World AIDS Day 2009Started on 01 December 1988, with each year, World AIDS Day increases awareness, while fighting prejudice & improving individual's educations. The World AIDS Day 2009 focuses on 'Universal Access & Human Rights'.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 33.2 million people living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007 some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35.1
A vast majority of people with HIV and AIDS live in lower- and middle-income countries. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children & gay, bisexual, heterosexual and transgender individuals on all continents around the world.
Traditionally on 01 December, in memory of those who went before us & those who are sitting next to us, I visit the San Francisco General Hospital's Impatient AID Ward 5A - B.
Question: "WHY?" Answer: "Because it's important for an individual to know that SOMEONE CARES!"
Each year, I bike around town collecting shampoo, toothbrushes, lotion, bath salts, deodorant, cookies, echinechea, chocolate, green tea, soy milk. water, ankle socks, Probars, and then some, from my yoga students, friends, co-workers & enemies. ... (But this year, I've convinced everyone to "bring the donations to designated locations.").
Following the collection of the donated items, I access the product & divide it into individual care packages (taking note of what would supplement each gift package). Having an idea of what would make each bag complete, I rush off to Trader Joe's and get individually wrapped items. And then, depending on budget, I visit the San Francisco Flower Market for gift bags & flowers.
And then, on 01 December, in the hopes of making their day a bit brighter, I deliver donated gift bags to individuals who have been confronted with the AIDS Pandemic - letting them know, that "yes, we care."
As the holiday season begins and the end of the year approaches, we begin to contemplate our New Year's Resolutions. We reflect on Xmas Past, Xmas Present, and Xmas Future. We may even contemplate our purpose in life. And, if we're really lucky, we'll begin to think of others (a practice of Karma Yoga).
World AIDS Day -
*Question: Can You:
Pick up some individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper?
Dig up all those hotel soap & lotion samples?
Recycle that box of tea you never opened?
Dump that ugly present from your brother?
Think about what you might want to have while residing in a hospital?
Hit the Trader Joe's sale items and make a donation?
*If the answer was "ynot! - then either click the logo above to arrange an uncomplicated drop off / pick up OR read below to understand the designated drop off areas & times .
24 November 2009 & 28 November 2009 (only during yoga class time slot)
*And if the answer was NO, then see if you can do something special for a stranger....
1. Buy a stranger a cup of coffee 2. Pump the gas for the person in front of you 3. Call your mother and tell her thank you. 4. Instead of going out to dinner, donate the funds to charity . . . 5. Go clean your neighbor's kitchen .... 7. Give the babysitter "the day off paid." 8. Ask your mailman his name.
"After much prayer and months of careful thought, I have decided that next season, Season 25, will be the last season of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
Over the next couple of days, you may hear a lot of speculation in the press about why I am making this decision now...and that will mostly be conjecture.
So I wanted you to hear this directly from me. Twenty-four years ago, on September 8, 1986, I went live from Chicago to launch the first national Oprah Winfrey Show. I was beyond excited...and as you all might expect, a little nervous. I knew then what a miraculous opportunity I had been given, but I certainly never could have imagined the "yellow brick road" of blessings that have led me to this moment with you.
These years with you, our viewers, have enriched my life beyond all measure. And you all have graciously invited me into your living rooms, into your kitchens and into your lives. And for some of you longtime Oprah viewers, you have literally "grown up" with me—we've grown together. You had your families, and you raised your children and you left a spot for me in your morning or your afternoon, depending on when The Oprah Show airs in your town.
So I just wanted to say that whether you've been here with me from the beginning or you came on board last week, I want you all to know that my relationship with you is one that I hold very dear. And your trust in me, the sharing of your precious time every day with me has brought me the greatest joy I have ever known. So here we are, halfway through the season, 24, and it still means as much to me to spend an hour every day with you as it did back in 1986. So why walk away and make next season the last?
Here is the real reason: I love this show. This show has been my life. And I love it enough to know when it's time to say good-bye.
Twenty-five years feels right in my bones and it feels right in my spirit. It's the perfect number—the exact right time. So I hope that you will take this 18-month ride with me right through to the final show. Over this holiday break, my team and I will be brainstorming new ways that we can entertain you and inform you and uplift you when we return here in January. And then Season 25—we are going to knock your socks off.
