Shortcodes in template.tpl.php, Shortcode options, columns

Hi,

i have a few questions (to evolve theme):

1. is it possible to use shortcodes in own template files (e.g. custom_page_template.tpl.php). For example to style custom outputs of views. How do i have to write that (render...) in tempate file?

2. For the animate shortcode you write on your site:

[animate type='fadeInDown|fadeInUp|...'][/animate]

Where can i find all the options? And all options to the other shortcodes?

3. For a two column layout i use [columns cols="6" begin="1"]col 1[/column][columns cols="6" end="1"]col 2[/column]

Your write [column cols="" begin="0-OR-1" end="0-OR-1"]TEXT_HERE[/column][column cols="" begin="0-OR-1" end="0-OR-1"]TEXT_HERE[/column]

What does 0 or 1 stand for? When do i have to use 1 and when do i have to use 0?

Thanks in advance