This crisis line does more than provide a supportive ear. It gets real help to our veterans.

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If you can imagine believing that your own strength is what keeps others alive, even at the expense of your own well-being, you might be close to imagining what it’s like to live inside the mind of a veteran.

But who gives strength to the heroes who support us should they need it? This catch-22 is exactly the conundrum so many veterans face.

What should happen first is this: Someone dials the number 800-273-8255, and presses 1.

GIFs via Veterans Crisis Line.

It’s the number for the Veterans Crisis Line. It’s so important that places like this exist so very important that in 2012, President Obama doubled its staff.

The VCL is exactly what it sounds like. Some of its call responders are veterans, and many more are friends or family members of veterans who can understand what they’re going through.

These folks stay on the phone. They follow up. They try to ensure that the person calling is able to get help from local services.

People at the Department of Veterans Affairs are committed to preventing veteran suicide. Even one death by suicide is too many.

While the suicide rate nationwide has been climbing, the suicide rate among veterans receiving health care from the VA has dropped.

The VA is committed to preventing veteran suicide at large, in particular through programs like the Veterans Crisis Line.

Some veterans need even more help. That’s where the Veterans Crisis Line comes in.

It’s hard to reach these heroes. And it’s hard to give them the power to realize that there’s so much strength in putting yourself first and taking care of yourself.

“You know when you hit a baseball and you … get that crack? It’s like that when you’re able to hear a person smile. And make a difference.”

Each of us has the power to reach out to a veteran. If a veteran gets help, things can get better.

I’m sharing because I want every veteran to know about this. It might save that person’s life.

🙂

If you or anyone you know needs support, pick up the phone, dial 800-273-8255, and press 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to reach a caring, trained responder for a confidential online chat and to connect with other resources.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/this-crisis-line-does-more-than-provide-a-supportive-ear-it-gets-real-help-to-our-veterans?c=tpstream

Patriotic Christmas Light Show

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Christmas light shows are always a viral fan favorite this time of year, but, usually, it’s only Christmas themed.  is going viral for their very American themed Christmas light show in honor of US veterans and service-people. 

 

CLICK HERE for the special US Soldier Edition of ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas!!

Read more: http://www.viralviralvideos.com/2011/12/12/patriotic-christmas-light-show/

The Tourist’s Guide To Buying Weed Now That It’s Legal In 4 More States

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A while ago, I set off on a magical journey to Amsterdam in order to see if it lived up to its hype of being the weed capital of the world.

If theres one thing we can learn from my adventures abroad, its that the hazy coffee shops scattered around this charming European city dont disappoint.

However, it turns out you dont have to venture halfway across the world to light up a joint without breaking the law.

What America Would Really Be Like If Weed Were Legalized

Thats right: As the marijuana legalization movement continues in America, a growing number of states across the US are legalizing recreational marijuana.

So now,you can finallyscore some Kush without amedical prescription.

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/news/legal-guide-buying-weed/1676927/

Best Obama Gaffes

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The president has been known to put his foot in his mouth a few times. Here are some of his greatest gaffes.

1. Where’s my teleprompter?

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZxBX8sz3tO8. Via urbanlegends.about.com

“What they’ll say is, ‘Well it costs too much money,’ but you know what? It would cost, about. It it would cost about the same as what we would spend. It. Over the course of 10 years it would cost what it would costs us. (nervous laugh) All right. Okay. We’re going to do it. It would cost us about the same as it would cost for about hold on one second. I can’t hear myself. But I’m glad you’re fired up, though. I’m glad.”

Students in middle school are required to memorize speeches. Is it too much to ask that our PRESIDENT remember his?

2. Breathalyzers for Asthma

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=cxxxGUeZtno.

“Everybody knows that it makes no sense that you send a kid to the emergency room for a treatable illness like asthma. They end up taking up a hospital bed. It costs when, if you, they just gave, you gave, treatment early, and they got some treatment, and uhhh a breathalyzer, or uhh, an inhalator, not a breathalyzer…”

Do YOU need a breathalyzer, Mr. President?

3. Something I Don’t Deserve

“R-S-P-E-C-T.” —flubbing the spelling of Aretha Franklin’s famous song “Respect” while paying tribute to the iconic singer, New York, NY (March 6, 2014).

