S.F. General - AIDS LifeCycle - Xmas

As an endurance cyclist, I have broken the metatarsals of the right foot, the clavicle, the left fibia, the right tibia, and the right hand ring finger,  .. And in doing so, I have become very aquainted with long term residency in hospitals.  And therefore, I understand the needs, frustrations, and depression, that may occur within the minds of Impatients of the General Hospital San Francisco during Xmas Day.

And as a 10th Yr. AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist, I am determined to assist in relieving the suffering of other.  And in particular, those contronted with the AIDS Pandemic.

So, today, at 9:00am, Aurora, Carol & I gathered at my house.  We drank "Tung Ting" tea.  We decorated Xmas care packages.  And then .. . we delivered bags of: shampoo, toothbrushes, lotion, bath salts, deodorant, cookies, echinechea, chocolate, green tea, soy milk (and then some), to the Impatients of the San Francisco General Hospital - AIDS Ward 5A



After visiting Ward 5A, we followed Aurora's New Yorker /Jewsih tradition of having Chinese Food on Xmas.  We visited Yang Sing.

Yank Sing's tables spilled out into the elegant surrounds of the Rincon
Atrium, There traditional and contemporary styles of deem sum consisted of a variety of steamed, fried, dessert, and specialty, deem sum.  And, it just melted in your mouth like good salt water taffy (laugh).

After lunch, I returned home for a mid day nap.At 4:30pm., I biked out to 48th Avenue & Judah to visit my ole roomate, sculpture, Dan Stingle.  Yet to my surprise, I got to speak with the "belles of the ball" - Judy Marie Stingle (Dan's mother) and Linda Newcomer (Dan't Brother's Mother in Law).



And as we know, there are Seven Wonders of The World.

The Pyramids of Egypt

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Statue of Zeus (Jupiter) at Olympia

The Temple of Artemis (Diana) at Ephesus

The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

The Colossus at Rhodes

The Pharos (Lighthouse) of Alexandria


Yet , transported all the way from Duluth, Minnosota, Judy Marie Stingle presented me the 8th Wonder of the World - her Annual Homemade Xmas Cookies.  And they too, melt in your mouth like good salt water taffy.




And while Linda Newcomer and I were discussing nuclear physics, she noticed my "New Belgium" Wool Cycling Jersey and asked to take a picture.   And unkown to me, Luida informed me that "because of the spirit of the people within the company - New Belgium Brewery is a great place to be."  And later, I found out that her relative, Burny Finkle conducts tours and works in the marketing department  of the company.

"Since its inception, New Belgium Brewing Company
has donated more than 1.6 million dollars to organizations in the
communities where they do business. For every barrel of beer sold the
prior year, New Belgium donates $1 to philanthropic causes within their
distribution territory.
And, New Belgium is a supporter of AIDS LifeCycle and the San Francisco Bike Coalition.


And a wonderful day if was - Merry Xmas.

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,tony

Iyengar Yoga Teacher
AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist
Sponsor Tony for AIDS Lifecycle 2007

Iyengar Yoga Teacher visits S.F. General Hospital on Christmas

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.

1. Christmas
"A celebration of humanity dating back thousands of years. It originated as a pagan celebration of the birth of the Sun, as it was celebrated on the winter equinox, and after that point, days got longer. When the Catholics/ Christians took over these pagan peoples, they replaced their holiday with their own Birth of the Son, (as in of God) to make the transition to Christianity's traditions easier. The idea of Santa Claus and his reindeer was created in the 1800s, and is loosely based on St. Nicholas, who gave random presents to people. The idea of a christmas tree dates back to German celebrations of Christmas thousands of years ago. They used an evergreen tree to symbolize life and hope in dark times, and hung apples on it. In modern times, it has again lost its religious meaning and is now used as a time of secular "joy." People spend the time with their family or friends and exchange gifts, a tradition from the Birth of Jesus."

2. Christmas
"A holiday that originally was supposed to be for the birth of Christ, but after all these years, its just nothing but commercials, sales, and stress. What does a fat guy who hauls gifts down into your lifing room, and then flies away on a sleigh have to do with Jesus Christ? Jack squat."

