SILVER DAVELY: April 2010

"Who dat" with the largest penises in America?

New Orleans, D.C., & New Hampshire top the charts for penis size

Condomania announces the largest database of penis sizes on the planet: 27,000 men, 76 penis sizes

LOS ANGELES, March 3^rd, 2010 - New Orleans now has another reason to call itself "The Big Easy." The home of this year's Super Bowl champs has taken the top spot in Condomania's ranking of U.S. cities by penis size!

And the men of Washington D.C. apparently are more than just big talk, big egos, and big promises. The Beltway boys claimed a close second place for the biggest average penis size in the nation.

As for the "biggest" state in the Union? While New Hampshire may be one of the smallest states, it's not so small when it comes to penis size, topping Condomania’s state by state comparison.

America's first condom store, Condomania (Condomania.com), has just unlocked its huge database of penis sizes and released these unique rankings of the 50 states and the 20 most populated U.S. cities by average penis size. After 20 years in business, Condomania knows perhaps more than anyone else about the nation's penises.

So just how does Condomania know these intimate details? In 2004, the company launched TheyFit Condoms, the world's first line of tailored-fit prophylactics, in 76 sizes. Since then they have sold custom-fit condoms to over 27,000 men in 70 countries, and now have just begun to analyze this incredible cache of data.

"These fitted condoms range in length from 3 to 10 inches and from super slim to extra roomy." says Chris Filkins, Condomania’s Directory of Technology. "After gathering detailed information on over 27,000 penises, we now have the most comprehensive database of penis sizes on the planet! Needless to say, these men's privacy is our utmost concern, and we're interested only in the statistics, and not who's who! But the data itself is pretty interesting."

Previously, the largest formal survey of penis sizes was conducted in 1948 by the famous Kinsey researchers, when 2,500 men recorded their erect penis sizes on pre-stamped cards.

Condomania's ten-times larger database is compiled from the unique "FitKit" measuring system for TheyFit condoms, where the user measures the length and girth of his erect penis to the millimeter and then matches those results to one of 76 possible sizes that comprise different length and girth combinations. In this system, the 76 sizes are comprised of non-sequential letters and numbers, so that the smallest is no more obvious than the largest.

"Unlike other studies in which participants were measuring their penis size solely for the sake of recording a measurement, and were perhaps more likely to exaggerate," says Filkins, "our database is comprised of men looking for the best fit condom for safety and comfort, and thus, we believe, apt to be more accurate." Filkins continues, "The customer satisfaction surveys we received overwhelmingly indicated that men of all sizes, but particularly those on either end of the size spectrum, benefited immensely from a properly fitting condom."

Here are some highlights from Condomania's penis database:

Top Ranking State by Average Penis Size: New Hampshire
Lowest Ranking State by Average Penis Size: Wyoming
Top Ranking U.S. City by Average Penis Size: New Orleans
Second Highest Ranking City (just behind N.O.): Washington, D.C.
Lowest Ranking City by Average Penis Size: Dallas/Ft. Worth
Blue States vs Red States: Blue States' Average Penis Size is Bigger!
Penises Come in a Wide Range of Sizes: The Smallest Penises are Less Than 3" in Length and the Largest Penises are Longer Than 10" in Length
Penis Sizes Chart Almost a Perfect Bell Curve: 25% of the Male Population is Under 5" in Length, 50% are Between 5" and 6" in Length and 25% are Longer than 6" in Length

20 Cities Ordered by Penis Size

New Orleans
Washington DC
San Diego
New York City
Phoenix
Portland
Atlanta
San Francisco
Chicago
St. Louis
Seattle
Miami
Indianapolis
Columbus
Boston
Denver
Los Angeles
Detroit
Philadelphia
Dallas/Ft. Worth

50 States Ordered by Penis Size

New Hampshire
Oregon
New York
Indiana
Arizona
Hawaii
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Alabama
Washington
New Mexico
California
Arkansas
Nevada
Virginia
Tennessee
Illinois
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Georgia
Pennsylvania
Mississippi
Michigan
Florida
Rhode Island
Kansas
Maryland
Minnesota
Vermont
Connecticut
Wisconsin
New Jersey
North Dakota
Idaho
Texas
Missouri
Montana
Ohio
Nebraska
Colorado
Maine
North Carolina
Delaware
South Carolina
Kentucky
West Virginia
Alaska
Iowa
Utah
Wyoming

For more information or to schedule an interview:

Adam Glickman, 323-230-0201 or media@condomania.com

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Want to Know Where to Find the Men with the Biggest Penises?

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Thanks to new findings from Condomania.com, we now have the inside scoop on where the country’s best-endowed men are hiding.

-Kathryn H. Cusimano

Condom

Each year, millions of dollars are poured into scientific research, right? But what does it really, really do for us? We need research we can put to good use today. Thanks to the experts at Condomania.com, we now have data that could have some real impact, so to speak, on our days and nights -- a ranking of penis sizes across the country.

So who are the, ahem, big winners? New Orleans came in on top as the city whose men are the biggest. Yes, it is the city where they say the good times roll. While (Live free or die!) New Hampshire apparently has a greater concentration of large penises than any other state in the Union. Who would have guessed it? You can check out the full list at Condomania.com.

A few of their other key findings:

• Second Highest Ranking City (just behind N.O.): Washington, D.C.
• Lowest Ranking State by Average Penis Size: Wyoming (Yes, even cowboys get the blues.)
• Penis Sizes Chart Almost a Perfect Bell Curve: 25% of the Male Population is Under 5" in Length, 50% are Between 5" and 6" in Length and 25% are Longer than 6" in Length. (We told you this was scientific research.)

