Anthony Johnson | The Dream Lounge » Meeting Cool People

My Experience Meeting the Greatest Man Living: Ron Paul

Anthony Dream Johnson — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:08:52 +0000

I had seen Ron Paul speak in person once previously, at the 2010 Florida Liberty Summit. I however, missed the opportunity to meet him on the Saturday of that event.

Not so in 2011. I made damn sure I would be present at the event, no matter the cost, as well as the “liberty breakfast” where attendees would have a chance to meet Ron, take pictures, get autographs, etc.

Indeed, I got a chance to meet Ron, briefly speak with him, take a few pictures, get his signature, and invite him to The 21 Convention 2012 of Austin Texas (via his chief campaign manager seen in the background of the above photo).

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So what was is like meeting the greatest man living?

It was unforgettable to say the least. Ron Paul, by my judgement, is the greatest man alive. He is the embodiment of the hero in man’s soul. He is, a living legend. There is no one else alive I cared more to meet and shake hands with — the man who has stood up to the greatest evils of our day, if not some of the greatest (yet subtle) in man’s history.

While president of the united American States Barrack Obama proudly proclaims “I am my brother’s keeper”, Ron Paul, our next president, ardently believes every individual man on earth has a right to his own life — and government does not.

This difference could not be any greater.

Our current president is convinced man is a slave to his brothers and their “needs” — Ron Paul states clearly that you have a right to your own life and liberty — an unalienable, individual, absolute right that exists independent of government.

Good vs. evil, cowardice vs. conviction, truth vs. falsehood — all at their finest.

And Ron Paul is well on his way to earning the republican nomination, and subsequently, the chief executive office of our federal union.

~~~

I was pretty nervous meeting Ron Paul. In fact I don’t think my heart has raced that fast in years, outside of my HIT workouts that is.

Nervous because I admire this man so much — more than anyone on earth. Shaking his hand and speaking with him briefly was great regardless though. He actually reminds me very much of my grandfather, who died at the same exact age in 2006.

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As fate would have it, I met Ron Paul on his 76th birthday, and not only took a picture with him, but got his signature on my copy of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America.

I can’t help but grin seeing Ron’s signature “on” the Declaration of Independence — a signature I think all of our founding fathers would have eagerly welcomed — a signature by a man who would carry on their work over 200 years later, as passionately and with every ounce of conviction they held for what amounts to the greatest country on earth, and in the history of the world.

A union of States founded on the rights of man — the triumph of man over men, the one, free from the many, protected, not enslaved by government.

~~~

I recognized Jesse Benton, Ron Paul’s campaign manager, instantly. As soon as I got done speaking with Ron I spoke to Jesse, pulled him aside, and after a quick discussion of my toe shoes, invited Ron Paul to The 21 Convention 2012 of Austin Texas. While he can’t commit Ron to anything that far out, they are seriously interested. An event of young men, in the capital of Ron’s home state, with a commitment to the best and highest of themselves, and of their country.

I will also be inviting Ron’s son Rand Paul, as well as a few other related speakers, such as Jack Hunter and Peter Schiff. If Ron and/or Rand confirms, I will be scheduling them on Friday of the event (the first day), and making the event free and open to the public that entire day.

– Anthony Dream Johnson

ps– there is a statue of Ayn Rand in the left hand side of the picture. I cannot help but grin at the idea that Ayn Rand stands behind Ron and I — the men of the mind.

Come Meet Ron Paul and I in Orlando Florida August 20th

Anthony Dream Johnson — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 15:25:07 +0000

Ron Paul will be speaking and attending the Florida Liberty Summit 2011 this coming weekend, August 19th-21st. I went to this event last year and had a great time, barring a few speakers who by my judgement, were not fully consistent in their support of life and liberty, unlike Ron Paul and the majority of other speakers at the event, who are fully consistent in such views.

In all cases, the event is well worth $60 to attend, Friday is free to attend, and you can have breakfast with Ron Paul Saturday morning for an additional $35.