To be fair, that is a pretty tough word.

Via politicalhumor.about.com

4. The 58 States of America

“I’ve now been in 57 states — I think one left to go.” – May 9, 2008

I’m glad we elected a president who knows how many states he’s in charge of.

Via politicalhumor.about.com

5. Blowing it Out of Proportion

“In case you missed it, this week, there was a tragedy in Kansas. Ten thousand people died — an entire town destroyed.” —on a Kansas tornado that killed 12 people

Mr. Obama, didn’t your mother teach you it’s not right to exaggerate?

Via politicalhumor.about.com

6. Fallen Heroes Rise For Obama

“On this Memorial Day, as our nation honors its unbroken line of fallen heroes — and I see many of them in the audience here today — our sense of patriotism is particularly strong.” -May 26, 2008, confusing Memorial Day with Veterans Day.

Maybe some of those immortal fallen heroes were the same people who were able to vote for him from the grave.

Via politicalhumor.about.com

7. My Muslim Faith

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bMUgNg7aD8M. Via politicalhumor.about.com

“What I was suggesting — you’re absolutely right that John McCain has not talked about my Muslim faith…” —in an interview Sept 7, 2008, with ABC’s George Stephanopoulos, who jumped in to correct Obama by saying “your Christian faith,” which Obama quickly clarified.

If you’re Muslim and you know it clap your hands.

8. One Great Argument

“UPS and FedEx are doing just fine, right? It’s the Post Office that’s always having problems.” –attempting to make the case for government-run healthcare, while simultaneously undercutting his own argument, Portsmouth, N.H., Aug. 11, 2009.

Oh, well NOW I’m convinced.

Via politicalhumor.about.com

9. Reason I Shouldn’t Speak Off-Hand #431

“No, no. I have been practicing…I bowled a 129. It’s like — it was like Special Olympics, or something.” —making an off-hand joke during an appearance on “The Tonight Show”, March 19, 2009.

Speak out of mouth, not ass.

Via Provided by: politicalhumor.about.com

10. What Is A Corpsman, Anyway?

Video available at: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZlKIfzoC8D0. Via politicalhumor.about.com

“One such translator was an American of Haitian descent, representative of the extraordinary work that our men and women in uniform do all around the world — Navy Corpse-Man Christian Brossard.” –mispronouncing “Corpsman” (the “ps” is silent) during a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, Washington, D.C., Feb. 5, 2010 (The Corpsman’s name is also Christopher, not Christian).

Good thing our Commander in Chief knows his military terms.

11. In My Home State of Asia

“When I meet with world leaders, what’s striking — whether it’s in Europe or here in Asia…” -mistakenly referring to Hawaii as Asia while holding a press conference outside Honolulu, Nov. 16, 2011.

If you really were born in Hawaii, one would think you’d know it’s part of the United States.

Via politicalhumor.about.com

Read more: http://buzzfeed.com/abartusiak/best-obama-gaffes-nh0a

Barbi twins issue action alert after vet is kicked out of diner with therapy dog

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http://twitter.com/#!/ahmealeeahh/status/372183442022498304

Pinup models Shane and Sia Barbi identify as “Green Tea Party” activists and frequently use their Twitter feed to promote causes related to veterans and animals. This morning, the twin sisters spotlighted the story of an Iraq War veteran and his certified service dog, Jack.

http://twitter.com/#!/Barbi_Twins/status/372390245175529474

James Glasser says he brings his 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier everywhere to help him cope with the symptoms of PTSD. But when Glasser brought the dog to the Big I’s in Oxford, Mass., he says he was asked to leave. And by “asked to leave,” we mean he was reportedly told, “Get that f**king fake service dog out of my restaurant.”

“How much emotional support do you need when you are eating breakfast?” asked restaurant co-owner and noted douchenozzle Russel Ireland.

A truly classy way to honor an Air Force vet who served this country for 21 years, huh? Ireland refused to apologize to Glasser and said he doesn’t “want him in my establishment at all.”