Of course, we were dying to see how our city and state measure up, but we wanted to know how exactly these rankings came to be, so we spoke to Adam Glickman, CEO of Condomania.com. As he explains it, Condomania has revolutionized condom-buying, allowing men to order custom-fit condoms on the Web – sort of like going to Tom Ford for a bespoke suit, but with a lot fewer measurements.

Read Sorry Guys, Size Does Matter

In truth, these “custom” condoms aren’t exactly made-to-order, but the folks at Condomania offer 76 condom sizes, along with a downloadable FitKit that allows guys to measure their member to the millimeter, then pick the condoms from their extensive selection that will fit best. (Who else but BettyConfidential would tell you these things?)

According to Glickman, since they introduced the FitKit and custom-sized condoms about five years ago, Condomania has accumulated the measurements of roughly 25,000 men in the U.S. and 2,000 internationally, along with their mailing addresses. While they aren’t sharing specifics (sorry girls, no names!), Condomania is giving up a few of the down-and-dirty details.

“We took a look at that database of information and realized we could come up with some pretty interesting results,” says Glickman. Those results turned into a ranking of penis sizes across the United States. The list is broken down into the 20 most populous cities with the largest penises and a ranking of the endowment of the men in each state, from largest to smallest.

Right now, the list is limited to the U.S., but Glickman says the site has had some interest from other countries, including our Canadian neighbors. And jet-setters, stay tuned: a ranking of international penis sizes may be coming your way soon!

But why release a ranking of penis sizes? As it turns out, there was a rather noble purpose behind this project. “It’s certainly an entertainment piece because it’s amusing,” says Glickman. “But the higher purpose is to bring awareness to the fact that condoms continue to play an important role in fighting all kinds of health epidemics.”

Read 5 Shocking Things You Don’t Know About STD’s

Yes, yes, we agree a condom is an essential component of a healthy sex life, and its importance can’t be overstated. But let’s get back to the interesting part – as it turns out, size really does matter!

“While 76 sizes of condoms may not be available to everybody – or everybody when they need them,” says Glickman, “there certainly are different sizes in the marketplace today, from those with a snugger fit to average to extra large. And those different sizes can make a difference in health and wellness. They can also make a difference in pleasure.”

That’s all very good to know. But how does Condomania plan to take into account the fact that people move and that state-specific penis size distribution may shift over time? Luckily, they’re open to tracking these numbers again in the future.

“We’re having an awful lot of fun right now,” says Glickman. “We’re watching how different communities of people are reacting to this information and having fun with it. We’ll probably decide how to follow up in a way that’s entertaining, but more importantly, meaningful.”

Well, consider us as well informed as some Big Easy guys are well endowed and thank you, Condomania, we can hardly wait to see what they come up with next!

Kathryn H. Cusimano is an assistant editor at BettyConfidential, and while she’s impressed with Condomania’s noble intentions, this story makes her blush – a lot.

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Want Better Sex? Love Your Vagina

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Three facts about your vagina to improve your sex life

-Amber Madison

A pretty woman lying on her bed

Love your vagina. We’ve all heard it. It’s not gross, it’s luscious. It’s not ugly, it’s a flower. It’s not annoying, it’s complex. Yet still, if you’re like most women, you feel indifferent at best about your vagina.

In the grand scheme of things, loving it just doesn’t seem like that huge of a priority. You’re supposed to love your cellulite, your crooked nose and your frizzy hair; do you really have to feel good about your vagina too? Yes.

And not because that sentiment goes well with your patchouli-scented aromatherapy candle, but because the way you feel about your vagina has a direct impact on your sex life.

A recent study of more than 2,000 women by Dr. Laura Berman and Dr. Mieke Ana Windecker found that women who had the most positive image of their vaginas reported the most sexual energy and the easiest time achieving an orgasm. It also found that what a woman thought about the smell of her vagina was most closely linked to her overall vaginal perception. So in the name of better sex, here are five facts to help you like your vagina a little bit more (even if you’re not ready to say the “L” word yet).

1. It’s only scary because you’re not used to looking at it. Guys have no choice but to develop an intimate relationship with their genitals. They have to hold it when they pee, they catch glimpses of it every time they get out of the shower, and it’s just generally flopping around down there for them to inspect. You, on the other hand, have to contort your body around a mirror in order to see what’s between your legs. Because of this, you probably haven’t seen your vagina very much, and because of that when you do, it may be scary.

But the more often you look at yourself, the more comfortable you will feel with your body. (For a guided tour click here)

2. Worst case scenario your vagina looks like … a vagina. When you look at your vagina, it might seem like there’s an excessive amount of folds, parts or protrusions. But no matter what you may think yours looks like, it just looks like a vagina. And as any gyno will tell you, vaginas come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors that are all normal.

3. It smells like pussy, but that’s a good thing. Your vagina doesn’t smell like flowers, spring rain or even nothing at all. It smells like vagina, and that’s just fine.

Many guys will tell you, the scent of a healthy vagina is a turn on. Smell is the sense most closely tied to memory, and when guys smell vagina, they think of sex (just think of it as porn for his nostrils). When your partner goes down there, he knows what he’s getting himself into - he’s not expecting it (or wanting it) to smell any differently. So even if you can’t fully appreciate your scent, know it’s that very scent that’s getting him in the mood.

