Catalyst for Fun Newsletter:**I invite you to also visit my website www.catalystforfun.comto subscribe to this newsletter and/or to access lots of fun, community, andpersonal development resources. ** You can Friend me on Facebook or Linked Inif ya like under "Amanda Winters in Austin" :)

1) Correction: Adyashanti is Fri and Sat, 1/20 and 1/21—

     -bonus note aboutRadio Adyashanti tonite and next week for free too!

2) Activist and Education Events from www.thirdcoastactivist.org –sign up

     for their awesome newsletter and getconnected to action steps for justice   

    in our world. Note this Sat's party there=they are awesome and full of interesting, active people!

3) Screening of Crazy Wisdom Film with Buddhist Discussionafterwards

       On Monday, 1/23—ticketsmust sell by 1/21  or film won’t show

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thought That Counts Quote:

My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.
 
The purpose of our lives is to be happy.
            *both quotes from the Dalai Lama

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Adyashanti returns toAustin this  Fri and Sat, 1/20 &/21--He is one of my favorite spiritual teachers! He is a hip, 40ish, funny,clear and easy to read American philosophical teacher.

Adyashanti, is a hip, 40ish, funny, clear and easy to readAmerican philosophical teacher. There are lots of of you-tube videos out youcan search for by his name,and free downloads on his website. I am crazy abouthis new book, "Falling into Grace", one of the best I haveever read. I also benefited greatly from his cd set, "Facing theIllusion of Fear" . Those materials, and many others can be found forsale in his bookstore. His work has clarified for me thatwe need not 'dig in the wrong dirt pile for diamonds'”/ie: peace in ourlives... because the peace that we seek, we already possess. To view examplesof his teachings, see:  http://www.adyashanti.org/index.php?file=teachings

For his free downloads, and/or to find our more about hisinternet radio show, etc…see http://www.adyashanti.org/cafedharma/index.php?file=audio

To register and get more info, see http://www.adyashanti.org/index.php?file=travelsdetails&location=Austin,%20TX&dates=January%2020%20-%2021&year=2012

*************

2 Austin Events Details:

a) Austin Satsang (Talk/Discussion)

Friday, January 20, 2012
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Austin, TX
At-the-door registration only
Cost: $20 at the door on January 20

Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
Map

Registrationand Information

·        There is no preregistration for thisevent. Register at the event -- cash or checks only.

·        Doors open at 6:30 pm.

·        For local information or to volunteer, contactWillow at willowdea@gmail.com
or 512-694-6911

************************

b) AustinIntensive

Date:Saturday January 21, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Cost: $90 registered online by January 13
(Preregistration closes January 13)
$100 at the door on January 21
(space permitting, cash or checks only)

Scholarships
Cancellation Policy

Location

Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
Directions: Map

Schedule & Information

Please arrive on time.

January 21

11:00 Registration

11:30 Doors Open

Noon Doors Close for Meditation

6:00 Intensive Ends

·        Registration: Online preregistration is$90. You may also register at the event for $100 cash or checks only,space permitting. Onsite registration starts at 11am.

·        Scholarships: Limited scholarships are available; apply by December16.

·        For local information or to volunteer, contactWillow at willowdea@gmail.com
or 512-694-6911

Cancellationpolicy

Cancellation fee is $25 prior to thefirst day of the intensive. No refunds for cancellations on or after the firstday of the event.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Hello, all. To kick off theInternational Year of Cooperatives http://social.un.org/coopsyear/,the staff and board of Cooperation Texas is throwing a party on Saturday to celebratetheir new name and plans for the new year.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

2) The Austin Shambhala Meditation Center presents the film CrazyWisdom followed by discussion

Monday, January 23 at 7:00 PM, Barton Creek 14 Cinema in Austin, TX

To be followed by a 25 minute discussion with Center Director BillyBoyar

Purchase $9 tickets at:  https://tugg.co/events/145

If this event does not get enough response, it will not make and becanceled, and your credit/debit card will not be charged unless the minimumrequirement of attendees is met. Contact Christine to see if it does….50tickets must be sold by 1:00am on 1/21

Please also know that The Austin Shambhala Meditation Center has no control overrefunds for purchased tickets as we are not collecting or receiving any moniesby co-sponsoring this event.

 I hope to see many of you there!

 Christine Wetzl cwetzl@austin.rr.com

Director of Practice and Education Austin Shambhala Meditation Center

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

3) Activist Events from http://thirdcoastactivist.org. Sign up for their awesome email list!!

Saturday, January 21, 7-9 pm

CelebrateCooperation Texas: New Year, New Name, New Economy

Texas’ worker co-op development center is changing its name.Third Coast Workers for Cooperation is now Cooperation Texas. To celebrate thechange and some exciting new projects coming in 2012, we’re having a party.

Join us for an evening of food, drinks and music as welaunch the new year with a new name and the seeds for a new economy in Texas.Enjoy locally brewed beer from Black Star Co-op, delicious vegan donuts fromRed Rabbit Cooperative Bakery, and music by DJ T-Kay of KOOP’s Hip Hop Hooray.

For more information, contact info@thirdcoastworkers.coop or visit http://thirdcoastworkers.coop/.

Admission is free; donations are welcome.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Thursday, January 26, 7-9 pm

Dana Cloud on “We Are the Union: Democratic Unionism andDissent at Boeing”

University of Texas professor Dana Cloud’s http://uts.cc.utexas.edu/~dcloud/new book analyzes the opportunities and forces at play in modern unions. “WeAre the Union” http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/75sbt5ng9780252036378.htmlexplains how workers at Boeing plants in Wichita and Seattle attempted to takecommand of their futures by chipping away at the cozy partnership between unionleadership and corporate management. Focusing on the 1995 strike, Clouddescribes the battles between the company and the union, and the struggleswithin the union led by Unionists for Democratic Change and two other dissidentgroups. Cloud calls for a revival of militant unionism as a response to unionleaders’ embracing of management and training programs that put workers in thesame camp as management.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Friday, January 27, 7 pm

Screening of the documentary “Hidden Battles”

“Hidden Battles” is a dramatic and deeply personal filmabout the psychological impact of killing on the lives of five soldiers, whoreveal intimate memories about the central act of war, the killing of anotherhuman being. “Hidden Battles” examines the strength and struggles of men andwomen who kill and how they create a life for themselves after war.