The Barbi twins asked followers to call on representatives to help heroes like Glasser. And since the story broke, Mr. Ireland has developed a huge P.R. problem on social media.

http://twitter.com/#!/AmberBarno/status/372392287461863425
http://twitter.com/#!/Hankography/status/371831505082777600
http://twitter.com/#!/bivange/status/372399344533913600
http://twitter.com/#!/Worcester_JLL/status/371819567103754240

After all the backlash, Ireland is rethinking his stance and admits he “overreacted.”

http://twitter.com/#!/swaddle24/status/372303882036461568

Glasser reportedly intends to file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint.

Update:

Worth mentioning: The Barbi twins and Shane’s husband Ken Wahl are celebrity ambassadors for Hounds and Heroes.

Related:

‘Final salute’: Barbi twins honor slain WWII vet Delbert Belton; Ken Wahl, Charlie Daniels hit Obama

Read more: http://twitchy.com/2013/08/27/barbi-twins-issue-action-alert-after-vet-is-kicked-out-of-diner-with-therapy-dog/

Romantic Ways To Enjoy Tonight’s Supermoon With Your SO

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Ifyoure a hopeless romantic like myself, and you just so happen to be in pursuit of a new way to show off your love and affection, all you have to do is look up.

Tonight, I encourage loversall over the world to take full advantage of this months breathtaking supermoon.

The rare view will leave you gazing at the planetary satellite as it appearsup to14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than on a normal day, and itsone you should make the most of.

While November 13 was announced as a prime time to catch the supermoon, dont fret. The differences between appearance on Sunday and Monday night are very minimal, and casual observers like us will hardly notice if its looking any less super when its high in thedarksky.

On that note, take this as the perfect opportunity to snuggle up next to your SO, casual bae or first-time date, and make the most of this nighttime scene.

Below, four ways to get real romantic, courtesy of the supermoon:

1. Pitch a tent on your apartments roof.

Ivelived in my apartment building for years, but have yet to make use of the ample-sized roof it has.

Dont make the same mistake. Take advantage of this oddly warm November weather and stargaze from the comfort of your own home.

If youre feeling extra outdoorsy, get into full camp-mode and make a whole night out of it.

This isa solid excuse to get all cuddly with bae, plus an opportunity to have sex outside. Its a win-win situation for all parties involved.

Singles Swap Phones and Go On Each Others’ Dating Apps [Technically Speaking]

2. Cozy up with some drinks on an enclosed bar terrace.

Mondays are rough on just about everyone, so allow supermoons presence to drag you to a five-star bar in order get rid of thoselingering Sunday Scaries.

Take your pick of any spot with an outdoor terrace, equipped with lounge chairs, quality service and maybe some heat lamps, and youll find yourself in a prime spot to soak up the moonlight with your man or woman of choice.

Read more: http://elitedaily.com/dating/romantic-supermoon-so/1691028/

A hero-worthy hotline that gets help to the folks who need it most.

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If you can imagine believing that your own strength is what keeps others alive, even at the expense of your own well-being, you might be close to imagining what it’s like to live inside the mind of a veteran.

But who gives strength to the heroes who support us should they need it? This catch-22 is exactly the conundrum so many veterans face.

What should happen first is this: Someone dials the number 800-273-8255, and presses 1.


GIFs via Veterans Crisis Line.

It’s the number for the Veterans Crisis Line. It’s so important that places like this exist so very important that in 2012, President Obama doubled its staff.

The VCL is exactly what it sounds like. Some of its call responders are veterans, and many more are friends or family members of veterans who can understand what they’re going through.

These folks stay on the phone. They follow up. They try to ensure that the person calling is able to get help from local services.


People at the Department of Veterans Affairs are committed to preventing veteran suicide. Even one death by suicide is too many.

While the suicide rate nationwide has been climbing, the suicide rate among veterans receiving health care from the VA has dropped.

The VA is committed to preventing veteran suicide at large, in particular through programs like the Veterans Crisis Line.

Some veterans need even more help. That’s where the Veterans Crisis Line comes in.

It’s hard to reach these heroes. And it’s hard to give them the power to realize that there’s so much strength in putting yourself first and taking care of yourself.

“You know when you hit a baseball and you … get that crack? It’s like that when you’re able to hear a person smile. And make a difference.“

Each of us has the power to reach out to a veteran. If a veteran gets help, things can get better.

I’m sharing because I want every veteran to know about this. It might save that person’s life.

