Friday, March 11, 2011

[Peckers_Pics] Model Wars, PICS; Mar 12, 2011-Safe PICS For All Ages



Model Wars, PICS; Mar 12, 2011
Safe PICS For All Ages / Support Keith Olbermann who will be on "Current TV"

Moderator Note: I am in the middle of moving - out of state.  From now through the next 10 days, I may not be posting as much.  During a period from Sunday, Mar 13 through Thursday, Mar 17, 2011, I will not be posting at all.  Posting may be slow prior and after those dates as I am packing and need to unpack (once i arrive at my new home). Please keep posts down to a minimum.  Thank you ....Jake

Updates on Keith Olbermann  @ ObamaBiden2008 (Update: Keith joined "CURRENT TV").  Check with your cable provider to see if you have "Current TV".  Current TV's website has option for you to request service from your cable provider.   Current TV's founder is Al Gore.  Charter Cable does not carry "Current TV".  Please Contact Charter now!  Keith is a man who stuck his neck out for progressives, as well as the LGBT community.

Updates on slain gay activist - David Kato of Uganda @ ObamaBiden2008

Boycott: "Chick-fil-a" as they are against gay marriage and donate to anti-gay causes.

Consider joining:

Diet & Fitness:

  • Reminder: Did you complete your Diet Journal today?
  • Did you do any physical activity?  If not, make a point of it by tomorrow! 
  • Perhaps our male fitness photos shall inspire you to get Fit!
Health - Wellness - Exercise - Reflections:
How to Buy the Best Mattress for You

By Ellen Wlody, March 11, 2011

Mattresses are like mates: They should be comforting, supportive and firm in all the right places. So if yours is lacking, read this no-nonsense shopping guide to find the best mattress:

At bedtime, you toss and turn before drifting off, only to awake cranky and unrefreshed. Peeling away the mattress pad reveals a horror show: lumps, sags and wayward springs.

Your once-springy mattress has lost that lovin' feelin'. Relationships can be rehabbed. But mattresses? Not so much.

Don't wait -- buy a new one now, says William Kohler, M.D., medical director of the Florida Sleep Institute in Spring Hill, Fla.

"If you sleep on a worn-out mattress, you will suffer," he says. "You'll wake up feeling tired and maybe stiff and sore."

Squirming and searching for a comfortable position on an old mattress makes you more likely to sleep contorted, he says. Then you wake with pain – not just in your back, but also in your joints, knees, hips, wrists, elbows and shoulders .

Most mattresses need to be replaced within 10 years, advises Jennifer Solomon, M.D., a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist) at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. But some break down within five years.

That's partly because some materials, like memory foam and latex, don't last as long as others. But how you sleep can also affect mattress wear. If you consistently sleep on a certain side, it won't last as long as if your weight is evenly distributed.

We asked the experts for tips on buying the best mattress. Here's what they said:

1. How to find your best match
The best mattress should be firm enough to support your spine comfortably, with enough padding to rise up and cushion your waist, says Scott Bautch, D.C., CEO of Allied Health Chiropractic Centers in Wisconsin, and a spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association's National Campaign to Promote Better Sleep.
Still, everyone's needs are different when it comes to comfort and sleeping without pain. And the wide variety of sizes, types and prices can be confusing.

First, determine what size you want and what your bedroom can accommodate. Here are the standard measurements: A king, 76x80 inches; California king, 72x84 inches; queen, 60x80 inches; full or double, 53x75 inches; and twin, 38x75 inches.

Then consider your budget. A basic, no-frills innersping mattress and box spring set can cost less than $500, but a sturdy, comfortable model will set you back $1,000-$2,000. Then there are vanity editions, like the ultra-deluxe Tempur-pedic memory foam, at a whopping $6,000. Of course, department stores frequently run sales, and chain mattress shops are often willing to haggle.

2. The first date
Mattress shopping is a lot like dating, says Alan Hedge, Ph.D., director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, who created mattress-selection guidelines for Cornell's School of Hotel Administration.
You can't judge how compatible a mattress will be without taking it out.

To try before you buy, mattress experts advise following these steps:

•Wear loose, comfortable clothes so you can experience it in a relaxed position.

