“There is no silver bulleted to change the world,
but educating girls is like silver buck shot.”
– Nicholas D. Kristof, NY Times columnist
Fri 1 Feb 2013
Quote: No silver bullet
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Tue 13 Nov 2012
We came, we rode. Nuf said.
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Post ride elation!
Thu 1 Nov 2012
Hurricane Sandy Won’t Stop The KnoKs!
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Dearest KnoKs and friends,
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many of our far-flung KnoKs have wondered if Anna & I are okay. The answer to that is a resounding yes! We have been extremely fortunate to have not lost power, and to have had clean running water throughout this massive ordeal. Our building is only three blocks from the East River. The storm surge made it two blocks, and as such, we remained unscathed. Our hearts go out to the droves to whom Sandy has not been nearly as kind.
And of course, everybody wants to know if our KnoK events for this weekend are still taking place. The answer to is also YES! The indomitable Lama Tenzin arrives tomorrow from Baltimore. Crank Cycling Studio, where we are having the Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser on Sat, is just one block from the East River. However, they are cleaned up and ready to host this event. Although New Yorkers are basically without one of the main ingredients of our dynamic city – public transportation – for those who do make their way to Long Island City for the Spin-Trek, you can expect a heaping help of normalcy alongside side a generous platter of feelgood just for doing something nice for some kids you don’t even know. The devastation of Hurricane Sandy has certainly reminded me of the frailty of the human condition, and has replenished my resolve to make a difference while we can: While we are still here on this tiny blue marble.
Dinner on Sunday night is also ON! If you can’t make the Spin-Trek, we’d love to see you at our home for dinner. If you can make both, you and yours are more than welcome. And for those in need, in addition to Lama’s lovingly prepared hot Himalayan fare, we can offer a shower and a chance to re-charge your electronics.
We are all in this together: New York City, the Himalayas, Syracuse, New Jersey, Europe… ALL OF US. And we’d love to see your smiling face.
Much love,
Joseph & Anna
PS. The also indomitable Alauria Bryant, long-time Lama supporter, two time visitor of the orphanage in India and big-time spinning enthusiast is still coming from South Carolina to be with us this weekend. That’s what I’m talking about!
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Sat Nov 3rd, 2:30-5pm: Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser
Crank Cycling Studio, 4630 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY tel: 718.606.6309
Join Lama Tenzin as we ride a 90 min course on stationary bikes that simulates his trek into the Himalayas where he rescues at-risk children. The ride will be led by Crank Cycling Studio’s own Eniko Kiraly who is designing a custom “mountain ride” for us including appropriately themed, Tibetan and Indian inspired music. Maybe you already love to spin (I do!), maybe you’ve thought of trying it, or maybe you’d be willing to go outside your comfort zone for a great cause… And guess what? Lama has never done a spin session, but has promised to ride with us. Suggested donation is $50 to ride. Sponsors welcome, pledging encouraged.
Sun Nov 4th 6-9pm: Annual KnoK Fundraiser Dinner, Spaid home in L.I.C. (NYC)
1040 46th Rd #3D, Long Island City, NY tel: 718.729.1786
Lama Tenzin once again cooks up his Himalayan vegetarian specialties for KnoKs and their guests. The past summer, Lama travelled through India’s Ladakh and Kashmir regions with all of the CED kids – and long-time CED supporter Alauria Bryant along as well. This journey will be included in presentations by both Lama and Alauria. Ladakh and Kashmir are two of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. Wait ’til you see the photos and hear their stories!
Himalayankids.org
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Thu 27 Sep 2012
Lama Tenzin seems nervous, but is ready to ride!
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A short video teaser about the KnoK’s flagship fundraising event for 2012, the Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser:
Wed 26 Sep 2012
Three events for 2012
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2012 is BIG.
The KnoK’s biggest year ever.
By far.
This year, we’re having THREE events. In addition to Lama Tenzin’s annual NYC dinner, we’re having a fundraiser dinner in Syracuse, NY, and for something completely new, we’re holding the Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser (see below).
Also of note this year is that we will be joined in NYC by one of Lama Tenzin’s long time supporters Alauria Bryant who recently returned from her second trip to CED Orphanage in India. Alauria lives in Charleston, SC, and will be sharing some of her very beautiful photographs and stories with us. Coincidentally, Alauria in an avid spin cyclist and will be riding with us at the Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser.
Now, for our three events (not in chronological order)
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New York City
Sat Nov 3rd, 2:30-5pm: Himalayan Spin-Trek Fundraiser
Join Lama Tenzin as we ride a 90 min course on stationary bikes that simulates his trek into the Himalayas where he rescues at-risk children. The ride will be led by Crank Cycling Studio’s own Eniko Kiraly who is designing a custom “mountain ride” for us including appropriately themed, Tibetan and Indian inspired music. Maybe you already love to spin (I do!), maybe you’ve thought of trying it, or maybe you’d be willing to go outside your comfort zone for a great cause. All are welcome. And guess what? Lama has never done a spin session, but has promised to ride with us. Suggested donation is $50 to ride. Sponsors welcome, pledging encouraged.
Crank Cycling Studio, 4630 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY tel: 718.606.6309
___________________________________________
New York City
Sun Nov 4th 6-9pm: Annual KnoK Fundraiser Dinner, Spaid home in L.I.C.
Lama Tenzin once again cooks up his Himalayan vegetarian specialties for KnoKs and their guests. The past summer, Lama travelled through India’s Ladakh and Kashmir regions with all of the CED kids – and Alauria Bryant along as well. This journey will be included in presentations by both Lama and Alauria. Ladakh and Kashmir are two of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. Wait ’til you see the photos and hear the stories!
