In 1931, Oxford philosophy professor L.P. Jacks wrote a very important book entitled, "The Education of the Whole Man." This book changed my life and is one of my top three book recommendations. Jacks was classically educated so knew the importance of "a sound mind in a sound body" and brilliantly wrote about bringing the physical training (classical physical education) of the body together with intellectual learning in classrooms. There are major concepts in this book that will pivot any rational person. In this first segment, I highlight the importance of educating the "whole person" and Jacks' concept of A1 minds with C3 bodies and how both are doomed to failure because we need to be educating youth for A1 minds AND A1 bodies too...if we want the best life-long learners and citizens. Classical leisure is also addressed in this show which is essential to national health and longevity.

The madness of Los Angeles freeways this past two weeks has been outrageous! Here are my thoughts on the psychology of driving and how we should really stop to think about what we are doing and how to better treat each other. *Freeway Mad" by Saxon *Graphic Credit: "Anger" by DARKVINE

We have a lot of "problems" in Los Angeles and in America today. There are so many problems that we can all become quite overwhelmed. Sometimes we need to resort to a simple reset--like gathering for street tacos. Join me as I discuss a recent trip to the legendary Avenue 26 Street Taco area of Los Angeles where all races of people gather in peaceful enthusiasm without politics...for street tacos! Avenue 26 is one of the "bright spots" in Los Angeles. Where are the bright spots in your community that can be polished to uplift your own area?For more information: https://originalave26.com

In just the last 48 hours, it seems like America has a 911 emergency just over our lack of discipline and self-control. I examine the definition of "discipline" and some historic quotations on discipline and self-control in relation to three recent events over the weekend that exemplified a lack of discipline in current American culture. Remember..."If you cannot handle your freedom, someone will take it away from you." #thelongroad *Photo Credit: Wikipedia Image by Paetzold (1990)

I was watching a TV news piece on Nancy Pelosi this week and was absolutely shocked at the anger in her walking gait! I got a visceral feeling of discomfort watching her terse movements using excessive force, staccato moves, short stiff stride length, and so much more. "Gait" (how you walk) is one of THE most important instructional areas of classical PE and movement yet virtually ignored today...but how you walk, and how you move tells your life story...it's your "non-verbal" business card. Here are some thoughts and historical facts on gait and chronic anger and why we should consider releasing this excessive hate and anger mentally and physically. #thelongroad *Photo Credit: "1942 New Hampshire Women's ROTC" by LIFE Magazine

I was watching President Biden droning through yet another teleprompter speech and started thinking about real speeches with formalized outlines--as in paper documents that you quickly scan while you look up and deliver the words to your audience. A formalized speech outline and delivery are VASTLY different than reading verbatim from a teleprompter as in far better. Teleprompter speeches will never go down in history as inspiring. I also miss reading real newspapers. I think the actual newspaper is far more pleasurable and informational than news feed apps. So, here are some thoughts and ideas...maybe they will give you pause and some inspiration to explore. #thelongroad Check out our documentary film "The Motivation Factor" http://motivationmovie.com

Dictionary.com defines 5150 as: "...the California law code for the temporary, involuntary psychiatric commitment of individuals who present a danger to themselves or others due to signs of mental illness." Considering the actions of Americans the last few months, I would position we need a national 72-hour 5150 evaluation! #thelongroad *Graphic Credit: "Anger" by DARKVINE

It's great to have and share knowledge; however, many times people get territorial and their egos get in the way of them knowing more--or even sharing what they know properly. Here are some thoughts about knowing, not knowing what you think you know, and the importance of "life-long" learning for mental and community health. #thelongroad

There is a "muscular" condition called "Tendon Guard Reflex" that can create a lot of pain, discomfort, and even injury along the backside of your body in areas of the low back, hamstrings, and calf muscles. This condition results not from a physical issue but from a psychological or mental stress situation. Here's some interesting history on the history of back pain and Tendon Guard Reflex and how to think about this condition differently and why it's so important for our youth to learn these "self-care" methods early in life too. For more information on the Kraus-Weber Test that I referenced, please see this Bonnie Prudden history link: https://theleanberets.com/approved-resources/k-w-test *Photo Credit: Bonnie Prudden archives showing Bonnie administering a portion of the Kraus-Weber Test.