So, the countdown to the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show starts now and until that day in 2011 when it ends, I intend to soak up every meaningful, joy-filled moment with you. - Oprah Winfrey
"I believe there needs to be a greater focus on improving quality of life for cancer survivors through holistic and complementary treatments like yoga. Few survivors receive help after treatment for the physical and emotional toil it takes on them.†- Founder, Yoga Bear, Halle Tecco
After reading a study about how yoga can help people recover from the affects of cancer treatments, budding entrepreneur Halle Tecco founded Yoga Bear to provide free yoga classes for cancer patients and survivors. A life-long cancer advocate, avid yoga enthusiast, writer for the Huffington Post and a full-time MBA student at Harvard Business School, Halle’s unique skill set enabled her to establish and expand Yoga Bear into a vibrant, national organization.
Increasingly, scientific and medical research demonstrates the beneficial effects of yoga as complementary therapy to cancer treatment. But cancer treatment can cost upwards of $100,000, so the price of yoga therapy, which can be expensive and is rarely covered by insurance, often prevents survivors from taking classes. Yoga Bear partners with hospitals, yoga studios, cancer centers and support groups to offer free yoga classes to those who need it most.
With Halle’s leadership, Yoga Bear has grown from a small nonprofit organization partnering with a handful of San Francisco based yoga studios, to a national nonprofit working with 190 studios and four hospitals – in just three years. By leveraging a set of talented volunteers and studio partnerships, this innovative organization operates on a small budget and uses all donated funds to develop programs, which is key to its growth.
Now operating in 26 states, Yoga Bear has touched the lives of more than 2,000 cancer patients and survivors and has provided more than $100,000 worth of free yoga passes to survivors since inception. Its online community serves as the largest portal for information and dialogue on yoga and cancer.
Halle Tecco is a 2009 Woman of Worth.
Yoga Bear’s founder, Halle Tecco has been selected as a 2009 L’Oreal Women of Worth honoree! The honoree with the most online votes gets a $25,000 donation for their organization. This would be the largest donation Yoga Bear has received to date, but they really need your help to make this happen. VOTE!
After 10 years, I was very blessed to be reunited with the city of Berlin, Germany. During this 12 day journey, I experienced several thing & I am thankful for what I have learned about myself & my surroundings. Here's a shout out to the following:
"Drivers in Kreutzberg are pulled in by the aroma of this curry wurst being served at Curry 36. Invented by Herta Hower in 1949 during food shortages of the time, it soon became immensely popular with all Berliners. She patented in 1951. The ketchup secret formula includes ginger, cumin, cinnamon, cardamon and a variety of exotic peppers.People still come here from all over Berlin for this legendary smoked pork sausage." - Julia Grimpe
While walking home from my trip to Victoria Park, I overheard three English speaking women. And as I listened, I heard one woman said to the other: "this place is famous for it's Curry Wurst & Pommes." Therefore, days later, Bruno Fritschy and I added Curry 36 to the Berlin Tour.
And after polishing of our second curry wurst, we agreed: "when we retire & get married, we will having our wedding ceremony here at Curry 36."
KLM - "The Royal Dutch Airlines" For the past 25 years, flying to Spain, Morocco, France, Germany, Tokyo, Germany, Great and Britain (to name a few), I have searched for the airlines who treats you in style. I have walked past Delta, Lufthansa, Air France & British Airways to be greeted by the most attentive airlines in the sky - KLM.
To please the palate, on my transcontinental flight with Delta Airlines, I received:
a. A complimentary 4.5 ounce bag of peanuts b. A can of Coke. c. Another complimentary 4.5 ounce bag of peanuts. d. A glass of orange juice.
Yet when KLM rolled the carts down the isle, I received: a. Complimentary Dinner b. Cognac & Coffee. c. Vegetarian Breakfast Quiche d. Orange Juice e. Coffee f. Snack before departing.
With less than 11 hours before my departure from Tegel Airport, I returned to Roses for a "bon voyage" night cap & to go on a 9 hour magic carpet ride with, Kid Charlemagne, Maximilian Valentin Eder.
