Thursday, April 21, 2011

[Peckers_Pics] Model Wars-PICS-Health-News-Apr 22, 2011-Boycott TARGET-Trump-NBC



Model Wars-PICS-Health-News-Apr 22, 2011-
Safe PICS For All Ages/Boycott TARGET-Trump-NBC
Support Keith Olbermann-coming to CURRENT TV

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. Update:  Keith began his FOK NEWS blog. 

Alert: Target + Minnesota Forward + Tom Emmer = Support for a rather dangerous and radical political philosophy that diminishes LGBT people to pests that should be murdered. And "Target" is cool with this?   ...Now Target is suing the LGBT community for their peaceful demonstrations in front of their stores.    ....Our answer:  BOYCOTT "TARGET"

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:
Social Environment Key to Reducing Suicide Attempts in Gay Youth

Caroline Cassels - Medscape - April 21, 2011

An unsupportive social environment significantly increases the risk for attempted suicide in gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth (LGB), new research suggests. However, if there is a positive side to this bleak finding, it is that a supportive social environment may significantly reduce suicidality in this high-risk population.

A study conducted by researcher Mark Hatzenbuehler, PhD, Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York, shows LGB youth living in an unsupportive social environment have a 20% greater risk of attempting suicide than their counterparts living in supportive environments.

"This study suggests that we can reduce suicide attempts among LBG youth by improving the social environment and really challenges the myth that there is something inherent in being gay that puts gay youth at risk of attempting suicide. Instead, what we've shown is that the social environment strongly influences the prevalence of suicide attempts," Dr. Hatzenbuehler told Medscape Medical News.

The study was published online April 18 in Pediatrics.

Novel, Objective Measure

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15 to 24 years, and a large body of previous research indicates gay youth are much more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

Dr. Hatzenbuehler notes that the underlying social factors that contribute to this increased risk are not entirely clear, but some studies have shown that family and school connectedness, as well as school safety, play an important role in the mental health status of LGB youth.

Nevertheless, he points out that most of the previous research lacked objective measures of social environment and has largely relied on self-report.

For this study, Dr. Hatzenbuehler developed a "novel and objective" measure of social environment that did not depend on self-report.

The measure was a combination of several different broad aspects of the social climate surrounding LGB youth in 34 Oregon counties. These aspects included the proportion of same sex couples; the proportion of Democrats, and 3 aspects of school climate that Dr. Hatzenbuehler noted are particularly relevant to LGB youth:

•The proportion of schools with gay-straight alliances (GSAs);
•The proportion of schools with antibullying policies specifically aimed at protecting gay students; and
•The proportion of schools with antidiscrimination policies that included sexual orientation.

Informing the Discussion

Pooling data from the 2006 and 2008 Oregon Healthy Teens survey, an annual survey of public school students in Oregon, the study participants were 31852 11th grade students, 1413 of whom were LGB individuals.

The study revealed that LGB youth were 5 times more likely to attempt suicide in the previous 12 months compared with heterosexual youth. In addition, the risk of attempting suicide among LGB youth was 20% greater among those living in an unsupportive environment compared with a supportive environment.

Furthermore, the study showed that a more supportive social environment was significantly associated with fewer suicide attempts even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and other known suicide risk factors, including depressive symptoms, binge drinking, peer victimization, and physical abuse by an adult.

"I think this study provides us with a roadmap as to how we can reduce suicide among LGB youth. Schools are one of most important environments for these kids, and this study highlights the fact that there are 3 relatively simple and straightforward things that schools can do to improve the overall climate. If we care about our youth, [these findings show] we can take some concrete steps that will significantly improve and promote their well-being," said Dr. Hatzenbuehler.

As many school districts around the United States debate the introduction of GSAs and antibullying and antidiscrimination policies in their schools, Dr. Hatzenbuehler said it is his hope that this research, and other studies like it, will help inform the discussion by providing scientific evidence showing the value of such initiatives for all students -- gay and straight.

'Groundbreaking' Study

Commenting on the study for Medscape Medical News, Michael Marshal, PhD, a clinical psychologist at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pennsylvania, who specializes in adolescent mental health, described Dr. Hatzenbuehler's study as "groundbreaking."

"This is one of the first studies to examine the broader social environment and context as a mediator and moderator of the association between sexual orientation and suicidality. The implications of this study are critical in that they emphasize the important role of a negative or hostile social environment on the health and well-being of LGB youth.

"The results suggest that if we are able to improve social policies and culture regarding how the government responds to bullying in schools, the availability of resources for gay youth, and equal rights for LGB individuals, we may be able to prevent LGB youth suicides," said Dr. Marshal.

He added that the study provides empirical support for the value of such policies "that have long been supported only by clinical observation and anecdotal evidence.

"Now the medical community and mental health providers can proceed with more confidence when they factor in these seemingly 'distal' effects when they are working with LGB youth in the clinical setting. It can no longer be assumed that these important contextual factors don't have a direct impact on LGB youth," said Dr. Marshal.