When I was 17 years old, I attended the USMC's "Devil Pups" Youth Development Camp at Camp Pendleton, CA. This program was created in 1953 to teach young American boys what it takes to train like a Marine and to learn these physical and mental disciplines themselves as well as the spiritual strength behind the USMC. This program has graduated 51,563 young men and women Devil Pups since 1953, and I am one of them from the summer of 1976. At just 17, I experienced the gas chamber, live-fire tracer round demonstrations, artillery, marching, and drills, jumping off a 35-foot tower into 15 feet of water, and so much more...the Devil Pups changed my life forever in just ten challenging days and taught me to be Semper Fidelis for my country..."always faithful." *Learn more about the Devil Pups:https://devilpups.com

This is show #8 on "Lotus Light" by modern dance icon and author Ruth St. Denis. "Lotus Light" was a book of poetry and illustrations published in 1932 and beautifully illustrated by her friend Ruth Harwood. Ruth St. Denis was one of the biggest names in the world of modern dance during the early 1900s, and her work still influences dancers and movement artists even today. She's one of my favorite people to read and study. Enjoy. :) #thelongroadshowLearn more about Ruth St. Denis here: https://www.jacobspillow.org/about/pillow-history/ruth_st_denis

In The North American Review published in 1890, Theodore Roosevelt wrote an amazing article on Americans and sports. He advocated for not only "manly" sports and outdoor pursuits but also for active participation instead of sedentary spectators watching others play. It was through this proper active participation that the best citizens were created. This idea of active participation was quite a prominent theme by the 1920s, but Roosevelt was on it long before. In the early 1960s, JFK was delivering a new version of Teddy Roosevelt's message by encouraging more active participation by Americans who "needed to get into the game" as opposed to being spectators in life. Access the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/6vv5sy96 *Photo Credit: US Library of Congress

"We should not sell our children short. They are not math and science illiterate. They are bright and capable. They just need to be challenged more by their parents and by their teachers." -Pocahontas Greadington, Tulsa Math Educator & Curriculum WriterIn 1997, Tulsa historian and retired African-American educator Eddie Faye Gates published a historic book on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre entitled, "They Came Searching: How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa." This important book contains many interviews with the 1921 survivors. This was one of the interviews that I wanted to share in its entirety because I found it to be quite moving and full of wisdom and guidance. In this final book share, I highlight math teacher Pocahontas Greadington who spent her whole career teaching and promoting mathematics in the black communities. #thelongroad

"My father said that he sent us to school to learn knowledge, not behavior. He said it was his job to teach us manners and good behavior." -Jeanne GoodwinIn 1997, Tulsa historian and retired African-American educator Eddie Faye Gates published a historic book on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre entitled, "They Came Searching: How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa." This important book contains many interviews with the 1921 survivors. This was one of the interviews that I wanted to share in its entirety because I found it to be quite moving and full of wisdom and guidance. Jeanne Goodwin was a career teacher in Tulsa and a member of the Tulsa Historical Hall of Fame. #thelongroad

In 1997, Tulsa historian and retired African-American educator Eddie Faye Gates published a historic book on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre entitled, "They Came Searching: How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa." This important book contains many interviews with the 1921 survivors. This was one of the interviews that I wanted to share in its entirety because I found it to be quite moving and full of wisdom and guidance. #thelongroad