Flying in from Vienna, Maximilian meet me promptly at midnight. (I was very surprised that a man of so many talents could find the time). Maximilian, a vocal artist, fashion model & upcoming clothing designer, spoke of his upcoming collection and his possible CD release.
And when asked
Question: "How is it that you are so successful in your endeavors ? And, how do you know it will work out?"
At 4:00am, in order to check out the temporary housing of Maximilian, I visited Nollendorfplatz. And as we continued with conversation & beer, Maximilian informed me that he had remembered something that I asked him (2 years ago) to bring from the foothills of the Himalayas
"Through his efforts, AmitÄbha created the "Pure Land" (净土, Chinese: jìngtÅ; Japanese: jÅdo; Vietnamese: tịnh Ä‘á»™) called SukhÄvatÄ« (Sanskrit: "possessing happiness") . SukhÄvatÄ« is situated in the uttermost west, beyond the bounds of our own world. By the power of his vows, AmitÄbha has made it possible for all who call upon him to be reborn into this land, there to undergo instruction by him in the dharma and ultimately become bodhisattvas and buddhas in their turn (the ultimate goal of MahÄyÄna Buddhism). From there, these same bodhisattvas and buddhas return to our world to help yet more people." - Wikipedia - Amitabha
Twentieth Step
After 7 hours of conversation, beers, laughs, fun & NO SLEEP, I woke Maxi & headed toward the Mehringdamn Platz to begin my journey back to San Francisco.
Kissing Maxi goodbye, I jumped on the U-bahn. 7 stops later, I noticed that I was on "the wrong train" . So, l got off the train & began to reroute.
And then, "the little man" started to speak & "I lost it!" I began to contemplate the chances of missing the plane ... I PANICKED!
Knowing I could not "financially afford" to miss the plane, I had to ask for help. So, I chanted to Babaji.
And then I heard a voice call out "Anthony Eason?" And as I turned around, I saw my VERY FIRST BERLINER FRIEND, Verena Veckwerth. Having not seen Verena in over 14 years, I was stunned by her presence.
Quickly, Verena guided me to the correct U-bahn line & then I was "back on course ..."
After catching up on the past 14 years, we showered and left the fabulous environment of the Axel Hotel - Berlin. And then, Bruno & I began to explore the Berlin night life. And after visiting several bar locations, we ended up at one of my favorites, Roses @ Oranienstr. 187, 10999Berlin.
"Perhaps the most colourful star in the gay Kreuzberg bar firmament, Roses is truly a tacky sight to behold. No kitsch is too kitschy to grace the walls here, no plush too chintzy to upholster the chairs. Combine that with a fairly small two-room bar and a lot of patrons with a love of dancing and you get quite a scene. Roses seems to operate on the philosophy that you can never have too many disco balls. People really come for the atmosphere, although the beer and vodka tonics are nothing to sniff at. The bar’s another popular stop-off before SO36." - Berlin Complete Resident's Guide
From the street, one can only see a typical Berlin graffiti door. But once in side, it's all about PINK.
Pink shag carpet covering every floor, every wall & even every part of the ceiling. Cheap tacky candelabras, disco balls, mix match furniture, funky tunes AND good ass cocktails. No fancy crowd here either. Just the locals of Kreuzberg & the tourist brave enough to venture in ..
As the people danced & the night lingered on, my vision became blurry. Yet, through the slits in my eyes, I noticed a familiar face. Another friend I hadn't seen in 20 years, Rene (the Rose's Bartender). And, I was pleased to see that I wasn't the only one who still had step in their stride.
At 22:00 uhr., continuing my Berlin Tour, I arrived at Wittenberg Platz, to meet my dearest friend (and heart throb), Bruno Christoph Fritschy. Upon my arrival to the Axel Hotel, I similiarities in designsof San Francisco's "W" Hotel. However, my eyebrow rose when I noticed that "all of the employees" were wearing t-shirts that said "HETEROSEXUAL FRIENDLY".
Possessing an excellent & efficient "heterosexual friendly" service staff, beautiful interior design (yet watch out for the mirrors), king size beds, plasma TVs, On Stage iPod speakers, room service, wi-fi, steam & dry sauna, gym area & and more - I was very impressed. And, I would definitely recommend this establishment to THOSE WHO HAVE MONEY (laugh).