For some reason this is advertised very poorly, and most people, myself included last year, do not understand this. In light of missing this aspect of the event last year, I am highly aware of it, and will be at the breakfast for the entire time, both to meet Ron Paul, and formally invite him to The 21 Convention 2012 of Austin Texas, as well as his son Rand Paul.

While there will be a million and one hoops to jump through and obstacles to overcome to make this happen, many of those can be beaten in one swoop by speaking to Ron and Rand directly about the opportunity. Tough odds? Sure, but I’ve spent my entire life overcoming difficult odds, and achieving where and when everyone else told me I couldn’t.

And I know one thing for certain above all: Ron and Rand Paul taking the stage at The 21 Convention, would be the ultimate application of the stage I have built, and the highest exercise of my abilities as an architect — I can think of no better use, higher test, or result I would like to see The 21 Convention produce.

To make a positive impact on Ron’s campaign and push him ever faster and higher towards his inevitable win.

~~~

During the event I’ll be happy to step aside with anyone who is interested in connecting the dots with Ron Paul’s political philosophies who does not yet understand them fully and above all, explain why he’s right.

Why every man has a right to his life and liberty, and why no man on earth, for any claimed purpose, excuse, or justification, can invalidate this right, and hang it over another’s head by the heavy hand of government.

More specifically, why a fully free society is not some adolescent fantasy — but an achievable ideal, and why no contradictions are present, necessary, or even possible in such a society.

Visit http://www.floridalibertysummit.com/ for tickets.

– Anthony Dream Johnson

DayGame Blueprint LIVE

Anthony Dream Johnson — Sat, 28 May 2011 14:07:43 +0000

The DayGame Blueprint live event is going on all this weekend in Central London (Saturday-Monday). It’s being held by DayGame LTD, headed by Andy Yosha, who Drew Baye and I did a podcast with a while back on proper exercise & nutrition.

The event is first class, and if you are in the area, and not here, you are missing out big time. Really, this is one of the most professional events I have ever been to, including my own, and I highly recommend coming out and checking out the event before it closes shop Monday.

The central theme?

You guessed it: this is the definitive event for meeting and dating women during the day. You’d think it would be a really small niche of people interested in such a thing, but not so. These guys have put more thought into the concept than anyone else in the world as far a I am aware, and are now condensing the best of their content down into a three day event.

If you can’t make it, no sweat, they took my recommendation for a film crew and the same production company that films T21C is here in full force, so as usual, the production quality is going to be out standing and the videos will be released on DVD — although if you attend, they are free.

If you want to attend shoot me an e-mail at dreampua–at–gmail–com and I’ll send you the address. You can pay at the door (Im not sure what the rate will be for a half ticket but I’ll talk to the guys and make sure it’s a good rate).

Here are some more pics (all taken on my phone and note official event photos). Cheers guys.

Meeting Lord James Steele II and UK Adventures

Anthony Dream Johnson — Wed, 18 May 2011 11:45:51 +0000

‎”Don’t work for my happiness, my brothers–show me yours–show me that it is possible–show me your achievement–and the knowledge will give me courage for mine.”

Disclaimer: James isn’t actually a lord, but I enjoy British culture and use it every chance I get, even if the words I am using are fully and completely out of place.

I also love the accents. Really, it’s like music to my ears, especially from women. English, Welsh, Irish, variations there of, etc.

~~~

Who is James Steele II?

He’s a young man living in Southampton England — almost the exact same age as me — a graduate student, an eternal friend of life, liberty, and reason, and the man who will finish what Arthur Jones started.

What Drew Baye is to high intensity training, Doug McGuff is to exercise science, Mark Sisson is to proper nutrition, and Bill DeSimone is to congruent bio-mechanics, James Steele II is to the lower back, and what the $%^ to do about it.

Considering his age, 22, it was truly remarkable to meet James and hear him discuss the lower back so vigorously and passionately. It was a sight I had only seen prior in the men listed above (and few others).

