beautiful clips are reasonably priced ranging from $4-$6. Check out the Halloween collection…very creative.By: Kamilah C.The Pink Lockethttp://thepinklocket.com
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What little girl doesn’t like jewelry? I know when I was younger my sister and I use to dress in my mom’s high heels and put jewelry and lipstick on because we thought it was fun. This seems to be a common trend from generation to generation because little girls still do this today. Well, why not let your little princess dress in her jewelry? The Pink Locket has created a collection exclusively for little ladies who love to dress up along with the color pink. The Little Miss Pink collection has a line of jewelry including necklaces, bracelets and earrings just for the little lady. One of our signature pieces for this collection is the Darling Little Purse necklace, but also check out Cinderella’s shoe, a little lady’s dream. Shop PINK today!Kamilah C.The Pink Lockethttp://thepinklocket.com
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Karma Kutie Contest started August 1st!!!!Please submit all pics to Karma.Kidz@yahoo.comSee Contest Rules on www.ItsKarmaBaby.comGood Luck!!!
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The more I push forward. The more obstacles come my way but you know what. You have to KEEP ON PUSHING and MOVE ON UP.On May 9 my 31 year old younger brother just died. with no warning or anything. This was the first blow of the summer until my grandmother died on July 9. So I have been in NY most of the month still pushing and moving.since I have 2 children I have no choice but to keep on pushing and moving. It is hard but ya got ta do what ya got ta do.After all of the drama I still rise. God is so good. I am still here. My business is still rolling. I got many things that are brewing and I am still moving.I also have to take time out for myself.Yesterday I had a birthday party to take my daughter to. A million errands to run prior to 1:30pm, I decided I had to get my bushy eyebrows attended to. I sat down and decided to take the time out for a pedi also. Even thought I felt guilty at the time, everything worked out and I was able to just sit down for a moment and do something for myself.I wonder did my grandmother ever have the chance to do anything for herself. At 91 I recall she worked until 80 something. Can you imagine that???? I know socially life had to be hard back then. I wonder if she was able to do the things that she wanted to do in life. I know of a couple of things she wanted to do but could not. She did keep pushing and to me life is the greatest gift. God granted her a long one and I hope he will do the same for me.So I will keep on pushing and moving on up.Thanks for listening. I pray that August will bring me more joy and peace.Valerie
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Just curious.I know how drugs are promoted in many communities.I know how sex is promised in many videos and ads inmany communities.I know how many people perceive black culture.How do we promote, promise or perceive education in ourhouseholds with children age 0-6 years old?Joan Gosier, CEO of HBCU kidz, Inc.HBCUkidz.comRead more…
Hello Friends!I wanted to let you know that my new children's book Sunny's Adventures, a fun mystery book was just released at www.sunnysadventures.com! It's now available for purchase ($12.95) on the web-site, Amazon.com, and other participating retailers. Buy your copy today for your young reader!Log onto www.sunnysadventures.com today to receive a free newsletter, online fun for kids, and have your little ones enter a coloring contests with great prizes! Kids will receive free bookmarks just for entering the contest!About the Book:Children will get to help the young heroine Sunny solve such mysteries as locating a stolen pie, a lost dog, a disappearing turtle, and much more! The clues provided at the end of each chapter will help children develop their critical thinking skills but in a super fun way!
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Solutions Health & Wellness is showing support with Solutions Cancer Resource Center,Inc. in giving to others who are facing difficult health concerns. One of the things that we came up with is the care-giver baskets which are given to those who are taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill. Although most care givers just do it without a second thought, they are often overwhelmed with the thoughts of losing their loved one - putting their own selves at the back burner. The idea to give was simply a way to show appreciation -- just to say you are very special and we care about you. It is a treat that brings a smile - a lift in spirits - a moment that makes a difference. A way of showing that they are appreciated - a big 'Thank You!'We have now added gift baskets to the children who are ill and could certainly use a treat (toys, crayons, coloring books, books to read, etc.). Unfortunately, the systems that are already in place are not able to reach everyone. However, we have access and can identify many children who are in need of a special moment of joy. We have reached out to our friends,families as well as businesses and we are pleased with the response. The donations have ranged from sample products, variety of items purchased and already placed in baskets (ready to be delivered), monies(starting at $1). What we have found is that in all the gifts we have received, they were all given with great joy - just knowing that it will make a difference to someone. Nothing can describe the feeling of seeing someone smile or shed a tear of gratitude for receiving a gift basket -- it is truly priceless.As I have heard over the years, it is better to give than to receive. Well, just think of how you feel when you receive a gift especially when you least expect it, wouldn't you love to share that with someone else? I would encourage you as a business owner to give to others who are in need -- no matter how small your gift may seem it will mean so much more to someone. Your business will grow as a result as others recognize that you actually care.If you would like to join with us in helping to make it happen for these very special children who are facing some difficult challenges with their health - you help through paypal using the email address dawn@solutionshealthnwellness.com. If you would prefer to send a gift send an email for the mailing address. Please note that your business/name will be added to the baskets.
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This week flew by as all the weeks in the past have since I reached 30 years old which although it has been quite some time seems like just yesterday. It seems as though over the years the time just flies by....... This week I had two meetings set this week one at the Mayors Office to meet with one of the staff members to address the health initiatives and research projects that are geared toward reaching the residents of the community. The other meeting is to reach out to the medical staff members that are parishioners to work out a plan of getting members of the churches to participate in healthy choices and health promotional events. Both meetings went very well, we have to overcome some barriers which we are prepared to deal with other alternative methods.I have also found the courage to ask for support from others in helping to bring joy and comfort to those who are facing terminal illnesses, losing a loved one or those who are just giving their all to help a family member during this rough period of the end stage of life. When I first began giving gift baskets, I used my own monies and I can tell you how incredibly rewarding it is for me to make someone else enjoy a moment of joy during the roughest season of their lives. I really wished that I could give to everyone. Now I have expanded to children as they too need a great big pick me up -- especially having to face a terminal disease.Now here it is Friday the weekend is upon us yet again and I have a lot of work to do........... The Health & Wellness show airs tomorrow morning at 11 am. In addition, I am going to keep working to meet the needs of others through health, wellness and giving gifts to those who really need it most. As the saying goes, it is better to give than to receive - but then again the satisfaction in giving is priceless..............
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