Following the film, volunteers with Under the Hood Cafe& Outreach Center http://www.underthehoodcafe.org/will talk about their efforts to support Operation Recovery, the Iraq Veteransagainst the War outreach program that supports traumatized soldiers http://ivaw.org/operation-recovery. 

The $10 suggested donation at the door will support the workof Under the Hood. 

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Thursday, February 16, 7:30 pm

Dancing Away Detention: Benefit Show for the HuttoVisitation Program

An evening of live music with the South East Players, Kiko yla Banda featuring Susan Torres, and DJ Chorizo Funk will benefit the HuttoVisitation Program. The event will also include free appetizers, a silentauction, and remarks by members of the program.

The T. Don Hutto detention facility was used as a familydetention center until the families were released in 2009. Now this for-profitprivate prison is filled with immigrant women, most of whom are seeking asylum.

The Hutto Visitation Program is a way to show friendship andsolidarity with the women detained there, monitor conditions at Hutto, andcontest a detention system that labels humans as “illegal.” In the past year,volunteers have completed close to 50 visits with over 25 women and raised awarenessabout Hutto and immigration detention.

Doors open at 7:30 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. Ticketsare $8 in advance (available at MonkeyWrench Books, 110 E. North Loop) and $10at the door

Location: El Sol y la Luna, 600 E. 6th Street, Austin

Sunday, February 19, 5-7 pm

Critical Conversations: H.W. Brands kicks off 5604 Manorseries at Black Star Co-op

“Critical Conversations” is a new series of discussions withsome of Austin’s most provocative thinkers. Sponsored by the progressivecommunity center 5604 Manor and held at Austin’s cooperativelyowned-and-operated brewpub Black Star Co-op, the series offers an opportunityfor interaction in a comfortable setting with great food and beverages.

Kicking off the series is University of Texas historyprofessor H.W. Brands, http://www.hwbrands.com/the author of 26 books that have brought American history alive for countlessreaders. Twice a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, Brands’ work has coveredforeign and domestic policy, political and business leaders, and the importanttrends in American history. His most recent book, Greenback Planet: How theDollar Conquered the World and Threatened Civilization as We Know It,charts the dollar’s rise to become the world’s principal currency and concludeswith a sobering dissection of the 2008 world financial debacle.

The Workers Defense Project, Third Coast Activist ResourceCenter, and Cooperation Texas came together in 2009 to purchase and renovatethe building at 5604 Manor Road http://www.5604manor.org/for office, meeting, and event space for the progressive community in Austin.

Black Star Co-op’s mission is to foster an environment inwhich member-owners can realize the principles of co-operative ownership,worker self-management, education and community action through the responsibleenjoyment great beer and food.

For more information, contact Robert Jensen at (512)471-1990 or rjensen@uts.cc.utexas.edu.

Location: Black Star Co-op, 7020 Easy Wind Drive,Austin, 78752, http://www.blackstar.coop/

Saturday, February 25, 7 pm

Howard Zinn’s “Marx in Soho” on stage

Renowned radical historian Howard Zinn wrote the play “Marxin Soho” to introduce people to Karl Marx’s life, analysis of society, andpassion for radical change. On stage, Marx launches into a passionate, funny,and moving defense of his political ideas, using current events to show how hisideas still resonate. “Why are you building more and more prisons,” he asks.“Yes, capitalism has triumphed. But over whom?”

Zinn’s dialogue, which doesn’t preach but rather is full ofmischievous humor, is brought to life by veteran actor Bob Weick, http://www.ironagetheatre.org/marx.html.In seven years of touring “Marx in Soho,” Weick has staged 200 productionsaround the country. For a clip of Weick’s captivating performance, go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkORiPUiSas.

The performance is sponsored by Third Coast ActivistResource Center. For more information, contact Robert Jensen, rjensen@uts.cc.utexas.edu.Admission is free, with a $10 suggested donation; no one turned away for lackof funds.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Monday, March 5, 7 pm

Raymond Bonner on “Anatomy of Injustice: A Murder CaseGone Wrong”

Raymond Bonner shines a light on the shortcomings of thejustice system in his new book on a mishandled murder case in South Carolinathat left an innocent man facing execution. In his talk about his book, theformer New York Times reporter will provide an account of theprosecutorial misconduct, inept defense lawyers, and injustice in Edward LeeElmore’s case. Anatomy of Injustice illustrates the widely acknowledgedinequality and moral failings of the death penalty, while illuminating the lessunderstood details of a criminal justice system deeply compromised by race andclass.

Bonner is one of two journalists who broke the story of themassacre of 900 villagers at El Mozote by the Salvadoran army in 1981. Bonner’sreporting was attacked by the Reagan administration, which was backing therepressive Salvadoran government. Under pressure, the New York Timesmoved Bonner to the business desk and Bonner resigned soon after. He eventuallyreturned to the Times staff and also has been a staff writer at The NewYorker. Bonner is also the author of Weakness and Deceit: U.S. Policyand El Salvador and Waltzing with a Dictator: The Marcoses and theMaking of American Policy.

The event is sponsored by the Third Coast Activist ResourceCenter to benefit 5604 Manor http://www.5604manor.org/.The suggested donation is $5; no one turned away for lack of funds.

For more information, contact Robert Jensen, rjensen@uts.cc.utexas.edu.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Monday, March 19, 7 pm

Seymour Hersh on “U.S. Policy and the Crises in theMiddle East”

Journalist Seymour Hersh will offer reflections on themultiple crises in the Middle East and the role of the United States in theregion. In an onstage conversation with University of Texas journalismprofessor Robert Jensen, Hersh will talk about his most recent reporting onIraq, Iran, and Israel, as well as discussing career as an investigativereporter. 

Since winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1970 for his reportingon the My Lai massacre in Vietnam, Hersh has been one of the America’s mostrelentless critics of abuses of power. His 1983 book The Price of Power remainsthe most incisive study of the former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger andthe consequences of his failed policies. As a reporter for The New Yorker,Hersh has over the past decade broken a series of important stories about U.S.abuses in Iraq, including the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. His most recentreporting has focused on the dangers posed by U.S. policy toward Iran.