Arriving at Zimmer #416, I sat with Bruno Christoph Fritschy and began our 14th yr. reunion. We spoke of Xmas past. Yet, I was quickly brought to the present moment when Bruno asked me:
Question: Tony, how "do you" stop thinking and remain in the moment? How is it that you can be so calm? And what is yoga?
Answer: Although I am not an authority on the subject of yoga, Through the use of various forms of yoga, I find my calmness through the use of the exhalation of the breath.
The parasympathetic nervous system has a direct correlation to the exhalation of the breath. The sympathetic nervous system has a direct correlation to the inhalation of the breath.
So when the little man in my head begins to speak /or/ the chatter starts in my head - I blow air out of my nose/mouth. And when I exhale (blow air out of my nose / mouth), the little man cannot continue to speak. And when the little man ceases to speak, I am calm. And then, I have the opportunity to see roses where there are roses & see thorns where there are thorns. I become in "the present or now."
Bruno then informed me that he has been reading, Eckhart Tolle
Here's what Echhart Tolle has to say:
"Be present as the watcher of your mind -- of your thoughts and emotions as well as your reactions in various situations. Be at least as interested in your reactions as in the situation or person that causes you to react. Notice also how often your attention is in the past or future. Don't judge or analyze what you observe. Watch the thought, feel the emotion, observe the reaction. Don't make a personal problem out of them. You will then feel something more powerful than any of those things that you observe: the still, observing presence itself behind the content of your mind, the silent watcher."- Eckhart Tolle
"Als am 7. Oktober 1989 in Ostteil Berlins der 40. Jahrestag der Grundung der DDR mit einem Festakt und einem der unblichen offiziellen Massenaufmarsche begangen wurder, befand sich die Stattskapelle nichtvor Ort, sondern mit ihrem damaligen Generalmusikdirektor Otmar Suitner auf einer Gastpielreise in Paris. Nach dem Konzert wurde zu einem Empfang mit dem Botschafter der DDR in Frankreich geladen: Die von ihm an die adresse derk Musiker gerichteten Gluckwunsche zum jubilaumm der Staatsgrundung fanden jedoch nicht das von ihm erwartete Echo: Die bereits gefullten Sektglaser wurden wieder abgestellt, auf eine Rede wurder verzichtet, die Situation sollte sich uber den gesamten Abend hinveg nicht mehr so richtig enspannen.
Die Entwicklungen in Berlin und in anderen Stadten der DDR waren den Mitgliedern der Staatskapelle (vondeinen sich nicht wenige in der Burgerrechtsbewegung >>Neues Forum<<>>Chef - Ideologen<<>
Im Laufe des Oktober 1989, als, ausgehend von den Leipziger Montagsdemonstrationen, immer mehr Menschen auf die Strasse gingen, um fur demokratische Reformen, fur Reisefreiheit und schliesslich auch die Vereinigung der beiden deutschen Staaten einzutreten, kam von Seiten des Orchesters die Idee auf, ein Konzert zu organisieren, das ein markantes Zeichen gegen die drohende Gefahr eines bewaffneten Konflikts zwischen den Demonstranten under der hochgerusteten und womoglich zum Aussersten bereiten Staatsmacht setzen sollte. Als Ort bot sich die Gethsemanekirch im Prenzlauer Berg an, die such in den Wochen und Monaten zuvor zu einem Zentrum des widerstands entwickelt hatte, da dort Tag und nacht Mahnwache gehalten wurder, um gegen den allumfassenden Herrschaftsanspruch der SED und fur die Freilassung der zu Unrecht Inhaftierten zu demonstrieren.
In Absprache mit Vertretern der Kirchengemeinde wurde der 5. November 1989 als lermin festgelegt. Die Frage des Dirigenten nahm der Orchestervorstand in die Hand: Die Musiker traten an Rolf Reuter heran, den General - musikdirektor der Komischen Oper. Der international renommierte Kunstler hatte vor mehr als zwei Jahrzehnten, 1968, gegen die Sprengung der noch weitgehend intakten Leipziger Universitatskirch Positon bezogen und damit erheblich personliche Risiken in Kauf genommen. Und auch jetzt wollte er aktiv erden: Nach einer Bedenkzeit von wenigen Minuten sagte er zu, das Konzert der Staatskapelle zu dirigieren.