James ended up putting me through a workout on the medical version of the MedX lower back machine. We filmed it, but due to some policies we are unable to circumvent, the video cannot be released =/.

Admittedly, while the video itself is good, I feel that I completely faltered on the exercise. So while it looks cool, I don’t believe a lot came from it, entirely from my own doing. The great irony is that James is one of the greatest trainers in the world to have put you through a workout on, what is, the greatest machine ever invented to exercise this part of the human body.

So I completely flopped on an ideal machine with an ideal trainer. #ultimatefacepalm

How so? I’m not exactly sure how to explain it. It’s as if, despite having the best machine, the best trainer, and putting forth my best effort possible on that particular day, my body refused to use the intended musculature. When I was done with the exercise, I felt as if every muscle in my body had been used, except those in and around my lower back. I was in disbelief.

Why this is so, I am not sure. I have never had this problem on a standard MedX lower back machine, nor on the CZT lower back machine. It seems as if the more specific and isolated the exercise became, the more effort my body gave to use everything but my lower back.

While a bit frustrating, and depressing at the time, it leaves me more curious than anything now, and ready for round 2 should I ever have access to the medical version again.

~~~

After the lower back exercise we had a little time left before the university closed for the day. I was interested in using the Bod Pod James had access to to measure my body fat %, but James said it would be extremely inaccurate due to my gorilla like body hair.

Instead I went for a workout in the university gym and got a few things done. It was my first workout since training with Drew in Orlando (video).

This workout was also strange, in that I felt mentally “off”, and not able to push myself to anything approaching “true failure”. The exercises included…

Reverse Lunges
Wall sit
Smith machine bench press
Chin ups

Even stranger, the following 2 days I felt extremely sore considering the lower than average number of movements performed, and the lack luster intensity. My chest above all felt something like “destroyed”.

~~~

James and I then met up with Lord James Fisher — who actually is a lord. We first grabbed coffee where James gave me some local raw, jersey milk.

Admittedly, I had always been skeptical of the taste difference and health benefits of raw milk.

Yeah, fuck that. You can call me a “true believer” now, this stuff is amazing. Really, it’s like liquid gold coming out of a milk carton. The texture is 100x better, and the taste 1000x better.

I had no digestive issues with the milk, and shockingly, it didn’t kill me. (#Winning!)

After coffee we went to a chinese restaurant to get some duck. I first had duck in Austin Texas with Adam Lyons. I’ve been hooked ever since, but have not been able to find any.

While this duck was not the highest quality, it was pretty good, and I’m damn glad I had it. James Fisher was also there, who ended up reminding me of a British version of Drew Baye.

~~~

I returned to London from Southampton for a short while before venturing to Swansea Wales, where I am currently. Short story, I stick out like a sore thumb here, and I like it that way. The people are very friendly, even more so than in London, although there have been a number of instances where the accent is so heavy, I literally can’t understand what the person in front of me is saying, in English. Usually older people, but a few young as well.

There is also a completely distinct Welsh language that is spoken and written in conjunction with English here, which is pretty cool. I don’t understand a lick of it, but it’s fascinating to hear none the less.

The little bit of culture I have seen here is also great to observe. Of particular interest to me is that middle aged and older people actually go out to pubs and bars and … well, just hang out.

I’ve never before seen old people do this in any of the American States. While I’m sure it happens, it’s pretty rare. And while these people weren’t getting “buck wild”, they were enjoying themselves, and it was good to see this — something young people rarely even do without getting absolutely smashed.

I will also add, there are a shit ton of red heads by my count in Swansea, and probably in Wales in general, which I love. Makes me wonder how many are in Ireland.

~~~

Here are some pics of Swansea, starting with the view I wake up to every day for a whopping 18 pounds a night.

