Please visit us online for more information or to RSVP.

The Film Cluster will meet on November 5 at 6:40 p.m. to see Confessions of a Superhero at the new Alamo Drafthouse downtown (in the former Ritz Theatre). If you're interested in attending, please email Nina Hess. A brief synopsis of the film is below. We will meet in the lobby at 6:40pm. To ensure you get a ticket, it is a good idea to buy one in advance on their website http://www.originalalamo.com/Default.aspx? l=2 See you at the movies!

"One of the biggest hits of the 2007 SXSW Film Festival, CONFESSIONS OF A SUPERHERO is a hilarious yet very human documentary that follows the lives of four mortals who make their living working as superhero characters for the entertainment of Hollywood Boulevard tourists. This deeply personal look into their daily routines reveals their hardships and triumphs as they pursue and achieve their own particular brand of fame. The Hulk sold his Super Nintendo for a bus ticket to LA, Wonder Woman was a mid-western homecoming queen who now dreams of a career on the big (or even small) screen, Batman struggles with his anger management problems and Superman's psyche is all but consumed by the fictional Man of Steel. Although the Walk of Fame is right beneath their feet, their own paths to stardom have proven to be long, hard climbs. Easily among the better documentaries of recent years, and a brilliant chronicle of some unexpectedly familiar personalities. "

Following up on our death penalty discussion this week, the Book Club will meet to discuss Texas Death Row: Executions in the Modern Era on Wednesday, November 14 at 6:15 p.m. at Mozart's on Lake Austin Boulevard. The book may be purchased at Book People. If you would like to be added to the Book Club list or want more information, please email Taline Manassian.

If you would like to help plan events for the Cultural or Public Policy Clusters, please email the Future Forum.

The Future Forum serves as a nexus for Austin's leaders. Our members are actively engaged in many organizations. We encourage you to find out more about these Doers and Builders on our website.

The mission of the Komen Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. On the national level, the Komen Foundation runs one of the most innovative, responsive grant programs in breast cancer today, with a focus on research projects with potential for high impact that may not be considered by other agencies.

On the local level, the Komen Austin Affiliate was established in late 1999 to spread the life-saving message of early detection and to support breast cancer screening and diagnostic programs in Central Texas. Up to 75 percent of the net income from the Komen Austin Race for the CureŽ and other fundraising activities remain in the community to fund breast cancer education and screening programs in Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties. Komen Austin places a special emphasis on programs that provide breast cancer education and screening to medically underserved populations.

The 10th Annual Race for the Cure will happen this weekend, on November 4, at 8 a.m. at Auditorium Shores. For more infomation about the Komen Foundation and Austin Race for the Cure, please visit www.komenaustin.org.

On October 30 Future Forum members and guests enjoyed a timely discussion of the death penalty. Panelists Bill Crawford, Johnny Sutton, and Dave Atwood shared their thoughts and experiences on the use of the death penalty across the country, focusing on Texas. Topics of discussion included the state's numbers of death row inmates and executions, racism and jury selection, and moral issues. If you are interested in discussing this issue further, please join the Book Club on November 14 (more details at left).

Bills, Bills, Bills: Lyndon Johnson as Senate Majority Leader
through May 26, 2008

The exhibit covers Johnson's entire Senate career from his election in 1948 to his election to the vice-presidency in 1961, chronicling his rapid rise to power from a slim margin of victory in 1948 (for which he was given the nickname "Landslide Lyndon") to his selection as Majority Leader in 1955.

The exhibit features photos, artifacts, and films about Johnson's historic helicopter campaign in 1948, his career in the Senate, with emphasis on his legendary powers of persuasion, and interactive displays detailing the major bills passed during the 1950s with explanations of how the legislation shaped and impacted modern America. Most notably, visitors will have an opportunity to interact with "Lyndon Johnson," as interpreted by actor Michael Stuart, in a replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber.

Younger visitors to the Library get a special treat on Saturdays! Senator Johnson will read children's stories at 11 a.m. on select Saturdays in his "Senate chambers." No reservations are required. The next Storytime with Senator Johnson will be Saturday, November 24 at 11 a.m.

For more information on exhibits, the full Storytime schedule, and Library hours, please visit www.lbjlib.utexas.edu.

There are lots of great events happening in and around Austin.

Shoes For Austin is holding its Party Under The Stars at the Belmont on November 7. For more information, check out the Shoes For Austin website.

Come support our past speaker Gilbert Tuhabonye and join the EAS RunTex Run for the Water 10 Miler on November 11. The Gazelle Foundation is the beneficiary for the race. As any of y'all that attended our event on Genocide will remember, Gilbert is living proof that good things can come out of difficult situations. The race is part of the Distance Challenge and will be held on November 11, 2007. To encourage the whole family to participate, the event also includes a 5K and 1K. Register for the race here.

On November 18, the Capital Area Food Bank will host the 11th Annual Austin Empty Bowl Project from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at ClayWays Pottery Studio & Gallery (5442 Burnet Road). Choose a handcrafted bowl made by Texas potters and choose from an array of locally prepared gourmet soups and breads. Enjoy your meal while listening to live music under the big tents. Bowls are yours to keep for $15 each. Bowls signed by celebrities will be available for bidding as well! Proceeds benefit the Capital Area Food Bank.

Thank you for your continued involvement in, and support of, the Future Forum.

Sincerely,