23 November 2007

World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day - 01 Dec 2007

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.

"In 1984, 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 44, 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



UNAIDS Official Website

Looking for something to read on World AIDS Day? UNAIDS publishes an extensive range of materials on a variety of topics related to AIDS.

Most UNAIDS publications and Best Practices, as well as many produced by or together with their Co- sponsoring agencies and partner organizations, are available for downloading online.


Magic Johnson Interview

Did you know?
HIV is a leading cause of death among Blacks 24 to 44.
Black women are diagnosed with HIV 20 times more often than White women.
Young people 13-24 account for 13% of new HIV diagnoses.
Black men are diagnosed with HIV 8 times more often than White men.
Blacks make up 13% of the U.S. population but 50% of new HIV cases in 2004.

If you're hanging out in Los Angeles, join Cookie Johnson at a World AIDS Day Celebration of Life Concert on December 1, 2007. - Cookie Johnson Making A Difference

Where:
West Angeles Church of God in Christ
North Campus
3045 Crenshaw Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90016
Phone: 1-800-478-9732 (for more information)
Admission is free to the public
Free snacks will be provided

HIV/AIDS Testing In Los Angeles

In recognition of World AIDS Day 2007 the Magic Johnson Foundation, I Stand with Magic, & the Campaign to end Black HIV/AIDS will host multiple days of HIV/AIDS testing in the Los Angeles area. Testing is free and available at various locations beginning November 29, 2007

Haven't been on your bike in awhile? Join the AIDS LifeCycle Community in their commitment in the fight against AIDS.



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.

Myself, in accordance with tradition, I will be delivering care packages (of assorted soaps, music CDS, herbal teas, toiletries, snacks - and then some) to the AIDS Inpatients of the San Francisco General Hospital to reassured them that they are not alone & 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.

So if you would like to donate some items for the gift bags or assist in delivering to General Hosptial -
  • Drop them off at my house - - email me

  • Drop them off at Sports Basement, 1590 Bryant Street, SF. CA (415) 575-3000 (and leave a note with my name on them & your contact info).

  • It would be fun & great karma yoga.




    16 November 2007

    Free Yoga Classes at Sports Basement


    Sports Basement - Bike Department - Eric

    Free Yoga Classes at Sports Basement -

    Whether you're a tri athlete, cyclist, weekend warrior, snow boarder, marathon runner, coach potato, yogini, rock climber, speed walker, or just looking to mix it - grab your yoga mat and come take a free yoga class on us - Sports Basement.

    Join us the first Sunday of each month as Iyengar Yoga Teacher & 11th yr. California AIDS Ride - AIDS Lifecycle Cyclist, tony eason shows us how Iyengar Yoga Classes can restore the structural alignment of the physical body, increase muscle flexibility and range of motion, reduce lower back pain, develop deep, relaxed breathing, improve balance, and therefore - enhance your athletic performance.

    • First Sunday of Each Month -
    • Next Free Yoga Class - 02 December 2007
    • 1:00 - 2:30pm.

    Yoga Teacher - Graduate Iyengar Yoga Institute - Tony Eason

    In December 2007, Sports Basement joins together with local yoga teachers to give a yoga gift to the community. Feel free to join us each Sunday (in December only) for free yoga classes of various styles (Iyengar, Astanga, Vinyasa, Raja, Kundalini) with a variety of teachers from the San Francisco Bay Area.

    • Sunday, 02 December 2007 - 1:00 - 2:30pm. -
    • Iyengar Yoga Teacher, Tony Eason
    • Sunday, 09 December 2007 - 10:30 - 12:00 noon. -
    • Hatha Yoga Teacher, Mary Friedland
    • Sunday, 23 December 2007
    • No Yoga Class
    For more information give Sports Basement a call and/or email me


    08 November 2007

    What does a yoga teacher do when he’s not doing yoga? - #2

    Halloween 2007
    At 7:00am., as sunlight beamed through the window, I rose from my bed. And then, I began to smile.

    Why?
    - Because whether through accidents, illness, poison, freaky pneumonias, old age, or just bad luck – eventually, we will all cease to exist. Every living thing will pass on & new beans will sprout. Yet today (fortunately), I entered my 45th year of existence on this earth (yes, another birthday).

    Savasana

    And being partial to Tibetan Buddhism, I contemplate my death daily. By doing so, I am more apt to see roses where there are roses & thorns where there are thorns. I focus on the community & family. I walk away from the trivia & gossip. I do what is important. I pay attention to my actions, thoughts, and words. I remember that my existence is limited. And most importantly, I walk with humor & remember to have fun.

    Halloween Party - San Francisco

    Being a Scorpio, my birthday falls within the time line of some of San Francisco's most celebrated holidays - here's what a yoga teacher does for fun and in memory of those who no longer exist.




    "Dia de los Muertos is an annual Meso-American holiday dedicated to our ancestors and loved ones now gone. We celebrate the Day of the Dead by creating sacred space with art installations, performances and a walking procession which help us contemplate our personal existence, mortality and celebration of life."



    Michael Jackson's "Thriller" - In San Francisco's Dolores Park, I witnessed an attempt to document (for the Guinness Book of World records) the largest amount of individuals simultaneously dancing to the choreography from the Michael Jackson's “Thriller Video” . "How hot is that?

    Rumor has it, they will be back next year. Therefore, I have one year to bust a move and join the troupe (don't laugh - I'm gonna do this before I die - ynot?).



    Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
    tony

    Related Links:
    What does a yoga teacher do when not doing yoga?
    An Invitation to Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions

    P.s.
    Check out my latest web page: Green Yoga Products & Eco Friendly Accessories

    Iyengar Yoga Classes with Tony Eason