🙂

If you or anyone you know needs support, pick up the phone, dial 800-273-8255, and press 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website to reach a caring, trained responder for a confidential online chat and to connect with other resources.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/a-hero-worthy-hotline-that-gets-help-to-the-folks-who-need-it-most?c=tpstream

This retired NFL player put up an amazing gym that trains people with disabilities.

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Retired U.S. Marine Brian Aft was in a dark place after losing both his legs to an IED in Afghanistan.

After going through countless surgeries, Aft turned to heroin when he realized the pain wasnt going away. In time, he became severely addicted.

One day, as he was heading through a parking lot, a dude the size of an NFL linebacker started running toward him. “Youre gonna get robbed,” Brian remembered thinking to himself.

Turns out the dude was an NFL linebacker David Vobora. He had noticed Aft’s injury and apparent addiction and all he wanted to do was ask what happened.

Little did Aft know that the question would change the course of his life forever.

Fixing broken spirits: This former NFL player created a specialty gym to train and rehabilitate disabled veterans. A Starbucks original series.

Posted by Upworthy on Sunday, September 11, 2016

Vobora always understood the importance of fighting back.

Picked dead last in the 2008 NFL draft, Vobora has the distinction of being that years Mr. Irrelevant. But he clawed tooth and nail and eventually became the first rookie Mr. Irrelevant to start a game in over a decade.

Then in 2011, a devastating shoulder injury derailed his NFL career. Vobora played through the pain until the end of the season. But he developed a serious pain-pill addiction along the way and decided to check himself into rehab.

After going through an intense detox, Vobora started training again. But his drive to play professional football diminished. Thats when he decided to retire. It scared him; football was all he’d ever known.

With the odds stacked against him once again, Mr. Irrelevant found a way to make it work. He moved to Dallas with his family and decided to help other elite athletes at his very own training facility the Performance Vault.

Voboras path took a new turn the day he met retired Army Staff Sgt. Travis Mills.

Mills is one of five living veteran quadruple amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He, like Aft, was injured by an IED while on patrol.

From the moment Vobora saw him, he was drawn to him. “When was the last time you worked out?” Vobora remembers asking.

“Im sorry. I dont want to make you feel like an idiot, but I dont have arms and legs,” replied Mills.

That didnt matter to Vobora. He didnt see Mills as an Army vet who’d lost his limbs in battle. He simply saw him as a person who had a body. And as Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman once said, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”

Vobora and Mills got to work. And then they worked some more.

It didnt matter that Vobora had zero experience training someone with Mills condition. All Vobora wanted to do was help Mills see what he was capable of.

In time, Mills began to thrive.

Thats when Vobora realized that no gym he knew of was providing the kind of work that they were doing. What about the other people whether vet or civilian who had their own physical disabilities?

“Theyve sort of been sidelined,” Vobora says. “They fall into the rehabilitation process, but eventually insurance ran out, cash ran out, and where do they go, right? Where do they go to be apart of a collective group that has this community and this ability to push each other?”

Inspired to make a bigger difference, Vobora started the Adaptive Training Foundation.

Its a nonprofit designed to empower people with disabilities and restore their confidence through athletic movement. By customizing their plan to what each person can do, theyre able to establish a solid training foundation that has the potential to redefine their physical limits.

This is how men and women like Aft were able to change their lives for the better.

The morning after meeting/getting scared by Vobora, Aft came into the gym and started working out.

He came every day for the next three months.

And he trained alongside other incredible athletes.

All of them were pushing themselves to the absolute limit.

No doubt they did things they never would have done at a normal therapy session.

More than just muscle, the foundation is building a stronger sense of purpose into each and every person it trains.

“They make you stronger,” explained Aft. “They instill some insane confidence and self-worth back into you. Not just that, theyre giving you something to do, a place to be, a little sense of community with everybody.”

At the end of the day, what sets Vobora apart as a trainer and mentor is his ability to make everyone feel equal, regardless of disability.

Because of the program, these athletes are able to shatter barriers they thought were set in stone. But you know what? They powered right through, lifted that dang stone, and hurled it as far away as humanly possible.

Read more: http://www.upworthy.com/this-retired-nfl-player-put-up-an-amazing-gym-that-trains-people-with-disabilities?c=tpstream