•If you use a mattress topper (such as a memory foam pad) at home, bring it along. Lay it on top of the mattress before you settle in for your trial.

•If you'll be sharing the mattress, try it out with your partner. Take turns rolling over several times to see if the movement disturbs your bedmate.

•Settle in. Take off your shoes, close your eyes and relax.

If possible, test it for 30 minutes, suggests Kohler. Don't feel rushed or self-conscious. It'll take a while for your body to adjust to the new surface.

A firm mattress may not bother you at first, for example, but eventually may leave your joints feeling sore. Similarly, a softer surface may take a while to adjust to your weight.

If you can't handle half an hour, give it at least 10-15 minutes.

•Listen to your body.

"If a mattress isn't right for you, you can feel your hips and shoulders sagging," says Karin Mahoney, spokesperson for the Better Sleep Council. "Look for a mattress that supports you as if you were standing with good posture."

3. Narrowing the field
Pillowtop? Memory foam? Futon or adjustable? Entering the store, you may be overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles. But don't assume they provide more comfort.

You may prefer a basic model, says Peter Cancelli, a veteran mattress salesman and author of The Mattress Expert Blog.

If you've had a particularly good night's sleep at a friend's house or a hotel, ask about the brand.

Here are the benefits (and drawbacks) of different models:

Innerspring
What it is: The most common mattress in the U.S., it's made of tempered steel coils surrounded by layers of upholstery.

Best for: Those on a budget or looking for a mattress with a long lifespan.

Keep in mind: A model with individually pocketed coils will do the best job of conforming to your body, Cancelli says.

If you want extra padding or softness, try adding a down or latex topper. If you choose latex, look for one at least 1.5 inches thick – or 2 inches if you're more than 5% over the target weight for your height, suggests Bautch.
 
Pillowtop
What it is: An innerspring mattress with a foam or latex cushion.

Best for: People who want support and cushioning in one convenient package.

Keep in mind: The top cushion breaks down quickly, shortening the mattress' life. If you buy a mattress like this, you may need to replace it within five years. 

"When the pillowtop wears out, the whole bed is shot," Cancelli says.

Instead, consider purchasing a basic innerspring model and adding your own topper, so you can replace it as often as you like.

Memory foam
What it is: Made of so-called "visco-elastic foam" foam, this mattress got a lot of press because it was originally designed for astronauts to cushion them from G-forces while soaring through space.

It's made of polyurethane that's specially treated for added density, warmth and resilience, so it responds to body heat, softening and conforming to your contours.

The top designer brand is Tempur-Pedic, but there are others too.

Best for: People who like "a cushiony feel," Mahoney says.

Keep in mind: The constant softening can cause the mattress to break down quickly, so you may need to replace it within five years. Because it works by absorbing body heat, some people complain it gets hot during sleep, Mahoney says.

Latex
What it is: A foam mattress, made from natural rubber latex, synthetic latex or a combination of the two. The foam gives a softer feel than an innerspring mattress while still offering back support to help you sleep without pain, Cancelli says.

This is the most durable type of foam mattress. Still, you may need to replace it within 5-7 years.

Best for: People who like the feel of a foam mattress but also want durability.

Keep in mind: If you have a latex allergy, avoid a mattress made from natural rubber latex. Choose a synthetic model instead.

Air mattress
What it is: Also known as "sleep number beds," they're made of padding around an inflatable air chamber. With the touch of a button, you can increase firmness or make it softer. Select Comfort is the most well-known brand.

Best for: This may be the best mattress for couples. Because there's a separate air chamber on each side, you can adjust your side of the bed to the firmness you prefer.

Keep in mind: If you and your partner can't agree, this isn't your only option. You can also purchase two twin mattresses of any type and put them on a king frame with a foam "bed bridge" or connector, a thin slice of foam that fills the gap.

Water bed
What it is: A water-filled bladder forms the core of this mattress. You can control the firmness by adding more water.

Best for: People who like the "cradling" feeling some waterbeds offer, or who want the flexibility of adjusting the surface they sleep on and don't mind movement during sleep.

Keep in mind: These beds were popular in the `80s, but have fallen out of favor because some models leaked. For this reason, they may not be allowed in some rental apartments and condominiums.

They may not offer enough support for people whose weight is concentrated around their middle, says Bautch.

Adjustable bed
What it is: A flexible mattress on an adjustable frame that allows you to raise the head or feet.

Best for: People with health conditions that make it necessary for them to adjust the bed. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease, for example, you may find it helps to raise the top half of your bed. Some people with congestive heart failure may need to sleep with their feet elevated.

Keep in mind: If you aren't elevating your head or feet for health reasons, you're better off on a flat mattress, which keeps your spine in a neutral position, Bautch says. Also, the flexible mattress may not be as supportive or long-lasting as a standard innerspring.

Futon
What it is: A thin, simple mattress, usually filled with cotton or foam, that can fold into a chair or sofa during the day.

Best for: People living in small spaces, or who frequently entertain out-of-town guests.

Keep in mind: They don't have a lot of "give," Bautch says. If you use one, you'll probably want to add a down or latex topper for better sleep.

In the end, you'll want to buy a mattress based on your own individual needs, Kohler says.

"There's no perfect mattress for everybody," he says, "but there is a perfect mattress for you."
Take Action:

And Now, Model Wars!

This group is called "Peckers Pics."  The English -  slang definition of "pecker" is to pluck at the truth. Therefore, we peck at items such as Gay Men's Health, Male Fitness, Gay (LGBT) Politics & Issues.  In this section you may peck at each photo in order to decide the winner of the "war of the fittest!"   Whereas, who is the model that may inspire you to exercise and "get fit?"  Warning: This may stoke you!
 
Your participation in discussion of health / news articles - appearing in this message is greatly appreciated.
SEAN O'PRY
Rated # 2 male model in world.
 
VS
Jon Kortajarena
Rated # 8 male model in the world.
 
You Decide!
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras; March 5, 2011
Stoked?
Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras; March 5, 2011
Maryland gay marriage bill dies with no final vote

(AP) - March 11, 2011

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A bill to legalize gay marriage in Maryland fell short Friday after supporters failed to find enough votes to overcome Republican opposition and misgivings by some Democrats in the deeply Catholic state.

A final vote had been expected in the House, but the overwhelmingly Democratic chamber's leaders instead withdrew it. A confluence of factors helped fracture Democratic support, including a split among black lawmakers, the opposition of churches and trouble by some freshman lawmakers in determining what their constituents wanted.

"The vote would have been very close, make no mistake about it," said Busch, D-Anne Arundel, minutes after lawmakers returned the bill to a House committee on a voice vote, effectively killing it for the year.

The unexpected move came after two weeks of intense lobbying that included Busch meeting with delegates over the past several days to try and secure votes. He said Democrats would try again next year.

The bill to make Maryland the sixth state to allow gay marriage had already passed the Senate, and the governor said he would have signed it. Before this year, measures to extend full marriage rights to same-sex couples had never made it as far.

The Senate narrowly approved the measure two weeks ago, voting 25-21 to send the bill to the House after adding language to keep religious groups from being forced to serve gay weddings.

But the bill hit trouble in the House two weeks ago after a committee had to delay a series of votes on the issue. It ended with Busch and his lieutenants deciding it was better to save a final vote for next year, rather than put delegates on the record with a failed vote this year.

Even some supporters predicted that, if passed, the measure would have been petitioned to referendum.

"I would have hoped that we could have resolved this issue and then let the people decide," said Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, after the House killed the measure. "I think an issue like this was bound to go before the people in a referendum, and I would have hoped that we would have been able to have accomplished that today."

Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.

Proposals to increase that number have caused tempers to flare. Heated confrontations took place between supporters and opponents at a hearing this week on legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island.

National groups on both sides of the debate had converged on Annapolis in the past week, with the National Organization for Marriage pledging to spend $1 million to oppose the re-election of supporters of the bill. Meanwhile, the liberal Human Rights Campaign telephoned voters to urge them to ask their lawmakers to support the bill.

Opponents said the decision Friday was a victory for defining marriage as being between one man and one woman.

"We took a position to support the existing definition as being between one man and woman and that prevailed," said House Minority Leader Anthony O'Donnell, R-Calvert.

Democrats, meanwhile, pointed to several reasons why the bill wound up being withdrawn. Delegate Curt Anderson, D-Baltimore, said House supporters failed to do a good job of keeping track of where each of the party's members stood, hampering efforts to find votes. Democrats hold 98 seats of the 141-seat House.

"That system was not in place for this bill, and I think that there just wasn't enough time to get a good count," Anderson said.

The pickup of six seats by Republicans in the last election also helped erode support, said House Environmental Matters Chairwoman Maggie McIntosh, one of the chamber's eight openly gay members.

"If in the general election we had retained all of the Democratic seats I think we would be declaring victory today," a tearful McIntosh said.

House Democratic leaders also said they failed to secure the votes they needed from black lawmakers.

"They took the black votes for granted because they're so used to having it," said Delegate Jill Carter, D-Balitmore. "This issue was too big, people's connection to church and religion were too deep."

Several of the chamber's 33 black lawmakers took opposite sides during Friday's debate.

Delegate Jay Walker, D-Prince George's, said he would represent his majority-black district's wishes even if it conflicted with his personal views.

"If I want to truly represent my district I vote red (no)," Walker told his colleagues.

However, Delegate Keiffer Mitchell -- the grandson of the legendary NAACP lobbyist Clarence Mitchell Jr. -- said the debate was about civil rights.

"It is a civil rights issue when we as a state and a government deny equal protection under the law," said Mitchell, D-Baltimore.

But Delegate Emmett Burns, D-Baltimore County, a black pastor and opponent of gay marriage said the struggles of gays could not match the violence against blacks during the civil rights era.

"Those who desire to ride on our coattails are historically incorrect," Burns said.

Still, because no roll-call vote was taken on the issue, it was hard to determine where exactly the Democratic rift fell. Anderson, also a black lawmaker, said the vote had less to do with race and more to do with differences between conservative and liberal members of the party.

Delegate Anne Kaiser, D-Montgomery, another of the chamber's openly gay members, said supporters were always a few votes short of the 71 and that many factors blocked their way.

"I think in some cases it was the churches back home," Kaiser said. "I really can't explain people's motivations. Many people who promised us their votes changed their minds."

Catholic officials, led by The Maryland Catholic Conference and their lobbyist Mary Ellen Russell, coordinated much of the opposition.

Such opposition would weigh heavily on both Republicans and Democrats, said Donald F. Norris, chairman of the Department of Public Policy at University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

The Catholic church "can get out the faithful to lobby very, very heavily," Norris said. "So it doesn't surprise me that in Maryland, a progressive state, that gay marriage can't yet garner the votes needed."

"Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."
....Jake
 
Important Notice: Our ObamaBiden2008 Group works hand - in - hand with Peckers PICS (Both groups were co-created to work with each-other).  To prevent duplication of articles and questions, all members of this group MUST Join ObamaBiden2008. It is unfair for members that belong to both groups to hear members of just Peckers PICS (only) to make statements when the ObamaBiden2008 has covered such topics in detail.  Therefore, members must join ObamaBiden2008  as of today - as I am going through our member list and removing any member that does not belong to both groups. This shall clear up communications and confusion.  The LGBT cause is too important and beyond 1 person's need to just look at pictures.   Therefore, recommend you join ObamaBiden2008 now.  No you don't have to read every article! But, it covers the LGBT community and includes updates on Health insurance; LGBT boycott list; Westboro Church; and the end of DADT, etc...Also, updates with state gov't war against unions and people with disabilities.  The group is created for you!  There are gay teen suicides going on. There are Hate crimes against gay people.  There are gays who are fired over their sexuality.  There are gay people who died for our cause! You always reserve the right to remove yourself from all my groups.  I have done everything I can and now it is time for you to step up!  If my hard work is unappreciated, than you have the option to leave all my groups now (before you are deleted).  My Groups are for Yahoo members who sincerely care about LGBT rights and Gay Mens Health!   Please Join Now!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 



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"Every gay and lesbian person who has been lucky enough to survive the turmoil of growing up is a survivor. Survivors always have an obligation to those who will face the same challenges."

...Jake (Moderator)



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