John Kevin's Journal: January 2015

Thursday, January 29, 2015

3 Videos Turn the Tables on Street Harassment of Women in Latin America · Global Voices

3 Videos Turn the Tables on Street Harassment of Women in Latin America · Global Voices:

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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

The Lost Continent Of Lemuria | The Mind Unleashed

The Lost Continent Of Lemuria | The Mind Unleashed:

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Nigerian Student Converts a VW Beetle into a $6,000 Wind- and Solar-Powered Car | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building

Nigerian Student Converts a VW Beetle into a $6,000 Wind- and Solar-Powered Car | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building:

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MY AMAZING WEEKEND!!!

Well, it wasn't THAT amazing, but I'll tel you about it. Saturday Morning, there was capoeira class at AGAPE. Charles didn't teach the class, because he's in NEW YORK taking care of his mother, so our friends and fellow Capoeiristas Ian and Tope filled in while Charles is away.

Ian is the handsome guy playing with Charles in this video video (Sorry ladies, but he has a girlfriend)...

And Tope is Somewhere in this picture...

Anyway, since there were a lot of new people in this class, we stuck with the basics: Ginga, Negativa, and Meia Lua. (If you wanna know what they are, come to a class sometime!)

And, there was a little Rodinha at the end where we all got to play each other with the new skills we were working on. It was a wonderful class, And I'm looking forward to seeing them again this Saturday. (And I also hope I see them after Charles gets back).

After class, I had lunch at WESTFIELD MALL, then a short bus ride to Venice Beach.

Now I like this part of the beach more than the other side, because this is an actual beach, with a totally different feel than the part where most tourists go to.

Of course, that doesn't mean I don't like the more famous side of the beach...

And from there, on to the Santa Monica Promenade. They had some decent performers there that day. Here's a couple of my favorites...

Now ladies and Gentelmen, say hello to Cyndi. Cyndi Mas Love (phonetic Spelling)
She's gonna be on AMERICAN IDOL this week in the San Francisco segment, so be sure to check her out!

Well, that was my Saturday, so here comes my Sunday...

You know, it's funny how sometimes, life can throw a RASTEIRA and knock you on your ass when you least expect it...

Whenever Charles is not teaching in the park, I usually go to the other side of griffith Park by the zoo and get my workout on...

But last Sunday, just as the bus was entering the park, I learned that the bus wasn't going in the park at all, and was detouring directly to burbank because somebody they were having a marathon or something.

However, it's not how many times life knocks you down, it's how many times you get back up, and keep moving forward...

O.K., the video's a bit over dramatic for this particular blog, but I think you get the idea...

Anyway, some people were royally pissed, but I took it as an opportunity to visit Burbank for the 1st time in my life... It seems like a nice city. Here's some pictures I took from the Train/Bus station there:

And after my trip to burbank, I went to the side of the park by the Greek Theater, and did my Capoeira practice right next to the theater...

And, it was nice to see the volleyball players back in the park...

And I found a few new places to shop and eat in Koreatown. check out the pictures I took of Vermont/Beverly Station. I love how they give the different Stations their own look and flavor... I think I'm gonna blog about that!

Well, that was my weekend. It wasn't spectacular, but hey, I enjoyed it.

Monday, January 26, 2015

Why Everyone’s Going Wild for This Clip of Women Working Out | TakePart

Why Everyone’s Going Wild for This Clip of Women Working Out | TakePart:

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Sunday, January 25, 2015

THE SUNDAY SCHOOL STORY

Malmö's Muslims Reach Out to Jewish Community - Global Agenda - News - Arutz Sheva:

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Saturday, January 24, 2015

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST WORD?

O.K., let's set the scene: It was a typical, normal saturday in Hollywood. I was taking pictures, doing the tourist thing...

Then, I ran into these guys:

They were promoting a commercial they had made, trying to get it into the superbowl.

You see, Doritos is running a contest for aspiring filmakers to create a superbowl commercial for them. The best commercial gets played during the superbowl, and the person who makes the winning commercial gets a dream job at Universal Pictures. This commercial is called "Baby's first word", and it's it currently a finalist:

Anyway, let's help get this commerial into the super bowl!

In case you can't read the sign above, here's their website: www.votefirstword.com

Well guys, Thanks for reading, and have a lovely weekend.

VOTE NOW!!!