In recent years, Hersh has been a frequent guest onDemocracy Now! http://www.democracynow.org/2011/11/21/seymour_hersh_propaganda_used_ahead_ofHis reporting regularly rankles the powerful; Richard Perle, a lobbyist andpolicy adviser to politicians, has called Hersh “the closest thing American journalismhas to a terrorist.”

Hersh will be in Austin as a guest of the University ofTexas’ Humanities Institute. http://www.utexas.edu/cola/insts/humanitiesinstitute/

This event is sponsored by the Third Coast Activist ResourceCenter to benefit 5604 Manor http://www.5604manor.org/.Seating is limited on a first-come, first-seated basis.

For more information, contact Robert Jensen, rjensen@uts.cc.utexas.edu.

Location: 5604 Manor, 5604 Manor Road, Austin, 78723- 5604manor.org

Unless otherwise noted, eventsare free and open to the public. Please forward where appropriate.

The Third Coast ActivistResource Center is a founding partner in the progressive community center 5604Manor - 5604manor.org - whichis launching a Capital Campaign to renovate the building and retire thedebt. To contribute, please go to https://www.chi-cash-advance.com/sforms/appeal1245/Contribute.aspxand make sure to note that the donation is for the Capital Campaign.

In Solidarity,
Third Coast Activist Resource Center

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To subscribe or unsubscribe, send an email message to pat@thirdcoastactivist.org

Catalyst for Fun Newsletter: **I inviteyou to also visit my website www.catalystforfun.com tosubscribe to this newsletter and/or to access lots of fun, community, andpersonal development resources. ** You can Friend me on Facebook or Linked Inif ya like under "Amanda Winters in Austin" :)


1) Four Upcoming Meetings to Study ByronKatie’s The Work with Amanda 1/18 and 1/19                                                                                      
2) Krishna Das Fri and Sat 1/20 and 1/21 (I amtold his soulful kirtan singing isamazing!!)                                                                                    
3) Adyashanti returns to Austin this Thurs andFri, 1/20 & /21--He is one of my favorite spiritual teachers! He is a hip,40ish, funny, clear and easy to read American philosophicalteacher.                                           
4) Awakening the Dreamer/Changing the DreamRetreat 2/10-12: Deadline to Register this Fri==1/20 (cheap retreat-wonderfulpeople)
5) Marci Shimoff Sat, 2/11 and Don Miguel Ruizon March 10th                                                                                                   
6) 19thAnnual FronteraFest Theater Festival                                                                                                              
7) Carnival Braseleiro/Major Bash on 2/4 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

**The Thought that Counts Quotes
 
 
"Every day, think as you wake up, today Iam fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I amnot going to waste it, I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, toexpand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of allbeings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to getangry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as Ican."
 
“As human beings we all want to be happy andfree from misery..we have learned that the key to happiness is inner peace. Thegreatest obstacles to inner peace are disturbing emotions such as anger,attachment, fear and suspicion, while love and compassion and a sense ofuniversal responsibility are the sources of peace and happiness.”
                       *Quotes from the Dalai Lama
 
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
1) Three Upcoming Meetings to Study ByronKatie’s The Work led by Amanda 1/18 and 1/19

a)  Byron Katie’s ‘The Work’ andRelationship Issues
Thursday 1/19 , 7:00 to 8:30 PM
A suggested donation of $5 to cover room rental

Location: Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700Grover, Austin, TX in Room 13 Please see this link fordirections to the UU: http://austinuu.org/wp2011/about-us/location/

We will watch an wonderful video of Katiehelping a woman to question the thoughts of resistance and suffering involvingher current relationship. We will then spend a majority of the time practicingthe 4 questions of The Work and having discussion.
Our meetings are led by AmandaWinters, LCSW.*For More about Amanda, see http://www.catalystforfun.com/about-amanda.htmlAmandaalso offers a Catalyst for Fun Newsletterand Website,listing personal development, fun and community events you areinvited to access.

 Suggested to bring to meetings: Bringa list of your stress-producing thoughts to the meeting, come unprepared, orMOST recommended brainstorm about your troubling thought with this worksheet :http://www.thework.com/thework-jyn.php  Here is a video about how to fill outthe worksheet as well: http://www.thework.com/thework-jyn.php*
*****************
b) Practicing The Work Method: You are invitedto our Inquiry Circles, 1/18 and 1/19
Inquiry Circles are a place tomeet and practice the mind-blowing, practical andfreedom producing 4 questions of Byron Katie's'The Work'. These'Inquiry Circles' will be led by AmandaWinters, LCSW.


*Upcoming Inquiry Circle Dates:

Wed: Jan 18, at 11:45am at Central MarketWestgate and at 7pm at Central Market, North Lamar
 
Thurs: Jan 19 at Central Market Westgate at12pm
   *Where to find us: Go to the Central Market Café andlook for Amanda and a colored sign saying ‘Austin Presence Group/Byron KatieMeetup’


**For more information about The Work , seethis Summary of Byron Katie's 4 Question Method andResourcesor Byron Katie’s website  for many videos, books, etc.                                                                  
 To receive a Free Intro to The Work of Byron Katie, or to booka private counseling or session of The Work,  contact AmandaWinters,  LCSW, and Facilitator of 'The Work' email: amandawinters@gmail.com orcall 512-423-6529  
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
2) Krishna Das Fri and Sat 1/20 and 1/21(friends always tell me he is amazing!! See his site below for more!)
 
Friday January 20
7pm     Central Presbyterian Church
200 East 8th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
 
The Way of the Heart Kirtan with Krishna Das
 
Ticket Price:
$30 in advance + $1.50 ticketing fee per ticket, $35 cash only at the door (ifavailable)
 
For tickets -
 
Online tickets - Advance tickets are available here via Paypal (click on thelink below) until 5pm EST on 1/19/2011.
 
You will receive an email confirmation from Paypal which you should printoutand bring with you to the venue. NO paper tickets will be mailed.
 
Please arrive early at the venue to check your name on the Will Call list.
 
Note that tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE.
 
 
For information-
Telephone: Becky Jordan at 512-663-4278, Amparo Garcia-Crow at 512-441-6085
Email: heartofyoga@hotmail.com; Inspiritstudios@gmail.com
Website: www.heartoftexasyoga.com;www.amparogarciacrow.com
 
 
*for more about Krishna Das, see http://www.krishnadas.com/tour_schedule.cfm
 
 
******
 
b) Saturday January 21
 
2-5pm Central Presbyterian Church
 
200 East 8th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
 
The Way of the Heart Workshop with Krishna Das
 
Ticket Price:
$45 in advance + $2 ticketing fee per ticket, $50 cash only at the door (ifavailable)
 
For tickets -Online tickets - Advance tickets are available here via Paypal(click on the link below) until 5pm EST on 1/19/2011.
 
