Posted by Alecia D. on January 16, 2009 at 11:56pm
I was having a conversation with one of my male co-workers yesterday and we got on the subject of the characteristics of a successful woman. We began to list all the basics- well educated, great job, good credit and so on until we felt we had a pretty comprehensive list. I thought we did pretty good and I was confident that I encompassed at least 90% of the list.It wasn't until a few hours later that he sent me a text saying the following:"You know what's one of the most important characteristics? Ability to get and keep a fulfilling relationship with a man."Wow.That hadn't even occurred to me. After I gave it some thought, I decided it was a valid characteristic. Of course, we YBR women do not need a man to validate who we are, however, for the most part- participating in a fulfilling, lasting relationship is a goal of many young women. Sadly though, alot of us are not equipped to do just that. Check out some tips below that are sure to turn your relations with men from not so great to huge success!1) Like yourself. IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, INTERESTING, AND WORTHY OF BEING DATED- then guess what? No man will either. It may seem simple enough, but this one tip truly plays a huge part in why some women never seem to have issues with getting and keeping relationships and other women do. On a sub-conscious level, men are attracted to women who are attracted to themselves! Like yourself- as a matter of fact- LOVE yourself and the men will come running!2) Like men. Seems obvious doesn't it? Well, it actually isn't. How many times this week have you said "All men are dogs" or "There aren't any good men out there" or my personal favorite, "All the good ones are taken..or gay." If this is how you truly feel, then why are you looking for a relationship in the first place? This is the logic the universe sees also and is the reason why so many smart, successful black women are still single. Change your thoughts about men no matter what happened in your past. There are always opportunities for new beginnings.3) Treat every man you meet as a unique human being. This has to be one of the most challenging tips for me, I must admit. There are times when I hear a story from a friend about what a man has done to her or even think back on my own past experiences with men and the anger starts to build up. It's at these times that I may not be as nice as I should be to the next man I encounter. This definitely is NOT the way to go. If you enter a relationship with a man (whether it be platonic or intimate) and are harboring feelings of resentment or ill will, it will eventually begin to manifest itself into your situation. Remember to treat men the way you would want to be treated.4) Go where the men go. This is probably one of the most important tips. Although it is likely, it is not very probable that you will meet your future husband at the nail salon or the supermarket. Try stepping out of your comfort zone and going to different places- try sports bars, adult ed classes in real estate, finance, or car repair, bookstores (especially cafe bookstores, and ski trips. Get involved with volunteer work. Go fishing. Not only will you begin to expand your own horizons and develop new hobbies and interests, you may run into a new love interest.These tips may seem too easy to work, but I assure you they do. Whatever you do, remember that you are Young, Black, and Rich and you deserve to be loved for who you are!To Your Success,Alecia D.
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Posted by Alecia D. on January 16, 2009 at 11:46pm
Ok, so we're a few days into this new year and I hope that you still have your goals/resolutions for 2009 fresh in your mind. If you've already forgotten them (shame on you ;) don't worry- it's time for a refresher course.If you're like me- then you consider yourself to be an independent woman with a good head on her shoulders. You're also ambitious and always up to challenge yourself, right? With that said, I'm sure that one of your goals for 2009 was to get your finances in order. If that's the case check out these fabulous tips that will help you do just that.Figure out where you are.The first step in getting your finances in order is to assess the damage. Carve out at least a two hour block of time and find somewhere to go where you can be fully focused. Gather your bills, bank statements, credit card statements, a phone, blank notebook, and a pen. Take the time to record exact amounts of how much money you owe and how much money you have on hand. Call up each and every creditor if you have to. Don't complete this process until you are confident that you have a clear understanding of exactly what your financial picture looks like. This is the first and most important step in getting your money situation on the right track.Create a spending plan.After you've assessed the damage, it's time for damage control! Take inventory of every item that you spend money on each month. Compare the total figure with the actual amount of money you bring in. Do the two numbers coincide? After you've paid your living expenses do you have enough money left over to save and also put toward paying down debt? If the answer is no then it's time to rework the numbers until you're able to figure out ways to minimize your expenses. Once you've come up with a plan that works... put it into action!Pay yourself first.Don't underestimate the importance of saving. So many times even after we've paid our bills and dug ourselves out of a financial hole, we realize that we are still only one paycheck away from finding ourselves back down at the bottom. In today's economy it is not safe to live paycheck to paycheck. The goal should be to put away at least 10% of your income into a savings account. If you can do more awesome! If you can't, do what you can comfortably afford. In the beginning stages it's more important that you build the habit of saving than the actual number. It helps to make the process automatic. I use ING Direct for my savings account and they have an outsanding service!What are some of your success stories when it comes to getting out of financial crisis?To Your Success,Alecia D.