Friday, January 23, 2015

Why Are “Negroes With Guns” Being Erased from Civil Rights Movement? | breakingbrown.com

Why Are “Negroes With Guns” Being Erased from Civil Rights Movement? | breakingbrown.com:

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

The Romanovs' final days, as seen through the eyes of Anastasia - AOL.com

The Romanovs' final days, as seen through the eyes of Anastasia - AOL.com:

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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

These Beautiful Drawings Showcase How We Stereotype The Female Gender & Why We Need To Stop | Collective-Evolution

These Beautiful Drawings Showcase How We Stereotype The Female Gender & Why We Need To Stop | Collective-Evolution:

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Sunday, January 18, 2015

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

I release the familiar that I may better discover my inspiring future.
~Jonathan-Lockwood Huie

WASSUP FAMILY!!!

DEAR DIARY:

Well, it was a nice, relaxind day today. I'm ready to face the pile of work coming at us tomorrow... ------------HEAVEN LETTERS------------

Heavenletters™, bringing Earth closer to Heaven.

HEAVEN is here to reach every soul on earth to reawaken:

* Our connection to God *

* Our belief in ourselves *

* Our awareness of our shared worthiness to God *

* Peace on Earth *

God is always bringing us closer to Him.

Heavenletter #4770 Even a Crust of Bread Can Be Delicious, December 16, 2013

God said:
So long as you see life as a struggle, it will surely be a struggle. Life can be what it is and not have to be a struggle. You are the one who struggles. It is you who swims upstream. You can make a truce with life, beloveds. You have been looking at life as if it is monumental. Life is a great offering at the same time as the details are incidental. Life does not have to be what you think it has to be. It’s like this:

You may crave a whole loaf of bread, yet, even a crust can be delicious. If you have your mind made up that you must have more than a crust, you may throw a crust away and so deny yourself. If everything in life has to be “good enough” for you, you fight life and you may throw away what could be delicious. You can desire more and still accept what comes. You can accept graciously.

There is a lot to be said for being grateful for what you do have. Being grateful can make all the difference in the world.

I am not saying you have to be satisfied with everything. I am saying you can be satisfied with something.

What is it? Is it pride that would make you dissatisfied with any prize?

It is a beautiful thing not to pout. It is a beautiful thing to be satisfied with half a loaf or, My dears, even with a crust or even okay with none?

Of course, you would like life to suit you. It is good to consider being suited to life. I do not mean for you to have a brave front. I mean it is a good idea to appreciate life even when it isn’t perfect. You can lean toward appreciation rather than protest. Incidents are called incidental, and incidental means less than all-important.

Nor am I saying that you submit to life as a penitent might. I am saying not to be so hard on life. You don’t have to stand out front and be wowed by it. You don’t have to be resistant to it. You don’t have to be affronted by life. Give life a break, and, therefore, you give yourself a break. Don’t stand on ceremony. Don’t be crushed because all that you desire has not reached you. Don’t be a dissident.

If you want to ascend, then grow up, beloveds.

A winner is not necessarily the one who wins all the prizes. You don’t have to win all the prizes. Life is not all about what you get. It is about your giving. Giving disapproval is not exactly great giving. Giving life a chance is more like it. Bet on life. Bet on yourself.

Life gives you many stepping-stones. Hop on them. Do not dismiss something because it does not live up to the epitome of your desire. You do not know where what you disapprove of could lead. You do not know what treasures lie before you.

Know this. Treasures do lie before you. Be open to them. You already know that everything in the world is not as it seems. All that glitters is not gold. By the same token, a piece of coal can offer you warmth. You can write with it. What seems like a piece of coal may even turn out to be a black diamond.

My children do not always know what good fortune looks like. Keep your eyes open for it. There are many doors in life to open. You cannot close out all of them. You never know what is behind a door. What exists behind a beguiling door may disappoint you. What is behind a rough-hewn door may surprise you.

Be an explorer. Better to take life as it comes than to denounce it.

Permanent Link: http://heavenletters.org/even-a-crust-of-bread-can-be-delicious.html

To read any current Heavenletters, click HERE

I admit it, I find nothing spiritually profound in today's SUNDAY SCHOOL MEDIA.

However, it's reallly fucking funny. Check it out.

Post by MyTopFM.

Now, I'm gonna end this blog with the most beautiful song in the whole, entire world.