So often today we hear catchy slogans like "Build Back Better" or "Make America Great Again," yet they completely disregard the true foundations for building better or making greatness. What does it take to build a community? A village? Great children? I provide the essentials in this book review of some key testimonial passages from "They Came Searching: How Blacks Sought the Promised Land in Tulsa" by Eddie Faye Gates. The book is about the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 and has interviews with many of the actual black survivors and children of the survivors. These blacks lived through horrific times, yet a common theme emerges built on love, respect, education, spirituality, discipline, hard work, and a village raising children...it's really an amazing story of one of the greatest black communities in the history of the United States. If you want to build a great community no matter what the color or race--here's how it was done and how it needs to be done again...if...you want to "Build Back Better" and if you want to "Make America Great Again." #thelongroad

On Memorial Day weekend of May 31, 1921, Tulsa became the worst race massacre in US history. After decades of conspiracy silence, Oklahomans of all races were successful in getting the real history out regarding this tragedy. Here is my summary of key historical facts and why we need to know history so we don't repeat this kind of massacre again. Access my Tulsa Massacre Summary Handout: https://theleanberets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/TULSA-RACE-MASSACRE.pdf*Photo Credits: US Library of Congress

President Biden just delivered a speech backed by his slogan of "Build Back Better." President Trump rallied behind war cries of "Make America Great Again." Here's what history has to say about how BOTH of these slogans of propaganda are doomed to FAIL. #thelongroad

Context clues matter. Beyond the initial observation, what surrounds the situation? I saw a guy walking across the trail head parking lot towards me yesterday--holding a very large knife. What did it mean? A few months ago, I saw men coming down the running trail right at me with rifles. What did it mean? Factoring context clues--they did not mean what many would have thought. #thelongroad

A couple of years ago, someone gave me a can of old-school Barbasol shaving cream. I started using it and realized it worked just as well as the fancy and more expensive cream I've been using for decades! Plus the Barbasol lasted longer too. It made me think about fitness...if we took a "Barbasol" approach to fitness, would we also save money and get the same or even better results? Why do we overcomplicate fitness and our lives? #thelongroad

Many years ago, my mentor teacher June Gaede gave me a great list of commonly misspelled words that were important to teach my English students. This show is Part #2 with words 42-76. You might be surprised at how some of them are actually spelled and used. Literacy matters...and so does spelling. Access my Spelling handout here: https://www.ronjones.org/Handouts/English/SpellingWords-76.pdf

Many years ago, my mentor teacher June Gaede gave me a great list of commonly misspelled words that were important to teach my English students. I go over the first page today from 1-41; tomorrow, I'll finish with 42-76. You might be surprised at how some of them are actually spelled and used. Literacy matters...and so does spelling. Access my Spelling handout here: https://www.ronjones.org/Handouts/English/SpellingWords-76.pdf

"It's checkout time, so haul ass!!" -Country Dick Montana (1955-1995)I had the sheer pleasure to see the legendary band "The Beat Farmers" twice in my life of freedom. This San Diego band was popular between 1983-1995 until their lead singer Country Dick Montana died while singing on stage in 1995. My story is about the freedom in life that is largely gone this past year and that many fear will never return...here's what it was like to be there. Photo Credit: "McCabe's Gibson" by Ron Jones. #thelongroad https://www.beat-farmers.com/

Disneyland re-opened this week in Southern California. There are people here that attend 3-4 times per month up to 3-5 times per week! What does history say about this type of leisure time usage? Why do Americans need to escape that much? What are they escaping from? #thelongroad *Graphic Credit: (Wikipedia) By Philroc - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63468939

This is show #7 on "Lotus Light" by modern dance icon and author Ruth St. Denis. "Lotus Light" was a book of poetry and illustrations published in 1932 and beautifully illustrated by her friend Ruth Harwood. Ruth St. Denis was one of the biggest names in the world of modern dance during the early 1900s, and her work still influences dancers and movement artists even today. She's one of my favorite people to read and study. Enjoy. :) #thelongroadshowLearn more about Ruth St. Denis here: https://www.jacobspillow.org/about/pillow-history/ruth_st_denis