In addition to testing moderation and mediation of suicide disparities among LGB youth, Dr. Marshal added that the study "is important because it takes into account several important variables that are not always included in studies that examine LGB youth suicidality disparities.

"For example, Dr. Hatzenbuehler was able to demonstrate that above and beyond the effects of substance use, a history of peer bullying, and a physical abuse history, there remains a discernable and clinically meaningful impact of the social environment on LGB suicidality.

"Hopefully, future researchers will follow Dr. Hatzenbuehler's lead and conduct sophisticated theoretical and methodological studies like his in order to better inform the medical community and public health policy regarding LGB youth suicide," Dr. Marshal said.

Dr. Hatzenbuehler said his next research steps include trying to replicate these findings in a national sample of LGB youth.
Take Action:
  • Update: DADT has been repealed. President Obama has kept his promise!
  • Boycott Bill O'Reilly and FOX News and their advertisers.  Bill discussed a French commercial by McDonalds that was meant to show that McDonalds is Gay Friendly. Bill said what is next? Is McDonalds going to be Al-Qaida friendly as well?  Imagine - Bill O'Reilly compares Gays to Al-Qaida!
  • Boycott Arizona the home of  "hater" - U.S. Senator John McCain. Arizona's Hateful anti-Immigration Law - encourages racial profiling and increases hatred towards minorities.  A remedy: Demand Republicans to  support Immigration Reform (The Dream Act). Further, Senator McCain voted against ending DADT and Blocked Immigration reform! 
  • Boycott Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym - for donating money towards anti-gay political candidates/organizations. Update: (12/26/2010): Target is continuing to donate to anti-gay groups/causes/politicians. Update 03/08/11 - Lady Gaga Ends Target Partnership, Reportedly Over Target's Poor LGBT Stance. Update 3/25/2010 - Target displays their hypocrisy and Sues California Gay Rights Group for Lobbying Outside Stores.  Target is attempting to block the LGBT right of free speech!  STOP SHOPPING AT TARGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Update 4/8/2011: Target lost it's case to stop the LGBT from canvassing in front of their stores.  A huge PR Disaster for TARGET!  Perhaps Target should go out of business as they betrayed their investers and customers. Target contributed massive funds to a politician who would like to exterminate gays.  Now, Target can not stop us from Boycotting them, nor picketing, nor talking to customers near their stores; although, Target allows a anti-gay company such as the Salvation Army to stand outside their door and speak with customers and raise money. Isn't this a double standard? Perhaps TARGET would better understand the issue if they cared about David Kato - Uganda, who was slain because he is gay! That is because Uganda wants to kill gay people.  Again, TARGET invested in a political candidate that would Kill the Gays! 
  • End DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).  Prevents Federal employees and Gays in the Military from gaining equal benefits. Prevents Gay Partners from gaining equal benefits.    
  • Pass ENDA (Employee Non-Discrimination Act).  ENDA would prevent employment discrimination of  LGBT workforce.
  • Boycott Salvation Army as they will not hire Gays! "DO NOT DONATE TO THEM."
  • BOYCOTT "Chick-fil-a" for donating to anti-gay marriage groups.
  • BOYCOTT KOCH INDUSTRIES PRODUCTS- to include their products: Angel Soft toilet paper / Brawny paper towels / Dixie plates, bowls, napkins & cups / Mardi Gras napkins and towels / Quilted Northern toilet paper / Soft 'n Gentle toilet paper / Sparkle napkins / Vanity fair napkins / Zee napkins / Georgia-Pacific paper products & envelopes / All Georgia-Pacific lumber & building products (INVISTA Products) / Lycra / Stainmaster Carpet.   The billionaire - Koch brothers are ultra republican - tea bag founders/supporters that do not support causes of the LGBT community.
  • Boycott WALMART - The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, force criticized Wal-Mart for denying employee benefits to same-s-x partners and for failing to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. By comparison, the group said two other chain stores with a strong presence in New York, Costco and Walgreens, did much better.
  • NEW: Boycott Donald Trump, The Apprentice and NBC Network! At CPAC, Trump said he is considering a run for president as a Republican. In a interview with the Des Moines Register, Trump added that he opposes all forms of legal recognition for gay couples, not just marriage. "They should not be able to marry," he said. So why does NBC keep the Apprentice when Donald Trump has stated he may run for president? Boycott NBC, CNBC! Boycott advertisers of The Apprentice and his other business's. Don't shop at any bullding with Donald Trump's name to include Trump Hotels, Casinos, Condo's, Offices, Shops!  The Donald has expressed extreme Hatred. He is a birther as well and bring out all the Bigets!  Remember how poorly Trump treated Rosie O'Donnel?  Now we know why he did that!  It was hate against a lesbian as we now know he is hater.  Unforgiveable!  Ready to dump NBC because they air Donald Trump's "The Apprentice"?  Start Watching CBS Evening News with Katie Couric (Real News that is Fair).
  • NEW: Boycott "APPLE." For the current owners and the aspiring owners of the I-phone,  Apple allows an application, "The Gay App", which is supposed to help gay individuals turn straight.  This is a step in the wrong direction.  Apple needs to know that the decision to allow this App on their products is a fallacious idea! Update: March 23, 2011:  Apple removed this app from USA stores; but, rumored to have them remain in some foreign stores.  This is offensive not just towards the LGBT community in the USA; but, offensive to  the entire LGBT community around the world.  How does anyone approve such a hateful, despicable app towards the LGBT community? Especially when Gay Teens are killing themselves after being harrassed by their church, parents, as well as  by bully's and teachers at school. The idea that this app was used, solicited is disgusting.  Still "no comment" from APPLE!