4. A guy can’t leave you for a girl who doesn’t have one. If a guy doesn’t like vaginas then he’s in a pretty rough spot if he wants to be dating women. Maybe you think vaginas are gross, but your guy can’t. As long as he’s straight he pretty much has to be pro vajayjay.

5. It’s just as good as the competition. If you didn’t have a vagina, you’d have a penis and testicles - it’s generally one or the other. And male anatomy is no picnic either. Embarrassing erections, embarrassing non-erections, the size, the stamina, and yes, the smell too. Vaginas aren’t perfect, and neither is penis or any other part of our body.

But as many things as we may dislike about our genitals, they allow us to experience the physical pleasures and intimacy of sex, and that’s a pretty damn good part of being human.

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What Do Men Really Think About Sex on the First Date?

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The answer, according to our trusted spy, is more complicated than you might think.

-Jod Kaftan

attractive young couple

My esteemed BettyConfidential colleague Carrie Seim recently revealed that first-date sex won't necessarily make a man lose interest (see Is it OK to Have Sex on a First Date?). This may very well be true—if the man in question only gets laid about once every five years. Why do I say this? I happen to be a man and a reformed rogue, so you can consider me your mole.

The conventional wisdom is that men only have one thing on their mind when they first see a woman—sex. The truth is, most men have two things on their minds: They want a sweaty, all-night bone-a-thon, and they want to fall in love. Yeah, that's right. We want to be happy, too. One is a powerful biological and psychological need, the other is spiritual and emotional. The problem for guys is that these two desires, especially during the dating phase, have nothing to do with each other. The only thing that ties them together is that they both live in the brain (well, one arguably lives in a "smaller brain"). Women, of course, have sex and then begin to have feelings. A man rarely can. Sex is the great distraction. He tells himself, "I'm getting what I want...right?" He's not. He can't hear his true calling because it's being drowned out by the inner monologue chants of "do her!"

Read How to Get a Guy to Hit on You

Basically, this means that if a guy fulfills his sexual needs too early, it can muffle the call of his own heart. Before he can relate sex to intimacy, a man must first be made to feel; without feelings, sex is only about conquest and relief. One way to try to get him in touch with his feelings is not to put out on the first night.

But let's discuss what I mean by "putting out," shall we? I'm not saying women should be hermetically sealed, prudish cyborgs. A frisky first date can be a turn-on to an honest man. What I'm saying is to keep things comfortably at third base—OK, even first or second base. In other words, don't open your legs. And never let a man get on top of you—especially when you're down to your panties. Once you let him "knock on heaven's door," you’re sending a signal that you want him to enter. He'll feel obliged. And no one wants to have obligatory sex (OK, there was a night in Tulsa I wouldn't take back…).

You might be thinking, "Well, I'll just ask him if he wants to do it. That's the respectable thing to do." It's not. You'll never get an honest answer from a man who's on top of you. If you ask him this, he'll worry that you'll think he's a wuss if he says no. Now I don't have to go to great lengths to explain the moronic things men will do to avoid being labeled a wuss, right? (Declaring war comes to mind.)

"We had sex on the first night and now, when I look back, I think it was a mistake," says Andy, a 41-year-old pediatrician from New York, recalling a woman he dated (i.e., had repeated sexual romps with) for a few months after meeting at a party. "That first night, the sex was really intense but we had no emotional connection yet. It was like getting my doctorate without going to school."

Read 5 Secrets About First Dates—From Your Gay Best Friend

And here's the rub: He may like you so much that he may not really want to rush things. Chances are, if you like him, other girls have liked him before. He's not a newbie, so there's the possibility that he may want to do things differently this time. But if you let him get on top of you, he might feel that if he doesn't take the leap you'll somehow think less of him. "I was afraid to tell my first girlfriend that I wanted to wait a bit before we took the plunge," says Jayson, a 38-year-old copywriter from Culver City, CA. "I was tired of meaningless sex. This was one I wanted to savor. You know, stretch it out a bit." He says they broke up because he had trouble opening up to her. Maybe if they didn't mate on the first night, he might've had a moment to figure out what he really felt.

Not only do men and women think of sex differently, their fundamental definitions are different as well. For women, sex probably starts at second base. For men, sex is nothing short of a home run. As Jeff, a 34-year-old designer from Chicago, explains, "If it's not penetration, it's not sex. So if I'm dating someone and we make out on the first night, that's cool. I feel like I got some action, you know? Like I still got it, but without the heavy-osity that comes with intercourse."

Is Jeff an animal? Probably. But we're the guys who've been raised on Baywatch reruns, The O.C., internet porn and Paris Hilton. We’re inundated with sexual imagery all day and we've learned to relate it to achievement. Some boys never grow out of this. But most have to reconcile this faulty conditioning with their own organic need to find someone special. Help a boy find his heart: Don't put out on the first night.

Tell Us: What do you think about having sex on a first date?

Jod Kaftan's long career as a dater and scoundrel has finally been replaced with the happily married life. He has contributed to Rolling Stone, Salon and The New York Times. Follow him on www.twitter.com/jodspeed or his LA Times technology blog at http://jodspeed.latimesmagazine.com.

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The 6 Sex Toys and Accessories Every Woman Needs

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From the latest gadgets to the hottest lingerie, these must-have items are guaranteed to spice up your sex life.