Sometimes it's good just to participate in some simple amusement and entertainment especially when we need to escape the serious problems of the current world. I started watching some classic Clint Eastwood films last week. While entertaining, many also had good social messages about race and community too. Here are a few thoughts on spending a small amount of your time on simple amusement and what you can still possibly learn there. #thelongroad

I provide an extensive overview of the recent scientific review "Is a Mask That Covers the Mouth and Nose Free from Undesirable Side Effects in Everyday Use and Free of Potential Hazards" which was published on April 21, 2021 in the "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health." Topics are addressed from multiple disciplines and include: MIES-Mask Induced Exhaustion Syndrome, SBS-Sick Building Syndrome, HIF-Hypoxia Induced Factor, FM C02 Gradient (Fetal-Maternal), Metabolic Syndrome, voice disorders, decrease of empathy, and more. The connection of mask concerns to low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels with anxiety and panic disorders and other pre-existing conditions are highlighted. Access the original study link here: https://www.mdpi.com/1078850

A recent publication by MIT's departments of chemical engineering and mathematics cited that the current "Six-Foot Rule" as recommended by the CDC offers little protection in indoor spaces. I think this information is being taken out of context because the whole article needs to be factored. More specifically, particle size matters. The six-foot guidelines are more specific to a certain size of droplet. I did my best to summarize and clarify some key points to the research including: respiration rates in relation to activities AND general health and obesity, types of AC filtration, classroom risk based on expiration types, outflow air rates, etc. Here's the full article: https://www.pnas.org/content/118/17/e2018995118#disp-formula-6

In Rollo May's 1972 book, "Power and Innocence: A Search for the Sources of Violence," May wrote a chapter called "Ecstasy and Violence" where he explains man's attraction to the ecstasy or excitement surrounding violence and how this snaps us out of our mundane and "over-sterilized" modern environments. At the end of this chapter, he shares the story of a WWII combat veteran who returns to Europe to speak with some of his former comrades about their lives during the war--and how things changed in a negative way after the war. Yes, negative way "after" the war because their ecstasy of life had vaporized due to the lack of risk and challenge in comparison to the war. Many have written that real life begins on the edge of death--here are some related thoughts according to Rollo May and how we can position that our recent removal of reasonable risks and challenges the last few decades have set up a generation of American youth to become "more violent" in their quest to feel alive. #thelongroad

Here are a few of my thoughts and stories about "passive" health when someone does something to help you and "active" health when you do something to help yourself directly. We really need both, but many times our ego and own insecurities get in the way of us relaxing enough to admit we need help. We are often afraid of self-exploration, yet this is important for growth as well as overall health. Examples given are chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, trigger point release, sensory deprivation tanks, and outdoor activities like trail running and hiking. #thelongroad

This is show #6 on "Lotus Light" by modern dance icon and author Ruth St. Denis. "Lotus Light" was a book of poetry and illustrations published in 1932 and beautifully illustrated by her friend Ruth Harwood. Ruth St. Denis was one of the biggest names in the world of modern dance during the early 1900s, and her work still influences dancers and movement artists even today. She's one of my favorite people to read and study. Enjoy. :) #thelongroadshowLearn more about Ruth St. Denis here: https://www.jacobspillow.org/about/pillow-history/ruth_st_denis

I was in Tulsa, OK last week exploring a future relocation there this summer. I felt such a positive uplift from what is happening in this community. I share my observations on development, arts, traffic, parks and recreation, and just general vibes in Tulsa along with specific comments on "The Gathering Place" which is a world-class educational playground for children. #thelongroad https://www.gatheringplace.org/

Here are some interesting historical thoughts and physiology on the human body and adrenaline following certain outcomes whether they be a legal trial such as with the current George Floyd case or a major sporting championship event. Join me as I go over these and the psychological dynamics of "power" and its usage in negative or positive ways. What is the responsibility that should be associated with power? Where does the "use of force" fit on the power scale? #thelongroadshow *Graphic Credit: 1990 photograph by Wolfried Paetzold (Wikipedia)