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Since Warm Spirit no longer exists, are you moving on to Soul Purpose? Moving to another MLM company? Starting Something from scratch? or Ending your MLM career, and moving on to other opportunities?Just curious.I plan to work on completing my yoga certification, get more public speaking engagements, and possibly do some writing.I'd love to hear your plans.Nicholle
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All Things NewOne of the greatest needs in our lives is the need for restoration. To restoremeans, "to bring something back into existence or effect again; to bring back toa former or original condition; to put back in a former place or position; toreinstate; to return." We talk about restoring relationships, renovating antiquefurniture, reinstating a political leader and returning something that wasstolen or lost. These all demonstrate the idea of restoration. The essentialmeaning of salvation is restoration. To be saved means that we have experiencedthe miraculous restoring power of God to make all things new in our livesspiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and relationally.From Genesis to Revelation, we see the God of restoration. We hear God's messageto the nation of Judah: "I will restore your judges as in days of old, yourcounselors as at the beginning. Afterward you will be called the City ofRighteousness, the Faithful City" (Isa 1:26).The Psalmist prayed, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me awilling spirit to sustain me" (Ps 51:12). God promises, "I will restore you tohealth and heal your wounds" (Jer 30:17a). Paul the Apostle declares, "Thereforeif any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away;behold, all things are new" (2 Cor 5:17).When the Apostle John received the Revelation on the Isle of Patmos concerningthe restoration of all things and the beauty of the new heaven and the newearth, he says, "And he that sat upon the throne said, 'Behold, I make allthings new'" (Rev 21:5). As you surrender your failures, problems and challengesto your Heavenly Father in faithful prayer, He will make all things new for you.
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I'm A New Creature!Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passedaway; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)We are to thank God for the blood of the Lamb. Some of you don't want to be likeyour mothers. Your mother was a nut. Your mother was mean. You don't want to belike your father. Your father's a player. He had five babies with five differentwomen in the same year. You don't want that spirit. For God sakes, stop admiringcrap, admiring garbage. And you attach that same thing because you keep liftingup the wrong example. Somebody lift up what's right. Somebody lift up what'sclean. Somebody lift up what's holy, even if that's not our family experience.If any man, woman, boy, or girl be in Christ. When are we going to believethat? This is our manual now. The Acts of the apostles says we have aninheritance amongst what? Them that are sanctified. Meaning that I don't need toglorify my biological lineage because there's a lot of garbage in that lineagethat I don't want to own, and I don't want it to follow me and I don't want itto follow my children. I would rather lean on my new bloodline. If any man,woman, boy, or girl be in Christ... If I have a witness, please praise God rightnow. You are a new creature!Let us pray - Father, I thank you that although I might have been born in messand don't have to remain in it. I thank you for the blood of Jesus that was shedfor me. I thank you that I am a new creature. I have been given a second chance,a chance to set the record straight and undo the wrongs that were perpetrated bythose that came before me. I thank you for a new lease on life and I willglorify you always. Amen!
