What If You're Superheroes Were Hip?

If you're a superhero fan, you'll love these great images, but they're not only creative pieces of art, they are Hipster Superheroes!  Yep, these superheroes are hip and no one will tell them otherwise.  Hipster Superheroes are derived from the creative geniuses over at College Humor and I have also included a video down below.

You have a hip Iron Man, Professor Xavier, Spidey, Hulk, Aquaman, Batman, and yes, even a hip Wonder Woman.

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 024 - Health & Wellness

Hey guys, I'm sorry that these posts have been far and in-between, but they are very time consuming.  Just this one particular blog takes me an hour from start to finish.  So I'm posting them weekly for the time being.

When it comes to our health and well-being, regardless of your political affiliation, you should be proud of this president.  I don't care what the REDs are telling you, President Obama does care, and no he is not giving away free healthcare.  One very important thing you have to keep in mind, that the same people who are voting against the President when it comes to their Health and Well-being, are the same people who claim they want "less government", yet they need and use all these programs.  More REDs use the Nutrition Assistance Program than Democrats, and when they vote to have less government intervention, they're voting against their own interests.  Think about it... look at all those RED states, do you really think all those poor people in those RED states are Democrats?  More than likely not, they are poor REDs using everything government has to offer.  Not because they want to, but because they have to.

The President has established an independent health institute to provide accurate and objective information, established the National Prevention, Health Promotion, and Public Health Council, ended the Bush-era policy of cutting FDA and circumventing FDA rules, and has also implemented an HIV/AIDS Strategy.  And it doesn't end there, the President has provided five areas for funding, and over 15 targeted actions including First Lady Michelle Obama's anti-obesity effort.

Today, we will be covering one broad policy, one funding initiative, and a targeted action in reference to Health & Wellness.  I will add more in a later issue, as the President has accomplished so many over the last 3 years.

WTF-70

Established HealthCare.gov, a web portal for determining and comparing all consumer health insurance and health care options.

Though the health-care bill doesn't really kick in until 2014, it mandated that the Department of Health and Human Services build out the Web site for comparison shopping by July 1, 2010. That seemed a bit odd to me, as the shopping it could promote wasn't shopping through the exchanges, but in any case, HealthCare.gov is live now, and it's a slick, easy-to-use site, which may be the best thing out there for seeing both the public and private health-coverage options for people in your situation in your area. And the obvious advantage of starting the site this early is that there's a lot of time for the tech team to play with it, improve it, and get comfortable with it before 2014, when it really needs to be working. [Read More-1]

Important new information about the quality of care available in America’s outpatient and emergency departments, including how well hospitals care for patients with heart attacks and protect outpatients from surgical infections was added to the new HHS website HealthCare.gov. The information can be found as part of the Compare Care Quality link on the front page of the new site, http://www.healthcare.gov/compare/index.html.  It can also be found on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Hospital Compare website, www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov.

“The more information consumers and patients have, the better the options and choices are for them when it comes to their health care. HealthCare.gov is designed to put the power of information at the fingertips of Americans and our quality compare tools are a critical part of this new website,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  "This new update to CMS’ Hospital Compare feature will help patients and their families better compare quality at America’s hospitals. And thanks to this new update this year,  for the first time, Medicare patients can see how efficiently facilities use certain types of imaging equipment and keep them safe from exposure to potentially harmful radiation that may not be necessary.” [Read More-2]

WTF-71

Provided $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Effective April 1, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) increased monthly benefits for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by an average of 15 percent. The increase not only boosted the purchasing power of recipients for nutritious foods but also helped stimulate the economy.

SNAP was originally slated to receive $20 billion over 5 years from ARRA—an important stimulus to the economy. For example, most eligible four-person households have been receiving since April 2009 an $80 increase in their monthly SNAP allotment to spend on groceries (see chart below). ARRA also provided nearly $300 million to States for SNAP administrative expenses in FY 2009 and 2010.

ARRA included several provisions that affect SNAP benefit levels and operations - you can read about those here. [Read More-1, Read More-2]

WTF-72

Established a New Patient’s Bill of Rights.

A major goal of the Affordable Care Act – the health insurance reform legislation President Obama signed into law on March 23 – is to put American consumers back in charge of their health coverage and care. Insurance companies often leave patients without coverage when they need it the most, causing them to put off needed care, compromising their health and driving up the cost of care when they get it. Too often, insurance companies put insurance company bureaucrats between you and your doctor. The Affordable Care Act cracks down on the some of the most egregious practices of the insurance industry while providing the stability and the flexibility that families and businesses need to make the choices that work best for them.

Today, the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Treasury issued regulations to implement a new Patient’s Bill of Rights under the Affordable Care Act – which will help children (and eventually all Americans) with pre-existing conditions gain coverage and keep it, protect all Americans’ choice of doctors and end lifetime limits on the care consumers may receive. These new protections apply to nearly all health insurance plans.

How These New Rules Will Help You

• Stop insurance companies from limiting the care you need. For most plans starting on or after September 23, these rules stop insurance companies from imposing pre-existing condition exclusions on your children; prohibit insurers from rescinding or taking away your coverage based on an unintentional mistake on an application; ban insurers from setting lifetime limits on your coverage; and restrict their use of annual limits on coverage. 
• Remove insurance company barriers between you and your doctor. For plans starting on or after September 23, these rules ensure that you can choose the primary care doctor or pediatrician you want from your plan’s provider network, and that you can see an OB-GYN without needing a referral. Insurance companies will not be able to require you to get prior approval before seeking emergency care at a hospital outside your plan’s network. These protections apply to health plans that are not grandfathered. [Read More]

I would like to list everything under each category, but there comes a time when even a blog gets too large. LOL. But make sure to click on the "Read More" links to read more on each WTF.

I promise to come back to this topic in another issue, until then, please feel free to read my previous issues by clicking on my logo here.  

 Make sure to read the next issue
Issue No. 025 - Infrastructure
WTF Has Obama Done is an ongoing series posted daily or weekly on BLADE 7184 until Election Day, 2012!

Laugh of the Day: Girl Drop

So you're walking down the street when a cute girl passing you by drops her lingerie from her shopping bag. 

Would you pick it up, and kindly chase after her to give it back? Or would you choose to leave it there?  I think the guys in the video preferred the chase.  Lol.  But to their surprise, they don't exactly find a girl around the corner either.  LMAO.

Cyanide and Happiness: Trophy

If You Were Born in the 70's

Heartbreak Mountain

I never really liked the movie Brokeback Mountain, starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger.  I guess being a gay man I should have, but it just didn't do anything for me.  Hell, I have more straight friends than gay ones who loved the movie more than Ryan or myself.  I don't know, maybe I need to watch it again or something.

In either case, the reason for this post is.... I came across a fan-made video of the movie with Adele's song, "Someone Like You" used as the backdrop.  And I'd have to say I was drawn to it, hence the reason for my blog title, Heartbreak Mountain.  You have to watch it to understand what I'm talking about.

YouTube Description:  This is a challenge I set to myself, making a video unrelated to my previous ones and this song by Adele seemed like perfect for the story of Jack and Ennis from Brokeback Mountain.

Brokeback Mountain won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival and was honored with Best Picture and Best Director accolades from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Golden Globe Awards, Producers Guild of America, Critics Choice Awards, and Independent Spirit Awards among many other organizations and festivals.

In the end, no matter who you love, the feelings are the same.

My special thanks to my dear friend Yellowbee for support! :)

Made in memory of Heath Ledger for his enormous performance as well as Jake Gyllenhaal. ~  GomnitusCH

Cool Cycles Made Out Of Old Watches

I can spot true talent when I see it.  And when it comes to Art, there is no question - I know it, love it, and admire it.  Check out these awesome, awesome Cycles made out of old watches.  They are absolutely amazing.  I loved each and every one of them - even the 4-wheeler.

Now I feel like singing, "Cool Rider" from Grease 2. LOL.  "I wanna coooool rider, a cool, cool, cool, cool rider.  I wanna C-O-O-L, R-I-D-E-R."  Sorry, got carried away there for a moment.

Wednesday Fail - The Moment: Part 2

Remember that big fail from a Sunday, back in February?

Back In The Day - John Lennon and Mick Jagger

John Lennon and Mick Jagger, circa 1974, photo by Ron Galella

Cartier Impresses Viewers with Stunning Commercial

I'm posting this video, because I've already received several messages as to why I haven't done so.  My partner Ryan saw a TV spot the other night while we were watching The Walking Dead, and he thought it was really cool.  Little did he know that Cartier's short film/commercial ran a little longer than than the 30-second TV spot he witnessed (3-1/2 minutes to be exact.).  

The advertisement is quite a magnificent piece of work.  I cannot imagine how much it cost to make, but I'm sure it cost a pretty penny.  Then again if you're Cartier, money is no object.  The stunning graphics, CGI and art will take your breath away, alongside the beautiful Jewelry, of course.  It's no wonder they've been around since 1847.

YouTube Description:  Discover the new Cartier film, a journey between dream and reality. For the very first time, Cartier has decided to create a cinema epic focusing on its history, its values and inspiration, its artistic and universal scope.

Things We Can Do To Save The Environment - Issue No. 08 - Give New Life to Your Old Fleece

The Global Warming Survival Guide

I think everyone can say they own some type of fleece.  Fleece is just a general term for soft fabric.  You know, that soft blanket you place over yourself while you're watching TV or lying in bed - it's usually very soft and comfy?  Well, that one.  I know that Ryan and I have fleece Jackets, fleece, blankets, fleece lounge pants, etc. etc.  But did you know that by donating this type of material you can actually help the environment? Ironically enough, these can be melted down and turned into new polyester fiber.  So yes, what we do with our old fabric, and who we donate them to, is one of the many "Things We Can Do To Save The Environment". 

Giving credit to TIME,  I'd like to thank them for showing us the many ways we can meet these goals.  Just one person can make a difference, and it starts with YOU!  
                                                   ~ Peter aka Blade7184

8. Give New Life to Your Old Fleece

Where do old fleece jackets go to die? Back to the mountain. Outdoor-gear label Patagonia is collecting used clothing (regardless of brand) made from Polartec and Capilene to melt and make into new fabric and clothes. (Some of that fleece is especially virtuous, starting out as fabric made from recycled plastic.) The company estimates that making polyester fiber out of recycled garments, compared with using new polyester, will result in a 76% energy savings and reduce greenhouse gases 71%. To shear your own fleece, visit patagonia.com/recycle. 

Make sure to follow Blade 7184 every Tuesday for a new issue of Things We Can Do To Save The Environment.  Each issue is thought-provoking, informative and may hold the key to saving your children and grandchildren's future.

Please feel free to click on my logo to read any of the back-issues.

Cyanide and Happiness: Trainwreck

Quoted: E.G. Wetherby on Judging Others

Sadly, we are always critiqued, by the people that we know. By title or occupation, and by the possessions that we show. 

We judge by skin color, or by awards received, by church denomination and by what we believe. 

We’re judged by what we spend, or by what we give. We’re judged by age and gender, and by where we live. 

We’re judged by our past, and by our education, by the language that we speak, or by our nation. 

We evaluate cosmetically. We judge both fat and small. We judge by ones appearance. Fact is, we judge it all. 

Some judge because they’re paid to. Some judge intentionally. Some judge to build self-worth, some judge unwillingly. 

Beware, for there is only one, who evaluates every stain and smudge.  Good luck amateur critics of humanity, when you face that judge.

Voting vs. Driving

Can I hear an Amen up in here?

Laugh of the Day: Super Cafe - Bat Phone

Absolutely hilarious!  The following video premiered last week, and I just barely got around to watching it.  Superman and Batman are back in this hilarious How It Should Have Ended production.

In today's video, the guys are back in the Super cafe, and this time Batman insists he doesn't need the new iPhone, he's got a sweet BAT PHONE, and no one is going to convince him otherwise.  This is a definite Must Watch!

If you don't remember my previous post, "Laugh of the Day: Super Cafe - The Super Social Network," you can view it here.  In the video, Superman and Batman had posted Facebook updates and Batman thought Superman's updates were "coming across as a little arrogant".  It was OMG hilarious.

It's Purely Animal - Issue No. 54 - Love The Panda

Did someone say Panda?  Who doesn't love Pandas as much as I do?  All they do is eat Bamboo all day, and lounge around - living the good life. LOL.  I spotted these pictures online last week and wanted to share them with you.

If you're curious to see Baby Panda go from 
this to this, 

 

then you'll enjoy the rest of the pics.  
Have fun!

You can view Baby Panda's continued age progression after the jump.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Issue No. 8

I couldn't have said it any better myself - A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.  I started this series with a different premise, but overall, the message in this blog is still conveyed through art by the use of words.  

I fell in love with this piece of art, because it's so blatantly true.  If you focus on the solution - it will all come down to one word, Love.

It brought me great joy to share it with you, so please share away.

Winnie The Avengers and Winnie The Wolverine

Happy Tuesday to all of my readers!!!  

To start off the day, I thought I'd show you some awesome work from Charles Paul Wilson, III over at Deviantart.com.  He is an amazing artist, and the following images just proves it so.  He has taken a Winnie the Pooh approach to some iconic comic book characters and they are simply adorable;  Winnie the Hulk, Winnie the Avengers, Winnie the Wolverine are just a few he created.  Check them out below.

Watch Out For That Imploding Iceberg!

It's not everyday you get to take a trip to Antarctica and watch an Iceberg implode right in front of you.  A group of tourists took a trip to Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica a few weeks ago and experienced just that - something tourists would undoubtedly never see.

Watch as an Iceberg, thousands of years old, implodes with pieces of ice hurdling towards them.  Now that's some pretty crazy stuff.  You may want to turn the volume down, the spectators are a little loud.

Some Pretty Cool Stuff - Issue No. 005

Now, here are "Some Pretty Cool Stuff" I would like.  I mean, think about never owning "live" fish again!  Ryan and I have a Koi Pond and we used to keep a 40 gallon aquarium in the house, so you can just imagine how much work that can be.  I know this is only on my 5th issue, but I've actually come across some pretty cool stuff, don't you think?  I hope you like this series as much as I do, because it's fun posting them every week.  Hey, who knows? I may introduce you to something you never heard of before. :-)

Bar Games Drink Coasters

Okay, I don't go out to bars anymore, and even if I did, I don't think I would have the time to sit and play with games at the bar.  But I wouldn't mind having this at my bar at home - provided I had a bar at home. LOL.  Well, let's just say when Ryan and I move into our new home I would like one, and these could sit on the counter. These unique coasters contain 30 amusing games, ranging from “I Spy” to “Peanut Darts”; so you'll have plenty to talk (and laugh) about, up to your very last drink! They come in a set of 30, made of 85% recycled paper pulp - so they're good for the environment and your drunk friends and family! :-) $12.99

Electronic Goldfish in a Bowl

As I mentioned earlier, it takes a lot of patience and work to raise live fish.  Ryan and I have a Koi Pond outside and it's one of the most costliest things we ever got ourselves into.  And the same thing goes for raising fish in Aquariums.  But alas, some of you are lazy and forget to feed the little dudes. And you're probably ever so tired of all the toilet bowl funerals. But what if there was an easier way to enjoy a goldfish without having to worry about food? There is (woo hoo!) and it is the Electronic Goldfish in a Bowl. Put fresh batteries into the top, push the base decoration into the bowl, fill the bowl with water, and put the top back on. Tap the top and the fishy "swims" around - looking quite alive. $19.99

What To Cook? Dice

I love to cook, and often times I'm stuck not knowing what I want to cook for dinner.  In the end, my philosophy is you can never go wrong with Chicken, so I just pick that and go from there.  But what if you could throw some dice and let them make the decision for you?  Provided you had all the ingredients.  In either case, their
a delightful addition to any kitchen - make a game of cooking, mix it up, get creative, get inspired.  Each set (because you know there had to be a set for Vegetarians) of 14 handmade dice come packed in a handy re-purposed spice jar.  You have your basics - from eggs, rice - to the exotic - hot chiles, fennel, bok choy. includes grains, veggies, herbs and (in the omnivore set) meats too. $20.00

Cyanide and Happiness: She's All That

Loving One Another - Issue No. 014

"Waking up and you not being there would be like death to me; actually, it made me understand your undying love."
~ Peter R. Flores, Jr.

The Muppet Hunger Games

If you haven't noticed - we haven't heard from Miss Piggy and the gang for quite some time.  Well.... that's because they're getting ready for the Games!  The Hunger Games that is.  LOL.

Actually, in order to promote its DVD/Blu-ray release of The Muppets, Disney has come up with a parody to the real Hunger Games movie, and it's really cute. You'll like it.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm... How The Sap Flows

For those who have no idea how Maple Syrup is produced, here's a sweet little chart to help you understand.  It's pretty darn cool.

You may also want to read up on how syrup makers are having a hard time producing syrup this winter. Read full story here.  It is definitely something that will that will make you go hmmm...