I just returned from Tulsa, OK where I spent some time hiking in a nice wooded area outside of Tulsa called Tahlequah. As I was doing a simple hike on the "Sparrow Hawk Primitive Area" trail, I got a lot of ideas about life from the things I observed. Here are a few "trail ideas" that came to mind including some technical tips on trail running. Getting outside has many health benefits from mental to physical to spiritual. Go outside every single day. Get sunshine. Breathe fresh air. These things are essential to being healthy especially in our current times. #thelongroadshow https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oklahoma/sparrow-hawk-primitive-area-trail

Los Angeles County just granted us orange tier "freedoms" to reopen bars and increase capacity at certain venues, but don't be fooled! True bars that do not serve food: Outside only. NO live music. NO television inside. NO sitting at a counter. NO meeting more than six people from three households. Is this really freedom? Compared to what? *Photo Credit: "Santa Clarita Ladies" by Ron Jones #thelongroadshow

There is an infamous dive bar down the street from me in Santa Clarita, CA where local working class heroes relaxed and enjoyed amazing live bands. It was a place where all kinds of people gathered from many different walks of life. What have we lost the last year? It's more than just beers and cheers. #thelongroadshow *Photo Credit: "Santa Clarita Ladies" by Ron Jones.

This is show #5 on "Lotus Light" by modern dance icon and author Ruth St. Denis. "Lotus Light" was a book of poetry and illustrations published in 1932 and beautifully illustrated by her friend Ruth Harwood. Ruth St. Denis was one of the biggest names in the world of modern dance during the early 1900s, and her work still influences dancers and movement artists even today. She's one of my favorite people to read and study. Enjoy. :) #thelongroadshowLearn more about Ruth St. Denis here: https://www.jacobspillow.org/about/pillow-history/ruth_st_denis

This is a very important show considering our current times. I'm sharing the most important tips I've learned over the years from my elite martial artists and law enforcement friends on how to avoid violent attacks. These are mental strategies. I'm not going over physical fighting techniques in this show. The idea is to use "situational awareness" to avoid or prevent a physical attack altogether. Most people can avoid violent attacks if they just know what to look for and how "to feel" the immediate situation. These suggested behaviors do not take hardly any time to perform. No money is required unless you buy one of the books I referenced. Just listen, learn, and start implementing the behavioral changes in your daily routine. They have helped me and my own family; they can help you too. (Graphic Credit: "Dirty Fighting" by Lt. David W. Morrah Jr., 1941) #thelongroad *Access my "Situational Awareness 101" PDF Handout: http://theleanberets.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SIT-AWARE-101.pdf

This is a fun and fascinating story about how my Mexican gardener and landscaper ended up being a Mexican shaman who was trained in old-school methods of healing and how his touch and knowledge helped my own daughter when my methods and western medicine could not. Keep an open mind and heart to healing because you never know what might be out there and helpful. (Graphic Credit: Edgar Fabiano/Wikipedia) #thelongroadshow

America has a violent history of Red Summers. The Red Summer of 1919 saw dozens of violent racial riots across the US following the 1918 pandemic and resulting migration and social confusion. We had another Red Summer that was more commonly called "Freedom Summer" in 1964 which saw five major race riots between blacks and whites. As I look at the history of Red Summers and the historical markers, I can predict that we are lining up for a Red Summer of 2021. Be careful America. It's a dangerous path. I lay out some of this history and similarities as well as how the Red Summer of 2021 could be different...or...might not happen at all. WE decide. Listen up. Think. Reflect...and hopefully you'll take action to elevate the country and culture instead of destroying it. (Graphic Credit: "Demon Rage Beast" by darkvine) #thelongroadshow

