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NEWSLETTER - February 2004

It is not now, and has never been, our intention to send this free newsletter to anyone who does not want it.  If you received this in error, please respond with "REMOVE" on the subject line.  Forward this to anyone who you think may be interested in its contents.  If this was forwarded to you, and you want to receive it monthly, reply with "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Visit our web site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org.  Please note, by responding to this email, you do not reach the charity.  To reach Cynthia Brian directly, email her at cynthia@bethestaryouare.org. Thank you.

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OUR MISSION:

Be the Star You Are!™ is a library of books and other media donated to youth at risk to raise their skills and self esteem to improve their daily lives. This media ranges from education and advisement to inspiration and guidance which covers every aspect of life from abuse through money management. Be the Star You Are!™ has no religious or political agendas or affiliations as it caters to the literate and illiterate by providing audio tapes and videos as well as books to give these kids a head start in their lives so they can beat the odds.

MIRACLE MOMENT

"Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible."

--Claude T. Bissell, Professor, University of Toronto

SOAR IN 2004
By Cynthia Brian (c) 2004

Life throws curve balls when we are least expected.  It also brings us
butterflies.

Despite my positive attitude that 2004 would bring prosperity and growth to the charity I founded, Be the Star You Are!™, the month of January was filled with stress when I realized our  bank account was in desperate need of funds.   I scrambled to keep our programs alive, launch our new radio program, distribute resources to our beneficiaries, and interview new volunteers, all the time shouting to the universe "show me the money"!

With all the financial frustrations, I confided the challenges of the charity with my teenage daughter, Heather, who is a student at San Diego State University. We have always been cheerleaders for one another, and she continues to be a source of strength to me.  Her pep talks keep me going when I think I can’t take another step forward.

This time, Heather went a step further than just listening and consoling. On the Saturday after our conversation, I opened the charity mail, expecting more bills for which we had no money to pay.  Instead, out falls a check made out to Be the Star You Are!™ for $100. Written on the check was "to help keep this organization helping others".  On a separate note Heather scribbled, "I love you, Mom, keep your head up."  Of course, I cried at this unexpected generosity from a teenager who wanted to help those less fortunate. With tears of gratitude running down my cheeks,   I telephoned  her to say that we couldn't accept her check as she has so little herself. Her adamant response was, "Cash it, Mom. I have you, the kids you serve have no one. As long as Be the Star You Are!™  lives, they can have you, too. The charity must survive." It's great to be the mother of a conscientious young lady.

You’ve heard that the flap of the wing of a butterfly in one country changes the climate in countries thousands of miles away. Within days of Heather’s contribution, the "butterfly effect" flew in.  People from around the world started donating money via PAYPAL on our web site (http://www.bethestaryouare.org).  Editors published pleas for help in their newsletters and magazines.  Authors offered books.  Auction items were donated.  Strangers pledged money. One first class man went many steps further.  Dan Esbensen of Touch Technologies, Inc. (http://www.ttinet.com), in San Diego flew north to purchase, donate, and install a new computer system so that Be the Star You Are!™ can broadcast its radio outreach program with superb sound quality.  He offered training and will be back to do more.   His company is also working on the technology for our new program to connect publishers and authors directly with charities that can utilize their donations. WOW!

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, who lives in Germany (http://www.diaryofamother.com) donated through PAYPAL and published our plea for help in her newsletter.  She emailed us . " Ever since I connected with you earlier this week, the most amazing things have happened in my life…I got a traditional book contract, was offered a humor column, and I secured a Canadian radio interview and NPR…all things I’ve been pitching for a long time.  The universe, Cynthia, is with us. May you be blessed a thousand times over for your generosity. "   The "butterfly" effect was indeed spreading its wings.

What I realize from the trials and tribulations of the last month is best summed up in this quote:

"Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be."

Be the Star You Are!™ is remaining strong.  We are determined to be all that we can be so that the people we serve can be the stars they were born to be.  I am committed to flying high.

Soar with us in 2004.  We’ll take the curve balls with the butterflies…the point is to stay in the air!

Cynthia Brian  
Founder

Join us at Be the Star You Are!™ to offer people choices in life. Contact us at 877-944-STAR or visit our website at http://www.bethestaryouare.org

BIGGGGG THANK YOU'S!

Talk is cheap.  Integrity is walking your talk, remembering that your hand shake is your contract, doing the right thing every time. Unfortunately in today’s society, not many people live up to their vows. As a charity we see this every day as people ask to volunteer, then never show up for service or pledge to make a contribution which never arrives.  We call these people flakes.  Our incredibly dedicated webmaster, Kim Carlson (treepeople@foxinternet.net) so aptly commented:  Sometimes flakes sparkle and look like valuable gemstones, but turn out to be fools gold." I would like to add: "other times there are ordinary rocks which are diamonds in disguise." I prefer the rocks, lots of rocks. Show me a person who follows through and lives by their word, and I will show you a great human being. Salutations, kudos and huge thank-you’s to the rocks of our organization. You are our valued gemstones.