3.Christmas
"A heart touching season where gift giving is promoted, and Santa Claus is every youth's hero. Other Christmas icons include: reindeer, snowmen, elves, presents, pine
trees, ornaments, tinsel, holy, yule logs, sleighs, mistletoe, carols,
noel, angels, golden rings, calling birds, french hens, turtledoves,
birds in fruit-bearing trees."

Regardless of one's thoughts on Christmas. Christmas represents a day of "giving..."

So today and every day throughout the year, walk the streets as if it's Xmas.  And, do something for someone ....

1. Buy a stranger a cup of Peet's Coffee
2. Pump the gas for the person in front of you.
3. Deliver a case of Fat Tire Beer to your local Fire Fighters.
4. Instead of going out to dinner, donate the funds to Project Open Hand
5. Go clean your neightbor's kitchen ....
7. Give the babysitter "the day off paid."
8. Ask your United States Postal Worker their name.
9. Sponsor an AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist
10. Learn 42 yoga sanskrit words

Think about it!

So, what will I do on Christmas Day?

In accordance with last year, I will visit the San Francisco General Hospital AIDS Impatients and deliver care packages.

So, if you would like to donate something to put in the bags (approximately 30 bags) - perhaps some Savory Thins, Visconti's Panettones, Body Wash, Organic Teas Echinacea, Essential Oils Butterfingers, Lotions, Candied Ginger, A Oprah Winfrey Magazines, Music CDs, Playing Cards, Dominos, A B. Dalton Gift Certificates, or just the gift bags themselves - email me - I'll pick up the goodies - put them in the bags - and deliver them to the San Francisco General Hospital.

And if you want to help deliver - that's cool too!

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga Teacher,
10th Yr., AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist,
tony

velo@ynottony.com

Unofficial AIDS LifeCycle Kickoff Breakfast & Bike Ride

As most of you know, for the last 8 years, I have begun my training for each AIDS Life Event on 01 January.  Beginning on 01 January 2007, I will enhance my physical condition and mental state by partaking in a six month training program.

During this time:

I will give up hard alcohol for 6 months.
I will empliment the following 6 month cycling training:

January - 2 training rides per week - Distance: Any.
February - 2 training rides per week - Distance: 25 - 40 miles per ride.
March - 2 training rides per week - Distance: 40 - 50 miles per ride.
April - 2 training rides per week - Distance: 50 - 75 miles per ride.
May - 2 training rides per week - Distance: 75 - 100 miles per ride ("back to back"- 2 consecutive rides).
June - rest and then off to Los Angeles.

Also, I will enhance my cycling performance by attending three yoga classes per week.

Feel free to join me as I bring in the new year.  And if you can't make it on 01 January 2007. .. .Then, keep an eye on my website for 6 months of upcoming training bike rides (and feel free to join in).

Unofficial AIDS LIFECYCLE KICKOFF BREAKFAST & BIKE RIDE

Date: 01 January 2007
Location: Tony's House - 94110
Time: 10:00am Breakfast - 12:00 noon Departure
Route: Marin Headlands
Distance: 23 Miles
R.S.V.P

Each year, I begin my training for AIDS LifeCycle on 01 January.

Ride all or part. No one will be left behind.

RSVP

For more information: Bike Rides - San Francisco


Sponsor Tony for AIDS Lifecycle 2007


AIDS LifeCycle - 2005


AIDS LifeCycle - 2006

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga Teacher
10th Yr, AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist,
tony
http://ynottony.com

Iyengar Yoga Teacher - Kathy Alef - Pranayama

" By Proper practice of pranayama etc., all diseases are eradicated. Through improper practice all disease can arise . .

If performed properly and systematically any yogic technique will activate a greater pranic capacity and thus eliminate disorders and malfuctioning in the physical body, but if the practices are done incorrectly and unsystematically, more physical disturbances will develop. If practice is irregular or incorrect it can be very harmful and it is better not to practice at all . . .

Remember, hatha yoga is the science of the body, mind and spirit and it should be approached as such, and never in a haphazard or careless manner. It is dangerous to try and learn it by following instructions from books. For harmonious development you must have the guidance of a teacher with a comprehensive knowledge of yoga and enough sensitivity to recognize what your individual nees are . . ."
-Verse 16, Chapter 2, Hatha Yoga Pradipika - Swami Muktibodhananda



Well, for those of you who wish to begin a pranayama practice, enhance your present yoga practice, or even just experience the teachings of someone wise. Go see Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Kathy Alef.