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.
 
Steve DaPri
 
VS
Markus Ricci
 
You Decide!
Miami Beach Pride; April 16, 2011
Stoked?
Miami Beach Pride; April 16, 2011
Student accused of hate crime after gay room-mate took his own life
April 22, 2011 - By Matt Willliams - Scotsman

Hate crime charges have been laid in the US against the roommate of a gay student who took his own life after his encounter with another man was secretly streamed online.

Dharun Ravi, 19, is accused of setting up a webcam to capture 18-year-old Tyler Clementi's same-sex encounter before using Twitter to "dare" others to watch the footage online.

Shortly after the incident, Mr Clementi, a promising violinist who had
ADVERTISEMENTjust started at Rutgers University in New Jersey, took his own life by jumping from New York's George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River below.

His death kick-started a national conversation in the US over homophobic bullying, with President Barack Obama amongst those speaking out on behalf of gay students.

Ravi faces charges of invasion of privacy and bias intimidation, a hate crime. He is also accused of tampering with evidence in a bid to cover his tracks.

A 15-count indictment sheet released by prosecutors makes no mention of Mr Clementi's action. But it accuses Ravi of picking on the 18-year-old because of his sexual orientation. Prosecutors allege that the defendant tried to broadcast the same-sex encounter of his room-mate and another man in an attempt to intimidate the gay teenager.

It is claimed that Ravi used a second computer belonging to fellow student, Molly Wei, to activate the webcam spying on his roommate on September 19 last year. After seeing Mr Clementi was with another man, Ravi posted a message on Twitter alerting other students.

"Roommate asked for the room till midnight. I went into Molly's room and turned on my webcam. I saw him making out with a dude. Yay," he posted.

Two days later, Ravi attempted to spy on Mr Clementi for a second time.

A day after the second spying attempt, Mr Clementi took his own life.

Before taking his own life, the young student left a note on his Facebook page stating: "Jumping off the gw bridge sorry."

In the immediate aftermath of the death, Ravi attempted to cover his tracks, prosecutors allege.
They say the room-mate deleted his Twitter posts, erased text messages and gave false information to the police.

Alongside the bias intimidation and invasion of privacy charges, Ravi faces counts of hindering the investigation and tampering with evidence.

The defendant could face up to ten years in jail if found guilty.

Mr Clementi's parents, who knew about his sexuality, said the indictment showed that their son was the victim of "cold and calculating acts".

In a statement, Joe and Jane Clementi added: "If these facts are true, as they appear to be, then it is important for our criminal justice system to establish clear accountability under law.

We are eager to have the process move forward for justice in this case and to reinforce the standards of acceptable conduct in society."

The incident came on the back of a number of suicides involving students reportedly bullied for their sexual orientation.
 
In the weeks leading up to Mr Clementi's death, two 13-year-olds in Texas and Minnesota and a 15-year-old in Indiana took their own lives. All had being relentlessly teased by peers over their perceived sexuality, according to those who knew them.

A campaign was launched in the aftermath of the deaths in which celebrities and politicians joined gay men and women in recording online messages reassuring young students that the bullying will stop.

President Barack Obama was amongst those who backed the It Gets Better campaign. In his own message, recorded just weeks after Mr Clementi's death, Mr Obama said he was "shocked and saddened" by the suicides of young men bullied over their sexuality.
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 are expected  to 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 need to join ObamaBiden2008  immediately.  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, please 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 the multi - state govt's war against LGBT rights 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 sexual identity.  There are gay people who died for our cause! You always reserve the right to remove yourself from all my groups if you do not appreciate this request.  I have done everything I can and now it is time for you to step up!  My Yahoo Groups are formulated towards individuals who sincerely care about LGBT rights and Gay Mens Health!   Please Join Now!
 

 

 



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All members of "Peckers PICS" are requested to join our "Obama Biden 2008" group as it runs in conjunction to this group.  Both groups shall not repeat articles from one group to another.  However, to gain full knowledge of Gay rights, members must belong to the Obama group as well as this group.  Therefore, please accept your invitation to join. 

To join the Obama group please click (or copy and paste the link into your browser) @  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ObamaBiden2008/join

Thank you!
 

"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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