------------CLICK HERE TO CHECK IT OUT------------

We can detach from the agreements and beliefs that limit the expression of our creativity and our love. This frees our energy to create a new dream.
~don Miguel Ruiz

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Let's face it - think of Africa, and the first images that come to mind are of war, poverty, famine and of course, Tarzan. How many of us really know anything at all about the truly great ancient African civilizations, which in their day, and even to this day, were just as splendid and glorious as any other great civilazation on the face of the earth?

I've added numerous links to different websites to show everybody some of the Real History of Africans and thier descendants, as opposed to How we are usually stereotyped, even by some Black people. It is these stereotypes I believe (among others), that lead to discrimination, racism, and ultimately, a weaker society.

So I put those links there, not to say that we are somehow better or superior to other nations, or to try to put down any of the other great civilizations of this planet, but to show that we africans worldwide have our own cultures, civilizations, and ways of life that are just as complex, advanced, and worthy of study as any of the other great nations and peoples of the world, if not more so.

"It is in my nature to be kind, gentle, and loving...

BUT KNOW THIS: When it comes to matters of protecting my friends, my family and my heart... Do not fuck with me. For I'm also the most powerful, relentless, and ruthless MONSTER you will ever know... BELIEVE THAT."

I love the Martial arts, but I don't consider myself a "Martial Artist". I consider myself what I call a SELF PRESERVATIONIST. What I mean by that is, my interest in Martial Arts and Survival is for one main purpose. That purpose is to SURVIVE, and to PRESERVE LIFE in general, and in particular, MY LIFE, and the lives of MY LOVED ONES.

You see, I don't stick fight, I don't knife fight, I don't sword fight, I don't gun fight, or whatever.

I SURVIVE, the aforementioned methods are merely the tools I use to accomplish my goal. If you come at me looking for a "fight", you've come to the wrong place, because I'm not gonna "fight" with you.

I'm going to do EVERYTHING in my power to make sure I SURVIVE.

I don't like to be called a Martial Artist because like I just said, I'm not really a martial artist. I just use the martial arts to help achieve my goals in survival, and health (and when I say health, I mean physical, mental, and spiritual).

And honestly, there are certain "ISSUES" in the Martial Arts Universe that keep me from wanting to wear the label of, "Martial Artist".

Besides, In my opinion, a lot of martial artists, especially here in the U.S., tend to be a very STRANGE group of people(Myself included).

But I DO love to read about the arts, watch martial art movies, and learning more about the Martial Arts.

Below, I posted links to various martial art websites and media. I hope you like them.

What is a Warrior?

I see through different eyes.

I see a bigger picture when others see only grey skies.

Though many can’t conceive it,

I stand... facing the wind.

My bravery not from fighting,

but from my strength within,

I am a Warrior.

I will walk the extra mile,

Not because I have to,

Because it’s worth my while.

I know that I am different,

When I’m standing on a crowded street.

I know the fullness of winning;

I’ve tasted the cup of defeat.

I am a Warrior.

They say I walk with ease.

Though trained for bodily harm,

My intentions are for peace.

The world may come and go,

But a different path I’ll choose.

A path I will not stray from,

No matter... Win or Lose.

If you've been in the Martial Arts for a while, you'll find many people who would like to believe in the idea that just because they practice the Martial Arts, they are some kind of Warriors.(I like to call them Wannabee Warriors).

But what exactly is a Warrior? I mean, throughout history, there have been many different types of warriors, all having different Codes of Honor that they live by (And in case you're wondering, yes, there is a Warrior Creed that I follow and try to live up to also...) . But if you really try to define what a warrior is, there seems to be no one answer to that question. In fact, there seems to be many answers, almost as many answers as people you ask.

So, what I did was provide some links to some different websites about different warriors and types of warriors throughout history. Hell, I even posted links to web sites about Dan Millman and Carlos Castaneda for you "Spiritually Aware" types. Perhaps if you look through them, you'll find a good definition of a warrior for yourself...

And for you Wannabee Warriors out there... Some of the links I put up are to Law Enforcement & Military websites. If you really want to be warriors, Check out those links and become a police officer, or go join the armed forces. They need you!!!

FROM WIKIPEDIA, THE FREE ENCYCLOPEDIA: Silat is a collective word for indigenous martial arts of the Malay Archipelago and Malay Peninsula of Southeast Asia. Originally developed in what are now Indonesia, peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand and Singapore, it was also traditionally practiced in Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. As a result, it is closely related to other Southeast Asian martial arts including krabi krabong and eskrima. Practitioners are called pesilat. The Chinese fusion of silat is known as kuntao.

There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, bladed weapons, throws, animal-based techniques, or some combination thereof. Silat is one of the sports included in the Southeast Asian Games and other region-wide competitions. Training halls are overseen by separate national organizations in each of the main countries the art is practiced. These are Ikatan Pesilat Indonesia (IPSI) from Indonesia, Persekutuan Silat Kebangsaan Malaysia (PESAKA) from Malaysia, Persekutuan Silat Brunei Darussalam (PERSIB) from Brunei and Persekutuan Silat Singapura (PERSISI) from Singapore.

Below, I added some links to various websites and video clips so you can get a better understanding of what Silat is about.

One of the gravest disservices we have done to the people of our world is to have provided them with a poor education. We do not teach students to think.

If you do not learn to effectively process information (and it is a learned skill) then you will always be at the mercy of people promoting their favorite dogmas.

The problem is, that all kinds of people would like you to uncritically believe what they are telling you about the way the world is. Many of them pretend that such uncritical belief is "faith", which it is not.

If you do not have the tools to discover what a given person or group is really trying to sell you, then you are libel to be making some really wacky presuppositions about the world, which will in turn become the heuristics by which you operate.

About half of what we perceive as "intelligence" is the ability to process information effectively, so if you want to be "smarter" then all you have to do is improve in that area.

While this is pretty simple, it is not necessarily easy. In my experience, most people are conditioned to a way of thinking already comfortable to the individual. When a person tries to change the way they process information they run a good chance of evoking a "threat response" from within themselves.

The wonderful thing about the internet is that you have access to so much useful information. If you're reading this, then you are able to self-educate on any number of subjects to a remarkable degree, and do it almost for free.

And that's what this section is about. I added some links here so anybody with a brain can study and learn to use it.

Remember 2 things people:

"I NOT ONLY HAVE THE RIGHT TO THINK AT ALL TIMES, BUT THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO."

"IF I DON'T THINK FOR MYSELF, THEN SOMEBODY ELSE WILL DO IT FOR ME".

There are over 10,000 different religions in the world, 150 of which have at least 1 millions followers. Which one is the truth? "Christianity!" someone says, but even Christianity alone has over 38,000 different denominations. So which interpretation is the TRUE one?

Religion is not the anchor-point of truth. The truth always existed. Religion is man-made, meaning that the truth existed prior to both man and religion. Religion may be an effective catalyst for some individuals who desire to invest their minds into ideological association for whatever reason, but it is not a necessary nor a sufficient condition for a relationship with God, and understanding of the Creator, or the inner workings of the self.

Spirituality is not a belief. It is a state of consciousness, a mental framework with which you approach the world. Spirituality is in fact what birthed religion through the attempted organization of experience and wisdom, which ended up being the hierarchical stratification of various belief systems that we call religion.

Don't let the commitments you have to a religious belief system in your mind take you away from your natural state of Being with all things. You were a human before you learned religion. God's light existed in you before you learned this through some spiritual guru. Does this mean don't read or believe what Jesus of Buddha had to say? Of course not. Just make sure you take the time and effort to experience the rose instead of just believing in the accounts of others. This is not an attack on any religion by any means, and religion has brought many people happiness and the experience of being close to one's creator, but don't let it cause segregation away from our inherent unity.

As for my religious beliefs, well...

I'm a CHRISTIAN, in the sense that I believe that personal redemption is feasible for everyone and that universal love makes that salvation possible.

I'm a MUSLIM, in the sense that I believe that there's only 1 GOD, ans that all are equal under this one GOD. And, althought I'm not jewish, I do have a respect for JUDAISM.

I'm a BUDDHIST, in the sense that the seeds of enlightenment are within all of us as an integral part of our DNA, and that we are capable of reaching the Absolute through our own efforts.

I'm a HINDU, in the sense that I believe that GOD takes many shapes and forms to reach out to mankind.

I'm a TAOIST, in the sense that I have a total belief in the reality of Yin & Yang Energies.

And I also have a total belief in the world of spirits, and what we can learn from them, so I guess that makes me an ANIMIST.

I never want to tell someone what to think, for ones spirituality is a private matter between that person and their creator.

My goal here is only to show all of you the history and traditions of the many, many ways the people of the world have reached out to god.

John Kevin's Journal