You will receive an email confirmation from Paypal which you should printoutand bring with you to the venue. NO paper tickets will be mailed.
 
Please arrive early at the venue to check your name on the Will Call list.
 
Note that tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE.
 
_{+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++}
3) Adyashanti returns to Austin this Thursand Fri, 1/20 & /21--He is one of my favorite spiritual teachers! He is ahip, 40ish, funny, clear and easy to read American philosophical teacher.

Adyashanti, is a hip,40ish, funny, clear and easy to read American philosophical teacher. There arelots of of you-tube videos out you can search for by his name,and freedownloads on his website. I am crazy about his new book, "Falling intoGrace", one of the best I have ever read. I also benefited greatlyfrom his cd set, "Facing the Illusion of Fear" . Thosematerials, and many others can be found for sale in his bookstore.His work has clarified for me that we need not 'dig in the wrong dirt pile fordiamonds'”/ie: peace in our lives... because the peace that we seek, we alreadypossess. To view examples of his teachings, see:  http://www.adyashanti.org/index.php?file=teachings
For his free downloads, and/or to find our more about his internet radio show,etc…see http://www.adyashanti.org/cafedharma/index.php?file=audio
To register and get more info, see http://www.adyashanti.org/index.php?file=travelsdetails&location=Austin,%20TX&dates=January%2020%20-%2021&year=2012

*************

2 Austin Events Details:
a) Austin Satsang (Talk/Discussion)

Friday, January 20, 2012
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Austin, TX
At-the-door registration only
Cost: $20 at the door on January 20

Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
Map
Registration and Information
·         There is no preregistration for thisevent. Register at the event -- cash or checks only.
·         Doors open at 6:30 pm.
·         For local information or tovolunteer, contact Willow at willowdea@gmail.com
or 512-694-6911
************************
b) Austin Intensive
Date: Saturday January 21, 2012
Time: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Cost: $90 registered online by January 13
(Preregistration closes January 13)
$100 at the door on January 21
(space permitting, cash or checks only)

Scholarships
CancellationPolicy
Location

Unity Church of the Hills
9905 Anderson Mill Road
Austin, TX 78750
Directions: Map


Schedule & Information

Please arrive on time.
January 21

11:00 Registration


11:30 Doors Open


Noon Doors Close for Meditation

6:00 Intensive Ends
·         Registration: Onlinepreregistration is $90. You may also register at the event for $100 cash or checks only, spacepermitting. Onsite registration starts at 11am.
·         Scholarships: Limited scholarshipsare available; apply by December 16.
·         For local information or tovolunteer, contact Willow at willowdea@gmail.com
or 512-694-6911
 
 
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fee is $25 prior to the first day of the intensive. No refunds forcancellations on or after the first day of the event.
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

4) Awakening the Dreamer/Changing the DreamRetreat2/10-12: Deadline to Register this Fri==1/20 (cheap retreat-wonderful people)
 
The Pachamama Alliance invitesyou to join us for a retreat weekend February 10-12 in Marble Falls, TX.  
 
Deadline for registration is Fri, 1/20/12
 
You have a role to play in creating the paradigm shift that needs to happen inhuman consciousness in order to live in a world that works for everyone on theplanet.  We are offering some new tools.  This gathering will be heldat Retreat of Balcones Springs, starting at 6:30 pm Friday evening and endingat 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon.  The cost is $220 for 2 nights in a cabin forfour with 5 meals included.  Upgrades to cabins for single or double arepossible.  To register go to www.awakeningthedreamer.organd find symposium (TX RollOut) on this date.  For further informationcontact Kathryn King at kking003@austin.rr.com orcall 512-356-9243.  
 
A training for Awakening the Dreamer symposium facilitators will be scheduledin April.  The Being of Pachamama needs many more partners willing to takedirect action in spreading this mission:  to create an environmentallysustainable, socially just, and spiritually fulfilling human presence on theplanet as the guiding principle of our times.  ATD facilitators areleading the way around the globe.  Please let us know if you areinterested by contacting:
            Dallas/Ft.Worth:  Adele Good at adel@adelegood.com 
            Houston: Donna Mosher at donnamosher@me.com
            Austin: Kathryn King at kking003@austin.rr.com
 
(Friends, I was told that this is an event open to all. You are invited tobrainstorm with their group about action steps for creating a more consciousand ecologically sustainable society) –very cheap too!! Amanda )
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
5) Insight Events hosts Marci Shimoff 2/11/ andDon Miguel Ruiz, 3/10
 
 
Time: 10:00-4:30pm with a 1 ½ hour lunch break followed by book signing.
 
 Join Marci for an intimate gathering at Unity of the Hills Church inAustin, Texas.
Location: 9905 Anderson Mill Road  Austin, TX 78750-2229
(512) 335-4449 www.unityhills.org 
Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=9905+Anderson+Mill+Rd&city=Austin&state=TX&zipcode=78750
 
Marci Shimoff is a #1 NY Timesbestselling author, a celebrated transformational leader, and one of thenation's leading experts on happiness, success, and unconditional love.
 
In this full day workshop, Marci combines the best teachings of bothbooks. 
 
For more about Marci, see http://www.happyfornoreason.com/Home.asp
 
This powerful workshop will teach you how to:

• Enjoy more fulfilling relationships with others AND yourself
• Turn off your body’s stress response and turn on your body’s love responsefor better health and well-being
• Experience more success and satisfaction
• Help your family, community, and the world

There’s no greater need in our world and in our personal lives today than forpure unconditional LOVE. Marci offers a
breakthrough approach to being happy, one that doesn't depend on achievements,goals, money, relationships, or anything else
"out there."
 
Marci is the author of the runaway bestsellers Love for No Reason and
Happy for No Reason, which offer revolutionary approaches to experiencing deepand lasting love and happiness. These
books soared to the top of many national bestseller lists including The NewYork Times, Amazon, and the Wall Street
Journal and have been translated into 31 languages.