The two night pictures are from the tallest point in Swansea, at a restaurant a girl I met up with in Swansea brought me to. The last picture is from a park in front of the University of Swansea (I think). While it may seem normal for Europeans, I had never seen such a pristine park in my life. It was right out of a book or movie. I kept an eye out for King Arthur but he didn’t show up (bastard).

Here are some pictures from London

I like the first picture a lot because, as far as I know, those are English Flags, that show a division of government, much like the long forgotten State flags in the American States do. Which bears mentioning that “State” at the forming of the American Union, was synonymous with what we call “countries” today.

When the American Revolution from the British Empire ended, treaties were signed with all independent States — not a general government between such States, what we call the “federal” government today.

In this sense, and contrary to popular opinion, the fifty States that make up the federal Union of American States, are still independent countries, that are free to leave such union whenever they please — unlike the current supreme court ruling which states that the States may leave by force of revolution, or by consent of the other States — as if each State were a slave to the 49 others.

Which is very strange, because this essentially means that the federal government has stated, and currently stands on this ruling, that it has no role in the secession of a State, other than in suppressing a State from peacefully, and if necessarily, violently leaving the American Union and forming it’s own independent republic — unless some undecided % of the 49 other States vote that the 50th, or some group of States, can be allowed to leave.

Last I checked this was the freest country on earth. Are States the make up the Union free or enslaved?

Viva la revolution fuckers.

– Anthony Dream Johnson

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All of these pictures were taken with my US phone that I got for $89, a DroidX.

Drew Baye has gone to intellectual war with P90X, P90Insanity, P90Stupidity, and Tony Horton. Check it out and show your support by spreading the word.

Oh, and I sent a letter to Harry Potter. While this probably sounds pretty stupid to most Brits, I found it hysterical at the time, and only more knowing that someone at the Royal Mail office has actually read it since.

Travel Plans for Europe

Anthony Dream Johnson — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:46:57 +0000

I took my first tour of Europe last year (link). It was a great time … and one of the most gut wrenching experiences of my life, if not the most up to this point.

While I don’t expect to look psychological collapse in the eye again, it’s going to be a welcomed wake up call to the glory possible to me — of a massive, successful event in London England.

It’s an interesting thing to know what is possible to you, and have a show down with it — a war.

In any case, I will be doing another tour of Europe. I did this on the fly last year to promote T21C 2010. I may or may not be doing more speaking engagements this year. But travelling is a must for the short time I am in Europe. It’s been too long since I’ve seen friends of old, and it’s time I met some new ones like James Steele.

For those with a travel bug, this is also toss up to consider: it’s either pay for a hostel weeks on end, or fly to cities where I can crash at no/little charge (food), and in apartments 100x nicer than any hostel I have ever seen.