Star Spotlight: Last year I had a first class meeting with a first class man-Dan Esbensen of Touch Technologies, Inc. (http://www.ttinet.com) This year, Dan has come to the charity’s rescue twice already. First he provided the means for DSL internet connection in our office. Then he flew up to San Francisco, purchased and installed all new computer equipment so that we can broadcast our radio program as well as provided training.  When we met (sitting next to one another on a flight to New York where I was speaking at a humor conference), he made a promise to support Be the Star You Are!™.  He continues to fulfill his commitment and we feel that we have found a star-angel in Dan.  His engineers at Touch Technologies are working diligently to create a new computer program that will revolutionize the way that books and resources are distributed to youth at risk. More details to come as they happen.  Thank you so much, Dan for being a first class man with a plan to expand!

Laren Hirst is another valuable gem.  Laren has pledged to support Be the Star You Are!™ on a continuing basis.  He believes in the adage, "For those who have much, much is expected" and he is giving back to the community by financial contributions to our programs. He encourages others to join him in the mission to provide positive messages and literacy to every child.  Our deepest appreciation to you Laren, for always caring and sharing.

We also want to thank our other wonderful supporters this month: *Heather Brittany for starting the "butterfly effect" with her financial donation.  
* Dr. Bill and Maureen Wilbur for donating the fabulous week in Mazatlan as an auction item.  (visit: http://www.bethestaryouare.org) 
*Christine Holbaum for donating dollars through PAYPAL and spreading the word through her newsletter and articles.  (http://www.DiaryofaMother.com) 
*Paula J.Schmitt for making a financial contribution through ACTEVA.
(http://paulaschmitt.netfirms.com) 
*Amy Chavez for donating her e-book, Goldilocks Goes to Japan,  as an incentive for donors (http://www.amychavez.com) 
*Patty and Marlin Flannery for donating encyclopedias 
*Carol Sturguleweski for donating Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul to the library 
*Kyle Lamb for editing radio programs and trouble shooting our computers (http://www.captivatingexpressions.com) 
*Gordon Welch for donating an editing program 
*Tom Clark for editing radio programs Hope Clark (http://www.fundsforwriters.com) and 
*Krista Sweeney (http://www.momsvoice.com) both editors of newsletters who are spreading the word.

Special thanks to:
*Tom Clark (radio engineer/editor http://www.clarkvideoarts.com).  
*The team at St. Mary’s College who are writing new business plans, marketing plans, and strategic solutions for us: Professor John Thompson Chris Guglielmetti, Phil Manning, Olivia Leong, Anis Salah, Jack Walker, Joey Fong, Seth Vega, Justin Wollman, and Jose Flores. 
*Kim Carlson, our webmaster for ALWAYS being a DIAMOND!

Thanks to our radio sponsors:
Cranberry Magazine, A Look on the Bright Side of Life!
(http://www.cranberry.com)
Dr. David Loveall Comprehensive Chiropractic Care
Dr. Brian R. Sheaff Family Dentistry
The House Cleaning and Chef International
Bob Skelton, The Pull Out Shelf Company (http://www.pulloutshelfman.com)
Larry Freeman (http://www.ragingbullcapital.com 
Paul Bogle Astrology and Tarot
Hope C. Clark (http://www.fundsforwriters.com)

Tune in to our Radio Program:

Now heard in 60 countries on Book Crazy Radio.  Please tune in to "Starstyle®-Be the Star You Are!" every Friday on Book Crazy Radio at 1:30 and 7:30 am and pm PST and 4:30 and 10:30 am and pm EST on the internet at http://www.bookcrazy.net

Book Crazy is heard in over 60 countries.  The average listener tunes in 6 hours and 14 minutes per week and it is the largest all book radio station in the world. Just click on the "click here to listen" button, at http://www.bethestaryouare.org/radio turn up your speakers, and join us!!  You can also link to the station from www.bookcrazyradio.net You will hear interviews with authors and writers on exciting new topics. 

For sponsorship information, please email us at radio@bethestaryouare.org or call our offices 925-376-7126.  Advertising is affordable and tax deductible! Get your message out to the world, support youth at risk AND get a tax deduction.  Everybody wins!

DO YOU HAVE A VEHICLE YOU WANT TO GET RID OF?  DONATE IT TO BE THE STAR YOU ARE?