1040 46th Rd #3D, Long Island City, NY tel: 718.729.1786
___________________________________________
Syracuse, NY
Mon Oct 8th: KnoK Fundraiser Dinner, Gerberich home in Fair Haven
As you may know, the Dalai Lama recently announced that he would be attending the Common Ground for Peace Summit hosted by Syracuse University on Oct 8-9. Inspired by this event, our KnoK community in Syracuse invited Lama Tenzin to come make a presentation at a fundraiser dinner being hosted by Ellie and Charlie Gerberich in nearby Fair Haven, NY. After attending the peace summit’s events during the day, our group will assemble at the Gerberich’s where Lama will cook up his famous Himalayan fare, followed by a presentation about his work with CED Orphanage. If you are in the Syracuse area, or will be traveling to attend the Common Ground Summit, please join us for this extremely rare opportunity.
9415 Ingersoll Drive, Sterling, NY 13156 tel: 315.947.6934
And now friends, a quote:
___________________________________________
“While we do our good works let us not forget that the real solution
lies in a world in which charity will have become unnecessary.”
- Chinua Achebe, Anthills of the Savannah
___________________________________________
The entire point of CED Society and Lama Tenzin’s work is to break the cycle of poverty. By rescuing hopelessly impoverished, often malnourished children, nurturing them to health in a loving and supportive environment, and then getting them a high quality, university level education, they become the pillars of their communities that lift future generations out of destitution. It’s not a task that is easily accomplished, but Lama Tenzin is by far doing all of the hardest work. Giving is not only easy by comparison, but is an act that is accompanied by both deep satisfaction and tangible results.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Lots of love,
Joseph & Anna Spaid
Tue 18 Sep 2012
Lama Tenzin in Syracuse during Dalai Lama event there Oct 8
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“Common Ground for Peace” a landmark two-day forum led by His Holiness the Dalai Lama—spiritual leader of Tibet—will be held on Monday, Oct. 8 and Tuesday, Oct. 9 at Syracuse University. The event will bring together international thought leaders in critical conversations about how to shift global consciousness toward matters of peace.
Inspired by this event, our KnoK community in Syracuse invited Lama Tenzin to come make a presentation at a fundraiser dinner being hosted by Ellie and Charlie Gerberich in nearby Fair Haven, NY. After attending the peace summit’s events during the day, our group will assemble at the Gerberich’s where Lama will cook up his famous Himalayan fare, followed by a presentation about his work with CED Orphanage. If you are in the Syracuse area, or will be traveling to attend the Common Ground Summit, please join us for this extremely rare opportunity.
Mon Oct 8th: KnoK Fundraiser Dinner, Gerberich home in Fair Haven, NY
9415 Ingersoll Drive, Sterling, NY 13156 tel: 315.947.6934
More infor about the “Common Ground for Peace” event here: www.oneworld.syr.edu
Wed 16 Nov 2011
“Walking the Waking Journey” Wins Award
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The film about Lama Tenzin’s work, “Walking the Waking Journey”, that screened last night at the Int’l Film Festival Manhattan won an award for best Social Justice Film. The awards ceremony takes place this Friday night at the Philippines Consulate in NYC. Robson Mello and I accepted the award on behalf of Lama Tenzin and the film’s director Ferdie Balanag who were both in Asia at the time. Congratulations to Lama and Ferdie!
Joseph Spaid and Robson Mello with the IFFM Staff
Mon 14 Nov 2011
“Walking the Waking Journey” screening in NYC
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For those Knoks who will be in NYC Tues Nov 15 2011, a special treat is available. “Walking the Waking Journey”, the feature film documentary made about Lama Tenzin’s work, will screen at the Intl Film Festival Manhattan, and there are two complimentary tickets available. The blurb below is from the festival’s director:
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Must See film at the Intl Film Festival Manhattan at the Quad Cinema
(34 W 13 ST NYC) : 925PM – 1145PM
(34 W 13 ST NYC) : 925PM – 1145PM
“Walking the Waking Journey” (Philippines/ Nepal – Documentary) 71 mins
Dir: Ferdinand Balanag
Synopsis: This journey has all of the excitement and danger of a
classic Himalayan adventure; complex logistics, mountain passes at
altitudes of 18,000 feet, extreme weather conditions. This one is not
about the mighty footsteps of men conquering the world’s highest
mountains. This journey is about the small yet meaningful steps of
children guided by a determined young man.
Buy tickets now $15
http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=216&rdate=11%2F15%2F2011&sortid=1
http://www.movietickets.com/house_detail.asp?house_id=216&rdate=11%2F15%2F2011&sortid=1
Thank you – Luis Pedron
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If you’d like either or both of these tickets, just shoot me an email. Anna & myself, along with fellow KnoK Anne Court will be in attendance after the film to answer audience questions.
Much love,
Joseph
You can see the trailer here: http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi1410570521/
Mon 26 Sep 2011
Lama Tenzin is the subject of this feature film
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“Walking the Waking Journey”
Set against the backdrop of a country rich with history and cultural identity, the journey is a glimpse into the hopes and dreams of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Seven years ago, Lama Tenzin, a young Tibetan monk, rescued children from poor living conditions in the isolated villages in the Himalayan border region of Upper Dolpo, Nepal. He built a home for them in India where he raised and educated them, and provided them with spiritual guidance with the hope that these children would return to their homes one day and do the same for their communities. In 2008, Lama Tenzin took the eleven children he rescued on a 30 day journey back to visit their homes and families. Walking the Waking Journey is the documentation of that remarkable voyage. The viewer is invited to join Lama Tenzin and the children as they move through the fierce and jagged beauty of the Himalayan landscape.
See the trailer:
“Walking the Waking Journey” 3 min trailer