-Faye Brennan

Woman in bed

If the phrase “sex toys” makes you blush, you’re not alone. The sex toy world can be very intimidating to women who’ve yet to explore its many options. Not only is there a huge assortment of items to choose from, but some pieces just look downright scary. Wait, you want me to put that where? No way!

Of course, the main purpose for most of these naughty items is to help a woman experience maximum pleasure, and we’re all for that. But if that’s all you think they’re good for, think again. “My philosophy is that sex toys and accessories are like lip gloss – you don't need them, but they certainly make you feel happier, sexier and more feminine,” says Dana B. Myers, founder of Booty Parlor Inc., a sexy online boutique with fans like Angelina Jolie, Carmen Electra, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.

Read 8 Biggest Sex Myths

According to New York-based sex therapist, Dr. Joy Davidson, there are plenty of reasons why sexy toys and accessories can be a smart investment for all sexually active women:

• “When you buy items that are designed for no other purpose than to give sexual pleasure,” says Dr. Joy, “you’re making a statement to yourself that says, ‘I’m sexy, I’m desirable, and I’m not a passive participant in sex. In fact, my partner is not the only source of my pleasure – I am, too.’”

• “When you learn how to pleasure yourself and what type of stimulation works for you, you can pass that information on to your partner and teach him what works. It’s silly to expect someone else to get you off if you can’t do it yourself.”

• “Nowhere is it written that sex is supposed to be dull, boring and simple. And nowhere does it say you can only use what’s attached to your body to give and receive pleasure. Sex is just another aspect of life where we can accessorize!”

• “There are toys being made today that can affect you in a way that no human being can. Their capacity for speed, intensity and consistency of motion are things that a human simply cannot replicate. You’re doing yourself a disservice by not trying these toys and experiencing the pleasure they can bring.”

Convinced? We are! So now it’s on to the next step – navigating the sex toy world. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced sex-toy vet, here, according to our experts, are the six items every woman should have in her toy chest:

1. The classic vibrator
It’s basic, yes, but oh-so-necessary. You can go for “The Rabbit,” the friendly vibrator made famous by the Sex and the City gals, or try something different. Dr. Joy suggests getting one that’s adjustable in speed and intensity, makes little noise and focuses primarily on clitoral stimulation. Dana B. Myers recommends The Champ ($36). “It has a silent pitter-patter thump that will deliver a total knockout orgasm,” she says.

2. A couple’s vibrator
“For women who are not usually orgasmic during intercourse, using a little vibrator during penetration can turn the tide on that,” says Dr. Joy. When you're with your partner, it's best to use a smaller gadget that you can press against yourself and doesn’t get in the way. Myers says her best-selling couple’s vibe is the Aurora ($68). With 16 different ways to please, the Aurora “gives the additional C-spot pleasure a woman needs to help reach orgasm,” says Myers. “And, your partner will enjoy the vibrating sensations, which will enhance his pleasure, too.”

3. A G-spot wand
If you don’t like to vibe, or if you just want to switch it up, Dr. Joy suggests a G-spot wand, like the NJOY Pure Wand ($108). Made of 316-grade stainless steel (the same material used in hip replacements!), this eco-friendly wand, and others like it, make penetration more substantial thanks to their curved design. “You can warm them up or cool them down,” says Dr. Joy. “They’re outstanding.”

Read Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Vibrators

4. Crotchless panties
As women, we’re fully aware of the power of sexy lingerie. Myers suggests taking your collection to a whole other level with crotchless panties, like the Naughty Ballerina Crotchless Bikini ($26). “The peek-a-boo element of this seductive bikini makes for very exciting possibilities,” says Myers.

5. Arousal boosters
Whether solo or with a partner, we all need a little help sometimes. Other times, well maybe we just want to kick things up a notch. The good news is that suddenly, there are plenty of products on the market designed to enhance a woman’s pleasure – including several that are natural and/or hormone-free. One that caught our eye: Zestra (box of 12 packets, $49.95), which was specifically developed to “improve arousal, desire and satisfaction” for women. Applied topically, this blend of essential oils and extracts claims to increase sensitivity in minutes – and the effects can last for up to 45 minutes.

6. A pair of “hooker heels”
Sure, they’re not “toys,” but a pair of ultra-sexy high heels can do wonders. “These shouldn’t be the designer heels you wear outside,” says Dr. Joy. “What I'm talking about are slutty shoes you wouldn’t wear anywhere else because they’re so over-the-top sexy. They can put you in the mood when you’re alone, or they can help you anticipate a hot night with your guy. And, of course, men love super-sexy heels.” Looking for just the right thing? Opt for something in classic clear lucite, like these Juliet G Stiletto Heel Platform ($51.99).

Tell us: What’s your favorite sex toy?

Faye Brennan is assistant editor at BettyConfidential.

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How To Look Sexier In Bed

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10 beauty and fashion secrets for after dark.

-Sexy Betty, brought to you by PinpointsX.com

Woman in bed

Here's the dilemma: sex and romance appeals, but getting naked and frisky with five to ten extra pounds doesn't. Wearing Spanx to bed is out of the question; so is turning off the lights. You need a confidence- boosting strategy that's guaranteed to work even without a glass of Chardonnay. Think Vanessa Williams in Ugly Betty, Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City, January Jones in Mad Men! Here are 10 fashion secrets for looking good in bed:

1. Stage your boudoir. Choose a rosy pink, apricot or buttery yellow color for walls and sheets. These hues make skintones glow head to toe. Switch light bulbs to pink to increase the soft radiant effect.