Marci is also the woman's face of the biggest self-help book phenomenon inhistory, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her six
bestselling titles in the series, including Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Souland Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul, have
met with stunning success. Combined, all of her books have sold more than 14million copies worldwide and have been on the
New York Times bestseller list for a total of 118 weeks. Marci is one of thebestselling female nonfiction authors of all time. In
addition, she’s the host of the national PBS television show called Happy forNo Reason and she’s a featured teacher in the
international film and book sensation, The Secret.

Through her books and her presentations, Marci's message has touched the heartsand rekindled the spirits of millions of
people throughout the world. She is dedicated to fulfilling her life’s purposeof helping people live more empowered and joy-
filled lives.
 
 
*****************************************
b) Don Miguel Ruiz, 3/10 at Unity Church of TheHills, 7-9pm

 
For both events, register online at www.insighteventsusa.comor call 210-316-1818.
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
6) 19th Annual FronteraFest Theater

Jan 19 2012 - 8:00-10:00pm
Location

Hyde Park Theatre
511 W. 43rd Street, Austin, TX, 78751

Cost: http://www.hydeparktheatre.org
$14.00 + See website

19th Annual FronteraFest Theater features a month-long performance festivalthat showcases over 100 performances through three separate components. Enjoyfive weeks of alternative, offbeat, new, and just plain off-the-wall fringetheatre.
The Short Fringe runs the entirety of the Festival at Hyde Park Theatre andfeatures pieces that run 25 minutes or less. Each Saturday show showcases ˜Bestof the Week pieces (the highest ranked performances as voted upon by weeklyjudging panels). The final week is reserved for ‘Best of the Fest, which arepieces selected from the four ˜Best of the Week pieces, in addition to aspecial Wild Card night with pieces selected by FronteraFest staff
The Long Fringe features pieces up to 90 minutes in length and runs fromJanuary 24th through February 5th. Long Fringe shows are held at the BlueTheatre (916 Springdale Rd.) and Salvage Vanguard Theatre (2803 Manor Rd.)
The final and most unique component, 'Mi Casa es Su Teatro' consists ofperformances hosted at private homes on one day only, February 11th from 11:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m. A full list of venues along with schedules can be found onthe Hyde Park Theatre website.
FronteraFest is produced in collaboration with ScriptWorks, a group dedicatedto supporting emerging playwrights and developing new dramatic works. Tuesday,January 17 and runs through Saturday, February 18 on TUESDAYS - SATURDAYS (seewebsite for full schedule & venues).
Contact  Ken Webster
EmailContact Form
(512) 479-PLAY
 
*thanks to Hollys Hot Happenings for this! Go to     www.hollyshothappenings.comto sign up for more cool events from her!
 
 to see more about this and other events or to sign up for her newsletter!
 
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7) Carnival busts up on Austin onceagain===doors at 8pm, party starts at 9pm
 
 –for their $38 tickets, see
 
http://www.etix.com/ticket/online/venueSearch.jsp?venue_id=7611 or go to Costume World, Waterloo Records or Lucy in Disguise to buy them at anoutlet.
 
For more info, see  http://www.sambaparty.com/
 
*tip: 2 great places to get costumes: Lucy in Disguisewww.lucyindisguise.com/ (on Congress just Southof the Continental Club) or  the www.thebazaaraustin.com/(just east of I-35 on Riverside) ==look at the pics on the site to get ideas ofwhat to wear==even though people typically dress in Brazillian attire, Isometimes go dressed as a redneck (such a stretch-HA) or something off-themejust to be a jackass and make people laugh. Proving once again that I will wearanything to meet 3 extra people! Jim O’Brien, my bud, has worn a cheap jumpsuitover his costume and tosses it under the bleachers til he’s ready to leaveagain—a stroke of genius as usual from him! They do have a coat check though…

Catalystfor Fun Newsletter: **I invite you to also visit my website www.catalystforfun.com to subscribe tothis newsletter and/or to access lots of fun, community, and personaldevelopment resources. ** You can Friend me on Facebook or Linked In if ya likeunder "Amanda Winters in Austin" :)

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1) Awakening into the New Year:Ending Needless Suffering Using 'The Work' of Byron Katie.”  Led by (me!) Amanda Winters, LCSW

2) HolisticChamber of Commerce Meeting, Wed, 1/11 

3) Wonderful Satsang Teacher, Jeannie comes to AustinThurs, 1/12/12  

4) 4th Annual Sweet Home PeaceThrough Pie Social, Sat, 1/13 2pm

5) John Rath’s awesome, blowout Bday Party, Sat, 1/13

**Upcoming Events toMark Your Calendars for:

6) Symphony Awakening, a multi-media Concert Performance, Sun,

     Jan 15th, Plus Green Expo benefiting localnon-profits! Looks  

     awesome-almost sold out….at the groovy OneWorld Theater

7)Adyashanti –one of my favorite spiritual teachers, 1/20 & 1/21/2012 ….Don’tmiss this opportunity to meet this amazing and internationally

         recognized teacher!

8)  Marci Shimoff Full-Day Workshop, Sat, 2/11/12

9) Old  Settlers  Music Festival Early Bird Ticket Deadline isSunday, January 15^th—(*always a favorite event of mine! Veryexpensive if you don’t get your tickets early..amanda)

10) Human Potential Center FutureEvents and Newsletter

                        *The Austin PresenceGroup, studying Byron Katie’s ‘The Work’

                         meets every Thursdayat the UU on Grover..details below

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*TheThought That Quotes:

 “I loveevery thought I think, I’m just not tempted to believe them” 

“My favorite part of history is, it’s over” 

“I only want, what is”

“What other people think of me is none of mybusiness”

            *Quotes from Byron Katie: www.thework.com

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1) “Awakening into the New Year: EndingNeedless Suffering Using 'The Work' of Byron Katie.”  With Amanda Winters, LCSW: Video and PracticeSession

        (Friends, I invite you to join us toexplore this powerful tool to improve one’s clarity and de-fuse one’s troublingemotions)

Where: Casa De Luz (Celio Room South)

1701 Toomey Rd, Austin, TX

Time:  7:00-9:00 pm

Please join us for a viewing ofpart of Byron Katie’s Jan, 2011Austin Workshop.  Participantswill have an opportunity to practice the elucidating questions known as ‘TheWork.’ , as well as discuss and practice the method designed to end endlessmental suffering. ‘The Work’  allows usto trace unhappiness to its source (our thoughts), and eliminate it there.Katie (as everyone calls her) shows us that all the problems in the worldoriginate in our thinking. She also gives us the tools to open our minds andset ourselves free. 