"Kathy has been a student of yoga since 1976. She is touched by the profound sensitive teachings of the Iyengars in Pune where she makes regular visits. This inspirational teaching enriches and nourishes her own practice and teachings. The joys and new discoveries from her practice are then happily shared with others."



Just back from India, Kathy will share her experiences with this pranayama practice both for beginners as well as practitioners.



Inspiration from India: Part 2 with Kathy Alef!

Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco
Saturday, December 16, 2006

1:00 – 2:30 pm Pranayama for Beginners
*Pranayama for Beginners – students need not have a pranayama background, but should be students of Iyengar Yoga for a minimum of 2 years.

3:00 – 4:30 pm Pranayama for Practitioners
*Pranayama for the Practitioner – this class is for the student who has a daily practice, including a seated pranayama practice.


$25 per session | $50 for both
Register at:info@iyisf.org, or 415-753-0909

All proceeds from this workshop will be donated to the Iyengar Yoga Institue of San Francisco.

Welcome home Kathy!

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Iyengar Yoga Teacher, tony eason
Iyengar Yoga Classes

Related Links:
Iyengar Yoga Institute - Yoga Teacher Review

World AIDS Day - Oprah Winfrey - AIDS LifeCycle

"In 1994, at the age of 22, I moved to San Francisco. During this time period, I could often be found in "The Trocadero," "The End Up," "Buzzby's," "DV8," and various other night clubs. San Francisco's night club scene was "off the hook." Everyone was having a good time. Yet, as the years past, I noticed that my Disco friends were slowly missing. And when I asked others about them, ...the
common response was ..."they're dead." And now, at the age of 42, most
of my friends are no longer here.   Most have died of HIV/AIDS, or
complications of the AIDS pandemic."

   

So, I had the choice of either

  1.) To sit and watch

  2.) Do something about it

World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. It's up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 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.

Around 95% of people with HIV/AIDS live in developing nations. But HIV today is a threat to men, women and children on all continents around the world.

Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education. World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.

Last year, on World AIDS Day, I visited the AIDS Inpatients of the San Francisco General Hospital to reassured them that they are not alone and to remind  them that 1,500 AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist and over 400 AIDS LifeCycle Crew Members (and various other individuals) are beside them in fighting this AIDS pandemic.  And although today, I am unable to visit - soon, I'll be right back out there at the San Francisco General Hospital with flowers.

So today, tomorrow, and with each breath you breathe - remember how fortunate we are - and assist those who are suffering.  Here's some things you can do today!

1.  The HIV Advisory Board will present the Red Ribbon Awards to Kaiser Permanente San Francisco physicians and members who have made an Impact in the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Red Ribbon Awards Ceremony
Friday, 01 December 2006
Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
2238 Geary, first floor lobby
Noon to 1:00pm.

2. Read World AIDS Day messages from around the world. 
Uniting the World against AIDS

3.  Check out Oprah Winfrey's Latest:
NBA Legend Magic Johnson and the New Faces of HIV/AIDS in America

4.  Vist the National AIDS Memorial in Golden Gate Park - San Francisco.

5.  Read personal stories of people affected by AIDS

6.  Send an invitation to Harpo Productions & Oprah Winfrey to assist in creating a better world.

7.  Check out What to do on World AIDS Day.

8.  Donate unused HIV medications to assist clinics in Nigeria.
The Starfish Project

9.  The Goree Challenge II
On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2007, Victor Mooney, 42, of Queens, New York (USA) will make a second attempt to row across The Atlantic Ocean. Mooney will start from Senegal and finished The Carribean -(3,000 miles/ 90 days).Money raised during his expedition will benefit AIDS Organizations worldwide. 

Whatever you decide to do for World AIDS Day, the most important thing is that you follow its basic principals by raising awareness and understanding where you live and by remembering the millions living with HIV or suffering because of AIDS.

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,

Afro American Yoga Teacher,

10th Yr, AIDS LifeCycle Cyclist

tony

P.s.
A Thank You to Oprah Winfrey