If you don’t have a bustling internet business with thousands of viewers a day from all over the world, I recommend giving CouchSurfing a shot.

~~~

I arrive in London 10am, UK time, April 28th. I am going to spend approximately 2 weeks there learning the city, scouting a conference room, other venues/accommodations, and working my ass off.

After that I may venture to other parts of the UK (playing it by ear).

After that, I plan to visit Stockholm and Amsterdam before returning to London. In which order depends on a few different factors. Amsterdam also has the priority if time runs short due to staying in London longer than expected, and the fact that I want to bring T21C to Amsterdam some day, and did not get a thorough overview of the city while I was there last year.

I have to say, I will be saddened if I don’t visit Stockholm this year. I have no taste for their government, but the people and the country are fantastic, the women gorgeous, and the whipped cream for coffee — the best in the world.

Beyond returning to London and flying back to Florida (June 10th or so), that is the total of my travel plans for Europe this Summer. Not as fast paced as last year, nor does it need to be.

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As a side note, and personal funds allowing, I may delay my flight to attend my cousin’s wedding in France, which happens right about the time I am scheduled to fly out. Had a bad experience in Paris as a kid, but wouldn’t mind returning and practicing my horrible French.

45 Minutes to Better Game

Anthony Dream Johnson — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 15:59:25 +0000

Rob is one of the best coaches I have come across in recent years. I say this because I am convinced his psychology and philosophy for meeting women is right.

Rob is selfish (acts in his own self interest, and not at the expense of others), does not let fear obstruct his actions, lives for his own sake, and has an inflexible demand for truth.

He also understands how gay picking up women for the approval and to the appeasement of others is — something that was rampant in the PUA community in years gone by, and is still a big factor in most parts of the world.

Finally, he understands that the only two people you have to communicate with when meeting women are yourself (first) and the girl, second.

This last point is simple enough, yet utterly critical, and a very rare statement in the PUA/dating advice industry.

Rob is a rare find indeed.

Watch 45 Minutes to Better Game NOW

And support The 21 Convention by buying this speech on DVD for only $19.99.

– Anthony Dream Johnson

Are You Attending Primal Con?

Anthony Dream Johnson — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:15:47 +0000

While a bit short notice, Mark Sisson’s “Primal Con” is this coming weekend in California. Should you go? Yes, I think so. I would myself to if the dates were not so close to my departure for Europe.

Why should you go?

Because the event is going to rock. While Mark does not fancy himself an event architect, he is a man of integrity, and he does understand the meaning of proper form and function, applied to physical reality.

I like to apply this to events and videos. Mark prefers a blog and written work. While different in apperance and structure, the foundations of epic bad-assness are the same, and Primal Con has just that, like everything else Mark does.

From what I do understand and remember from talking in person with Mark, the event really does provide a tremendous bang for the buck, in terms of the total experience (activities, knowledge, and meeting others with shared interests and values), and apparently, a crap ton of extremely high quality food.

So, if you’re in the area, and have the ability to attend, I strongly advise going. It is not something you will regret, where as not going may be something you later regret if you had the opportunity to attend and meet Mark and the gang, and chose not to.

Free 1 Hour HD Lecture — Converting Friends to Girlfriends

Anthony Dream Johnson — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:43:24 +0000

The topic, outstanding.

The content, stellar.

The number of #facepalms I did during this speech — priceless.

View “Converting Friends to Girlfriends” on The21Convention.com and own the DVD version for only $19.99.

– Anthony Dream Johnson

ps — support the speech by voting it up on Reddit

Stockholm

Anthony Dream Johnson — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 05:33:15 +0000

7, 829 kilometers from the birth place of The 21 Convention – Orlando Florida – they said it “couldn’t be done”. They said I didn’t have the resources, the will, the support, or the know–how to pull it off – not to mention, the age (21), and experience.

Yet, here I am, writing the cover text for the DVD you now hold – a DVD that contains footage from three full days of film shot at an event that changed lives: The 21 Convention 2010 of Stockholm Sweden.

How is this possible, and what does this represent?

The answers to these questions are one in the same: I was willing to stand up for what I believe in and succeed where others fail. In the process of this action, I had the good fortune to meet other young men from around the world with the same fortitude and strength of character.

Which is exactly what this footage represents – a gathering of the world’s best and brightest young men, dedicated to improving the quality of their lives, and succeeding against all odds.

Enjoy, share, and take action.

-Anthony Dream Johnson
Chief Executive Officer: The 21 Convention
www.The21Convention.com

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Posted in tribute to trusting my own judgement above all else, and when it mattered most.

Thanks to those of you who loaned your support, egged me on, and any combination there of. You know who you are.

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The footage is coming. Thanks for being patient.

A Year In Review

Anthony Dream Johnson — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 21:01:00 +0000

It’s been an exciting year for me, and many of you as well. This post is in memory of and tribute to this past year.

(Note: The blog design was changed a few weeks ago. As a result, not all posts are “pretty”, but, the ones I link here do work fine).

Hope you enjoy seeing the word “I”.

#############################

1. I produced a 6 episode documentary series titled The Community Tapes [Volume 1] this year. Interviewed were 5 speakers from The 21 Convention, and one multi-year attendee.

This is, bar none, the highest quality documentary series for men ever produced. I suggest you watch it online for free or buy it on DVD.

2. I hosted two back to back international conventions. One in Stockholm Sweden (June), and one in Orlando Florida (July). This was the fourth year in a row I’ve hosted The 21 Convention (in total there have now been five events).

3. I met dozens of people I had been wanting to meet, including (but not limited to) …

Tucker Max
Doug McGuff
Mark Sisson
Bill DeSimmone
Rick Smith (that story is coming)
Ron Paul
Tom Woods
Tom Dilorenzo
Sheriff Mack
Owen Cook
Richard la Ruina
Keith Norriss
Jonas Sandstorm
Jeff! (the one and only)

4. I had my first TV interview.

5. I got a bunch of bad press from a big magazine in the UK, and made it look great with a screenshot.

6. I found out I was featured in the NY Times #1 best seller The Four Hour Work Week.

7. I managed to tick off Tony Horton.

8. I reviewed The Primal Blueprint. By chance, it ranked on Google as one of the top independent reviews – and still does.

9. I bought the most expensive water bottle on the planet, and have never looked back.

10. I wrote a really, really long essay on “why I eat the way I eat”. It got a shit ton of comments.

11. I wrote a long essay on Genghis Khan and Abraham Lincoln. In summary, Genghis is not the villain history has portrayed him to be, and Abraham Lincoln was the worst president in American history – if not one of the worst leaders in all of human history. The fact that he is “considered by the experts” to be one of our greatest presidents thoroughly depicts how lost and confused most “experts” really are and how ignorant many people have become to our history.

12. After realizing how ridiculous college is in the 21st century I promptly failed “How to Start a Business” twice in a row, and then dropped out of school.

13. I became a survivalist, bought some guns, plenty of ammunition, and learned how to shoot. I believe we are on the brink of economic collapse, and a complete collapse of the system is a very real possibility (think Soviet Union). What’s more, we are long overdue for another terrorist attack thanks to our war mongering, do-gooder, status quo “politicians” who falsely believe they can do right by initiating force (that is, to do the impossible). My biggest concern is an EMP attack. If that happens, nice knowing you guys.

14. I reviewed Doug McGuff’s diet DVD. It’s really good. You should buy it.

15. I started a website for my deceased best friend. A few people have made entries, but it is mostly me (on the rare occasion I do post).

16. I continued my essay on nutrition. I think that was my first post to break triple digit comments.

17. I concluded our generation does not have the luxury to ignore reality. The game is up. Time to step up or step aside.

18. I read a lot of books and wrote about them.

19. I went to Europe for about 5 weeks and had one of the most gut wrenching experiences of my life – an experience that seems to have no end.

20. I found a Ron Paul documentary. It is amazing. Go watch it.

21. I declared my independence. I’ll defend my life with the force of a gun before being drafted or forced to purchase a private product.

22. I turned 22 and wrote a post titled “It Only Takes One Man”.

23. I got a new laptop. It’s pretty awesome.

24. I wrote about God, Grub, and Government.

25. I gained about 16 pounds of muscle in 16 months.

26. I realized I was shooting myself in the foot.

27. I became homeless – on purpose.

28. I believe Ron Paul will be our next president. If you don’t agree, you’re failing to see the bigger picture.

29. I wrote about the greatest generation in history – our generation.

30. I wrote about how money does not equal value.

31. I got to use the most advanced exercise machines in the world – they were pretty awesome.

32. I attended the Florida Liberty Summit (Orlando), the Pua Summit (Los Angeles), stopped by Vegas for a bit, and then Austin Texas.

Life’s tough lately, but I’m pretty sure I’m meant for great things down the road, and as hard as times can be now, it’s probably just prep for tasks of infinitely greater difficulty that lay ahead.

That’s the only explanation I can come to lately for the course of my life events leading up to a whopping 22 years of age.

-Anthony/Dream

ps- John Adams is amazing.