For more information about ouremail updates, the meetings, and Byron Katie, see our website: http://www.meetup.com/AustinPresence 

  The meeting will be led by Amanda Winters, LCSW, Facilitator of ‘TheWork’.  For more on Amanda, see: http://www.catalystforfun.com/about-amanda.html

            *Amandaoffers free intro sessions and group trainings about ‘The Work’ as well. 

There is a $5 dollar suggesteddonation to help pay for our meeting room.

To share the event on Facebook, seehttp://www.facebook.com/events/185234448238408/

 You may also see a list of HighlightedResources, including videos, a description of the work and more from ByronKatie at https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZsdHHkdqsOLZGZqM3o1anhfOTJ0c3c1cDJmdw&hl=en

***The Four Questions of the Work are:

Is it true?

Can you absolutely know that it'strue?

How do you react, what happens,when you believe that thought?

Who would you be without thethought?

*After you have investigated yourstatement using the four questions above, you’re ready to turn around theconcept you’re questioning.

Each turnaround is an opportunityto experience the opposite of what you originally believed.

* To watch Katie do the work, andsee  highlighted resources, videos,quotes and more see:  https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZsdHHkdqsOLZGZqM3o1anhfOTJ0c3c1cDJmdw&hl=en

  *Also, you may visit Katie's website at www.thework.com

*Future Meetings: Please note: *Forthe rest of January, meetings of the Austin Presence Group will meet at FirstUnitarian Universalist Church of Austin, 4700 Grover Ave, on Thursdays, in Room13 at 7:00 p.m. At those meetings, we will continue our exploration of Katie’swisdom teachings, including those on Health and Sickness; Love andRelationships; Dealing Skillfully with Criticism; Giving an Honest No toOthers; Releasing Our Need to Get Love, Approval and Appreciation from Others;and Experiencing the Completeness of Self-Realization. Sign up on our MeetupSite, linked above, for updates on the group’s activities.

For more info on Byron Katie, seeher website, www.thework.com

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3) Wonderful Satsang Teacher, Jeannie comes to AustinThurs, 1/12/12

For more info, see http://www.jeanniezandi.com/resources/20120112+Austin.jpg

For more info about Jeannie’s teachings, see http://www.jeanniezandi.com/3.html

Meetings include silent meditation,guided meditation, a short talk
   and exchange with those attending. Jeannie talksspontaneously from the Heart,
   invoking a field of presence and love.  Participants areinvited to notice and
   explore that which is evoked, joining together in a communionof Spirit, to bring
   forth that which wants to flow through each.

*A quote From Jeannie:

"Find the voice oflove, 
    the voice of full heart,
   the voice of openness,
   softness and
   incredible vulnerability
   that lives in you
   that perhaps you are not
   sure the world can take
   because it is so beautiful,
  
   and let the world hear
   that voice --
  
   even if it's one word
   that you utter."

· 

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8)  Marci Shimoff Full-Day Workshop, Sat, 2/11/12

Time: 10:00-4:30pm with a 1 ½ hour lunch break followedby book signing.

 Join Marci for anintimate gathering at Unity of the Hills Church in Austin, Texas.

Location: 9905 Anderson MillRoad  Austin, TX 78750-2229
(512) 335-4449 www.unityhills.org 

Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=9905+Anderson+Mill+Rd&city=Austin&state=TX&zipcode=78750

Marci Shimoff is a #1NY Times bestselling author, a celebrated transformational leader, and one ofthe nation's leading experts on happiness, success, and unconditional love.

In this full day workshop, Marci combines the bestteachings of both books.  

For more about Marci, see http://www.happyfornoreason.com/Home.asp

This powerful workshop will teach you how to:

• Enjoy more fulfilling relationships with others AND yourself
• Turn off your body’s stress response and turn on your body’slove response for better health and well-being
• Experience more success and satisfaction
• Help your family, community, and the world

There’s no greater need in our world and in our personal livestoday than for pure unconditional LOVE. Marci offers a
breakthrough approach to being happy, one that doesn't dependon achievements, goals, money, relationships, or anything else
"out there."

Marci is the author of the runaway bestsellers Love forNo Reason and
Happy for No Reason, which offer revolutionary approaches toexperiencing deep and lasting love and happiness. These
books soared to the top of many national bestseller listsincluding The New York Times, Amazon, and the Wall Street
Journal and have been translated into 31 languages.

Marci is also the woman's face of the biggest self-help bookphenomenon in history, Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her six
bestselling titles in the series, including Chicken Soup forthe Woman’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul, have
met with stunning success. Combined, all of her books havesold more than 14 million copies worldwide and have been on the
New York Times bestseller list for a total of 118 weeks. Marciis one of the bestselling female nonfiction authors of all time. In
addition, she’s the host of the national PBS television showcalled Happy for No Reason and she’s a featured teacher in the
international film and book sensation, The Secret.

Through her books and her presentations, Marci's message hastouched the hearts and rekindled the spirits of millions of
people throughout the world. She is dedicated to fulfillingher life’s purpose of helping people live more empowered and joy-
filled lives.

Register online at www.insighteventsusa.com or call210-316-1818.

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9)Old Settlers Music Festival Early Bird Ticket Deadline is Sunday, January 15^th—(*always a favorite event of mine! Very expensiveif you don’t get your tickets early..amanda)

Human Potential Center Future Events and Newsletter

Buy your ticketsbefore January 15th and you can save about 25% over prices at thegate. 

Mark your calendars: FestivalDates are Thurs-Sun,

April 19-22, 2012

Join usfor the 25th Annual Old Settler's Music Festival-- one of the best gatherings on the planet.  You'll hear great music --from bluegrass to blues to Americana.  Old Settler's has become synonymouswith an eclectic batch of national, regional, local and new performers.  Camping andjamming, performance workshops, youth competition, kids' activities, and muchmore all surrounded by beautiful Onion Creek. Go to our ticketing page to get your tickets now.  www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org

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10) HumanPotential Center Future Events and Newsletter: see: http://www.HumanPotentialCenter.org/Calendars/January12Calendar.html

Here is more detailed information about Bill to share with you....