2. Soak and scent. A steamy mineral salt bath deflates puffiness and bloat and eases sore muscles so you move like an Alvin Ailey dancer.

Read 10 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Bad Girl

3. Ditch the ponytail, burn the scrunchies and get highlights. Loose, shiny hair with body and movement framing your face brings attention up and away from your tummy and thighs. Highlights bring extra sparkle to your face in soft light.

4. Wear jewelry. This is not the time for major chunky necklaces, big chandeliers, or stacks of heavy bangles. Add tiny glints of bling in the most understated way: diamond or cubic zirconia studs, a slender chain with a delicate pendant or charm, a fluid bracelet or two of gold or silver - the kind of jewelry you never take off to shower or wash your hair.

5. Get a short supple robe that defines your waist, shows cleavage curves and legs - and ditch the big fat terry robe!

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5 Things You Have to Know About Condoms

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A few crucial points to keep in mind before you get busy.

- Amber Madison, BettyConfidential.com

1. He has to put one on before the action starts. You can’t begin to have unprotected sex and then make a guy throw on a condom right before he gets off. Instead, make sure that Captain Winkie is fully wrapped before it’s anywhere near your vagina. Here’s the thing: STDs are spread one of two ways, through infected skin and through infected body fluids. A penis without a condom rubbing against your vagina exposes you to any possible STDs its owner may be carrying on the skin of his penis. Furthermore, sex is like basketball: you dribble before you shoot. And that dribble can be carrying an STD.

2. You have the option of using a female condom. If you’re sick of depending on a guy to put on a condom, or you’re dating a guy who hates them, you can use a female condom instead. It’s a little pouch with a small ring on one end and a larger ring on the other. To use it, you insert the small ring and the pouch into your vagina so that your vagina is, essentially, lined with the condom material. The bigger, open end then hangs out the bottom, and the penis slides into the big end. Because female condoms are made of polyurethane, they can work well for people with latex allergies. , and you can use them with oil- or water-based lubricants. To buy one, check out your local or online drug stores.

Read 8 Biggest Sex Myths

3. It’s not the best idea to keep condoms in your wallet/glove compartment/purse. Being prepared is great, but it’s better not to carry around condoms indefinitely. Condoms that are exposed to extreme temperatures, tumbling around in the depths of your bag, or getting crushed daily in a wallet are much more likely to break. So keep your main stash somewhere in your house, and if there’s any chance at all you might decide to have sex that day, grab a few for your bag. And if you don’t use them, put them back in their “home.”

4. Use unlubricated condoms if you have a sensitive va-jayjay. We think of men as the ones who complain about using condoms, but just as many women will say they don’t like them, because they irritate the vagina. If this sounds like you, stick to unlubricated condoms. But do use some K-Y jelly or another water- based lubricant if you need a little extra glide.

Read 12 Things to NEVER do in Bed

5. Even if you use condoms, you still have to get tested. Condoms greatly reduce your chances of getting an STD. But they aren’t magic. Even if you’ve been really good about using condoms, it’s still possible to contract a disease. So stay on top of your sexual health. If something feels weird down there, get it checked out. If things feel normal, get periodic STD screenings anyway. And if you ever see something on or around a penis that doesn’t quite look right (or for some reason you suspect a guy might have an STD) don’t just use a condom and feel protected. Don’t have sex, period.

BettyConfidential’s Sexpert Amber Madison is a sex educator and author of Hooking Up: A Girl's All-Out Guide to Sex and Sexuality, and Talking Sex With Your Kids.

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3 Surprising reasons you crave sugar that have nothing to do with food

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Our bodies are naturally wired to crave sugar. Physically, our cravings come from a deep ancestral need for micro-nutrients, which are found in fruits. So, we are actually craving the nutrients that are found in fruit. The mental craving comes from the serotonin – a neurotransmitter that gives us a sense of well-being, and helps moderate our moods, sleep cycles and our appetite – which is released after we consume a sweet food.

When we crave sugar beyond healthy levels, it can be due to a variety of factors. The most obvious and well understood reason is that we become used to a certain amount of sugar in our systems and when that amount is low, we naturally crave the sugar we aren’t getting. But, our cravings can also be a result of other factors as well. The following causes have nothing to do with food, but rather, have to do with our lifestyle.

Stress, Exhaustion and Sleep Deprivation: Some of us crave sugar due to adrenal fatigue. The adrenal glands secrete chemicals that provide us with energy. However, stress, lack of sleep or insomnia can disrupt the function of these glands and cause exhaustion and so your body looks to other sources for energy. Most often, sugar provides us with a dose at a very fast pace. Feeding our need for energy with sugar, however, boosts energy levels for a very short duration and can often lead to a major sugar crash. This causes us to need another boost, leading us back to sugar for more energy. This becomes a never ending cycle. What you can do: Make sure you are managing your stress levels, getting enough sleep and giving yourself some “alone” or “you” time. Build in at least a half-hour a day of relaxation time…even if it means taking a break at lunch to do so. And aim for 7 hours of sleep at a minimum. If you have difficulty sleeping, consider taking an over-the-counter sleep aid for a night or two until you get back on track. If the problem is more serious, discuss options with your doctor.
Learn how to Stop Sugar Addictions Now!
Lack of Activity: When we are sedentary and don’t get enough activity, we can feel sluggish. Staying active and getting regular physical activity can help us reduce sugar cravings and even change them to more healthy cravings. For one, it keeps our bodies oxygenated and energized, but we also release hormones that provide us with a feeling of well-being. Additionally, staying active helps you to reduce tension and stress…both of which affect proper adrenal function as we mentioned before. Finally, physical activity helps to stabilize our blood sugar levels. What you can do: If getting to the gym is a challenge, try taking a walk every day for at least 30 minutes. This doesn’t have to be all at once. You can take three 10 minute walks. Also, when you feel a sugar craving come on, try taking a walk before giving into it. The activity might be what your body is really looking for.
Dehydration: Lack of hydration can cause us to feel hungry and even feed into our sugar cravings. What you can do: If you feel like you are craving something sweet, have a big glass of water and see what happens. If your craving subsides, there is a good chance you were dehydrated. Ideally, your weight, divided by 2 equals the amount of water in ounces you should be consuming in a day. So, if you are 150 pounds, you should be having 75 ounces of water a day. If you are 120 pounds, you should be consuming 60 ounces a day in water.