Angekundigt war die Veranstaltung als >> Konzert gegen Gewalt<<>>Die Mauer muss weg!<<>
Diese ersten Novembertage des Jahres 1989 kurz vor dem Mauerfall waren trotz aller Euphorie doch Tage der Unsicherheit und es Ungewissen. Im Grunde konnte niemand realistisch abschatzen, wie die Entwichlung weiter verlaufen wurde. Auch das Konzert in der Gethsemanekirch was ein unternehmen mit zunacht vollkommen ungewissem Ausgang. War ware geschehen, wenn der Abend nicht friedlich verhalufen ware? Wenn der eindringliche Appell zum gewaltlosen Protest keine Beachtung gefunden hatte? Wenn die Unzufriedenheit uber die Vernunft gesiegt und sich der Furor des Masse womoglich entladen hatte? In der Nact von 9. auf den 10 November 1989 schien dies alles schon weit entfernt zu sein: Mit der Offnung der Grenzen war die Vereinigung der beiden deutschen Staaten offenbar nur noch eine Frage der Zeit." - Detlef Giese
In 3 days, I will have completed a 12 day tour of Berlin, Germany. And after a 10 year absence from Berlin, I can still say - "IT'S MY FAVORITE CITY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD (that I've seen so far).
Seventh Step:
While traveling abroad, I find great joy in hearing about the experiences of "the locals" Therefore, on Samstag, instead of running with the bulls, I stayed hone & I patiently awaited the presence of Berliner, Fritz Ammerbacher
Berlin native & graduate of Universitat Bremen, Fritz has lived in Berlin, Germany most of his life. Traveling most of Europe & Australia, he too agrees that Berlin is his favorite city.
And as we reminisced about 1987 Berlin night life , we spoke of "The Metropol," The Jungle," "The Risiko," "Tom's Bar," "The Orangien Bar," Dominica Bar," "Cafe M," "Kreuzberg" and the set of "Der Himmel Uber Berlin," And we agreed, the Berlin Wall created a melting pot of diversity.
Question: How did the Berlin Wall create a melting pot of diversity?
The presence of the American, English, & French Armies created a "melting pot" of nationalities and assisted in making long term visas accessible to the "Ausländer."
The option to German Nationals to reside in Berlin and be excluded from the German obligation to national service brought "left winged" German nationals to Berlin.
The ability to live cheaply in Berlin assisted in making housing affordable for Artist of all walks of life.
Blackburn 2010
And as our 3 hour conversation ended & Fritz dressed to leave, I noticed a little cyclist light on his jacket. And then, I was informed that it's the Blackburn 2010 is the lightest, brightest rechargeable cycling light in the world (now with solar & USB charging capabilities. (Coming to a store near you SOON).
Eighth Step:
After a 10 year absence, I met with past tent mate & AIDSLifecycle Cyclist, Jonny Reichel. Meeting at Berlin's Impala Cafe, we reminisced about our shared, 575 mile, bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
(More coming soon - out of time - check back tomorrow!)
As a San Franciscan, I have become accustom to using my feet as a mode of transportation. Therefore today, instead of exhausting myself with the maze of Berlin's U-bahns & S-bahns, I hit the road by foot.
First Step:
Stepping outside the door, two blocks away, I saw the most amazing combination of Autumn in Berlin & San Francisco's Pacific Heights. Yet, my host, Carsten Bauhaus informs me that in past days, it was the Vivante's Klinkum An Urban Waterburg Strasse.
Second Step:
In 1986 (before the fall of the wall), for 275 German marks a month, I had my only experience of living alone. Renting a 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, coal heated & shared toilet, apartment, I resided at Manteuffelstraße 81, Kreuzberg 10999 Berlin, Germany. During this period of my life, I worked "Schwarzarbeit" as a Bartender at Schroeder's Cafe on Bismarkstraße. I was very glad to see that my old home was still there.
AP Newsbreak: New medical
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10/18/2009 7:57:47 PM
WASHINGTON - The Obama
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Simply a reminder as to
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Happy Valentines
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*heartsmile* Love n
Light, K :)
Very strong, and very
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Please read, to end.
http://shakespearessister
.blogspot.com/2007/09/all
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