LATEST New Options Community Group Calendar ~~ June-September 2009
Since 1997 we have been exploring pros and cons of a wide variety of research findings, concepts, practices, and ideas . . . for more integrally conscious, healthful, wise, mutually empathetic living, aging, dying, and thereafter . . . as they newly emerge from scientific, humanistic, and spiritual communities worldwide. No topic is out of bounds.
June 3 - PEMA CHODRON & ALICE WALKER IN CONVERSATION on the meaning of suffering and the mystery of joy. This is the first-ever public dialogue in video between these two bestselling authors on such subjects as how to use your own suffering as the ground of compassion, and the cause of all aggression in the world.
June 10 - QUANTUM BIOLOGY. The link between quantum physics and biological processes may have been found. In a Discover magazine article, local writer Mark Anderson reports on new experiments that show photosynthesis follows a kind of “many worlds” process, and green tea may improve one’s health through the mysterious process of “quantum tunneling.” There are even intimations that consciousness and quantum mechanics are related. Anderson will be present to participate in our discussion.
June 17 - 10 IDEAS CHANGING THE WORLD RIGHT NOW. The global economy is being remade before our eyes. When the old answers don't fit the new questions, that's when ideas happen. They're happening now. We'll discuss a guide to the future of the economy, the environment, medicine and more as viewed by TIME investigative reporter Barbara Kiviat and implications for our IONS' and New Options Group's mission “To explore the frontiers of consciousness, natural science, and psychospirituality to advance individual, social, and global transformation toward an integrally conscious, healthful, empathetic, full-functioning state of well being.”.
June 24 - SWIMMING, CANOEING, ROW BOATING, KAYAKING AND POTLUCK PARTY. Come at 1:00 p.m. for water sports on beautiful Lake Wyola, site of Dick and Judy Stein's summer place. We'll eat our potluck meal about 3:00 p.m. The Stein's address is 44 N. Laurel Drive, Shutesbury, MA. Phone: 413-367-2252. In the event of rain on June 24 the party will be deferred to July 1 (assuming fair weather, of course).
July 29 - POTLUCK AT HOWARD APLEY'S. Come at 2:00 p.m. for kicking back, relaxing, and good conversation. We'll eat our potluck about 3:00. Howard's address is 470 Montague Road (watch for balloons on his roadside mailbox), Sunderland, MA. Should you want directions call Howard at 413-665-2995. In the event of rain on July 29 the potluck will deferred until August 5th.
September 2 - HOMEOPATHY. Dr. Amy Rothenberg, naturopathic physician, will speak to us about complementary/alternative medicine. Homeopathy in particular will be discussed with regard to both its philosophy and application.
September 9 - CONCERT IN MINIATURE by some New Options member musicians and perhaps a few special guests. Not a music appreciation type of academic lecture, it will be a set of informal comments by the musicians who will point out how much earlier musical forms have shaped our common listening experiences. Most of the music will be from between 1750 and 1950 plus a very few ancient melodies. Piano, some small percussion, voice and perhaps brass will be used. It will be about 20% commentary and 80% performance.
September 16 - CONNECTING GLOBAL WARMING AND 9/11. Jonathan Mark, publisher of Flyby News, an online news resource, will lead a discussion that will show a connection between global warming and the events of September 11, 2001. Expected this November 3rd, New York City will be voting for a new investigation. Mark is convinced that independent researchers found evidence proving controlled demolition were used to implode three World Trade Center buildings, which enabled the government and media to lead the US into two undeclared 'energy' wars.
September 23 - NEW EVIDENCE ON THE REALITY OF GLOBAL WARMING will be presented by our own Dick Stein. Suggested ways of dealing with it will be described and evaluated. A local effort using "biochar", proposed to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration while also aiding agriculture, will be described.
September 30 - THE PRICE OF TOMATOES. "If you have eaten a tomato recently it might well have been picked by a person who lives in virtual slavery," writes Barry Estabrook.in this article for Gourmet magazine, which advertises itself as "the magazine of good living."
Coordinated by Bob Johnston, all our meetings, unless otherwise designated, are on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Bangs Community Center, Room 101. Our discussions are limited to twenty people. Seating in the discussion circle is on a first come basis. Latecomers, if all seats are taken, may sit on the periphery and listen. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Bob at 665-8920, or you may Email him at: omnimind@admin.umass.edu