Have you found that any of these factors cause you to crave sugar?

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Sensual, Tantric & Nude Yoga--Oh My!

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http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons1/192/1922729/31_2009/ac246e4add962701_naked-yoga.jpg

We interrupt this regularly scheduled breakfast to tell you about, well, something a little shocking--tantric yoga. Yup, according to news reports, a new form of sensual yoga is gaining steam. Is it cheapening (and upping the gross factor) of good ol' yoga? I think maybe. Let's discuss ...

We've talked about naked yoga before, and we giggled a bit, but the AP is reporting on a new trend that takes things up a notch.

Becoming more popular in major cities, including New York and Los Angeles, hot yoga meets naked yoga in a sort of sexually charged way. Classes for homosexual and heterosexual yogis are are being offered and raising a lot of eyebrows.

According to the AP, fans say the nudity aids "in deepening their yoga practice while building a close, and emphatically nonsexual, community." Founder of the naked yoga movement, Aaron Star, says "A lot of people, especially living in New York, don't get the opportunity to connect with people in an intimate way." His solution: naked yoga.

An AP reporter described the experience like this: an "undeniable sexual charge hung in the room, making the exercise at times painfully weird and embarrassing. Many nude yoga classes revolve around partnering positions, a series of postures that put two men within striking distance of the other's privates. Not all serious yogis think the practice makes sense."

I'll toss this one to you: What do you think of naked yoga?

Category: Health Leave a Comment

5 creative ways to take your exercise outdoors

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The results of our recent poll on Shine showed the majority of you are raring to get outside. And who could blame you? The temperatures are sending the thermometer's mercury skywards and flowers and babies seem to be popping up everywhere. The great outdoors is a pleasant place to be right now. Inspired by what the majority of you are hankering for right now, here are five outside-the-box ways to take your movement outdoors.

Hiking
Hiking, as most of us come to realize at one point or another, is just walking with a scenic overlook. And surprisingly, no matter where you live, there are a plenty of hikes to take you through meadows, woodlands, and by waterfalls. Who knew? LocalHikes.com is an incredibly comprehensive site with lots of comments and advice direct from hikers who've taken the suggested trails. AmericanTrails.org is a well-organized compendium showing trails where you can walk, run or ride your horse or mountain bike. TrailLink.org has info on more than 30,000 trails nationwide, and is synced with Google Maps and Google biking directions. Site users can also upload photos so you can get a preview of your potential trail destination.

Yoga
Taking your sun salutations outside can energize your practice in a deep way. Imagine, if you will, a sun salutation where you actually salute the sun. Pretty coo, huh? Check Meetup.com for yoga groups that take their yoga to parks and green spaces in urban areas. Or take your personal practice to your backyard or Central Park with this outdoor yoga series you can do on your own.

Swimming
You can always go for a round of laps at your local gym, but why not get a group of friends together and seek out one of 1,000 swimming holes in the US? You'll likely have to hike to get to your hidden spot which will make the eventual arrival at a cool, hidden spring all the more delightful. Check out SwimmingHoles.org to see what's in your area.

Play
When was the last time you settled yourself into a swing and pumped your legs until you were reaching the sky? Go to the playground with your kids, and instead of watching from the park bench, join in. Chase them, push them in the swing, throw a frisbee, kick a soccer ball. Watch the way your children are naturally physical and present in their bodies and embrace the fun of being active. No kids? Get together a group of friends on Sunday afternoon for a game of catch.

Team sports
Joining an informal sports league is a really great way to be physical and social at the same time. Often, practice extends into getting coffee or just hanging out, which, if you're looking for companionship as well as exercise, is a perfect pairing. Your local YMCA, Craigslist.org and Meetup.com are all good places to check for groups playing everything from bocce to soccer to softball to horseshoes.

When you're in the mood for something more than an outdoor jog, what do you guys do to fuse the fabulous weather with your workout?

Category: Health Leave a Comment

6 Rahasia Seks Pria BB++

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Kalau Anda mengira respons seksual pria cukup sederhana dan keinginan seks mereka dapat dipenuhi dengan mudah, maka Anda harus merevisi pandangan tersebut. Pengetahuan Anda tentang "birds and bees" menurut pria ternyata tidak sesederhana seperti yang Anda kira.

Menurut Fox News, berikut enam hal yang mungkin belum Anda ketahui tentang pria dan seks:

Sperma terjebak

Setelah bercinta, tidak semua sperma pergi berlomba mencari sel telur dalam satu waktu. Begitu sperma disalurkan melalui saluran Miss V, beberapa dari sperma tersebut untuk sementara terjebak dalam air mani yang kental dan menggumpal.