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Posted by Takiyah Paige on January 16, 2009 at 6:48pm
Hello Family, Friends, and Associates:I hope all is well with you and your family in the new year. God has surely blessed me with a gift this year: my OWN business. I am now a Referring Travel Agent, with my own online travel business. Check out my flyer, and feel free to browse my website. If you find that my rates are comparable to those that you usually book travel with, then why not go with ME? Be sure to tell everyone you know who travels, that they have a friend in the business, and send them to my website, or have them call me @ 973-454-9986 or email me @ takiyah_paige@yahoo.com. Your referral is greatly appreciated. So, how can I help you plan your next vacation?Go to: www.BlackButterflyTravel.netDo not have all your money coming from just one source! Everyone needs a plan B.. Starting earning today... Go to: www.MyUjamaa.com for the details....call me if makes sense!!!Like to shop instead???? Shop...Save...Reapwww.Love2ShopAndSave.comTo you and your family, Be blessed and have a prosperous New Year!!Takiyah Paige
Posted by Takiyah Paige on January 16, 2009 at 6:30pm
THIS IS FREE MONEY FROM ME TO YOU!!!www.Love2ShopAndSave.comJOIN FOR FREE! TELL EVERYONE!!!Have you done any shopping lately? Did that store pay you to shop with them? Probably not but that's all about to change! Why? We have partnered with over 600 retail stores that you already know; people you already know and places you already shop like Macy's, Sear's, BestBuy, WalMart, Target, BabiesRUs, ToysRUs, iTunes, eBay, Zales, Home Depot, Modell's, FootLocker, Avon, Nordstrom's, Lord & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Sam's Club, TicketMaster, Gamestop, CircuitCity, Overstock.com, Old Navy, Brooks Brothers, RocaWear; the list just goes on and on! Over 600 stores!Almost any major retailer you can think is now partnered with us and you reap the benefits. Believe it or not, these people will pay you to shop with them. Amazing! Check it out!AND IT'S ABSOLUTELY FREE!!! www.Love2ShopAndSave.com Now, everytime you shop online for anything and everything, you will get the same product at the same price with one difference;YOU WILL RECEIVE CASHBACK! THAT'S RIGHT - MONEY BACK IN YOUR POCKET! YOU WILL ALSO RECEIVE ANY STORE COUPONS AND DISCOUNTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY! IN MOST CASES, SHIPPING IS ABSOLUTELY FREE! THE BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO YOU ARE LIMITLESS AND BEST OF ALLIT'S ABSOLUTELY FREEso spread the word to everyone!!!www.Love2ShopAndSave.comSearch around your internet supermall!Really understand that you are in a win-win situation!What happened today was history in the making and truly phenomenal!The company truly did something that has never been done and shook up the world!We truly, truly love and appreciate what this company has done for us along with thousands of other families.Will your family be one with a bright financial future, or;will you become a product of this recession?The choice is yours!!! SEE YOU AT THE TOP!!!
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Sheila RobinsonFounder and Publisher of Diversity Woman magazineBy Michael BreedloveJanuary, 2009Photo By Alex ManessTell us a little about your company.Diversity Woman is national magazine aimed at supporting the professional development of women from all races, cultures, and backgrounds. We touch on age, discrimination, disabilities — issues that are important but not readily discussed.How did you get your start in the Nussbaum Center?I heard about the Nussbaum Center through word of mouth. I originally heard they were very strict and it was difficult to get in, which turned out to be false. As long as you demonstrate you’re a serious entrepreneur, they’ll work with you.How has the Nussbaum Center helped your business grow?They make you stay organized and on top of your business, which has really helped me. Starting out, you have to have a business plan, a marketing plan, referrals — lots of stuff. They want to make sure you have potential to grow and a personality that will allow you to succeed. Since then, they’ve helped connect me to a lot of opportunities. They send out e-mail blasts and keep us abreast of everything that’s going on in the small-business industry. In a way, they’re kind of like our own little news bureau. I truly believe that I would not be in business now if I wasn’t here.Diversity Woman MagazineRead more…
Be proactive in building and developing your leadership abilities and skill set. Go back to school, take a course, attend a workshop at work, or participate in a leadership development program.Sheila, publisher of Diversity Woman Magazine.www.diversitywoman.com
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Posted by Jo Ann Brown on January 16, 2009 at 5:28am
Never worry about another job layoff.Never worry about a company outsourcing your job.Never worry about how you're gonna make ends meet.Those aren't dreams. This is real!Learn how to save and invest in the right place.Dividend income is passive income. You can buy stocks and receive a dividend check every month. If you want to avoid paying taxes, include dividends in your IRA.Find dividend paying stocks and learn about dividend paying stocks all in one place.Earn Income From DividendsRead more…
Greetings!ALIVE Magazine is looking for women to feature in its March issue. The 2009 National Women’s Heritage Month theme is Taking the Lead to Save our Planet. We look forward to featuring you in this issue.To be considered as a feature, we ask that you send an email to editor@alivemagonline.com and share with us how you are personally Taking the Lead to Save our Planet.Also, if you haven’t provided your 2009 Women of the Year nominations, we invite you to visit our site at http://www.alivemagonline.com/women_of_the_year for more information.Please add us as your friend on the ning.com network as well.Wishing you a productive week and phenomenal success in 2009! Feel free to share with others.The ALIVE Magazine TeamEmpower. Inspire. Connect.www.alivemagonline.com
Blessings All,Today is the 80th birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a committed and complex America man who shared his gifts as a clergyman, activist, civil rights leader, and writer with the world. When I think of Dr. King, one word comes to mind - SERVICE. The way he lived his life in service by sharing his gifts has always inspired me.This year I have included more service opportunities in my life so that I can share my gifts as a yoga teacher, Reiki master practitioner, online community builder, content publisher, radio host, creativity coach, artist, writer, lawyer, and social media strategist with individuals and organizations.Here are a few examples:1) Organize and host the 2009 program season for BAP Living Radio (http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/18598) and Go Green Sangha Radio (http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/21325). The shows provide more opportunities to honor and highlight the lives and gifts of everyday people.2) Manage and provide content that informs, inspires, and celebrates the gifts of individuals on BAP Living social networking site (http://baplivingforbapsandebw.ning.com) and Go Green Sangha social networking site (http://gogreensangha.ning.com).3) Volunteer a certain number of hours to provide yoga and Reiki healing touch services through kg yoga life practices (http://kgyoga.blogspot.com) to several creative folks in my local community.4) Volunteer a certain number of hours to provide creativity coaching services to several creative folks in DC, Atlanta, and London.5) Teach free yoga classes to members of the DC community on a monthly basis beginning in March and ending in December. For more information, visit http://yoga.meetup.com/584.6) Give a select number of my books, Love's Troubadours - Karma: Book One a (http://www/lovestroubadours.com) and That Which Awakens Me (will be published in Spring 2009) to people and organizations.7) Provide financial support to individuals and organizations that serve creative communities and women of color.8) Donate a certain number of hours to provide legal and social media strategy services to a select number of individuals and organizations that serve creative people and women of color.In addition, I will answer President-Elect Obama's request for service on Monday, January 19 by participating in a local service project with my sisters, Lu and Syl. I will post a blog next week with highlights from that service project and Inauguration events.Are you are planning to honor Dr. King?How will you share your gifts in service in 2009?Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.Enjoy Dr. King's birthday and President Obama's Inauguration!Peace, Love, Creativity, and Service,Ananda
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As I made my way to work this morning, in the sub zero cold, I couldn't stop thinking about those who are homeless...and praying for them. I thought of how I take for granted my nice warm bed, my warm clothes...even my pair of gloves. In this materialistic, "me, myself, and I", world, it's so easy to lose sight of all our Father has blessed us with. Today, let's pray for those who are less fortunate, those who are in the cold...and let's give thanks and praise to our Father who has blessed us more than we can even imagine.Scripture for the Day:Psalm 1481 Praise the LORD.Praise the LORD from the heavens,praise him in the heights above.2 Praise him, all his angels,praise him, all his heavenly hosts.3 Praise him, sun and moon,praise him, all you shining stars.4 Praise him, you highest heavensand you waters above the skies.5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,for he commanded and they were created.6 He set them in place for ever and ever;he gave a decree that will never pass away.7 Praise the LORD from the earth,you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,stormy winds that do his bidding,9 you mountains and all hills,fruit trees and all cedars,10 wild animals and all cattle,small creatures and flying birds,11 kings of the earth and all nations,you princes and all rulers on earth,12 young men and maidens,old men and children.13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,for his name alone is exalted;his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.14 He has raised up for his people a horn,the praise of all his saints,of Israel, the people close to his heart.Praise the LORD.Point to PonderI am blessed...I have more than I need.Prayer for the day:"Father, forgive me for not taking the time each day to give You thanks for those things that I take for granted. I praise You, Lord, and thank You for all You have blessed me with."Be Blessed,Terri
