John Kevin's Journal

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

White supremacy is the real culprit in Ferguson. The excuses just prove it | Nyle Fort | Comment is free | theguardian.com

White supremacy is the real culprit in Ferguson. The excuses just prove it | Nyle Fort | Comment is free | theguardian.com:

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

HAPPY TUESDAY!!!

I grant myself the Honor of being ME.
~Jonathan-Lockwood Huie

WASSUP FAMILY!!!

DEAR DIARY:

I'm a little dissapointed. I was supposed to watch a special screening of this movie last friday, but well, shit happens.

Published on Jul 14, 2014
Yoga Maya is an exposé on how yoga is taught, practiced and marketed in America. It is a 77-minute documentary, featuring interviews with 12 senior yoga teachers in California, narration and confessionals by Arvind Chittumalla, producer and director of Yoga Maya.

Documentary Cast: Jai Uttal, Annie Carpenter, Mark Whitwell, Felicia Tomasko, Tracee Stanley, Swami Sri Atmananda, Arun Deva Daniel Stewart, Julie Carmen, Tej Khalsa, Lorin Roche, Chris Chapple.

Yoga has been relegated to mostly physical practices, due to a lack of proper understanding of yoga and lack of comprehensive yoga education. This documentary will clarify 4 misconceptions of yoga in America. It encourages the yoga community to expand their practice beyond the physical and embrace meditation, breath-work, morals and disciplines.

More than 20 million people practice yoga in America today. For most of these people, yoga means Asana, the physical postures. Not more than 20% of the yoga practitioners incorporate other aspects of yoga into their practice and lifestyle, namely: morals, disciplines, breath-work and meditation. It is good that so many people have an asana practice, yoga asanas (postures) do offer many health benefits. However, if these people expand their practice even marginally by embracing other limbs of yoga, they would benefit exponentially in all walks of life. An integrated yoga practice builds character, discipline, an appreciation for the eco-system in which we live and the resolve to face challenges more gracefully.

There is no better time than now for us to embrace yoga in its entirety. Most of the problems we face in this country today are the result of a lack of discipline, morals and holistic view of life. To name a few: We spend more than we earn, we suffer from illnesses due to poor diet and lifestyle choices, we spend money on wars instead of investing that money in the people who build our society and we are destroying the environment for short term benefits. The foundation of our country is crumbling and it is time for a fundamental change in the way we think and live. An integrated yoga practice can offer the transformation we badly need today.

Please visit our website and facebook page for more information.
Website: www.yogamayamovie.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ygamayamovie
Category
Film & Animation
License
Standard YouTube License

Today, I'm going to tell you how my last 2 saturdays went.

My last 2 Saturdays, I went beach hopping. I went from Redondo Beach, to Venice beach, and ended in Santa Monica Pier.

Here are some pictures of my travels there.

HUMANITY'S TEAM

A Vision for Oneness

We envision a world where we understand on an individual level that we are all truly One at the higher levels of consciousness. This vision allows each of us to realize that even though we may appear to be separate from each other in a physical sense, in ultimate reality everything in existence is made up of Source Energy that is in relationship to and interacts with all of life.

We envision a world where we understand that we are all one in our collective consciousness as well. We see a world where we consciously co-create a new world model through this collective consciousness using the concept of Oneness as a critical component of our creative abilities as a global community.

This Vision of Oneness is the catalyst for each of us to individually take responsibility for our own thoughts, words and actions and thereby everything that we create into our lives. As we envision the concept of being one with all things seen and unseen we revel in the idea that everything we do in life has an effect on all of life as a whole and we therefore happily create the highest good for ourselves and for all others.

As a result we see a world where every person realizes that the best way to serve themselves is to serve all others because in the biggest scheme of life we are all One. The Golden Rule pervades our relationships and life choices as we realize totally and completely that what we do for others we are actually doing for ourselves and what we do for ourselves affects all of existence.

--The Intenders of the Highest Good; Vision Alignment Project by Richard Blackstone

FROM HUMANITY'S TEAM
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE HUMANITY'S TEAM NEWSLETTER

O.K., now this last Saturday, I did sme more beach hopping... I went to MALIBU PIER for the 1st time, then back down to Venice Beach & Santa Monica pier...