Bill Morgan (Libre) was diagnosed with stage 4 (metastisized) colon cancer just before Xmas and had surgery to remove the blockage.  He is currently in rehab for about a week and will be further recovering in his dear friend Marjie's home.  He will begin the chemotherapy process in about 4 weeks, then the process of recuperation and into full remission!!!  He is doing better than usual at this point, and we are all  greatly encouraged.

Please send healing, loving and supportive thoughts and energy to him (and to her) to fuel the healing process.  Cards (always appreciated) can be sent to him at 12808 Poquoson Dr, Austin, 78727.

Come on over to Galaxy to Celebrate! Friday 7:30-Midnight

Transform Yourself for a Positive 2012!!

Anna's putting together 3 hours of transformational world music, Laura Rose has assembled magical costume elements & play goodies and ordered quiches & salad makings.  Input for opening invocation from Oskar Madera and Laura Waldman---& more, more, more!!!

Catalystfor Fun Newsletter: **Iinvite you to also visit my website www.catalystforfun.comto subscribe to this newsletter and/or to access lots of fun, community, andpersonal development resources. ** You can Friend me on Facebook or Linked Inif ya like under "Amanda Winters in Austin" :)

SaveOur Springs XMAS party blowout, Tonite, Fri, 12/9

 10th AnnualCherrywood Art Fair Fundraiser

Nectar Boutique's Winter Festival, Sat, 12/10

Nobelity Project's "Building Hope" Book ReleaseBash, 12/11

How to Help the Cash Strapped Food Banks this busy HolidaySeason:

Online xmas shoppers: an awesome wayto give to charity, while buying from major retailers

!!! Other Upcoming Events Calendarsyou can subscribe to or ck out:

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**The Thought That Counts Quote:

On Giving to Give, Not to Get: (by From one of my favorite peace authors, RabbiMichael Lerner)

"Generosity to others means giving for the sake of giving withoutexpectation of a "return on the investment," without feeling hurt orangry if we do not get back from them in equal measure. Giving to give quicklybecomes its own reward. The inner pleasure of giving can be one of life's greatjoys. Model the kind of love you want to receive and you will receive that kindof love in return. Be the goodness that you wish for in the world. If you giveto get, you will likely distort the quality of your giving, and the gift willfeel more like a demand to those who receive it.
Even prayer can be like that: not a statement of awe and wonder andcelebration, but a demand on God to deliver something. If you are calculatingand controlling, if you make a move for some personal advancement, people knowit, the universe can feel it, and you end up being disappointed by theirresponse and by yourself.

Giving to give is the key: give without hope of reward and without anticipationof gratitude. Imagine that people around you are in so much pain that they arenot going to be able to really appreciate your goodness, and so distorted thatno good deed will go unpunished. Nevertheless, in the midst of that world, seeyour task as lighting a beacon of hope by being the one person who is givinggoodness without expectation of real appreciation, and knowing that others whofeel unable to be equally giving may even be somewhat resentful. Start withthis simple exercise: Every day, find some way to be giving or loving or to dosome act of kindness and generosity for someone you barely know, someone whohas not done something to "earn" this favor. Spontaneous acts ofgiving for the sake of giving are good places to start your spiritualpractice."

> >From the book IMAGINE- What America Could be in the 21st Century
for more info, see http://www.beyttikkun.org/article.php?story=what_we_think_spirituality(the article is called "Give to Give, not to get"

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Save Our Springs XMAS party blowout, Tonite, Fri, 12/9

==always a BLAST!! Bill Oliver's leads a great all star bandand there's a huge silent auction==AND..some of Austin's coolest progressivetypes...come party down for da cause! Friday December 9th
6PM to midnight
Mercury Hall, 615 Cardinal Ln. (off S. 1st)
$10 suggested donation to SOS at the door
see http://www.sosalliance.org/index.php for moreinfo...

For more info: see Save Our Springs Alliance www.sosalliance.org

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 10thAnnual Cherrywood Art Fair Fundraiser

I love this art fair==always funky and full or original artto benefit the artists and community!! amanda

Dec 10 2011 - 10:00am=- 5:00pm

Location

Directions: Maplewood Elementary School
3808 Maplewood Avenue, Austin TX 78722
Off of 38 1/2 Street (a few blocks East of IH-35.

Estimated Attendance:
Cost: http://www.cherrywoodartfair.org

10thAnnual Cherrywood Art Fair Fundraiser showcases original art from area artists,children's art activities, live music from amazing local bands, and deliciousfood from popular local food trucks. Shop from more than 100 jury-selectedartists offering a wide range of items for guys and gals; handmade jewelry,kids clothing, metal works, paintings, pottery, photography, soaps and muchmore. Saturday, December 10 & Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to5:00 p.m.

CherrywoodArt Fair raises funds for Chula League’s mission to enhance East Austin arteducation programs and neighborhood landscaping/public art projects, whilesupporting talented local artists and entrepreneurs. These funds supportprograms like Little Artist Big Artist, which connects East Austin Elementarystudents with professional local artists in an artist/student apprenticeship.Students develop critical life-long personal, creative and professional skills.Student Art is sold at Cherrywood Art Fair's Silent Auction. Proceeds benefitthe school’s Art and Gardening programs.

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NectarBoutique's Winter Festival, Sat, 12/10

*from Amanda: The sylish vintage and used clothing, sold forcharity, the conscious community, kids’ events and the music are some reasonsthis will be a great event!….plus, I love everything about the Amala Foundationdoes…they are all heart and loving connection! Come meet these beautiful peopleand hear about their global kids’ peace and consciousness camps andinternational outreach….

Time: 2:00pm= 8:00pm

Nectar Boutique's Winter Festival features one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures:
* Imports from India and Medjugorjia, fair trade chocolate, soy delitescandles, winter clothing and accessories, and books for children.
* Each child visiting Nectar will get a special goodie treat.
* All shoppers offered hot chocolate.
* Free gift wrapping for purchases over $30, plus a glass ornament.
* All purchases over $30 entered in drawing for $75 gift certificate.

WinterFestival
* Family and kid activities from 2:00pm-6:00pm.
* Community Lunch at 2:00pm- Pumpkin soup and salad and Maya Papaya's home maderaw chocolates for dessert
* Chair massage & henna tattoos
* Live music and bonfire in the evening - bring your instruments!

Directions: Amala Foundation
1006 S Eighth Street
512 476 8886
www.amalafoundation.org

Going Southbound on S. Lamar boulevard, take a left onTreadwell St. (right past Uchi) then take a right on S. 8th Street. You can'tmiss it!

http://track.namastelight.com/v/1/6343362e5218d4686930b118ceae0a6474def73601ff07...
http://www.facebook.com/events/256393614417841/

Allproceeds from Nectar Boutique are donated to Amala's youth programs, www.amalafoundation.org. Amala Foundationprovides opportunities for personal growth through humanitarian serviceprojects that benefit youth, including local, immigrant, refugee, andinternational children.

For more info: contact Jonathan and Kerry
Email Contact Form
512 476 8884

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*Thanks for www.hollyshothappenings.comfor some of these announcements==go to her site to sign up ==happy bday Holly!

Nobelity Project's "BuildingHope" Book Release Bash, 12/11

Dec 11 2011 - 6:00pm= 9:00pm

Phone: Mary Anne Connolly, M.A.Communications
Email Contact Form
512/338.1692 (w) or 512/587.7153 (c)

Directions: El Sol y La Luna
600 E. 6th Street
512-444-7770
http://www.elsolylalunaaustin.com
6th St. & Red River

Description

 http://nobelity.org/
http://www.facebook.com/events/193448934074433/
Indoors
200-500
Casual

Cost:  $40 in advance/$50 at thedoor/$100 includes party and book. Tickets available at nobelity.org andinclude food + drink. Books are $75.

NobelityProject's "Building Hope" Book Release Bash features food, drinks anda special concert by Carolyn Wonderland are all included in the price. AuthorTurk Pipkin will be signing books at the event. Online orders made by Dec. 18thwill be delivered by Dec. 23rd.

BUILDINGHOPE, Turk Pipkin’s inspiring film about Mahiga Hope High School in ruralKenya, is now available to the public in a limited edition, coffee-table bookand DVD package, just in time for the holidays. The book includes anintroduction by Texas news legend, Dan Rather, who calls Turk’s work . Goodjournalism wedded to good filmmaking.

Winner ofthe Lone Star Audience Award at the 2011 SXSW Film Festival, BUILDING HOPEchronicles The Nobelity Project’s partnership with a rural Kenyan communityto build the area’s first high school. The film depicts the connection betweena thousand people in the U.S. and an African community working to create abetter future for their children.

Alimited-edition DVD of the film is included in Turk’s new coffee-table bookthat tells the full story of Mahiga Hope High School and the amazing journey ofThe Nobelity Project. The book is filled with Pipkin’s beautiful color photosfrom Africa to India, and the Amazon to the Himalayas.

Allproceeds from the book/DVD go to support the school programs of The NobelityProject in the U.S. and Africa, including the Kenya

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Great Documentary that knocked me out! "Howard Zinn: You Can't Be Neutral on a MovingTrain"...A quote from Zinn: “TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not justfoolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history notonly of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What wechoose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our lives. If we seeonly the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember thosetimes and places—and there are so many—where people have behaved magnificently,this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending thisspinning top of a world in a different direction.And if we do act, in howeversmall a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future isan infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beingsshould live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelousvictory.” Available on Netflix and Amazon.com Here is his website=A historianwho changed history! For more info on Howard Zinn, see www.howardzinn.org

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Friends, our food banks are strapped this year!  Here’s how to Help the Hungry:

Here’s why it is much moreeffective and vital for us to give CASH==not cans, to our local food banks inthis tough economic year…..This astounding article points out that anastounding “48.8 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2010 —these are households that struggle to feed all members.”
* Please consider donating or asking your friends to give you the"alternative present"of a donating to an area food bank this year.*Please ‘like’ or spread this info on Fbook if it speaks to you) .

To find a local food bank (or to http://www.feedingamerica.org/to find one near you).
Austinites can donate to the Capital Area Food Bank at https://secure3.convio.net/cafbtx/site/Donation2?df_id=1240&1240.donation=form1


**From an article in the Los Angeles Times:


…What happens if a donor gives money — not food — to a charity serving thehungry. Three things can happen. First, instead of going to the store to buyfood, the charity takes the donated funds to its area's food bank. There, forevery dollar a donor would have spent to buy cans of food, the charity could drawabout $20 worth of food. That's because food banks serve as nonprofit,wholesale-like clearinghouses for the food industry's surplus food, chargingonly a nominal handling fee for food drawn by charity agencies. So a $10donation ends up leveraging as much as $200 worth of food for the charity todistribute.

Second, instead of packing the food into standardized boxes, the charity candisplay it in a store-like fashion and permit needy families to choose whatthey like. That practice, called "client choice," eliminates theproblem of needy families being given food they cannot use.

Finally, if donors claim a charitable-gifts tax deduction, the after-tax costto them in giving $10 could drop to as low as $7.50. Thus, by promoting funddrives instead of food drives, community members can drop the cost ofaddressing their area's hunger problem 25% simply by taking maximum advantageof available tax benefits.

The bottom line is that for the same amount of money spent on buying cans for afood drive, donors can feed 20 times more families by providing cash, not cans.

To read the full article, see: http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-arnold-canned-food-20111118,0,2767459.story

Another article addressing this topic: http://blog.impact.upenn.edu/2011/11/23/lets-can-the-canned-food-drive-questions-and-answers/

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Online xmas shoppers: an awesome wayto give to charity, while buying from major retailers

We can usethe www.iGive.comportal...also, www.heifer.org/gift and www.giftcatalog.area.organd www.worldwildlife.org/gifts are all charitablealternatives that are available... Happy giving!

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!!!Other Upcoming Events Calendars you can subscribe to or ck out:

**For thefullest list I have, see this document: https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AZsdHHkdqsOLZGZqM3o1anhfMTloaGs4dDZkcw&hl=en

*Forcommunity and activist events:

www.austinprogressivecalendar.com

http://www.thirdcoastactivist.org/events.html

 www.austineconetwork.comfor environmental events

**Forsocial and community events:

 www.do512.com

KUT’s(UT’s radio station’s) calendar of events: http://events.publicbroadcasting.net/kut/events.eventsmain

 www.hollyshothappenings.com