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2009 cannot be a year of excuses. Spiritual slackness is the enemy of spiritual growth! You will not mature in the things of God nor will you receive your blessing being slack concerning your walk with him. God does not reveal himself to those that are slack and he does not reward those that are sometimey! You must commit to seeking him and following him in order to receive from him. You have 2 choices. Either do it your own way, or diligently seek his way. There is no middle ground to stand on. When you choose to be slack and lazy, you chose to do it yourself. God wants those that can represent him well so he can show the world what he is capable of. Why would he want to show the world a bad representation of himself? If you are always talking about what you are going to do, but never do it, then you are slack. And why would God want to show you as his representation when the world will say, "I'm more spiritual than that without him!"God wants people that will hear his voice, and then follow his command!He wants Christians that are faith walkers and not jive talkers. He does not need anyone with a "i'm gonna" mentality, but he needs those with a "I'm willing" mentality! God has already given you the instructions, so now it's time to move. It's time to step out on faith and accept what God is expecting from you. Corporate America does not respect lazy, slack people, so why do you think God is pleased with that? Some of us have been struggling with yesteryear's mess, in the same place, dealing with the same issues for too long. God wants us to pray, and get up! Take up your bed and walk! Don't just sit there, MOVE! Everyone is tired of hearing you say what you are gonna do over and over again.2009 must be a year of no more excuses! You don't have the money to start it? Who did? You don't have the time to start it? Who does? You don't have the courage to begin? Get some! Get over your hurt, your past, your slackness, and the spirit of hinderance and move forward! God is waiting for someone to advance the Kingdom of God with diligence and fervor. It is time to tarry no more!Suggested Reading: James 1:25, Prov. 20:13, Heb. 6:11, James 2:26Be Blessed,Terri
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Posted by Rhonda Jai on January 15, 2009 at 6:30pm
Before you started your business, or even started planning one, you were just a regular citizen, and likely a regular employee. You didn’t worry about business plans, hours, hiring services, profit and loss, or any of the business issues that business owners face every day. You probably paid a little attention to marketing and advertising because it’s all over the place, but you never had to worry about getting your name out there. Perhaps the state of the economy crossed your mind, but not for very long. Now, as an entrepreneur, knowing this information and paying attention to these details has become part of your everyday. Fortunately, there are ways to focus on developing a positive business mindset and ignoring the stresses of every day life.....learn moreBrought To You By The Black Business Community NetworkRead more…
'What I Want for You — and Every Child in America'By President-elect Barack Obama Publication Date: 01/14/2009Next Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them.Dear Malia and Sasha,I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.Love DadCourtesy : Parade Magazine
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Be a great mentor and be dependableIn the times, when aspiration levels are high, a mentor is the most sought after person in any professional situation. This makes it a fundamental prerequisite for the manager, to be a mentor to the team, if he seeks to morph as a leader.In fact, now the trend in most companies is to facilitate the new employee with a mentor, to take care of the emotional needs during the vagaries of induction into the organization and post that.The leader becomes a mentor to every team member, and proactively advises the team mate on a host of professional and personal situations. That means, the leader should be the most approachable to all the team mates, and breaks the shackles of hierarchy with the team. Only this assures the comfort level, and makes each of the team members to open up.To be a mentor, it is also very crucial for the leader to be a great listener, to the stated, and someone who can see the obvious, even if not expressed by the team member. Once the leader perceives the obvious, he needs to initiate a dialogue and make the team member open up. It is also very important to position oneself as someone who is dependable – dependable in all situations. This calls for a great level of perceived level-headedness, and consistency in positive behavior. ‘Perceived’ is the key word, as perception is bigger than reality as far as the team members go.Effective mentoring is indeed a good way to control attrition, as in most cases employee exits are owing to reasons unstated and unseen – owing to a lack of opportunity to open up at the appropriate juncture.
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(BlackDoctor.org) -- In the past few years, self diagnosis has become an internet phenomenon. I can’t tell you the number of times women have written me tearful emails because they’ve read or heard something about gynecology they think applies to them – and it doesn’t. A lot of what you read about gynecology or about caring for your va-jay-jay is either exaggerated or “just plain wrong.” Because of this, we have decided to provide you with the facts.To read the full article, please follow this link: http://blackdoctor.org/articles.aspx?counter=33896Check out the website at: www.blackdoctor.org
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