You know, Malibu was a lot more cool and mellow than I thought it would be. there weren't too many people, and I got a really relaxed vibe from the people there.

I will definetely be going back there some day...

But anyway, back to santa Monica and Venice beach...

Whenever we hear an opinion and believe it, we make an agreement, and it becomes part of our belief system.
~don Miguel Ruiz

Monday, August 18, 2014

I SHOULDN'T SAY THIS, BUT...

THIS IS SOME FUNNY SHIT!!!

Post by Kevin Lee Barnett.

O.K. now seriously, I believe A real man is defined by his character, NOT by what he's wearing necessarily. Sometimes, parents are too busy trying to dictate what their sons wear and tryna make sure they are "manly" but in all the wrong ways. As long as he's courteous to women & our elders, and he has good grades, and he's doing what he needs to be done as a responsible human being,

WHO GIVES A FLYING FUCK WHAT STYLE OF CLOTHES HE WANTS TO WEAR!?

But the video was still really funny.

Saturday, August 16, 2014

The Disgusting Way Conservative Talk Show Hosts Talk About Michelle Obama's Body

The Disgusting Way Conservative Talk Show Hosts Talk About Michelle Obama's Body:

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Friday, August 15, 2014

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

I boldly paint my dreams upon the canvas of my life.
~Jonathan-Lockwood Huie

WASSUP FAMILY!!! Well, I was gonna name this blog, "THE WEEKEND CAME EARLY", but I settled on what you see above.

After a few months away, I went to the Downtown LA Artwalk last night.

Here's some photos of some of the things I saw, and the people I met.

Now as you should know, there were a lot of artists out there selling their art and their crafts, And I thought I'd introduce ya'll to some of them.

It had to end
I dove off a dangerous cliff
flew through heaven and swam
and now I have landed
looking up at lost times,
trying to hold on,
trying to go back
hit with gravity
and self realization
It is a wave,
It is ALWAYS, a wave

A Poem for the Morning After

Ryan Ashley
untouchedpoetry.com

Guys, this is Ryan Ashley.

What this guy does is totally amazing. For a small donation, he'll type up a poem for you on the spot about ANY subject you choose.
I asked him to think about the best night you ever had, and make a poem about the morning after that.

The poem you see above, is what he came up with.

And here is a photo of some people who were also waiting for a poem...

while walking down Spring st., I came across this strange looking statue...

And met this beautiful artist standing next to it. Guys, say hello to Sara.

She also made this really cool tile painting for a bar named WENDELLS, which is close to where we were (Main st. and 7th, for those of you in L.A.)

Anyway, next to her was another artist named Josh.

Here is one of his paintings...

He has a lot of other paintings on his web site, sasquatch23.com (I think that's his website)

Now, I want to introduce you to another amazing artist. Guys, meet Alex Grimmer.

I met this guy by the outside park on Spring St. between 4th & 5th St. He sells wallets he made completely from Duct Tape. I would've taken pictures of some of his wallets, but I was a little nervous about asking him about it.

But if would like to check out his wallets and purchase some, check out his website at www.freakywallet.com

Now I see people from this group every time I go to the Artwalk.

They are a vegetarian group who pass out flyers and educate people about where most of our meat REALLY comes from, and provide us with some healthy, meat free alternatives.

If you want to know more about them, check out their website at CHOOSEVEG.COM.

A little later, I met this charming lady.

I never caught her name, but the flyer she was holding was for a new place called THE SPRINGS.

So, what is The Springs?

The springs is an organic juice bar, a raw vegan restaurant & wine bar, a yoga studio and wellness center that is coming soon to the heart of the LA arts district.

To learn more about it, visit WWW.THESPRINGSLA.COM

And last, but not least, The Derby Dolls.

They were passing out flyers and promoting their event, which is taking place on Saturday, Aug. 23rd.

for more information, visit DERBYDOLLS.COM

Yes, there was a lot of creativity and inspiration that night... so much that I did a little creating myself that night:

So, to all the wonderful staff at this month's Downtalk L.A. Artwalk,

Thank You all for putting on an amazing and safe Artwalk, and if I can, I'll see you all next month!!!

Misuse of the word is how we pull each other down and keep each other in a state of fear and doubt.
~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.