W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent Black scholar in the 1800s-1900s and one of the founding members of the NAACP. He wrote "The Souls of Black Folk" in 1903, and this book has been called one of the most important Black history books ever written by an African American. I share an excerpt from Chapter VIII where Du Bois describes in detail the living conditions and culture in the "Black Belt" of Georgia during the post-civil war era. Image Credit: Wikipedia #thelongroadshow

This is show #4 on "Lotus Light" by modern dance icon and author Ruth St. Denis. "Lotus Light" was a book of poetry and illustrations published in 1932 and beautifully illustrated by her friend Ruth Harwood. Ruth St. Denis was one of the biggest names in the world of modern dance during the early 1900s, and her work still influences dancers and movement artists even today. She's one of my favorite people to read and study. Enjoy. :)Learn more about Ruth St. Denis here: https://www.jacobspillow.org/about/pillow-history/ruth_st_denis

Echo Park in Los Angeles has been in the national news this week because of the homeless camp being removed and subsequent protests by homeless activists. What was the actual purpose of this park when it opened in 1895? Why were American parks built in the first place? Who are they for? Let's take a look at the rich history and social psychology of parks and refocus on making them safe places of "Re-Creation" for the youth. #thelongroadshow Learn more about the history of Los Angeles parks: https://www.laparks.org/department/history

Southern California was ground zero for customizing cars. After WWII, GIs returned home to California and needed to replace the dangers of war with a suitable adrenaline substitute. They began fixing up old jalopies and racing them out in the Mojave Desert. This trend led into customizing street cars too--and the hot rod era was born. "Pin-striping" was created as a way to set off your car, and a guy named Von Dutch (Kenny Howard) became THE guy for pin-striping in the Los Angeles area during the 1950s. My father took his friend's Chevy down to Von Dutch in 1956 for some striping. This is a fun show on his story and what it was like to be there when car custom history was in the making. Photo Credit: Ron Jones #thelongroadshow

Jay Bryan Nash was a PhD professor at New York University and in my opinion, was the top physical educator of the 20th century. I put Nash at this level not because of his physical prowess or emphasis upon physical fitness in PE--but because of the deeper value of his work that emphasized the elevation or our overall culture "through the physical." Nash had a very classical way of teaching PE and activity that came from ancient Greek studies. Today, I share an article Nash wrote in June 1940 for "The Guardian" Camp Fire Girls newsletter where he discusses the values of camping as a way to teach the proper use of leisure time with young girls. This proper use of leisure time was tied into: Happiness, Wisdom, and Health. He then goes onto cite the dangers of outdoor camps in pre-WWII Italy and Germany and how their youth camp philosophy of "Obey, Conform, Fight" is not conducive for our American democracy. #thelongroadshowI have placed the above newsletter into the public domain. You can access "The Guardian" (June 1940) here: https://archive.org/details/1940-the-guardian-june-camp-fire-girls

In 1969, American football coaching legend Ray Eliot delivered what very well might be the greatest "football" speech of all time entitled, "The Proper State of Mind." The speech is quite moving. I encourage you to listen to it even if you are not a football fan because his speech is really not about football--it's about life. Living the BIG life. Living a life of courage, determination, character, and grit. Few current football coaches and players know of Coach Ray Eliot--but they should. You can access the speech and more information about Coach Ray Eliot on my Lean Berets website here: http://theleanberets.com/podcast/the-proper-state-of-mind-by-ray-eliot/

There was a "N-word" road rage incident right down the street from me last week. There were many factors involved that were not shown in the social media video. It compelled me to think about the proper course of action in such a scenario. Do we really need more videos to inflame, or should we act more responsibly as citizens to de-escalate the situation? What would you do? Graphic Credit: "Anger" by darkvine #thelongroadshow

Many times the simple pleasures in life are the best...the awareness and spiritual reset of just having sunshine on your sweaty skin in a cool breeze can completely change your perspective. #thelongroadshow