Pat Hallberg, our coordinator of vehicle donations, wants to remind you that Be the Star You Are! is happy to accept all vehicles, boats, trailers , etc. running or not, that you would like to donate for a full blue book tax deduction.  It's a great way to get rid of a vehicle, help our charity and save money on your taxes. Pat will deal with all the paperwork and arrange for pick up at your convenience.  Call our office at 925-376-7126 or email: info@bethestaryouare.org.  Thank you, Pat, for keep our car program running.

OUR ONLINE AUCTION:

Generous donors have made it possible for us to create an on-going auction site.  Here’s how it works:  Items or services are donated.  A minimum bid and a buy-out bid are listed.  Email us with your bid.  We’ll get back to you within 3 days. (You’ll automatically win if you bid the buy-out!)  If you’d like to donate an item or service to our on-line auction, send us the item or a gift certificate for services to PO Box 376, Moraga, California 94556. If it is a very large item, please do not send, call us first 925-376-7126.  TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND FUN!

New this month: One week on the beach in Mexico, (air not included). Buy it NOW.

DONATE ON–LINE AND GET A FREE GIFT:
Now when you go to our web site at http://www.bethestaryouare.org you can choose to donate on-line by clicking on the PAYPAL or the ACTEVA icons.  All monetary contributions are sent directly to the charity bank account.  As our gift to you, on any donation of $50 or more, choose to receive a free e-book.  At this time, we have two, but more are sure to follow:

Choose from Amy Chavez’s book: Goldilocks Goes to Japan
Or Cynthia Brian’s book, The Business of Show Business

Thank you for donating on-line!  It’s fast, easy, and you get a good book!

A MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER: GOOD NEWS ABOUT YOUTH!

It was with joy that I read Ellen Peterson’s January, 2004 newsletter which reports findings on youth at risk. The good news was the prevention strategies of all sorts--whether they originate with rock stars, city councils, parents, scout leaders, police, clergy, researchers, teachers, parent educators, doctors, coaches, the media, athletes, teen leaders, therapists, non-profits, state and federal legislators, or friends--are working!

Share this information with teens because prevention specialists say that young people need to know that not everyone drinks or uses other drugs. This truth supports their good decisions and corrects some misinformation that "everyone is doing it." It also encourages the many adults in our society who are trying to keep children safe.

Anti-Tobacco ads: are working. Cigarette sales dropped 43% in the 1990’s in the four states that have financed eye-catching anti-tobacco media campaigns, double the rate for the rest of the nation. The four U.S. states are Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and Oregon. Tobacco farmers are planting the smallest crop since the Civil War. And higher taxes on tobacco products have contributed to a drop in high school smoking from 34.5% in 2000 to 28.4 in 2002, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Finally, fewer retailers sell tobacco to youth. According to the California Youth Tobacco Purchase Survey of 2003, illegal sales fell to 12.2% in California--the lowest rate ever. (Sources: USA Today, September 23, 2003, Ceci Connolly, The Washington Post, and California Department of Health Services)

Nondrinkers: are growing in number at colleges around the country. Even though the majority of college students do drink alcohol, a minority (40%) consumes 70% of the alcohol and causes most of the problems. Also, between 1993 and 1999, the proportion of nondrinkers rose from 15% to 19%. Dry dorms, sober spring break, and student efforts to change campus drinking norms are also on the increase. (Source: National Institutes of Health, April, 2002.)

School Report Card: Good news: 63% of students surveyed by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University said their schools were drug-free in 2001. More good news: that is double the percentage reported in 1998. Clearly, fewer drugs are used, sold, or hidden on school campuses, thanks to a multi-faceted awareness campaign, prevention strategies, interventions, and treatment programs. Now the bad news: 34% are not drug-free. One student in four witnessed a drug sale on school property. One student in 10 believed a teacher uses illegal drugs. (Sources: Contra Costa Times, August 21, 2002, www.casacolumbia.org.)

If you’d like to get her free update, contact Ellen at ellenpeterson@comcast.net.  She encourages everyone to share the findings.  Perhaps together we can empower youth and keep them from risk. Thanks, Ellen, for your diligence on behalf of our youngsters.

Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672), a poet, wrote: "If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."  This has been a challenging winter for Be the Star You Are!™ . We savor the generosity of the many angels coming to our aid.  Once again, I extend our gratitude to everyone listed above and those who will be joining our Galaxy of Stars for your dedication to empowering families and youth-at-risk through literacy and positive media.

Spread the good news. Spring is upon us!

Blessings to everyone for more bliss in 2004,

Cynthia Brian
Founder

Be the Star You Are!™
PO Box 376
Moraga, California 94556.  
877-944-STAR or 925-376-7126
http://www.bethestaryouare.org

Cynthia Brian is the Founder and President of Be the Star You Are!™ Please visit www.bethestaryouare.org for biographical information. Be the Star You Are!™  a 501(c)(3) non profit  

Cynthia Brian will autograph the following items as gifts for your 2004 giving.