Namun akhirnya, sperma dicairkan kembali oleh enzim sehingga bebas berenang kembali di sistem reproduksi wanita. Pembekuan ini, menurut para ilmuwan, dimaksudkan untuk mempercepat langkah pelepasan sperma ke dalam rahim sehingga meningkatkan peluang salah satu sperma akan mencapai dan membuahi sel telur.

Oxytocin berpengaruh juga pada pria

Keyakinan umum mengatakan, hormon oxytocin memengaruhi wanita saat berhubungan seks (dan menyusui). Ternyata, hormon cinta ini dikeluarkan juga oleh pria selama berhubungan intim. Dan ternyata, penelitian dari Swiss menemukan fakta bahwa oxytocin meningkatkan rasa percaya pria pada berbagai hal.

Tinggi testosteron = lebih sedikit seks

Meskipun kadar testosteron tinggi dianggap hal menggembirakan bagi gairah seks pria, para peneliti masih terus menemukan fakta bahwa pria dengan kadar testosteron lebih tinggi, jarang yang menikah, lebih kasar kepada pasangan, dan lebih banyak yang akhirnya bercerai.

Orgasme mencegah pria dari kanker payudara

Sebuah penelitian di Yunani menemukan bukti bahwa frekuensi orgasme memiliki dampak pada timbulnya kanker payudara pada pria usia dewasa. Bahkan, bukti tersebut juga mengungkap, pria penderita kanker payudara mengalami lebih sedikit orgasme pada jumlah rata-rata kebanyakan dibanding pria sehat.

Anda bisa tahu ukuran Mr P seorang pria lewat jari-jarinya

Sebuah penelitian University of Liverpool menyebutkan, jika jari manis pria lebih panjang daripada jari telunjuknya, berarti kadar testosteron di dalam rahimnya tergolong sehat. Kemudian, jika jari manisnya punya ukuran sama atau lebih kecil dari jari telunjuknya, maka kemungkinan ukuran Mr P-nya lebih panjang dari jari manisnya.

Keluarga memengaruhi testosteron

Menurut kajian situs kesehatan Mayo Clinic, pria yang semakin dekat dengan keluarga, maka tingkat testosteronnya menurun. Ini terjadi terutama pada ayah baru. Mereka mengalami penurunan kadar testosteron secara signifikan setelah kelahiran anaknya, terutama ketika memegang bayi

Sumber : http://lifestyle.okezone.com/read/20...asia-seks-pria

Category: seksologi Leave a Comment

Bocah umur 9 tahun jadi System Engineer

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Marko Calasan, bocah berumur 9 tahun asal Macedonia, menjadi system engineer bersertifikat Microsoft pada bulan lalu.

Sebelumnya, pada umur 6 tahun, ia jadi system administrator untuk sebuah yayasan nonprofit yang membantu orang-orang cacat. Kepada Cnet lewat e-mail, Marko berkata, “Mereka senang punya administrator yang bagus.”

Marko yang mengaku menghabiskan waktu sekitar 4 jam per hari di depan komputer juga jadi guru. Ia mengajar dasar-dasar berkomputer untuk anak-anak berumur 8 sampai 11 tahun. Lab komputernya ada di sebuah sekolah dasar.

Bicara soal sekolah, Marko diizinkan oleh pemerintah setempat untuk tidak pergi ke sekolah setiap hari demi proyeknya dengan komputer. Tapi, Marko cuma izin beberapa kali dalam sebulan.

Marko kini tengah membuat suatu proyek yang berkaitan dengan jaringan. Bocah yang enggak hobi main game komputer itu tengah mencari cara untuk mengirim sinyal televisi berdefinisi tinggi melalui jaringan yang lambat. Untuk proyeknya ini, sebuah perusahaan telekomunikasi Macedonia mengizinkan Marko mengakses jaringan mereka. Marko berharap sudah bisa mendemonstrasikan proyeknya ini pada pameran CeBit akhir tahun ini di Hannover, Jerman.

Spoiler for NIH GAN BOCAHNYA:

Spoiler for PAS LAGI KERJA GAN:

Spoiler for PAS MEGANG SERTIFIKAT DARI MICROSOFT:

Category: hobby, info Leave a Comment

Pedang Gou Jian: Rambut Lewat Pun Terputus !

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21 Juli lalu, dipamerkan benda kemiliteran kuno Tiongkok yang sangat langka, dari benda-benda yang tak ternilai tersebut dipamerkan, ada pedang milik Gou Jian (baca: kou cien), Raja Yue (sekitar 500 tahun SM), buku kuno ilmu kemiliteran Sun Zi (baca: suen ce, di Indonesia terkenal dengan Sun Tzu) berasal dari makam dinasti Han di gunung Yin Que (baca: yinjue) dan lain sebagainya.

Diantaranya juga terdapat pedang raja Yue, Gou Jian dan cucu Gou Jian. Pedang yang pernah dipergunakan oleh buyutnya serta pedang dari putera mahkota Wu. Empat pedang tersohor ini untuk kali pertama dipamerkan secara bersamaan di depan umum, sebuah kejadian langka di dalam sejarah.

Pekerja dengan sangat hati-hati menempatkan pedang Gou Jian dari Raja Yue yang didatangkan dari propinsi Hubei ke Beijing, ke dalam kotak pajangan khusus. Meski telah melewati usia yang begitu panjang masih saja tajam tak tertandingi.

Pedang Gou Jian tajamnya dapat membuat “rambut lewat, terputus” milik sang raja Yue membuat orang terkagum-kagum.

Menurut cerita pekerja, pedang Gou Jian sesudah digali keluar dan di dalam sebuah eksperimen, mata pedang (blade) dalam satu kali tebas dengan mudah memotong 26 lembar tumpuk kertas.

“Sungguh-sungguh telah dicoba oleh seorang pekerja yang mengambil sehelai rambutnya dan dilepas secara alami ke atas mata pedang, rambut tersebut langsung terpotong jadi 2.”

Pedang Gou Jian milik Raja Yue memiliki panjang 55.6 cm dan lebar 4,6 cm. Pada 1965 ditemukan di gunung Jiang Ling propinsi Hubei. Pada badan pedang terdapat tekstur berbentuk rhombis, berpola blue inlay berglasur dan terdapat permata turquoise (biru hijau).

Ketika digali tertancap di dalam sarung bercat transparan dan di bagian lehernya terlilit tali sutera. Di dekat pegangannya tertera “Pedang pribadi Gou Jian – Raja Yue”. Pedang tersebut berasal dari makam (dinasti) Chu, diletakkan di sebelah kiri kerangka jenazah, sebagai pedang pribadi.

Pedang Gou Jian dewasa ini adalah pusaka milik museum propinsi Hubei. Kepala museum propinsi Hubei, Wang Hongxing berkata, “Hingga sekarang, pedang ini masih saja diselimuti banyak misteri, misalnya tentang asal usulnya, teknik pembuatannya dan lain sebagainya.”

Selain kehadiran keempat pedang ternama tersebut, ada lagi yang boleh dibilang adalah “Pistol otomatis” zaman kuno, yakni busur mekanik otomatis dari zaman Zhan Guo (403 – 221 SM).

Wang Hongxing menyatakan, petugas arkeologi membuat turunannya sesuai dengan busur aslinya dan bisa dibidikkan sejauh 20 hingga 30 langkah, sekali isi bisa dipasang dan ditembakkan 2 batang anak panah mekanik, ini di zaman kuno nyaris bagaikan “pistol otomatis”.

Selain itu, di dalam pameran kali ini juga kali pertama ditunjukkan 20 potong serpihan buku (kala itu buku belum dibuat dari kertas, melainkan dari lempengan bambu) ilmu kemiliteran Sun Zi dari makam Han di gunung Yin Que.

Sisa serpihan ilmu kemiliteran hasil karya Sun Zi yang masih eksis dan tertua ini sangat berharga, setiap serpihan masing-masing diletakkan di dalam sebuah tabung kaca transparan, sekitarnya diisi penuh dengan cairan pelindung transparan, para penonton melalui kaca masih bisa membaca aksara berwarna hitam di atas serpihan tersebut.

Category: arkeolog Leave a Comment

Belum Tentu Gangguan Ereksi

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JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com
Gangguan ereksi adalah tidak sanggup tegak dan mengerasnya penis saat diperlukan. Sekali dalam hidup mengalami gangguan ini adalah wajar bagi pria. Karena itu, jangan buru-buru merasa mengalami gangguan ereksi sebelum Anda menjawab pertanyaan ini:

Apakah Anda mengalami ereksi saat terbangun dari tidur, entah di pagi atau malam hari?
Bila jawabnya adalah tidak sama sekali, seharusnya Anda tidak perlu menunda waktu untuk segera berkonsultasi dengan dokter.

Bila jawabnya pernah atau sering ereksi di kala tidur tetapi loyo saat akan digunakan, persoalannya mungkin bersifat psikologis atau karena faktor lingkungan.

Berikut ini sejumlah hal yang bisa mengganggu terjadinya ereksi:
- Udara yang terlalu dingin atau panas
- Alkohol di dalam tubuh
- Obat dokter
- Beberapa hari atau jam sebelumnya sudah berulangkali orgasme
- Cemas/khawatir tak mampu
- Stres/kelelahan fisik
- Salah teknik/posisi
- Obat terlarang, semisal heroin, kokain, cannabis, alkohol, nikotin, methadone, ekstasi, dan sebagainya.

Jadi,
misalnya hari ini Anda baru saja dua atau tiga kali mengalami orgasme, minum beberapa gelas alkohol sambil merokok di ruang yang terlalu panas atau dingin, bisa dipastikan kemampuan ereksi Anda akan terganggu. Pangkas sebanyak mungkin faktor risiko tersebut.

Category: Health, seksologi Leave a Comment

Kapal TNI AL

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Spoiler for kapal yang ane tumpangin gan:

ini keadaan di atas hellideck

Spoiler for cekidot gan:

ini pict waktu di haluan kapal gan (bagian depan)

Spoiler for cekidot gan:

ini pas waktu d ruang kemudi gan

Spoiler for monggo gan:

ini yang bikin ane takjub.. ternyata didalam kapal, masih ada kapal lagi!!
namanya LCU (Landing Craft Utilities).. fungsi untuk mengangkut personel dari laut ke darat. ternyata untuk mengeluarkan LCU ini, kapal tersebut harus nungging dan palka belakang dibuka, sehingga air masuk dan menggenangi LCU, hingga LCU dapat keluar dari kapal inti.

Spoiler for cekidot gan: